Page 70 of The Return of the Heir

Alastair slanted a glance at Marcus. “That is something we would all like to know.”

A long moment ticked past, then Marcus softly replied. “It became obvious to me at my first meeting with Alastair upon his arrival home that I had nothing to offer you, Rowena. And after all that has transpired, I have even less. I have no clan. No home. No income.” He took her hand in his. “I would never ask you to live such a life of uncertainty with me.”

“At least the young man is a realist,” Tormod commented. “You have to give him credit for that.”

“But what about the ship?” Rowena pressed.

“I sold everything I had to buy it. I’ve only had it in my possession for two days. The crew is working for me for a promise of a cut of all we will earn in the year ahead.”

“The year ahead?” Rowena’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“I must part with you for a time to sail to faraway places and bring back goods I can sell. With luck, I’ll secure enough funds to support you and our family for the rest of our lives.”

Rowena shook her head. “Take me with you. I am not averse to the sea or to going without. I’ve had plenty all my life. I could use a little austerity to help keep my perspective on the ways of most men and women in this country.”

Marcus’s jaw firmed. “’Tis too dangerous for a woman at sea. My goal is to return in one year a wealthy man. Promise you will wait for me.” He moved to the side table and picked up a folded document, carrying it back to Rowena. “I had this drawn up for you.”

Alastair surged forward and took the document from Marcus’s hand. He unrolled the sheath of paper. “While your actions are admirable, I’ll not allow her to sign a betrothal while you are gone.” He inspected the contents and frowned.

“As you can see, the document is not a betrothal. It is my last will and testament. Should anything happen to me, God forbid, I have seen to it that all my worldly possessions transfer to Rowena.”

“Nay, Marcus. I want nothing but you at my side.”

Gwendolyn moved to Rowena’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “What Marcus is doing to secure your future together is remarkable. He’s obviously put a lot of thought into the kind of future he wants to have with you.”

“But a year. . .” Tears formed in Rowena’s eyes.

“Is no time at all. And with the promise of a betrothal when Marcus returns, you’ll have much to look forward to.”

Rowena turned her tear-bright eyes on Alastair. “Does this mean you’ll agree to our marrying when Marcus returns home?”

A muscle worked in Alastair’s jaw for a moment before he finally nodded. “I will agree.”

Rowena smiled and her tears evaporated as she threw herself into Marcus’s arms. “You absolutely must not die while you are away. For I would never forgive you.”

Marcus grinned as he looked up. “Do you hear that, Lord? I am under instructions not to perish. By all that is holy, do your part to see me safely returned to my future bride.”

Alastair returned the papers to Marcus. “If you’ll accept my coin, I would ask that you secure supplies for me to repair this castle.”

Marcus smiled as he slipped his arms around Rowena’s waist. “It would be an honour to assist you in any way.”

While the others congratulated the happy couple, Gwendolyn noted that Callum shifted away to stand before the spectral image of his mother. When the others noticed, the room became silent. “Why are you still here, Mother? You died so long ago.”

My children. I had to see you protected.

“We are all safe now. We are all back together. Yet you are still here,” Callum mused.

“Most ghosts are tied to a place because something in their life is unresolved,” Orrick offered. “I’ve read stories about how other spirits were finally set free.”

“Perhaps we could determine why Mother is still here and find a way to release her.” Rowena reached out and let her hand slide right through the coiling mist that made up her mother’s spirit. “She’s here, and yet she is not.”

“After all that you have suffered, you deserve to rest in peace,” Alastair said with a catch in his voice as he stretched up to kiss what would have been her cheek. “We love you, Mother.”

And I love all of you.Janet MacLeod, the Grey Lady, drifted closer to Gwendolyn, to Arabella, and Samuel. I love all of you as well. I couldn’t do much to save you from your predicament, but I did my best to keep you safe until you were found.

Gwendolyn’s lips curved. “We are so grateful to you for everything. Thank you for bringing the three of us back to life.”

The Grey Lady nodded. I do wonder what will happen now, she said with a pointed look at Alastair.

Alastair grinned as he slipped his arm through Gwendolyn’s. “You’ll learn that soon enough. For now, I’d like to take care of a few other important matters, in private.” He smiled down at Gwendolyn, then, ignoring the eyes that watched them, bent his head and kissed her. Still grinning, he drew back and met her gaze.

Gwendolyn’s chest felt unaccountably tight. “I have things I must say to you as well.”