Page 37 of Reviving Her Highland Spirit

Maggie hadn’t slept well.

It was to be expected, really. Who could enjoy a nice, restful night’s sleep after a revelation like that?

She’d gone to the library after the family conference was finished, and began to leaf through the huge, endless genealogy books. It took her a while to find what she was looking for.

But there he was, Rufus McAlister. There was a rough sketch beside his name, probably added through his own reign. It depicted a thin-faced man with a scowl, and his features were exaggerated, making him look more handsome than he probably was. He wasn’t as old as Maggie had expected. He was younger than Bryce and James, certainly, by quite a stretch.

It felt odd to know that this man had been Laird McAlister for years, had lived in the keep where they lived now, and had tried so diligently to wipe her father and his brothers off the face of the earth. Maggie shivered. She knew, of course, that it was her father, Bryce, who had kept his brothers and himself alive after their father died - or was murdered, rather - and had turned down the opportunity to be laird. That was unheard of. Maggie couldn’t help but feel a prickle of pride, knowing that both of her parents were the oldest, rightful heirs to a lairdship, but chose to live in peace and relative quiet instead.

Was Red Rufus really such a threat? Maggie knew that their clan was a peaceful one. A lot of clans squabbled and fought with each other, invading each other’s borders for no apparent reason, wreaking bloodshed, fear, panic, and famine in their wake. Not Clans McAlister and Murray, though. Maggie had never known war. None of her siblings and cousins had.

So, who in their right mind would trust an unknown usurper over the well-established McAlister family? Uncle James had a son to follow him as laird, as then Bryce had a son, too - to say nothing of their daughters.

It just didn’t make sense.

But it makes sense to him, Maggie thought, with a flash of realization dawning. And that’s all that matters. He’ll make trouble for us if he can.

She’d spent far too long in the library and even staggered up to her bedroom, exhausted and worried.

When dawn came, Maggie had seriously considered staying in bed. She couldn’t have said what forced her out of bed and into her riding clothes, half-asleep, but never mind. The cold morning air woke Maggie up properly, and she shivered, drawing in a deep lungful of clear, clean Highland air.

Being able to go horse-riding again was lighting a fire in Maggie’s blood, one that she’d missed for far too long.

Was it the horse-riding, or was it Callum?

Maggie firmly pushed that thought aside and hurried on toward the stables. She heard voices ahead of her and faltered a little. Who was up and about at this time of the morning? It was nearly always just Maggie and Callum, and that was how she liked it. Somehow, having other people there would ruin the magic. It was silly, selfish, and jealous, but Maggie liked to keep Callum to herself.

She shook off that thought and forced herself onwards. She rounded a corner and found herself directly in front of the stables.

Stardust was out, saddled up, and ready for her morning ride. Maggie had noticed a spring in her beloved horse’s step already, and a new glint in her eye. Reunited at last. There was Callum - and if Maggie’s heart quickened at the sight of him, it was really nobody’s business but her own - and he was clutching Stardust’s bride.

And there was Aunt Lyla, with her back to Maggie, talking to Callum.

Maggie faltered again, frowning. Callum’s face was pale and grim, focused on listening to Aunt Lyla. Aunt Lyla’s voice was the same calm, regulated tone as always. Maggie strained her ears, trying to catch a snatch of their conversation, but it was no good. She couldn’t hear a thing. Then Callum’s eyes slid over Aunt Lyla’s shoulder and focused on her. Aunt Lyla followed his gaze, turning to spot Maggie approaching. She smiled, but that gave nothing away. Aunt Lyla had a small, sweet smile that she turned on during council meetings and particularly boring feasts, which made her seem pleasant but somehow not approachable. It gave nothing away.

Well, that was Aunt Lyla down to the ground.

“Good morning, Maggie,” Aunt Lyla said lightly, as Maggie approached. “Did ye sleep well?”

“Well enough. What’s… what’s going on?” Maggie asked, glancing uncertainly between Callum and her aunt.

“Oh, I just wanted to talk to Callum here before you set off. Nothing to worry about. I wanted tae know how ye were getting on, and tae make sure ye both enjoy ye ride out today. It makes us all so happy tae see ye getting out on Stardust again, Maggie. Well, I won’t keep ye any longer. Enjoy your ride.”

Aunt Lyla lifted her hand to smooth down Stardust’s glossy neck and flashed smiles all around. Then she turned on her heel and walked off towards the keep again. Maggie watched her go, uncertainly.

“I didn’t know that Aunt Lyla got up so early,” she commented, glancing back at Callum. He’d turned his back to adjust Stardust’s saddle, so she couldn’t read the expression on his face.

“Aye, I was surprised too.”

“What did she want?”

Callum shrugged, back still turned. “Just what she said. She wanted to know how ye were getting on.”

Maggie frowned. That wasn’t a satisfactory response, for some reason. Oh, well. It was apparent that it was all she would get.

Callum turned back, his expression smooth and a smile on his face. “Ready tae go?”

Maggie had to smile. “Oh, aye.”