Page 153 of Claimed Highland Brides

Barclay tried very hard to keep the surprise and elation he felt off his face. He did not want to give his grandfather any loopholes to exploit.

Mr. MacDonald gave a pleased clap. “It would seem congratulations are in order. The Douglass and MacFarland clans are both some of the very oldest in Scotland. This joining can only make them both stronger.”

The governor clapped Barclay on the back in congratulations as he smiled. “Aye, this is excellent news. And once ye speak to yer uncle aboot it, I am sure he will see the light and allow ye to take charge of yer home. I dinnae feel that a violent intervention will be helpful at this time.” He flicked a quick glance at Ewen before looking back at Barclay.

He nodded. “Thank ‘e, very much, Governor. Allow us to take our leave o’ ye the noo. Ye’ve given us much to think aboot.” Barclay took hold of Aileen’s hand and led her out of the room, flanked by Euan. He was not at all surprised to find Diego and Antonio loitering outside the door, waiting.

He shook his head as Diego opened his mouth to ask how it went and kept walking until they were outside. He took a deep breath and turned to Aileen. “We’re promised?” he asked.

Diego frowned in puzzlement, looking from one to the other.

Aileen shook her head. “I dinnae ken wha’ came o’er me. They were looking for any way to stop ye from getting yer land, and I just…I couldnae keep quiet.”

“Aye…but did ye mean it?” Barclay’s eyes caught and held Aileen’s as Diego hovered curiously. There was a long silence.

“What is going on?” Diego finally asked.

Both Barclay and Aileen ignored him. Aileen took a deep breath, blinking a few times. “Aye, I did mean it. I will marry ye, Barclay.”

Barclay grinned, taking her hands in his and squeezing hard. “Thank ‘e.”

“Dinnae thank me yet. I havenae got ye yer land back yet.”

Barclay shook his head. “It doesnae matter. I am grateful anyway.”

Euan stepped forward. “Weel, if ye’re going to be wed, ye should do it right away, when ye’re still in town. Then we can go to the governor wi’ this new information and ask for some reinforcements so that we can put the will into effect.”

Barclay looked away from Aileen for the first time, shaking his head at Euan. “The governor is under my grandfaither’s thumb. It would do no guid to speak wi’ him. We mun’ go to the source. We mun’ speak wi’ the MacFarland.”

Euan nodded slowly. “Vera weel then. We will speak wi’ the chieftain. But first ye mun’ tie the knot.”

Barclay looked to Aileen. “Are ye ready to marry me the noo?”

Aileen swallowed audibly. “My f-family.”

Euan turned to her. “I ken this isnae perhaps the wedding ye envisioned as a child. But we mun’ get this done the noo, strike while the iron is hot, so to speak. Perhaps ye can get handfast, and once ye get home, ye can have a wedding, aye?” He nodded encouragingly as if Aileen were a small child he was trying to convince to give up her candy.

“Ye dinnae have to do this, Miss Douglass,” Barclay said.

Aileen looked from one to the other, brow furrowed uncertainly before she nodded. “I-I’ll do it.”

Barclay tightened his hold on her hands. “Are ye sure?”

“Aye.” She nodded again, giving him a tentative smile.

Barclay beamed at her. “Alrigh’ then.”

“We should do it now,” Euan said. He looked around. “Does anyone have a rope?”

“No! Tomorrow morning is soon enough,” Barclay said, his eyes still on Aileen, who was looking ever more flustered.

“Vera weel. We can do it in the garden at my home. Let us go. Perhaps we could invite yer grandfaither.” He grinned at the last part as he patted Barclay on the back.

“He wouldnae attend.” Barclay helped Aileen into the carriage before following her.

Diego and Antonio followed after and then the lawyer. Diego leaned toward Barclay. “Tell us what happened.”

Barclay took a deep breath and told them.