Page 97 of Claimed Highland Brides

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Delwyn was taking the air that afternoon, hardly able to keep the smile from his face. Jamesina had gone off to visit with Fiona. He could well imagine why. They had been apart for just an hour but he missed her already. He decided to turn back to the keep, perhaps pass by the kitchen and beg some victuals so that they could close themselves in the marriage chamber without worrying about supper.

He had barely taken two steps when a man stepped in front of him, his face dour and grey. Delwyn frowned and tried to go around him. The man stepped in his path again.

“What is this?”

The man’s brow beetled. “Ye ken wha’ this is,” he growled before thrusting a paper in Delwyn’s hand and hurrying off. Delwyn watched him go, his face stiff with surprise before looking back down at the paper. His name was emblazoned on the folded paper; to his immense surprise, it was written in his sister’s hand.

His hands shook as he broke the seal and unfolded the letter, reading it through frantically.

Dear Brother,

I heard with joy of your recent union with one of Murdo Douglass’s daughters. I hope to come and visit you soon in your new home and celebrate your marriage with you. However, I am a bit short of funds and would like you to send some to me at The World’s End, an inn in Edinburgh. A man named Angus McTavish will hold it for me as I travel over from England. I really hope to see you soon. I do not know what I will do if you refuse me this.

Your loving Sister,

Maegan

Delwyn swallowed hard, recognizing the ransom note for what it was. It irked him to no end that the solicitor who had sent him here was in league with his sister’s kidnappers. He had been well and truly tricked.

He read the last line again.

I do not know what I will do if you refuse me this.

He knew these men were ruthless and they would kill his sister if he did not do as they asked.