Page 79 of His Secret Highland Bride

Hadn’t he already worried he wouldn’t be able to take care of his wife as he should? That his clan would grow lean over winter and go without because they had no money?

He’d already decided he’d do whatever was necessary to make sure Lindsay got the life she deserved. He didn’t realize he only needed to stay out of her way and she would see his promise fulfilled.

Alec frowned when Shane didn’t move to take the letter. “Should I send someone to bring her back?” Shane might’ve laughed at his younger brother. Surely, he didn’t know much about women if he thought that was an option. As if Lindsay were a child that had wandered off and needed someone to bring her home.

“Nay. Tis true, I have nothing to offer her here. I will grant her freedom and wish her well, wherever she is.”

His words were met with silence. Of course he didn’t expect Alec to have any grand plan for winning his wife back. Instead of waiting any longer, he nodded toward the letter still in Alec’s grip.

“What word does our brother send? I pray it’s not more bad news. I’ll not be able to bear it.” He slumped back in his seat.

“He has good news. He’s found Deirdre. One of his men has a daughter who married a MacKenzie. He reported that Deirdre is living there and a wedding between Deirdre and the laird is being planned. I’m not a friend to the MacKenzie laird, but no man deserves to be swindled of all his money.”

Hearing this stirred him to his feet, his earlier fatigue gone. If he could recover his funds, he might have a chance to get Lindsay back.

“Let us ride. The sooner we get there, the better chance we have of catching her with our money.” They prepared quickly, and Shane put his angry sister in charge while he was away.

It was quite a thing to see the laird, the war chief, and the ten soldiers in their entourage leave the castle to chase down one small woman. But Deirdre was wily and not to be underestimated.

…

Lindsay did not get to meet the laird her first night at Leod, and the next morning she slept late in the day. So it wasn’t until that afternoon that she found her cousin.

“You must take me to your laird,” Lindsay demanded. “This woman he plans to marry is a conniving witch. I must warn him.”

Meaghan shook her head. “Ye said as much last night, but I canna believe it’s the same woman. She is beautiful and poised.”

“As is the most venomous serpent.”

“But you can see how much she loves the laird when she looks at him.”

“She sees only the gifts and riches he can give her.” Lindsay doubted she’d sway the laird if her own cousin didn’t believe her, but she had to try. She couldn’t remain quiet while Deirdre ran off with yet another clan’s funds.

Meaghan’s brow creased, and she blinked a few times. “She has commissioned a number of expensive items. Her chamber has been elaborately decorated. The bed coverings are made of the finest silks. Her gowns. Her jewels. The laird has lavished her with many gifts. And just this morning, she asked him for a carriage.” She shook her head. “You say she did this to the MacPherson laird?”

“Aye.” Had Lindsay not slept so late, she might’ve been able to stop the woman sooner. “She did the same with the MacColls, though she stayed with the MacPherson laird for many years because he continued to treat her as a queen.”

“Come, then. We must tell him. Whether he chooses to believe us is another matter.” Meaghan led her to the study and whispered to the guard next to the door. Lindsay only heard the words: “… of the utmost importance we speak to him alone.”

The guard slipped inside the room as Lindsay’s heart pounded. How would she convince this man, who thought he’d found love, that his would-be bride was nothing more than a lying monster?

She knew well enough the pain that came from thinking one was in love only to find out the other person had different plans.

The guard returned to the corridor and held the heavy door open with a nod. Lindsay forced her feet to move forward, grateful Meaghan had stayed with her for this important conversation.

The laird was younger than her father, but the white hair at his temples spoke to his age.

Lindsay dipped into a curtsey. “Thank you for allowing me to stay at Leod while I visit my cousin, my laird.” Her voice shook slightly.

“You are quite welcome.” He looked to Meaghan in question, and Meaghan in turn looked at Lindsay.

“Allow me to introduce myself.”

“It is not necessary. Your father already told me. You are Lindsay Wallace.” He nodded regally toward her but paused when Lindsay shook her head.

“Nay. I am Lady MacPherson, wife of Shane MacPherson, the new laird of Cluny.” At least for the moment. It sounded odd to use the title she never planned to have and didn’t yet know if she planned to keep.

His brows rose, and a smile pulled at his lips. “Ah. I didn’t realize the MacPherson laird was here as well. It is very good to see some of my bride’s family has deigned to attend our wedding after all. She said everyone from Cluny rejected her. I’m glad to see you’ve had a change of heart.”