Page 32 of Confessions of a Highland Assassin

“I personally have met with the lairds who were asked tae stay after last night,” Hamish began. “With the exception of the lass whose father is traveling abroad. I didnae ken how tae speak with her about the marriage arrangement should she be chosen, as that is something that men should discuss.”

“I dinnae think it proper for a young lady tae be sent tae a visit tae another clan without her father. A maid is nae a substitute for a chaperone. And hers was slightly questionable if ye ask me,” one of the others added. “I dinnae think it speaks well of her family that they let her come with her maid, they should have declined.”

Boyd felt his frustration growing. Not only did they insist on him choosing another wife when he wasn’t ready, but they were going to scrutinize his choices every step of the way, it seemed. Did he really have a choice, if they were going to force the matter in any direction they wanted? He would be damned if they were going to take that choice away from him as well. He’d take a wife, but he would choose who that would be.

“Ava Sinclair is a fine lass with a good heart and decent morals. She will stay along with the other two ladies whom I chose. Ye did say that I would have my pick of the lot, Hamish. She was part o’ the lot and my decision remains. I didnae send the invitations, the lairds and their daughters were chosen by the council.”

“We were surprised that Sinclair responded at all,” Hamish spoke up again. “There have been rumors that he sympathized with Callum in his plight and wanted tae join his side. It may be advisable tae think about the lass’ position. Her father’s absence is suspicious. The invitation was sent taw gauge where the man’s loyalties lay.”

Boyd already knew that Ava Sinclair was his first choice out of all the girls he had met at the ball. The other two were pretty enough and caught his eye, but they lacked the unique qualities that drew him to Ava. She was amusing, beautiful, and kind, and didn’t seem overly eager to impress him, which he found attractive on its own. They shared a connection in his study, that was beyond him to understand. It just felt right. He had, after all, found her hiding there because the ball was too much for her. She hadn’t flung herself at him downstairs as the others had done. They had something in common. A disdain for pompous crowds.

“I spoke tae her more than the others last night, I would have picked up on any kind of plans she may have had. The girl is here tae attend the ball and naething more. I’m sure, Hamish, that if ye spoke tae her yersel’ ye will ken what I am saying. Mak’ her acquaintance and give her a fair chance. Ye will see.”

There was a low rustling around the table as the council members shifted in their seats before looking at each other. They had clearly already made their minds up about the situation before he’d even arrived at the meeting. It infuriated him to no end when they plotted ahead.

“That’s my offer,” Boyd said, trying his best to keep his composure. “The lass stays, and Hamish should meet her tae mak’ a proper judgment. But she stays with her maid until I’ve made my choice. That’s final.”

Hamish studied his face for a second before turning to the other members. “I will meet with Ava Sinclair personally and speak tae her. The laird is right, we invited her here as a guest. The selection process should have been more thorough ‘afore we sent out the invites. If the laird says that he disnae think she is a threat, we should trust him for now and do a proper investigation ‘afore shunning her.”

“Callum could be using her as a spy,” Cinead interjected. “He could have told her father tae send her and get as much information on our clan as possible. While he stays back plotting our demise with our enemies.”

“And what information would that be?” Boyd asked him hotly, losing his temper. “None of the clan business gets discussed beyond the walls of this room or with any other members that are nae present, this has always been our rule and still is.”

The youngest of the council members looked sour as Boyd carried on, not giving him a chance to speak again. The relationship between Cinead and Boyd had always been strained because of their differing views on the Jacobite uprising, especially after the last meeting.

“The girl didnae ask me a single question about mysel’ or the clan. She spoke o’ books. Nae very well, but she didnae ask about the war, battles, or anything related. I would go as far as tae say that it was nae her idea tae be here.”

“I think we can lay this matter tae rest until I’ve met the lass,” Hamish interrupted diplomatically. “The council has other business it needs tae discuss,” he paused and turned to look at Boyd. “Namely the Jacobite uprising, and if we will be joining their ranks again. I trust our laird has had ample time tae think on the matter.”

Boyd clenched his jaw and balled his fists on his knees. He would much rather speak of the ball and the lasses than argue with the council about the Jacobite uprising.

“Aye, let’s talk about the good men that we lost during the last battle at Killiecrankie,” Cinead got his voice back, banging his fist on the table. “Loyal, strong men that left behind families tae fend for themselves now. Brave men that I grew up with.”

“None of the men who were lost in the battle were there against their will, Cinead. Those good men made a choice tae fight for their country,” Boyd said as calmly as he could manage. “And need I remind ye that none of the families will be fending for themselves as ye so boldly stated. This clan and this family have always made sure tae look after the widows and children of men who have fallen bravely in battle,” he lowered his voice a little. “Ye were also nae the only person who grew up with those men. I knew them very well and fought at their sides tae their last breaths.”

Cinead backed down when Boyd stood and leaned against the table, staring him down.

“I personally gave my condolences tae the families of the men who lost their lives. There were also orders given tae nae collect any taxes from those families until they are back on their feet again,” Boyd continued. “They have been given provisions tae ensure that they have enough tae live on,” he brought himself up to his full height and towered over the others. “Is there anything else I should have done in yer opinion?” he asked. Cinead was shrinking into his seat.

“Nae, I think ye did what was honorable,” the man said quietly.

Boyd looked around at the rest of the council members. “I will continue tae lend the Jacobites my support. And give every man his choice. I am Laird here, and I willnae be told I cannae help my country. We have lost a valuable soldier and leader, but the war is far from over. Dundee was a terrible loss, aye, but if we stop now, his life would have been lost for naething. Those good men ye speak o’,” Boyd looked to each of the members in turn. “They would have lost their lives for naething.”

Silence fell at the table, none of them daring to challenge what Boyd was saying.

“I will be leaving just now for a meeting with the Jacobite leaders. If anyone present would like tae join us, they are more than welcome. It is nae my place tae question how another man chooses tae fight for his country, but I trust that none of ye will stop me from serving mine,” Boyd waited for anyone to raise any objections before turning and stepping away from the table. “I bid ye all a good day, gentlemen. This meeting is over.”

Rory quickly stood and followed Boyd as he angrily stormed from the room, leaving the silent council members to think on his words.

“Slow yer pace, Boyd!” he called after him as he made his way down the hall and out the front door. “Ye ken very well that I cannae keep up with ye and yer giant legs,” Rory huffed when he finally caught up on the steps leading to the yard in front of the castle.

“I could nae stand tae listen tae them any longer,” Boyd spat angrily. “Where is their loyalty tae Scotland? They may have the right tae force me intae marriage, but I will be damned if they will choose how I serve my country,” his eyes were dark with conviction.

“I ken what yer saying,” Rory added, trying to remain calm. Tensions were high. “Isnae easy being the laird and having the weight of the world on yer shoulders. But the council is there tae give ye advice, and they dae mak’ a few valid points from time tae time. This may nae be one o’ those times at present, but I think ye should calm down a bit ‘afore we leave with the other men.”

Boyd took a deep breath and looked around at the empty yard. The front of the castle had been paved with large pebbles to make it a bit smoother for the carts that delivered their supplies from the village. Two white birch trees grew on either side of the entrance stairs.

The castle was constructed of solid grey stone, with high buttresses and wooden-framed windows. His mother had always thought it was ostentatious, but it was his home. His memories, both good and bad, were housed within the walls. His thoughts returned to Cora and what life would have been like if she hadn't gone missing. Every night, her absence haunted his dreams. By now, they should have had their first child. But instead, he had to choose a wife he hardly even knew. At times, the reality of the situation felt surreal to him, as if he were living in a dream and could wake up at any time. He had barely gotten to know Cora before she disappeared. Perhaps there was an unconscious fear in his mind that it would happen again if he were to love someone new.