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W
hen Hector arrived back at Cameron Castle it was very late and he was surprised to see a candle flickering in the window of the library.
Ethel must have forgotten to put it out.
The old cook, Ethel, ran the kitchen like a military leader might and he didn't think the place would keep going without her. But leaving a candle burning was a dangerous thing to do.
He unhooked Bess from the cart and put her in a stall. This had been a very long day for both of them, and the old nag immediately began to nibble on the hay Clint had placed in her trough. He was old, too, but taking care of the animals was a duty he never minded.
Entering through the kitchen, Hector stopped long enough to see what Ethel had in her pastry basket. An apple tart quickly found its way into his hands.
He also found a half-bottle of claret on the counter and took it and headed to the library. He'd extinguish the candle, have a quick glass of claret and take himself to his rooms, which were located on the first floor. The women and children all lived upstairs.
The candle gave off a soft, warm glow and he entered the library quietly, ready to let this day end. He stopped abruptly when he realized he was not alone.
"Oh," Reggie sighed. "You're back. Thank heavens. I was worried the British soldiers may have found you and I'd never see you again." She sat rigidly in the chair, relief evident on her face.
Hector took her hands and pulled her up, bringing her closer to him. "Reggie, what are ye doing still up, lass? It's late. Ye need yer rest."
"I couldn't sleep not knowing if you were safe. Now that you are, I'll go back to my bed."
"Since yer already up, sit with me a few minutes and I'll tell ye about my visit. It was a bit more exciting than I had expected it to be."
Hector explained the saga of Aileen and the orphans, and Reggie beamed when Hector told her the outcome of the story.
"Oh, Hector. Can you believe it? She never even mentioned any children when I talked with her."
"Maybe it was just too painful. I believe it was the two glasses of wine that allowed her to tell me her story."
Then, leaving out a few details, such as Alex and Jack being captured, he began to explain to Reggie that he needed to be away again for a few days. He knew she'd just worry if he told her his true plans.
"Da asked me to go to Edinburgh and check on some legal issues with Murdock, our solicitor. Da's managed to acquire quite a bit of property in the last few years, and he wants to make sure the British government can't get their hands on it. I told him I'd see to it."
"I see. Dorothea and I will manage for a short while, but only a short while. Then you get yourself back here, with me, where you belong."
She stood and started to walk away. Hector pulled her back and lifted her, holding her close.
"Oh, I'll be back. Ye can count on that, lass." He left her with a kiss to seal this bargain.
The next morning found him well underway to Edinburgh. Cameron Castle had several horses that could have kept up the pace he was calling for. He couldn't get to Edinburgh fast enough.
He knew Alex and Jack would be planning to escape from wherever they'd been taken, but another hand might be a good thing.