Epilogue

 

A week later, when Lachlan was well enough, they had a feast in honor of the two brothers and their new brides. Lachlan sent Rebbie, his cousin Fergus MacGrath, and several others to straighten out the problems at Draughon, find the false papers at Burnglen and meet with the Perth officials and the constable.

Two weeks after that, when Lachlan was strong enough to sit a horse for several hours, he, Angelique, Camille and Dirk prepared for departure. A dozen MacGrath guards and cousins would escort them.

"I wish you'd stay until spring," Alasdair said, his breath fogging in the crisp morning air.

"Much as I'd love that, I must see to Draughon," Lachlan said, observing his brother's dark frown. "I'm fine, mother hen."

"Take care of him," he told Dirk.

"As if he needs it," Dirk muttered, then sent a smirk to Lachlan.

"I've sent messengers ahead to some chiefs and friends along the way who will give all of you a night's lodging."

"I thank you, brother. And we'll see you again soon. In the spring, aye? We'll return for Orin and Kean, and I'll get to meet your new son. Or daughter."

"Indeed." Alasdair shook his hand, hugged him and slapped his back as if trying to knock something from his windpipe.

"Och." Lachlan would show no weakness or he'd be stuck here another fortnight. He turned to his mount. Aye, he could sit in a saddle, but mounting was the problem with a sore arm. Alasdair and Dirk grabbed him and hoisted him onto the horse's back.

"Damnation. Warn me when you're going to do that."

"He appreciates naught," Dirk grumbled. Lachlan knew he was teasing but maybe it was true and he didn't show his appreciation enough.

"I thank you, friend."

Dirk tried to hide a grin as he mounted.

Lachlan turned his attention to Angelique on a bay mare not far from him. He winked, drawing a secret smile from her. Indeed, he had much to be thankful for, especially his adorable wife. The past three weeks she had cared for him like a bairn and near spoiled him. A few days after he'd awakened—once he'd convinced her he would not die—they had indulged in lovemaking such as he'd never imagined. He had not known such depth of feeling was supposed to accompany the bedding. Now he understood why Alasdair had been willing to move heaven and earth for Gwyneth. He would do the same for Angelique.

They traveled slowly south but the late autumn weather did not cooperate. They waited out a snowstorm at another castle, midway, before they could continue. It took over a week to reach Draughon.

At last, they rode through the gates of their home. Rebbie descended the steps to meet them in the courtyard.

"'Tis about time, you slackards. I was tempted to send out a search party."

"What news?" Lachlan dismounted, then helped Angelique, glad to feel his arm growing stronger.

"All is well. Naught to worry over," Rebbie assured him. "We found the false papers at Burnglen and were able to prove to the constable the signatures were forged. Some of the lying witnesses were arrested and others ran away. We found your loyal Drummagan clansmen locked in the dungeon and they testified against Kormad."

"Heckie?"

Rebbie grinned. "Aye. He is well and ornery as ever."

Lachlan slid his arm around Angelique's shoulders and they entered Draughon's great hall, the rest of the party following.

"M'laird. M'lady." The servants and clansmen bowed respectfully, then a cheer went up.

Lachlan thanked them, shaking hands all around, a bit sad that only half the clan remained. But he was fairly certain these were the people he could trust.

"Who is this?" Angelique asked.

A wee lad stood near high table. Something about him looked familiar, not just his green eyes and red hair but his facial shape and expression.

"This is Timmy," Rebbie said. "We found him at Burnglen with his nanny. Lady Angelique, he is apparently your…natural half-brother."

"Mère de Dieu. In truth? My father's son?" She crept forward.

"That's the rumor. Even I can see the family resemblance."

Angelique knelt. "Good day, Timmy."

He ran and hid behind a woman's skirts. His nanny.

Lachlan watched while Angelique gently coaxed him out and even convinced him to talk in a whisper. He was so young, no more than four summers. Soon, he would no longer remember much about his uncle Kormad. Timmy would grow up here at Draughon with Orin and Kean, Lachlan decided. A good start to their family.

Rebbie joined Lachlan and Dirk. "I need to talk to both of you," he said quietly.

They proceeded into the library.

"What is it? Has something else happened?" Lachlan asked.

"Nay. I but wanted to tell you, when I arrived here a few weeks ago, Eleanor had taken up residence."

"You jest! She had that much gall?"

Rebbie chuckled. "Aye, but I sent her packing back to England soon enough. Hopefully, she will leave you and Angelique in peace."

"I thank you for taking care of that debacle."

"About the two white mares you purchased for Angelique's wedding gift, they are in the stables whenever you wish to present them to her."

"Och. I wondered where they went." Lachlan looked forward to seeing the happiness on Angelique's face when he gave them to her.

"When the horses were released the night of your attack, they returned to the Robertson's. The chief then sent some of his men to return them to you."

"I'm relieved."

Rebbie opened a drawer on the desk and took out what appeared to be a missive bearing a red wax seal. He handed it to Dirk. "This arrived for you."

"For me?" He frowned.

"Aye, it bears your name."

Dirk broke the seal and unfolded the paper. Standing by the window, he read in silence for a few moments.

Lowering the paper, he muttered, "Damnation."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you later." Taking the letter, he strode out the door.

"Hmph," Lachlan grunted. "I wish he wouldn't do that."

"He's the most secretive person I know. 'Tis vexing."

"Well, given your prying skills, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," Lachlan said, opening the door.

"Och." Rebbie frowned.

Lachlan smiled. "In the meantime, 'tis time for my beautiful wife and me to retire for the evening." They had much rest and lovemaking to catch up on.

Entering the great hall, Lachlan found her talking to Timmy's nanny. Taking Angelique's hand, he kissed the back.

Her wide-eyed gaze flew to him. When he pressed another kiss to her satiny skin, a pink flush moved over her face.

He drew near and whispered in her ear. "I think 'tis time for a long, hot bath. What say you?"

She grinned and glanced around at the people observing them, her blush darkening. He had no worries about who watched or if they knew he desired—and loved—his wife. He scooped her up into his arms and headed toward the stairs amid many snickers and chuckles from the clan, along with a few bawdy comments.

"Lachlan," she scolded quietly. "Your arm! It is not yet healed. You will injure yourself."

"Nay. My arm is growing stronger. Besides, you weigh no more than a bluebell blossom."

"But everyone is watching," she said in a scandalized whisper.

"I don't care if they know how much I love my wife," he said, trying to nibble on her chin or neck. If only she would stop squirming.

"But…." she sputtered, finally growing still as he quickly mounted the steps. Her emotion-filled eyes locked on his.

Aye, indeed. How could she argue with that? He grinned.

"I love you, too, my wild Highlander," she whispered. At the top of the stairs, she took his face between her palms and kissed him eagerly. Lachlan's heart melted because he would never tire of hearing those words. Nor would he tire of trying to please his wee hellcat.

 

***

 

Look for Dirk's story, My Brave Highlander, next in the series.

 

Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him and will the duplicitous enemy who tried to murder him twelve years ago kill him in truth this time?

 

Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful young widow betrothed to yet another Highland chief by her brother's order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a Highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged and imposing man she thought dead, she wonders if he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety.

 

Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract—an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man's bride… would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.

 

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The Highland Adventure Series

My Fierce Highlander

My Wild Highlander

My Brave Highlander

My Daring Highlander

***

 

About the author: Vonda Sinclair’s favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is an EPIC Award winner, past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story. Please visit her website to learn more. http://www.vondasinclair.com