Epilogue

Middlesbrough, England April 1644

Catriona House

Finlay and Blair sat together behind his large desk going through the account books that had been found among Prudence’s belongings. They had been delivered to Catriona House by his brother. His father had sent a letter to Scotland to inform them Prudence and Mr. Gerrick, who had been located shortly after their departure, had been taken into custody by the king. They were to be charged with treason.

Apparently, Prudence had tricked Caldwell into marriage after sleeping with him, then telling him she was carrying his child. Shortly after she lost the baby, now resulting in suspicion as to whether she’d ever been with child. She had schemed to steal the earl’s and his sons’ fortunes. A Protestant with allegiance to Parliament, she’d seen Finlay’s family, staunch Royalists, as an easy way to funnel money to her cause.

When they’d returned to Cameron lands, Finlay had taken Blair to meet his mother, and the two bonded straight away. It was a joy to see his wife happy in both of his worlds. Tristan, Seamus, and Robbie joined them again on this recent journey back to England, Brodie and Alan wishing to stay at home with their wives.

Robbie had returned in hopes of another visit with his family while in England, but upon their arrival, they received word the queen was being forced to flee Oxford. As soon as they had heard, he and the Cameron men had immediately set out for Exeter, the pregnant queen’s destination.

Shortly after their arrival, Blair was inspecting the ledgers. She had already set out a plan with his allowance, and preparations for making the estate profitable were well under way.

Andrew knocked at the door and announced, “The Earl of Middlesbrough to see you, my lord.”

Jumping up and running for the door, Blair hugged his father when he entered. “Och, I have a surprise for ye. Dinnae go anywhere while I go find it.”

“Lovely to see you as well.” His father chuckled as his excited wife bounded from the room.

“Father, glad ye were able to make it.”

“Bruce Graham has been convicted of attempted murder. He also confessed to planting the rock on your horse. Thankfully, you and Blair will never have to see that man again.”

“That is good news.”

“I also have disturbing news. The bow you found from the attack in the marketplace did not belong to him. Bruce had spotted your wife, chased her, and then retreated when he saw she’d come back around to you. Are you sure you were the intended target in that attack?”

Thinking back, Finlay remembered who was next to him. “Robbie.” He scratched his head. Had someone discovered the lad’s identity and tried to murder him? “It must have been meant for Robbie. I’ll have to let the Cameron laird ken there is a possible threat.”

“I have other news as well.”

“Aye?”

“Your brothers will be paying a call on you and Blair tomorrow to offer their apologies. I assure you, we have had some frank discussions lately, and they will be well behaved from now on.”

“Thank ye.” He’d had a talk with his brothers before returning to Scotland. And although their relationship was still strained, he’d discovered they only stopped talking to him after he’d shut them out. It had happened on that day long ago when his mother-in-law’s tutor destroyed his self-esteem. They were most likely unaware of the humiliation that had plagued him for years. He’d only imagined at the time they were jeering at him. “How is Caldwell?”

“He is managing. Prudence passed from the plague that was infiltrating the king’s camp at Oxford.”

Silence extended a few moments as the earl pursed his lips, and Finlay glanced down at the desk, taking in the news. His heart ached that his brother had not been as lucky in marriage as he.

Taking a deep breath, he said, “I look forward to mending my relationship with my brothers. I think with Blair’s help that will happen.”

A knock sounded at the door, and Blair peeked her head in. “Are ye ready?”

The earl laughed and shook his head as she inched in from the hall. Before his father could answer, his wife pushed the door wide, stepped aside, and gave his father the first view the earl had had of his mother in years.

Later, after they’d made love and snuggled in for the night, Finlay placed his hand on his wife’s expanding belly and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

“I am the luckiest man in all of Scotland and England.”

“I think yer father would disagree with ye right now.”

He smiled. The pair had retreated to the drawing room after dinner and had been inseparable. Blair and he had given them their space to get to know each other again.

Smiling, he thought of all his wife had accomplished. Saving him, this house, his parents, and now preparing to bring their child into the world. His fingers traced the scar that ran along her temple, the reminder she had been willing to give her life for his. He would do the same.

The mark was also a reminder that he’d almost lost her. Every morning and night, he kissed it and thanked God she was still with him. He kissed the still pink line. She sighed, nuzzling against him. And he knew that no matter where they were, be it in England or Scotland, she would always be his salvation.

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