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Leora remained speechless, trying to digest the startling news and keeping a tight hold of her husband’s hand.

“I had hoped, so hoped, you were my granddaughter,” Lady Elizabeth said tearfully. “You and Noble would have done Clan MacMurray proud.

“This continues to create a problem between you and my father,” Lord Drake said. “There is unrest in the Lowlands—”

“There is always unrest in the Lowlands,” Noble said.

“You have your share of it as well,” Lord Drake challenged.

“Caused by the Lowlanders claiming what they have no right to claim,” Noble argued.

“Enough from the both of you,” Lady Elizabeth admonished. “My journey is for naught. I go home without an heir.”

“I confirmed that Leora was not your granddaughter. I did not say that I did not know about your granddaughter,” Mother Abbess said, catching everyone’s attention.

Lady Elizabeth’s face brightened. “Tell me. Tell me she is still alive and not wed.”

“She is alive and is not wed,” Mother Abbess confirmed.

“Perfect,” Lord Drake said. “We will go find her and I will wed her, uniting the two clans and settling the feud between you and my father and creating one of the most powerful clans in the Lowlands.”

“How do I trust you or your father when he sent men here to kill my granddaughter?” Lady Elizabeth demanded.

“My father did not send men to kill your granddaughter,” Lord Drake said, his brow wrinkling at her claim. “He sent men to prove there was no granddaughter. Hedley was the one who hired mercenaries and fed them lies, telling them Lord William ordered that your granddaughter was to die. When I returned home from a mission for the King, my father had only discovered Hedley’s deceit and immediately sent me to rectify it. My father simply wanted proof that no granddaughter existed so Hedley would have a clear path to inherit Clan MacMurray. Now that there is a granddaughter the wisest thing is for me to wed her and unite the clans, and the sooner the better.” He turned to Mother Abbess, his demeanor commanding. “Tell us where she is?”

“And I am to take you at your word?” Lady Elizabeth asked, preventing the Abbess from responding.

“You have known me since I was young. I was a friend to your son when others deserted him, and do you forget that day you told me you wished I was your son? I speak the truth and you know it, and I do what is best for both clans. Do not let your disappointment and anger prevent you from making a wise decision.”

“I always make wise decisions,” Lady Elizabeth said and straightened her sagging shoulders as she looked to Mother Abbess. “Tell us where we can find my granddaughter.”

“It is her decision if she wishes to reveal herself. I cannot, nor will I make it for her,” Mother Abbess said.

“That is nonsense,” Lady Elizabeth argued. “A fortune awaits her as heir to Clan MacMurray.”

“Also, a marriage she has not agreed to,” Mother Abbess reminded. “You demand she give up her life here in the Highlands among family and friends and go to the Lowlands with complete strangers. That is a huge sacrifice for her to make.”

“And her choice to make it,” Lady Elizabeth said. “Wealth awaits her and will bring a freedom to her that most women never get to know, and of that I will make sure.”

“So, she will be free to choose her own path?” Mother Abbess asked. “Pursue her own interests?”

“Within reason,” Lord Drake said.

“She may do whatever she pleases,” Lady Elizabeth corrected, and her glance shifted, “and on that, you have my word, Angelica.”

The novice remained silent, gripping the Abbess’ shoulder.

“I wondered when you might realize it,” Mother Abbess said.

“I began to wonder when that sniveling weasel Hedley captured us.” Lady Elizabeth smiled at Angelica. “You protected me, shielded me at times, and I saw something in your eyes that reminded me of your father. He could be a fool, but he was a fool who cared for me and there was a look he would give me at times, and I saw it in your eyes and wondered if it was simply wishful thinking.”

“How long has she known?” Noble demanded.

Mother Abbess glanced up at Angelica. “Only moments before you entered the Great Hall. Her mum gave birth about a month after I did. She had no place to go and remained at the abbey with Angelica. Her mum was an exceptional healer, and it is why she comes by her skills so easily and why the nuns are learned healers. Angelica needs time to digest the news. I will not see her rushed into making such a life-altering decision.”

“Let us find a place to talk, Angelica,” Lady Elizabeth offered, “so that I may tell you of your inheritance and all it has to offer you.”

Angelica looked to Mother Abbess.