Page 89 of Keeping Kate

“He would indeed say,” Rob countered. “You do not know Ian as we do. He might talk if they press him hard enough. He is a fine man, but he has a wife and child to think about, and if there was a threat to them, the man would speak to save them at his risk.”

“With the coin and the weaponry here, there is more at stake than I thought,” Alec said. “If the crown learns about this, they will do anything to claim it and punish any who know of it.”

“Aye, best move these chests before we go to the city,” Connor said.

Kate stood. “Why not leave them here, where they have been hidden for years?”

Rising to his feet beside her, Alec shook his head. “If Wade’s soldiers discover anything from Ian, they will be here quickly. The chests should be moved.”

Allan closed the heavy lid, shutting out the lantern-like gleam of the gold. “What should we do with the horde? We cannot let it sit when it could be of use to the cause.”

“It should be distributed among loyal Highlanders,” Alec said. “Though to whom, and how?”

“Could we give it to the Jacobite council?” Kate’s eyes looked luminous and unsettled as she looked at him.

“Some of it, certainly,” Alec said. “But scores of Highlanders have consigned their weapons to the government and most have little thought of rebellion. They are plain folk who need to protect their homes and hunt to provide for their families. They deserve these arms more than war-minded Jacobite leaders.”

“I knew you were a good man,” Kate said, smiling up at him.

“It makes sense. Arms to those in need of them, and some of the coin to the Jacobite Council,” Rob said.

“Cameron of Lochiel can convey word to the Council,” Connor said. “Alec can let him know about this matter. As for the weapons, we will spread the word slowly and carefully.”

“Some of the weapons could be transported in cartloads and on garron ponies,” Neill suggested, “and some can be handed out secretly. Word will spread. They will come, and more Highlanders will be armed again and will have a measure of safety they have not known for years.”

Allan nodded. “Where can we store the chests?”

“At Glendoon. My tower in the hills is remote enough,” Connor added to Alec. “We can distribute weapons from there to those who are given the word discreetly. No one will come up there to search. It is said to be haunted.”

“Tcha!”Neill waved a hand. “I will not carry these heavy chests up that devil of a hill, Kinnoull.”

“Then your strapping young sons can help. Either way,” Connor said, “we will soon have this tucked away and be off for Edinburgh.”

Kate looked at Alec, and he saw the uncertainty in her eyes.

“Stay here, Kate,” he said. “Stay safe at Duncrieff.”

“I will feel better being with you. Where you go, I will go.”

“Too much risk,” he said, putting an arm around her. “You wanted to stay.”

“Ah, but matters between us have changed.” She looked up. “No need to say I am your prisoner. Just say I am your wife.”