Page 20 of The Wild Rose of Kilgannon (Kilgannon #2)

“Dougall,” I said softly, looking into his eyes, “I have known Robert for years. I cannot believe he wishes me harm. Alex trusted him enough to leave with him, and enough to make Robert promise to see me safely home to my family. Do you question Alex’s judgement?”

Dougall frowned and looked over my head. “Say what ye will, Mary. If the man makes one untoward move, he’s a dead man.”

“Dougall,” I laughed shakily, “if the man makes one untoward move, I shall assist you.”

He nodded unhappily and stood next to me on the dock as we waited.

I watched Robert’s ship approach with trembling knees, remembering his icy manner when he’d left with Alex.

Why had he taken so long to return? Why had he returned at all?

Why now? Dear God, protect us , I prayed, and then turned to Alex’s cousin.

“I have a favor to ask,” I said.

“Ask away, Mary,” Dougall said. “It is yers to have. ”

“Hear me out before you agree, Dougall,” I said.

“It is yers to have, Mary,” he said again, meeting my eyes, “If it’s in my power to assist ye, it’s yers to have.”

“I will hold you to that.” I took a deep breath.

“If Robert takes me, you must take the boys to my brother at Mountgarden or my aunt in London. And then find a way to tell Angus. If I am dead or imprisoned, Angus will find them. If Angus is dead, Matthew will find them. And if all of us are dead, you must raise them yourself. Will you promise me, Dougall, a solemn promise?”

There was no pause. He lifted his chin proudly and nodded. “It is a promise I gi’ ye wi’ my heart and all my honor.”

I took another deep breath, blinking back my tears. “Thank you, Dougall. And, please, tell no one where they are. Malcolm’s allies are still amongst us and we don’t know who they are.”

“I shall protect Alex’s sons wi’ my life. Never doubt it.”

“And, Dougall, there’s more.”

He nodded.

“I will not go to England with Robert. I’m going to go to Edinburgh.”

“Oh, aye? And how will ye do that?”

“If Robert will not take me, then I’ll escape and hide until Angus comes back to get me.”

Dougall nodded. “But, Mary, what if Robert Campbell willna leave without ye? Or the boys? Do ye trust his word if he says he’ll take ye to Edinburgh? Do ye trust him wi’ Alex’s sons?”

I nodded. It was my fear as well. I was well aware that I might be putting Alex’s sons at jeopardy if I agreed to take them with me, but I feared being separated from them even more.

“I cannot believe that Robert would harm me and I cannot believe that he brought Alex back to us only to butcher his sons later. The boys represent no threat to anyone,” I said bravely.

“I hope yer right.”

“So do I,” I said and watched Robert’s ship advance.

Next to me Dougall gave a grunt of satisfaction and I followed his gaze.

Kilgannon men were pouring down the glen’s sides and approaching us, their faces grim and weapons ready.

I smiled. This is for Alex , I thought. We’ll face them together .

The ship drew alongside the dock, and Robert, on its deck, nodded at me, his face stern.

I struggled not to show my fear. From somewhere behind me, silent men came to catch lines and assist the landing.

And then Robert was in front of me. I extended my hand and met his eyes. His expression was remote but not cold.

“Lord Campbell,” I said coolly, acutely aware of the clansmen listening behind me. “Welcome again to Kilgannon.”

“Mary,” he whispered as bowed over my hand. And kept it in his grasp for a moment too long. “Madam,” he said in a clear voice that carried to all the men. “Your husband still lives.”

“Oh, thank God!” I cried, clasping my hands at my throat and bursting into tears. “Oh, Robert, thank you! Thank you!”

He patted my arm awkwardly and turned to his men, gesturing them off the ship. I wiped my eyes and tried to collect myself while they filed into Kilgannon’s dock and waited. None of Alex’s men moved for a moment, then Dougall extended a hand to Robert.

“Welcome to Kilgannon, Lord Campbell,” he said and nodded as Robert shook his hand and thanked him.

“Come inside, Robert,” I said and led the way up the terraces.

* * *

Eventually the English soldiers and the Campbells were installed in the hall, without arms, watched by silent Kilgannon men.

Robert and I went to the library, where I had whisky and food brought, and then sat facing each other in uncomfortable silence.

I had closed the door, but was aware, as no doubt Robert was, of the man pacing outside.

Dougall , I thought, still on guard . I found it comforting.

“I wondered if you would come,” I said. Robert nodded and stared into his whisky, turning the glass in his hand. “Thank you for the news of Alex. Where is he?” Robert’s eyes met mine, unreadable. Tread carefully , I told myself, suddenly chilled.

“In prison in Edinburgh,” Robert said, his tone detached. “He has not been tried but many have been. And there have been some hangings already. All peers who were in the rebellion have or will soon forfeit their lands and title, even before they are tried. Kilgannon is gone, Mary.”

I nodded. “It is as we expected,” I said softly. We sat in silence for several minutes. “Robert,” I asked at last. “We’ve heard that Argyll has been removed from office. How is it that you are able to be here?”

He shrugged. “I’m naught but an errand boy. I was sent to find the MacDonald and you. MacDonald has gone to France, but I’m told that he burnt his castle at Sleat so it wouldn’t fall into our hands.”

I surprised both of us by laughing. “I never thought of that,” I admitted and Robert gave me a weak smile, then leaned forward, his voice thawing.

“How are you, Mary?”

I folded my hands in my lap and met his eyes. “I am well, Robert. But I am fearful of the future. ”

He nodded and took one of my hands in both of his.

“Mary, I have come to take you away from here. If you or your men defy me, I am to use force. I am to subdue any rebellion or any attempt to resist.” He paused.

“Do not resist.” How warm his hands and how cold his message , I thought, as I withdrew my hand from his and rose, going to the fireplace before turning to face him.

What I had seen in his eyes made me cautious.

“We will not resist, Robert,” I said. “I am ready. Will and Betty will welcome me.” I would, I thought, escape through the tunnel and hide with the boys until Angus came.

Robert watched me as he drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair for a long time. At last he spoke. “Mary, you are not going to England.”

My heart lurched. “No?”

“You have been placed under my jurisdiction for the moment.”

Robert’s jurisdiction? What did that mean? “For what reason, Robert? You promised Alex safe passage for me to my family.” I spoke mildly but my heart was racing and I heard the familiar roaring in my ears.

“The situation has changed. You are safer with me.” I stared at him while wild thoughts raced in my head.

Had I misjudged the man all along? He spoke earnestly, leaning forward again.

“I cannot get you to London, Mary. I have told my superiors that you and I are childhood friends, and as a result you have been placed under my protection. But I must return to Edinburgh, not England.” Edinburgh , I thought.

Robert was going to Edinburgh. I tried to hide my excitement as he continued.

“I cannot accompany you elsewhere and I will not let you go without me. I cannot entrust your safety to English soldiers. As the wife of a Jacobite, you are suspect. And his sons would be considered the devil’s spawn. ”

I looked at him with narrowed eyes. “They are children, Robert. They represent danger to no one.”

“Feelings are running very high. Kilgannon’s sons are forgotten for the moment, but if he is executed they may be remembered.

” He rose and paced, then turned, his voice not as controlled now.

“The country is in upheaval, Mary. You would not be safe if who you are were discovered and I was not there to protect you. In any event, there is no one to send with you. You must go to Edinburgh. I will endeavor to get you to England eventually, but not now.” He came to stand in front of me.

“Mary, what I have seen has frightened me. Scotland is bleeding. You will be safe with me but I cannot protect you elsewhere.”

I lowered my eyes. I wanted to go to Edinburgh, for that’s where Alex was, and, God willing, Angus and Matthew and Gilbey.

But I did not want to go as Robert’s ward or prisoner.

I glanced at the man waiting so patiently for my answer, then away as I considered.

Robert had never lied to me. His worst vice was his caution.

Was this his desire or his duty? Dear God, I did not know what to do.

How could I hope to aid Alex if I was Robert’s prisoner?

If I went with him, was I going willingly into my own prison?

And taking Alex’s sons? Could I trust this man?

“You are here to bring me to Edinburgh?” I asked, stalling.

“Yes.” He took my hands in his again, his eyes glowing. “I will protect you, Mary. With my life. All of you.”

“Just me, Robert.”

He shook his head. “No. Kilgannon’s sons come as well. ”

“The boys? Why?” I withdrew my hands from his. “Why not leave them alone? They are safe here.”

His surprise and hurt was visible. “Do you think I’d harm Alex’s sons, Mary?

Or leave them behind? Do not imagine I will leave without them.

These lands are not safe.” He turned from me and paced again, stopping in front of the desk.

“Alex was not as I had thought,” he said, the words coming reluctantly.

“We talked much on the journey.” He stared at the floor and then looked up at me.

“I cannot hate him. I hate the fact that he won you, but I cannot hate the man. Especially now.”

“Especially now,” I whispered. “What does that mean?”