Today, she decided she was interested in seeing for herself what the land looked like. She had seen it all before, but never through this lens. She also needed out of the house, to take the chance to explore some. Household tasks, while necessary, were certainly not where her true passions lay.
She saddled Cadarn and took off on her own, not interested in any company today. She raced her mare over the fields and through the trees, the chilly winds rustling through her hair and clothing, chapping her cheeks. The air was fresh, however, the freedom of the outdoors calling to her and reviving her spirit. The sun shone down through the changing colors of the leaves, and the beauty around her was captivating.
She reined Cadarn in as she came upon the first field she had wanted to review. It was as she had thought, the rolling green hills pasturing the sheep leading down to fields below it. She continued on, calling a hello to anyone she met along her way. She wouldn’t be able to see all the lands in one day, but she was able to do a fairly scenic and educational tour. On her return, she stopped to visit with the women she had met only a short while ago. If she was to be the lady of this clan, she wanted the people to know she was as much one of them as any of the other McDougalls.
When she returned to Galbury, she found Finlay apparently waiting for her in the great hall.
“Kyla,” he greeted her with a nod. “You were out venturing around the McDougall lands today?”
“I was,” she said cautiously.
“I would have escorted you if you had only told me.”
“Oh, thank you,” she replied, relieved her visit hadn’t turned into an argument with him. “I felt like going out on my own today, though. Your land really is beautiful, Finlay. In fact, can I show you something? Inside?”
He nodded his assent, and then followed her in. She led him to the library, and pulled out maps of the holdings she had crudely drawn earlier.
“Please… let me finish speaking before you say anything. Can you do that?”
He eyed her cryptically but nodded his assent.
“I have some thoughts,” she said, before using her finger to show him where she thought some of the lands could be re-purposed. “It’s an idea…and the crofters will not be moved to any worse or non-arable lands, but could choose to take on the new crops, or move to farm and care for another crop elsewhere. Those currently making more of a living fishing or kelping can retain their homes near the coastline.”
She looked up at him, at his crossed arms and his stoic face looking down at her and the maps. His expression was entirely unreadable and she was unable to discern what he was thinking. It was one thing about Finlay that had always unnerved her. Yes, when he was angry, he certainly made it known, but otherwise he always seemed to wear the same guarded expression.
“Is this what you did in your own lands?” he finally asked.
“Somewhat,” she said, relieved and somewhat hopeful when his first word about it wasn’t a no. “I presented a plan to my father. He took it, but he didn’t give the crofters any choice. He moved them to inhabitable lands instead, not allowing them homes on the land they were to care for. Many chose to leave.”
“Kyla,” he said slowly, and she could tell he was attempting patience. Perhaps her relief had come too soon. “I appreciate what you are trying to do, and I thank you for your interest in the business of our clan. However, there are three of us, in addition to my father, who are capable of looking after everything. We do not need your help in this.”
“Is this not why our clans united? What our marriage was for?” she asked, exasperated. “I’m sorry, Finlay, but you cannot go on as you are. I looked at the numbers, and you continue to move deeper into debt. Your system is not working.”
“And yours is?”
“I just told you that my father—”
Finlay’s calm demeanor broke. “Your father is a selfish bastard out for himself, while your brother is a lazy ass who seems to want nothing more than to see the entire MacTavish holdings go to ruin and be used for rich Lowlanders to hunt game and gawk at us barbarians. I’m not sure I even want to help your clan survive—you’re the only good that’s come of it!”
“You may be my husband, but you will not speak about my family that way,” she said, her anger growing.
“Kyla, you know it to be true.”
“It doesn’t matter how much truth there is to what you say. No woman—no person—wants to hear loved ones spoken of as such. Apologize.”
“I will not unspeak the truth.”
“Apologize. Now.” Her hands involuntarily clenched into fists at her side.
“If you had listened, you would realize, I was actually complimenting you,” he said, and she could only stare at him incredulously.
“You are a foolish, arrogant, man, Finlay McDougall,” she finally sputtered out. “Have you no feelings for others around you?”
His face turned dark.
“Listen, Kyla, I know you wanted someone else. I’m sure someone like Callum would have been much easier for you to live with. Callum was the chosen son… of my father, my mother, and you as well. I’m sorry that it was me you were left with, a man without the charm, the wit, and the emotions. But Callum’s gone, far across the ocean. And I’m who remains for you…the shadow of the man my brother is, who should not be the one soon to be responsible for the clan, and married to you. If I could change it for you, I would. But it’s not within my power, and therefore, you will have to make do with me. Someone
