“I suppose you’re right,” he said, his lips twitching into a slight smile. “Best to keep things interesting.”
She nodded, the smile returning to her face. Finally, he was starting to understand.
17
Finlay was determined that before he made any decisions, before he went along with any of Kyla’s plans, that she better come to know the people of his clan. They were not just workers or people who were to do as they were commanded. She agreed, but protested that she had met them many times before and was well aware that they were more than just names and bodies, but he insisted. She must understand who the people were before deciding whether the two clans could co-exist hospitably.
As there was little daylight left that afternoon, their tour resumed the next day. When they rode along the path by the homes of the crofters, many heads turned, eager to see their new chieftain and his lady, together for the first time since the wedding.
Finlay was not surprised that Lyle Young was one of the first people they saw as they stopped near a cluster of cottages. He gave a nod of his head, an indication that he would not cause any trouble for his clan leader today. Finlay was glad of it. He would prefer they not face confrontation today.
It did, however, spur an idea in Finlay’s mind. These people had known him for years. Many of them had seen him grow up, and still thought of him as a child of the McDougall chieftain. He helped them when they needed it, sure, but how would they see him as a leader with his father still involved?
He resolved that one of his first acts should be showing them who he was now—not Finlay, son of Duncan, but Finlay, chieftain of the McDougalls.
He handed Hurley’s reins to a surprised Kyla and called to one of the boys who stood in front of a nearby home, telling him to run along the cottages and spread the word that they were all to come to hear a message from him.
“What are you doing?” Kyla murmured after the boy ran away.
“What I have to,” he answered, setting his jaw.
Finlay introduced Kyla to the husband and wife of one of the crofts. They were closer in age to Duncan and Jane, but had no children. It was becoming more difficult for them to work the land, he told her, but they survived.
Kyla murmured her understanding.
“Finlay,” she said after they took a few steps away, “I know you are trying to show me who your people were, but the truth is, I already knew. You have to understand that my ideas are for these very people, not to cause any additional hardship.”
He nodded but returned his attention to those approaching.
As the crowd began to gather, Finlay greeted each person by name and typically a handshake. Kyla watched him, her head tilted in interest, though she said nothing besides pleasantries to those she met.
When it seemed most of the nearby crofters had gathered, Finlay stood on a table that had been carried out from a cottage.
“McDougalls!” he called out to all of them, gathering their attention. All eyes turned to him expectantly.
“As you all now know, my father has declared me chieftain over this clan. It is a great honor, and one that I do not take lightly. I have great love for this land, and for you, the people of our clan. What many around us have forgotten is that it is not the ground we walk on or the lochs we swim in or the buildings we live in that makes us a clan. No, what makes a clan is the hearts of the people within it. It’s the fact that no matter whether we own the surname McDougall or not, at our very core we are all of the same family, and we are there for one another in both the good times and the tough times.
“For the past one hundred and fifty years, Highland life has not been what it was in the time of our ancestors. No longer are we the sovereign state free to do as we will. Most clans consist of landlords and renters. We have suffered one crisis after another. We have been hungry. We have been destitute. We have been frightened of what is to come next. But we, the McDougalls, have survived. Through it all, we have supported one another as brothers, sisters, and friends. We let no one be left behind, and we fight this great battle together. Some have chosen to leave us, and we support them in their new quests, ensuring they know they will always have a home with us back here in the Highlands.
“As your leader I will look for ways to keep this clan strong, while honoring the past and all we stand for. Do not fear the change to come. Together, we stand!”
* * *
The crowd around Finlay roared in cheers for him as Kyla watched, wide eyed.
He was magnificent. She hadn’t realized this was inside of him, this natural leader who commanded both adoration and respect. These people loved him as they did an immediate family member, yet they also seemed ready to follow him as their leader.
He walked from the table amid pats on the back from the men and warm smiles from the women. When he rejoined her, however, some of his bravado had faded and he looked at her with some trepidation in his eyes.
“Was that too much?”
He seemed to hold his breath while he waited for an answer, and she realized with a start that he truly seemed to care what she thought.
“You were simply inspired,” she said truthfully with a smile. “This is what people need to hear, to feel that their leader is one of them and not ruling over
