She gave a nod and a sigh. “Thank you.”
He smiled down at her. “I will not try to intimidate you into agreeing, because I know an impenetrable wall when I run into one and your head is thus. Just know this, Your Grace. Whether you stay here or come with us to Scotland, you are part of our family. We will write to you and tell you tales of Lizzy’s growing up until you tell us to stop.”
“I’ll never tell you to stop.” The old woman wiped a tear from her eye.
After allowing the dowager to fuss over Lizzy for a few moments longer, Cam helped his family into the Endsmere carriage, and they set off for home.
For Scotland.
…
Lizzy was a fair traveler for their fast-paced retreat from England. She only fussed on the occasion when her father—cramped from riding in the carriage—spent a few hours on a horse instead of inside with them.
It was late in the evening a few weeks later when the carriage finally crossed over into their homeland. Lizzy was sleeping in Cam’s strong arms as he gazed down at her in awe, as he often did. It was at these times Mari knew with certainty that this was the life she was supposed to have. Not that other one. This was the man she was meant to be with.
Remembering the dowager’s parting wish, Mari sat up and searched for the letter she’d been given. Taking their sleeping daughter from him, Mari handed him the sealed missive.
“What is this?” he asked, puzzled.
“I don’t know. The dowager told me to give it to you once we were in Scotland.”
Cam opened it and gasped as he read through the letter.
“What does it say?” Curiosity got the best of her when her husband’s eyes continued to dart from side to side. She shifted closer so she could also read it in the low light from the lantern.
Dearest Highland Brute,
I’ve instructed my man of business to forward to you the sum of two thousand pounds, which was the amount of Marian’s dowry, paid to my late son upon their wedding. However, the man was never a suitable husband to her, only a monster. I have witnessed the love you have for Marian, and I believe, as her true husband, you are the rightful recipient of these funds.
I thank you for doing what needed to be done with elegance and kindness.
The best to you and yours,
Wilhelmina
Cam glanced up and chuckled, though he was clearly bewildered. “Well, I’ll be damned. Did you notice she signed it with just her name?”
Mari was still trying to process the news. “I never knew her name. I was only permitted to call her ‘Your Grace’ or ‘Lady Mother.’”
He handed her the letter. “She honors me with such a generous gesture, but it is your money, earned with your own blood. What will you have us do with it?”
Mari looked at their daughter, thinking over the possibilities. Part of her wanted to throw the blood money into a hole in the ground and never think of her past again. But Cam was right. She’d earned it through years of abuse and fear. And she was able to use it now for something that would make them all happy and safe.
She smiled at her husband. “It looks like we’ll be building a manor house, after all.”
Cam smiled back. “Aye. We can use these funds to build a fine home for my beautiful family.” His large finger caressed Lizzy’s cheek as he leaned in close. “As big as it may grow.”
Then he kissed Mari in that gentle yet demanding way of his. Indomitable strength tempered with love. She knew her new life with this man would be filled with safety and happiness…not to mention passion and excitement.
Epilogue
“I see you’re back to digging up rocks,” Lach said, approaching as Cam tossed a large boulder into the cart.
Cam smiled at the laird and wiped the sweat from his brow. It had been easy to forgive him once Mari was safe and back at Dunardry. Cam knew Lach had done the best he could with the options he’d been given. It was not an easy thing to be a leader.
“Aye.” Cam dropped another stone into the cart. “Though this time it’s by choice.” Every rock he plucked from the earth was going to building a home for his family. Complete with a suite of rooms for the Dowager Duchess of Endsmere, who had changed her mind and joined them unexpectedly a month ago.
“Are you going to sit up there atop your horse, or will you get down and help me?” Cam asked, squinting up into the early March sky.
“Aye.” Lach swung down. “I have others on their way to help, but before they arrive, I wanted to speak to you alone.”
Cam came to stand next to him, knowing it must be important.
When he’d returned home with his wife and child, he’d made the difficult decision to give up the duty of war chief, handing over the position to Bryce. While Cam would gladly raise his sword in defense of his clan, he didn’t want to be on the front lines any longer. He had too much to live for.
Bryce had been happy to take over the duty, not having anyone at home to worry over him. Nor ever wanting another family.
After drawing up the plans for his home, Cam had been commissioned to draw up other plans as well. He had a skill for seeing the way things looked before they were built. With Mari’s encouragement, he had sold a few drawings already.
“What’s amiss?” he asked when Lach hadn’t continued.
“I finally heard back from the McCurdy. It seems they’re getting desperate and have agreed to an alliance for peace.”
Cam’s eyes went wide. “Finally. That’s wonderful. We’ll gain access to the sea.”
Lach nodded but didn’t look as happy as Cam would have expected. This seaport had been his father’s lifelong dream for
