Page 45 of Vows of Revenge

‘Well, it was certainly a magnificent place,’ Kassia said, as they headed back to their very own castle—a mere scrap in comparison with the vastness of Dunrobin Castle, another ducal residence, this time of the Duke of Sutherland. ‘Such a pity about the Highland Clearances, though.’ She gave a sigh. ‘So ruthless...’

Damos steered the four-by-four along a road threading through dramatic scenery. ‘Sheep were simply more profitable than crofting,’ he said.

‘So that makes it all right? Evicting the crofters? Burning down their crofts so they couldn’t return?’

He shook his head. ‘It’s understandable, Kassia. The profit motive is a powerful one. It drives people to do things they might otherwise regret.’

She felt unease prick at her.

But there are some actions that shouldn’t ever be undertaken. However profitable! However much money is at stake.

Her thoughts darkened. Her father would have no qualms about doing whatever was necessary to make a profit. Whatever it did to anyone else. Her expression softened again. But Damos was not like that at all. He’d just been stating blunt truths—not advocating them. Let alone practising them.

He was speaking again.

‘And don’t forget, as we learnt today, that crofting life was hard for the crofters. The idea was that they should move to towns, get other jobs—easier ones—or even emigrate, as so many did, and make a better life for themselves in the colonies. It wasn’t completely black and white.’ His voice changed. ‘It seldom is,’ he said.

She could hear something in his voice—a note of constraint—and looked across at him as he drove back towards their castle along the winding road. Some thingswereblack and white, though, surely...?

As if he sensed her doubts over what he was saying, he turned towards her. A smile lightened his face.

‘Let’s not talk about such sad things,’ he said. ‘They are over and done with, thankfully. Let’s talk about us, Kassia.’

His smile deepened, but then he had to flick his eyes back to the road again, as they climbed up towards a col. For all the warmth of his smile, Kassia felt a chill. Their fortnight was nearly up—what would come after?

Is this all there will ever be?

It was the question she did not want to ask...and yet the closer they came to the end of their holiday, the more intrusive it had become.

She knew the answer she wanted to give—longing filled her, and hope—but would it be the same for Damos? She had dared to hope...but hopes could be dashed. Discarded and dismissed.

Damos was about to speak again, still keeping his eyes on the road, his hands on the steering wheel. There seemed to be a lump forming in her throat...a stone... The dread of what he was going to say.

‘I know I’m based in Athens, and you’re not, but I think we’ll be able to manage, won’t we? For weekends together, at least?’ he posed. ‘And we can grab all the holiday time we can get together as well?’

The stony lump in her throat dissolved instantly as relief coursed through her—his words were music to her ears.

‘Oh, I’m sure we can!’ she exclaimed.

He reached towards her with one hand, flashing his warm smile at her, then looked back to the road again.

‘Great—so that’s sorted. Now, how do we make the most of our last day here tomorrow? What about a visit to the whisky distillery Duncan recommended?’

‘Good idea,’ she agreed.

Warmth was filling her, as if several wee drams had just been consumed, making her glow from the inside. This time in the Highlands wasnotto be the end for her and Damos!

He still wants me—wants us to be together. How wonderful is that?

Again, she knew the answer. It was more wonderful than she dared believe...

To keep him in my life...and me in his...

‘We can get a couple of bottles for the MacFadyens,’ Damos was saying now. ‘As a thank-you to them.’

‘And maybe I can buy a scarf or a brooch for Mrs MacFadyen,’ Kassia said.

Happiness at what Damos had said to her about them seeing each other in Greece was filling her.

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