Page 74 of It Happened in the Highlands
“He’ll be locked up for a while. Perhaps transported. But he won’t hang for it.”
A much better future than Mrs. Barton was facing, Jo thought.
Chapter 25
Three Weeks Later
Since passing through Melrose Village, Wynne and Cuffe had been riding along a road through heavy forests. Only a few cottages had broken the shade cast by the tall trees.
“What’s Baronsford like?”
Wynne wasn’t at all surprised by his son’s curiosity. So far, their visit to the Borders had been a positive experience for him. He’d been made to feel very much at home at Highfield Hall. Meeting and spending time with his cousins had gone exceptionally well. And Wynne’s brother and his wife had showered their nephew with affection. Today, however, he was taking Cuffe to the Pennington stronghold for the first time.
“Some say it’s imposing.”
He tried to imagine how a ten-year-old might see it, particularly one who’d grown up acutely aware of the strategies of running battles and survival.
“One might see it as a fortress, ready to withstand all attacks. The place has miles of footpaths that wind along bluffs overlooking the River Tweed where lookouts can spot an enemy’s approach for great distances. And in case of siege, the deer park and the lake would make for a steady supply of food.”
Cuffe rode along in silence for a while, contemplating his answer and looking through breaks in the wood for a glimpse of the castle.
Wynne had ridden over earlier in the week to meet with the earl and the countess, and formally ask their permission to marry Jo. It was no secret that they had already been married by the vicar in Rayneford. Still, a second ceremony would be performed at the church here, with a reception to be held the day before Baronsford’s famous Summer Ball.
All of this was a matter of formality, but Wynne encouraged it, knowing how much the Penningtons meant to Jo. He was prepared to do anything to smooth over the bad memories of the past. He wanted them all to accept him and his son into their family circle.
And that led him back here this morning, for Jo’s brother Hugh, Viscount Greysteil, had been away on legal business the day Wynne spoke to Lord and Lady Aytoun.
“Baronsford has always been seen by Lady Jo as home. She grew up here surrounded by a loving family and scores of people who, regardless of their rank or position, are treated with dignity and respect.”
“Is there anything not to like about it?”
Wynne would be able to answer that better after his meeting with Hugh Pennington. Cuffe knew nothing of the duel he’d fought with Jo’s brother sixteen years ago. Today was the first time he and Greysteil were meeting since that misty dawn in Hyde Park.
“Perhaps you can tell me when we ride back to Highfield Hall tonight.”
They broke out of the woods into the sunlight, and Cuffe reined in his horse. In the distance, perched dramatically on a rocky rise, the castle reared up impressively over the rolling fields and meadows.
“Baronsford?”
“The one and only.” He watched a hesitant expression cross Cuffe’s face.
“Imposing.”
“So I’ve heard,” Wynne said with a smile.
“And why exactly are we going there today?”
“You need to meet your new mother’s adoptive parents, her siblings and their spouses,” he said reassuringly. “I was told her younger brother, Captain Gregory Pennington, was expected to arrive with his wife and niece from Torrishbrae yesterday.”
“But why can’t all of this wait until the day of the wedding? Won’t there be scores of other people to meet?”
Wynne understood all the questions. In every new place since they arrived in the Borders, with every new group of people, questions and whispers had begun because of the darker color of Cuffe’s skin. Questions about the legitimacy of his relationship to Wynne. Every time, he’d resolved the situation swiftly and efficiently, but Cuffe was aware of the tension.
“You shouldn’t be nervous. The Penningtons are unlike any family you’ll ever meet. They live according to their own values, without any regard for the opinions of society. They’ve weathered far greater scrutiny in their lives than we ever shall.” Wynne reached across and placed a hand on top of his son’s. “Besides, I need you there today to help me.”
“How can I help you?”
“Be yourself and win their affection. Make sure they can’t refuse to take you in as a member of the family.”
