Page 62 of Highland Crown
The springing trout lies still,
So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud,
That swathes, as with a purple shroud…
—Sir Walter Scott, “Lady of the Lake,” Canto VI, stanza 15
When theHighland Crownhit the reefs in Duff Head, Cinaed was certain his luck had run out. But tonight, his good fortune had seen new heights.
One ship was not the topic of conversation, but three. At least. Plans were for long-term commitments on the part of the investors. Toasts ofSlàinte mhath… Slàinte mhòr, a tribute to the resistance of the old Jacobite cause, rang out over and over. The conversations Cinaed participated in always turned to some vision of a new and independent Scotland, at dinner and afterward.
For years, home had been either Halifax or theHighland Crown. When it came to a clan or a homeland, Cinaed had wanted to believe his allegiance was owed only tohimself. But tonight was a reminder that no matter how far he’d gone, or how long he’d been away, invisible ties still bound his heart to this land. Talking to these people, he knew he wanted to be involved with creating the changes they believed were coming. They clearly wanted him to be part of it, and he intended to do everything he could.
When Cinaed and Isabella left, only Searc and a small group of guests remained. He entwined his fingers with hers as they worked their way through the house.
“Thank you for being there with me,” he told her. “You were absolutely magnificent.”
Whether she was at his side or across the room speaking to some of the spouses or to Mr. Carmichael, every time he looked at her, his chest swelled with pride. She was beautiful, intelligent, and insightful in her opinions. Isabella was a rare gem and unlike anyone he’d ever known or dreamed of knowing.
She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “You have a bearing, a confidence that is astonishing. Most of those men were far more advanced in years than you, but they sought you out, looked for your opinion, and listened intently. It was quite impressive.”
“My ship brings a commodity they all want.”
She shook her head. “I’m no expert in how people think. But from what I saw and overheard in the conversations, it’s not only your cargo that interests them, but you as a person, you as a man. They’re drawn to you.”
She may have been exaggerating the guests’ response a little, but he was glad Isabella felt this way. It washeropinion of him that mattered. He smiled and pressed akiss on her hand as they started up the stairs into the tower.
She enchanted him, enthralled him with her beauty, with her mind, with the passion that was quick to flare up and light the desire within him.
The stairwell was dark, lit only by a candle at each landing. He felt her tension growing as they ascended. Her hand grew colder, and he could almost feel the blood retreating from her fingers.
He stopped at the door to the tower chamber. Regardless of how much he wanted Isabella, he wasn’t about to take advantage of this arrangement he’d forced upon her.
“I’ll sleep in the room downstairs where I bathed and changed earlier.”
A shadow flitted across her fair features. He hoped it was disappointment.
“That would be best.”
“But before I go, I have news of your sister and stepdaughter.” Cinaed hadn’t wanted to mention it before the reception. At that time, he’d had no idea when he could go after them. Or how he was going to assist Isabella and her family in leaving Scotland. Now he knew.
She didn’t wait for him to say any more. But, taking the candle from the wall, she pulled him inside the tower room and closed the door.
“Jean warned me about people coming and going unnoticed. I’ve become wary that someone might be listening.” She leaned her back against the door. “Tell me. Where are they?”
“They’re safe with the Mackintosh laird at Dalmigavie Castle.”
“The place you came from?”
He nodded. “My uncle arranged for the move.”
Isabella put the candle on the table, walked to the window, and looked out into the night. She turned and went to the far side of the room. She couldn’t conceal the smile tugging at the corners of her beautiful mouth. She rubbed her hands together and hugged her middle, trying to contain her excitement. He hadn’t seen her this eager, this happy since they’d met.
She hurried back to him, looking like a woman who was ready to charge out and go after her family right now.
“You said they’re safe.”
“They’re safe,” he repeated.
