Page 34 of Unchaining the Heart of the Marquess
“Yes, of course. It is simply an unfortunate thing that brings us here.”
“Indeed.”
“Aye, it was a sad thing tae be sure. I thought yer dear maither would ne’er cease her greivin’ o’er the loss. ‘Twas lovely tae see a noble lady care so for her maidservant.”
Frederick found such a sentiment where his mother was concerned to be quite out of character. His mother was not a cold woman, but she firmly believed in social classes remaining separate from one another. He had never once in his life seen her form any close attachments to her staff. She was a kind and caring mistress, but she would never be friends with someone from a lower class than herself. Perhaps this maidservant had been an exception? The only way to know would be from his mother.
“Ye can assure the lass’s family that Angus and I have been seein’ tae this kirkyard since afore her death and we will be seein’ tae it until we are planted here ourselves,” Mrs. MacDonald promised patting his hand comfortingly.
“Thank you, Mrs. MacDonald. I will be sure to share your assurances.”
They escorted Mrs. MacDonald back to the castle, then went down to the loch to retrieve their drying clothing. “Neither of them appear to know anything that would have led to the threats against my mother, other than Sarah Evans’ death.”
“True, but we have not inquired directly about the threats themselves, My Lord. I understand that you wish to avoid spreading word of a scandal, but they cannot address a threat that they are not made aware of.”
“I have been having similar thoughts. The MacDonalds would not be indiscreet, but I did not wish to worry them. I fear it may be necessary before we can leave with any kind of certainty that we have fulfilled our reason for journeying to Scotland.” Frederick bent down to retrieve his clothing from the rocky shore.
“I understand your reticence. They are lovely caring people. I, too, dislike the thought of disturbing their peaceful lives, but I agree with its necessity.”
When they returned to the castle, Frederick summoned the elderly couple to the library and showed them the remaining letters in his possession. “Who would do such a thing?” Mrs. MacDonald exclaimed her hand flying to her chest in distress.
“That is what we are attempting to ascertain.” Frederick felt guilty for upsetting her.
“’Tis a most sorrowful thing ye have been forced tae endure, My Laird. If there is anythin’ that we can do tae be o’ service tae ye…” Mr. MacDonald wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulders to comfort her.
“Do you know of anyone who could have sent such a note?”
“Nae, I dinnae ken, My Laird. I dinnae recognize the script. ‘Tis nae Scottish tae be sure.”
“I agree. The wording is not Scottish, but this is the only place that my mother was ever alone for any length of time.”
“Yer maither was ne’er alone here either, My Laird. She had her maid servant with her at all times. Yer maither was e’er the lady and has lived her life beyond reproach in every way.”
“If that were so, we would not be in the situation in which we currently find ourselves.” Frederick was feeling angry about the entire ordeal and was having a hard time hiding it.
Lt. Buckworth raised an eyebrow in concern, stirring uncomfortably in his chair.
“My apologies. I simply wish to protect her and am finding it difficult to do so with what little is known.”
“Nae need, My Laird. We ken well enough the man ye are and are nothin’ but proud tae serve ye and yer family.”
“And you are sure that none of the Evans family or her husband ever visited or wrote to either of you?”
“Nae that we ken, My Laird.”
Frederick sighed in frustration leaning back in his chair and nodded rubbing his face with his hands, then raked them through his hair. “We will need to depart for Pentford upon the morrow.”
“So soon, My Laird?” Mr. MacDonald asked, disappointed.
“Yes, I am afraid so, Mr. MacDonald. I cannot be away from my family for any longer than I already have been during these difficult times.”
“We are sad tae see ye go.”
“As I am sad to do so.” Frederick stood and placed a hand on the older man’s shoulder. “But I will return as promised.”
“Aye.” MacDonald nodded.
Frederick retired to his room and attempted to sleep, but his mind would not allow it. His inner turmoil swirled about causing him to toss and turn upon the bed. Were it a matter of the Duchess bringing her maid with her to Scotland and feeling guilty about her death in childbirth, it would have been nothing for his mother to admit such a thing to him. It would not have been worth causing such unrest to have kept such a thing a secret.
