Page 92 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
“Aye,” said Dadaidh. “Aye, pet, we can.”
“Always,” Magnolia agreed.
Epilogue
Magnolia’s father’s reply arrived promptly a week-and-a-half after she had sent the letter, and not for the first time, Magnolia marveled at the efficiency of William’s remarkable runners.
“Thank you,” she told the Commander earnestly. “You have been a wonderful friend to me, even though I do not deserve it from you quite yet.”
“Aye, well,” William shrugged. “I ken ye arenae that bad. An’ ye make Nathair happy.” His gray eyes crinkled into something light and friendly. “The only other person to make me friend smile the way ye dae was me late cousin. I’m glad that, if somebody has to step into her place, it’s someone as kindhearted as ye are.”
Before Magnolia could get over her surprise enough to answer that, he’d already left.
She stared after him for a moment, then hurried upstairs to Nathair’s study, letter in hand. “It’s here!” she called, throwing open the door without knocking.
He didn’t have to ask what. “Bring it here, then,” he said, a little anxiously. “An’ we’ll read it together.”
Magnolia unfolded the letter and spread it out on the table. She smoothed the corner and began to read.
“My dearest and most obedient Daughter,
It has done your Father’s heart proud to receive your letter. I shall keep this reply brief, as it seems I must needs plan for travel. In short, I have detailed the answers to your queries below.
First, on the former Viscount, Lord Peter Kole. Kole was tried by Her Majesty herself, in front of the entire Order, and with testament from many of the soldiers who were present that day. Once his treachery and willingness to commit crimes were discovered and confirmed, Her Majesty declared him a traitor to the Crown and to the Order. As you know, there is but one sorry sentence for such a crime.”
Magnolia paused, glancing up at Nathair.
He shrugged. “Forgive me if it sounds cold, me love, but I cannae feel sympathy at such a man’s death. He’d have killed me, me bairn, and a’ o’ me people for the sake o’ power.”
Magnolia nodded and continued to read.
“Second, my sincere congratulations on your betrothal. It may not have been what I planned for you, my Daughter, but I simply could not be prouder. Please inform Laird MacFoihl that I know him to be a good man, and I entrust you to him with all my heart.”
Nathair smiled gently at that but encouraged her to go on without comment.
“Third, and most importantly, you were quite correct in your prediction of the twofold issue of your service and your position in my line of succession. I have spoken to the Duke and the Marquess, and, with the Crown’s blessed permission, you are to be honorably released from your duties with the Order. This is thanks for your service in apprehending a traitor to the Country and helping to prevent a war that could have been truly devastating.”
Magnolia’s heart soared. She knew her father must have argued her case vigorously, and she had never felt such love for him as she did at this moment. He was a kind man, a good man, and she hoped every day she would do him proud.
“As to your suggestion about succession, I discussed this with all parties involved. The boy’s Mother is willing, and she shall be traveling with me north to attend your marriage ceremony. The Crown has given permission, with your signed document and the signature of the boy’s Father, it is binding. Therefore, your legal rights as Godmother mean that John Levy, son of Elizabeth and John Levy, shall be my heir in your absence.”
Magnolia bit her lip. That was it, then. That was the last barrier. “I’m free,” she said, barely able to believe it. “Free to wed you. Free to be in Scotland. Free to live life anew.”
“Aye, Me Lady,” Nathair said. “Your Faither is a rarity among men. He’s good an’ kind in a way that shines through ye, too. I’ll always be thankful to him for ye.”
Magnolia leaned over and kissed him gently, then finished the letter.
“As a final note, prithee hold back your nuptials until such time as your old Lordly Father and your friend Lizzy’s family can make it all the way north. We shall set out to travel today, but though John Sr. may be a good rider, I imagine with a woman, an old man, and a child, it may not be as quick a journey as our last ride north.
Stay safe, and keep with you my love. Pass it also to young Elaine, and to my new son, the Laird MacFoihl.
Your loving and prideful Father,
Lord Daniel Winterbourne, Earl of Elfinstone
When she finished, Nathair kissed her again, long and slow and passionate. “We wait until yer Faither gets here, an’ nae a second longer,” he told her. “Because I cannae wait until ye’re my wife good an’ proper.”
“What a surprise, My Laird,” Magnolia laughed. “Because I was just about to suggest something very, very similar.”
