Page 63 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
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As Freya departed, Emily made her way down the long passageway back to her rooms. It was almost midday, and the sun shone brightly through the windows.
As she rounded the corner, there was a shout from behind her, and she turned to find one of the members of the council approaching her, brandishing an envelope.
He bowed as he reached her, handing it over with a small smile. He was only a few inches taller than her and very thin, with bright, intelligent eyes.
“Lucas Moore, Lady Emily, I dinnae get the chance to introduce meself until now.” He bowed again. “Excuse the intrusion, but I wished to deliver a letter to the Laird, and I saw ye as I entered. This came for ye.”
She looked down at the letter, joy rushing through her at the sight of Ceana’s neat handwriting on the paper.
“Thank ye, Lucas, but Laird MacNiall has left with Laird MacGordon.” She hesitated, noting his disappointed expression. “Is there anythin’ I can help with?”
Lucas paused, and the look in his eyes communicated something to her without the need for any words.
“The Young family have sent a letter to say that they cannae return to the castle at present. It is a long journey on foot, and the faither is unwell. I was goin’ to suggest that I ride out to the village with the Laird to meet with them.”
“How long would it take?” Emily asked, the idea she had considered earlier solidifying in her mind.
“Nay more than an hour, M’Lady,” Lucas said, the inflection in his voice suggesting they were of the same mind.
“Perhaps I could come with ye instead,” she suggested tentatively. “I have handled similar troubles in me own clan. I could hear their requests and report back to him. I ken how important it is for people to feel that their lairds are listenin’ to them.”
Lucas smiled. “I am sure there would be nay objection, M’Lady.”
I think yer Laird may disagree with that.
But she was growing tired of sitting in her room and doing as she was told.
She was not trying to control anything. She simply wanted to be useful and use her skills to benefit the clansfolk. If they were to become her people, she should get to know their needs.
She nodded. “I shall be ready in half an hour. I can meet ye in the courtyard.”
Lucas bowed again. “I am most grateful, M’Lady. I ken they will be happy to see ye.”
She watched Lucas depart and then made her way back to her room. As soon as she was inside, she opened the letter eagerly.
Ceana’s words were reassuring. After the usual warm greetings between friends, she wrote that Laird Wilkinson and Bruce were doing well and they were safe.
Emily frowned, however, as the letter went on to say that James Stewart visited her family every day and had men watching the castle. They were unable to search for her, and it was causing her father some anxiety. But Ceana assured her that she would let Laird Wilkinson know that his daughter was safe.
Emily held the letter to her breast, breathing deeply and fighting back tears of relief.
She was even more determined to go to the village now. She was going to get out of the castle and actuallydosomething, instead of waiting for things to happen to her.
She was sick of being commanded and ordered by everyone around her, and today, she would do something for herself.
After half a mile of sulking, Doughall took a deep breath and composed himself as they rode out of the castle. Adam glanced at him, hiding a smile. Doughall always won, so to him a tie was failure.
“Nice game,” Adam teased.
“Have ye heard from Laura?” Doughall asked, stoically ignoring him.
“Nae since her last letter. I still dinnae ken where she is.”
“But ye are sure it was Stewart who hurt her?”
“Freya is sure—that’s enough confirmation for me. They are like two peas in a pod.”
