Page 132 of My Highland Love

“Then you comprehend the situation.”

“I do.”

Marcus gave him a curt nod. “I assume you can make your way from here?”

“Of course.”

The sailors who stood nearby suddenly let up a cheer and several among their ranks jostled Marcus and Kiernan. Marcus motioned Kiernan and Erin to follow. He strode several paces from them, then stopped and faced the two young men.

“It's early yet,” he said to Kiernan, “you can cover at least a third of the journey if you start immediately.” Marcus looked at Erin. “You brought three horses?”

“Aye. They are at the Bliney tavern.”

“Good. Kiernan, you may have lunch before leaving. Erin and I will begin straightaway for Brahan Seer.” Marcus started in the direction of the tavern but stopped when Erin said, “Laird.” He turned. Neither of the young men had moved. “What is it?”

“Lady Ashlund is not at Brahan Seer.”

“Not at—where the bloody hell is she?”

“Ashlund.”

Marcus frowned. “Is something amiss at Brahan Seer?”

“Nae,” Erin quickly assured him. “She simply refused to go there.”

“Has my father seen her?”

“He is at Ashlund.”

Erin reached into his pocket and produced a note. Marcus recognized the paper his father used on the rare occasions he wrote missives. He took the letter, tore open the seal, and read.

Marcus,

Elise is safely in Ashlund. When she refused to come to Brahan Seer, I left for Ashlund. She gave me your letter. I read it, then read it to her, but only after she confessed to me what she says is her entire story. It seems she knew nothing of your travels in America. I believe the danger you faced genuinely upset her. That is only right.

I thought it better not to force her to return to Brahan Seer, so we await you in Ashlund. Bring my grandson with you.

Cameron

Ashlund lay a three-hour hard ride away. He would see Elise before the evening meal.

Three hours later, Marcus and Erin rode into the stables at Ashlund. The stables were empty when they arrived, so Marcus left Erin to attend his horse and hurried to the mansion. His butler met him.

“Welcome home, Lord Ashlund,” Nelson cried.

“Nelson.” Marcus smiled. “Where will I find my father?”

“He is in the library, I believe.”

“And my wife?”

Nelson looked thoughtful. “She planned to go to the solarium.”

Marcus didn't move.

“Was there something else, Lord Ashlund?” Nelson asked.

“Nae,” Marcus replied, and strode down the hall toward the solarium.