Page 7 of My Highland Love

“It was the hand of a sweet lass,” Cameron replied.

“Which one? Not Winnie—”

“Nae. The lass Shannon and Josh found washed ashore on the coast. They brought her when they returned from the south.”

“Washed ashore?”

“An American woman. Her ship perished in a fire.”

“American?”

Cameron scowled. “Are you deaf? Shannon is the one who discovered her at Solway Firth.”

“What in God's name was she doing there?”

Cameron gave his chin a speculative scratch. “Damned if I know. They were headed for London.”

“London? Sailing through Solway Firth requires sailing around the north of Ireland. That would add a week or more to the journey.”

His father's mouth twisted into a wry grin. “You know the English, probably got lost.”

“I thought you said she was American.”

“English, American, 'tis all the same.” Cameron's expression sobered. “But dinna' mistake me, she is a fine lass. She came to us just after you left for Ashlund four months ago. You should have seen her when they brought her here. Proud little thing.”

“Proud, indeed,” Marcus repeated.

“'Tis what I said.” Cameron eyed him. “Are you sure something isn't ailing you?”

Marcus shook his head.

“At first, she didn't say much,” Cameron went on. “But I could see a storm brewed in her head. Then one day, she informed me Brahan Seer was in dire need of something.” He sighed deeply. “She was more right than she knew.”

Marcus understood his father's meaning. His mother's death five years ago had affected Cameron dramatically. Only last year had his father finally sought female comfort. The gaping hole created by her absence left them both thirsting for a firm, feminine hand.

“It's a miracle she survived the fire,” Cameron said. “'Course, if you knew her, you would not be surprised.”

“I believe I do,” Marcus remarked.

“What? You only just arrived.”

“I picked up passengers on the way home—Tavis, little Bonnie, and an American woman.” Marcus related the tale. “I recognized her accent,” he ended. “Got accustomed to it while on campaign in America.”

Cameron smiled. “Elise is forever chasing after those children.”

“Why?”

His father's expression darkened. “Shamus was murdered.”

Marcus straightened. “Murdered?”

“Aye.”

“By God, how—Lauren, what of her?”

Sadness softened the hard lines around his father's mouth. “She is fine, in body, but… her mind has no' been the same since Shamus died. We tried consoling her, but she will have none of it.”

A tingling sensation crept up Marcus's back. “What happened?”