Page 107 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

Mari’s English was flawless. They were making a joke of her.

Cam clenched his fists, ready to grab these weak men and pummel them until they no longer needed to worry about understanding things. But his gaze met Mari’s, and she shook her head.

Her mouth formed the word, “Please.”

He knew she didn’t want him to get thrown out of court. She needed him to be there. So he would stay. Even as she repeated her words, enunciating every sound.

The questions continued, though it was clear the magistrates were going nowhere but in circles.

“Perhaps if you’d been more obedient, he wouldn’t have needed to punish you so severely.”

“Could it be that you were jealous because he wasn’t paying attention to you? A man is entitled to take a mistress.”

“The duke’s crime was selecting a wife who was unable to bear up to her responsibilities.”

Round and round they went, accusing his lovely wife of being a shrew, a spendthrift, and a whore. Each time she remained calm and disputed their claim, but it made no difference. These men could not hear her words. They weren’t even ashamed that one of their class had hurt a woman, much less terrorized her to the point that she had no choice but to turn to murder.

When they were done with their relentless interrogation for the day, Mari was escorted back to her cell. Cam was permitted to visit her.

“This is madness,” he said when they were alone. “They ask questions but don’t let you answer, or listen when you do. This isn’t a trial.”

“It’s a formality. They need to do this so they can justify my punishment and send a message.”

“A message that a woman does not warrant the law’s protection and respect? Or that of her husband? I’m a father of a lass now, and I’ll not abide such things.”

“I thought this would go on a week or so, but at this rate, it will most likely be over in a matter of days. Perhaps you should bring Lizzy tomorrow. I want to see you both one last time. Then I want you to leave for home.”

“Nay. I canna let you go, Mari,” he said. “Lizzy and I need you. I’m going to get you out of here. I don’t know where we’ll go, but we’ll be together. We’ll make it work.”

She shook her head. “No, Cam. You promised. If you’re locked up or hanged next to me, who will take care of Lizzy? Please let this go. Just take her home and live a good life with her.”

“Live a good life? How the bloody hell am I supposed to live a good life without you? You think I’m just going to take the babe home to Dunardry and wish you well?”

“Yes.”

“No! I’ll not leave you here to face this alone.” He let out a breath. “There has to be some way out of this. Some way to save you so we can all go home and be a family. I can’t do this without you.”

He now understood how his mother felt, being the one left behind with a broken heart.

He’d always thought he’d be the one to leave someone else to this kind of empty existence. He’d avoided love precisely so he wouldn’t cause anyone pain. It seemed like a mockery of his plans that he was the one left behind once again.

His voice faltered, but he needed to be strong for her.

“I’ll not run,” she said firmly. “I’ll not risk you or our daughter, and I’ll not force you into a life in constant fear of discovery. I committed this crime. I shall pay for it, just as I knew I would since the moment I looked down at my bloody hands.”

“I’m not leaving,” he insisted.

“I don’t want you there at the end. I don’t want you to have that awful sight to dwell on. I want you to always remember me alive and happy. Please? When you think of me, think of us laughing and smiling and making love.”

“You ask too much, Mari. I’m only a man. I promised to protect you with my life. I can’t just walk away.”

“You aren’t just a man, Cam. You’re also a father. And I expect you to do what you need to do to make sure you can see that task through. Protect Elizabeth. Keep her safe and give her a happy life. That’s all I ask. And give her this.” She placed the locket he’d given her in his hand. “I snipped a bit of my hair and put it inside so she’ll have a small piece of me with her always.”

“I don’t want her to have a small piece. I want her to have all of you, alive and well to love us both. Please, Mari.” He tried to give it back, but she wouldn’t take it.

How was he supposed to keep Mari alive for his daughter with naught but a few stories and a lock of her hair?

“We both knew this day would come. We’ve lived the last months with happiness in our hearts, but the shadow has closed in. The day has come, and now we must face it bravely.”