Page 59 of His Secret Highland Bride

“Still no word from Alec?” the man asked.

“Nay. I don’t know what to think of his delay. Perhaps this plan won’t work after all.”

“What plan?” Tory asked as she stepped into the study. She may have been the last member of the clan who hadn’t heard. He hadn’t wanted to share the details until Alec returned. But rather than risk her hearing it from someone else, he let out a breath and told her.

“I’ve sent Alec to deliver a message to the MacColls. I’ve asked them to return Deirdre and the money she stole to me so justice can be served.”

Tory’s face went pale, and her gasp was so loud, he worried she might swoon. But his sister shook off her concern as her face pulled up in anger.

“Why would you do that? You know they might see it as a threat.”

Shane put a settling hand on her cool fingers.

“I spent a long time making sure my message couldn’t be considered a threat. I was careful with how it was worded so they’d see I was left with no choice in the matter but to seek her out.”

“But Ronan—”

“Ronan would help us, aye. But not as much as we would need for the clan to flourish. I’ll not empty his coffers unless there’s no other way.”

To his relief, his sister nodded.

“Aye. I understand. I stand by you always. Ye know that.”

He winked at the woman his little sister had become. “Thank you. That means more than you can know.” He held out his arms, and she came to give him a fierce hug. He wasn’t sure which of them needed the reassurance more. He suspected it was him.

“What of your wife?”

“What of her?” he asked.

“Ye have not told her who you are?”

“Nay. I’m not ready.”

“If you get the money back, will it be enough to release you from the contract father signed with the Wallace laird?”

Shane shrugged.

“I’m not sure. I hope so. If not, perhaps I can use some of it to offer a good faith payment and then repay the rest in grain next harvest. It would be better than nothing.”

Since he’d arrived, Shane had faced one problem after another, and he didn’t know that he’d solved any of them. Perhaps he was destined to fail his people. All he could do now was keep trying, and at night he’d go back to the cottage he shared with Lindsay and let her distract him until the sun came up again.

His thoughts went to Maria, and he realized he’d not thought of her recently. With everything else to consider, he’d not made time. The familiar guilt came over him, but not as painful as it had been. He had Lindsay to thank for that. In fact, he had Lindsay to thank for many things.

He couldn’t repay her by annulling their marriage so he could wed the daughter of the Wallace. He was crossing the hall, heading to the bailey and then for home, when the messenger came rushing in.

“The Wallace laird has arrived. Should we let him in?”

It seemed Shane had run out of time.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Shane greeted the laird and his men as they dismounted. “Welcome to Cluny Castle.”

“Are you the new laird of the MacPhersons?” the man asked. His voice echoed against the stone walls surrounding the bailey.

“Aye,” Shane answered.

“I’m here to see you wed to my daughter, reclaim the dowry I paid, or take over your holding. The choice is up to you.”