"We went out of town with theStanburysto visit friends inStirling. The lady decided 'twouldbe best to find a stranger she would never see again. So, acting as guard so naught would happen to her, I walked with her to a fancy inn. I waited with her inside as she watched those in the common room. She kept staring at a young man with dark hair and dark eyes. When he arose from the table, bid his friend goodnight and started up the stairs… well, he was the one she chose. A nice-looking man, a laird, judging by his clothing."
"Aha!" Could the man have been Rebbinglen? "A Highlander?"
Daniel shrugged. "He did nay dress like a Highlander."
Hmm. Well, it didn't matter who the man was.
"And did she conceive of this union?" Claybourne asked just to be certain he was getting all the facts.
"Aye. Well, we can only assume the babe she bore was from this union. She, of course, remained with Stanbury until his death."
Claybourne smiled—he couldn't help himself—and tossed the sack of silver coins to Daniel Kerns. "I thank you." He arose and bid his butler to take the Kerns below stairs and give them their duties and a room.
Alone again in the silent office, Claybourne gave a whoop of victory. Now, he would have Calla exactly where he wanted her.
***
After supper inDraughon'sgreat hall, Rebbie approached Laird Barclay where he stood withRebbie'sfather near the fireplace. He'd put off the inevitable long enough. "I need to speak with you in private."
Barclay simply glared, as he'd been doing all evening. Rebbie certainly remembered that the last time he'd seen the man, they'd had a row because Elena had been seen outside his room in the middle of the night and Barclay had made the ridiculous accusation that Rebbie had compromised the girl.
"I hope I'm invited to this meeting."Rebbie'sfather lifted a brow.
"Of course." Rebbie glanced across the great hall and motioned for Lachlan to join them. He didn't think Elena's father would grow violent, but who knew? He wanted someone other than his father to back him up. He might suddenly side with his friend, Barclay. Anyway, this was Lachlan's home; he had every right to be in the meeting.
Rebbie was glad Calla hadn't joined them for supper. Angelique had told him she was in her chamber, taking a nap. She'd fallen asleep behind him on the horse and he'd feared she would topple off. He was also relieved Elena hadn't made an appearance in the great hall. He truly didn't wish to speak to the lass again.
Once in the library, Lachlan closed the door and poured whisky for everyone.
"What is this about?" Barclay's gaze darted between Rebbie and his father.
Rebbie swallowed the dram of peaty whisky and enjoyed the burn, then set down the small glass. "I'm simply going to say it."
His father nodded, and Rebbie strongly felt his father's support for the first time in many years.
"Barclay, I cannot marry Lady Elena. The betrothal is off."
"What?" Barclay growled. "How dare you break the betrothal after what happened? She was in your chamber."
"We both know naught happened that night. She slipped into my room and I made her leave. End of story. If she is compromised, 'twas not me who did the deed."
"Why you…" Barclay said between clenched teeth and charged forward.
"Wait now."Rebbie'sfather stepped between them. "Let's keep our heads about this." He eyed Barclay sternly. "You're a good friend to me, aye?"
Barclay nodded, though he looked no less vexed.
"Do you trust me?" his father asked.
"Aye."
"Well, then. I believe my son is telling the truth. He did not compromise your daughter.'Twassimply a misunderstanding."
"What fault do you find with her?" Barclay asked Rebbie.
"None. She's an amazing young lady and any noble laird would be lucky to marry her. We simply don't suit. I'm willing to pay a reasonable restitution for breaking the contract. What are your terms?"
Her father studied Rebbie for a moment with narrowed eyes. "Your horse."
