Page 76 of Leila’s Legacy

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Leila gathered with her family and Brodie in the warm, familiar comfort of the solar, while Nan took Bonnie into the kitchen for some honey pastries. Rose joined them as well and remained at the earl’s side, as tender and gentle in her assistance as she’d been with Leila when she was ill.

As quickly as she could, Leila shared the details of what had transpired at Liddesdale Castle, about how Niall had indeed taken her, how he had shown her kindness, how he managed to break down her defenses and they’d came to love one another. It was at this part of the story, she left out some of the more intimate details that her family, most especially her father, would be best not knowing. Regardless, Ella gave her a knowing grin, but then, she always did love a romantic tale.

Leila went on to tell them how Niall had tried to free her, about their capture, and eventually about Niall drowning her.

“He did it?” Marin gasped. “He actually did it?”

Leila looked at her a long moment and remembered all at once that final vision she’d tucked against her heart, the last one she’d seen as she was dying. It had been lost momentarily in the recesses of her dark memory when life slipped from her body.

“He had no choice,” Brodie spoke up. “Leila’s bravery and Niall forcing himself to do the impossible saved my sister. We left Niall fighting Lord Armstrong’s son and twelve guards on his orders. I had no choice but to obey.”

“Thirteen men is no mean feat,” Anice said softly. There was a delicate note to her voice, one that suggested it might be too great an obstacle.

“But not impossible,” Cat added brightly.

“Niall would be too great a prize,” Brodie said. “They wouldna kill him on the field with over a dozen men against him. He knew that. They’ll bring him to Liddesdale Castle to have him strung up before the people.”

“’Tis true,” Lord Werrick agreed with a somber expression. His thin chest expanded in a sigh. “We will have more than a few soldiers to contend with, my daughters.”

“It matters not.” Catriona fingered her bow. “We shall fight, as will our husbands when they return from their hunt.”

She’d told Leila how the men went out hunting in the nearby forest opposite the village where no one else went. It helped the staff of Werrick and guaranteed everyone’s strength stayed up to resist the pestilence.

“All of us will fight.” Anice looked around at all the sisters, who nodded in unison. “Together.”

“I wish Drake were here,” their father lamented. Drake, the former Captain of the Guard, had left the earl’s service to pursue his own life, and they were all glad to see him achieve the happiness he’d found. Sir Richard, who had been Captain of the Guard before Drake, had returned from retirement to serve while the earl tried to find a permanent replacement.

And while their father didn’t say it, Leila and her sisters all knew this rescue would be too difficult for Sir Richard to take on at his age.

“We can do it without Sir Richard.” Marin lifted her head with the air of authority she’d always held. “Our guards spent years following me before. They can do so again now.”

“Nay, let them stay here, lest it cause a war between England and Scotland.” Leila got to her feet and everyone turned to look at her. “And, forgive me, Sister, but you cannot come.”

Marin’s face flushed. “Why would I not? Surely, you don’t think me too old?”

Leila shook her head as she approached her sister. “I had a vision before I died.”

Marin watched Leila warily.

“Marin,” Leila said softly. “There is life within you.”

“What did you say?” Marin blinked and a single tear fell from her eye.

Leila gently laid her hand on Marin’s lower stomach. “You are with child.”

A sob broke from Marin and she placed her trembling fingers over Leila’s hand. “Are you certain?” She stammered. “Mayhap you saw it wrong? Surely I am too old…”

“Nay, Marin.” Leila’s throat went tight with emotion. “You are soon to be a mother.”

Marin cradled her stomach and openly wept. She was not alone in her tears, for all the sisters, and even Lord Werrick, were wiping at their eyes. Poor Brodie, however, shifted uncomfortably amid this group of crying women and discussions of childbearing.

He rocked back on his heels. “I can join ye,” he said. “Er—at Liddesdale Castle. I know it well.”

The solar door opened, and four large men pushed into the room. James, the tallest of them, grinned at Leila. “She is safely returned.”

James made his way to Anice’s side and paused to ruffle Leila’s hair. “Ye gave us all quite the scare, lass.”