Page 120 of A Touch So Wicked

“Send them to London, I suppose.”

“Must you? Without Tavis stirring up trouble, the Gordons will present no further danger to England.”

Damian stared at her. “Are you suggesting that I release them?”

“Aye. Most of the men have families to support and it hasn’t been easy for them. Most of them live in caves or crude huts unfit for habitation. Ask the men to swear fealty to you and release them.”

Damian grew thoughtful. “You ask too much of me, Elissa.”

“Please, just talk to them. If they prove difficult, send them to London, but give them a chance to redeem themselves.”

“You are very forgiving, my love.”

“Please, Damian, try to make peace with the Gordons for my sake. They’ve lost their chieftain, the rebellion has been nipped in the bud.”

Sir Richard returned with the prisoners before Damian could reply to Elissa’s plea.

“You have been declared outlaws,” Damian told the sullen prisoners. “If I send you to London, ’tis likely you’ll be sent to the gallows. Have you anything to say for yourselves?”

The Gordon men shifted uncomfortably, then one man stepped forward. “We throw ourselves on yer mercy, my lord. Our chieftain is dead; there is none among us who wishes to carry on what he began. We all have families to feed and clothe. There is never enough food to go around and our children are starving.”

Damian listened intently. Then he turned to Elissa. “What say you, wife?”

Elissa’s heart leaped with joy. Was Damian really going to let her decide these men’s fates? “I’m inclined toward leniency,” she said, “but that is for my husband to decide. How many of you would be willing to swear fealty to the Lord of Misterly?”

A long pause ensued, then one by one, each man dropped to his knee before Damian. Damian rose, spread his arms wide, and said, “So be it. It would please my wife if you brought your wives and children down from the mountains and made your homes in the village. Misterly’s lands are vast. There is always need for shepherds and farmers. I will provide the building materials for cottages to shelter your families.”

A hush fell over the assembly. Then the cheering began. Damian raised his hand for silence. “You have my permission to take Tavis Gordon’s body to his family for burial and to return to Misterly with your kin. Jem, see to the arrangements.”

“Thank you, Damian,” Elissa whispered. “I know you won’t be sorry.”

After the Gordons filed out, Sir Richard stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Damian, may I have a word with you?”

“Certainly, Dickon, what is it?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking about this for some time.” His gaze found Maggie and he held out his hand. Smiling, she walked to him and placed her hand in his. “Maggie and I would like your permission to wed.”

Elissa jumped to her feet. “Oh, Maggie, I’m so happy for you. I know how much you love Sir Richard.”

“Am I to assume this is a love match?” Damian drawled.

Sir Richard smiled at a blushing Maggie. “I never thought it would happen, but aye, ’tis a love match.”

“Then you have my approval,” Damian beamed. “When shall we hold the wedding?”

“As soon as…”

“Wait,” Sir Brody interrupted, sending Marianne a tender look. “Lady Marianne and I would like to make it a double wedding.”

A startled look crossed Damian’s face. “Lady Marianne, do you wish to wed Sir Brody?”

Lady Marianne smiled shyly. “If it’s all right with you and my daughter, my lord.”

“Mama! I had no idea you were contemplating marriage,” Elissa cried. “Of course it’s all right, and I’m sure Damian agrees.”

“We’ll make it a grand celebration,” Damian said. “’Tis just what we need to bring the clans together again in peaceful coexistence.”

“What about me?” Lora asked plaintively.