AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Calum, Julia, Liam, Angus, and the other MacLeans watched as John Campbell rode away with his brother’s body in the cart behind him. Julia and Calum clasped hands, and Angus watched their intimacy jealously. He had the misfortune of having fallen in love with someone who was engaged to another. He could have spoken to Charlotte before he left the Fort, thanking her for what she’d done, but his shame was too much, and he was still angry.
He hadn’t been able to prevent Lord Darling from killing Laird Campbell. He had been too weak and afraid. He also hated the fact that Calum had asked Charlotte to assist him so that he wouldn’t fail. Also, she had come, teased him, made love to him, and told him that she was in love with him, knowing all along that she was engaged. Now, he was nothing more than a useless, empty man.
Now that Calum had returned and would take over the lairdship again, he would have to find a way he could fill his days. Perhaps he should even leave the Isle of Mull and find another place to be. What good could he be to anyone at Duart?
Charlotte would go and marry her Lord in London, or wherever he was, and she would become the rich, society woman that she was meant to be. His heart ached, but he ignored it. He would have to become skilled at that if he was going to be able to sleep at night. He would get over it. His mind kept telling him that it was possible, but his heart doubted it.
He was so tired. All he desired now was to return to his bed and sleep away all that had happened. He dared his subconscious to try to send him images of Charlotte once he gave himself up to slumber. After John and his cart had become tiny in their view, Julia turned to him and said. “Let us go home. I am very glad that we are back, Angus. I have missed you greatly. I want you to tell me all that has happened.” Her voice was kind and soft, and Angus could tell that his sister-in-law was worried about him.
They began walking towards the shoreline. Calum said gruffly, “Aye, I didnae expect such a welcome. A dead man on the floor, and the Campbells and MacLeans in an English Fort, helping each other.”
Angus smiled weakly. “Aye, I imagine that was the last thing ye’d expected. Good thing Liam came with the men.” He slapped a hand on Liam’s shoulder, and Liam grinned.
“It was very strange tae see the British come tae our Isle as they did, their muskets pointed in our direction. That Lord was crazed, obviously, but I’m a bit disappointed I wasnae able tae spill a bit of English blood taeday. ‘Tis a fine day for it. Excuse me, my Lady.”
Calum laughed and said, “Aye, who is this man? When did he come?”
Angus sighed, remembering the letter that Charlotte had received, which he had read and which had caused her to leave so abruptly, taking his heart with her. “He is an Earl. He came supposedly to assist General Andrews with something. But he actually came for revenge. General Whiteman was his brother.”
Calum opened his mouth as understanding dawned on him. “Och, I see now. Bloody Hell, and he killed a Campbell for it. Only he killed the wrong Campbell.”
Angus nodded. “His plan was tae kill me until John confessed. I was surprised, I can tell ye that.”
Julia said, “Well, I’m very happy he did confess, although I’m sorry for the loss of his brother. I wonder why Lord Darling thought that it was you who had done it.”
Angus was feeling more tired by the minute. He wished everyone would stop asking questions. The four of them climbed into a boat, and Liam began rowing away from the shore. At least Angus would be able to breathe a bit better out on the safety of the Isle.
He continued his tale. “The Campbells told him ‘twas I who had done the deed. They wished tae use me for bargaining power tae get the land from ye. They had sent a spy tae the Isle right after ye left tae see how we fared.” Angus’ jaw clenched with the memory of what that spy had almost done to Charlotte. He would have to mention it to John when they met again.
Calum nodded. “Well, we’ll have tae meet with the new laird tae see how our agreement stands now. But surely they saw how we fared well, despite their hopes.” Calum looked a little nervous, and Angus suddenly felt a flash of anger towards his brother.
“Aye, we fared well, despite yer fears, brother. Charlotte helped the ill clan members. Mrs. MacLean tells me they are getting better with each moment.”
Julia smiled. “Charlotte is a brilliant healer, is she not? I am so glad that the people are feeling better. By the way,” Julia hesitated, and Angus knew what she was going to ask next. “Angus, has something happened with Charlotte?” Julia looked so hopeful that Angus’ heart broke.
Calum ignored Julia’s question and responded to Angus, “What do ye mean, despite my fears?”
Angus could feel the rage coursing through him. It felt good to take it out on someone. Anyone. “I heard that ye asked Charlotte tae stay with me so that I wouldnae make any mistakes with helping the clan. She was there tae help so that I wouldnae fail, am I nae right?”
Calum hesitated, and Angus was satisfied. Even his own kin felt he was worthless. At least he knew the truth now. It hurt him, but he felt a peace about it now that everything was out in the open. He didn’t have to try to guess at people’s real feelings anymore.
He looked out to the Sound and tried to think about a life without Charlotte. It would be empty and long, but he resolved to build one. And he could do it without Calum’s help.
Suddenly he felt a pang in his shoulder. He turned to see Calum with fury in his eyes. He’d just punched him. “What the bloody Hell, brother?” Angus yelled out, his ire having reached its peak. He just wished that he could be left alone to lick his wounds.
“Ye bloody idiot!” Calum yelled, and Angus felt cowed by the vehemence of it. “Why do ye always feel sorry for yerself, as if ye’ve naething tae give tae anyone? I wouldnae have left the clan tae ye if I thought that ye couldnae do it!”
Angus clutched his shoulder, feeling wounded. “Then why ask Charlotte tae stay?”
“Because I knew ye were nervous about it. ‘Twas nae about ye nae being up tae the task. But I thought that ‘twould ease yer mind if ye had someone tae help with Julia’s tasks. And the people were ill, and Charlotte could help take that worry from yer mind. I wasnae even sure if she would stay or nae, or if her father would call her back.”
Angus said, “Och, I see.”
“Aye, ye see naething, lad. Yer a bloody fool.”
Julia said then, her voice just a little sharp. “Come now, Calum and Angus. ‘Tis over. We can go home as a family now.” Angus could have kissed his sister for stopping the argument between him and his brother.
