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“Ah, Duncan needs tae relax,” Finn shrugged, swiping a dismissive hand. “I ken where the boundaries lie.”
It was a strange expression and one that made Elaine feel suddenly demeaned. She was certain Finn had not meant any offence in his statement, but in that moment, she felt once more like someone’s possession.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
The council eventually dispersed. While the others left the study, Jamie took Duncan over to one side to talk to him privately, very much the way he had done the last time they had met.
“I’m truly sorry, Duncan,” the wise man said, his hand pressed against his heart. “Ye ken, I dinnae relish this situation. If there was any other way...”
“I ken,” Duncan said with a nod. “Yer regret is gratefully accepted, yet none o’ this is yer doing. I would accept this easier if we ken what happened with Cora and Eoin. I cannae understand why nae one kens anything at all. Ye cannae tell me there was nae someone that saw something.”
Jamie looked troubled and with his heavy frown, nodded. “I ken exactly what ye mean, my Laird. There are many things with this situation that simply dae nae add up. Like ye, I cannae accept that the invasion last night was some coincidence. I believe the two acts are connected in some way, but without more information, we cannae join the two together. How long ‘til we hear back from the scouts that were sent tae clan Mackintosh?”
“It could yet be a week. Though I am as eager as ye, tae hear what it is they discover.”
“Then perhaps, as difficult as it may be, we ought tae hold off from making any decisions until they return.”
As always, Jamie’s words were wise. And the truth of it was that without further knowing who had broken through their defenses last night, no retaliation could be made anyway. Duncan simply would not know where to send his men.
“It may also be advisable, if such action has nae already been taken, to send some men out to the surrounding villages and hamlets. They need nae make themselves known, but men talk, especially men with ale in their bellies. Overheard conversations in taverns may prove useful, for I cannae imagine such a thing as what happened here last night would go without being discussed by some braggard.”
Duncan had not thought about such a notion. There had been many a time his men had done the very same. It would only take one or two men whose ego needed boosting to boast about how they had managed to infiltrate the MacDougall clan. They would be even more likely to talk of any injuries they had incurred to the soldiers within the castle.
“I will speak tae MacDougall and get him tae organize it,” Duncan agreed, “for I cannae disagree with yer conclusion. For now, however, I have much tae consider, Jamie. We will talk again soon.”
The older man nodded and exitedthestudywith a warm clap against Duncan's back and a face of sorrowful regret. With the room now empty, Duncan allowed what had been suggested to fully sink in. He needed to find another wife, and he only had a month to do so. Cora could not be replaced because she was unique in so many ways. He was hopelessly in love with her. But his new wife didn't have to be someone he had feelings for. Though he was aware in his heart that he was developing feelings for Elaine.
His own mother and father had not married for love. Their union had been to unite two clans and the surrounding lands, garnering allies resulting in support and protection for all. While they had been a strong unit, he could not ever remember witnessing any affection between them, not as the likes of which he had shared with Cora.
Keir and Duncan had been produced for the necessity of the clan’s survival and were not born out of any passion his parents had held for each other. Strangely, though he had been dead for many years, he wished he could seek the advice of his father now.
Eventually, with some difficulty, Duncan had put aside his present dilemma and sat at his desk to deal with other matters pertaining to the tenants on his land. While he had many men under his command, the decisions were ultimately left at his feet, and there were letters and issues he was forced to deal with. The world did not stop turning no matter what was happening to him personally.
After several hours of wading through and dealing with much paperwork, Duncan stretched his arms above his head. Enough had been done for this day, and he would return to it again tomorrow. Besides, the current distractions had pulled greatly on his concentration and as a matter of appeasing his own mind, he went in search of Keir.
Surrounded by advisors and members of the council, there were many people he could choose from to seek advice, yet the matter he wished to discuss required discretion. Keir was really the only man he trusted with his darkest and deepest secrets. While Finn was a close companion, there were things that Duncan kept from even him.
He found Keir where he thought he might, in the library, sitting before a large fire with a book in front of him. It was the place Keir found solace and, as an avid reader, he spent most of his time there. Keir had once joked that if he couldn't be the one making the decisions, he could at least make himself clever enough to assist Duncan in doing so. Duncan, however, knew it was more than that. For as long as he could remember, his brother had been searching for information about his illness and whether a cure could be found.
Relieved they were alone, he closed the door. Lifting his eyes from the page, Duncan crossed the room and sat heavily in the chair across from him. Keir's expression of sympathy communicated his feelings without the need for words.
After a long moment, he eventually broke the silence. “I ken yer heart is heavy, brother,” he said gently. “Nae man ought tae have had tae suffer what ye have.”
“And yet, many a man has, Keir,” he sighed. “I kent it was coming. I just thought I had more time.”
“So, yer in agreement with the council?” Keir asked.
“Their point is a valid one. The clan does nae belong tae one man alone, and its strength lies in the solidarity of us all as a group. I cannae be the frayed strand that brings us tae our knees, nae matter how difficult the path that lies before me.”
Keir smiled then, a nod of approval accompanying his steady gaze. “Father would’ve been very proud o’ ye, Duncan. Yer strengths have grown and as a man, ye have surpassed the expectations I had for ye. Those are the words o’ a true leader.”
“A leader who still needs his older brother’s advice,” Duncan replied.
“Tell me what ails ye, brother, and I will dae my best tae help if I can.”
Duncan took a deep breath. He had come to Keir for guidance, but now that he sat before him, he was unsure how to express his concerns. Perhaps it would be best if he just spoke plainly. He had always done so. Duncan didn't have time for flowery language or easily misconstrued conversation.
“My situation involves Elaine,” he began. “As ye well ken, I have been bringing the ladies tae the castle tae stall what occurred today. I did think I had more time.”
