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“We came upon them yesterday evening, close tae the fortress at Eilean Donan. The Ogilvie sends his regards, though he may yet seek recompense for a night’s lodging.”
“Mean auld skinflint. Still, I shall pay him if he asks.” Blair did not seriously expect to receive a bill—The Ogilvie owed him a favour or two. “So, did ye see her?”
“Aye, Laird, an’ we gave her your letter.”
Blair nodded. “A reply?”
“‘Tis here.” Robbie reached under the thick plaid which enveloped his shoulders and pulled out a folded parchment which he handed to his laird. “She was right glad tae be of service.”
“Thank you. Ye made quick time, there and back in not much more than a week.”
“The roads are good at this time o’ year. An’ ye did impress upon us the urgency.”
“Still, ye did well. Ye must be hungry. Go inside an’ see what Elspeth has laid out.”
The captain-at-arms clapped him on the arm and strode off across the bailey, two of his companions at his heels. The other four men awaited Blair’s attention.
“Archie, where did ye come across ‘em?”
“They were skirtin’ the southern face o’ Ben Nevis but their cart had lost a wheel an’ they were strugglin’ tae fashion a replacement wi’out the proper tools. Between us though were able tae fix it well enough to get tae Fort William, though ‘twas slow going. Once there we bought the two wagons ye see just coming over yonder meadow an’ we made fast time from then.”
“Are all who set out here?”
“Aye, Blair. All o’ them.”
“Their names? Please, do you know their names?” This from Roselyn who had approached to stand close behind him.
The man looked to his laird. Blair gave a curt nod. “Tell her who is with ye, lad.”
“Aye, Miss. There’s Ned an’ Martha in the first wagon wi’ their lad, an’ another two wee bairns. In the second there be a John Cooper an’ his wife, and her sister, Betsy.”
“Oh. Oh, Blair, John is our steward, and Betsy too. I told you about Betsy. They can tell you what happened. They saw…”
“Aye, an’ we shall hear their tale soon enough. Archie, will ye wait for them to arrive and bid them go into the hall for food. The little ones will be tired I dinna doubt. Meggie, would ye be sae good as tae ask Elspeth where there might be a quiet corner to lay pallets for them? I shall be in my solar, as will Lady Roselyn, but as soon as our guests are fed and rested I shall talk with them, in the hall.”
“In the hall, Laird?”
“Aye. ‘Tis best that all hear what is said and know the truth of their account.”
“Blair, I would like to greet them when they arrive, if I may.”
Roselyn turned her empty gaze on him and he stroked her cheek. “It is best that you do not, and that all here know that ye had no opportunity to explain what ye require from them. If their testimony is to help your case, it must be known to be true and not prompted by you.”
“But I would not—”
“No, I daresay ye would not. But perception matters as much as truth in these affairs and it is of great importance what my people believe. This way is best.”
He watched as her expression altered, as realisation dawned. He knew he was right in this and now so did she.
“Let us be away to the solar. I have correspondence to read which ye may find to be of interest.”
He led her back inside and up to the solar, the hound loping behind them. Blair had managed to set aside his inherent dislike of dogs in his private quarters, though before allowing her into the chamber he had insisted that Freya suffer the indignity of a thorough tubbing to ensure she was clean and as fragrant as might be achieved.
Once in the solar he bid Roselyn make herself comfortable on the settle before taking his seat at the small table which also served as his desk. There he spread out the parchment handed to him by Robbie and started to read out loud.
My lord,
It is with the utmost gratification that I pen this missive to you, and I thank you for your diligence in seeking the truth where many would not.
