Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Not Sky,” Leora argued.
“Maybe not, but Slayer being Sky’s brother-in-law is enough to keep her safe and I believe that was enough for your da to wed her to Warrand. Presently, she is at the safest place she can be. And you would be wise to understand and accept your marriage to Noble, for it is the safest place for you.”
“I am safe here in my home,” Leora insisted.
“Not if someone comes and proves you are the woman they search for and insists you return to the Lowlands with them. The Highlands will not go to war with Lowlanders over one stubborn woman who could have prevented an altercation between the two fractions by agreeing to a marriage.”
“At least remain wed until this can be resolved,” Elsie suggested, feeling a twinge of guilt recalling how her husband said that Noble would take the marriage seriously and remain in it no matter what. “Please, Leora, just give it thought.”
A rap at the door interrupted them and Melvin called out, “Your da draws near.”
He reached out and gave his wife’s arm a gentle squeeze. “I need to speak with my da alone. Go with Leora and visit with your da. He knows she is home and is eager to see her.”
Elsie stepped close to him. “You will be all right?”
“Aye, I will, and I will see you as soon as I am done with him.”
Leora did not protest, she followed Elsie out the door and when they reached the staircase, Leora asked, “You do truly love him, don’t you?”
“With all my heart and more,” Elsie said, her heart aching for what her husband had to do.
They had talked about whether he should tell his da the truth about Harcus. Her opinion was the same as Melvin’s. Secrets were difficult to keep. They eventually made themselves known. Her husband would tell his da the truth.
Leora stopped at the closed door of her da’s bedchamber. “How do I not let him see my anger at what he has done?’
“Think of how much he loves you and what it must have taken for him to break a promise to you. It was not something he did lightly,” Elsie said and rapped on the door before opening it.
“Leora!” her da said and went to get up from the chair he sat in with some difficulty.
“Stay, Da,” Leora said and rushed to him, to hug him as she helped him sit.
Elsie saw the worry in her sister’s eyes for their da and she knew Leora would say nothing to upset him.
“I am so sorry, Leora. I broke my word to you, something I never thought I would do. I had to keep you safe. Your mum and I promised each other that no matter what happened we would both do whatever was necessary to keep you three safe. Please, forgive me. I am told Noble is worthy of his name and will make you a good husband.”
“I forgive you, Da, worry not,” Leora assured him.
Elsie, however, did worry since Leora said nothing about agreeing to the marriage.
Cavell’s father stood staring at him, his mouth agape until his silence turned to rage. “You lie! Harcus would never do what you say. He was a better man than you. You were always jealous of him. You killed him on purpose. You lie to cover your treachery.”
“Nay, Da, I don’t,” Cavell said calmly, having told his father all of it, including how he killed Harcus. “He abducted my wife as I told you and I have two witnesses to prove it and prove he intended to kill her. I had no choice, and I did not hesitate.”
His father raised a fisted hand at him. “I will see you pay for this.”
“You may want to think about that, Da. I am your only son, the only one who can provide an heir to Clan McCabe, the only one to see your legacy continue. Someday a son of mine, a true McCabe, could rule Clan McCabe and continue its legacy.”
His father dropped down on a chair, accepting the truth weighing heavily on him and his legs unable to support him any longer. “Why? Why would Harcus do such a thing?”
Cavell continued to tell him the truth, no matter how difficult it might be for him to hear. “You were going too slow in building wealth and power. He was impatient for both and found a way to gain wealth faster and power along with it. You two are alike, both wanting the same, but he wanted it faster than you and he did not care how he got it.”
“We were not alike. Harcus did something I would never have done. He dishonored the McCabe name,” his father said, looking as if he had just fought a difficult battle and lost.
“He only did what you taught him, Da.”