For two days after Hugh sent the letter to Owen, Riona lived on tenterhooks. She remained mostly with Maggie and Lady McCallum, both of whom spoke cheerfully about everything from thread to rain. Riona had a hard time achieving any sort of cheerfulness. Hugh was avoiding her in private, and she could not blame him. Every time he saw her, he must be reminded that the well-being of his clan was now in jeopardy. So far, Hugh’d been right, that the average person didn’t seem to know or care that the earl had returned with a sister who wasn’t Riona.
At night, Hugh slept in his own bed, and more than once she found herself creeping through the dressing room on sleepless nights to put her ear against the door, wanting just to hear him breathe. The words “I love you, Riona,” had begun to seem like a dream that she’d awakened from into a nightmare.
On the third morning, she was startled out of sleep by Maggie shaking her.
“Riona, wake up!”
With a gasp, Riona bolted upright. “What’s wrong?”
“Hugh left to meet Owen without us! Get up, get dressed, I have a gown laid out for ye.”
“But—but—”
It was hard to talk when Maggie was yanking stays over her head and nightshift.
As Maggie tugged on the laces, Riona asked, “Did you overhear Hugh’s plans?”
“Nay. But I was informed by someone sympathetic to us. No need to concern yourself with whom.” Maggie pulled a petticoat over Riona’s head and tied it at her waist, then did the same with her skirt.
“Maggie, but who—”
“Never ye mind.”
Frustrated, Riona helped Maggie slide the masculine waistcoat of her new riding habit up her arms and laced it in front. There was no doubt Maggie was frantic to follow Hugh. And Riona was fine with that. She grunted as Maggie shoved a stomacher down behind the laces.
“Sorry,” Maggie said. “Here are your coat and boots.” She tapped her toe while Riona donned them. “Let’s go!”
They had no problem taking horses from the stables. Brendan loved being able to help his new sister. It wasn’t until they were outside the curtain wall that Riona felt able to speak freely.
“Maggie, were you told where Hugh is going? I can’t see him, and even if we could, he’d see us.”
Maggie stared out over McCallum land. Mist hovered above the surface of Loch Voil down below them, and curled up the path. The sun wasn’t yet visible, but the sky was golden in the east as if the mountains wore halos.
“The whisky land,” Maggie said with conviction. “That’s where I was told Owen wanted to meet him.”
“But . . . what if we catch up to Hugh?”
“We won’t. There’s more than one path, and I’ll take a different one.”
Riona opened her mouth, then shut it again. She’d already gone along with Maggie’s plan; there was no point in quibbling. Maggie’s gaze was fixed on the rising path before them with determination.
Several hours later, Riona began to recognize the land, and knew they were near. The path narrowed through a copse of trees, then opened up to the vast bog that crossed the glen. And not fifty yards ahead of them, Hugh and Owen faced each other, and the tension in the lines of their bodies was a visible thing.
Maggie caught Riona’s reins and whispered, “Let’s stay within the trees and listen.”
They both dismounted but weren’t noticed, because the two men were focused on each other. Owen was a tall, lean man, who wore his sandy-colored hair pulled back in a queue rather than hidden beneath a wig. He was not dressed as a Highlander, but wore elegant breeches and coat, with a waistcoat, fine shirt, and cravat beneath, very much an earl.
Riona glanced at Maggie, who seemed to absorb Owen with her focused gaze.
“Your father told me I could not have Catriona to wife,” Hugh was saying heatedly. “I could not permit him to break the contract that was promised to my clan.”
“So you kidnapped my cousin?” Owen said levelly, but with indignation in his voice.
“Your father put her in Cat’s room—and I was fool enough to fall into his trap. Did he even tell ye about Riona being missing?”
Owen’s lips thinned, but he didn’t answer.
“He wanted me to take her, to save your sister. If ye think I do not regret my actions,” Hugh added, “then ye’d be thinking wrong. I regret putting Riona, an innocent woman, in the middle of this feud the contract was supposed to heal. Do ye want this feud to continue, Owen?”
Owen stiffened. “I cannot overlook the injury done to my cousin, regardless of the circumstances, nor can I forget the dishonor to my sister, who was supposed to be your bride. The contract states that should the conditions not be met, you forfeit this land and Cat’s dowry. And surely Riona is ready to return home.”
“Riona’s home is with me,” Hugh said coldly.
Though used in an ugly argument between two men important to her, those words thrilled Riona. Hugh wanted her, was doing this for her, too, and not just the clan.
“You violated her, McCallum. There’s nothing else to discuss.”
“Then let us do what our ancestors would have done, and place the fate of our clans on our own shoulders. I challenge ye to combat by sword, and the winner will rewrite the contract in his own terms and all will abide by it.”
Riona felt a chill, then opened her mouth to protest.
“Nay!” Maggie screamed before she could.
Both men whirled, hands on their swords and pistols.
Maggie ran down the slope of the hill, Riona on her heels.
“Riona!” screamed another woman’s voice, and out of the trees closer to Owen, raced Cat.
Riona gave an excited cry and ran to fling her arms around her cousin, as beloved to her as her sister.
Cat was sobbing, her brown hair falling out of its chignon. “I—I didn’t know what had happened to you!” Cat said, hiccupping on the words. “F-Father tried to tell me you’d decided to set up your own household, but I didn’t believe it, especially when he wouldn’t tell me where. Oh, Riona, I was so frightened!”
They hugged again, hard, then turned to face the men.
Owen was staring at Maggie, eyes narrowed but unreadable. With her hands on her hips, Maggie met his gaze defiantly.
But Owen didn’t speak to her, instead said to his sister, “You followed me, Cat? At least those two”—he gestured at Riona and Maggie—“had each other on such a journey.”
“I have a groom,” Cat sniffed. “He’s with the horses.”
Then her expression sobered, and she darted a glance past Riona’s shoulder at Hugh, who stood in his black and red belted plaid, massive arms crossed over his chest, and glowered at the women.
“Owen told me I’d been betrothed since childhood,” Cat said, “and Father never told me. Riona, this is he, the villain who kidnapped you?”
“Ye’re speaking about my brother!” Maggie said with indignation.
She eyed Owen uncertainly, while he boldly looked her up and down.
“Yes, he kidnapped me,” Riona said. “Th-this is the man you are to marry, Cat, Hugh McCallum.” To her horror, her voice was shaking and tears stung her eyes.
Cat put a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry it’s been so terrible for you. Surely, it’s better that the contract is broken after his terrible behavior.”
And still Hugh said nothing to defend himself.
“It was only frightening at the beginning,” Riona insisted, “and Hugh never harmed me. He just wouldn’t let me go, because he honestly believed I was the woman he was to marry. He treated me with honor.”
Hugh’s frown grew more ferocious, and she knew what he was remembering. She just hoped he kept quiet about the ropes.
“But ye’re not that woman, Riona,” Owen said coldly. “And I refuse to allow my sister to marry such a man.”
Cat stared at Hugh, little bothering to hide her fear at the merest thought.
“Cat, this contract is so important,” Riona insisted. “We have to find a way—and not armed combat!—to come to some kind of agreement.”
“I cannot in all honor marry you, Lady Catriona,” Hugh said. “I love your cousin, and I’ve already taken her to wife in the time-honored way of our people.”
Riona groaned. “Hugh!”
Owen drew his sword with a metallic swish. The sun, peeking through clouds, glinted along it with menace. “Then any discussion is over. I accept your challenge, McCallum, and this just won’t be to first blood, but to the death.”
“Owen!” Cat cried. “I thought you wanted to be a man of science! I won’t allow this. No one is going to die! If Laird McCallum loves Riona—” And then she gazed at Riona with trepidation. “But do you love him?”
Hugh’s gaze burned into Riona’s, but he did not beg her for her favor.
Riona covered her mouth with both hands as her tears spilled at last. “I feel so ashamed.”
Cat’s expression mellowed into tenderness. “Don’t cry, Riona. Don’t be ashamed. None of this was your fault. And I’m not betrayed—I don’t even know him!”
For a moment, there was no further sound but the wind. Riona and Hugh simply looked at each other, and in his gaze, at last she saw love and anguish and guilt, and a terrible farewell that seemed to crush her chest. He would honestly fight to the death to make this right?
“I won’t stand for this!” Maggie cried. “There has to be another way.”
For a long, tense moment, the silence was unbroken. Hugh glared at Owen, and although Owen gave him back equal menace, at last his gaze turned to Maggie and stayed there. He wasn’t hiding his emotions now, Riona saw. There was speculation in his knitted brow, and then his forehead cleared with a momentary wide-eyed look of realization and then deep satisfaction. It all flashed by quickly, and Riona wasn’t certain what she’d seen.
But then Owen spoke. “I have another proposal, McCallum. I will marry your sister and seal the peace between our clans once and for all.”
Riona gasped. Maggie went still, but she made no protest.
Hugh glanced between them frowning. “My sister? What connection is there between ye?”
“You were in England half the year, she was in Edinburgh,” Owen said. “We have spent time together once or twice, have we not, Maggie?”
Her chin came up even as a revealing blush washed across her cheeks. But still she did not protest the idea of marriage between them.
Hugh gave his sister a baffled stare. “Maggie, ignore his ridiculous idea. Ye don’t need to marry him. This is my disaster, and I will fix it.”
“A marriage between our clans is all that’s necessary to make things right,” Owen said. “I will be satisfied with Maggie as my bride.”
Now it was Cat’s turn to give her own brother a frown. “What is going on? You two knew each other that well?”
Maggie didn’t answer.
A knowing smile curved Owen’s lips, even as Hugh’s eyebrows lowered in an ominous frown.
“Maggie, say yes,” Owen said, his voice rough at the edges. “You alone know what happened between us. Together, we can make a new contract, and our people can share this land again. Your brother and my cousin can be together; my sister need never fear marrying a man she’s never met. Of course, her dowry will be held for her future husband,” he said to Hugh in warning.
“I have my own dowry, though it isn’t as large as Cat’s,” Riona added, and risked a glance at Hugh. For the first time, she felt a touch of hope.
She could see he was torn between protecting his sister, and the chance that their love—and the contract—might be saved. But Riona could never be happy if she felt that Maggie was reluctant.
Maggie was studying Owen as if he were a strange plant whose use she was trying to ascertain. Owen let her look her fill, confidence in his straight shoulders and the curve of one eyebrow as he awaited her decision.
“I will marry you, Owen,” Maggie finally said, her voice cool, almost detached.
Owen sheathed his sword with finality and even triumph. Riona wondered if he’d come here already prepared with this plan. Her cousin was a smart man. But he was also an earl, who could have married into another titled family.
“There will be no marriage if I forbid it,” Hugh said angrily. He strode to his sister, taking her shoulders. “Maggie—”
Maggie put her fingers against his mouth, and Riona could have sworn they trembled.
“Hugh, I want to do this,” she said with quiet resolve. “Owen’s right—this will solve all the problems between our clans. I may not know him well, but I do know him. And for me to be able to bring about a peace that’s been absent for generations? I will feel such pride, Hugh.” She lowered her voice and spoke with even more solemnity. “And this feels right to me.”
She emphasized the word “feels” in a way that seemed to relax Hugh.
He cupped her face in one hand. “Ye’re sure.”
At last, she allowed a small smile. “I’m sure. Let me do this, Hugh. I think Owen is right—it’s meant to be.”
Owen’s smile faded a bit as he stared at Maggie, but he said nothing.
Riona’s hope tried to soar, but she held it furled, fearful. “Maggie, are you certain?”
Maggie turned, and her strange eyes glittered. “I’m certain. I’ve been waiting for my destiny to reveal itself—and now it has.”
Owen rolled his eyes. “Enough of this nonsense, Maggie. I won’t hear any more of it.”
“Oh, we will be discussing things,” Maggie said. Then she turned to her brother. “Hugh, may I have your permission to accept Owen’s romantic proposal?”
Cat didn’t bother to hide her laughter.
“Was I not romantic enough for you?” Owen asked, his triumphant smile returning. He took a step toward her as if he meant to prove his intentions.
Riona saw Hugh stiffen, knew he held himself back.
Maggie kissed her brother’s cheek. “This is what I want, Hugh,” she said in a low voice. “Let me have it.”
Hugh nodded, but he didn’t look happy about it. “Ye have my permission,” he said quietly, enfolding her in a quick hug. “But if these negotiations don’t work out, he and I will have another discussion.”
Maggie gave a small smile. “They’ll work out.”
“Come here and speak with me, Maggie,” Owen said, turning his back and striding toward the edge of the bog.
She followed him with an elegant, confident stride that said she was prepared to have her way, now that she’d accepted.
Hugh turned to Cat and bowed. “Lady Catriona, I apologize for the wrong I’ve done ye, the dishonor I’ve brought to ye.”
Cat eyed him speculatively. “I can feel no offense for something I didn’t even know about—something I didn’t want. Riona and I always talked about choosing our own husbands. If Riona willingly chooses you, then I am content, for I, too, will have the man of my own choice.”
Riona thought her heart would burst with love and gratitude. She hugged her cousin hard. “I’ve missed you so! I thought I’d ruined everything between us.”
“Oh, Riona, in some ways I envy you.” Cat broke the hug, then quickly added, “For your relationship, of course, not the man himself. But I do believe he is waiting to claim you.”
Suddenly, Riona didn’t seem to be able to take a deep enough breath. Was this really happening? Could she have her own happiness?
Hugh, Riona, and Cat waited silently as Maggie and Owen spoke privately. Owen practically stood over Maggie, he was so close. They didn’t touch or betray a yearning, but there was something there between them, something that must have been simmering a long time.
Hugh seemed distracted by worry for his sister, and Riona understood. She still felt dazed herself. He didn’t bring up their marriage or their future.
Only when Maggie at last turned away from Owen did Hugh say stiffly, “’Tis time to return to Larig Castle. We can discuss your wedding there.”
Not our wedding, Riona realized with a start. But she knew he loved her—she could be patient.
“Wait,” Maggie said. “Hugh, what will ye say to the clan about how we’ve changed the contract?”
Without hesitation, he answered, “I will explain what happened, of course.”
“No, you will not,” Riona said sharply.
Everyone turned to look at her.
“You may be their chief, Hugh, but they are only just beginning to know and trust you. You made mistakes in your youth, and I alone know how much you’ve changed.” As that came out of her mouth, she thought Maggie might protest, but the woman said nothing. “Since the clan does not yet know you as I and your family do, they don’t need to know the truth of what went on between us, as long as it solves the problems between the McCallums and the Duffs.”
“Ye’re suggesting I lie?” Hugh asked stiffly.
“How is it a lie that we want to be married, that we want a future together?” she asked with quiet certainty. “Why do they need to know the private details of how we came together?”
“I never want my actions to make ye publicly shamed by what happened to ye,” Hugh admitted hoarsely.
“It’s not about me, but the ability to lead your clan!”
“Enough with the self-sacrificing attitude on both your parts,” Owen said with disgust. “Tell us the story and we shall all swear to it. We’ve all worked hard to make right what our fathers did. It needs to be finished.”
Owen looked pointedly at Maggie, and though she met his eyes, she said nothing.
“We can say part of the truth,” Hugh said quietly. “That the moment I saw you by the light of day, I was struck by your beauty and your courage.”
She knew immediately the moment of which he spoke, when she’d emerged out of the coach by daylight and seen him for the first time, too. He had changed her entire life—for the better—but she hadn’t known the truth that day. It was strange, yet gratifying, to know that the moment had changed him as well.
“I had to have you for my own and I wouldn’t let the contract stand in the way,” he continued with fervor.
Maggie smiled at her brother, tears in her eyes. “And that’s the truth, isn’t it? And between all of us, the best results have happened.”
Riona answered Maggie’s smile with one of her own. “Just say that you knew who I was from the beginning—after all, I’d told you the truth, remember?”
Hugh grimaced, and Owen shook his head.
“’Tis done,” Hugh said. “I don’t care about myself, but I never want to shame ye again after everything I’ve put ye through.”
“It was worth it,” Riona said quietly. She thought for a moment that Hugh would say more, but was disappointed when he turned away to the horses.
AS they all approached Larig in mid afternoon, Riona stared upward at the magnificent castle with a new perspective. This was her home now—would be her home forever. Her eyes stung and she blinked them, not wanting to distract Hugh, who’d seemed overly sober and silent during the journey back. This didn’t make her nervous, as it once might have done. He’d confessed his love to her, and she trusted him.
But she’d never told him of her own love, she realized. Was he concerned about her true feelings, now that they would be married? But she needed privacy to discuss this, and didn’t know when they’d have it.
The guards didn’t recognize the new Earl of Aberfoyle, and Hugh announced him in a ringing voice. “You shall all show your respect and care for the earl,” he continued, “and treat him as my new relation.”
The guards sent glances toward each other, but all bowed as they passed. Word seemed to spread from behind them and outward around the upper courtyard, where ghillies and gentlemen alike emerged from the barracks to stare. Owen rode straight in the saddle, unconcerned with anyone but Maggie. Riona caught him glancing at her frequently, but except for offering her water and oatcakes on the journey, they’d spoken little.
Maggie’s usual cheerful expression was absent, as if she was mulling what she’d agreed to. But Riona knew the McCallums and honor, and knew Maggie had meant everything she said. Riona now understood what it was like to think you had to marry a stranger, and she could only hope that Maggie and Owen shared more of a history than Riona knew of.
After handing over their horses to grooms—including Brendan, to whom Hugh gave his first smile of the day—they all ascended the stairs to the great hall on the first floor of the main towerhouse. Word must have already spread inside, for Mrs. Wallace was waiting there, and she stared at Owen with wide eyes, as if the devil himself had come to visit.
Riona slid her arm within Cat’s, who looked nervous, and murmured, “Don’t worry, everyone here is wonderful and will treat you with respect.”
Cat only nodded.
“Is it strange to know you should have been mistress here?” Riona asked knowingly.
Cat’s eyes widened. “You always did understand me too well.”
They both chuckled, and the tension eased.
“Mrs. Wallace,” Riona said, “please see to accommodations for the Earl of Aberfoyle and his sister.”
Mrs. Wallace’s usual smile blossomed. “Of course. Lady Riona, would ye wish to accompany us?”
Cat glanced at Riona in surprise at the honorific, then bit her lip to hide a smile. Riona looked to Hugh uncertainly.
He nodded. “Go with them, Riona. Mrs. Wallace, when the ladies are settled, please return to speak with me. I have instructions for our feast this night.” He arched a brow at Riona. “Rest, my lady. I will take care of everything.”
She felt that knot in her throat again, the exultation of being loved, being cared for. But . . . she wanted to go to him, beg him to tell her it would be all right, that he could get past the sacrifices they’d all made to end the feud between their clans.
That evening, she chose her favorite new gown, a deep blue that parted down the front to reveal an embroidered stomacher and the lace of her petticoat. Mary stared at her with awe, and even Cat and Maggie, who came to be with her, seemed impressed.
“I think you must be in love because you’re even more beautiful,” Cat said.
Her voice had a wistfulness that surprised Riona. Her cousin had always been so independent, wanting to do as she pleased before having to settle into a man’s home. Riona only hoped that she could make Cat see that marriage wasn’t such a bad thing . . . if one could overlook the kidnapping part.
The three women descended to the great hall, and Riona inhaled with shock. She’d never seen the large room decorated for such a feast, with colorful tapestries and banners on the wall, every torch lit, and at least a hundred people gathered. How had Hugh reached so many people in so little time? They’d all come for him, their chief.
Hugh was standing with Owen on the dais, and they looked anything but at ease with each other. But the earl seemed to relax upon seeing Maggie, as if he’d been worried she might change her mind. He guided her to a seat beside him, and she gave him a polite smile. With a sigh, Riona turned away from them, knowing that she would help her future sister-in-law all she could.
Hugh was looking down upon her with such seriousness that she felt a pang of worry. But the frown faded from his brow, and he bent over her hand.
“Do ye trust me?” he whispered.
He stared up at her with those gray eyes she’d once thought of as winter cold, but she now understood the thaw as if it were springtime between them, a time of beginnings.
“I trust you with all my heart,” she answered quietly.
And then he straightened, and still holding her hand, called for attention in a voice that wasn’t overly loud, but rang with command. Everyone went silent, as if they’d been waiting for this moment. Riona felt as if even breathing would disturb the pregnant stillness.
“I’d like to introduce ye to my wife, Riona Duff.”
There was a cheer, but it died away in confusion.
“Aye, ye knew her as my betrothed, but I’ve taken her to wife in the ways of our ancestors, but this will be no trial marriage. We’ll have it blessed before the priest.”
At last he smiled at Riona, and she gave him a tremulous smile in return. Whatever he said next, she knew it would be for the best.
“But I tell ye this because Riona was not the bride I’d been promised since childhood. Her cousin Lady Catriona was.”
He gestured to Cat, who blushed to the roots of her hair, but kept her chin high. Owen’s face was a mask of impassivity, but his eyes blazed as he stared at Hugh.
In the hall, the dead silence had returned, along with sidelong looks of uneasiness. Riona knew that they were remembering the terms of the contract, and what its sundering would mean to them.
Hugh took both her hands, and though he spoke to the hall, he looked only at her. “From the moment I saw Riona, I knew I had to have her to wife,” he said, his voice rough. “I felt a passion and a destiny that I could not deny. I did not forget the contract between our clans, but I knew that I would find a way to come to terms with Aberfoyle. While I did this, I kept the truth a secret from everyone, and I regret that it was necessary. Fear not, for the contract remains between our families. Lady Catriona will have her pick of husbands, a decision she welcomes making on her own.”
Cat gave a real smile to Hugh for the first time, and Riona felt the last of her tension fade away.
Hugh continued, “My sister, Maggie, will become the earl’s bride, and both of our marriages will heal the rift begun hundreds of years ago between McCallum and Duff.”
The cheer at those words was deafening, and even Owen looked surprised. He glanced at Maggie, who met his gaze, and it held for so long, Riona had to look away, feeling as embarrassed as if she’d seen them kissing. She knew there wasn’t love there yet, but they had . . . something.
Hugh lifted the cuach up high. “This whisky, the water of life, has also helped heal the past.” He took a long sip, then passed it to Owen, who didn’t hesitate to drink it.
When the cup passed her, Riona took hold of it, to Hugh’s obvious surprise.
“Ye don’t have to drink it, lass,” he murmured. “I remember how it tasted to ye.”
“I’m your wife, Hugh McCallum, and I’ll do as I please.”
Laughter spread out around her, and she took a sip—a tiny one—of the whisky. She nodded, holding her breath, trying not to cough as it burned down her throat.
“That is good,” she said hoarsely, and passed it to Maggie.
Hugh grinned and took her hand. “Come with me, Riona.”
The redness from the whisky turned into a hot blush. “Hugh, we can’t leave yet,” she whispered.
He chuckled. “Then come stand outside with me.”
He led her through the crowd, and people briefly clasped her hand or wished them well. At last they were outside on the landing, where torches lit the castle, but the stairs still seemed to go down into darkness.
But Hugh didn’t descend, only looked at her with searching eyes as the wind ruffled his dark hair.
And then he dropped to one knee and reached for her hand. “Riona Duff, I did not properly ask ye to marry me yet. If ye would, accept my hand in marriage, and accept a place in my castle, and in my heart.”
She didn’t believe she had more tears, but they came.
He pressed his lips to her hand, then met her gaze. “I love ye, Riona, yet I don’t feel worthy of ye. I doubted your word though ye only ever spoke the truth. I focused on the needs of my clan rather than what I was doing to ye. I almost lost ye.” His voice grew husky. “That would have meant unbearable sadness to me. Ye’ve become the light in my heart, Riona, a love I never thought I could have, after my father took away all my choices. Say ye’ll marry me.” He paused, and his next words were hoarse. “Say ye love me, lass.”
“Oh Hugh,” she whispered. “I’ve loved you longer than I even knew. I was so afraid we could never be together, that I wouldn’t let myself believe in our love, nor trust in it. Even now, it still seems almost unreal. But I love you!”
She flung her arms around his neck, and he caught her and rose to his feet, holding her off the ground.
“Of course I’ll marry you, Hugh. But remember, though you may have named me your wife, that doesn’t excuse you from helping to plan our official wedding.”
He laughed and set her on her feet. “As ye can see from our feast tonight, I’ll be good at that.”
“You’ll be a most excellent husband, Hugh, and every day I’ll thank God that I was the one you kidnapped.”
He grinned, then held her by the hand and led her back into the hall, back into the embrace of their clan.