By the time Lucas reached the great hall, William had left.

“My goodness, ye’ve returned. We haven’t seen ye in the evenings for days,” said Emily.

Robert frowned. “That’s right, we haven’t. What’s been occupying yer time?”

Emily turned a disbelieving glare on her husband. “Did ye really just ask that? Are ye daft or blind?”

“What are ye talking about?” he demanded.

Nina tsked. “Emily, dear, he is neither. Just a tad unobservant.”

“Well, is somebody going to fill me in?” roared Robert.

“I think Emily and Nina are referring to the fact that I have spent some time in the evenings with Ailsa MacLennan. She’s lonely and as I’m the one who brought her here, it’s my fault.”

“Some time in the evening?” asked Emily. “Ye’ve spent all day, every day, with her.”

Lucas scowled at her. “What if someone kidnapped ye, Emily? Would ye want to stay locked up alone?”

“Of course not,” she replied. “And I think it is lovely of ye to keep her spirits up, particularly because ye were the one who kidnapped her.”

“The Galbraiths kidnapped her. I saved her from them,” Lucas replied irritably.

“Keep telling yerself that if it eases yer conscious,” said Emily. “The truth is, rescuing her would imply ye delivered her safely home. But ye didn’t. They stole her from Edinburgh castle to gain a ransom and ye stole her from them for the same reason.”

“God’s teeth, Emily, she’s a MacLennan,” said Robert. “Of course he kept her for ransom. But he saved her from God knows what at the hands of the Galbraiths. Ye make it sound as if he did something wrong.”

Emily shrugged. “I’ve made no judgement one way or the other. I just believe in calling a fig, a fig. Calling it an apple doesn’t make it one. He only removed her from one dire situation to put her in a slightly less dire situation.”

Lucas had told himself as much, but he wouldn’t admit that here. He cast an imploring look at Nina. Emily was one of the most opinionated women he’d ever encountered. Robert lost patience with her regularly. But sometimes Nina could be the voice of reason.

This evening she shook her head. “Emily is right, ye didn’t exactly rescue her. But Robert is right too. She’s a MacLennan, not to mention the fact that she got herself into this whole mess. Of course ye held her for ransom. No Grant in his right mind would have done anything else. And trying to help make this whole situation easier on her shows what a truly kind man ye are. Ye’ll make a fine husband someday. And regarding that, William has been looking at other betrothal options. Laird Carr has several daughters and that would be an excellent alliance.”

“Laird Carr is a close ally of the MacLennans, he’d never agree to that. Besides, they aren’t a wealthy clan and, as ye said, he has several daughters. William wouldn’t get the dowry he wants.”

“Well, Laird MacLeod has daughters too—I believe the oldest is called Lissa. She’s still a bit young, but that would be a helpful alliance too and the MacLeods are extremely wealthy.”

This is the very last thing Lucas wanted to discuss now. “Perhaps. Speaking of William, I wanted to talk to him. Is he in his solar?”

“Aye, I believe that’s where he went.”

“Thank ye.” Lucas turned and left the hall without another word.

The door to William’s solar was ajar. He knocked lightly as he pushed it open. “William, can I talk to ye?”

William looked up from his ledgers and frowned. “I’m busy.”

“Please, William, it’s important.”

He harrumphed. “I said I’m busy. It can’t possibly be important enough to interrupt what I’m doing right now.”

“But, William—”

“Nay,” he practically shouted. “We can talk in the morning.”

“I’ll be guarding Ailsa in the morning.”

“Well, leave her in her chamber for a while then. Ye spend every waking minute with her anyway. I should have known better than to allow it.

“If ye’ll just listen to me—”

“I said nay. I am yer laird.” He emphasized each word. “Why do ye take every opportunity to defy me?”

“I just want to talk with ye.”

William waved his hand as if brushing him out the door “I’ve heard enough of this. Leave my solar now.”

“But—”

“I said leave. Now.”

Lucas shook his head in frustration. He didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. The MacLennans might arrive at any moment prepared to pay the ransom and take Ailsa away from him. But there was no point in arguing. He’d have to try to catch William first thing in the morning, before he immersed himself in something else.

He thought his brother had changed over the years, but this was the William he’d always known. The one who, when frustrated with an argument, resorted to “Because I’m the laird, that’s why.”

He went to his chamber and stood staring out his window, all of the events of the day swirling in his head. A betrothal with Ailsa would serve both clans well. But he was certain if they waited for Laird MacLennan to pay the ransom before suggesting it, he wouldn’t hear of it.

Then there was the possibility that Ailsa wouldn’t want to marry him anyway. Maybe she didn’t feel the same way he did.

Nay she responded so passionately to his kiss. Ailsa was too forthright a woman to fake affection. However, she might be fond of him, and still not want him for a husband. Then Emily’s blunt words came back to him. “The truth is, rescuing her would imply ye delivered her safely home. But ye didn’t.”

Emily had also said he’d only removed her from one dire situation to put her in a slightly less dire one.

Why would Ailsa want to marry him? And why would his brother, who could only see her as a hated MacLennan agree to ask for a betrothal? But even if he did, why would Laird MacLennan agree? Lucas was the man who’d kidnapped her. And no matter how vociferously he tried to convince himself that he’d done what he had to in order to keep her safe, he knew it wasn’t true. He could have taken her home. He brought her to Castle Grant to try to appease his brother and that hadn’t worked either.

Lucas had fouled things up royally.

The annoying little voice within him said, ye could take her home.

Aye, he could. Tomorrow, he could just take her to the stable, saddle Captain, conceal her in some way, and ride through the gates. If they left in the morning, they could be over halfway to Brathanead by the midday meal when they would likely be missed.

But tomorrow might be too late. Laird MacLennan must surely arrive any day now with the ransom.

His gaze rested on a portion of the curtain wall that was crumbling and needed repair. Guilt rose like bile within him. The clan needed the ransom money. Still, Lucas firmly believed marrying her was ultimately in the best interest of the clan too. They would gain both her dowry money and an alliance with a well-connected clan that currently was a dangerous enemy. But if William actually traded her for the ransom money, they would further alienate the MacLennans and a betrothal would be impossible

If he took her home, as he should have from the start, there was at least a chance that Laird MacLennan would consider a betrothal if it was what Ailsa wanted. Of course it was equally possible that when he delivered her to Brathanead, her clansmen would seize him, throw him in their dungeon, and seek a ransom from William.

That would be the worst possible outcome, but Lucas had to do what he believed was right. And he firmly believed returning the woman he loved to her family was the right thing to do. He had to try.

But he couldn’t wait until tomorrow. The best chance he had of making this work was to leave tonight. He looked out the window. The rain had stopped earlier in the evening and the sky was clearing. The moon was just past full so he’d have enough light to travel by.

He waited long enough to ensure his family had retired to their beds and the only people remaining in the great hall were asleep on the floor. He took several lengths of coiled rope and slung it over his shoulder. Although he hoped it wouldn’t be necessary, if he had to disable her guard he would. And in order to have enough time to get away, he’d have to bind and gag the man.

Then he wrapped his sword in an extra plaid and went downstairs. When he reached the great hall, he checked to make certain no one would see him before crossing silently to the south tower. He stashed the plaid and sword at the bottom of the stairs. It was late enough that the guard would have changed and he wasn’t sure who might be on duty. He hoped he’d just be able to convince whomever it was that he was just taking her for an evening stroll. It wouldn’t give him much time, but it might be enough. If that didn’t work he’d do whatever was necessary.

When he reached the top of the tower stairs he encountered his first blessing. Ben, a very young man, was on guard duty. He was sitting in a chair, leaning against the wall, with his eyes closed. If he was asleep, maybe they could just slip past him. But as soon as Lucas stepped into the corridor, Ben was alert.

“Lucas, what are ye doing here so late?”

Well he’d have to go with his first plan. “It’s a beautiful night. The rain is gone and there’s a fresh breeze. I thought maybe Ailsa would like to take a stroll.”

“This late?”

“Aye, I think she’d like a bit of air.”

“But it’s the middle of the night.”

“We won’t be long.”

“Nay, Lucas, I can’t let ye. The laird wouldn’t like it.”

“The laird said she was allowed out of her chamber if I was guarding her.”

“During the day. But I’m certain he won’t approve of this.”

This wasn’t going to work. “Fine. I’ll go back to bed.” Lucas turned away, as if he were heading to the stairs, then spun back suddenly, slamming his fist into Ben’s face, knocking him out. “I’m sorry, Ben. I’ll make it up to ye somehow.” Lucas bound and gagged him.

The key to the chamber was hanging on its hook. As quickly as possible, Lucas unlocked the door and entered the room. The room was dark and Ailsa was asleep. He stared at her for a moment, watching her sleep. He smiled remembering the night on the road after she’d fallen into the stream. He’d stayed awake so he could build a fire to keep her warm and he’d watched her sleep for hours. She was so beautiful.

Tonight, however, he couldn’t indulge himself for more than a moment. They had to leave. He moved to the edge of the bed and placed a hand over her mouth before shaking her gently.

She woke instantly, his hand muffling her shocked cry.

“Wheesht. It’s just me.”

“Lucas? What are ye doing here?” she whispered.

“Ailsa, I’m sorry for everything that has happened. I should never have brought ye here and I’m going to take ye home to Brathanead now.”

“Why now?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell ye everything later, but we have to go now. I’ll turn my back while ye dress.”

She nodded and climbed out of bed. It wasn’t long before she laid a hand on his arm and whispered, “I’m ready.”

He smiled. She was wearing the dress she’d worn to the Michaelmas celebration and that she’d worn throughout their journey north. It had been laundered, but was considerably worse for the wear. She also had a plaid wrapped around her.

“How are we going to get out?”

“Ben was on guard duty. I tried to talk my way around him, but I had to knock him out.”

“What happens if he regains consciousness?”

“He’s bound and gagged. He won’t be found for a couple hours, until the next guard arrives to relieve him. Be as quiet as ye can on the stairs and stay close to me as we cross the hall.”

She did as she was told. Ben was stirring as they passed, so Lucas hadn’t injured him too badly. At the bottom of the stairs, he retrieved his sword and plaid then led her out the back of the keep. They kept to the shadows at the base of the keep until they neared the stable.

There were guards on the top of the wall who might see them crossing to the stables. Since he intended to ride out, it didn’t matter if he was seen, but he needed to keep Ailsa hidden.

“Lucas, how are ye going to be able to do this? If we’re caught, yer brother will be furious with ye.”

“We won’t be caught,” he said with a confidence he didn’t feel. He knelt down on one knee. “Get on my back as ye did when I stole ye away from the Galbraiths. Cling as tightly as ye can, making yerself as small as possible. I’ll cover ye with my plaid and walk to the stable as if I’m alone.”

She followed his instructions and he swept the extra plaid he’d brought around his shoulders. In the dark he didn’t think a guard who might see him would notice anything amiss. He walked confidently across to the stables and as he’d hoped, no one seemed to pay him any heed. Once inside the stables he put her down and led her to Captain’s stall.

She stood wringing her hands while Lucas saddled his mount. “Lucas are ye sure this is necessary? I don’t want ye to anger yer brother.”

“It’s too late for that, sweetling. I promise ye, this is the best thing for both our clans. But I’ll tell ye everything as soon as we are well away.”

“How are ye going to get me through the gates?”

“On my back again,” he said strapping his sword to his side. “Ye’re small enough, if I drape the plaid loosely, ye won’t be seen.”

When he’d finished saddling Captain, he mounted and then pulled her up behind him. “Now wrap yer legs around me, tuck yer head to the side, and flatten yer body as much as possible.”

As soon as she’d done that, he draped the plaid around them once again, covering her completely. Then he offered up a silent prayer. Dear God, ye’ve granted me one blessing tonight, but I need another. Can ye please get us past the men on the gate?  

He rode out of the stable, the woman he loved clinging to his back under the plaid, and made his way to the gates.

Davis was the guardsman on the gate. Thank ye, God, this might work.

Davis called to him, “Lucas, by all that’s holy where are ye going this late?”

“I’m too irritated to sleep. There was something that I wanted to discuss with William earlier and he refused to hear me out. Anyway, Captain hasn’t been out for several days because I’ve stayed within the walls with Ailsa. I thought a ride might help calm my temper and give him a bit of exercise too.”

“Ye’re exercising yer horse in the middle of the night?”

Lucas was going to have to give him more. He grinned, cocked his head and said. “Davis, Captain isn’t the only one who needs a bit of exercise tonight—if ye catch my meaning. It’s been a damn frustrating day.”

Davis laughed. “I’m sorry to hear that but I’m sure a nice ride would do ye both good. And yer brother will have calmed down by morning too.”

“I believe ye, thousands wouldn’t,” said Lucas, dryly.

Davis laughed, letting him through the gate.

Lucas rode into the village and when he was out of sight of the gate, he whispered, “Ye can relax now. I’ll keep ye covered with the plaid until we’re out of the village then ye can ride on my lap.”

She released her grip and readjusted herself. “When are ye going to tell me why ye’re doing this?”

“When we are well away.”

He rode with her astride, behind him until they were far enough into the glen beyond the village that they wouldn’t be seen easily. Then as he said he would, he moved her to the front of the saddle and mounted behind her, wrapping the extra plaid around them both for warmth.

“Are we well away?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Aye, lass, we are.”

“Then ye’ll tell me what’s happened.”

“Aye. I’m just not sure where to start.”

“The beginning is always a good place,” she offered her voice light and teasing.

“Well, if I’m going to start at the beginning, a little more than two weeks ago, I was riding north from Edinburgh.”

She laughed. “Not that far back. I know that part of the story.”

“Ah, but sweetling, that’s where it starts. That’s when I stole a wee MacLennan lass from a group of Galbraiths and I fell in love with her.”

“Ye what?”

“Ailsa, I love ye, and I think I have from the moment ye threatened to walk back to Edinburgh alone.”

Ailsa turned her head and looked up at him, a sweet smile on her lips. “I know ye love me.”

“Ye do? How? I’ve never told ye.”

“Gillian once said that love exists as much in the ordinary as the extraordinary and that ye can feel the strongest love in the littlest of gestures. With the exception of lying to me about who ye were,” she cast a sidelong glance over her should at him, “ye tell me ye love me with everything ye do. On the journey here, ye took care of me, ye made sure I was safe and warm. And then after we arrived at Castle Grant, ye just kept doing it. Ye tell me ye love me with every kindness, small or large. And, Lucas, I love ye too.”

“Ye do?”

She nodded. “With all my heart.”

After everything that she’d been through, to hear her say those words thrilled him. He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Well that’s the most important part of the story. The rest of it is just details.”

She laughed, “Aye, but I want the details.”

“Ah, well, if ye insist. The truth is I want to marry ye. I’ve given it a lot of thought. The best thing for both clans would be to end this ancient feud and seek an alliance, secured by our betrothal. I tried to talk to William tonight about it. I thought he could offer the betrothal instead of a ransom, but he didn’t even have five minutes for me. He’s so closed-minded about the MacLennans he probably wouldn’t have listened anyway.”

“Oh, Lucas, I’m sorry.”

“Nay, ye’ve nothing to be sorry about. But I realized that time was growing short and I couldn’t risk yer laird showing up with the ransom and taking ye from me forever. I’m hoping that by taking ye home, as I should have done when I stole ye from the Galbraiths, I can win some good will with yer laird and get him to at least consider a betrothal. Then maybe if it isn’t me proposing it, William will listen and see the wisdom of it too.”