Cam was almost glad for the news, for it meant he’d be able to start his return to Dunardry the next morning. But he knew Lach would be disappointed if he didn’t try to come up with another way to make it work. So, the next morning they went down to the water to see the devastation. As the laird had said, large boulders and rocks filled what once had been a modest harbor.
The McInnis shook his head in despair as Cam studied the line of rocks. None were of the same height, but the shortest one was of fair size. He reckoned the others could be cut down to match, then the stone that was cut away could be used to fill the gaps.
Before he realized it, he’d opened his mouth and started talking.
“It would be similar to a curtain wall,” he clarified. “You’d need to pile up the rock in the crevices so it would provide support against the force of the sea even during storms. You’re protected here, but you’ll want to plan for the worst nature has to offer.”
An hour later, Cam had requested paper and had drawn out formal plans for their path to the sea.
“With a taper here toward the shore, you’d be able to ride carriages and wagons right up on the wall to aid in loading cargo.” Cam walked the laird to the best place to start the structure.
The McInnis followed, making comments and pointing out things as they went. When Cam was done explaining his plan, the man looked a bit overwhelmed.
“This will not be an easy feat,” the laird said. “Especially with the reduction to our coffers because we’ve been unable to trade. We also lost ships and some good men.” The man grimaced. “But it sounds like it can be done, and doing so will give us back our freedom. When we’re on solid ground again, I’ll be sure to reach out to the MacKinlay to see if we can come to an agreement. Thank you for your help.”
Cam and McInnis clasped arms to solidify the future possibilities. They were leaving the coast for the village when they were approached by a half dozen British soldiers.
“What may we do for you?” McInnis asked with a slight edge to show his displeasure with their intrusion on his lands.
“We’re looking for this woman. It’s thought she might try to board a ship. There’s a reward of one hundred pounds sterling for her capture.”
McInnis smiled. “That would certainly help us pay for our repairs.” He laughed and took the notice.
Cam remained calm despite being able to see Mari’s likeness from where he stood. This was worse than he’d ever imagined.
“My, a duchess wanted for murder,” the McInnis murmured. “You sure do breed your women to be malicious in London.”
“She is a Scot, sir,” the sergeant pointed out, which drew a scowl from the laird.
“Are you traveling all the coast of Scotland?” Cam asked the sergeant.
“Yes, three squads have been dispatched to visit all ports. We’ll find her soon enough.”
Cam hoped desperately that wasn’t true.
Chapter Thirty
“Might I have a word with you, my lord?” Mari hovered by Lachlan’s door. “Kenna is well, that’s not why I’m here,” she added when his face went pale. The poor man had watched over Kenna for days, only to see she was fine and had only needed to eat when she’d fainted.
Mari’s brother-by-marriage looked surprised at the request, but he nodded and stood to help her to her seat like a gentleman.
“What can I do for you today, sister?”
She smiled at his words. Despite his not-so-welcoming greeting that first day, Lachlan had since made her feel as though she were truly part of his family.
“I’m afraid I’ve come to ask a favor of you.”
“I’ll hear it,” he said. She hadn’t expected him to agree without hearing her request, but it would have made things easier if he had.
“I know you’re aware I received a letter some weeks ago from my maid in London. I know she would have sent it with the utmost discretion. However, it speaks of danger.”
“From London?”
“Yes. It seems they have not given up on their search for me. As you can imagine, when someone murders a peer of the realm, the English are sticklers for justice. Even as we speak, there may be trackers on their way with a warrant for my arrest.”
His brows pulled together. She could see he was trying to come up with a solution, as good lairds did. “And if that is so, what would you have me do?” he asked.
“You have guards posted at the borders to alert us when the soldiers arrive. We should have a few hours’ warning at minimum, yes?”
“Aye. A day probably. You would have plenty of time to escape.” He nodded once. “We could spare some money, and Cam will find you a new home. He’s already made provisions—”
She shook her head. “Dunardry is Cam’s home. You are his family. I cannot ask him to give all that up for me.”
“I do not think you would get a chance to ask him. He would leave with you the instant you were in danger.”
“Yes. He promised to protect me with his life. Which is why I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect him with mine. They won’t stop looking for me. We would have to keep moving forever. Keep running. That’s no life. Always waiting, wondering if today will be the day I’m found. And when they finally do come upon us…?”
Lachlan pressed his lips together for a moment before turning back to her. “What would you have me do?” This time the question was asked with a hint of desperation.
“If the time comes, I would like you to send Cam on an errand in the opposite direction. I do not wish him to be here when they take me away.”
“Cam would draw his blade across my throat for even considering such a thing.”
“You are the laird.”
“And as Kenna points out, it means nothing if I don’t have the respect of my people behind me. Turning you over to the English is a sure way to lose their loyalty.”
“Perhaps it seems as if I’m a coward, wishing to give up. But if they come here looking for me, they will question everyone in the clan. It’s unrealistic to think something wouldn’t slip. And when that happens, the interrogations would become dangerous for everyone.”
It was clear from his expression he had not considered this. “You’ve thought this through.”
“Every night. It fills my mind constantly. This clan has become my family, and I need to do the right thing to protect them, or live with the guilt and sorrow forever. That is no way to live, my lord. Neither is forcing Cam from his home to spend the rest of his life roaming the earth on the run.” She swallowed and looked away, blinking back tears.