Mari turned to him, and he scooped her up when she sagged into his arms. He was glad he was there to catch her. She’d been through so much in the last months. They all had.
“You saved me with wits rather than brawn,” she told him with a wobbly smile. “I knew you would find a way.”
He laughed. “Do not tell anyone about my wits, lass. It will undermine my intimidating disposition.”
“You are quite imposing.” Her smile lit up his heart. From the moment she’d come tearing out of the woods on that first day, she’d softened him…and he was a stronger man for it.
When she released him, he turned to the dowager and hugged her, careful not to squeeze too tightly.
As expected, she voiced her complaint. “Let go of me, you brute.” But when he released her, she was smiling. Not much, but he could see it was a valiant attempt. “Take care of them,” she whispered, and squeezed his hand fiercely.
This woman, frail, aged, and surly, had turned out to be a formidable warrior. She’d proven herself on the battlefield today. As with any other warrior he’d fought next to, Cam felt great respect for her. She should be honored for what she’d done.
“Will ye come with us?” he asked, clearly surprising her as much as himself. “To Dunardry?”
“Yes,” Mari added immediately. As always, she understood him. “There is nothing left for you in London but scandal and loneliness. Please come with us. Join our family as Lizzy’s grandmother.”
When she shook her head, Cam tried again.
“This place is nothing but darkness and the memories you use to punish yourself. No more. Your daughter would be proud of what you did for us this day. It’s time to let go of the past and start fresh.”
“With us,” Mari added, her eyes bright.
He was glad she was accepting of this plan, since they’d had no time to discuss it first.
“I appreciate your offer, truly, but I am an old woman. I cannot make such a long trip and start my whole life over.”
“You are a spirited old crow, and more than capable of making such a trip if you decide it is something you want to do.” He held up his hand to stop her rebuttal. “Consider it an open invitation.”
She gave a nod and a sigh. “Thank you.”
He smiled down at her. “I will not try to intimidate you into agreeing, because I know an impenetrable wall when I run into one and your head is thus. Just know this, Your Grace. Whether you stay here or come with us to Scotland, you are part of our family. We will write to you and tell you tales of Lizzy’s growing up until you tell us to stop.”
“I’ll never tell you to stop.” The old woman wiped a tear from her eye.
After allowing the dowager to fuss over Lizzy for a few moments longer, Cam helped his family into the Endsmere carriage, and they set off for home.
For Scotland.
…
Lizzy was a fair traveler for their fast-paced retreat from England. She only fussed on the occasion when her father—cramped from riding in the carriage—spent a few hours on a horse instead of inside with them.
It was late in the evening a few weeks later when the carriage finally crossed over into their homeland. Lizzy was sleeping in Cam’s strong arms as he gazed down at her in awe, as he often did. It was at these times Mari knew with certainty that this was the life she was supposed to have. Not that other one. This was the man she was meant to be with.
Remembering the dowager’s parting wish, Mari sat up and searched for the letter she’d been given. Taking their sleeping daughter from him, Mari handed him the sealed missive.
“What is this?” he asked, puzzled.
“I don’t know. The dowager told me to give it to you once we were in Scotland.”
Cam opened it and gasped as he read through the letter.
“What does it say?” Curiosity got the best of her when her husband’s eyes continued to dart from side to side. She shifted closer so she could also read it in the low light from the lantern.
Dearest Highland Brute,
I’ve instructed my man of business to forward to you the sum of two thousand pounds, which was the amount of Marian’s dowry, paid to my late son upon their wedding. However, the man was never a suitable husband to her, only a monster. I have witnessed the love you have for Marian, and I believe, as her true husband, you are the rightful recipient of these funds.
I thank you for doing what needed to be done with elegance and kindness.
The best to you and yours,
Wilhelmina
Cam glanced up and chuckled, though he was clearly bewildered. “Well, I’ll be damned. Did you notice she signed it with just her name?”
Mari was still trying to process the news. “I never knew her name. I was only permitted to call her ‘Your Grace’ or ‘Lady Mother.’”
He handed her the letter. “She honors me with such a generous gesture, but it is your money, earned with your own blood. What will you have us do with it?”
Mari looked at their daughter, thinking over the possibilities. Part of her wanted to throw the blood money into a hole in the ground and never think of her past again. But Cam was right. She’d earned it through years of abuse and fear. And she was able to use it now for something that would make them all happy and safe.
She smiled at her husband. “It looks like we’ll be building a manor house, after all.”
Cam smiled back. “Aye. We can use these funds to build a fine home for my beautiful family.” His large finger caressed Lizzy’s cheek as he leaned in close. “As big as it may grow.”
Then he kissed Mari in that gentle yet demanding way of his. Indomitable strength tempered with love. She knew her new life with this man would be filled with safety and happiness…not to mention passion and excitement.
Epilogue
“I see you’re back to digging up rocks,” Lach said, approaching as Cam tossed a large boulder into the cart.
Cam smiled at the laird and wiped the sweat from his brow. It had been easy to forgive him once Mari was safe and back at Dunardry. Cam knew Lach had done the best he could with the options he’d been given. It was not an easy thing to be a leader.
“Aye.” Cam dropped another stone into the cart. “Though this time it’s by choice.” Every rock he plucked from the earth was going to building a home for his family. Complete with a suite of rooms for the Dowager Duchess of Endsmere, who had changed her mind and joined them unexpectedly a month ago.
“Are you going to sit up there atop your horse, or will you get down and help me?” Cam asked, squinting up into the early March sky.