Page 31 of Unforgotten
How he wished he could return in time, go back to that day in the clearing eighteen years earlier. He’d have acted differently. He’d have seen beyond the sense of duty that had blinkered him. He’d have broken the betrothal and wed the woman he really loved.
Instead, he’d done what was expected of him, and his life lay in ruins around him as a result.
The fine weather had come to an end.
Long days of shimmering heat and blue skies gave way to grey skies and a chill wind that blew in from the north, ruffling the water of Raasay Sound to the east.
Leaving the chapel, Ella craned her neck up at the sky. Seabirds wheeled and screeched overhead, a sign that the weather was about to become even more unsettled. This was the first day in months that the air had a real bite to it. The warm days of summer were drawing to a close, and autumn was breathing down their necks.
Ella continued on her path through the inner bailey, returning to the keep. On the way she passed Blair MacNichol, who was overseeing the shoeing of his horse. He waved to Ella as she walked by but didn’t attempt to engage her in conversation. Even though she’d been here a few days, Gavin’s younger brother’s gaze was still wary whenever he looked at her. Likewise, his wife, Forbia, had barely spoken to Ella since her arrival.
They had buried Cait Fraser that morning. The kirk at Scorrybreac had a secluded graveyard behind it. Just a small crowd had come to see Lady Fraser off: Ella, her father, as well as the clan-chief and his closest kin. Ella had remained at her father’s side, her hand clasping his in silent support. Father Blayne, the local priest, gave a fine service, and then they had laid Cait to rest.
Ella hadn’t wept during the burial. After Gavin’s departure from her bed-chamber the night before, she had allowed herself to weep softly for a short while longer. Then she’d dried her tears, telling herself that the events of the past days were a test. It was easy enough to serve God within the confines of Kilbride Abbey. But in the world beyond, she’d met challenges at every turn. Stubbornness had filtered over Ella then. She would not fail the Lord. Instead of going back to bed, she’d knelt on the floor by the window and prayed for the rest of the night.
This afternoon she felt in control again. Her mother was at peace, and now Ella could focus on what lay ahead.
Entering the keep, she asked a passing servant the clan-chief’s whereabouts.
“He’s in his solar, Sister,” the young woman bearing an armload of clean linen informed her.
Spine straight and jaw locked in determination, Ella climbed the stairwell to the second floor and made her way to the double oaken doors that led into the clan-chief’s solar. Then she knocked.
“Come in,” a male voice reached her through the doors.
Ella drew in a deep breath, steeling herself for the meeting, and pushed the doors open. She stepped into a large chamber with a south-facing window. A great hearth dominated one corner of the room, and deerskins covered the flagstone floor. A large tapestry, showing a group of men at a stag hunt, covered one pitted stone wall.
The clan-chief himself sat at a vast oaken desk, bent over a pile of parchments.
Gavin glanced up as she entered. “Sister Ella,” he greeted her, his tone formal although his gaze was shadowed. “Good afternoon … how are ye faring?”
“Much better, thank ye,” she replied. “Ma is at peace now.”
Gavin nodded, his expression turning guarded. That was better, how it should have been from the beginning. Ella welcomed this new distance between them.
“I’m sorry to intrude.” Ella’s gaze dropped to the pile of parchments he appeared to be working his way through. “Ye are busy.”
He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Just accounts that have to be paid … nothing that cannot wait. How can I be of assistance?”
Ella fought the urge to drop her gaze. Even though his manner was reserved, there was still an intensity to his look that unnerved her. The sooner the pair of them parted ways the better.
“I thank ye for organizing my mother’s burial so quickly,” she began, her voice low. “But now it is done, I wish to return to Kilbride.”
“And ye shall,” he replied. “Is tomorrow soon enough for ye?”
His response took Ella aback. She had worried he might try and delay her. Swallowing her surprise, she inclined her head. “No, I will be ready.”
“Good.” Gavin was watching her steadily now, his expression unreadable. “Ye will be traveling in my company again I’m afraid.” He held up a hand to forestall her protest. “But fear not, there will be a company of my men with us. We will be making a detour to Dunan on the way, if ye don’t mind.”
Ella frowned. She had a feeling that it wouldn’t matter if it did bother her. She was hardly going to say ‘no’ to a clan-chief, and they both knew it.
Silence stretched out between them for a few moments, before Ella spoke. “What business takes ye to Dunan?”
“MacKinnon has called a meeting … between all the clan-chiefs and chieftains of the isle.”
“Really?” Ella’s interest was piqued now, and she almost forgot to feel uncomfortable in this man’s presence. “Why is that?”
It was an impertinent question and none of her business, yet Ella knew that Gavin wouldn’t mind her asking. He’d always spoken frankly to her in the past.
