Page 66 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
But from what Lucas had told her, the MacPherson clansfolk were being unnecessarily harsh on a small, inconsequential family.
She wondered what Adam might say if he were here. Despite only knowing him for a short time, she thought she had the measure of how his people should be treated.
She might be defying his orders and acting independently, but ultimately, her goal was to help him. He had helped her when he barged into her wedding, and now she wished to help him in return.
As they approached the border, she could see exactly where the problems lay. The cottages of Clan MacPherson were visible within half a mile. MacPherson villagers could easily make it to the Youngs’ house on foot.
They slowed down, and Emily looked around her at the ramshackle buildings that made up the Youngs’ farm.
She was not entirely comfortable being here without Adam, but she was determined to try to resolve the issue. Adam was a fair laird, that much was clear, and she felt that if she was careful and clear in her dealings with the Youngs, he would not disapprove of her intervention.
If she were to become the next Lady MacNiall, she had to prove to him that she could assist in clan matters. Maybe he would change his mind about her only merit being an absent wife.
“Laird MacNiall doesnae ken I’m here,” she said honestly.
“Barclay doesnae kenI’mhere,” Lucas replied with a mischievous smile.
Emily laughed. “Alright then. I dinnae want to upset the apple cart, but I would like to meet the Young family. If nothin’ else, it will show them we are listenin’.”
“I couldnae agree more, M’Lady.”
Emily dismounted, as did Lucas, and they walked over the soft tufts of heather toward the first cottage.
The farm was a modest one on the edge of a high hillside. The soft bleating of sheep sounded in the distance, and Emily could feel her doubts drifting away on the breeze.
She loved being outdoors. It was good to see the hillsides all about her and the wide-open country stretching for miles in every direction.
It would certainly be no hardship to be the Lady of these lands. It reminded her of Clan Wilkinson but with the added benefit of being close to the cliffs. She could smell the salty brine in the air.
How strange it is to think this would be a nice life.A few days ago, I was desperate to return to me faither, and now the idea of stayin’ with Adam isnae so unpleasant.
“Mr. Young!” Lucas called.
Emily was pulled from her thoughts by the sight of a stooped, elderly man approaching them. He was flanked by two beefy-looking men, who must have been his sons. They were tall, with bright blue eyes, and so similar in looks that Emily concluded they must have been twins.
As she watched, a woman emerged from the house behind them. As Mr. Young reached Lucas and shook his hand, she bustled forward, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Da, Maither’s comin’,” murmured one of the sons, and Mr. Young stiffened as he turned to watch his wife approach.
“I will handle this, me love,” he said gently to his wife. “Ye stay inside with the bairns.”
“And who is this?” Mrs. Young demanded, looking Emily up and down with contempt. She was a rather terrifying-looking woman with wild blonde hair and a deep frown. “This isnae the Laird. He doesnae have any interest in entertainin’ us, I see.”
“Miriam,” Mr. Young admonished, casting a worried glance at Emily.
Lucas cleared his throat. “Madam?—”
“I am nae amadam, Mr. Moore. I am a farmer’s wife, and I dinnae appreciate ye askin’usto make the journey when ye were comin’ yerselves. Me husband isnae up to another journey like that, and we already went to MacNiall Castle twice to ask to meetye, and nay one ever came.” Mrs. Young gestured behind her. “Have ye seen the state of our roof? They threw lighted torches at us in the middle of the night.”
Emily took in the roof in question. It was heavily stained with black marks, and there was a large hole in the west corner, which had been inexpertly patched up.
Adam’s shoulders would barely fit through the door,she silently noted with amusement.Perhaps it is a good thing I came.
She looked back at Mrs. Young, who was glaring at her with narrowed eyes.
“Who are ye?” Mrs. Young demanded.
Lucas drew himself up indignantly, clearly insulted on Emily’s behalf by the woman’s tone. But Emily stepped forward before he could speak, holding out her hand in greeting.
