TAKING A CHANCE

By

planetsolin

Ebook by
PDAFiction.com

Disclaimers: These characters are the realization of my own imagination. Any likeness to anyone else is purely coincidental. I like tall, dark and handsome and short, blonde and beautiful.

Sex/Violence: No violence, but if the thought of two women being together offends you it’s time to move along. Be advised that there is also some heterosexual loving involved.

Others: Hope you enjoy this short story. Always enjoy feedback:

planetsolin@hotmail.com

TAKING A CHANCE

CHAPTER ONE

THE BOAT RAN up onto the beach and a solitary figure jumped over the side into the foaming surf. The sky was a dark mass of clouds and the air was heavy with the scent of rain. A fierce storm was brewing but right now nature’s elements were far from the lone intruders mind as he paused for a moment to glance at the steep headland that towered overhead.

In the daylight the narrow corridor up the imposing rock face was difficult but on such a black night it would be treacherous and a lesser mortal might have turned back, yet for this brave warrior the reward of success was worth tempting the fates.

“Nisi dominus frustra,” the man’s spoken words were carried back out over the churning seas and lost in the night.

Without another word the intruder peeled off a bulky woolen overcoat and placed it inside the boat. In its place, he retrieved a cord of rope and a small satchel which he tied securely around his slender waist. The wind blew as if issuing a warning but this lone invader ignored its haunting cry. In a few hours the tide would come back in and this small beach would disappear. There was no time to waste.

The climb up the face of the cliff was excruciatingly slow, draining the strength of the man. The rocks were cold and slippery, each step a gamble against fate but finally the darkly clothed intruder’s stubbornness prevailed and he emerged the victor, standing at the peak like a heroic conqueror.

The castle, a cold stone monolith, sat a few hundred yards inland. It was like a monster lurking in the darkness and the stranger approached it boldly. The wind blew harder, tousling long dark hair around broad shoulders.

The figure moved stealthily through the night, entering the citadel through its unlocked gates to creep silently over the cobblestones of the courtyard towards the entry by the servant’s quarters. The pantry door was open and the man slipped unmolested into the sleeping fortress.

He paused and listened, momentarily overwhelmed by an unpleasant wave of nostalgia that assailed his senses. It had been such a long time since he had last darkened the doorways of the castle and even now it was with foreboding that he stepped across its threshold.

All was quiet. Not even the old dog that lay dozing by the burning embers of the hearth stirred as the man crept through the cavernous hallways and up the wide sweeping stairwell to the second floor. He moved soundlessly towards the master’s bedroom where he knew he would find the reason for his quest.

Quietly he pushed the creaking door open and slipped inside the bedchamber. The kindling in the fireplace had died leaving the suite in complete darkness but at that moment the moon broke through the clouds, flooding the room with its silvery light through the open window. In that same instant, the stranger saw the couple curled up on the bed, and the expression on the dour face hardened into a mask of stone.

The old man, his skin a waxy pale, had a large fleshy arm draped across the slender form of his young bride. His loud snores and laboured breathes punctuated the silent air with disgusting snorts and wheezes. The intruder was tempted to silence the man’s voice forever but than a blue eye caught sight of the woman.

He stood motionless, staring, transfixed by her beauty. She looked small and delicate, her skin unblemished like a creamy English rose. Her long golden hair spilled across the large feather pillows. The expression on her face was innocent yet troubled and desire stirred in the thief’s heart.

The man knew that nothing could be worse than stealing the Lord’s prized English bride and so he moved swiftly across the room, extracting a damp cloth from the small satchel at his waist and clamping it over the sleeping man’s large round face. Next it was the woman’s turn and only once the invader was assured that she was truly unconscious did he gently toss the blankets aside. He lifted the limp woman into his strong arms and carried her out of the castle into the black night.

*  *  *

The shrill ring of the phone pierced the silence of the dimly lit room. Erin Macgregor absently glanced up from the papers on her desk to the clock on the far wall. It was nearing ten in the evening and it had been hours since she had first sat down to clear away some of the paperwork that had been awaiting her attention. A frown settled over her dark classical features. It was late for anyone to be calling. She hoped that it wasn’t an emergency with one of her clients. She didn’t relish going out on a night like this. Reluctantly she grabbed the receiver, silencing the insistent jangling.

“Macgregor here,” she barked into the mouth piece wincing at her own abruptness, realizing she was more tired than she thought.

“Erin, this is George Ludden,” a tentative voice replied and the woman grimaced, instantly feeling the need to apologize.

“Hello George, sorry for being so abrupt but the phone startled me,” the dark haired woman made the excuse, running a weary hand through her long raven coloured hair even as she wondered what prompted this call.

George Ludden operated a small legal practice with his cousins in the North end of the city and they dealt with legal matters involving property law, wills and estates. Any contact they had was generally the result of one of the man’s clients getting into more legal trouble than he could handle. He would than hand them over to Erin whose expertise was in criminal law. She hoped that was not the case on this evening. She hated the thought of having to go out into this miserable night to bail out someone who had gotten hauled into jail for some stupid misdemeanor.

“I’m sorry for calling so late, I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t important,” the lawyer said in the same halting voice.

“That’s okay,” Erin sighed wishing the man would get to the point. “What’s up?”

“It’s Angus,” the man replied nervously clearing his throat.

“What’s he done now?” the dark haired woman interrupted as a mirage of thoughts raced through her brain. It had almost been a year since she had been called to bail him out of a legal situation that could have landed the man in jail.

It had taken all her skill as a barrister to keep him from doing time. She had managed to convince the court that it had been an honest mistake and the magistrate had gracefully agreed and settled the old man with a sizable fine and probation. They had argued over the decision and she had patiently tried to explain to Angus that what he had done was wrong. By the time she had finished she still wasn’t certain he understood. It wasn’t that he was a stupid man. It was just that he was stubborn, determined to make and abide by his own rules.

“He’s dead,” George finally managed to get out, interrupting her thoughts. Silence greeted the announcement. “Apparently, Michael, the man he keeps around to help tend the livestock found him this afternoon. They took him over to the surgery at Lammerrant but it was too late. The doctors think that it may have been a heart attack.”

Erin was completely still, uncertain what to feel. Angus was going on eighty three years and though he had appeared healthy, she knew that there were secrets that he kept from everyone.

“Is there anything you need me to do?” she managed to ask, remembering that the other barrister was still on the line.

“No, Angus was quite clear with his instructions on what we were to do upon his death,” George replied unable to decipher what the woman on the other end of the phone was thinking. Her voice remained as professional and emotionless as always. “His funeral will be in Lammerrant on Friday. I knew you’d want to be there.”

“Yes, thank you, I appreciate the call,” Erin replied and than took down the details of where the service was to be held before ringing off.

She leaned back in her leather chair, staring at the receiver which was now sitting in its cradle. She sat quietly dwelling on what she had just learned and not certain what she should feel. She put the pen in her hand down on the desk and stood up, moving across the room to the windows. It was raining and a fierce wind was blowing. The seas would be rough on this night and only the heartiest of souls would dare to venture out. It was a fitting night for the man to die.

Old Angus Macgregor was dead. An unamused smile came to her lips as she thought about how that news would be received. When word broke in the morning papers the whole of Scotland would breathe a collective sigh of relief and that realization brought about a mixture of emotions. Of everyone who knew the man, there would be few who would sincerely mourn his loss. It would be interesting to see who, if anybody took the time to attend the funeral.

She continued to stare out the window, watching as the rain lashed against the glass pane. Angus had been a tough son of a bitch, a fierce, cantankerous man who terrified even the most confident fellow. Few people were willing to confront the man aware of the power he could weld if crossed. But he had not always been that way as a few of the old timers in his local village could attest.

Once he had been a happy, contented lad, but than he had signed on to fight in the Second War World, serving in the infantry. He had returned from battle sporting a chestful of medals, but the experience had changed him.

She sighed. As the man’s only child she stood by law to inherit everything he had accumulated in his long life. That included the island with its small village and stone castle and the various holdings in a vast portfolio that included everything from farm land to an investment in a shipping empire. But the old man was crafty and sometimes mean spirited. As a bastard child there were no assurances that she would inherit anything.

She glanced around the comfortable apartment. She did not need the man’s wealth, for she was satisfied with her life. She had built a successful career and a thriving legal practice. She had argued important cases in front of the Highest Courts in the land and had established a name in her own right. There was nothing she needed and the only thing she wanted she would never get now. Any business she had with the man would remain unfinished.

She thought for a moment about her ancestral home. It was a cold remote place, perched alone in the middle of a small rocky island off the western coast. The castle itself was a crumbing old remnant of a more primitive time in the country’s history. A tale of her ancestry, the prize of warring clans whose long deceased voices could still be heard in the fierce winds that came howling in off the ocean. Now its gentle rolling hills would be haunted by one more ghost.

It was strange how that realization caused a pang in her heart. She had never thought she would feel regret. She had not been close to the man but she had always treated Angus with the respect reserved for a father. That was in spite of the way the man had often behaved towards her. No one, not even her mother could understand why.

Her mother, Gladys McTavish, had waited years for the good Lord to exercise his justice on the man whom she blamed for all her troubles. According to her mother Angus had made promises that he later ignored and though Erin had tried to get the old man to tell the truth, he had steadfastly refused to answer any of her questions and she had been forced to accept her mothers biased version of events. She knew her mother would be pleased to know that the old man had finally gone to meet his maker.

Erin returned to her chair and picked up the phone, dialing the number from memory. It was her duty to inform the rest of the family though she wasn’t certain any of them would care. As she had mentally predicted her mother was happy by this sudden turn of events.

“Good riddance, it’s about time the old bastard died,” Gladys McTavish spoke her thoughts out loud uncaring about how her daughter might be feeling. Erin winced at the tone of her parent’s voice.

“I think the only reason he lived this long was that the good lord didn’t want him on the other side stirring up trouble.”

As harsh as the woman’s sentiment was, Erin knew that it would be shared by a lot of people. Though he had lived in relative obscurity, a hermit in his own land, his presence was always felt. Even those in the highest reaches of the national government knew of Angus Macgregor.

“The funeral’s on Friday at Lammerrant, do you want to come?” the younger woman asked even though she already knew the answer. She really didn’t want her mother at the service.

“Are you kidding?” Gladys snorted without amusement. “The man never gave me respect in life so I’ll not be giving him any respect in death.”

So it was that Erin ended up making the trip to Lammerrant on her own. She cleared her calendar and drove up the night prior to the service. Though she had relatives in the district and could have spent the evening with them, she chose instead to sleep at the small Inn in town.

It was a small community and she was familiar with the townsfolk, many of whom were associated in some manner to Lord Macgregor. Everyone she met expressed their sympathy over her loss. She saw that it was genuine and she appreciated their concern. Thus it wasn’t entirely a surprise when many of the locals turned out for the service the next morning at the local rectory. It was more than she could say about others who had claimed to be the man’s friend.

She arrived at the church well before the appointed hour, thankful that the mortician had kindly agreed to set the casket out early. She had not had a chance to view the body and was appreciative now for the few quiet moments alone with her father before the rest of the congregation arrived.

She walked to the front of the church, her soft soled flat heeled shoes making no sound on the polished hard wood floor. The casket had been left open and she approached it now, seeing again the familiar lines of age that had so distinguished the man. Though his features had the waxy colour of death, she could still distinguish the leathery weather lines that spoke of the many hours the man had spent outdoors, roaming the island and sailing on the sea.

Though many of his comrades had rejoiced in the fact that they had survived the war, Angus had somehow resented the fact and as if to prove his point he had often risked life and limb on various adventures that had made him face the harshest of nature’s elements. It was as if he was taunting those who had allowed him to live.

In a way many tended to believe she had inherited some of the man’s defiance. Certainly she liked to push herself to the limits both personally and professionally, but she had a reverence for life and respected the forces that could determine whether she lived or died. She was not a fool and she knew when something was beyond her capabilities. It was just that she had not yet found a challenge that she had been unable to handle, whether it was in her adventures or in the courtroom.

She sighed, gently reaching out to touch the man’s long coarse grey hair. Once it had been as dark as her own and no one seeing them together could have ever mistaken them for not being related. They were both tall with strong classical features, inherited from a long, pure blood line. Both had the same piercing blue eyes that were able to pin a person and stare into their very soul. A look that had unsettled many people, making them squirm. Both were stubborn and insisted on getting their own way. They had been so similar that many people found it hard to find any qualities that she had inherited from her mother.

But as similar as they had been, they had also been very different. While Angus would bully people, using force if necessary, she would find a more compassionate way of turning a situation in her favour. Unlike the old man she knew that the world had changed to the point where intimidation could no longer be used in dealing with the public. Though he was Lord of the Manor, the feudal system had long since died.

Erin wished she could cry, but too much business had been left unfinished. The old man had taken too many secrets to his grave and she knew that it would be a long time before she would be able to have closure. As little as they saw each other, the impact the man had in her life was enormous, more than anyone knew. More than she wanted anyone to know.

“It’s nice to see you again Miss Macgregor, though I’m sorry that it has to be under such sad circumstances,” the tall woman turned her head to see the young minister come out of a door at the side of the rectory.

“Yes Father,” she greeted him respectfully though she was not a member of his congregation. The man had to look up to see her face clearly for he was quite a bit shorter than her. “I appreciate you allowing us to have the service here. I know my father was not a member of your congregation.”

“The funeral generally isn’t for the dead,” the man smiled gently. “It’s really an opportunity for the living to say goodbye and as most of my congregation is connected to Loch Loe and Lord Macgregor I thought it only fitting that the service be held here.”

“Thank you, you are a gracious man,” Erin was sincere, knowing that not many other ministers would have opened their church for a man who claimed not to believe in God. “I know Angus gave you a bit of a rough go.”

“Yes,” the man admitted with a genuine smile. It was as if he had savoured the arguments of religion that he had shared with the older man. “But I am not one to begrudge a man his opinion. The Lord our God made us all different for a purpose. Will the rest of your family be joining you here?”

“No,” the tall woman shook her head. “I’m afraid not everyone can be as charitable as you are.”

“Well, I’m sure the good Lord will have a word with them about that,” the Minister said and than his attention was diverted by the arrival of the first of the guests.

Erin was pleased that the service was just as genuine as the man who conducted it. Reverent Masters was a truly Christian man, and though he was blunt and forthright with his service, he was also kind and compassionate. The tall woman wondered if Angus really deserved such respect.

After the service Angus Macgregor, the eighteenth Earl of Laydon and the Lord of Loch Loe, was buried on church property next to the graves of his long deceased mother and father and numerous other relatives. His title would automatically go to a distant cousin, but because the castle was not part of the title, it would be inherited by the one who Angus bequeathed it too.

“It will take some time for me to sort through all of Angus’ affairs,” George Ludden said almost apologetically when he came to offer his condolences after the service. He had driven up that morning for the funeral. “I expect it will be a few weeks before everything will be in order. Angus’ last will is a bit confusing and I need some time to settle some issues.”

“I am not in any rush,” Erin replied with a stoic expression. “Contrary to what everyone thinks I am not my mother and I have no designs on obtaining my share of his wealth.”

“I didn’t mean to imply,” the other barrister stuttered, flushing with embarrassment.

“I know you didn’t George,” the tall woman was quick to interject. In spite of the small size of his firm, George Ludden had a lot of influence in the legal profession. She had no intention of getting on his wrong side. She glanced around at the people who had gathered at the rectory for tea following the service. “It’s been a rather long day and I’m not myself today.”

“No, of course, it’s to be expected,” the man sympathized immediately, relaxing his posture as he too glanced around the room. “Angus was long in years but death, however expected, is never easy.”

“No,” Erin agreed. “I want to thank you again for handling all the arrangements.”

“You’re welcome,” George replied graciously glad that he would be dealing with this woman in the future and not her mother. If there was one thing that he had learned in all the years of his dealing with Erin Macgregor was that she was fair and honest, never allowing her personal feelings to interfere with justice. He had to trust that in the coming months she would continue to behave in the same manner, for being privy to the old man’s will, he knew that she would be called on to act in a way that few people would be able to handle.

Erin waited only until it was socially acceptable to leave before doing so. She wanted to drive back to Edinburgh that night and didn’t fancy doing it in the dark. Not being the type of person to brood she dismissed the events of the past week and concentrated on the road ahead.

Kellie Macgregor received the package at work and its arrival elicited curiosity amongst her co-workers. It was delivered by special courier and she signed for the large envelope before eagerly ripping open the end. Its contents came as a complete surprise for it was a one way airline ticket to Scotland and it was attached to an official looking document. She glanced at the letterhead and it matched the address on the envelope. It was from a legal firm in Edinburgh.

She poured over the letter. It was from the law firm of Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden and in plain form it simply announced that Lord Angus Donald Macgregor had recently died. As executors of the estate it was their duty to inform her that as a beneficiary she was expected to present herself for the reading of the will. A frown marred her delicate features.

She had no recollections of a man named Angus Macgregor. The only connection she could make to Scotland itself was a trip she had made with her mother many years ago. They had gone to visit an old gentleman who lived on a remote island. He had been a war time friend of her grandfathers. She could think of no reason why she would be made a benefactor of a man to which she neither knew nor was related. It was a most perplexing situation.

“You’re frowning,” Tony Timmins said plunking himself down on a corner of her desk. Like the others in the editorial room he had witnessed the courier’s arrival and had allowed his curiosity to get the better of him. “Have I done something to upset you?”

“No,” Kellie shook her blonde head. “I got this strange letter from a solicitor in Scotland. It seems I was named in the will of someone I don’t even know.”

“No kidding let me see,” the man snatched the document from her hand and scanned it as if he were an expert on such matters. “Lord Angus Macgregor, maybe he is some long lost relative and you are the last survivor of an old family line. Maybe you will inherit a title and a castle.”

“For god sakes Tony, be sensible,” she snapped grabbing the letter back. She stared at it for a moment, not quite believing it was real. Briefly she thought it might be some joke that someone was playing on her for she knew such a prank was not above her friends and colleagues. “Is this one of your jokes?”

“No way babe,” the man replied defensively. “I would never be that cruel, besides that ticket is as genuine as they come.”

“Yeah, I guess, you’re right,” Kellie blushed embarrassed by her distrust as she scrutinized the unexpected gift. She couldn’t believe her luck. “I remember going with my mom to Scotland before my grandfather died. I was about nine years old at the time. We went to visit a war buddy of his. All I remember is that he was tall and quite forbidding. He scared the pants off me. But I hardly think that visit was worth any inheritance.”

“Maybe he’s your long lost father,” the man suggested lightly and received a glare for his attempt at humour. The flashing green eyes that were pointed in his direction made him shift uncomfortably and the heat rise under his collar. Kellie was a genuinely nice person but he knew from experience that her innocent features masked an explosive temper. Not that she got mad often for it was rare that anything ever upset her.

“I hardly think that’s likely, the man must have been more then thirty years older than my mom,” she retorted sourly, suddenly realizing that this man knew far too much of her personal history.

“Than maybe your grandfather and he had some kind of wartime pact that would only be revealed to their heirs upon their deaths. Perhaps they stole millions of dollars from the Nazi’s in the last days of the war,” the man continued in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Good Lord, Tony where do you come up with this stuff,” Kellie rolled her eyes, her anger at him already dissipating. “You’ve been watching too many movies.”

“Perhaps,” the man shrugged indifferently, flashing a dazzling smile. “At least I’m not boring.”

Kellie recognized the patented charming smile that he turned on her; it was the one he always used to cajole her out of a sour mood. She knew that he was interested in her and he wasn’t unhandsome with his dark looks, yet she firmly held him at arms length.

Tony was a nice man but she wasn’t interested in being anything more than friends. She wanted to establish her career before making a commitment to anyone. There were still so many things she wanted to do, places she wanted to go. She focused her attention back on the letter.

“I know grandfather and him fought together in several major military campaigns. Grandfather also talked about the various citations and medals they won. Perhaps he somehow found out about my interest in military history and wants to give me his medals and war diaries. It’s all so mysterious.”

“Whatever it is you have to look on the bright side kiddo.”

“What’s that?” emerald eyes looked up at the man.

“You get to have a free holiday,” Tony said brightly picking up the airline ticket. “Maybe I should book off a week’s holiday and join you.”

“You just came back,” she laughed not taking his suggestion seriously. His skin still glowed with the tan he had collected while on vacation in California. The smile on her lips faded as she stared at the airline ticket. “Besides I haven’t even decided if I am going.”

“You have to go,” the man seemed stunned.

“I don’t know,” she hesitated. Admittedly the mystery of the situation made her curious, but there were other things she had to consider. She had certain responsibilities and it wasn’t in her nature just to drop everything and run off on a whim. “It’s only a one way ticket and besides I’m not sure Mr. Davis will give me any more time off. I have already had three weeks.”

“Forget Davis, this is a chance in a life time for you,” Tony sighed, his manner growing serious for a moment. “You have always been curious about your family history and this is your chance to find out about your roots.”

She didn’t say anything at first staring into the space in front of her. The idea of tracing her ancestry was appealing and something definitely worth considering. As adamantly as she might deny the claim, it was entirely possible this stranger could have been her father.

“Are we still on for Friday?” the man asked changing the subject as he hopped off the desk.

“I don’t know,” she was undecided. She studied the airline ticket absently. The date of departure was on Thursday. It was Monday now. “It depends on what I decide to do, I’ll let you know.”

The man nodded before hurrying off. He had spotted their boss moving around his office and didn’t want to be accused of malingering. He wasn’t worried for himself, but for Kellie. She had become the boss’ favourite target lately and he didn’t want to be responsible for bringing any more unwanted trouble her way.

Kellie tried to concentrate on her work after the man left, but she found it difficult to focus her attention on the article she was writing. Her thoughts were held by something more interesting than the latest nutritional program for good health. Her fingers suddenly stopped typing and she stared at the words on the screen of her computer.

For five years she had been doing the same thing, writing mundane articles and sparsely read items on subjects that dealt with food and health. Occasionally the editor would let her fill in for a vacationing features writer but mostly she was stuck doing the stories that no one else wanted.

In the beginning she had been eager to accept any challenge but as time went by and as she was continually passed over for promotion she began to feel discouraged. She was a good writer, everyone agreed on that fact; it was just that she was too soft in her criticism. At least that was what the editor said. She didn’t have the passion that was needed to stoke controversy.

Normally the criticism didn’t bother her but for the first time she saw it for what it was. It wasn’t just her writing that the editor was criticizing, it was her own personality. In that instant she decided she would show them who was soft.

She didn’t even bother pressing the save button before pushing her chair away from the desk. She would be turning twenty nine this year and was as far away from accomplishing her career goals as she had been when she started on this weekly magazine. In the interim she had watched others come and go while she stayed stagnant.

She squared her shoulders and marched towards the editor’s office. She had always been willing to do whatever she was asked but now she wondered if she wasn’t missing out everything by being complacent. She had seen more vocal individuals advance more quickly and decided it was time to take control of her life, instead of allowing it to control her. She knocked on the door and physically jumped when the editor barked for her to enter.

Samuel Davis had taken over as editor just after she had started with the magazine. He had taken an immediate dislike to her and had only kept her around because she was good at writing the fluff pieces that the readers enjoyed. He had often told her, she hadn’t the guts to write the meatier articles that he handed to the other writers.

She stared at the man who sat behind the cluttered desk. His brush cut hair was completely grey and his face was weathered and lined from plenty of outdoor experience. He had been a staff writer in the army for the military paper and after his retirement he had worked for several daily newspapers and monthly magazines before becoming the editor of the local news magazine they published.

His style was abrasive and offended many people. Of the original staff of writers she was the only one remaining as all the others had long since gotten fed up and left. She had prided herself on sticking it out but now she wondered if it hadn’t been a foolhardy thing.

“What do you want Macgregor?” the man barked. He never called anyone by their first name.

“Sir, I need some time off,” she tried not to show her fear.

“Haven’t you already had your holidays?” he asked not glancing up.

“Yes, but....”

“But nothing, I am running a weekly magazine here. Have you finished your article yet?” This time he did look up, fixing her with that intense look he cast on everyone. It was meant to make everyone quiver with fear. It had that effect on her.

“No,” she stammered.

“Than get the hell out of here and get back to work,” he said and turned his attention back to the papers on his desk.

Kellie was automatically about to obey and found herself turning to go when something inside her snapped. This man had treated her badly for five years and the only reason she had put up with it was because she had been insecure about her abilities. But suddenly she was tired of being bullied.

“No,” she slammed the door shut and turned to face the man, hands on her hips, green eyes flashing. “I will not write another word until I know whether I can have a week off. It is not a holiday. Some urgent personal business has come up that I need to deal with.”

The man glanced up startled that such a powerful voice had come out of such a delicate woman. His eyes narrowed as he stared at her; there was a determination on her face that he had never seen before. He leaned back in his chair amused by this different side of character the woman was displaying.

“Why should I give you any more time off?” he asked, curious as to how she would respond.

“Because I have worked here for five years and done everything you asked,” she paused for a brief instant. “And if you don’t I will quit.”

The man smirked. He didn’t believe the woman had the guts to carry out her threat. He knew one of the reasons she stayed with the magazine was that she had family in the area and she liked the small city in which she lived. Besides he honestly didn’t think she could get a job on a one of the other dailies. He didn’t think she had the talent.

“I can’t let you have any more time off,” he said calling her bluff. “If I did than everyone would think I was playing favourites.”

“Playing favourites!” Kellie gasped in disbelief. She felt indignant. “The last thing anyone on this paper would think was that you were playing favourites. For five years I have slaved for you, suffering through your criticisms and enduring the humiliation as younger, junior writers get promoted over me. In all that time I have never booked a day off sick or asked for a special favour. The one time I do, you don’t even give me the courtesy of listening to what I have to say.”

“Listen Macgregor I am running a paper here,” he began but she cut him off, being rude for one of the few times in her life.

“Yes and you’re running it without me,” she interrupted unable to control her temper. “I resign effective this moment.”

Without waiting to hear his response she stormed out of the office, pausing at her desk only long enough to collect the few personal belongings that she had brought from home. Tony watched with curiously from his desk, waiting until it was safe to do so before hurrying to her side.

“What’s up babe?”

“I am not going to make our date on Friday, I’ll be in Scotland,” she announced bravely. She was still trembling from the earlier scene.

“He gave you the time off?” the man was surprised. He didn’t think their boss had compassion for anyone.

“No,” she shook her head.

“He fired you?”

“I quit,” she said gathering up her personal stuff. “It was something I should have done a long time ago. I’ll see you around.”

She turned to go but as an after thought she remembered the article she had written for this week’s edition. She turned back to the computer and with one deft stroke deleted everything on the disk inside the computer. Then without another word or a glance backwards she walked out of the room, her head held high and her shoulders straight back. It was only later that she had a chance to reconsider her hasty decision.

“Are you sure you know what your doing love?” Aunt Margaret asked later that evening after the girl told her what happened that afternoon at work.

“No,” Kellie admitted reluctantly slipping onto the edge of the bed.

The first few hours she had been carried along by anger yet now that the emotion had dissipated she was left to consider the consequences of her actions with a rational mind. She glanced about her normally tidy bedroom. It was in disarray with clothes strewn about the furniture. A suitcase lay open on the bed. Aunt Margaret nodded with quiet understanding. She looked pensively at her niece for a long moment before settling her thin frame on the bed next to the girl.

“Perhaps if you apologized, Mr. Davis would take you back,” she suggested a possibility.

“No,” Kellie disagreed popping up to her feet and beginning to pace around the room. “I can’t go back there, not after what I said besides he wouldn’t take me back and even if he did I would be

miserable,” she sighed and slumped into the small chair by the dresser.

“The truth is Auntie I don’t want to go back there,” she confessed. “I have been unhappy for such a long time but I have been too scared to do anything about it.”

The older woman looked intently at the girl’s face. She loved her niece like a daughter and only wanted her to be happy. She glanced at the air mail packet that was lying on the bed by the suitcase. She picked it up and studied the contents of the letter one more time.

“Perhaps than this is a good thing,” she said at last, though the tone of her voice was anything but encouraging. “I don’t know what your mother would think.”

“I know it seems bizarre but I really do think this is a good idea,” Kellie wanted her Aunt to be happy. “And I think mommy would have told me to go for it.”

“Perhaps she would have,” the older woman sighed giving into the inevitable yet unable to keep herself from fussing. “I just worry about you being alone. You won’t know anyone over there. What if you get into trouble?”

The girl stared intently at her Aunt’s wrinkled face. They had been together since the death of her Uncle five years earlier and in that time they had developed a special bond. She slipped out of the chair and knelt in front of the older woman gently picking up the frail hands and cradling them between her own.

“I will be all right,” she assured with a tender smile. “I can take care of myself and I’m sure these lawyers, whoever they are, will be only to willing to help if I run into any trouble.”

“Scotland is so far away,” the woman continued.

“I will only be gone for a week,” Kellie tried to be reassuring.

“I promised your mother when she died I would look after you,” Margaret sighed.

“And you have done a wonderful job Auntie,” she smiled. “But this is something I feel I have to do. It’s time I took a chance.”

“Yes, maybe it is,” the older woman agreed. She said nothing more on the subject, gently patting the girls head as she rose to her feet. “I think it’s time to start dinner.”

Kellie leaned back on her heels, her green eyes thoughtfully following the old woman as she slowly wandered out of the room. Despite the acquiescing she couldn’t help feeling that the woman was not entirely happy with the situation. Aunt Margaret and her cousin were the only family she had left. She waited for a few minutes before following the woman into the kitchen. She found her Aunt standing at the counter.

“Was Angus Macgregor my father?”

The old woman physically jumped at the sound of the girl’s voice. She had not heard the girl follow her down the steps. She whirled around from the water basin to see her niece standing in the doorway. Her arms were folded across her chest. There was a solemn expression on her face.

“Your mother never told us who your father was,” Margaret was honest. “Perhaps you don’t believe that, but your mother was reluctant to talk about anything that dealt with how you came to be. She preferred to call it as an unfortunate accident that brought her a great joy.”

Kellie did not doubt the woman’s claim for even on her death bed her mother had refused to divulge the identity of her natural father. It had been a source of strain between them all their lives and she had never been able to understand the need for secrecy. In the end she had reasoned that it had perhaps been shame and humiliation that had made her mother take the truth to the grave.

“Perhaps it was Angus Macgregor, I’m not sure, the only thing I know for certain was that your mother did become pregnant that year she spent in Scotland,” the woman sighed as if the whole matter was to disturbing to discuss.

“But he was almost thirty years older than her,” Kellie grimaced at the idea.

“We don’t always choose who we fall in love with,” Margaret counseled eyeing the younger woman thoughtfully. “When I first met your Uncle Harry, I wanted nothing to do with him. He was loud, obnoxious and rough around the edges. It wasn’t until I got to know him that I found out he had a heart of gold and that made everything else seem unimportant.”

Kellie was quiet. It was true. Her Aunt and Uncle had been as different as night and day yet they had loved each other passionately until the day he had died of cancer. The man had been everything that her Aunt said and they had all loved him and his blunt honesty.

“I don’t understand why she didn’t tell me,” she said softly.

“Perhaps she didn’t think you would understand,” the other woman guessed.

“I was twenty years old,” Kellie disputed the claim.

“Your mother was a proud woman and maybe she was ashamed by what happened,” Margaret said voicing her own thoughts. “When she left for Scotland she was filled with such dreams and ideas yet when she returned she was changed.”

The woman paused. “No parent likes to admit to their child that they failed. No one likes to acknowledge the mistakes they make. Maybe it was easier for her to forget what happened. Maybe she was scared you would think differently of her. You always had a close relationship and she may have been afraid that you would resent her if you knew the truth.”

Kellie did not argue the point. She had been close with her mother. There had always only ever been the two of them living in the house with her grandfather and in the beginning when she was younger it hadn’t mattered. She had been close to her grandfather and he had been the only father figure she needed. It wasn’t until after he had died that she had been possessed with the urgency to know the truth.

That night she was unable to sleep, her thoughts keeping slumber at bay. Finally she gave up trying and restlessly climbed out of bed. As she had done since childhood, she opened the window and crawled out onto the first floor roof.

She lay back against the rough shingles and stared up at the night sky. It was a warm evening with no clouds and she was able to stare up into infinity, her eyes entranced by the stars that glowed and glittered overhead.

She had never been able to convince her mother how important it was to her to know the truth about her heritage. She had been unable to clearly explain the void that she had in her heart. A void created by ignorance. Her mother hadn’t understood and in retrospect perhaps the woman hadn’t wanted to understand.

For years as a child she had invented her own stories of what had happened to her father. Once she had pretended that he was a soldier who had died in the war. Another time she had told a friend that he had died from a horrible sickness. It had gained her sympathy from those who had believed her yet it had done nothing to fill the hole in her heart.

She took a deep breathe filling her lungs with the clear crisp air of the night. In the distance she could hear the wail of a siren as an ambulance raced to some emergency. All her life she had been afraid to take chances. The fear had been instilled by her mother, a woman who had always been afraid that she would make the same mistakes.

“I had dreams, but I allowed my foolishness to destroy them, don’t do the same,” her mother used to say and she heard the words again as if the woman were sitting right there beside her.

They had been ingrained in her head and they automatically came to mind every time she had to make a decision. It was odd how she had not heard them this afternoon when she had quit her job. But than she had not given herself time to think. She had acted impulsively.

She smiled. As terrifying as it had been, it had also felt wonderful. She had done something unexpected, allowed her emotions to govern her actions, and now she was filled with a sense of fear and excitement.

She had never traveled anywhere on her own yet in a few days she would be flying across the ocean, sailing towards some unknown future. She tempered her thoughts. She had no reason to expect anything worthwhile from this trip. Yet she reasoned that her importance must be enough to warrant the expense of a first class ticket.

Her decision might have been impulsive and she may have needlessly thrown away a stable job, but she was determined to view it as an adventure. It was time that she started taking chances. She was a survivor and whatever happened she was certain she would land back on her feet. It was a curious situation and the more she thought about it the more her anticipation grew.

The next few days were spent in a whirlwind of activity as she rushed to make the necessary arrangements that needed to be taken care of before her trip. She purchased several new outfits on a whim ignoring the fact that she did not have a job to replenish the bank account from which she was withdrawing the money. She had determined not to worry about such things. On Wednesday she did all her packing and that evening she was surprised when her Aunt hosted a small farewell party.

“Auntie you shouldn’t have,” she hugged the elderly woman. She had just returned from a last minute dinner date with Tony unaware that it had been a part of the surprise. “This is all not necessary; I am only going to be gone for a week.”

“Something tells me it will be a little longer than a week,” the older woman mused wisely and moved away before Kellie could get her to explain the remark.

“You better not be gone longer than that,” Tony chirped, grabbing her arm and twirling her around to face him. “It is awful at work without you and I will be positively lost if you don’t hurry back.”

“Well, we’ll see. Who knows I might have inherited a grand castle and be needed to oversee all my land tenants,” she quipped with a smile and he threw his head back and laughed.

“Now look whose been watching too many movies,” he smiled. “If that happens will you allow me to come be your retainer?”

“I’d have to think about it,” she replied in the same light tones.

“What will you have to think about?” her cousin Shaun asked as he ambled up to them.

“Tony was just saying that if I do inherit a castle and a title he would be willing to volunteer as my retainer,” she replied.

“Alas, if that does happen I think you might forget about us lowly peasants,” Shaun sighed in mock retreat.

“No,” Kellie turned momentarily serious. “Whatever the outcome of this excursion I will never forget anybody. How can I forget the guy that stole my favourite teddy bear and put it up in a tree?”

Shaun laughed as he remembered the childhood stunt he had played on his cousin. At the time it had brought her to tears and he had been severely punished for the trick. Now it was one of the memories they savoured about their shared youth

“I think it’s great,” he said solemnly. He hadn’t had a chance to tell her yet how he felt. “I hope you do inherit money, you deserve some good fortune.”

“No,” she shook her head though she appreciated his sentiments. “I am just grateful for the trip. I really don’t expect anything more. I was thinking about it last night and I think the trip to Scotland is my inheritance.”

“Why?” Her cousin was curious. She shrugged.

“I don’t know, maybe because the country was so dear to mother. Maybe he wanted me to see it as mother did. When I was there as a child I couldn’t appreciate the history.”

“Well, there is no need for you to rush back so if you have the opportunity of staying longer do it,” Shaun said with brotherly affection.

“I was considering that,” she agreed. “I realize that it might be the perfect opportunity for me travel. This is my big chance to see Europe, something I have wanted to do for years. With no time limits I can spend as much time over there as my finances allow.”

“Speaking of finances, do you need any money?”

“No, but thank you for the offer,” she hugged the man impulsively.

Shaun had always been like a big brother and his offer warmed her heart. She knew that his wife and him were not rich yet he was always willing to help anyone in need. She had saved a small sum of money and if she was frugal it would be sufficient for her purposes.

“Promise me than, that you will have a good time,” he said holding her at arms length. “Take a few chances.”

“I will have a good time,” she promised with a smile, “and I will take some chances.”

Later that night after everyone had said their farewells and left, she climbed out onto the roof outside her bedroom. She made no pretense of trying to sleep, aware that she was too keyed up to find any rest. She sat hugging her knees and feeling teary eyed and not certain why.

She thought about what her cousin said. She had always been afraid to take a chance preferring to take the safe and comfortable way. She had always allowed reason to govern her actions. In that sense they had been very different. Shaun had always been a carefree individual, never allowing anything to intrude on his sense of fun and adventure. He had a way of looking at the brighter things in life, never fretting about what could happen. She had envied him all her life.

She took a deep breathe and stared out into the black night. For the first time in her life she was taking a page out of his book. She remembered her Aunt’s words and her heart trembled. Though she could not admit it to anyone she too had the feeling that she was embarking on a trip that would change her forever and it was a terrifying yet exciting thought.

CHAPTER TWO

THE SEAS HAD grown angry and they assaulted the small boat for its arrogance to traverse its depths on such a black night. The dark figure leaned heavily on the oars, propelling the delicate vessel through the churning foam. A cold rain had begun to fall, washing the salt spray from dark features.

The kidnapper glanced to the stern where the woman lay still, oblivious to the elements of nature that threatened to drown them. She slept on, yet unaware of her plight.

Though tense muscles ached, the lone invader continued to strain against the oars with all his strength. He was a powerful man and his stubbornness would not allow this triumphant to be denied. Strong arms pulled the huge wooden boat through the watery surf until its bottom scraped the sand. The tall figure jumped out and almost immediately another smaller shadow emerged from the safe shelter of a nearby cavern.

“Your cloak, my lord,” a small man said handing his Master a dry robe while he clutched the reins of a powerful looking steed with his other hand.

The tall intruder nodded, fastening the proffered riding garment over broad shoulders before bending over the side of the boat and lifting out the damsel. For a moment the kidnapper paused to study the woman. Now that she was here, she would never be allowed to leave.

“I will see you back at the castle,” the Lord said grabbing the reins after mounting the large steed, the young woman cradled in his strong arms.

With a click of the heels, the horse was off and soon they were galloping up the sandy slope through the small parish and out across the barren rolling hills that made up the small island kingdom.

They rode to the castle, perched at the centre of the island on a small rise. From the recently completed guard towers one could view the entire estate. They rode through the gates into the courtyard, the sound of the horses hoofs echoing loudly inside the stone walls. A stable hand rushed out from one of the dark archways that circled the enclosed square.

The Lord dismounted the prize of the evenings adventures still tightly secure in muscular arms. Without stopping he marched through an open door into the vestibule where a small cadre of servants waited.

“Heat water for a bath,” the instructions came without formal greeting, “and warm the bed with coals.”

The servants rushed off to do their Master’s bidding and one hurried ahead, leading the way up the stairs to the second floor and down the long cavernous hallways towards the bedchamber that had been prepared. Only once inside the room, was the woman finally gently laid upon on the bed.

“I want you to take care of her,” the Lord instructed in a husky voice, brilliant blue eyes gazing at the delicate flower that now looked damp and wilted. “I want no harm to be brought to the Lady.”

“Yes, my Lord, now go or you will catch your death.”

The tall Lord nodded, momentarily unwilling to leave the Lady’s side but he knew the handmaiden to be right. Gently reaching down, the kidnapper picked up one hand of the sleeping beauty raising it to firm lips for a tender kiss before setting it back down on the bed.

“She is sleeping with the potion, but I will return to see how she fairs,” the Master promised before rushing back out of the room.

*  *  *

Kellie opened her eyes and stared out of the small window but all she could see was the thick blanket of clouds that covered the earth. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. It was still hard to image what had happened in the last three days. It was as if a whirlwind had blown through her existence and changed the course of her life.

She took a deep breathe. It was hard to believe that she was on her way to Scotland. It was all a little overwhelming and her stomach trembled nervously. She had acted purely on impulse not allowing herself time to think about her actions.

She stared at the seat in front of her. She had no grand illusions. She wasn’t flying to Scotland expecting to inherit millions, thinking instead of something more reasonable like a collection of war memorabilia. Either way, it would serve as a stepping off point. She would tour the United Kingdom and than head south to France and Central Europe. She would not limit herself to any set time table and travel as her heart desired.

She had some money in the bank and if prudent, it would last her a while. She spoke a little French and Spanish and was confident it was enough to get her around. She was also confident that she could get some part-time work to support herself.

The plan seemed very rational yet she was anxious. She had never before ventured far from her home town. She had attended the local university and had traveled out of province by car but never had she gone on such an extensive adventure.

She turned and stared out the window. She was terrified. Scotland was a completely different world. She was a typical North American, used to the comforts of Canadian society. She knew from books she had read that while the cities were very modern, the country villages and towns were old fashioned. She couldn’t help but be a little tentative.

The plane landed at Heathrow Airport in London and after going through customs she had to hurry through the terminal to catch the connecting flight to Edinburgh. Though this plane was much smaller it was just as crowded. It was late afternoon when she finally arrived at her destination and she was thoroughly weary.

She collected the few pieces of luggage from the baggage carousel and than glanced thoughtfully about the arrival area. She had hoped that someone might be there to greet her but it was a false expectation. Following the crowds she made her way outside and lined up in the queue waiting for an available taxi.

“Where you be headin’ lass?” the cab driver asked snatching her bags from the sidewalk and stowing them in the luggage compartment of his car.

The letter had stated that a room would be reserved for her at the Nottingham Inn and she gave the driver the address before settling into the backseat. She missed the puzzled look the man cast in her direction.

“You be sure about the Nottingham Inn, Miss?” the kindly driver inquired as he slid in behind the steering wheel.

“Yes,” Kellie nodded quelling the anxiety that suddenly sprung up in her stomach. “Is there something wrong with the place?”

“Nay,” the man shook his head as he started the car and pulled into traffic. “It’s just that it be a little posh and out of the way. Are you certain you wouldn’t be wanting to stay at a hotel more central?”

“No,” she shook her head not knowing how to interpret the man’s words. She remained quiet focusing her attention on the scenery outside. The driver glanced in the rear view mirror.

“Begging your pardon ma’am, I didn’t mean to be disrespectful; it’s just that it’s unusual for any tourist to be going to the Inn. It’s a place where the local gentry usually stay when they come to the city.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” she shrugged helplessly. “I have just come here for the reading of a Will and the solicitors booked the room for me.”

“Who died than?” the driver asked curiously.

“An Angus Macgregor,” she said.

“Aye, than you will be staying at the Inn,” the man nodded his head knowledgably and she stared at the back of his head, a frown decorating her features.

“Did you know Mr. Macgregor?”

“Not personally,” the driver said. “But everyone in Scotland knows of him.”

“Was he a rich man?” she wanted to know.

“Aye, there are some that say he be the richest in the country, maybe even in the whole Kingdom save the Queen, but he never showed it,” the man replied and glanced in the mirror again. “How’d you know the man?”

“I don’t,” she admitted honestly.

She didn’t say any more unwilling to go into any further detail about why she was here. It didn’t help that she didn’t even know the truth. She turned her head and stared out the window, grateful that the driver had fallen silent.

The Nottingham Inn was located on a quiet street in a residential area of the city. It had a nondescript facade and looked like any ordinary tavern but once she stepped through the doors she noticed the transformation.

It had a cozy, old world charm and she noticed that most of the elegant furnishings were antiques. The attached dining hall was renowned for its cuisine and its bedroom suites were small but exquisitely decorated. The atmosphere was warm and hospitable and she fell in love with the place, glad that these faceless barristers had secured a room here rather than at a newer more fashionable chain hotel.

“The room how much does it cost?” she inquired thinking of what the cabbie had said and aware that she had to start watching her pennies.

“The matter of payment has all been taken care of,” the proprietor said with a smile. She did not know that the staff had been advised to treat her royally without consideration of expense. “This letter was left at the desk for you. If there is anything you need just ring us.”

Kellie nodded and waited until the kind man had left before sitting down on the edge of the bed and opening the dispatch. It was a brief note from the solicitor inviting her for dinner. It said he would be around at eight to collect her. A quick glance at her watch told her that it was nearly six. There was just enough time for a bath.

Henry Ludden had volunteered to entertain the foreign woman for dinner that evening. No one at Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden knew what to expect of this stranger from Canada, yet all knew of her importance. Angus Macgregor had been very secretive, revealing only the most necessary details of their relationship. George Ludden had at first intended on meeting the woman himself, but Henry had persuaded his father otherwise. The woman was his age and more likely able to relate to him. The logical reasoning had won the argument.

He swung the car through the narrow streets of the city. At thirty years of age, he was still a bachelor with no interest in settling down unless the right woman came along. The right woman of course, meant she needed a healthy bank account from which he could draw an adequate lifestyle. He was a practicing solicitor like his father but did not have the ambition or drive to be as successful.

For a moment he thought of this unknown stranger. He wondered what she looked like and whether she had inherited any of the old man’s personality. He had been willing to sacrifice an evening to find out what type of person they would be dealing with, aware that as a stranger in a foreign land she would need a friend. Besides he never knew were the liaison could go from there. It was quite possible she was the woman he was looking for.

Miraculously there was a parking spot in front of the pub next door to the Inn. He preferred the flashier more modern places in the city but supposed under the circumstances it was only appropriate the woman stay at the Inn. He locked up the car and than strolled purposefully into the Inn, bracing himself for the night ahead.

Kellie was ready and sitting in the downstairs lounge when a dapper young man came strolling through the door. His dark hair was neatly slicked back and there was a thin moustache over his upper lip. There was an air of arrogance that exuded from his presence and somehow she knew this was the solicitor for whom she was waiting. Her thoughts were confirmed when the young girl at the desk pointed in her direction.

Henry turned his head and stared. For an instant his jaw dropped in surprise. He had been preparing himself for a female version of the old man yet was completely bowled over by the blond beauty that sat waiting in the lounge. He recovered and the look of surprise was quickly replaced by a charming smile that spread over his lips as he hurried across the room to greet her.

“Miss Macgregor, my profuse apologies for making you wait,” the man said extending his hand. Kellie rose and accepted the greeting.

“I was early,” she smiled and it changed her entire face.

The man stared for a moment at the sparkling emerald eyes and the crown of golden hair. He didn’t think he had ever met anyone as beautiful. It was his lucky day indeed. He remembered his manners.

“I am sorry I forgot to introduce myself,” he bowed his head slightly. “Henry Ludden, junior partner in Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Kellie replied politely though she was beginning to grow uncomfortable under the man’s obvious admiration. She gently extracted her hand from his prolonged grasp. “It is very kind of you to escort me to dinner.”

“It is my pleasure. Angus Macgregor was a greatly valued client of our firm and we wish to express our deepest condolences. He would want us to do whatever we could to make your stay in Scotland comfortable. Besides I couldn’t let you spend your first night in the country alone.”

“Thank you,” Kellie murmured with some embarrassment. She felt like she was a fraud being gushed over and pampered by strangers who knew a man she did not.

“Shall we go to dinner than?” Henry suggested aware of her unease.

“Yes, please,” she agreed, feeling famished.

She had not brought many clothes along on this trip, mindful of her decision to continue on around the world. One of the few things she had packed was an evening dress of black chiffon.

It was an off the shoulder number with short sleeves and a low bodice that revealed the creamy whiteness of her skin and the gentle swelling of her breasts. It was calf length with a gentle slit up the side, a cut just high enough to reveal the delicate shapeliness of her legs.

When she had unpacked the dress, she had found it in crumples and it had only been with the assistance of the receptionist in the Inn that she had managed to rid the garment of all its wrinkles. She was glad now that she had taken the trouble of ironing the creases instead of choosing another less formal outfit.

Henry had made reservations at several restaurants in anticipation of what he would find waiting for him. He took her to the most exclusive place he knew, a place where he would be seen by friends. It did not matter to him at all what he spent on the evening for his father would reimburse him from the old man’s estate.

As hoped, several of his friends were at the restaurant and he silently acknowledged their presence as he walked with his companion to a quiet table in a secluded part of the room. The subdued intimacy of the atmosphere made Kellie uncomfortable. This man was treating her as if this were a date.

Her fears were immediately forgotten for her companion was charming and quickly put her at ease. He was funny and his humorous anecdotes made her laugh. It was such a pure, honest sound that bubbled up from deep inside, and gave Henry goose bumps. It was odd but he had never gone looking for love yet strangely looking across the table at his companion he felt as if it had found him.

The sweet taste of the wine and delicious meal loosened her tongue and Kellie found herself telling this man almost everything about her life back in Canada and he listened intently wondering if she suspected how much her quiet existence was about to change. He didn’t think she knew the truth and strangely he was not eager to break the news.

After awhile he found himself telling her about his own life. He related the tribulations of public school and of his fledging career working in his father’s law practice. He wanted her to know everything about him and could have carried on all night if it hadn’t been for the yawns he saw her stifle.

“Please forgive me,” he apologized sincerely. “I have been shamefully remiss in forgetting that you have had a long day. Let me drive you home.”

Kellie did not dissuade him. She was tired and the affects of the small amount of wine she had consumed were adding to the weariness she felt. It had been a long and emotionally exhausting day.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Ludden,” she said when he escorted her back to the Inn.

“Please, I would consider it an honour if you called me Henry,” he said quietly with a smile.

“Henry,” she agreed.

“Thank you,” he sounded grateful. “If I may be so bold, I was wondering if I might impose myself upon your company once again tomorrow night. I know it shall be a busy day for you but perhaps by dinner you might need a friendly face to have a chat.”

“Yes,” she agreed.

She did not know anyone else in the city and he was a pleasant enough fellow. However, she was not interested in developing anything more than a friendship and when he leaned forward to kiss her, she politely turned her cheek. She had not come to Scotland looking for romance.

Henry was immediately conscious of her slight and was embarrassed, aware that he had been presumptuous. He knew that he would have to be more patient. He watched as the woman slowly mounted the steps to her second floor suite before returning to his car; his mind already plotting their courtship.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon was mortified. She had woken to find herself in a strange room in a strange place. She did not love her husband but he had sworn to protect her throughout their marriage and she did not understand how she could have been kidnapped from his bed in the middle of the night.

“Where am I?” she repeated her earlier question.

“You are on Loch Loe,” the handmaiden replied and the younger woman was stunned to learn that she had been carried across the strait that separated the island from the mainland.

She could not understand how she could have been spirited away without anyone raising an alarm. She scrambled out of bed, but jumped back under the huge down goose feathered quilt once her feet touched the cold floor. It was only than that she realized she was naked.

“Where are my bedclothes?” she asked bravely expressing her disapproval. “I demand to speak to your Master.”

“I am sorry my lady but your clothes have been taken to the wash. When the maids are done they will be returned. My Lord is out on the land and will visit thee later.”

Lady Shannon was indignant and angry yet it was useless to vent her frustration on this servant. She stared for a moment at the old woman watching as she darned a pair of socks which no doubt belonged to the Master of the House. She decided a new tactic was in order.

“My husband has a great fortune,” she said slowly choosing her words carefully. “He would be very appreciative and pay a great sum of money to any person who would return me to him.”

The old handmaiden paused to look at the young mistress. The girl was beautiful and young and she could understand how the young Master had allowed his heart to be captured. She shook her head gravely.

“Lord Macgregor would be much anguished at any betrayal,” the woman rose to her feet and picking up her basket, she moved towards the door. “The Master of Loch Loe is not an evil person, only someone who merely wants what was promised by your father.”

There was silence as the old woman shuffled out of the room. Lady Shannon listened as the door thudded shut and than heard the clank of keys as the portal was locked. The deafening silence that followed made her feel lonelier than she had ever felt in her young life.

Lady Shannon drew her knees up and shuddered not from the cold but from the fear that burned as brightly in her heart as the fire in the grate. She turned her head and stared at the dancing flames, praying silently that her husband would mount a rescue to save her from this horrible fate.

*  *  *

Erin Macgregor took a seat next to her mother Gladys. The two senior lawyers were in conference behind the large oak desk that dominated the room. Behind her, seated in a single neat row, were the loyal servants who had maintained the castle and the grounds for the old man. She acknowledged them individually before glancing at her watch.

The appointment had specifically stated two p.m. and she wondered now what was keeping them from beginning. It had been necessary for her to cancel several appointments of her own to attend this meeting. She was just about to speak, annoyed by the delay, when the door to the office opened. A breathless young woman charged into the room.

Erin stared unabashedly at the girl, whose blonde hair was in disarray around her head and whose pale cheeks were flushed red. She caught sight of the bright green eyes that glanced around the room and for an instant her heart stopped beating.

“I am sorry,” Kellie apologized in a husky voice, the flush of her skin deepening with embarrassment as she realized her absence had held up the proceedings. “I was out sightseeing and lost track of the time.”

“No harm done,” George Ludden assured her graciously with an indulgent smile that caused Gladys McTavish great irritation. She was annoyed by the inconvenience this woman’s tardiness caused and was not about to be so kind. The lawyer seemed to sense her dark thoughts and hastily motioned the woman towards the vacant chair. “If you will please have a seat Miss Macgregor we can proceed.”

Erin felt her mother stiffen and saw the stark glance she cast in the girl’s direction. Thoughtfully she followed her gaze and wondered if she were some distant relative of the old man or some waif Angus had taken under his wing. The girl bore no immediate resemblance to the family and by the accent of her voice she knew that she was not from the Kingdom. She guessed that she was Canadian.

The lawyer took his seat and than methodically prepared himself to read the contents of the Will.

George Ludden picked up a pair of reading glasses and adjusted them properly on his face before collecting a sheaf of papers from his desk. He cleared his throat and than began to read.

Kellie sat at the edge of her chair in anticipation. She had never attended a reading of a Will before. When her grandfather and mother had died the lawyer had simply given her a copy of the document. Her beloved relatives did not have much so there had been no reason to make a big production. A fugitive glance around the room suggested this was not the case for Angus Macgregor.

She listened with genuine interest as the various treasured items were distributed to various members of the man’s personal staff. She swallowed nervously at the vast sums of money that were donated to various organizations. Once again she wondered at the reason she was there and anticipation began to build in her stomach. She felt like a child at Christmas.

Finally the lawyer got to the main body of the text. He paused to glance up over his glasses at the two people who would be most affected by the contents. He could feel the tension in the room. He reached for his glass of water and took a sip.

“Finally, I bequeath the remainder of my estate including Loch Loe and all its possessions including my stocks and shares in various companies I hold and the cash sum of two hundred and twenty million pounds to my daughter and the granddaughter of my true friend John Franklyn Macgregor, Miss Kellie Shannon Macgregor.”

There was a slight pause as the solicitor allowed his words to sink in for a moment before continuing. The room was deathly silent.

“All said properties are to be held in Trust until Miss Macgregor reaches the age of forty one years at which time it shall be turned over to her care. In between time she is to receive a generous sum of 700,000 pounds per year. The Trust is to be administered on her behalf by Erin Aubrey Macgregor at a sum of fifty thousand pounds per year. This is my final Will and Testament.”

“This is an outrage,” Gladys McTavish burst out in anger, jumping to her feet, barely waiting until the barrister had finishing speaking. The woman was incensed by the document. “Loch Loe belongs to my daughter.”

George Ludden patiently put the papers down, removing his eyeglasses before addressing the spontaneous outburst. He gazed at the woman without emotion. He had mentally prepared himself for a confrontation with Angus Macgregor’s former lover.

“I am sorry Mrs. McTavish but Mr. Macgregor was quite certain how he wanted his estate to be distributed.”

“That is rubbish,” the woman scoffed though her face had grown pale and some of the fire had gone out of her voice. “I will contest this travesty of justice. It was common knowledge through the entire country that Erin was his sole heir.”

“If you find that a necessary course of action, please go ahead,” the solicitor said quietly with dignity, having no desire to be pulled into any disagreement with the woman.

Kellie was in shock, numbed by the news that this man had been her father. She completely ignored the fact that she had just become a very rich woman. She slumped back in her chair overwhelmed by the whole state of affairs. She was so stunned it took her a moment to realize that the older woman was making a scene.

“What kind of sorcery did you use on the old man?” Gladys wanted to know, turning her wrath upon the innocent girl.

“I did nothing,” she sputtered in reply, still in a daze. “Until I few minutes ago I never knew who my father was. I only ever remember meeting Mr. Macgregor once when I was a child. I certainly didn’t coerce anyone into this.”

“Nonsense,” the other woman was scornful. “I have heard of women like you who ply their wiles on senile old men.”

“No,” Kellie defended herself against the accusations.

“I demand she take a blood test. I want proof that she is the daughter of Angus Macgregor.”

“I have the birth certificate right here if you would like to see it,” the solicitor responded in a firm voice becoming annoyed.

“It is a forgery,” Gladys scoffed at the evidence.

“Mother, I want you to stop this display right now,” Erin finally spoke up recovering from the shock of what had just been imparted. There had been rumours that the old man had other children but until now they had not been proven or acknowledged. She was determined to remain dignified.

“But dear, it rightfully all belongs to you,” the woman complained. She was begging for her stubborn child to understand. “You deserve this for all the years you put up with that miserable old bastard.”

“Enough!” the tall woman nearly shouted and the older woman clamped her mouth shut aware that she had gone too far. Erin stood up and as gracefully as she could, turned her attention to the foreign woman. “I apologize for my mother’s behaviour. She had no right to say those things, but you must understand that this has come as bit of a shock to all of us.”

“It has come as a shock to me as well,” Kellie admitted candidly. She looked up at the bright blue penetrating eyes and a shiver raced down her spine. “If you are Mr. Macgregor’s daughter than you should have at least half of the estate. There seems more than plenty for the both of us.”

“Miss Macgregor!” George Ludden said hastily, alarmed that the young woman was not exercising more prudence. “I must strongly caution you that anything you say may be used against you if a civil action is to be pursued.”

“There is no need,” Erin Macgregor held up her hand to silence the older lawyer. She was not like her mother. She turned her attention back to the young woman.

“I will not contest the will,” she said quietly, ignoring the disgruntled gasp that came from the older woman. “It is not in my nature to want anything that it not freely given. It was Angus’ wish that everything go to you, than it shall be granted. I expect we shall be seeing each other again.”

With that she moved to one side and motioned for her mother to precede her to the door. The older woman looked like she was about to protest but the stern look on her daughter’s face suggested she not argue. There was silence as the pair departed. George Ludden looked at the young woman sympathetically.

“Ms. Erin Macgregor is a woman of the highest standard. I doubt you will have much trouble with her,” the solicitor paused. “Her mother is a bit bothersome and high strung but she won’t cause you a bit of trouble, Ms. Macgregor will see to that.”

Kellie wasn’t assured by the man’s words of comfort. She could not dismiss the older woman’s anger or the brief look of dismay on the younger woman’s face. She could not ignore the knowledge that she had a blood sister.

*  *  *

Ewan Macgregor stepped into the castle and felt immediately the warmth that radiated from the fire in the kitchens hearth. He undid the clasp of his cloak and pulled off his high leather riding boots. He was cold and wet. The walk he had taken around the island to ensure his soldiers were in place had soaked his skin and chilled him to the bone.

He was worried that his half brother would mount an immediate attack in an attempt to recapture his bride. He was prepared for such an action and had all his battlements in place. He would fight before releasing his captive.

He heaved a sigh of weariness as he settled onto a chair by the fire. The cook scurried around the kitchen boiling water for hot tea. He was tired, worn out by his adventure yet unable to sleep with the knowledge that his dear heart was lying in a bed not far from his reach.

If there was one consolation it was that a fog had settled over the channel. A fog so thick that only a fool would attempt to journey across its narrow rocky Strait. His half brother would not venture from the warmth of his castle in such foul weather. For the time being they were safe.

“Has the lady woken?” he asked of the cook when she handed him a cup of tea with a generous helping of rum.

“Yes, my lord,” the plump woman vigorously nodded her head. “She woke many hours ago and is frightfully spirited. Mary said she be a handful.”

“Yes,” the young Lord nodded his head, remembering a woman he had only seen from a far. Even across the distance her beauty and spirit had captured his heart. “Has she eaten?”

“Yes, my Lord. I sent a bowl of broth and bread up to her bedchamber and she finished off every morsel and crumb.”

“Good,” the Lord nodded with satisfaction, pleased that the woman seemed to have some common sense. It would do no one any good if the girl became ill. He swallowed the last of his tea and stood up.

“You will have Mary bring her down for supper. I wish to have the Lady dine with me tonight.”

“Begging your pardon sir, she might use the chance to run away,” the cook seemed worried. All the servants were concerned for the Master they served with loyalty and devotion. The Lord smiled.

“You forget Rose that we now live on an island. There is no place for the woman to run but into the sea. I hardly think I am a worse fate than drowning.”

*  *  *

Kellie lay in bed that night still not able to absorb the magnitude of what had happened that afternoon. She thought of Tony’s lightly spoken words. They had been joking yet it was no longer so funny. She had inherited a castle on an island and more money than she could spend in several lifetimes. But all that dimmed against the greater knowledge that Angus Macgregor had been her father. For the first time she understood the visit they had made here, yet she still could not understand why her mother had never divulged the truth.

A frown marred her face as she restlessly turned over on her side. It was all so overwhelming. She didn’t remember everything the solicitor had said after everyone else was dismissed. He had attempted to explain the extent of her new holdings but none of it had registered for she had been truly dazed. He had ended the interview and made a further appointment for her the following week.

“It will give you the weekend to get used to the idea,” he had suggested with an indulgent smile.

Kellie wasn’t sure she would ever get used to the idea. As soon as she had left the solicitors office, she had rung up her Aunt and cousins to share her good fortune. They had been genuinely happy and she knew that she would share her wealth with them. They had always treated her good, welcoming her into their home. She would repay them now for their kindness.

She had tried to make a list of things she would do and people she would help. She had always been a generous person by nature and now she had the means to do so. Yet even that simple gesture had been overwhelming.

She sighed and stared through the darkness. A stream of light from the street lamp outside filtered through a crack in the curtains shedding light on the flowery wall paper that adorned the room. The only thing she could think about was how much her life had changed.

She had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she had completely forgotten about the dinner date she had made with Henry Ludden for that evening. He had understood, patiently waiting while she had gotten ready.

The man had been right. She had needed a friendly face with whom to chat and all her thoughts had bubbled and boiled right out of her mouth. Henry had sat silently listening, interjecting only the odd casual comment. He understood that she needed to adjust to this new development.

For a moment her thoughts darkened. She had grown up as an only child and the only other family she had was her Aunt and cousin. It was sobering to realize that she might have a half sister. A sibling, whose existence had been unknown until today.

Her offer to share the inheritance had been hasty yet genuine. She could only image the shock and disappointment the tall woman must have felt at the realization that she would receive nothing from their father. It was a cruel omission.

Unlike her mother, Erin Macgregor had behaved with dignity, accepting fate as it had been dealt. Mr. Ludden had nothing but praise for the other woman and had assured her that she would be honest and fair in all their dealings. Kellie certainly hoped so. The idea of having a big sister to look out for her gave her a measure of comfort. It was with this on her mind that she finally found sleep.

Erin Macgregor bore up well under the circumstances. She felt betrayal and anger towards the old man. She was not mourning the loss of the property and fortune but the realization that she had not been formally acknowledged by her father. She lifted her glass and swallowed another sip of scotch.

A frown marred her face. In the beginning Angus had treated her kindly and they had shared many weekend outings at the Castle on Loch Loe. There were holidays to which her mother had never been invited. The man had been gruff and cantankerous but they had forged a tremulous but solid relationship.

She couldn’t exactly remember when everything changed but one day it had. She had been eighteen when the invitations to the Castle had ceased. It had been shortly after her mother had paid a visit to the old man. To this day she did not know what had occurred between her parents during the visit but it had affected her own relationship with the man.

She took another swallow of her drink. Her mother had always insisted she was Angus Macgregor’s daughter and in the beginning the old man had never questioned that assumption. She wondered now if her mother had said something to make the old man doubt the truth.

Restlessly she stood up and strolled to the window, staring out into the dark night. She felt no resentment towards the young woman who had been the benefactor of Angus’s generosity. The small blond had been genuinely shocked by the inheritance and the knowledge that the old man was her father. She thought of the way the delicate blonds feature had gone blank and dazed. Contrary to what her mother had said no one could have been such a convincing actress as to fake the surprise the girl had shown.

Kellie was a beautiful woman by anyone’s standards with a fresh look that was bright and appealing. Her green eyes had dominated the small oval face and Erin had felt an immediate attraction. She cursed her thoughts. If what the solicitor had said were true than the young woman was her half sister. Certainly they had the proper evidence. She knew there was only one person whom she could truly believe.

“Did you know that Angus had another child?” she asked of her grandfather the next day when she drove out to Lockley to see him.

“Nay,” the older man shook his feeble head as they strolled through the gardens. “There was a time when a young lass was staying with him and rumours that she had borne a child but she left and nothing more was said.”

Erin swallowed the lump that gathered in her throat. Her mother had never mentioned the fact that she might have other siblings. Gladys had brought her up to believe that she was the man’s only child and his sole descendent.

“Did mother know of these rumours?” she asked of her grandfather. The old man hesitated, taking an extra long moment to draw on the pipe that protruded from between his craggy lips.

“Aye,” he finally sighed. “You were still a lass not more than eighteen when she learned that he might have more kin. She was rightly upset by the fact and confronted him on the matter.”

Erin understood then what had caused the riff in her relationship with the old man. Her mother had interfered, drawing the man’s wrath. She felt a huge measure of remorse, for their relationship had never been the same.

“Does she look like the old man?” the old man could not hide his curiosity.

“No,” Erin shook her head. “She is a beauty granddad, with silky strands of blonde hair and eyes as green as the ocean.”

“Takes after her mother than,” the man nodded knowledgably.

“You knew the woman?”

“Nay,” the old man shook his head. “But I heard tell of her. All the local lads said she was a bonny lass.”

Erin didn’t ask any more questions. She didn’t need to have any more answers. She would have to come to terms with the fact that she had a half sister. She just wished the news had not come so unexpectedly.

“How do you feel than?” the old man wanted to know.

“About what granddad?”

“About not inheriting the old man’s estate?”

“I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t a wee bit hurt,” Erin confessed. “But I think I was more angry that he died without formally acknowledging me as his blood.”

“Aye, you have always been more prudent than your mother,” the man sighed. “I expect she caused a scene.”

“Aye granddad she did,” this time it was the woman who sighed. “She said some horrible things to the girl.”

“Than you know what you must do.”

“Aye granddad, I apologized once but I will go see her again.”

The pair stopped walking and the man gazed up at the young woman. He had always been proud of his grandchild grateful that she had inherited the good sense and intelligence that her mother seemed to lack. He had no worries that the girl would do the right thing.

CHAPTER THREE

LADY SHANNON FOUND the clothes that she had been given fit perfectly over her slender frame. At first she had been unwilling to don the surrendered garments but there beauty and the fine material had drawn her to try on the dress. Only when she was wearing the gown did she feel whole once again.

She paused, a worried frown spreading across her face. The handmaiden had instructed her that the Master of the house wished for her to dine with him that night. Her stomach churned violently. She had no wish to confront the monster who had stolen her from her marriage bed. She wanted nothing to do with the man her husband so despised.

She remembered all the things her spouse had said about his enemy. The picture he had painted was quite gruesome and she was terrified to meet this horrible creature. Her husband said he was terribly scarred about the face and body with a hump on his back. She had never seen this man but supposed it all to be true, for any man forced to steal another man’s wife must truly be a monster.

She trembled at the thought and tossed herself upon the bed, mourning the life she once had and the misery to which she now found herself. She did not love her husband; she did not even like him but her father had betrothed her to him in repayment for a bad debt.

She had cried hopelessly when her father had broken the news of her arranged marriage. She had no desire to leave the warm and loving environment of her father’s home and she had begged for him to change his mind but the marriage had gone ahead.

It was not that her husband was cruel for he was quite a kindly man but he was old and his skin rough and wrinkled. His displays of affection were a test of her endurance for she found no pleasure in their marriage bed and was always relieved when he went off to visit his mistresses. She rather he spent time with them then with her. She shuddered to think now that she wished she were back with him. At least with him she knew what to expect.

*  *  *

Kellie spent the next two days wandering around the city. She took a bus tour and then retraced its steps revisiting the places that the tour guide had hurried them through. The Innkeeper kindly offered to pack her a lunch but she had declined eager to sample the various restaurants and pubs featured in the travel book she purchased.

She spent hours walking and absorbing the flavour of the city, allowing the atmosphere to soak into her blood. This was the land of her father and his many descendants an old, aristocratic family and she was eager to learn of its history and traditions.

She strolled along the harbour and filled her lungs with the smell of the sea. It was surprising how comfortable she felt. It was as if she had lived there all her life. By the time evening came she was content to have a late meal and fall into bed.

It came as some surprise the next day when she found Erin Macgregor in the reception area of the Inn. It was late morning and she was on her way out for the afternoon. Her heart began to beat just slightly faster.

Erin turned from the receptionist to the woman and immediately felt the strings around her heart tighten. It looked as if the girl was on her way out as she was casually dressed in a pair of worn jeans and a t-shirt. A heavier sweater was tied around her tiny waist and hung over her narrow hips.

“Miss Macgregor,” she said in a low voice.

“Ms. Macgregor,” Kellie nodded in greeting.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied the taller woman’s features. Erin was quite handsome with thick dark hair and high cheek bones. She did not look like the average Scotsman in her severe dark business suit.

“I hope I am not disturbing you,” Erin said in the same low voice.

“No. I was just on my way out,” Kellie replied. There was an odd tension and awkwardness between them. It was to be expected.

“Than I won’t keep you,” the taller woman said graciously. “I just wanted to come by and apologize again for the way my mother behaved. She normally isn’t in such bad form but she had a somewhat contentious relationship with Angus.”

Kellie nodded. It was nice that the woman had sought her out to make such a personal apology. Any trepidation she initially felt melted away.

“It’s very understandable,” she said. “I’m sure that everything must have been a big disappointment to you.”

“Do not be mistaken Miss Macgregor, I am not unhappy. The things I wanted from the old man were of higher value than anything you received,” the solicitor paused, a distant smile on her lips. “Anyway, I don’t mean to keep you. I just wanted to express my apologies in person.”

Kellie nodded and watched as the tall woman bowed her head politely and turned to go. The Scotswoman was at the door before the Canadian spoke. She was unable to let the tall woman just walk away.

“Ms. Macgregor,” she called and the dark haired woman paused, turning to watch as the smaller woman strolled up beside her. “I was just on my way out to lunch. I’m not meeting anyone, so I was wondering if you would care to join me, that is if you have nothing else planned.”

There was silence but she saw that the other woman’s eyes had turned dark. There was no expression on the angular face to say what the older woman was thinking.

“I don’t know what your situation is,” Kellie continued when the silence grew. “My mother never married so the only relatives I have is an Aunt and a cousin. It’s kind of nice to know that I also have a sister. It would be nice if we could get to know each other a little better.”

“That probably would be a good idea,” Erin conceded. She watched as the younger woman nervously twisted a ring on her finger. “I have no plans and yes, Miss Macgregor, I would be pleased to join you for lunch.”

“Kellie,” she smiled and held out her hand.

“Erin,” the dark haired woman returned the greeting accepting the offer of friendship.

They walked to a small pub on the corner of the lane. They took a table by the windows and when the waitress arrived they ordered a plate of sandwiches and chips with a pot of tea to wash it all down.

“Was it painful for your mother when she heard that Angus had died?” Erin enquired politely, curious to know more about this foreign woman.

“My mother died about a dozen years ago,” Kellie said shortly. It was still hard to talk about even after all the years. “She had never been sick but only a few months after my grandfather passed away the doctors diagnosed her with cancer. She was dead within a year.”

“I’m sorry, it sounds like you were very close,” the tall woman was sincere.

“Yes, there was always the three of us. It was difficult to lose them both so quickly,” Kellie nodded, determined to keep the mood light. “What about you, have you a large family?”

“I suppose I was lucky even though I was an only child,” the solicitor supplied. “My mom came from a large family and I have more Aunties, Uncles and cousins then I can keep track of. My grandparents still live on a farm outside the small village of Lockley not far from Loch Loe. The whole family still gathers there every year for the holidays.”

“You are lucky,” Kellie breathed genuinely envious. “My grandmother died when my own mother was born and grandfather didn’t have the heart to remarry. He had been through the war. He had seen to many young people die. He got tired of the whole business. He was a kind man but very reserved.”

“Did he know that Angus was your father?”

“I don’t know,” the Canadian admitted sincerely. “My mother would never talk about who my father was and I never understood why until now. The two men had been buddies during the war, perhaps it was because she knew that grandfather would have disapproved.”

Silence followed her confession and Erin stared at the blonde’s downcast expression. She watched as the smaller woman picked at the chips on her plate, a lump gathering in her throat. There was nothing false about this woman, she was honest and sincere.

“Do you know what you are going to do?” she asked after a few minutes.

“Mr. Ludden suggested I take my time to think about that,” Kellie repeated the solicitor’s advice.

“That is sound counseling,” her companion agreed.

“I would like to give my Aunt and cousin something. They both helped me through some tough times,” she paused and looked across the table at the taller woman. “I was sincere when I said it would only be proper if we shared the inheritance.”

“No,” the response was quite firm. “If Angus had wanted me to have anything he would have bequeathed it. I don’t take charity.”

“It’s not charity,” Kellie disagreed. “Your mother was right, it is your birthright.”

“Perhaps,” Erin agreed with a distant smile. “However, I shall not accept anything.”

Kellie saw than that her companion was a proud woman. Others in a similar situation would have only been too eager to accept such an offer. The gesture of turning down a share made the Canadian feel happy and it had nothing to do with being greedy.

“Did Mr. Ludden explain all the details of the Will?” the Scots woman asked pensively.

“He started to but it was all rather complicated and I think he realized after a bit that I was still in shock and not really taking any of it in. I have arranged to see him tomorrow afternoon to go over the details.”

“Wise,” Erin nodded her approval. “The older gentleman is a good and honest solicitor.”

“He said the same thing about you,” Kellie said pausing for an instant noticing that the woman had the grace to flush over the compliment. “Perhaps you should join us for the meeting.”

“I am sure Mr. Ludden would like to speak with you in private,” the dark haired woman said with a frown.

“But I recall Mr. Ludden mentioning something about you being an administrator of the estate,” she said hesitantly, suddenly shy. The frown on the older woman’s face deepened.

“Yes,” Erin nodded absently with a bland smile. “It’s a silly provision that a lot of wealthy older men still include in their Wills when they are bequeathing the bulk of their estate to a female descendant. They worry that the woman may fall prey to some unscrupulous male suitor who will abscond with the fortune.”

The smile faded. “It just means that I will be in charge of the funds, overseeing the spending to ensure that it is all handled properly, until such time as you take possession of the full inheritance. The money will remain in Trust and an accountant will be hired to ensure that none of the monies is mishandled. There will be nothing to worry about. It is just a silly formality really.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Kellie replied sincerely. Instinct told her that she could trust this woman. “If you are available I would still like you to be there. If I am as wealthy as I think than I will need a protector.”

Erin studied the woman for an instant. There was a disturbing appeal in the depths of the green eyes. They were magnetizing and she didn’t doubt that once word got around the country the girl would be inundated with suitors. She turned away glancing at her sandwich.

“Some people would caution you not to be so trustworthy,” she spoke in a soft voice.

“If I can’t trust my own blood relatives than who can I trust,” the blonde countered in the same soft tones and Erin stared at her, her heart beating at an irrational pace.

“Please,” the simple appeal went straight to her heart.

“I will check my schedule and if it’s not too heavy I will be there,” Erin promised and than changed the subject disturbed by the feelings the other woman evoked in her. “Have you been to Scotland before?”

“Once when I was very young, but I don’t remember much,” Kellie smiled. “Yesterday morning I took one of these bus tours and then in the afternoon I went out on my own. Edinburgh is a very beautiful city.”

“Yes,” the older woman agreed. “It is a reflection of the country as a whole. The district around Loch Loe has beautiful green rolling hills. It is mostly a rural farming community.”

“What about Loch Loe?” the younger woman asked eagerly. “What is it like? All I know is that it’s an island.”

“Yes,” Erin nodded her head again. “It’s off the west coast and the island is about five squares kilometer. It’s a green meadow with only a few trees. The village of Loch Loe is on a small cove facing the mainland and the strait in between is about three kilometers in distance.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Kellie sighed romantically envisioning the place.

“Don’t get your hopes to high,” the dark haired woman cautioned. “The land itself is a beauty but the Castle Macgregor is in sad repair. Angus never spent any money on fixing the place up though I think at some time he did install central heating and electricity.”

“It doesn’t matter it shall be wonderful,” Kellie said cheerfully. “I never thought Tony’s prediction would be so accurate.”

“Tony?” Erin asked raising her eyebrows slightly.

“A friend from where I used to work,” the small blond replied. “I showed him the letter I had received from the lawyers and we speculated on what I had inherited. He glibly thought I might be getting a Castle and a title. He was partly right.”

“What did you think?” the woman was curious.

“I was dumbfounded. All I knew about Angus Macgregor was that he was a war buddy of my grandfathers. It never entered my mind that we were even remotely related. I certainly never thought he was my father. I naturally assumed that he was probably going to leave me some war memorabilia.”

“Why?” Erin frowned and she shrugged again.

“Well, as far as I knew my connection to the man was through my grandfather. I still can’t figure out how it all worked out, my mother was years younger than him.”

“Angus was a handsome man,” the tall woman explained. “He had a charm with the women, if he liked you. If he didn’t it could be the opposite. He was an odd man who took some getting used too. He could be very kind or very cruel.”

“Did you know him well?” Kellie wondered curiously.

“Yes,” Erin nodded. “I spent many of my school holidays on the island. We used to go hunting together and for hours he wouldn’t say anything. A lot of people thought him strange but I knew it was his way.”

“You were lucky,” it was Kellie’s turn to be serious. “You had the opportunity to know the man.”

“Yes,” a dark head nodded and than posed another question unwilling to dwell on her life. “What do you do back in Canada?”

“I was a writer on a weekly newspaper but I quit to come here,” she replied lightly.

“Was that a wise decision, after all you didn’t know what you were going to get?”

“No,” Kellie agreed with a sigh. “But I had been working there for five years and was getting no where so when my editor refused to give me time to come here, I quit. It wasn’t very practical and I might later regret the decision but I want to be a writer and I wasn’t reaching that goal sitting working at the magazine.

“My plan was to come here collect my inheritance, whatever that was, and than continue through Europe and around the world. I have some money saved up and thought the adventure would do me good.”

“And have your plans changed?” Erin wondered.

“Not really,” the younger woman confessed. “I suppose I shall stay around here until everything is sorted out but than I imagine I will go on. Mind you I don’t know what it is costing me staying at the Inn. I suppose I should check into that. I had rather planned a strict budget.”

“Didn’t Mr. Ludden tell you?” Erin was surprised.

“Tell me what?”

“Nottingham Inn where you are staying, you are now the owner.”

“What?” Kellie’s surprise was genuine.

“Yes, the Inn is part of Angus’s holdings,” the woman explained. “He always used to come up to the city for business and resented paying hotel bills so he bought the Inn. He stayed there every time he came to Edinburgh.”

“Oh,” the blond mouthed the simple word as colour seeped into her face. “I suppose that was one of the things Mr. Ludden was going to explain.”

“As for money I don’t think that should be a problem either,” Erin continued. “You are to receive seven hundred thousand pounds per year. I think that would convert to about two million of your Canadian dollars.”

“I hadn’t even thought of that,” Kellie shook her head in amazement. “I was in such shock about learning the man was my father that nothing else really registered.”

“In time it will,” Erin assured her. “Perhaps you might think of contacting Angus’s accountants after you speak with Mr. Ludden.”

“I suppose I better,” the blond agreed looking slightly overwhelmed and it was as if the realization of what had happened still had not sunk in completely.

“If you need anything you can always call me,” the solicitor heard the words coming from her mouth without thought.

“Thank you,” Kellie breathed gratefully, feeling like she had gained a trusted ally.

Later Erin had a moment to ponder the conversation. She didn’t know why she had volunteered her services. She was a busy woman working long hours at her law practice. She reasoned that she had felt sympathy for the woman. Kellie was all alone in a foreign country coping with a situation that was completely overwhelming.

Perhaps she even felt a kinship, after all Kellie was her half sister even though there were moments when she forgot that fact. In the end she determined that she had extended her offer because the Canadian was a genuinely nice and sincere woman and she instinctively knew her efforts would be appreciated.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon followed the handmaiden through the dimly lit corridors. Her head turned systematically to study the features of the Castle. If she was to plot an escape she would have to know where to go.

The dining hall was on the main floor. It was a large oblong room with a huge fire place. A long table dominated the center of the suite and lit candles were placed all over the room. An elaborate place setting had been arranged at the far end of the table.

“Good evening my Lady, thank you Mary,” a soft voice called from the shadows at the far end of the room.

The handmaiden bowed and than hurried out off the room. Lady Shannon braced herself, her eyes focused on the shadowy figure that slowly emerged from the darkness. She held her breathe as the man emerged from the shadows.

“You look very beautiful,” Ewan Macgregor said his eyes focused on the slender woman. He could see that his guest was nervous. “I am pleased that the dress fits you so well.”

The Lady said nothing. She was speechless, her eyes trained on the tall man as he stepped into the light of the fire. He was tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist and hips. His long legs were encased in tight fitting breeches and leather boots. He wore an exquisite waist coat. His dark hair was thick and tied back in a ponytail.

Her eyes were drawn to the strong angular face and her heart beat quickened. There was a long red scar, carved in the shape of a half moon that began just below the left eye and ended at the jaw. Rather than being ugly it had an enticing affect on an already handsome face. Their eyes met and she was trapped by their deep blue intensity.

“My husband will come for me and he will kill you,” she said in a trembling voice, her green eyes dropping to the ground.

“He will try,” Ewan replied coolly. “It will remain to be seen if he succeeds.”

Lady Shannon felt her whole body shudder. She had lay in fear of this person and she trembled now, but not from any threat of physical danger. She had never before met anyone who could make her heart pound so erratically.

“Come, please join me for dinner, the cook has worked hard all day to prepare a special meal.”

The Lady hesitated but saw no reason to deny the request. The man politely held out a chair before taking his own seat at the end of the table. Servants appeared immediately, one pouring wine into a goblet while another placed a bowl of broth in front of her. Her hand trembled as she picked up the spoon to eat. The man watched silently, his azure eyes narrowing perceptively.

“You have no need to fear. I will not harm you. My grievance is with your husband and not you,” he said in a soft voice in an attempt to distil the smaller woman’s fears.

“Than why have you taken me prisoner?” Shannon dared to ask. “I have no part in my husband’s quarrels.”

“Ah, but you do,” Ewan disagreed in the same soft voice. “But eat now before your food grows cold.”

“No,” Lady Shannon tossed her spoon back on the table in defiance. “I will not eat until you tell me why you have kidnapped me and brought me here.”

There was silence and the only thing that could be heard was the crackle of the burning wood in the fireplace. Their eyes met and held. The man was uncertain he could tell the truth.

“Your husband stole something of value that belonged to me,” heexplained without being specific. “I needed to take something of value from him. There can be nothing of greater value to a man than his wife.”

Lady Shannon was silent. There was a tremor in the man’s voice that had started her heart racing. Butterflies flew in a flurry about her stomach.

“Do not worry,” the tall man said in the same gentle voice. “I make my promise to you that I will not take what you don’t wish to give. Now eat.”

Lady Shannon swallowed and turned her eyes towards the bowl of soup. She was afraid that she would give this man more than any thing he would ever ask for.

*  *  *

The meeting at the offices of Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden began at precisely two o’clock. Kellie had been in the waiting room when Erin had come strolling into the offices. A wave of pleasure swept over her at the sight of the tall woman. She had been hoping that the Scotswoman would come. George Ludden was pleased by the presence of the younger solicitor.

“It will make everything so much simpler,” the older attorney announced before motioning everyone to take a seat around the conference table.

Erin wasn’t certain why she had come. She had a full schedule in her diary yet she had asked her secretary to clear the afternoon. She glanced across the table at the young woman who had requested her presence and knew the answer. She chided herself for being a fool.

If Kellie had thought going through the Will would take only a short matter of time she was badly mistaken. The solicitor had kindly typed up a detailed list of assets and property that she had inherited. She was amazed at the diversity of the holdings.

“Mr. Macgregor was involved in a lot,” she said feeling overwhelmed and worried that she might not be able to handle it all. It occurred to her looking after his holdings could be a fulltime job.

“You don’t have to keep everything,” Erin said quietly, correctly interpreting the bewildered expression on the blonde’s face. “Angus liked to spread his money around in different ventures. He was a businessman who liked to have his hands in everything. It’s yours now and you have the right to dispose of anything you wish.”

“Miss Macgregor is correct,” George Ludden affirmed. “You may want to consolidate some of your holdings, make things simpler if you have no mind for business. Certainly there are some ventures that will likely be to costly to keep like Loch Loe and the Castle Macgregor. The National Trust

Society would be most eager to take them both off your hands.”

“No.” Kellie wasn’t quite certain what she planned to do, but one thing she was sure about was that she would not get rid of the island or the Castle.

From the information she had picked up in the local library the property had been in the hands of a Macgregor descendant for several centuries and contained a wealth of history. The Castle had been built three centuries ago by a descendant to woo a woman.

“I know the Castle and the Estates must be frightfully expensive to keep up but they have been in the family for many generations. I don’t want to be the one who gives it away.”

“Very sensible,” Erin said and Kellie was pleased that the older woman had agreed with her.

They poured over the complicated Will, going over each detail to ensure that she fully understood her rights and duties. The solicitors were also very precise in making her understand how the Trust worked.

“The seven hundred thousand pounds per annum will not be given in one lump sun but rather divided up into monthly installments of just under sixty thousand pounds per month,” George Ludden explained. “The remaining capital will remain in Trust until your forty first birthday, however this does not mean that you cannot touch the principle. If you wish to invest some of the capital or purchase a business you need only to submit the request to the administrator, Ms. Erin Macgregor, and she will assess the feasibility of the project and advise you accordingly.”

“What if we don’t agree?” Kellie asked teasingly of her sister.

“The money is really all yours to do with as you wish, it’s really just a formality,” Erin repeated an earlier assertion.

“So you wouldn’t stop me if you thought I was doing anything stupid?” she queried.

“I would offer my opinion,” was the diplomatic reply. “You are a grown woman Miss Macgregor, and from what I have seen I hardly think you will need much guidance from anyone.”

Kellie felt a strange surge of pleasure at the compliment and hoped that the tall woman would have no reason to change her mind. She felt a disturbing need to have this woman think highly of her.

Before the meeting ended Mr. Ludden presented her with the first cheque of sixty thousand pounds. It was quite an enormous sum of money for someone who had never had much in her life.

“The Bank of Scotland has a branch nearby where you might like to open an account. I spoke to the manager Mr. Cardston and he was quite willing to meet with you this evening to help you establish a checking account.”

“Thank you,” Kellie was completely taken aback by the graciousness of the people that were making everything so easy.

“My son Henry has even offered to accompany you,” the older solicitor said and she nodded approval. “Afterwards your accountants can have it arranged so that the money will automatically be deposited in your accounts at the first of the month.”

“Yes,” she nodded feeling like she was in some dream from which she would be rudely awakened.

Henry was patiently waiting in the outer office to ferry her to the bank. She was familiar with the banking system in Canada but was uncertain if it was different here. She welcomed the help of a friendly face to take her through the whole process. However, she was also a little disappointed that Erin would not be accompanying them.

“I will contact you in regards to your inheritance in the next few days,” Erin said when the meeting dispersed. “I think for you to get a good idea of exactly what you have inherited you need to see it first hand.”

“I could take her around,” Henry volunteered eager to spend time with the woman. “You are much too busy Erin and I am certain father could spare me for a few days.”

“As appealing as the idea may sound, it would be best if I showed Miss Macgregor around. As the administrator of the Trust we will be working closely together. Besides I am more familiar with Angus’ holdings than anyone else.”

Erin wasn’t certain why she was so adamant in her decision. Perhaps it was that she wasn’t particularly fond of Henry Ludden. Though he was a fellow solicitor she did not consider him to have the same high moral and character standards as his father.

“Erin is quite right,” Kellie agreed and than offered when she saw the man’s disappointment.

“But I am free for dinner tonight and would love to see some of the night life.”

Henry beamed at her request certain that he had the woman’s interest. He did not see Erin Macgregor as any sort of competition for the pair were related but it was evident that the Canadian woman was turning to her for advice. He was worried the Erin would influence Kellie unfavourably towards him. This was his big chance and he did not want to spoil it.

“I will have my secretary ring you and settle the arrangements for whenever it is convenient for you,” Erin said before moving towards the door.

“Anytime,” Kellie replied and held out her hand. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Erin shook her hand nodding towards the man before hurrying on her way. It was ridiculous but she felt jealousy towards the man. She tried to reason the feeling away by acknowledging that she didn’t approve of Henry Ludden.

That night there was a package waiting at the reception desk for her when she returned from her evening out. Kellie waited until retreating to her room before ripping the paper open. She stared at the neatly bound leather books. A note fluttered out from between the pages of the first edition when she flipped through the pages. She retrieved it from the floor.

Kellie,

I thought you would be interested in learning more of our family history. As you can see by the two thick volumes our family has a long history if not always interesting association to this great country. Enjoy the read.

Erin

A smile came unbidden to her lips as she flipped once more through the pages. It was a thoughtful gesture on the woman’s part and she knew that she was not wrong to trust her.

CHAPTER FOUR

IT WAS NOT quite two days before a message was left at the Inn for her to contact Erin Macgregor’s secretary. On a whim she decided to drop into the law office and introduce herself. She got the address from the hotel proprietor and than hired a taxi to take her to the downtown offices. She was not familiar enough with the city to trust herself on the public transit system.

She had hoped to find Erin in her offices and was mildly disappointed to learn she was in court that morning. She did however meet her secretary Debra McHadden, a very friendly red headed woman in her early fifties. The two immediately sensed a kinship and in no time they were sitting in the lunchroom chatting over a cup of tea and planning the itinerary.

“Are you certain Miss Macgregor can afford so much time away from the office?” Kellie asked with genuine concern but the woman only smiled.

“Miss Macgregor’s next big trial doesn’t start until a fortnight and the rest of her appointments can all be rescheduled,” the secretary said breezily as only a woman who had known her boss for a long time could.

“The woman could use a break from the office and it would give the both of you a chance to get to know one another, after all you being so closely related.”

“Yes,” Kellie agreed and before either could say any more the object of their discussion came strolling into the office.

Erin felt an odd mixture of emotion seeing the woman sitting there with her secretary enjoying a cup of tea. As usual the blond was dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt with a sweater tied around her waist. There was a bright smile on her unpainted face.

“So this is what you do when I’m away Mrs. McHadden,” she said with a light tone of voice. “Have you left some tea and biscuits for me?”

“We were just planning up your schedule,” the older woman seemed unconcerned about being caught away from her desk. Debra rose from her chair and winked at the girl. “I will leave you to break it to the woman.”

With that the older woman walked away leaving them alone. There was a brief awkward silence as an unusual tension rose up between the two younger people.

“Mrs. McHadden thought it would take two days to tour through every place,” Kellie said to break the silence.

“Aye, it will,” Erin glanced at her watch. It was almost one in the afternoon. “It’s lunchtime, why don’t we go down to the pub for a bite to eat and we can discuss it then, or have you other arrangements?”

“None,” the blonde agreed enthusiastically aware that she was beginning to like this woman too much.

The local pub was just down the street on the corner. It was a busy place filled with young professionals and it took a moment for Erin to secure them a table. This was one of her favourite places but looking at the crowd and the accompanying din of noise she realized it was perhaps not the most ideal place to have any type of discussion.

“Perhaps we should have gone someplace else,” she said in a loud voice and Kellie had to lean towards her to hear what she was saying.

“No,” she disagreed. “This place is fantastic.”

Erin looked at her and realized she was genuinely honest. Her face was glowing and the green of her eyes were sparkling. There was an animated smile on her face. At that moment the solicitor had some of the most impure thoughts of her life.

“What did you and Mrs. McHadden decide?” she said when the waitress brought them each a plate of sandwiches and a pint of light coloured ale.

“She thought it would take two days for you to show me everything so she is going to clear your calendar for Thursday and Friday.”

“Going up to Loch Loe is a day’s journey in itself,” Erin muttered to herself with a frown. “Maybe we should make a weekend of it. You will want to spend more than an afternoon on the island.”

“That sounds fine, as long as you can afford to spare the time, I know you must be busy,” Kellie said biting into a sandwich.

“As I am being paid to look after your concerns it is the least that I can do,” Erin said lightly taking a sip of her ale.

“Yes,” the blonde nodded some of the light going out of her face. She had forgotten that the older woman was being paid to handle the Trust. She chided herself knowing that a woman as busy as Erin would never do this if it didn’t have to do with work.

“I’ll set up an appointment with the accountants for Wednesday so they can detail the procedures they go through.”

Kellie nodded and listened trying not to let her disappointment show. She had no right to expect anything from this woman. She had been more than gracious in not holding a grudge. She didn’t know that she could have been as accommodating if the roles had been reversed. Erin immediately noticed the frown.

“I hope I haven’t said or done anything to annoy you,” she liked to see the other woman smile. Kellie put down her sandwich.

“No, I was just thinking of how great you have been. I do appreciate the time you have spent. I know you are getting paid for your services but I still am thankful for all your help,” Kellie didn’t know if her words were adequate. “Under the circumstances it must be very difficult for you.”

“Would you be surprised if I said it isn’t?” came the solemn answer and than she smiled when the other woman looked at her. “I knew Angus pretty well and considered he might do this. I wasn’t one of these bastard children who lived on the hope that someday I would inherit everything.

Fortunately my grandparents raised me better than that. I built my own career and future and none of it relied on Angus Macgregor.”

“Perhaps that was why he didn’t leave it to you,” Kellie suggested. “Maybe he saw that you could take care of yourself and maybe by some sheer instinct he knew I would need help.”

“Do you honestly believe that?” Erin was curious. “By what you have told me you were doing fine. You had a job and a career.”

“Yes, but I wasn’t very successful at either,” Kellie admitted with a sigh. “Whereas I bet all I would have to do is mention your name and a dozen people could tell me who you are and what you do.”

Erin did not argue. She had worked hard to establish herself as a reputable attorney. She had been lucky to win several very prominent public cases that had made news throughout the Kingdom. She was proud of her accomplishments but not arrogant. However, she knew a part of her fame was due to her association with Angus.

“Success is measured by the type of person you are,” she said lightly. “I suspect whether you believe it or not you are very successful. You probably have a lot of friends at home and just by meeting you I know you will make a lot of friends wherever you go. Whereas me, I am so busy with my career that I hardly have time to socialize.”

Kellie thought about what she said and realized it all made sense. Despite not being the world famous author she dreamed of being she was happy and generally content with her life.

“You mentioned you were raised by your grandparents?” she said casually changing the subject.

“Yes, my mother was rather young when I was born and not up to the challenge of raising me. Angus didn’t want anything to do with children so my grandparents took me on,” Erin paused. “I can’t say I was robbed of anything because the whole family spoiled me rotten. Instead of one set of parents like most people have I had about a dozen. All my aunties and uncles took pity on me and carted me about the countryside with them. I never had a chance to be sorry for myself.”

“Did your mother ever marry?” Kellie asked wondering if she was being too personal.

“Yes,” the dark haired woman nodded grimly. “When she finally realized Angus wasn’t ever going to propose, she took up with a local farmer. That marriage only lasted a few years. Callum was a nice fellow but he wanted a family and mother wasn’t interested in having any more children. She really wasn’t interested in being a farmer’s wife either. A few years after they divorced she married a man from the United States but that marriage didn’t last long either.”

Erin smiled weakly though the amusement did not reach her eyes. She had long ago accepted the reality of what type of woman her mother was.

“I don’t know if my mother was ever in love with anyone,” she confessed. “Sometimes I think she was only in love with the idea of being in love. She never had the stamina for marriage. She always thought it would be like in the movies.”

“What about you?” Kellie dared to ask. Though she had never said anything she naturally assumed that she was still single. “Have you married?”

“No,” Erin was quite succinct, wondering what the other woman would think if she told her the truth. Somehow it was very important to her not to have this foreign woman think badly of her. “I have never had the desire or inclination to marry.”

“Perhaps your mothers’ experiences have tainted your mind,” the smaller woman suggested, surprised when the other woman shook her head.

“No. I just haven’t met the right person,” the dark haired woman admitted truthfully not wanting to dwell on that subject. “Why haven’t you married, I am sure you must have had dozens of proposals?”

“None,” Kellie said firmly. “Of course I haven’t encouraged anyone. My grandfather never remarried devoting himself to raising his two daughters and my mother never married. I think it might be an inherited family trait.”

“You are still young and there is plenty of time,” the taller woman said tentatively. “There is no reason why you shouldn’t be selfish and enjoy yourself at the present. Is that what you are doing with Henry Ludden?”

“Yes,” the blonde nodded unaware of how pleased that knowledge made her companion feel. “He’s great fun but hardly what I would think of settling down with. I hardly know him but he seems to be into all this flash and parties and I know it may sound boring, but I really do enjoy just sitting at home watching television.”

“Well than that would make us ideal companions,” Erin said lightly. “Most of my dates think I am rather dull. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy a good party now and than but my work is to exhausting to allow me to step out every night.”

“Perhaps it’s another inherited family trait,” Kellie said with a smile and watched as the other woman nodded silently in agreement.

“Perhaps it is indeed.”

*  *  *

Lady Shannon lay in bed that night listening to the wind howling outside the windows. A single candle burned on the table next to her bed. It was well after midnight and though she was exhausted she could not sleep, her mind and heart were tormented by the most horrible of thoughts. Thoughts that mirrored the raging storm outside.

Her host had been charming and nothing like the monster her husband had portrayed. He had treated her as if she were a favoured guest. After the meal they had retired to the library to play a game of chess. She wondered if and how the Lord might have known it was her favourite sport. Certainly her husband did not.

They had played a challenging series of matches which had both ended in draws. They had been equally matched opponents and the man had graciously praised her skill of the game. She knew most people would have thought it uncommon for a woman to be as competitive as she was. The realization that her host did not mind and even seemed to enjoy the challenge had been exquisitely pleasing.

She thought of her husband and was no longer impatient for her rescue. Because of her arranged marriage she had never been allowed to entertain any suitors. She had been betrothed to her husband even before she was out of her childhood. She slept that night and dreamt of the things that she had missed.

Ewan Macgregor paced restlessly before the fireplace in his bedchamber. He had given his word that he would do nothing that she did not ask for. He cursed himself now for making such a pledge knowing that his love for the woman would not allow him to defile his word of honour. By giving this promise he had destroyed all possibilities of being with the woman who had stolen his heart.

The ache in his loins grew, his desire for the woman going unappeased. He had waited for her to grow up, unaware that his own half brother had plotted against him. He had spent those long years erecting this Castle in honour of her and just when it had been complete and he had been about to claim her, his brother had arrogantly snatched her away. It had been his half sibling’s revenge for not inheriting the island of Loch Loe, the prize of their father’s estate holdings.

If Ewan had known of his brother’s treachery he would have gladly given away the land. But there had been no chance and before he had been warned his brother had married the woman who had stolen his heart.

He stared into the fire, tears dampening his eyes. He would be ready to give everything away to have the chance to be first in the woman’s heart. He would do anything to lie at her feet. He would sacrifice himself and his honour to be with her if only for one night.

*  *  *

On Wednesday morning Erin arrived at the Inn as promised and Kellie was waiting outside on the front steps. They shared a leisurely breakfast at a local restaurant before driving over to the prestigious offices of Mclellan, Jones and Whitaker, the accountants who meticulously handled Angus’s financial affairs.

They were greeted by a rather dower looking John Whitaker. Kellie shook the older man’s hand feeling out of place amongst the tightly buttoned collars of these suited men. She had worn her regular outfit of jeans and t-shirt, preferring to be comfortable rather than worrying about making an impression.

They adjourned to a conference room and she watched with horror as a group of assistants carried in a mountainous stack of paperwork, including a thick sheaf of pages detailing an exact statement of all Angus Macgregor’s accounts.

“Mr. Macgregor was very meticulous,” the accountant said in his monotone voice before going on to explain the various ventures in which their client was engaged.

After awhile the numbers all started to jumble together but unlike the solicitors they did not break to give her a chance to absorb everything. They did not even adjourn for lunch but had sandwiches delivered to the office. By the time they ended the meeting her head was swimming with information that no longer made sense.

Erin suggested they stop at a restaurant for an early meal and she was only too eager to agree. Her head was pounding and she needed a drink to sustain her flagging spirits.

“Once you take a look at everything first hand, things will become clearer,” she assured the younger woman once the waitress had taken their order.

“I hope so,” Kellie admitted with a resigned sigh, taking a sip of her ale before leaning back in her chair. “This is definitely not my fortitude.”

“Don’t get discouraged. You must remind yourself that you are trying to learn in a few days what it took Angus a lifetime to accumulate,” her companion encouraged.

“I still don’t understand it,” the blonde said shaking her head. “You know all about this, it makes no sense why Angus left everything to me.”

There was a brief silence as Erin stared down at the draught she had ordered.

“I have been thinking about that,” she admitted glancing around the room before settling once again on her companion across the table. There was a pensive look on her face. “Perhaps this was his way of bringing his children together. After all, look at the time we have already spent together and the time we will be spending together in the future.”

“Certainly there could have been an easier way,” Kellie suggested. “I know a simple letter advising me that we were siblings would have piqued my curiosity.”

“Maybe, but would either of us actually gone out of our way to forge any type of relationship?” Erin wondered and Kellie had to admit that she had a valid point.

“A lot of people would say otherwise but Angus had a strong belief in family,” the dark haired solicitor continued. “He didn’t like to show his emotions but he was a man of deep feeling. Simple gestures sometimes meant allot.”

“You could be right,” Kellie agreed quietly. “But what would have happened if we hadn’t liked each other.”

“I don’t know,” the taller woman admitted reluctantly. “It’s a good thing that this is at least one thing we don’t have to worry about.”

Erin had only to look at the other woman and her heart beat just a little bit faster. She had never been with another woman that had made her feel so comfortable. She had never met anyone who made her forget about work.

“I will pick you up tomorrow at the same time,” she said when they returned to the Inn. “It’s a fairly odious drive so its better we have an early start.”

“I will be waiting,” Kellie promised and waved as the other woman drove off. She was still thinking about the day when she walked into Inn and the receptionist called her over.

“A gentleman dropped by earlier to see you. He was most disappointed when he found you were out. He left his number for you to call when you returned.”

Kellie thanked the girl accepting the message before retreating upstairs to her room. It was still early and though she was weary from the long day she was too restless to stay inside. She rang Henry Ludden and accepted his invitation to go dancing.

The next morning she woke later than anticipated and rushed through her morning toiletry. She hastily flung a few clothes into a carryall and flew down the steps aware that she was late. She was in such a rush that she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings and ran smack into someone coming up the stairs.

Erin was almost knocked flat by the bundle of energy that slammed into her. Fortunately she retained her balance and even managed to grab hold of the other woman so that neither of them took a tumble.

“Sorry,” Kellie apologized profusely, her face flushing red. “I overslept.”

“I see,” there was a smile on the tall woman’s face.

She looked at the taller woman and felt a flutter in her heart. Erin was dressed casually this morning in blue jeans, sneakers and a light blue polo shirt. This was the first time she had seen the Scotswoman out of a business suit. The affect was quite devastating as was the current of electricity that passed between them.

Erin held the smaller woman a moment longer than was necessary. She liked touching the blond and the faint fragrance of perfume she was wearing was a delight to her senses. She released her grip aware of the look the Canadian had given her. She could see that Kellie appreciated the view and that pleased her.

“Do I pass inspection?” she asked with a grin as she spread her arms.

“You look splendid,” Kellie confirmed. “I was beginning to wonder if you had any clothes besides those stern suits you always wear.”

“I do occasionally relax,” Erin laughed.

“I would like to see that,” the blonde chortled gleefully and the dark haired woman pouted pretending to be offended by the assertion.

“I can assure you Miss Macgregor, I do relax,” Erin said and than bowed. “Shall we be on our way?”

“Yes,” Kellie nodded and started down the steps.

“Aren’t you bringing any clothes?” the taller woman asked and she turned to face her, flashing an impish smile while lifting the small carryall she held.

“All I need is in here,” came the reply. “We are only going away for three nights.”

Erin agreed but it had been her experience that the women she had always taken away for the weekend needed several pieces of luggage. It seemed that her Canadian sibling was more practical.

They stopped for a quick breakfast before heading out on the main highway North along the coast. Kellie stared with fascination at the lush green scenery. It was late August but everything seemed so rich and alive.

Erin glanced occasionally at her companion. She seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, her attention completely focused on their surroundings. It was a beautiful day and she had put the top down on the car. The wind was playing havoc with her hair which had been loosely tied into a ponytail. The drive didn’t take as long as either expected and they began their tour of the area by visiting several local farmers along the coast.

“Angus owned all this,” Kellie was amazed.

“Yes,” Erin nodded. “The land was passed down from generation to generation for many centuries. It was the ancestral lands of Lord Macgregor of Aberdeen. The title passed out of the family about a century ago when the Lord of that day had only daughters. Upon his death she inherited all the property and ended up marrying a distant cousin.”

The woman paused. “The Macgregor’s are known as a very stubborn lot. Over the various generations we have been able to maintain a hold on most of the property we possessed even while other landowners were losing theirs.”

“It sounds so very medieval,” the younger woman sighed.

“In a way it is,” Erin agreed turning her head to look out over the land. “All the farmers here have a lease on the land. It allows them to farm the property for many years and only pay a nominal fee as rent. Most often it is a percentage of their yearly earnings and usually the fees are only enough to cover the cost of the land taxes.”

“Will any of that change now that I have inherited the property?” Kellie was curious.

“No. Most leases have been fixed until well into the next century but there may be one or two up for negotiating in the next few years,” the solicitor replied.

It amazed Kellie how distant the holdings stretched. Erin politely introduced her to several of the farmers and their families and she was impressed with their heartiness, though they did not seem as friendly as she might have hoped.

“Angus was a tough man to deal with,” Erin spoke as if reading her thoughts. “He was a man of many contradictions. He could be unfailingly kind and yet he could also be very cruel. The people who live here have seen the both sides of his character. They will be a little hesitant until they know what you are like.”

Kellie decided than that she would interfere as little as possible in any of these people’s lives. They were tenants and she would want to build a trusting relationship with them.

“There is Loch Loe,” Erin said pulling over onto the side of the road that ran parallel to the coastline.

They were at the top of a rise and below at the end of the road was a village of quaint older houses with stone fences. She followed the direction of where the older woman pointed and gazed upon the island to which she was mistress. She could not see much except that it loomed large and dark, rising up out of the calm sea like a monster waiting to strike.

“There is a small village on the cove with about a dozen families. The people living there all work on the island for Angus in one capacity or another. A boat crosses the Strait twice daily bringing the children over to the mainland for school. It also brings the ladies over to the shops.”

Kellie nodded intrigued and excited by the whole idea that she was the owner of the island. Green eyes swept the surrounding landscape coming to a halt on an odd pile of rocks not far off the side of the road. It was too shapely to be an ordinary stack of rock. She pointed in its direction.

“What’s was that?”

Erin followed the direction that her companion was looking at. “That used to be the old Castle Macgregor. It was destroyed several centuries ago when a war broke out behind a pair of brothers. There is a section on it in one of the books I sent over to you.”

Kellie nodded again and climbed back into the car. There was so much to learn about her heritage that she wondered if she would be able to remember any of it.

They drove into the village of Lamerrant and Erin parked the car in the lot by the ferry. It was not due to make its final journey for another two hours so they spent the time wandering around the shops before stopping for tea.

Kellie was surprised how many of the local population recognized her companion. They hailed a hearty greeting as they passed along their way. She remarked on this as they sat drinking their refreshments. The woman smiled sheepishly.

“Most people here know me as Angus’ daughter,” Erin admitted hesitantly. “My family lives in the next district and I have plenty of cousins in the area.”

“Is that how your mother met Angus?” Kellie was curious.

“Yes. She was here visiting a cousin. They were walking along the beach when Angus spotted her from his boat. They later ran into each other again in town and the courtship began.”

“But Angus never married her?”

“No,” Erin shook her head. “He had no interest in another wife. He had been married before the war when he was a very young man, but while he was overseas in Europe she took up with a Yank soldier and went to America after the war. Angus never got over the betrayal.”

Kellie listened intently trying to understand a man who she had never known. It was difficult to grasp his personality though she had almost begun to be glad she had never known the man. She feared that he would have disapproved of her.

“Perhaps that’s the same reason why he never married your mother?” Erin suggested.

“I am beginning to think it might have been a mutual decision,” Kellie disagreed. “Whatever happened between them was probably just an affair. I can’t see my mother abandoning my grandfather to come live here. I think she probably knew from the outset it could never be more than a holiday romance.”

“That doesn’t sound very romantic,” Erin commented lightly surprised that she had viewed the situation with such realistic clarity. The blonde smiled wanly.

“Once you know me you will realize that I am not much of a romantic,” Kellie said. “Oh, I like the flowers and candies and fancy dinners but I have never allowed myself to get swept away with all that. I know that life isn’t always going to be that way.”

“Perhaps than the romance of the place will be lost on you,” the taller woman said and she raised her eyebrows.

“There is some romantic story behind this place?”

“Yes,” Erin nodded. “Legend holds that the Castle Macgregor on the island of Loch Loe was built by the younger son of the ruling Lord. It is said he fell in love with a young girl and that he built the castle in honour of her and to prove his great devotion.”

“Did they live happily ever after?” Kellie asked but her companion only smiled.

“I will let you find that out for yourself,” she said, unwilling to spoil the ending. “The Great Hall contains all the records of the family. It is interesting reading and you will learn a lot of our history.”

Kellie was disappointed that she did not reveal the ending of the legend but was also glad. Erin was right. She did need to learn and know the history of the family of which she had just discovered she was apart.

“I haven’t thanked you yet for the books you sent over,” she said remembered her manners. “I have started reading the first edition and it just boggles my mind that I am associated with such a rich history.”

“You are more than just associated,” was the gentle reminder. “You are now apart of the unfolding story. Your life will form the basis of another chapter in the book. It is up to you exactly what is written.”

Kellie hadn’t thought of it that way but she supposed that the other woman was right. As the owner of the island and the heir to the family fortune she had indeed become apart of the family legend. The idea was suddenly very exciting.

They caught the afternoon ferry and Kellie found herself amongst a delightful array of characters. Many of the few passengers were school children returning home for the day, but there was also an old man with a gnarled face and arthritic hands who clutched a knotty wooden cane.

He wore a green tartan tam on his white head and a brown wooden jacket and trousers over his frail body. The clothes looked as old and worn as the man himself but there was a youthful smile in his eyes.

She watched quietly as Erin struck up a conversation with the man. There was an easy familiarity between the two that made her think they knew each other.

“Who did you brought with you lassie?” the man asked, a pair of twinkling green eyes admiring her appreciatively.

“Mind yourself Shamish, this is Kellie Macgregor, the new owner of the Castle,” Erin said lightly.

“It be true than,” the old man’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Folks round here said that Loch Loe had been passed to a foreigner. I can hardly believe Angus could be such a fool as not to give it to his own flesh and blood.”

“You know we never saw eye to eye,” Erin said quietly. “Besides Kellie is flesh and blood. She be Angus’ daughter so the place stays in Macgregor hands.”

“His daughter you say,” the man chortled with interest, his eyes narrowing to slits. “She ain’t looking nothing like the old man. Where be her mother from?”

“Canada,” Kellie spoke for the first time. “Her name was Annie Macgregor and my grandfather fought along side Angus during the war.”

“Aye, now I remember,” the old man seemed to be reaching back into his memory. “She was a fair young lassie with lovely blonde curls. She was a fetching filly. You be her daughter you say?”

“Yes, did you know my mother?” Kellie felt a measure of excitement.

“Aye, I met her a few times. She was a sweet lass, attracted all the local lads attention. I remember her getting along particularly well with one lad who worked in the master’s stables. I didn’t know that Angus was having her on. It don’t seem right.”

Kellie didn’t know what to say. She glanced down at her hands and nervously twisted the ring around her finger. As long as she could remember her mother had never earned much attention from the opposite sex and that had always puzzled her. Her mother had been attractive and kind, a combination most men looked for in a woman.

“Is the gentleman still around?” she asked curiously. She wanted to know more about what her mother was like as a girl. The old man shook his head.

“Nay, if I remember he got into a furious row with Angus one day and the lad was sent packing. Headed to London I think. Old George Gowan was worried for his job as the lad was his nephew but Angus had no grudge against him.”

It was an interesting conversation that imprinted itself on the back of her mind however, at that moment she forgot everything else as the ferry pulled into its tiny port. The adults waited until the children had scrambled off the boat before following their lead.

The village of Loch Loe was a quaint place. The houses were small and old but carefully tended. There were dinghies and small fishing vessels anchored just off the shore. The beach around the cove was sandy but the rocks along the shoreline were dark and sharp. She followed her companion along the gravel path that led up from the pier through the village. She guessed there were about a dozen houses in all.

They waved farewell to the old man when they reached the center of the hamlet and watched as he tottered off in the direction of his own home before continuing in the direction of the Castle. They trudged through the village and up a bluff.

The moment they stepped up over the bank Kellie saw it and she was engulfed by a wave of familiarity. It stood like a dark monster in the middle of the island, rising off the lush green carpet that surrounded it. It looked cold and forbidding yet she had the oddest sense that she had finally come home.

*  *  *

The storm was continuing to rage outdoors and the first faint wisps of snow settled on the ground outside the Castle walls. Only dark indistinguishable figures scurried through the blizzard and the cold biting wind. Ewan stared out from the guard tower into the fury and felt a mixture of triumph and satisfaction. He could not have plotted his good fortune any better.

“Stand alert,” he cautioned the soldier. “Only a fool would think to cross the Strait in such foul circumstances but my brother was never known to have all his wits about him.”

He left the man to watch the post and bounded down the steps into the Castle proper. He had posted watch along the shore just in case his sibling did try an attack. He retreated to the kitchen where the fires burned brightly and the ovens warmed every dark recess.

“How is the Lady this morning?” he inquired of the cook.

“She was in fine spirits,” the woman replied cheerily. “She ate up her whole breakfast. Mary said she had slept comfortably.”

“Good,” Ewan was pleased. He accepted the mug of tea and rum the woman offered. He stared into the fire and sipped on his draught. “Tell Mary to leave the Lady’s door unlocked. I want the Lady to be able to roam freely about the castle.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the cook nodded and than sent her young assistant off in search of the maid servant.

Lady Shannon was just stepping out of the bath when a young girl came scurrying into the room. The child whispered into the handmaiden’s ear before turning and hurrying back out the door.

“Is there trouble?” she inquired thinking perhaps that a rescue party had been sighted.

“No, my Lady,” the handmaiden said. “My Lord just left instructions that you were to be allowed to wander about the Castle freely.”

Lady Shannon accepted this news with a confusing mixture of emotion. She was both pleased and chagrined that the man trusted her with such freedom. She did not want to like the man. She did not want to think of him as being friendly. She decided than and there to keep herself a prisoner of the bedchamber, but her resolve soon faded.

She sat alone in the room listening to the fire crackle and the wind howl. She was quickly bored and time passed slowly. Pacing about her room did nothing to help and finally she decided to accept her captors offer.

She paced cautiously out the door into the empty corridor. She stepped out and moved slowly trying to remember the way down to the dining hall. The place was completely still and the click of her heels echoed loudly throughout the corridor.

She came to a wide stairwell and moved down its length hugging the wall closely. There were distant and faint sounds but nothing to distinguish from where they originated. At last she happened on familiar territory. She found the dining hall and than continued down along the corridor opening the various doors and checking the contents of each room.

She was searching for the sitting room where they had spent the last evening. She remembered seeing books in the shelves that lined the wall. She thought that surely she could find something of interest amongst them.

She finally found the room. It was warm with a fire burning brightly in the grate. There were lit candles near the settee but the rest of the room was dark. She picked up one of the candles and moved across to the bookshelf, holding it high to see the titles.

Ewan watched the woman move about the room, his presence hidden by the shadows. He watched silently as she scanned the titles. Each one of her movements were delicate and she reminded him of a tiny bird. He was hesitant to speak, afraid that she would fly away.

“Perhaps I can be of some help,” he dared to break the silence. “Is there something for which you are searching?”

Lady Shannon jumped backwards, startled by the sudden interruption. She had thought she was alone. In her haste she banged into a table which jarred her arm and sent the candle crashing to the floor.

Ewan moved quickly, bounding to his feet he rushed to her side, pushing her from harms way as he stamped his boot over the flame, snuffing out the spark. She stood there her chest rising and falling as she watched him.

“Are you all right?” he asked with concern when she did not speak.

“Yes,” she said shaking her hand. “I just spilled some hot wax on my finger.”

“Let me see,” the concern was genuine. He grabbed the proffered hand and stared at the red skin.

“It will be all right. It just stings a bit.”

“I have a salve,” he rejected her plea and pulled her across the room and through the Castle to the kitchen.

The cook immediately took charge producing a cold bucket of water to rinse her hand and a jar of salve which her host applied to the redness of the skin on her finger.

Shannon stared at the long, elegant fingers that applied the ointment to her hand. An odd shiver raced up from her spine and spread through her entire body. The man was standing next to her, his long, hard body leaning into her shoulder. She breathed deeply filling her senses with his masculine scent.

Ewan did not want to stop holding her hand. All his senses were alive. She smelled like fresh roses and the perfume was intoxicating. Hastily he wrapped a strip of cloth around the injury and than abruptly stepped away.

“Come let us go back to the sitting room and Mrs. Scott will bring us some fresh tea.”

Shannon wasn’t certain it was a good idea to spend any more time in the company of this man, but something deep inside her heart compelled her to follow her host. She sensed that she was in no physical danger. It was the emotional danger that made her worry.

CHAPTER FIVE

CASTLE MACGREGOR LIVED up to all of Kellie’s fantasies. It showed its age as some of the outer stone walls were crumbling but she saw beyond the surface to the beauty and charm of a place that had been built for love. She saw all the possibilities and her face lit up.

Erin watched quietly and listened to the smaller woman’s excited chatter as she fawned over everything she saw. She acted like a child let loose in a candy store and the tall woman was mesmerized by the transformation of the heart shaped face.

“As you can see it is rundown,” the solicitor said showing her companion through the place.

“It’s wonderful,” Kellie gasp with delight. “It just needs a little fixing up.”

“The little fixing up it needs would run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds,” Erin begged to differ. “Than the National Trust would have some say and the whole place would be subject to intense scrutiny.”

Kellie made no response but continued to examine the floors and stone stairwells with wooden banisters. The place reeked of decay, but there was an old charm that excited her senses. She thought back to all the lessons she had read in history class and suddenly it all came alive. In her mind she saw so much of what once was and what could be again.

Erin silently followed the smaller woman around. The place had a damp, musty smell that identified its age. The central heating was in despair and there were cracks in the windows. She was a practical woman and saw everything in terms of pounds and pennies. She knew the place could be restored but it would involve a lot of work.

Kellie went from one room to the next unable to stem the flood of ideas that came popping into her head. There was clutter and cobwebs in some of the rooms but others showed signs of extended use.

They finished the tour at one of the two guard towers and she marveled over the scene. She could see for miles and had a clear view of the coast on one side and of the ocean on the other.

“This is simply fabulous,” she gushed not quite able to believe what she was seeing.

Erin could not help but be infected by the enthusiasm. A long time had passed but she still could remember her first visit to the castle. As a young child she had explored every crack and crevice allowing her childish fantasies to run wild.

She gazed out over the scenery. She understood her companions delight for the view was magnificent. From their vantage point they could see the swell of the sea and the distant outline of the rugged Scottish coastline.

“There is no phone and electricity is produced by a gas generator. The central heating doesn’t really warm the place and it’s isolated from the mainland for a good portion of the winter,” Erin said when they stepped back outside the towering stone walls.

She didn’t know why she was being so negative. She could see by the expression in the smaller woman’s face that Kellie had already fallen in love with the place.

“It sounds as if you don’t want me to like this place,” she said astutely confronting the other woman. Erin smiled weakly.

“I wouldn’t encourage it,” the tall solicitor was honest. “The place has a reputation that I don’t want to see you fulfill.”

“What reputation?” Kellie demanded her curiosity piqued.

“Legend has it that those who inherit this place are destined to have a very tremulous love life,” she said before pausing to scrutinize the Canadian’s features intently. “But I think it’s already too late for me to say anything. I think you have already made up your mind.”

“Do you think it’s stupid?” the smaller woman asked. “Do you think my wanting to live here is a bad idea?”

“No,” Erin shook her head. “It is impractical. It will cost you a fortune to run every year.”

“But I could fix it up,” Kellie suggested.

“Aye,” the Scotswoman agreed. “But you have to remember Kellie you also have other responsibilities which will take money. Two hundred and fifty million pounds is an enormous amount but there are plenty of expenses to be considered. Just keeping everything straight with the lawyers and accountants will cost a fortune and than there are the taxes; which can run up to a million pounds per year.”

Kellie didn’t know what all was involved. She had seen the possibilities and forgotten to consider the realities. She shoved her hands into her pockets and stared out over the lush green fields. In the distance a small flock of sheep were grazing on the land.

“The island isn’t self supporting,” Erin said gently. “That was one of the reasons Angus got involved in so many other ventures. He needed to raise capital to support the island. The leases from the farmlands don’t bring money into the coffers. Unfortunately that is why many of the larger estates are in the hands of the public or run by the National Trust.”

“I beg to differ,” the smaller woman voiced her objection. “Two hundred and twenty million pounds is more than enough to set everything right.”

“Aye, it is,” the solicitor agreed solemnly. “But are you ready to devote the time and effort that it will take? Are you ready to put your career plans on hold to see that the job gets done? Once you start something like this Kellie you can’t just drop it in the middle because you’re tired or bored. The amount of work that is involved is enormous.”

It was an honest analysis and one that Kellie seriously needed to consider. She remained quiet. She knew that the other woman was just trying to be sensible but she was not ready to be so easily swayed. She would not accept defeat without first looking at the various options.

“We better get everything sorted out for the evening. It will be dark soon,” Erin said with a sigh.

She had seen how her words had extinguished the light in the Canadians face. She hated that she had done that but she was determined to give the younger woman the best possible advice. She didn’t want to see the dreams buried under a mountain of responsibilities that Kellie might grow to hate.

While she got the electric generator running in the shed off the pantry, Kellie unearthed enough bedding to make up two rooms on the second floor. Afterwards they retreated to the kitchen and while Erin stoked the ancient wood burning stove she unpacked the few grocery supplies they had brought along.

“I am afraid I wasn’t able to get the central heating furnace going,” the solicitor admitted in defeat when she returned from the cellar. “I suspect it will be rather chilly tonight, fortunately there is some wood outside that I can use to light fires in the bedrooms.”

Kellie nodded and watched as the dark haired woman rinsed the dust from her hands. There was something familiar and comforting in the intimate scene that enveloped them. There was an easy comradeship and for that she was glad. She wanted to be friends with this Scots woman.

That evening they dined at the kitchen table, feasting on spaghetti and fresh salad that they had picked up in the local market in Lamerrant before taking the ferry to the island. The conversation ebbed and flowed naturally in a way that usually only existed in more intimate relationships.

After clearing away the dishes they retired to Angus’s old study. A fire was roaring in the grate, heating the chilly room. Together they combed through the old man’s papers, sorting through the personal effects the old man had kept and treasured.

It was Kellie who found the box. She dug it out of a bottom drawer of the writing desk. It was worn on the edges and the rubber band holding it together snapped when she touched it. She carefully lifted the lid and found a treasure of old photographs and letters.

“What have you got?” Erin asked curiously leaning over her shoulder.

“A collection of pictures and letters that Angus kept,” she murmured quietly continuing to sort through the pile, staring at people she did not recognize and some that she did.

“This is my grandfather,” Kellie pointed to a man standing amongst a group of soldiers.

The photo displayed an odd collection of fresh faced young men all decked out in neatly pressed military uniforms. The scrawl on the back noted the names of all those captured on film. It was dated April of 1943.

“You look a lot like him,” her companion mused.

“Yes,” the blond woman agreed absently as she continued to leaf through the rest of the lot.

She paused when she came to another one that was of particular interest. It was a photograph of Angus and her mother standing next to a horse whose reins were being held by young man. She stared at the photograph lightly running her fingertips over its black and white surface.

“This is my mother,” she said unnecessarily for the other woman could see the resemblance. She glanced at the date inscribed on the back and realized that it was taken during her mothers’ first visit to the castle. “I was born about ten months later.”

Erin wisely remained silent. There were no words adequate for this moment and she quietly moved to a chair by the fire.

Kellie stared at the photograph, feeling a whole gamut of emotions from anger to grief and sadness.

“I don’t know why my mother never said anything,” she spoke her thoughts out loud. “She knew I was curious and I had asked her about my father often but she always refused to answer my questions. I loved her dearly but I don’t think I can’t forgive her for that.”

Erin felt compassion for the woman. Their circumstances were the same yet also very different. They were both bastard children yet she had grown up knowing who her father was. She had been given the opportunity to get to know the man.

“Sorry,” the smaller woman apologized looking across the room at her companion. “I am sure you don’t want to hear about my mother and me.”

“On the contrary,” the solicitor disagreed, genuinely sincere. “I don’t mind hearing about your family. What happened took place a long time ago and neither of us had any choice in the matter. My opinion is that we should make the best of an awkward situation.”

“But your mother doesn’t feel the same way?” Kellie blurted out and than wished she had kept her mouth shut as she saw the grimace that briefly flashed across the other woman’s features.

“My mother doesn’t have anything against you as a person. She just feels that Angus betrayed her. The reason she bore me was so that he could have an heir. I think she felt she deserved something for that.”

“Perhaps she has a valid point,” the blond woman said softly. She held up a picture of Angus in his military uniform. “I don’t look anything like him and yet you inherited so many of his features.”

“All the good ones I hope,” Erin offered jokingly but the woman did not seem in a teasing mood. She sobered. “Looks aren’t everything and it is fortunate you inherited your mother’s features, she looked like she was a beautiful lady.”

“She was,” Kellie agreed quietly and replaced the picture.

There were many more photographs and letters but she suddenly felt to weary to continue the exploration. She repacked everything in the box and than replaced the lid. She would take it with her and go through its contents again when she was less emotional.

That night Kellie had trouble sleeping weighed down with an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the tenants and the people employed by the castle. She snuggled deep under the covers to avoid the chill that hung in the air despite the warm fire that Erin had built. She hadn’t realized the responsibility that was placed on her shoulders and she couldn’t help but wonder if she would be capable was carrying the burden.

After breakfast the next morning they borrowed some boots and jackets they found in a cloak room and than tramped around the island. It was a bright clear day but the air was chilly and blowing in from the North Atlantic.

Kellie stood at the edge of the cliff and stared out at the ocean. Water crashed onto the rocks below sending up spray and foam. Seagulls circled overhead. It was a glorious morning and the feel of the stiff wind blowing against her face and curling its invisible fingers through her hair was exhilarating. She felt alive and stronger than she had ever been. She felt like a new person.

Erin glanced sideways at her companion unable to tear her eyes away. She was beautiful with the brush of the wind applying its own rouge upon her cheeks. Her heart jerked nervously. Kellie looked like she belonged here and she realized that she had been wrong to discourage her.

She turned to look out towards the sea, throwing out the rock that she had been carrying. She followed its progress as it disappeared into the boiling white surf at the base of the cliffs. She felt as tremulous as the seas below.

For the first time she understood completely why Angus had not left her the island. She had no real love for this place; at least not the love that would be needed to restore it to its glory. Kellie, on the other hand, had fallen in love with it from the first moment she had heard about the castle.

It was a disquieting realization yet one that she accepted without jealousy. In her heart she knew that Kellie deserved the castle and all the money. When they returned to the castle they settled in the drawing room and spent the reminder of the day going over again what the accountants had said.

Kellie bombarded her companion with questions about every aspect of the property and the businesses in the large portfolio. By the end of the weekend she had a good idea of what would be involved in managing Angus’s ancestral estates. She had a clearer concept of what was confronting her.

“What are you thinking about?” Erin asked when she dropped her companion off at the Inn the next evening. The smaller woman had been unusually quiet during their return trip.

“The enormity of the situation,” Kellie confessed honestly. “I think it’s just dawned on me what you were trying to tell me the other day. You were right to question my sincerity. I don’t know if I am fit to handle the legacy that Angus left in my care.”

Erin silently cursed her thoughtlessness. She had not meant to discourage the woman or her dreams. She wished that she had kept her mouth shut.

“You don’t have to decide anything now,” she said quietly. “It will be weeks and possibly months before Angus’s will goes through probate. You may have changed your mind about everything by than.” She paused. “Why don’t you take a holiday? Use some of that money that you have already gotten and go see the rest of Europe. That was what you wanted to do anyway.”

“Perhaps your right,” Kellie flashed a weary smile. “Maybe I am getting worked up over nothing. Maybe a holiday would settle me down.”

“Besides it’s not like you have to handle everything on your own,” the taller woman said. “You have George Ludden, the accountants and me to help.”

“You will help?” the blond woman asked.

“Of course, we are family.”

“Thank you.” Kellie felt as if the burden was suddenly lifted off her shoulders.

Erin watched as the foreign woman strolled up the steps and disappeared into the Inn. She sat for a while in the car before releasing a heavy sigh and putting the vehicle in gear. She could not dismiss the image of the woman.

There was a message for Kellie at the reception desk. She thanked the clerk and than wandered up the stairs to her room. She tossed the unopened envelope on the bed stand and than sat down on the bed. She knew it was a note from Henry but she was not in the mood to see him that evening.

She undressed and than took a long hot shower, washing away the dusty remnants of the weekend. Combing her hair dry she put on her pajamas and sat back down on the bed.

She lifted her carryall and carefully extracted the battered box that she had taken from Angus’ study. She had brought it from the castle unable to leave it behind. She set it gently on the blankets.

She lifted the lid and once more began to leaf through the contents. She stared at the different photographs pausing only when she came upon a single portrait of the man who proclaimed to be her father.

It was an old picture of when the man was much younger. By the date marked on the back she knew that he had just returned from the war. She guessed that he had been about the same age as she was now.

She stared at the picture for a long time as if trying to read what he was thinking when it was taken. There was no expression on the handsome face yet the strength of his personality and character seemed to shine through the lens.

“What was going on in your mind? Why did you do it? Why did you leave me everything?” she wondered out loud but only silence greeted her question. It was a perplexing query and she realized that she would have to find out the answer for herself.

She continued to wade through the man’s personal effects, trying to discern something about his character by the possessions he had treasured. Unexpectedly she found a set of photographs that she had missed before. At the very bottom of the box was a collection of more recent pictures.

She scanned them intently, recognizing immediately the individuals in each shot. There was one particularly poignant caption of a man and girl standing together by a rock on the cliff overlooking the sea.

She knew instantly that the child was Erin and she guessed that she was about ten years old when the photo was taken. There were no smiles on either face and their dark hair was ruffled from the wind. The most endearing part of the picture was the way the man had his hand casually draped across the girl’s slender shoulders.

Unexpectedly tears misted in her eyes and she hastily wiped them away with the back of her hand. It was obvious that the man had been proud of his daughter. The evidence was in the way he possessively touched the girl.

She took a deep breathe, and thought that Erin might like this photograph. She had told the solicitor that she was taking the box and the tall woman had seemed unconcerned, uninterested in the old man’s personal effects.

There were several more photographs of the two together. They were a variety of shots taken over the years during the different holiday seasons the two had spent together. It was an intimate history of a father and daughter and their relationship. She couldn’t help wonder what had happened to spoil the affection between the two.

She set them down together an idea forming in her head. Regardless of what the other woman said, instinct told her that the solicitor would appreciate the record of the time she had spent with their father.

In contrast to the neat pile of pictures of the two together there was only one photograph of her with the older man. It was a rather sterile shot that included her mother. It was taken outside the Castle walls and the three of them stood rather stiffly together. There were no smiles on any of their faces. By the date on the back of the picture she knew that she was five years old at the time. It was funny how she could remember nothing about her previous visit to the castle.

Tears once again blurred her eyes and this time she did not wipe them away. She allowed them to roll quietly down her cheeks, giving vent to the sadness that she felt. She put the photographs away and turned to a small packet of letters that were bound together.

She stayed up well into the night reading the contents of each page. It was a difficult job made harder by the fact that the paper was yellowed and the ink blurred by time.

There were letters from Erin’s mother and surprisingly several from her own mother as well. They were brief memos, impersonal in nature and filled with every day news that could easily been passed between distant acquaintances. None contained the intimacy that one would think to find in letters between old lovers.

However, there was one central theme in all the missives. The letters were filled with the details of the lives of two children, growing up an ocean apart yet bound together by only one common denominator, the man himself.

She repacked everything in the box and than stowed it in the cupboard of the nightstand. She turned off the lights and lay down staring through the darkness towards the ceiling. It was a strange mood that she found herself in and in the silent darkness she decided that perhaps she should take Erin’s advice.

She had been in Scotland for two weeks already but it seemed like a much longer. She rolled onto her side and closed her eyes, trying to sleep.

The next morning she hurried over to the offices of Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden where George Ludden confirmed Erin’s assertion that the Will would remain in probate for several weeks.

“I was thinking of taking a short holiday,” she explained the reason for her query.

“That is a splendid idea,” he said. He had come to like the unpretentious young woman. “You need a break from here. If you like I could give Henry time off so he could accompany you.”

“No, thank you,” Kellie said quickly. “I think I need to be alone to sort this all out.”

“Certainly,” the man acceded and she hoped that he would not be offended by her rejection of his offer.

She liked the man’s son but she had no intention of getting involved in any type of relationship with the younger man. She had no intention of getting involved with anyone. To invite the man along on holiday would only be sending the wrong message.

On the way back to the Inn she stopped in at a travel agency and with the help of the friendly agent, booked passage across to the continent. She needed to get away for a while, to clear her head and absorb what had happened in the last while.

Two days later she departed from Edinburgh just as the city was being doused with a heavy rain shower. It was a grey and somber day but it reaffirmed that she had been right to take a vacation abroad. It was sunny and warm when she landed in Portugal.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon allowed her eyes the privilege of following the man as he moved around the room. She watched as her host re-lit the candle that had burned down. She noted the graceful movement of his lean muscular body. The knot in her stomach tightened and her heart quickened its beat. Her husband had lied but she did not know his purpose. This man was not a beast. The attentive way he had administered to her had proven that.

She stared at him, unused to the unfamiliar emotions that the man evoked with his mere presence. Immoral thoughts filled her head and when he turned to look at her, she flushed. There was a small, disarming smile on his lips and a dark brooding look in his deep blue eyes.

Her heart suddenly contracted and she was unexpectedly assaulted with the desire to rush across the room and press her soft lips against his body. Never more than at this minute had she wished that she was still unmarried and free to give herself to any man.

She had been a virgin when she had married her husband and innocent of the ways between men and woman. She had heard whispers from her sisters about their marriages but she had not understood. Now she could not help wonder if all men behaved the same within the marriage bed. Unexpectedly she wanted to find out with this stranger.

*  *  *

Erin had been kept busy with the trial, all her attention wrapped up in the proceedings. As usual she devoted all her energies to the process not allowing herself the luxury of worrying about anything else. However, this time she found her mind wandering.

She knew the source of her distraction. She had been thinking a lot about her Canadian sister. Not all the thoughts had been pure and for that she felt shame. She needed to remind herself that they shared the same father.

She was relieved when the proceedings were finally exhausted and her client was pronounced innocent of the charges. The jury had only taken a few hours to deliberate and the judge had concurred with their verdict.

She felt like celebrating the victory and on a whim she drove down to the Inn intent on sharing her success with her new sibling. Her disappointment was palpable when she learned from the front desk clerk that Kellie had gone off to the continent on holiday. Instead of celebrating she returned to the office.

“You don’t look very happy,” Debra McHadden remarked when her boss walked through the door. “Was it a bad loss?”

“No,” Erin shook her head and than gave her a false smile. “We won.”

“Than why the long face?” the older woman queried. It was unusual for her employer to be so stolic, especially after winning in court.

“No reason,” the solicitor shrugged and tried to appear businesslike. “Did anything important come in today’s post?”

“No,” the secretary shook her head, “and I cleared your docket for the afternoon. I didn’t know how long you would be.”

Erin nodded her head thoughtfully and than collected the letters which needed her attention. She moved towards her office, pausing to look at the secretary only once she had reached the doorway.

“Did you know that Kellie had gone on holidays?”

“Yes,” the other woman smiled. “She stopped by last week. You were out of the office. She said that she would be gone a month. I think she mentioned that she was going to Spain and Portugal. It seems she has always wanted to see those countries. She said you had given her the idea.”

“Aye,” the solicitor nodded pensively and than walked into her office, closing the door behind her.

The month turned into more than six weeks and when Kellie finally returned to the cold grey skies of Scotland she was bubbling with ideas of how she would make it work. While on a day trip through the Spanish countryside she had happened across an old Castle that had been renovated into an Inn.

She had fallen in love with the idea and had gone back to the place the next day and stayed several nights absorbing the ambience and talking with the owners to see how it all worked. She had no illusions that the task would be easy, but she had created a concrete idea.

It was as if the trip had opened her mind to a whole new world for she had picked up her pen and paper and began to write like she had not done in a long time. By the time she returned to Edinburgh she was glowing and the first person she wanted to share it with was her sister.

Erin was surprised yet immensely pleased when Kellie appeared at her office unannounced. For a moment she was unable to take her eyes off the smaller woman’s face. Her skin glowed and her green eyes sparkled. The smile was back but her long hair was gone, cut into an elegant short style that accented the delicate features of her oval face.

“How was your holiday?” the solicitor asked leaning back in her chair.

“Great and I have the most wonderful idea for Loch Loe and Castle Macgregor,” Kellie said, her enthusiasm bubbling out of her. The smile seemed permanently fixed on her lips and in her eyes. The taller woman looked at her dubiously.

“Is it going to cost money?”

“Everything costs money,” the blond woman said blithely walking around the desk and looping her arm through the taller woman’s and helping her to her feet. The younger woman smelled of fresh air and good health. “Come to lunch with me and I will explain everything. Mrs. McHadden said you had no appointments scheduled for this afternoon.”

Erin had cleared the day so she could clean up work that she had been putting off. She saw all those plans suddenly go up in smoke yet she was not upset. She retrieved her coat and they walked down the block to her favourite pub. They ordered fish and chips and mugs of ale.

“So tell me about these plans you have?” she said when the waitress had set their glasses on the table.

“First let me tell you about Spain,” Kellie said taking a huge swallow of her drink before launching into a complete expose of her brief holiday.

Erin listened unable to tear her eyes away from the small face. Kellie’s hands were moving animatedly as she explained the places she had been and the people she had met. There was a natural excitement and the solicitor’s heart did unexpected things.

Suddenly she found herself wishing that she had been there with the other woman. She remembered the wonderment that Kellie had expressed when they had first visited Loch Loe. She wondered if the younger woman would ever lose that childlike awe and she found herself hoping not.

“Which leads us to my idea,” Kellie said finally, winding down her story.

“Aye,” Erin said lightly infected by the enthusiasm, “here it comes. What is the problem?”

“It is no problem,” the blond woman said the smile slowly disappearing from her face.

She had forgotten the solicitor’s cryptic words when they had been at Loch Loe together. She had been so excited by her idea that she had not stopped to consider others would be less enthusiastic.

“I remember what you said about the Castle and the island not paying for itself. I found a way it could.”

“What did you find out?” Erin was intrigued.

“I found this really delightful place along the coast of Spain. It was an old Castle that once belonged to some minor Spanish nobleman. It was a beautiful place positioned on a cliff overlooking the sea.

“The owners were a middle aged couple and they turned it into an Inn. When I saw it I thought it would be perfect for Castle Macgregor. A vacation resort or it could be marketed as a place to honeymoon. The setting and its history would be perfect.”

“It would cost a fortune to put the place into shape for paying guests.” Erin didn’t want to appear negative but she felt compelled to advise of the risks.

“I realize that and I know you said it would cost a fortune to fix up the place but once it was done, Loch Loe could support itself,” she said.

“The National Trust might not agree to the idea,” the dark haired woman said doubtfully, not wanting the smaller woman to get her hopes to high in case they were flattened by the authorities.

“I will persuade them,” came the confident reply. “Certainly they could have no objections if they knew we were going to restore the place.”

Erin was silent as she pondered the idea. She had to admit that the concept had merit. She had always thought the island would be an excellent place for a vacation spot and the notion of appealing to newlyweds was certainly a positive idea.

“I know I’m not a businesswoman but the more I thought about it the more sensible it seemed,” Kellie explained. “It would create jobs for the people living on the island and the Castle would become self supporting.”

“You could be right,” Erin agreed after a lengthy silence. “The hard part will be the National Trust.”

“You mean you don’t think it’s a stupid idea?” the smaller woman was incredulous that her companion had so easily agreed with her idea.

“Does it matter what I think?” Erin asked lightly. “The Castle and Loch Loe belong to you. You can do whatever you want with them.”

“It does matter what you think,” Kellie disagreed. “I was left the castle but you are also Angus’s heir. It’s important that we agree on this.”

“What would you do if I didn’t?” the tall woman wondered curiously and the other woman shrugged.

“I don’t honestly know,” there was a slight pause and their eyes met. “I do know that it would hurt me to think of the centuries old treasure standing alone and empty, neglected until it settles into a crumbling pile of rocks.”

The image of her words evoked a caring attitude in her companion. Loch Loe was her ancestral home regardless if Angus had not left it to her. She knew the place was integral in her family history.

“Well, I suggest the first thing you do is write up a business plan and approach the National Trust and see if they will let the idea fly. You need to be prepared, have all your ideas formulated and be willing to commit all the time and money that will be needed.”

Kellie smiled aware that she had won her sister over. She knew that it would take a lot of hard work yet she was buoyed with a sense of purpose that had long been missing from her life. She wanted to fling her arms around the taller woman’s neck and kiss her soundly but she restrained the urge.

“Thank you,” she said instead and the woman glanced sharply up in her direction.

“For what?”

“For not being priggish about this,” Kellie replied.

“Don’t thank me yet Kellie Macgregor,” Erin warned. “Once you have started this project I will make certain you complete it. I, too, have an affection for the place and would love to see it restored to its former glory.”

“I shall not fail you,” the blond woman gave her a quick salute. “And you are hereby cordially invited to be the first official guest.”

“Do I have to bring a spouse?” Erin asked drawing a laugh from the other woman.

“Spouses will be optional,” Kellie paused. “However, I do have a favour to ask of you?”

“Okay, here it comes,” the Scotswoman said soberly. “What is it you want?”

“Well, I want this thing to work so I will need your help,” the small woman confided. “I don’t mean with the physical labour or anything like that but it has come to my attention that you are a well known solicitor and if you were to attach your name to the project than I suspect it would help me.”

Erin was silent as she considered what the other woman said. It was true the National Trust would look on the project with a different light knowing that there was a local resident as one of the sponsors.

“Is that all you want?”

“That and some help with writing the proposal,” Kellie added and the tall woman laughed.

“I think I can help with that,” Erin nodded with satisfaction before digging into her plate of chips. “Oh, and before I forget, I like your new hairstyle.”

Kellie beamed, pleased that the other woman had noticed.

CHAPTER SIX

THE FIRST THING that Kellie did after leaving Erin at her office was to return to the Inn. She sat down on her bed with a pen and paper in hand and very carefully priorized her life. There were certain things that needed to be done and she had to have all her affairs straightened out before she could commence with her plans.

She decided to retain Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden as her solicitors and after meeting once again with the accountants she continued her business association with them. To that end she pestered them relentlessly about various details of Angus’s holdings. She spent endless hours scrutinizing the accounts ledgers and analyzing all the available data. After endless hours of research it was finally beginning to make sense.

It was a vast and disconnected empire and Kellie saw immediately where changes could be made. She discussed her plans for the island with Erin who approached each suggestion with thoughtful caution.

With Erin’s help she managed to secure reliable transportation that gave her the freedom to move about independently. Rather than look for a flat she decided to remain at the Inn. The stay was costing her nothing and she was starting to think of the staff as an extended family.

Over the next several weeks she spent her time traveling around the Kingdom, visiting the various places in which Angus had investments. She toured the shops and spoke with the managers hoping to gain an insight into the way the businesses were run.

Initially many of the people were distrustful when she mentioned who she was and why she was there, but her natural charm and disarming manner quickly won them over. On several occasions she was invited into the manager’s homes for dinner. All the while she took notes and observed.

It did not take her long to see how wisely Angus had diversified his money. Besides the Inn, which catered to an older clientele, Angus owned a small glass works factory and several dozen retail properties. He had commercial interests in several larger international firms and a multitude of shares in a foreign shipping company.

October was suddenly upon them and before she realized it she had been in Scotland for four months. The weather was turning cold so she went out shopping and purchased the necessary clothing to shield herself from the onset of winter.

“When will you be coming home dear?” Aunt Margaret asked the next time they talked on the phone.

“I don’t know if I’m coming home,” Kellie admitted honestly. She took a deep breathe and than told the older woman everything that had been happening in the last month. “Until I know what’s going to happen, I can’t say for sure when or if I’m coming back.”

“I suppose this was bound to happen,” Margaret sighed. “It was inevitable that you leave. You always had this ambition to do something different. In that way you are a lot like your mother was when she was younger.”

“What happened?” Kellie asked with some emotion.

“She had you,” came the soft reply. “Don’t misunderstand, she loved you and wouldn’t have traded having you for anything but it changed her life. It changed her plans.”

There was silence for a moment as Kellie struggled with her emotions.

“I want all of you to come out for Christmas,” she said changing the subject. “I want you to see Loch Loe and the Castle.”

“I’m not sure we can afford it dear,” the older woman sighed regretfully.

“You don’t have to worry about money, it will be my treat,” the younger woman reminded gently. “I want you all to come.”

“I’ll talk to Shaun and Marnie,” Margaret promised.

Kellie felt slightly depressed after ringing off. She missed her Aunt and cousin and the dinners they used to share every Sunday after church. To dispel the feelings that the phone call evoked she decided to make another trip out to Loch Loe.

Returning to the island she tried to image herself as a tourist coming to see it for the first time. This trip was different than the rest as a thin blanket of snow covered the ground. The trip across the narrow channel was treacherous and the cold wind against her skin was rough and chafing. As she stood out on deck, staring at the island, a flush of pride swept over her at the knowledge that it was all hers.

She spent the next two days wandering over the property taking down notes and trying to get a picture of what it would be like when it was completed. She walked the whole width and breadth of the island and at the evening she sat in front of a crackling fire. She talked to Morris Leach about taking care of the Castle in her absence and he readily agreed.

In the evenings she spent hours pouring over the two tomes that Erin had sent to her. It had vivid descriptions of the people who had once lived in the castle and details of their everyday life. There were sketches of various ancestors and even an occasional drawing of the castle or a room within. It was an abundant source of information that Kellie knew she could use in the restoration process.

When she returned to Edinburgh she shared her findings with Erin as she did after every fact finding trip. They discussed the various things she had seen and learned while developing a business plan. Kellie was eternally grateful to her half sister for all the support that she was receiving.

“We have to get together soon to write that proposal for the National Trust,” Kellie reminded her companion when they walked back to the solicitor’s office one afternoon after having shared lunch.

“I managed to secure a meeting with them in two weeks time when I collected the necessary forms from their office this morning. I didn’t know that there would be this much paperwork to fill out.” Kellie held out a brown leather satchel that was filled with official looking papers.

“They do thrive on their paperwork,” the tall woman chuckled and suggested. “Listen I’m finished for the day so why don’t you let me take you home tonight and cook you dinner?”

Kellie knew she should reject the invitation, she had made plans to go out with Henry that evening, but she suddenly wanted to be with this woman more than anyone else in the world. She knew that she would have to stop and analyze those feelings but for now she pushed them down and gave in to her desire.

“I’d love that,” she readily agreed. “Is there a phone I could borrow, I need to make a call?”

“Certainly, there is one in the conference room,” Erin said and directed her to the room once they reached the office.

Kellie called Henry. The man was considerably disappointed. He had been courting her as attentively as he could yet he seemed to be going nowhere. She was deliberately keeping him at a distance and he didn’t understand why.

They took a car from Erin’s office. Kellie settled comfortably into the plush seat of the sedan and watched the streets go by. The solicitor lived in a wonderful old row house in an upscale area of the city.

It was a charming three storey affair unusually large for a single woman. It had hardwood floors and real wood moldings. The ceilings were high and the place had a light airy feeling. It was completely modern with plush throw rugs and sofas. There was a fireplace in the sitting room and a private study on the second floor. The kitchen had all the newest gadgets.

“This place is wonderful,” Kellie gushed after getting the grand tour. “Did you do it all yourself?”

“I had help from one of my cousins,” Erin admitted pleased that the other woman liked the place. “She owns a decorating business. Remind me to give you her number. She would be a good one to call to help you with the castle.”

“I will have to keep that in mind,” the smaller woman nodded thoughtfully following her hostess into the kitchen. “This is such a big place don’t you ever feel lost.”

“Sometimes,” the Scotswoman agreed amicably collecting a variety of food stuffs and pans from the cupboard. “But when I bought this place I considered that eventually I would get married and have children.”

“What if your husband didn’t want to live in the city?” the blond woman asked leaning against the counter and watching as she worked.

“I never thought about that,” the solicitor shrugged and than flashed her companion a smile. “I guess I would have to throw her back and find someone else.”

“Typical,” Kellie snorted and lightly punched her companion’s arm. She felt an unexpected thrill at the knowledge that her sister was gay. “Do you want some help?”

“Nope, just sit back and enjoy,” Erin said turning the dials on the stove, glad that her admission had not changed the other woman’s opinion of her. She had worried about making the confession but she knew that evidently the truth would have to come out if they were to remain friends.

“You really know what you are doing?” the blond woman seemed unconvinced.

“Absolutely,” the tall woman assured her. “Why don’t you believe me?”

“You seem like a person who would have a housekeeper or something,” Kellie paused and looked critically at her companion. “Do you do your own cleaning too?”

“The daily chores,” Erin admitted reluctantly. “Mrs. Brown, a local lady comes in twice a week to give the place a thorough go over and occasionally she will cook me up something but otherwise I do it all myself.”

“I am impressed,” the small woman smiled impishly. “Perhaps if your law career ever goes down the tubes I might be able to hire you to work as a chambermaid at my new Inn.”

“Will I have to wear a skirt?” the solicitor inquired innocently.

“Do you have the legs for it?” the Canadian asked with a laugh.

It was a pure sound that came from deep inside her and bubbled up through her body and out between her lips. It was a pleasant sound and Erin found herself wanting to hear more of it. She determined in that instant that she would do whatever she could to make the smaller woman laugh.

She cooked a rice and vegetable dish, steaming the concoction to a tenderness that left Kellie a definite fan of her culinary skills. Throughout the whole preparation and meal she kept her sister laughing with anecdotes of her childhood and mixing in the occasionally story of her days in public school and than later in university.

In response Kellie confided the joys of growing up in the country on her grandfather’s farm where she learned to ride horses and cows alike. She described some of the antics that Shaun and her got up too when they were children and finished on a more serious note by telling of the chilling days that surrounded her mother’s illness and finally her death.

They shared stories of their school days and commiserated about the difficulties they faced in their working lives. They talked non-stop and it was late before either of them realized how much time had passed. They were sitting in the drawing room in front of a fire when Kellie happened to glance at the clock on the mantle.

“I think it’s time that we tackle the paperwork,” the smaller woman suggested even though she would have rather spent the rest of the evening talking with the tall woman.

“Aye,” Erin agreed as she watched the other woman retrieve a stack of papers from a satchel she had brought with her.

It was after midnight when they finally noticed the time again. They had managed to fill out most of the necessary forms and sketched out a basic formula for the letter that they would be including with their submission.

“Oh goodness, look what time it is,” Kellie muttered jumping to her feet.

“I will drive you back to the Inn,” the solicitor offered slowly climbing to her feet. She didn’t want this evening to end.

“No, I will call a taxi,” Kellie declined. She didn’t want Erin to go back out on a night like this. It was cold and windy. “Thank you very much for a lovely evening.”

“We will have to do it again sometime,” she said following her to the door and helping with her jacket.

“I would like that,” the blond woman agreed not pleased to be going back out into the night. Their eyes met. “It’s nice to have a home cooked meal. The staff at the Inn are wonderful but sometimes you just want a place of your own.”

“Than why don’t you move in here with me?” Erin asked uncertain as to where the words had come from. “As you can see I have plenty of room.”

Kellie smiled her heart beating rapidly. If circumstances had been different she would have jumped at the opportunity but as it stood now she could not accept.

“I appreciate the offer but I will only be at the Inn for another month or so. Regardless of what happens with the people from the National Trust, I have decided to move out to Castle Macgregor and fix it up,” she smiled and instinctively leaned forward and laid a kiss on the other woman’s cheek. “Thank you again for dinner.”

Before Erin had a chance to say anything she was gone, out the door and down the steps to where the taxi was waiting. The skin on her cheek burned and she felt an incredible sadness as she watched the commercial vehicle drive away.

*  *  *

Ewan was uncertain he could abide by the promise he had made to the Lady. His heart ached with love and his loins burned with desire. He had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted his brother’s wife.

He paced around his bedchamber cursing the world for his misfortune. He had entered into a legal contract with her father and had trusted the man to honour the bargain. But the man had betrayed that trust and now he lived with that agony.

All evening he had struggled with his control, behaving as a true gentleman when all he longed to do was reach out and pull her into his arms. He would have taken her there on the rug in front of the fire, exhausting them both with pleasure. He would have satisfied her like his brother would never be able to do. He longed for that one chance.

He stepped to the window and stared out. He longed for the storm never to end so that he could keep the woman here forever. But already the winds were beginning to abate and the flurries of snow had grown less thick. It would only be a matter of hours before it ended and than the fight would surely begin.

Lady Shannon waited for the handmaiden to return with the warm milk she had requested. She was unable to sleep. Her mind was tormented with thoughts of the man who held her captive. There were still so many unanswered questions. She knew of her husbands hate for the man but no longer believed the reason.

“The Lord seems a lonely man,” she said idly to the maiden when she returned. “Why is it he has never married?”

“The Lord was betrothed to a young lady for a very long time. He built this Castle in her honour but as their wedding day approached her father broke the engagement and she married another man. My Lord has not been able to forget that.”

“Surely he will marry?” Lady Shannon said curiously.

“Perhaps in time,” the handmaiden said sadly shaking her head. “But for now the Lord’s heart is still to deeply consumed by the woman.”

Lady Shannon watched solemnly as the old woman departed. She felt envy for this woman that her host loved and she wondered what it would be like to have someone so besotted with her. She had no illusions, though her husband coveted her, there was no special affection for her in his heart. She was but a vessel for him to plant the seed of his next generation.

She lay under the blankets. The storm was abating and soon her husband would be coming for her. That realization made her unhappy.

*  *  *

Kellie huddled into her down jacket and stared out at the sea. It was a cold day. The sky was grey and snow was falling in huge flakes, cloaking the ground. She stomped her feet and shoved her hands deeper into the pockets of her jacket. She turned and walked back to the Castle savouring the biting chill as it crept through her clothes and into her body.

She had been at Loch Loe for two weeks now. She had traveled there directly after her meeting with the people at the National Trust. They had been skeptical of her motives and worried that she would change the island into some gaudy tourist attractions that was so popular with North American resorts.

It had taken all her skill as an orator to convince them otherwise and her passion had finally breeched their Scottish reserve. They were satisfied with her plan but needed to take it before the Board to pass and approve the plan.

She had come here to Loch Loe to await the news, spending the long idle hours writing and rummaging through the Castle. It was a glorious time and words seemed to pour from her head and onto the paper. The Castle seemed to make ideas explode inside her head.

She wandered down to the village Loch Loe. Morris Leach always collected the post from the

mainland and kept it there at his house for her to collect. It meant spending an hour having tea with his wife but the woman was pleasant and eager to fill Kellie in on all the local gossip. Roma Leach was a great source of information, filling her in on the area’s local history.

That morning she had received the news she had been waiting for. The letter from the National Trust offices informed her that all her plans conformed with their ideals and that she was granted permission to proceed with renovations using certain guidelines underlined.

She was ecstatic at the news and immediately wanted to share it with the world. She rang Erin but she was in court. Her disappointment was palpable and she was assaulted again with the knowledge that she was really alone in the world.

She moped around only for a minute before deciding to head back into Edinburgh and surprise her sister with a visit. In the last two weeks she had missed her company. She had missed her much more than anyone she had ever met. She initially put it down to being alone in a strange country but she knew that if she bothered to analyze things more she would come to another conclusion, so she preferred not to think of the reasons.

She had to wait for the evening ferry and she stood now on the deck as the boat slowly pulled away from shore. She hunched her shoulders against the cold kept warm by the fire of her thoughts.

It was dark and well after the supper hour by the time she finally got into Edinburgh. She stopped at a local shop and bought a bottle of wine for celebrations. She parked her car in front of the solicitor’s house and than bounded up the path. The door was answered after the second summons.

“They gave me the okay,” she exclaimed as soon as Erin opened the door. She flung herself into the taller woman’s arms.

“That’s great,” the solicitor was genuinely happy for her sibling.

“Now I can get started,” Kellie said when they finally stepped apart and held up the bottle of champagne she carried. “I thought we could celebrate.”

Erin smiled as the smaller woman waved the bottle in front of her. There was nothing more that she wanted to do than celebrate the occasion but there was something else. Before she could say anything their intimate scene was interrupted by a shrill feminine voice.

“Who is it Erin?”

Kellie glanced over her companions shoulder to see a lovely red headed woman standing in the hallway. Erin immediately released her grip, her blue eyes lingering on the small woman’s oval face. Slowly she turned and made the introductions.

“Rosemary this is my sister Kellie,” she introduced the two women. “Kellie this is Rosemary Townsend. She is a colleague of mine.”

“Sister?” there was surprise and skepticism in the other woman’s face. She looked at Erin. “I didn’t know you had a sister.”

“Until four months ago I didn’t know I had a sister either,” Kellie blurted out with a smile that did not reach her eyes. She was unexpectedly devastated at finding a woman here but she didn’t let it show. She moved forward extending her hand.

“It was quite a surprise to the both of us,” she continued hoping to ease the tension of the awkward situation. “Angus wasn’t the most discreet man there might be more of us out there.”

“You don’t look at all a like,” the woman murmured doubtfully and Kellie glanced back at Erin and flashed a smile.

“I keep telling her it’s a good thing too,” she shot back with humour and the other woman relaxed.

“Kellie was the one who inherited Loch Loe,” Erin interjected and the woman was surprised again.

“Yes and I just came to tell Erin that I got the okay from the National Trust. You see I am going to convert the Castle into a holiday Inn.”

The woman looked genuinely alarmed as her eyes flew to the solicitor.

“You didn’t tell me you didn’t inherit the island?” There was a hint of accusation in the redheaded voice.

“It didn’t seem important,” Erin defended herself. “The place is expensive and Kellie’s idea is very practical. I will always be able to go back and visit.”

“And I will give you a discount on your room,” Kellie teased good naturedly and than turned back to the solicitor. “I do apologize for intruding. This was such good news I had to share it with someone.”

“We can still celebrate,” Erin offered but Kellie immediately shook her head. She could feel the tension that her appearance had brought.

“No. I won’t intrude any longer,” she smiled brightly and shook the redhead’s hand. “It was nice to meet you and I hope we will meet again.”

With that she turned and scampered back out into the night. Erin didn’t want her to leave yet under the circumstances she couldn’t make her stay. She shut the door and turned to her companion. She knew that Rosemary would have more questions. They started the instant she turned around.

“Is she the reason I haven’t seen you lately?” the redhead asked bluntly.

“What are you implying?”

“That something is going on between you two,” Rosemary said with a hint of jealousy.

“For God’s sakes we are sisters,” Erin retorted angrily, hating the insinuation, aware that it was very close to the truth of what she was feeling. “And even if we weren’t it is none of your business. We have never had an exclusive relationship.”

“No, we haven’t,” the other woman said. “But that is only because you haven’t wanted to make any type of commitment.”

“No, I haven’t wanted to make a commitment,” the dark haired solicitor agreed. “If that is what you are waiting for from me than I am sorry if won’t happen.”

This dinner date had been a spur of the moment decision and the result of being unable to get thoughts of Kellie out of her head. She had tried to reason that she was just lonely and that seeing someone else would rectify the situation. She hadn’t been with anyone since before her sister’s appearance. But almost from the beginning she had sensed that it was a mistake. She could not replace one woman with someone else.

“Perhaps I should go,” Rosemary made the suggestion, hoping that the other woman would beg her to stay.

“Perhaps you should,” Erin agreed aware that this was the end of the relationship they had shared.

In the end Kellie did not go to the Inn but headed back to Loch Loe, driving through the night disturbed by the feelings of jealousy that had assaulted her at the redhead’s presence. Erin was only her sister and could do what she wanted with her life, including having a girlfriend. Angrily she chided herself for being foolish. Erin had a right to have a life beyond her existence. She caught the morning ferry to the island feeling more alone than at any time since her mother had died and not understanding the reasons for her feelings.

Kellie moped around the Castle for the next two days, the joy of her project somehow gone. She did not want to analyze her feelings. She did not want to think about there source. The only way she was able to stop dwelling on her feelings was to throw herself into work and for that Morris Leach proved invaluable. Kellie consulted him on all aspects of the construction including which of the local contractors to employ. As a newcomer to the tightly knit community she knew she had to earn these peoples trust and respect. One way of doing that was to use as many of the locals as possible.

To that end she hired a local stone mason to do the work on the exterior of the Castle. Not only did the man come highly recommended but he worked with his two sons. She liked the idea of a small family enterprise working under her service.

For the next few weeks there was a steady stream of contractors tramping through the Castle giving her ideas and cost quotes while she gave them various specifications. She was on a limited budget and she was determined to stay within the financial constraints that she had drawn up. She had no desire to approach Erin about getting additional funds.

At night she had time to contemplate her situation. She wandered through the draughty castle trying to image what it would look like when she was done. She also wondered where she would be. She had grown to love Scotland in the short time she had been there and she knew she could adjust to the damp cold winters. She just did not know whether she would find peace in her personal life.

She thought what Erin had said. According to legend those who dwelled in the Castle had tremulous love lives. It appeared that she would also fall victim to the same legend. She had hoped the state of her feelings would lessen being away from the woman but they continued to linger. She had enjoyed the solicitors company too much to forget so easily, and that bothered her.

It was the first of December when Kellie received word from George Ludden that the Will had cleared probate and that she was needed in Edinburgh to sign the final papers that would transfer all of Angus’s assets to her possession. She was happy with the news for it meant that work on the Castle could go ahead.

The very next day she headed to the city, intent on completing the paperwork and getting back to the Castle to start the renovations. She had lined up all the contractors who were now just waiting for the word to get under way.

“Just sign here and you will become the wealthiest woman in the land,” the solicitor said and after a moment of hesitation Kellie dutifully signed the papers where he pointed. “There everything is now complete. You are now officially the owner of Loch Loe and Castle Macgregor.”

She smiled and accepted the congratulations from the small contingent that had gathered to witness the transfer of ownership. Kellie glanced uneasily around the room. She was not entirely comfortable with the knowledge that she was the richest woman in Scotland.

“Perhaps we should celebrate,” Henry suggested. He was not at all pleased about the amount of time she had been spending in the country.

“I had planned on getting right back to Loch Loe,” she confessed.

“Surely you could postpone the trip for one evening,” he lamented with a pout. “I haven’t gotten a chance to see you hardly at all this last while and I’ve missed you horribly.”

“That is very nice of you to say,” she doubted the man’s sincerity but said nothing. “However, I do have some other business I must take care of.”

“Well, if you change your mind I shall be here until five and than at home,” the man could not hide his disappointment. “You do still have my number, don’t you?”

“Yes, Henry,” she smiled. “If my plans change I will call you.”

“I will wait patiently by the phone,” he said gallantly giving her a gentlemanly bow.

It was nice that he was such an attentive suitor and she wished that she had some affection for the man. She thought that he probably could be quite a pleasant husband and lover unfortunately she had no interest in him.

She paid a visit to her banker to ensure that all her accounts were straightened out and than drove over to Erin’s office. She sat outside in her car for a long while before she summoned the courage to go inside.

Erin was overjoyed when Mrs. McHadden announced that Kellie was there to see her. She had not been able to contact the smaller woman after that evening she had come round to celebrate for Kellie had locked herself away on the island out of immediate reach. She knew she could have left a message or sent something by way of post but instinctively she sensed the blond woman wanted to be alone. She hoped that whatever had caused the Canadian to run away that evening was gone.

She waited anxiously for the smaller woman to enter her office. She had missed her incredibly over the past several weeks. Her heart beat just a little faster and a butterfly fluttered in the depths of her stomach. Quietly she reined her emotions in, realizing that it was fruitless to think of anything more than friendship. They were related by blood.

Erin watched as Kellie came bounding into the room, her body hidden under a thick layer of clothing. Her cheeks were pink from the chilly fresh air and a red woolen cap was perched on top of her head. There was the usual smile on her face but it didn’t reach her green eyes. Her voice sounded happy but it had a false ring to the echo. She wondered if she was only imagining things.

“I was just in the city to sign some papers for Mr. Ludden when I thought I would pop in and invite you to the Castle for the weekend. I am clearing out the place room by room in preparation for the contractors and I thought you might like some of the stuff.”

“You’re not tossing everything out are you?” the solicitor asked with a frown.

“Of course not,” Kellie assured her. “I’m getting all the furniture restored for later use. The stuff I’m talking about is the personal effects and the other invaluable junk.”

Erin was thoughtful. She couldn’t think of anything that the old man had that she wanted. She shook her head and said as much. Kellie eyed her carefully sensing her mood. She was not her usual self.

“There are so many wonderful pictures there,” she said quietly.

“I said there was nothing that Angus had that I want.”

Kellie was silent for a moment as she studied the older woman’s features. There was something distinctively odd about her this day. She longed to ask her the source but thought she might invade her privacy. She shrugged helplessly.

“Perhaps than you would like to just come up and see what changes I plan to make.”

“I am sure they will be fine,” Erin said. She longed to accept the invitation but felt that because of her feelings it would not be a good idea. “I am sure you are following the National Trust’s guidelines to the letter.”

“Yes,” the Canadian nodded, there was a soft appeal in her voice, “but I would like your approval.”

“Why?” the solicitor repeated a question she had asked once before.

“The Castle bears your name. I want you to be as proud of it as I will be.”

Erin looked at her and saw the seriousness of her other woman’s features. She knew that Kellie was only trying to include her where their father had left her out. She wanted to share her joy but she knew a weekend at the Castle would not be a good idea.

“I have other plans for this weekend,” she lied and Kellie saw the truth. She was indelibly hurt but controlled the disappointment.

“Well, if you change your mind or your plans fall through you are welcome,” she said and than paused. “You are always welcome at the Castle. It is yours as much as it is mine.”

With that she departed, leaving the solicitor staring after her. She knew that her casual rejection of her invitation had been a way of protecting them both.

In an attempt to erase the scene from her head, Kellie called Henry the minute she stepped out of the office, arranging to meet him for dinner. She had not brought any fancy clothes to the city so they had to settle on going out for a casual meal and a film. But no matter how hard she tried she was unable to put the disappointment she felt about the older woman out of her head or her heart.

*  *  *

Lady Erin watched from the window in her bedchamber as her host tramped through the snow towards the Castle. The storm had abated and though grey clouds still hovered over the sky, the snow had ceased and the wind had fallen to a whisper.

It was odd how her thinking had changed over the last few days. She had gone from feeling like a hostage to that of a guest, and the man who had captured her, she could only now think of as a host. He had treated her better than most of the homes she had visited since her marriage.

She stared at the man as he approached. He was tall with broad shoulders and thick arms. She found herself wondering what it would be like to be crushed in his embrace or how it would feel to have the power of his body move in her.

She shivered and stepped back from the window, sitting forlornly on the edge of the bed. She did not love her husband and certainly there would be no pleasure in going back with him, but there was nothing else she could do. She was his wife.

Ewan entered the warmth of the castle, stamping the snow off his boots before replacing them with a dry pair. It had been three days since the storm had died and still there was no sign of his brother. He could not believe the man would not come to retrieve his bride. He cursed the older man and wondered what game he was playing. He retired to his bedchamber and dressed for dinner. He eagerly looked forward to spending time with the woman yet it was becoming hard for him to contain his emotions.

That night she looked as radiant as ever and his heart pounded deafeningly in his chest. They played cards and other games and he had a hard time keeping his eyes off her face.

Lady Shannon was warm, flushed with a fever of unknown origin. Her eyes watched his large hands as they dealt the cards. She wondered how they would feel cupping her tender young breasts. She stared at his lips and wondered how they would taste, firmly pressed against her mouth.

She squeezed her legs shut aware of the erratic way her breathing had become. She had never felt such a yearning and attraction for anyone. She tried to remind herself that she was married but feared it was a losing cause.

“Would you like something to drink?” he asked casually when the game was finished. He had noticed her doe like eyes watching him intently through the evening and he felt his gentlemanly resolve failing.

He had treated her with kindness hoping that she would see the light in his heart. He had noticed a softening in her resolve but still no hint that he had broken through her reserve. He knew he was running out of time. Her husband would return to claim her at anytime. He had the foreboding sense that this would be their last night together.

“A sherry please,” she requested and than watched as he stood up and walked across the room.

He poured them each a glass and walked back towards her. She rose from her chair and held out her hand to accept the glass but in her nervous way, she accidentally bumped her hand into the glass and its contents spilled upon her hand. She was about to hastily wipe it dry when his voice stopped her.

“Let me,” he offered setting the glasses on a nearby table while reaching for her hand. He pulled a

handkerchief from his pocket but he did not use it. Instead he lifted her hand to his mouth and than gently licked the sweet nectar from her skin.

She trembled involuntarily, unfamiliar with the shivers of pleasure and excitement that rippled through her body. His touch was warm and so exquisite. She stood paralyzed, unable to move from beneath his ministrations.

She watched as he dipped his finger in one of the glasses and than traced it over the skin of her exposed breast. He than bent his head and ran his tongue over the moisture and a new series of sensations flooded her body. She felt warm, flushed with a delightful fever. Her head said that this should stop but her body betrayed her to this pleasure.

Ewan delighted in the taste of her perfumed skin. He dipped his finger again and held it up to her lips. Instinctively she opened her mouth and wrapped her lips around the wet digit. With eyes wide open she sucked on it, her tongue teasing its tip.

He gasp at the pleasure that washed over him. He grew hard and full, an ache beginning in the pit of his loins. He wanted her now more than anything else. He wanted her more than anything.

In a flourish he bent and lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the room and up the stone stairwell. Lady Shannon did not resist. She had seen the material across the front of his breeches tighten and felt a thread of lust course through her body. She did not care that this was wrong her desire was so strong it overruled all common sense.

CHAPTER SEVEN

ERIN STOOD AT the window of her office and watched as large white snowflakes drifted down from the sky. There was no wind to stir the snow and it looked peaceful and picturesque. She was not in a hurry to go home as nothing by emptiness awaited her there.

“They say it’s to snow through the weekend,” Debra McHadden mentioned casually when she entered the office suite. She had found the files the solicitor had requested and put them now on her desk. The tall woman didn’t move, only casually glancing in her direction.

“Thank you,” Erin said briefly and than turned her attention back to the scene outside.

The secretary looked at her boss. The woman was in a melancholy mood. She had been that way since her sister’s visit earlier in the week.

“It would be a lovely weekend to spend in the country,” the secretary suggested. “I am sure Miss Macgregor gets lonely living in that big old Castle all by herself. She would probably enjoy a spot of company.”

Erin said nothing and with a sigh of resignation the older woman turned and departed not knowing that the solicitor had been thinking of the smaller woman all week, wishing she had been more tactful when she had initially turned down Kellie’s invitation to visit the castle.

The barrister sighed and wandered back to her desk. She doubted she would ever be in a worse predicament. She slumped into a chair and stared at the files on her desk. She had no desire to work on other peoples problems but there were things that needed to be done. Just as she was about to reach for the first folder the phone rang. It was George Ludden with news on Angus’s Will.

“I just need your signature and everything is complete,” the older lawyer said. “I am going to get Henry to deliver the paperwork to Miss Macgregor this weekend.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Erin said hastily making a decision. “I am going to Loch Loe tonight. I will run by your office and sign the necessary forms on my way out.”

“Splendid idea,” the other man agreed. “I didn’t exactly relish the idea of having Henry drive out to the country in this foul weather.”

As soon as she hung up the phone Erin was out of her chair and grabbing her coat. She knew that if she wanted to make the afternoon ferry she would have to leave immediately. After a quick stop at home to change clothes and collect her toiletry she was on her way to the other solicitor’s office.

George Ludden was waiting in his office when she arrived.

“I suspect your troubles will just be beginning,” the older man commented as he watched her sign the necessary documents.

“Oh?” Erin was curious about what the man meant by that remark. “You anticipate a problem with Miss Macgregor?”

“Not personally,” George flushed, embarrassed that his comment had been misinterpreted. “She is a lovely person and I look forward to a long association with her. I was thinking more of the project she is working on. I imagine she will be needing a lot of money to finance the Castles restoration. She will be coming to you for some of the principal.”

“We both decided it was a good idea and the money wouldn’t be wasted,” Erin said a little stiffly. “Angus might not have agreed but I think this is the right way to spend the money.”

The other lawyer said nothing more aware that he may have offended his colleague with his candid opinion. Erin finished signing the documents and than left, anxious to be on her way.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon lay naked on the bed, only slightly shy under his roving stare. He had stripped her bare before laying her there. She watched him now as he slowly undressed, peeling his woolen clothes off and dropping them on the floor.

She stared at the broad shoulders and rippling muscles as he loosened the buttons on his trousers and let them fall to the floor. She gasp at the sight of his manhood. He looked so large and magnificent.

She quivered as he climbed up on the bed beside her. In spite of his age and experience, she had always found her husband quite clumsy. There was no such fumbling with this man.

He knew what to do and his hands and mouth were confident as they touched and caressed her body. Soon all her inhibitions were gone as she gave herself up completely to the pleasure he offered.

Ewan had never thought it could be so good. He cupped her breasts with his hands and than suckled them with his mouth. He felt her tremble, her body involuntarily arching up to meet his every assault. When he finally moved between her legs she was eagerly awaiting his possession.

Lady Shannon parted her thighs. She was moist, her body begging for a respite from the aching pleasure that was assailing her senses. She moaned gasping as he gently thrust into her apex. There was a pause as she adjusted to him and than more warmth as he thrust deeper inside her heat.

The man felt only pleasure as she wrapped herself tightly around him. He waited until she was comfortable and than slowly started thrusting, moving his body in and out in a gentle rhythm that slowly increased as the intensity of their passion mounted.

Lady Shannon was no longer in control of herself, her body responding naturally as it arched up to meet his assault. The nights she had spent with her husband had never felt like this, they had never been as wild or pleasurable.

It was a shock when the orgasm exploded over her. She did not know what it was but the feeling was so exquisite she tried to prolong the moment as she clung to her lover.

Ewan watched, waiting with his own climax until she was done and than he let loose the power of his body measuring his strength so as not to hurt her. Finally he thrust one last time and threw his head back, the veins in his neck standing out.

She felt his warmth spread itself inside her and than welcomed him in her embrace when he was spent. The man collapsed on top of her knowing that he could now die a happy man.

*  *  *

Kellie was sitting in the quiet of the drawing room when she heard an unusual thumping sound coming from in the hallway. She stood up, briefly wondering if the place had ghosts before following the noise to its source. She was surprised to see Erin standing outside the front door, a small carryall clutched in one hand.

Blue and green eyes met and Erin felt her heart began to thud loudly. The blond woman looked so adorable, dressed in her warm clothes. For the first time she noticed a pair of glasses perched on the pert nose.

“I didn’t know you wear glasses,” the dark haired woman knew it was a dumb thing to say first off but she hadn’t known how to break the silence.

“They’re just for reading,” Kellie said and unconsciously removed them. She crossed her arms defensively. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought I would accept your invitation,” Erin said feeling awkward. “George Ludden called to say that he had a copy of the final papers for you. I suggest you put them in a safe place.” She paused, holding out an envelope. “Is it all right if I come in?”

“Certainly,” the Canadian remembered her manners moving to one side so the taller woman could step in out of the cold. She waited silently as the other woman brushed the snowflakes off her shoulders before shrugging out of her coat. After hanging it up on a peg by the door she turned once more to her hostess.

“I didn’t know if I was welcome,” she managed to say.

“I said you were welcome here anytime.”

“Yes, you did,” the solicitor nodded. “But I didn’t know if you were being sincere or just polite.”

“I never make an offer I don’t mean,” Kellie said quietly studying the taller woman’s features. It was past the dinner hour but she wondered if her sister had stopped to eat on the journey down. “Are you hungry?”

Erin flashed a lopsided grin. “I’m famished. I was in such a rush to catch the ferry that I didn’t want to chance a stop for a bite to eat.”

“Okay than, put your stuff away while I fix you something,” the blond woman said. “Don’t expect anything fancy I’m still not used to cooking on the woodstove.”

“Anything will be fine,” the tall woman said agreeably and than trooped dutifully towards the staircase. “Where do you want me to put my things?”

“You can use the same room as last time,” Kellie said. “You also might want to light a fire. The central heating is on but it can still get rather draughty. There is some wood in the bedroom that I use.”

Erin nodded, watching the smaller woman disappear in the direction of the kitchen before bounding up the stairs. By the time she returned Kellie had reheated some of the leftover stew that she had prepared for her own supper. The tall woman sat down at the table and immediately dug into the aromatic smelling dish that was set in front of her.

“Don’t you get lonely here by yourself?” Erin wondered out loud in between spoonfuls of the delicious tasting food.

“Sometimes,” the blond woman admitted as she poured herself a cup of tea before joining her companion at the table. “But when I do get lonely I just take a walk down to see Roma Leach. She always has time for a cup of tea and a chat.”

“Has she told you yet that her mother and grandmother kept house for Angus?” Erin asked.

“She did mention something,” the smaller woman conceded. “I have been consulting her husband Morris about which local contractors to hire.”

“Morris is a good man. He won’t steer you wrong. That is one thing about the people in this district, they stand by their word. To them it is important, none of them will do you wrong.”

“That’s nice to know,” Kellie said. “I trusted Morris from the first moment I met him and he has been invaluable.”

“George Ludden mentioned you had already started renovating,” Erin mentioned casually glancing at her surroundings.

“Yes, though it doesn’t look like it,” the small woman said. “I am going at it slowly making sure everything is being done right. I have hired a local man to do the stone work and sent some of the older pieces of furnishings out to be restored but I haven’t done much other than that.”

The solicitor looked at her for a long moment. “If you are waiting because of the money, it’s all there for you. All you have to do is ask.”

“I don’t want to bother you,” Kellie said and than reminded the other woman gently. “After all you were skeptical about my decision to renovate.”

“You shouldn’t care what I think. You shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks.”

“But I do,” the blond woman sighed rising to her feet. “Maybe it would be easier to accept if you weren’t so damn nice about everything.”

“Do you want me to be nasty?” Erin was astonished by the admission.

“No,” Kellie sighed again folding her arms across her chest and leaning back against the cutting table. “It’s just that I feel so guilty about spending any of the money.”

“There is no reason to feel guilty,” the dark haired Scotswoman said.

“I know it sounds illogical but I don’t feel like I have done anything to deserve everything that I have been given. It’s probably because all my life I have had to work for everything that I got,” the blond woman admitted shyly. “Does that sound crazy?”

“It sounds perfectly natural,” Erin disagreed. “Give it time and let yourself get used to the idea of the money and the Castle. Under the circumstances it would be overwhelming to anyone.” She paused. “And for the record, I think what you are doing to the castle is great.”

“You weren’t always so agreeable.”

“True if I had inherited the Castle I probably would have simply turned it over to the National Trust Society. But I don’t have the time to spend on it like you do,” Erin paused and looked at her. “Is there anything else bothering you?”

“No,” the blond woman lied convincingly.

Kellie could not tell the other woman of the doubts that she had started having. The more that she looked over the old photographs the more she wondered about the truth, doubting that she was related in any manner to the former owner of the castle. The next morning she slept later than usual and by the time she awoke Erin was already cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

“I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of starting breakfast,” the dark haired woman said when Kellie joined her in the kitchen

“On the contrary it is very thoughtful of you,” the younger woman replied.

“I thought after we have done eating we could go over the plans you have. You will be needing money and I need to be assured that it is being spent wisely.”

After eating and washing up they went through the Castle and Kellie told her in detail what was to be done. Erin had seen the original plans but she knew that changes would occur as the building proceeded. She asked intelligent questions but offered nothing else.

After touring the place they donned their winter wear and tramped outside. The snow was still falling, blanketing the ground in a pristine coat of white. After showing her the various repairs that were to be done on the exterior, they tramped across the open fields to the shore. The whole time Kellie talked about the plans she had for sprucing up the island.

“Do you ever miss your home?” Erin asked unexpectedly as they walked. It was cold but not so bone chilling that it was unbearable.

“This is my home now,” the smaller woman replied honestly making that decision as she spoke.

“You don’t miss Canada?”

“Sometimes,” Kellie admitted reluctantly. “There are things that I naturally miss but I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere so I am used to being on my own. I do miss that I just can’t pick up the phone and ring someone.”

“You should have a phone installed,” Erin suggested.

“I have thought of that and have even talked to all the appropriate people but it is frightfully expensive,” Kellie sighed hunching her shoulders against the cold. “It may sound weird but I kind of like the isolation of the island.”

“You are beginning to sound like the romantic person you said you weren’t.”

“You make it sound like that’s a bad thing,” she grimaced.

“No. I didn’t mean too imply it was a bad thing,” Erin realized that lately she always seemed to be apologizing.

“That’s all right. I guess deep down inside I am a romantic. The Castle and the Island just seem to bring it all out,” the Canadian confessed slyly. “Perhaps that’s also the reason I write. Ever since I was a child I had this very vivid imagination, growing up by myself I often had to pretend I wasn’t alone, so I made up these imaginary friends and played these imaginary games.”

“What kind of games did you create?”

“I have forgotten most of them,” Kellie laughed easily. “But I do remember that as a child I used to love it when it snowed like this. I could never wait to go outside and make snow angels.”

“Snow angels?” Erin seemed genuinely puzzled and the blond looked at her in amazement.

“Come on you must know what snow angels are. Every kid that lives in a wintry clime knows what snow angels are.”

The taller woman looked at her strangely and shrugged helplessly and to prove her point Kellie lay down in the snow and moved her limbs up and down creating an image of an angel. Erin could not contain her amusement and Kellie looked at her aware than that she had been teasing her.

Instinctively she scooped up a handful of snow and flung it at her companion. Erin had not been expecting that reaction and was to slow in ducking out of the way of a snowball so that it caught her square on the side of the head.

A full fledged snow fight ensued and ended only when they both slumped exhausted on the ground. Erin lay on her back staring up at the cloudy grey sky not remembering when she had last had so much fun. She turned her head and looked at her companion. The tense lines she had noticed earlier were gone.

“Did it bother you growing up as a bastard?” the blond woman wondered out loud.

“No, my grandparents were good about making me understand that it wasn’t my fault. Of course there were some kids who made the usual remarks but mostly it wasn’t an issue,” she paused. “What about you?”

“There was a lot of whispering and some kids who couldn’t play with me because their mothers thought I was some kind of infection their daughters would catch,” Kellie remembered with a bemused smile on her lips. “Funny thing was that no matter how much they would denounce my mother, their lives were always worse. But you don’t hear all the dirty secrets until you are older.”

“How come your mother never married?” Erin was curious.

“I don’t know,” she was honest. She sat up and than struggled to her feet. “I think it’s time to go in, my clothes are soaked and I’m starting to get cold.”

Erin did not argue jumping to her feet and following her hostess back to the Castle. Her own clothes were wet and she didn’t want to get a chill.

“You don’t happen to have a spare outfit to borrow. I accidentally left my clothes bag in the car. I was in such a rush to catch the ferry,” she admitted sheepishly and Kellie looked at her critically.

“I tossed all of Angus’s stuff out and I know you couldn’t fit into any of my clothes so all I can offer is a clean blanket to cover yourself while your clothes dry.”

“Fair enough.”

Kellie fetched a blanket from the second floor landing and left it with the solicitor while she went to change her own damp clothes. She would have liked a hot bath to warm her skin but decided against leaving her guest alone that long. When she returned to the sitting room she found a roaring fire already ablaze in the hearth.

She paused in the doorway and scanned the scene. Erin had laid her damp clothing on stools in front of the fire. She had wrapped the blanket around her waist, leaving her chest exposed. Unexpected Kellie felt her heart skip a beat. For a woman who had a desk bound occupation the dark haired woman had a muscular build. She took a deep breathe and walked into the room purposefully trying to ignore looking at the other woman.

“Would you like some tea?” Erin offered. In her absence the solicitor had even managed to prepare a fresh pot.

“Yes, thank you,” she nodded slipping into a nearby chair. She watched as the older woman gently tipped the tea pot to drain some of the dark liquor into a cup. She accepted the cup that was offered, taking a sip as the tall woman pulled up the blanket around her shoulders before settling back into a chair.

“Have you decided what you are going to do for Christmas?” Erin asked casually.

“I have invited my Aunt and cousin over for the holidays,” Kellie said revealing her plans. “They have never been out of the country and never really had enough money for a proper holiday so I thought for a Christmas present I would fly them out here for several weeks.”

“That sounds great,” Erin masked her disappointment with a smile. As in past years she was closing her law office for a fortnight over the holiday season and she had hoped that they might spend some of the holidays together.

“You are more than welcome to come round and meet them. They would love to meet you.” Kellie invited.

“Perhaps I will,” the barrister agreed amicably.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon woke in the early hours of the morning. She felt warm and more relaxed than at anytime in her short life. She snuggled closer to the source of the heat, reveling in the comfortable pressure of the weight of the arm and leg that were straddled over her body. She had never felt this comfortable in her husbands embrace.

Gently she leaned forward and laid a tender kiss upon her lover’s rough cheek. He stirred immediately and a thread of desire rippled through her body. She always dreaded sharing her husband’s bed, but with this man it was different. While she always longed for her husband to sleep she wanted this man to awaken and possess her once again.

She reached over and ran her hand over his back and buttocks, savouring the feel of the firm muscles of his body. She felt the man move, pressing himself closer against her flesh. She kissed him again and this time he responded.

Ewan had not believed the woman would respond so easily but he sensed that her body was betraying her common sense. He suspected that his older brother was not a good lover, only interested in his own pleasure. Many of the older man’s mistresses complained of his inattentiveness. He could understand now why this woman sought his comfort.

He took possession of her body once more, filling her with his heat and unleashing his passion. She returned his ardour with the same strength. Her hands and lips seeking the most intimate parts of his flesh.

He took her until he no longer had any strength. Only than did he collapse into her embrace. She clung tightly to him, never wanting this evening to end.

*  *  *

Kellie drove into Edinburgh to do the little Christmas shopping she had. She spoke to her cousin Shaun to confirm they had received the tickets and were still planning on coming over for the holidays. She noted the time and date of their arrival, securing rooms at the Inn for them. She even arranged dinner for their first evening in the city booking reservations at a restaurant that was recommended to her by Erin.

It was easy buying gifts for her cousins and Aunt and with a seemingly unlimited budget she was extravagant for the first time in her life. She purchased only a simple gift for Henry unwilling to place to high a value on their friendship. The most difficult time she had was picking out a gift for Erin.

In the few months she had been in Scotland the solicitor had been a huge support and she valued her friendship above all else. She appreciated the other woman’s kindness and wanted to show what it meant to her. In the end she finally selected an expensive gold watch and a woolen sweater. She didn’t know if the dark haired Scotswoman would like either but she wrapped them with infinite care.

She drove into Edinburgh the day before her relatives were to arrive. It was five days until Christmas and the city was festively decorated for the season. It had snowed and the city was blanketed in a fresh white coat.

She walked to Erin’s office, greeting Debra McHadden with a cheery holiday greeting and a small gift which surprised and delighted the older woman. The dark haired solicitor was pleased by the younger woman’s appearance and immediately accepted her invitation to dinner.

That evening they dined at a fancy eatery and than bundled up and took a long leisurely walk downtown to admire the lights and decorations. Erin knew that she enjoyed Kellie’s company far too much yet she was never able to resist her invitations. She continued to curse the fact that they were of the same father.

“I want you to come to dinner tomorrow night,” the small blonde extended the invitation.

“I wish I could,” Erin was genuinely regretful. “But unfortunately I have other obligations I must attend.”

Kellie was barely able to hide her disappointment, yet she was determined that she should meet her family.

“Than if you have time over the holidays, perhaps you could come up to Loch Loe,” she suggested. “You will be visiting your family and its just over in the next district. You could pop over the week between Christmas and New Years.”

“Aye, I will think about it,” Erin remained uncommitted.

The next morning Kellie was at the airport early and she embraced her Aunt and cousins eagerly. She was so happy to see them that tears sprang up in her eyes. She was so engrossed in the reception that she momentarily failed to notice that they were not alone.

“Kellie,” Tony said meekly emerging from the background. He was uncertain that he would be welcome. The woman looked at him in surprise.

“Tony, what are you doing here?” Though there had never been anything serious between them she had missed his friendly face. She embraced him now.

“I took a page from your book. The old man ragged on me one to many times and I quit. Anyway, it was time to move on. Who knows maybe there is a Castle in my future,” he replied sheepishly, and than paused. “I wanted my appearance to be a surprise but perhaps I am not welcome.”

“Of course you’re welcome,” Kellie was genuine. “The more the merrier, only there might be a problem for dinner tonight I only made reservations for five instead of six.”

“I don’t want to intrude,” Tony was slightly embarrassed.

“Nonsense, Henry would love to meet you,” she chided quietly before moving them all along to collect their baggage. She had invited the other man when she had found out that Erin was unavailable.

If Tony had thought that her inheritance would not change her, he was wrong. She looked like the same person he knew back in Canada yet there was a difference that was more than the way she dressed. There was a change in her character.

Where once she had been content to let others take the lead, now she was in charge, handling everything with a confidence she had rarely displayed. Tony marveled at the transformation and wondered if it was due to her relationship with this Henry fellow.

In hindsight he realized his surprise visit may not have been the wisest decision. When he had broached her cousins with the idea of joining them, they had been enthusiastic. No one had mentioned anything about this Henry fellow as they might have had Kellie been dating the man. He knew though that Kellie very rarely confided in anyone about her personal life.

“Perhaps it’s not such a wise idea for me to tag along,” he suggested that evening when they met in the lobby of the Inn.

“Why?” she asked curiously.

“This Henry fellow might get the wrong idea about my presence,” he said carefully.

“Henry and I are just friends,” she assured him and Tony wondered if it were true or if the other man had secret hopes as he did of being more than friends. His question was answered when Kellie introduced them later that evening.

Tony was unfailingly polite but just for an instant he had seen the crestfallen expression flit across the other man’s face. He knew in that moment they had been accorded the same position in her life. In that searing moment both men realized that no matter what they did she would hold no more affection for either of them than friendship. It was a sobering realization.

The meal was pleasant though both younger men drank too much. Afterwards Kellie saw that Henry was safely sent off in a taxi before hailing one for them. She was innocently unaware of either man’s feelings. She had never given neither of them any indication that she held any romantic interest in them.

Erin was in court the next morning and so missed seeing Kellie when she popped in before heading off to Loch Loe. She saw the presents the smaller woman had left on her desk and the hastily scrawled note wishing her a Merry Christmas. She swallowed the lump that gathered in her throat.

If she had not already promised her grandparents that she would be home for the holidays, she would have gone to spend Christmas with Kellie and her family. She was eager to know what the blond woman had gotten her but decided to wait until later. There were several parties where it was mandatory that she attend and she performed her duties before packing a suitcase and driving out to her grandparent’s farm.

*  *  *

When Lady Shannon woke again she knew she was alone. She turned her head and saw her new lover sitting on the edge of the bed. He had pulled on his shirt and breeches and was now pulling on his boots.

“Must you leave so soon?” she asked with a hoarse whisper. The man paused, turning his head to look at her.

“I never wish to leave your bed my Lady but my men report that they have sighted your husband coming towards the island with a small force. I will have to repel him.”

“Do not let him take me back,” she shocked even herself with the earnest appeal. After sampling the pleasure this man had to offer she had no wish to go back to her husband.

“If it is in my power I will keep you here forever,” he replied. “My heart and my home belong always to you.”

“But what of the maiden to whom you were betrothed?” she asked.

“It was done for you,” Ewan said softly and than reached across and stroked the side of her face with his long fingers. “I did this for you. I waited for you to be my bride but your father sold you to my brother for a higher price. He only desired you because he knew how full my heart was with love for you.”

“Don’t go,” she said, her heart trembling with fear. “My husband will kill you.”

“Not if I kill him first,” Ewan intoned fiercely. He felt more powerful now knowing that the small woman wished to stay.

“I have no wish for you to die,” she begged but he smiled and gently placed a hand upon her belly.

“I do not wish to perish either but if I do it is my hope that I have planted my seed inside you,” he leaned forward and captured her lips in one last embrace.

Lady Shannon watched helplessly as he strolled out of the room. Tears misted her eyes. Her heart was filled with grief as she feared she would never see the man again. She glanced down at her stomach and placed a tender hand upon its surface. She knew that he had left her with child.

*  *  *

It snowed Christmas morning, offering a perfect setting for the holiday. They had spent the previous evening drinking eggnog and decorating the tree that she had purchased from Morris Leach.

That morning they shared a hearty breakfast and than exchanged gifts. Her cousins were delighted with their presents and Tony was surprised to find a few small things under the tree for him. Afterwards they went for a walk around the island.

“I can’t believe this is all yours,” Tony shook his head in amazement. Even after three days he had not gotten used to the fact that she was Lady of the Manor, though the role seemed to suit her well.

“It came as a bit of a shock to me as well,” Kellie admitted with a half smile. “It took me a while to get over the fact that Angus Macgregor was my father and that I had a sister. I keep remembering what you said when I told you about coming here.”

“Yes,” he smiled.

“Only I didn’t get a title.”

The man stopped walking and turned to look at her. The others had gone ahead without them. Tony needed to know the truth.

“Are you happy Kellie?” he asked his eyes probing her face. “This isn’t anything you ever wanted.”

“I am happy and this is exactly what I needed,” she disagreed softly. “I know it’s rustic and isolated but its perfect for me and I feel like I am where I belong. Since coming to the island I have been writing steadily, the stories just seem to be flowing out of me. I have made some good friends and I am content.”

There was no argument that Tony could pose to change her mind. He saw by the expression on her face that she had meant every word she had spoken. He had come here in the hopes of changing her mind. He had wanted to persuade her to come back to Canada. Life had not been the same without her.

“This is my home now Tony,” she said softly as if sensing his thoughts. “This is my life now. I was happy back in Canada but I am even happier here.”

That afternoon they had a huge meal which Aunt Margaret cooked in the ancient wood oven. Afterwards Tony drank a little too much and eventually fell asleep on the settee in front of the fire. Meanwhile Kellie and her Aunt poured over the scrapbooks of pictures she had pieced together while her cousins lounged by the fire.

“She was about fifteen in that picture,” she said showing a picture of a younger Erin. “She has grown much more handsome.”

“She sure does look like your father,” Margaret mused thoughtfully.

“Yes,” Kellie nodded and glanced across the room to where her cousin Shaun and his wife were curled up on a sofa. “She has such a strong resemblance to our father but I have none.”

Aunt Margaret glanced at the younger woman. She saw the frown on her face.

“Why does that bother you?”

“Because I am afraid I might not be his daughter,” she admitted her fears for the first time.

“Why do you think that?” the woman asked cautiously.

Because I want it to be the truth, Kellie wanted to scream but she kept her thoughts in check.

“I guess because mother never told me who my father was,” she paused biting her lower lip and twisting the ring on her finger she dove back to the box and withdrew another photo. “Here is a picture of mother with Angus and a stable hand. If you look closely I resemble him more than I do Angus.”

She showed her Aunt the photo and pointed out the similarities. She had stared at the photograph for hours and the more she had looked at it the more convinced she had become that this stable hand was her father.

“There does seem to be some similarities,” Margaret agreed quietly. “But I don’t think that your mother would ever lie about something like this. Maybe she was confused.”

Kellie quirked an eyebrow. “Come on Auntie, you know my mom. Did she ever seem like the kind of woman who would sleep with two men at the same time?”

“No,” the woman conceded. “Why do you think she deceived the man?”

“I don’t know,” Kellie sighed feeling incredibly weary.

“Well, if you want to know the truth than why don’t you just take one of those a blood tests they are always talking about on the television. The doctors should be able to tell you the truth.”

“I have thought of that,” the younger woman admitted reluctantly. “But I am afraid.”

“Of what?”

“Of what will happen if I find out I’m not the man’s daughter,” she revealed her fears. “I will feel like I defrauded Erin and I couldn’t live with that.”

“Why is it so important that she doesn’t think badly of you?” Margaret asked curiously.

“Erin has been so nice,” the younger woman conceded. “Her mother was angry about the will but she didn’t seem to care. I would feel horrible thinking that I was given what was rightfully hers.”

“You have no reason to,” Margaret disagreed. “By what you have said it seems to me that this Angus Macgregor was no fool. He undoubtedly had a reason for doing what he did. You didn’t defraud anyone.”

Her Aunt’s reassurance didn’t help. There were so many doubts. Too many doubts and the more she thought about the matter the more confused she became.

CHAPTER EIGHT

EWAN AND SHEILA Mctavish had a small farm in the country of Dorshire near the coast. At one time cows and sheep roamed the gently rolling hills but now the land was leased to a neighbour though they still lived on the property in the old two storey stone house.

The old couple had raised seven children and one grandchild in the place and this holiday season Erin was reminded of all the chilly winter mornings when she rushed from one room to the next lighting the fires in all the main rooms. She remembered the buckets of water she had carted to the house from the well by the barn.

But things had changed since her childhood. One Christmas the whole family had gotten together and paid to have electricity and running water installed in the house. The expense had been worthwhile for the labour it now saved the aging couple.

Erin enjoyed going back to visit her grandparents. She loved her grandmothers home cooking and her grandfather’s conversation and this holiday week was no different as most of the family gathered for the Christmas celebrations.

As usual there were mountains of food, laughter and good cheer. There were presents for the youngest grandchildren and special gifts for the oldest family members. There was plenty of everything yet for the first time in her thirty three years Erin felt something was missing.

She stood in the doorway of the front room watching as people moved in and out. She looked at her grandparents sitting side by side in their chairs, their aged faces beaming with happiness at the family that gathered around them.

Suddenly she felt an incredible ache. She wanted what they had. She wanted the same loving companionship that they shared. Until recently she had been happy as a bachelorette but unexpectedly now she wanted more.

She wanted a wife and children. She wanted to walk into her house at night and have someone there to greet her. Her thoughts suddenly went to Kellie and her heart trembled. She wanted all those things with the Canadian woman.

She thought about the gifts she had received from her sibling for Christmas. She glanced at the gold watch on her wrist. She had also gotten an expensive bottle of wine that she was planning to save for New Years Eve. She hoped that maybe they could share it together.

She slammed the door on her thoughts. She had to remind herself about whom she was thinking. It was ridiculous this infatuation she harboured.

“You seem very pensive,” Sarah Liddell remarked stepping up beside her cousin and handing her a glass of eggnog. “Why the big frown?”

“No reason,” she shrugged avoiding the need to answer the question. The woman glanced about the room.

“Grandfather mentioned you were going to bring your new sibling down for the holidays,” Sarah said casually.

“Kellie had already invited guests from Canada,” Erin shrugged feinting indifference as she swallowed a mouthful of the Christmas cheer.

“So, when are we going to meet this mysterious sister?”

“Soon,” was the response. “She is renovating the Castle and I mentioned I had a cousin who was a decorator.”

“You did. Bless you, you are a sweetheart,” the woman was genuinely pleased. She flung her arms around her tall cousin’s neck and gave her a resounding kiss on the check. “A job like that would look fabulous on my resume.”

Erin laughed, infected by her cousin’s optimism. She did not doubt that Sarah could accomplish any goal she set. Besides running her flourishing decorating business, she also looked after two lively young daughters. She admired her spirit.

“What are you two laughing about?” Gladys McTavish inquired as she strolled up to them. The laughter died but Sarah’s enthusiasm was not dampened by her Aunt’s presence.

“Erin just promised to introduce me to a fabulous commission,” the younger woman said smiling impishly at her cousin. “She is going to introduce me to her half sister.”

The mention of the Canadian brought an immediate scowl to the older woman’s face. Erin winced at the disgruntled tone of her mother’s voice when she spoke.

“That money grubbing woman, I can’t believe you can have anything to do with the girl,” Gladys made her opinions known to everyone who would listen. “I can’t believe the old bastard did that to you and after you were so good to him.”

“Give it up mom,” Erin interrupted impatiently. “It’s all history. Kellie had as much choice as I did about who her father was.”

Without waiting for a reply, she spun on her heel and walked away, unable to tolerate her mother’s attitude. Both women followed her with their eyes.

“She has been awfully moody lately,” Gladys commented dryly.

“I expect it has been more difficult for her then she’s let on,” Sarah suggested astutely. “You know Erin keeps everything bottled up inside.”

“Yes,” the older woman sighed. “I think it’s absolutely disgusting what Angus did and the girl seems to be rubbing her nose in it, fixing up the Castle and spending all the money.”

“From what Erin has said I don’t think Kellie is like that.”

“Nonsense,” the older woman didn’t believe a word. “After all she is Angus’s daughter.”

*  *  *

Lady Shannon woke alone. She lay in the bed under the down covers allowing her mind to savour the memories of the night. She turned her face into the pillow and breathed deeply, smelling the lingering scent of her absent lover. She stretched out her limbs, languishing in the liquid feeling that encompassed her body.

There was a slight knock and the maid servant came in bringing with her a tray of hot porridge and milk. She put the meal on a table before bending to stoke the fire.

“Is Lord Macgregor about?” Lady Shannon hesitated to ask as she climbed out of bed and donned her clothes. The handmaiden stood up and turned to the young Lady. There was a grave expression on her face.

“The Lord is down on the shore. Your husband has come to claim you back.”

Lady Shannon stood very still. She knew why the servant was so serious. The siblings would fight and someone would die. She thought of her husband and than of her new lover. She did not want harm to come to him.

“Fetch me a cloak,” she ordered the maid servant.

Ewan stood with her small army on the ridge overlooking the beach. He had seen the many long boats with the soldiers come ashore. He had seen the white flag and allowed the messenger from his enemy to come forward. He walked down the sand dune to meet his brother. There was no affection in their greeting.

“I will only be asking thee once brother,” Jonas Macgregor said when they were within yards of each other. “Return what thee have taken and I will bring thee no harm.”

“I only took what was stolen from me,” the younger man answered in harsh tone.

“The girl was given to me in good faith by her father,” Jonas continued. “If you have a quarrel it be with him and not me.”

“You knew of our betrothal yet you still interfered.”

“She was beautiful,” Jonas shrugged indifferently, “and a virgin.”

Ewan would have liked to lunge at the man but he held his temper in check. His position was exposed and he would be the target of the first volley of shots fired.

“Be sensible little brother, return what is mine and I shall leave.”

“You have no affection for the woman,” Ewan claimed.

“Perhaps not but she is my wife.”

“She no longer wishes to go with you.”

“You are wrong,” Lady Shannon interrupted as she scrambled down the dune to the beach where the men stood. Both siblings looked at her. There was triumph on the face of her husband and anguish on the face of her lover.

“I wish to return with my husband. It is my place to stand by his side.”

The nostrils on the younger man flared and she feared that he would pursue the fight. She stepped before him, her eyes on his face.

“I must go, but know that my heart belongs to you and the child I carry is yours.”

There was an appeal in her delicate features that he could not ignore.

“We will be together again,” she assured him before turning and walking to the longboat. The sibling’s gaze met.

“The Lady has made her choice,” Jonas said gallantly and with a swift and sweeping bow returned to his boat.

*  *  *

Kellie could not describe the joy she felt at seeing Erin. They had been tramping around the island and had been at the village when the ferry came in. She recognized the tall frame and carriage immediately and rushed down the pier to welcome her.

It was a spontaneous gesture that made her wrap her arms around her neck and plant a welcome kiss on her cheek. Erin flushed as her body sprang alive. She gently disengaged her arms aware that it made her slightly uncomfortable.

“Erin you must meet my cousin Shaun, his wife Marnie, Aunt Margaret and my friend Tony.”

Erin greeted each introduction with a firm handshake ending with the single man. For a moment their eyes met and a mutual dislike settled between them. Tony was perceptive enough to see by the way Kellie had introduced them that this woman was special. Her green eyes sparkled in a way he had never seen before. Suddenly things began to make sense in his mind.

They walked back up to the Castle and Kellie immediately set about preparing lunch. They sat around the table chatting amicably and afterwards while everyone else retired to the sitting room Aunt Margaret and Kellie set about clearing away the dishes.

“I understand what you mean,” Aunt Margaret said when the two of them were alone. She had seen the way her niece’s face had lit up when the woman appeared. “She is very nice.”

“That’s what I mean,” Kellie agreed. “She has been so good about everything.”

“I think she would understand,” Aunt Margaret interrupted. “I think if I were in your shoes I would get my blood tested if not than my head should be examined.”

It wasn’t until much later that the two siblings were finally alone. Shaun, Marnie and Margaret retired early and Tony, having drunk too much, finally gave up trying to stay awake and staggered off to bed.

“The man is in love with you,” Erin said softly.

“I know,” Kellie admitted a truth she had tried to deny. “I haven’t given him any encouragement. I didn’t know he would be coming.”

Erin looked at her solemn face and knew she was telling the truth. She had missed the smaller woman and it had been a shock to see the man. It worried her that she might be in love with this Canadian. Her relief at the truth was indescribable.

“Wait here,” she said and disappeared, returning moments later with an arm load of packages.

“You skipped out of town so quickly the other day I didn’t have a chance to give you, your presents,” she dumped the load on the smaller woman’s lap before dropping into the seat beside her. “And thank you very much for the gifts.”

She pulled the sleeve of her shirt to display the watch and Kellie smiled proudly.

At the taller woman’s urging she opened the parcels. Inside the largest box she found a lovely blue silk dress. A smaller box contained a sweater and pair of trousers. The final gift was a matching pair of earrings designed in the shape of crosses. They were beautiful and she impulsively leaned over and kissed her companion.

“They are absolutely fabulous,” Kellie exclaimed with delight and immediately put them on.

“I have always wanted a sister to buy for,” Erin shrugged off the appreciation hastily rising to her feet and crossing the room to the bar to pour herself a drink. She liked making the smaller woman happy.

However, despite her good intentions she could not stay away from her sibling, seeking out her company whenever possible. It didn’t help that they shared so much in common. Though she had resolved to leave before New Years, she stayed on for the New Years Eve party in Lamerrant.

Morris ran the ferry that evening so everyone from the Island could attend the party at the town hall. They arrived in gay spirits, determined to have a wonderful time dancing with each other.

Kellie never lacked for partners, as no sooner would one companion relinquish her when someone else would accept an invitation. It seemed every single, young man in the district was intent on introducing himself.

Erin watched from a distance as the local lads lined up to troop around the dance floor with her blond sister. It was not hard to see the reason why for she was by far the most beautiful woman in the room. She felt proud that the smaller woman had chosen to wear the dress that she had given her.

“Tis’ a pity,” old Shamish McLeish mused as he meandered slowly up to the tall solicitor.

“What’s a pity Shamish?” Erin asked lightly.

“That the old man never got to know his daughter,” the old man said bluntly. “A man should be proud to give life to a lassie as Kellie Macgregor. She’s a good girl, and people round here quite like what she’s doing to the old place.”

“Nobodies objected than?” Erin asked quietly.

“Nay,” the older man shook his head. “Most think it a grand good idea. They talk that opening the Castle to tourists might bring more cash into town.”

“Aren’t they worried that it would spoil the county?”

“Nay,” the man repeated. “At first there were some folk worried but when Morris Leach told everybody what she planned they changed their minds. It helps that she is using locals to work on the Castle and not hiring outsiders.”

Erin said nothing but turned to watch as Kellie whirled around the dance floor on the arm of an attentive young man from the neighbouring county. She knew that Kellie had been wise in her approach in implementing her plans. She did not know if she would have been so farsighted.

“Why the frown?” Kellie asked sidling up to her tall sibling. She was breathless from the last dance.

“No reason,” Erin shook her head and the smaller woman smiled impishly before grabbing her arm.

“Good, than there is no reason why you can’t have this dance with me,” she laughed and dragged the Scotswoman out onto the floor.

Somehow they found themselves together at the stroke of midnight. The kiss that Kellie gave her was chaste enough but it burnt right through her. Erin knew than it was over. The game she had been playing was finished. If she remained in the other woman’s company she would end up doing something which she would regret. She did not want to do anything to spoil their relationship.

Kellie noticed that Erin was distracted the next day and none of her humorous cajoling could put her back in the proper mood. The solicitor caught the last ferry that afternoon but instead of returning to Edinburgh she drove out to visit her grandparents.

“You seem troubled lass,” Ewan said puffing on his pipe as they walked over the pasture land next to the homestead.

They had been surprised that the girl had returned to the farm so soon after her departure for the city. The old man sensed that something was worrying the girl and had invited her for a walk.

“I have a lot of things on my mind,” Erin answered in an absent manner.

“You never let your work bother you, so I be guessing it’s a woman.”

“Aye,” she smiled faintly glancing sideways at her companion. Ewan was not looking at her but concentrating instead upon putting one foot ahead of the other on the uneven ground. Her grandparents had never shown anything but support for her lifestyle.

“I think I have fallen in love with a woman I can’t have,” she admitted reluctantly uncertain she could talk about this with the old man. She wasn’t certain she could talk to anyone about this, yet she needed to confide in someone. Ewan was a fair man, never judgmental in his opinions.

“Is she married?” the old man asked pausing to sit down on the stone wall they reached.

“No,” Erin sighed, resting her frame alongside the old man’s. “It’s my sister. I am having feelings for her that I shouldn’t have.”

Silence greeted her words and she was afraid to look at the old man least she see condemnation. Her awful secret was out and she felt relief for sharing it but the burden of her emotion was still there.

Ewan was shocked by the girl’s admission and for awhile he was at a loss as to what advice to offer. He needed only to glance at the lass to see the struggle that was being waged inside her heart.

“Are you sure of how you feel?”

“Yes, granddad,” Erin sighed again standing up and pacing restlessly around in a tight circle. “I have gone over this thing endlessly and I know how I feel. I know it’s wrong and I keep telling myself its wrong but nothing helps.”

Ewan looked over the girl. He wondered about this woman who had gotten into the girl’s favour. Erin had told them very little about the Canadian lass and all they did know came from her mother who had nothing pleasant to say.

“Perhaps you are overlooking the obvious,” he said casually and the girl stopped pacing to look at him. “Maybe you aren’t Angus’s child.”

“You think mother lied about that?”

“She could have,” the old man shrugged. “As mean as Angus could be I don’t think he was ever unfair. It could be his doubt of your conception had some merit. Your mother was not the most discreet woman and she was not above using any situation to her advantage.”

“What about our resemblance?” Erin wanted to know. There were some indisputable facts.

“Aye, the resemblance between Angus and you is uncanny,” the old man agreed. “But you might want to check things out for yourself otherwise all you can do is stay away from the girl.”

“Thank you for listening,” she said knowing that her grandfather’s advice was sensible.

“Anytime lass,” the old man said puffing on his pipe.

Tony returned to Canada two days later and her cousins left on their month long driving tour of Europe. It was strange to be alone again after all these weeks and at first it was lonely but Kellie soon got back to work.

For the next month she was busy with the architects and contractors. Though she called Erin regularly she only ever spoke to her secretary who passed along her messages and returned with her responses. She didn’t get back into Edinburgh until the end of January but when she finally did she went straight to Erin. She was shocked by the older woman’s abrupt attitude.

“Have I done something wrong?” she inquired surprised by the chilly demeanour of the other woman.

“I should think you would understand,” was the terse response. After much contemplation Erin had decided that the best solution to her problem had been to avoid the other woman at all costs. The only way she could think to do that was to alienate her.

“I don’t,” Kellie replied hesitantly perplexed by the other woman’s abrupt change of behaviour.

“You want the truth than,” the solicitor said in a harsh voice. “I can’t be nice about it any more. I thought I could be a good about this but I can’t. The truth is I hate you for having inherited everything.”

“I said I would share,” Kellie mumbled confused by this sudden turn of events.

“I don’t want to share,” Erin continued. “I am tired of you and the Castle.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” came the stammered response.

“From now on whatever you want just tell Mrs. McHadden and she will get the money.”

Kellie didn’t know what to say. Instead she ran out of the office feeling like a fool. Tears smarted in her eyes as she sprinted down the street to where she had parked the car. Erin wanted to follow, to apologize for all the horrible things she said but she didn’t, willing herself to stay seated in her chair.

“That was rather harsh,” Debra McHadden mentioned casually having witness the scene. The behaviour that her boss had displayed was unlike her character. She could not understand the change.

“It’s time I was a little harsher,” the younger woman said without explanation.

Kellie drove back to Loch Loe feeling completely miserable. She had felt betrayed. Erin had been so convincing as a caring older sister. For the first time since arriving in Scotland she felt truly alone. Even her writing suffered. For the first time she began to doubt her decision to remain in Scotland.

*  *  *

Lady Shannon waited each night for her husband to come. Since her return he had visited regularly and she had been forced to endure his attentions. As time past he once again lost interest.

As she had known, she was with child. She knew it was not her husbands but his brothers. At night when she was alone she would dream about her lover, savouring again the feel of his powerful body moving inside her own. She longed for the tender caress of his hand on her body. Instinctively she knew she had to go back to him. She gathered the courage and confronted her husband with the truth.

“I am with child,” she announced one evening at dinner. He had just returned from being with his mistress.

“Splendid,” he was excited by the news.

“The child is not yours,” she said in hopes that he would release her from the bands of their marriage.

“It does not matter,” Jonas laughed. “I do not care that the child is my brothers. It will only make him more envious now I have you and his first born. You are both mine.”

He laughed and shivers ran down her spine. As if to prove his ownership he took her right than on the floor, hurting her tender flesh with his bruising touch. Afterwards he left her and went back to his meal while she was left to adjust her skirts. She was filled with a desolate sadness and that night she cried loudly in her sleep.

*  *  *

The dead of winter gave way to an early spring and work on the Castle was progressing well. Though she had been excluded from Erin’s life, she found herself now an accepted member of the island community. She was invited to birthday dances and other social gatherings. Though several local gentlemen expressed their interest she was careful to stay only on friendly terms with them. She did not want anyone to get any ideas.

“Aye miss, you got any relatives in these parts?” one of the older workmen asked one morning when they stopped for tea. Kellie had noticed the man staring at her.

“I only have a half sister.”

“Erin Macgregor,” the man acknowledged wise to the rumours that had circulated around the district. “It’s just that you look a lot like me mate. His father used to work as a stable hand here at the Castle going on thirty years now.”

“No,” Kellie smiled politely and shook her head.

“Aye, you sure look like Tommy,” this time the man shook his head.

That night Kellie took out the book again and stared at the photograph. She had begun to have more doubts but she was afraid to learn the truth. She had grown to love the Castle. It felt like home. She dreaded to think that she didn’t really belong to the place.

“Roma, do you think it’s possible for me to speak with your grandmother?” she asked of her friend a few days later. The workman’s comments had haunted her every waking hour.

“She lives up in Edinburgh with me Auntie,” Roma said uncertainly. “Why do you want to speak with her?”

“I need to know if she remembers my mother,” Kellie tried to explain without revealing the true reason.

“She is not as sharp as she used to be. But she was with Angus the longest. She might know.”

Kellie got the woman’s address and than spent the next three days pacing around the Castle trying to decide whether she should attempt to visit the elderly woman. She was looking for answers that might not even exist. Finally the noise of the ongoing construction got the better of her and she took the ferry to Lamerrant and than headed to Edinburgh.

Lily Rose lived on a quiet street in the older part of the city. Roma had called ahead to let her relatives know that Kellie was coming around. She had no trouble finding the place but she had to wait as the old woman who, though in her nineties, was out on her daily walk.

“Aye you are her,” the old woman said squinting in Kellie’s direction when they were finally seated in the kitchen.

“Who?”

“The foreign girl, the one that put the Master in such a fit.”

“I don’t understand,” Kellie was confused.

“Me mom talks in riddles sometimes,” the old woman’s daughter smiled. “Mom, this is the girl’s daughter.”

“Her daughter!” the woman exclaimed in surprise and peered more intently through her squint.

“Aye you are a young thing. So you be Tommy Cladden’s daughter.”

“Who is Tommy Cladden?” the puzzlement showed on her face. “Am I not Angus Macgregor’s daughter?”

“Is that what they tell thee?”

“Yes.”

“Than they didn’t tell you the truth,” the older woman chortled. “Aye, I remember that summer. The lass from Canada, a lovely creature, caught Tommy’s eye. He was after her from the start and she didn’t say no.

“Angus didn’t know about it at first but when he did, he quickly put a stop to that nonsense. He sent Tommy back to his wife and family in the next county. When it was learned that the girl was carrying a child, Angus claimed it was his own. Few people knew different.”

“Why did he do that?” Kellie was stunned.

“He felt bad he did, for letting that sort of thing go on in his home. He felt he had let his old friend down. Your mom stayed here until the baby was born and than returned to Canada. Heard tell that the lass claimed to be married and widowed within a month. That way nobody back where she came from would know that she had a child by a married man.”

Kellie didn’t know what to say. She was not Angus’s daughter and Erin wasn’t her sister. She understood now the sadness that her mother carried. It was guilt.

“Do you know where this Tommy Cladden lives now?” she asked hesitantly uncertain whether she really wanted to know. All her life she had envisioned her conception as a romantic tragedy. Now it just seemed like a tragic mistake.

“He still lives in the next county,” the woman’s daughter supplied obviously intimate with the story. “He owns a small riding stable there and teaches the local kids to ride.”

“Thank you,” she stood up to leave but the old woman caught her hand in a crippled grasp.

“Your mom was a good girl. Tommy had a charm that was hard for the local girls to resist. Your mom didn’t know he had a wife and baby.”

“I appreciate that,” Kellie patted the woman’s hand grateful to know that her mom had been misled. It made her feel somehow better.

“It’s a good thing you are doing with the home place. The Master wanted it taken care of. He would have done it himself but in the end he was too old.”

She left the kindly woman comforted by the knowledge. For a moment she considered going to Erin and confiding the truth but than decided against that idea. She had not spoken to her sister since that day in January. Her mind suddenly paused on the word, sister. If it was the truth than Erin and her were not related in any manner.

She drove back towards Loch Loe but at the last moment she stayed on the main road. It was easy enough to find the small town of Timberley and the local shop keeper was kind enough to point her in the direction of the riding stable.

She pulled her car over onto the side of the road and stepped out from behind the wheel. The property was modest with an older two story building and weary looking stables. There was a small paddock where several elegant looking horses were grazing in a corral.

It was the corral that held her attention for inside was a man and a small pony on which sat an anxious looking child. There was a small group of children and adults standing together at one end by the gate.

Kellie watched as the man held onto the halter of the pony and led it in circles around the fence, the child clinging tightly to the reins. It was a touching, homey scene.

It was the man that she stared at. There was a cap on his head and muddy boots on his feet. There was a moustache over his upper lip yet he was definitely the same one from the photograph with Angus and her mother. He was older, the hair under his cap greyer but he was definitely the man.

Kellie took a deep breathe when she saw the man glance up and look at her. There did not seem to be anything more than a polite expression on his face. She didn’t know what she expected. She didn’t know what she wanted.

She watched as the man walked the pony over to the group and the frightened child slithered off the creatures back. She turned to leave, knowing that this would be as close to the man as she would ever get. She was just about to step into the car when a childish voice called out.

“Aye Miss are you looking for riding lessons?”

She turned to see a small boy of perhaps eight years, standing just on the other side of the fence. His cheeks were red from the fresh air and the cap on his curly dark head was slightly askew. He was a slender child.

“Me, grandda gives riding lessons if thee want,” the boy offered but Kellie only shook her head a sad smile on her lips, aware that this child was her blood.

“No, thank you, I know how to ride,” she said quietly.

“Did your da teach you?” the boy asked curiously.

“No, my grandfather did,” she smiled.

“Aye, me grandda taught me to,” the boy affirmed glancing across the paddock to where the older man was working with a young charge. He turned to look up at her, eyeing her curiously.

“You’re not from around here are you?”

“No, I’m from Canada,” she shook her head and wondered how much she should say. This child was innocent of the history that bound them together.

“You’re a tourist than,” the lad nodded his head knowledgably.

“Yes,” she countered quietly. She was about to turn around and leave when it struck her that she might not have another opportunity to resolve the questions she had.

“Actually, I have a friend who is looking to take riding lessons,” she said and the boy grinned happily.

“I’ll introduce you to me grandda,” he said and held out a small hand. “Colin Cladden.”

“Kellie Macgregor,” she replied shaking his hand before following him around the fence to the gate where a small contingent of people stood. It was obviously the end of a riding class as there was a group of small children with their mothers huddled nearby. She waited with the boy until the others departed, only than approaching the man.

“Grandda, this be Kellie Macgregor and she be looking for some riding lessons,” Colin made the introductions.

“That’s not entirely true,” she said weakly glancing at the lad before turning her attention back to the man. “My name is Kellie Macgregor but I’m not looking for riding lessons. I’m seeking a Tommy Cladden, a gentleman who used to work as a stable hand for Angus Macgregor of Loch Loe.”

The man was silent as he stared at her for a moment and than looked down at his grandson.

“Colin me lad, go up to the house and fetch me a flask of tea,” he said gently to the boy who nodded his head and instantly turned and raced towards the grey stone manor about a hundred meters away.

“What you be wanting with Tommy Cladden?” the man was curious and Kellie turned her eyes from the boy to the man.

“I want to know if he knew my mother,” she responded honestly to the question.

“Now who be your mother?” the man wondered staring at her. Kellie met his gaze and saw something familiar in the deep green of his eyes. She knew than without a doubt that this man was her father.

“Annie Macgregor,” she replied quietly. “She was a Canadian woman who came to Loch Loe to visit Angus Macgregor about thirty years ago.”

The man was silent and for an instant his eyes narrowed. She could feel the intensity of his stare as it traced over the features of her face. He turned away and began fussing with the harness of the horse to whose reins he was still clinging.

“It were a long time ago,” he said simply not looking at her.

“Yes,” Kellie agreed, jamming her hands in her pockets. “I was born in Scotland, in Edinburgh before my mother returned home to Canada. I never knew who my father was, my mother never said, and than about nine months ago I received a letter that an Angus Macgregor had died and I had been included in his Will.”

She paused to ensure that the man was still listening. Despite his seeming inattention she knew that he was hearing everything she said.

“You can imagine my surprise when I learned that Angus Macgregor was my father and that I had inherited his fortune.”

“I say it be lucky for you,” the man commented without looking up as he continued to tend the horse.

“At first that was what I thought but than I realized that there had been a mistake,” she paused again. “I’m not Angus Macgregor’s daughter am I?”

“I know nothing of that,” the man mumbled unwilling to look in her direction.

Kellie could understand his hesitation over admitting the truth. He had a wife and family to think about. Probably the same wife he had cheated on and it was important to him that nothing interfere with that.

“I’m not here to make trouble,” she said shoving her hands deeper into her pockets. “I just want to know the truth.”

This time the man did pause to glance in her direction. For a moment their eyes met and Kellie knew that any thoughts she had ever had of reconciliation were not to be.

“It seems to me you have already figured it out,” the man said quietly.

There was a loud bang and they both looked in the direction of the house where the young lad had emerged. In his hands was a large thermos and a pair of cups. They turned their attention back to each other.

“I don’t know what you want from me,” the man said and turned his attention back to brushing the horse.

“I guess I want you to say that you did care for my mother and that she wasn’t just a fancy you had taken to because you were away from home and lonely.”

“It was a long time ago,” the man shook his head and Kellie knew her answer. It surprised her the overwhelming sadness that engulfed her heart at the knowledge.

“My mother loved you,” she said quietly. “She never married and she never told anyone of your secret. I was always very proud of her and I think I am more proud of her now. I am just sorry she wasted her love on someone who didn’t appreciate it.”

Without another word she turned and would have walked away except that she heard her name called. She turned back and watched as the boy ran up to his grandfather.

“Would you like some tea before you go?” Colin asked politely displaying the fact that he had brought enough cups for all of them.

“No, thank you,” she said before walking back to her car and driving away.

She got only a few miles before she had to pull over and stopped the vehicle. Tears blurred her vision and for a long moment she allowed them to flow unabated. She felt heart sick for her mother, a kind woman who had loved someone who had not loved her back.

The truth was not the only thing that preoccupied her mind the remainder of the journey back to Loch Loe. That night she paced anxiously around the Castle wondering what she should do. She knew she could keep quiet and carry on, but at the same time she felt an immense measure of guilt. The Castle, the island, the money, none of it really belonged to her. She rang her Aunt needing to talk to someone.

“Perhaps the old woman got it wrong,” Margaret could hear that her niece was upset. “Didn’t her granddaughter warn you she was a bit off?”

“The woman wasn’t lying,” Kellie sighed and than told the other woman about her trip to Timberley. “The instant I looked at the man I knew he was my father. It wasn’t just the way he looked, it was something I felt inside and now I don’t know what to do.”

“Well dear, before you do anything, take the blood test that we talked about, and see what the doctors say,” Margaret advised sensibly. “You could be wrong.”

Kellie knew the woman was right but she knew she didn’t need a blood test to confirm the truth.

CHAPTER NINE

IT WAS A BRIGHT night with the moon shining in all its glory down upon the earth as Ewan waded ashore with his men. They crept quietly through the darkness aware that their movements could be detected by the enemy at any time. They had until dawn to accomplish this mission.

He led the single file of men up the narrow path to the top of the cliff. It was an easier journey than the last time he had made the trip.

The guard at the first lookout post was asleep and he paid with his life for that indiscretion. Ewan used his scabbard to slit the man’s throat. Nothing would stop him from bringing home the woman and his child to his own Castle.

He had thought that he could live with the knowledge that his son would inherit his brother’s kingdom but as the month’s progressed disillusionment set in. He could no longer stand idly by and allow another man to claim the right of his child from him. He had lost the woman through treachery he would not lose his son too. He would reclaim them both.

He had waited until he had received word from his spy that his brother had taken his leave of the Castle before gathering his small band of men. They rushed the Castle now intent only on capturing their treasure.

The few guards posted offered little resistance and they left a trail of blood leading up and into the Castle. While his men ransacked the place he made his way up to the Lady’s chambers. He found her alone in bed. Her stomach swollen with the child they had conceived.

“My love,” he spoke out loud and hurried to her side kneeling beside the bed.

“You should not have come,” she said quietly tears moistening her eyes. She had longed to see him for so many months.

“I could not stay away,” Ewan spoke with his heart.

“Than you are the fool,” a voice came from behind him and he whirled around to see his brother and two armed guards standing in the doorway.

“I should have killed you the first time I had the chance,” Ewan hissed fiercely.

“Which shows how stupid you have become,” Jonas taunted haughtily. “You allow your emotions to govern you and now I will kill you both.”

“No,” Ewan screamed and lunged at the man with his sword.

*  *  *

Kellie wandered through the gutted rooms of the Castle. The cobwebs were gone, replaced by bare walls and ripped up floorboards. There were signs of construction everywhere and while the progress should have brought her some consolation it only made her more miserable. There was a lot of work to be done and she wondered if she would still be there to see it finished.

She had considered getting a blood test done but knew that the process would be meaningless unless she could compare it to Erin’s blood type and even than the results would be in question.

Besides she didn’t know how she would approach the dark haired solicitor with such a request.

She thought of the woman, her heart aching. She missed their friendship and the times that they had shared but she had not heard from Erin since their last meeting even though her requests for money had always been promptly responded to.

Kellie knew that she needed to talk to someone; someone who would listen and not pass judgment. The only person she could think of George Ludden. The solicitor had always been kindly towards her and had known Angus better than most.

When she could not live with her conscience anymore she left Morris in charge of the workmen and took a trip into Edinburgh. Upon her arrival the older solicitor immediately made himself available leaving another man in the reception area to wait. Kellie felt slightly embarrassed by the preferred attention she received.

“How is everything going Miss Macgregor?” the solicitor asked motioning her to take a seat before sitting back down in the chair behind his desk.

“Good.”

“How is work progressing on the Castle?” he was curious.

“It is progressing more slowly than I hoped but I want everything to be as authentic as possible.”

“Certainly,” the man agreed and than smiled his kindly smile. “How is it I can help you today?”

“I want you to do whatever is necessary to transfer all Angus’ assets and possessions over to Miss Erin Macgregor,” Kellie said announcing the reason for her unexpected visit.

George Ludden was shocked by the woman’s simple request. What she wanted was unprecedented. He wondered if there was a problem.

“Is there a problem with Miss Macgregor?” he asked a frown decorating his face. “Is she giving you a hard time about the money?”

“No,” the Canadian woman shook her head unable to look the man in the eye. “She has been rather splendid about everything.”

“Than what is the problem?” the man could not understand the reason behind this unusual request.

Kellie took a deep breathe unable to look at the man when she spoke. She felt shame and guilt, as if she had mastered this deception and not been an innocent participant.

“I am not Angus Macgregor’s daughter,” she said in a rush. “I am not any relation to him at all. I have suspected it from the beginning but only just accepted the truth. My conscience won’t let me live with the lie.”

The solicitor listened quietly, his brow furrowing into a pensive frown. He genuinely liked the woman. She was honest and sincere. He had hoped she would have taken a fancy to his son Henry but a match had not happened. He understood the incredible moral strength it took for her to come to him. Now it was time for him to be honest.

“Angus knew you weren’t his daughter,” he confessed a secret he had held for many years.

“What?” Kellie was stunned by this revelation. “Angus knew? You knew?”

“Yes,” the barrister nodded his head solemnly. “I knew the old man for many years and in that time I was privileged to share his confidences. After drawing up his Will I did question him to the contents. I knew you weren’t his child but for years he insisted on allowing people to believe it was his indiscretion that allowed you to be born.”

“Why?” she wanted to know.

“I suppose it was because your grandfather saved Angus’ life during the war and he felt compelled to repay the debt. This was the only possible way he thought of doing that.”

“He knew Tommy Cladden was my father,” she said quietly.

“Yes,” the man nodded. “Angus was no fool though everyone always considered him an eccentric.”

“But why would he not share his wealth with his own daughter?” she didn’t understand and the man sighed.

“He did love Erin in his way. He was proud of the girl and knew the lass’s grandparents had raised her properly, but he wasn’t as kindly to her mom. I suspect he knew that if he gave the money to the girl her mother would get her hands on it and he didn’t want that.”

“Why did he hate the woman so much, she did give birth to his daughter?” it was all very confusing.

“He never did tell the reason but I think she might have done something to incur his wrath,” the man said. “Either way he was determined that she not get her hands on the money or the Castle. I think he feared that she would have to much influence over Erin even if it was only for sentimental reasons.”

Kellie thought about the whole situation and felt a little sad. She wondered what had happened to make the couple hate each other so much. It was an unanswerable question and she shook her head to dispel those thoughts. Whatever had occurred still didn’t change her mind.

“Regardless if Angus knew the truth, I wouldn’t feel right taking any more of the man’s money. It rightfully belongs to Erin.”

“Are you certain?” he knew the girl was penniless and without employment.

“Yes,” Kellie was quite certain.

“You sound afraid?” the lawyer astutely recognized the thread of fear in her voice.

“I don’t want anyone to think I have tried to defraud them,” she voiced her fears in a hesitant manner and the lawyer understood immediately.

“There was no fraud,” the solicitor gave his acknowledged opinion. “Angus wanted you to have it.”

“But it doesn’t belong to me,” she countered. “I couldn’t keep it knowing that.”

The solicitor looked at the young woman and knew that there would be no changing her mind. She was handling the situation in the only manner she knew how. He truly regretted that they would no longer be associated.

“What will you do?”

“I suppose I will go back to Canada and try to find a job with a magazine there.” Kellie said. Somehow the thought of returning to her former home was depressing. She had grown to truly love Scotland in the short time she had been there.

“Is there some place you could be reached?” he asked.

“I will be at the Inn.” Kellie hated the idea of staying at the place and not paying for her keep, she just hoped that Erin would understand and not hold it against her.

“The papers should be drawn up within the week.”

“Thank you and I am sorry for all the trouble this causes,” she said quickly before making her exit.

*  *  *

Ewan leaned his head against the bed, his hand pressed against his side where the sword had wounded him. He surveyed the scene and saw the death around him. There had been no option for him but to slay them all.

“My Lady, it is safe for you,” he managed to mumble as he staggered to his feet.

The passage door swung open and the woman emerged. Her eyes were large and round as she viewed the horror that represented itself everywhere. There was blood spilled around the room on the bed sheets and floor. Somehow her lover had survived while her husband had been defeated.

“You are wounded,” she gasped at the sight of the injury.

“I will live,” he assured her. “Quickly grab your things. We must go before the rest of his army returns with his allies.”

Lady Shannon nodded her head and hurried to her wardrobe to grab a few clothes. She dressed and than followed her lover out of the Castle. Already she could smell smoke from the fires that had been set inside the walls.

There were horses waiting to take them down to the boat that would take them back to Loch Loe. Dawn was beginning to settle over the land and the fires of the Castle burned brightly illuminating the graying sky.

It was morning when they landed on the island and the Castle servants were there waiting with blankets to greet their victorious Master home. Ewan had slipped into delirium and was unable to enjoy the celebration of victory. The servants carried him back to the Castle and put him to bed to tend his wounds. Lady Shannon begged to stay by his side.

“But your child,” the handmaiden said. “You must think of the Masters child.”

It was only than that she conceded. She was fraught with weariness and her eyes strung with tears. She lay down on the bed that had been prepared for her return. But she could not sleep and so slipped back into her lover’s bedchamber. After all that had happened, he could not die. She lay down by his side and prayed that God night forgive her adultery and let the man live.

Ewan woke four days later, after the fever had broken. The room was hot and smelled of sickness. He breathed deeply and felt a weight upon his body.

He turned his head and saw the small head that lay resting on his chest. His heart contracted painfully as his arm went up around the woman’s slender shoulders. He brushed her hair with his fingers and than kissed her brow.

Lady Shannon stirred. She was momentarily confused but the memories quickly returned. Her eyes flew to her companions face and she saw the tender smile painted on his pale features. Hope for the future began to dawn brightly once more.

“My Lord, are you well?”

“I will recover,” he answered softly. “Now that you are here by my side, nothing save God himself could make me die.”

Her heart sang with joy and she leaned forward to embrace him with her lips. He had stolen her, and than he had stolen her heart and now he was giving it all back to her with so much more.

“I love you my Lady,” he said in a gallant whisper allowing his heart to speak.

“I love you my Lord,” was the honest reply.

*  *  *

Erin was busy preparing for a trial when her secretary announced she had received a call from George Ludden. She was curious about the urgency in the man’s voice. They agreed to meet at a local pub for lunch.

“What is so urgent that you needed to see me immediately?” she inquired of her colleague thinking that he had a client that was in serious criminal trouble.

“I have been instructed by my client Miss Kellie Macgregor to turn over all assets and monies received in the estate of Mr. Angus Macgregor to your sole possession,” George announced clearing his throat.

“I won’t take it,” was the immediate response. She did not want any of it. “I told her that month’s ago.”

“Please hear me out,” the elder solicitor said heavily and Erin paused to look at his colleague. “It seems Miss Macgregor is not Angus’s daughter.”

“What?” Erin was shocked by the news. The blood drained the colour from her face. “Kellie isn’t Angus’ daughter?”

“No, Miss Macgregor is of the mind that she is the product of a liaison between a Tommy Cladden and her mother.”

“Is it true?” the dark haired woman knew that George would know the truth.

“Yes,” the older solicitor nodded his head gravely. “Tommy was a stable boy working for your father. He had a wife and a child in another county.”

“Angus knew all about this?” she demanded and the older solicitor flushed.

“Yes,” he nodded gravely. “It appears that when he learned that Kellie’s mother was pregnant he claimed the child to be his own. It was a noble gesture on his part to spare her the humiliation of the truth.”

Erin was momentarily silent as she digested this bombshell. For a brief instant a flood of anger flashed over her features as she thought of the deception the old man had created. It was quickly replaced with the knowledge that Kellie was not her sister. She instantly knew how upset the Canadian would be at the truth.

“She wants me to draw up the necessary papers transferring ownership of the property to you,” George said breaking the silence which was beginning to make him grow uncomfortable. He could not tell what the other woman was thinking. “You must understand this is a highly unusual situation and that was why I needed to talk to you immediately.”

“Yes, I understand,” Erin nodded her head

“She regrets the money spent on the renovation of the Castle but she is willing to repay any other money spent. She said that she would contact me at a later date to arrange an appropriate payment schedule. She deeply hopes that you will see it in your heart not to press charges.”

“Not press charges?” Erin was still having a hard time absorbing what she was hearing.

“The girl was completely ignorant of the fact that she wasn’t Angus’s daughter. You can’t blame her,” George tried to mediate.

“I don’t blame her and I would never think of pressing charges,” the younger solicitor finally managed to get the man’s attention. “I have to talk to her, where is she?”

“She is staying at the Inn,” the older man said eyeing his colleague thoughtfully. “She was quite serious about this matter.”

“So am I,” Erin frowned. “I don’t want any of Angus’s money but I do want to see Kellie.”

“This is a most difficult situation,” the other lawyer muttered shaking his head.

“No, it’s not difficult at all,” Erin disagreed, rising to her feet and tossing some bills onto the table to pay for their meal. “I don’t want the money. Angus gave it to Kellie, it’s hers. Sorry mate, I’ll be in touch.”

With that Erin hurried out of the pub and back to her office. She rang the number of the Inn and was disappointed to learn that Kellie had left earlier that morning and wasn’t expected back until evening.

“May I make a suggestion?” Debra McHadden said popping her head into her employer’s office.

Kellie had popped in to say goodbye when the younger woman had been out. Over the course of the last few months they had become friends and the girl had felt compelled to explain the whole situation.

“What?” Erin was ready to listen to anyone right now.

“I suggest you go down to the florist and buy her a dozen of the most beautiful roses,” she instructed. “Than go over to the Inn and wait for her to come home and than beg forgiveness for the way you behaved.”

“Do you think that will be enough?” she wondered. “I did make it quite clear that I wanted nothing more to do with her.”

“Aye, but that was before either of you knew that you weren’t related.”

“You knew?” Erin flushed, embarrassed that the older woman had guessed the truth.

“Not until this morning when she came here to tell me what was going on,” Debra admitted. “Have you had a change of heart?”

“No change of heart,” the woman flushed embarrassed by her revelation. “I just don’t know if she will forgive me for the way I have treated her.”

“I think it was a shared sentiment,” the secretary said.

“Why?” the woman was puzzled.

“I think she is scared that you might hate her for what she took from you,” the older woman was honest.

“I could never hate her,” Erin shook her head quietly. “That is the last thing in my heart.”

Kellie had spent the whole afternoon wandering about the city, mulling over her thoughts. It was towards the end of her journey that she had come to understand why she acted the way she did.

She was in love with Erin and there was no going back on that emotion. The tall solicitor had been the sole reason for everything she had done and now she would have to learn to live without her.

It had only been a day and already she missed the island and the Castle and knew both would be inevitably imprinted on her heart and mind. She had grown to love the place and it would forever be a part of her life. She hoped that George Ludden would be quick in drawing up the legal documents.

It was later than she planned before she returned to the Inn. It was dark and only the light from the street lanterns glowed to show her the path she knew from memory. She was weary and not paying particular attention to her surroundings. It was only when she prepared to mount the front steps that she heard her name called.

“Kellie?”

She turned on her heel, her heart thundering in fear. She held her breathe and watched as a familiar figure emerged from the surrounding shadows. Erin stepped out from the darkness into the light of a lamp shade. She was dressed casually in dark trousers and a woolen pullover.

She had been waiting in her car across the street for hours.

“Kellie,” Erin breathed the name again, aware of the stricken look on the smaller woman’s delicate features, her eyes feasting on her beauty. Kellie had let her hair grow and it was knotted in a French braid down her back. Her skin was tanned a honey colour from the early summer sun.

“Erin,” the smaller woman was shocked to see the solicitor and the revelation of her emotions were never clearer than at that moment. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk,” the dark haired Scotswoman said calmly. “I had a visit from George Ludden today.”

“Oh,” Kellie said quietly swallowing the lump in her throat. “If there is anything you need to know you can speak with my solicitor.”

“No,” Erin shook her head. “There are some things that can’t be discussed between lawyers.”

Kellie flushed and turned her face away, glad that the darkness hid her embarrassment.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to deceive you. I know you must be horribly angry,” she began to explain but she was abruptly cut off.

“Can we go for a walk?” the taller woman asked shoving her hands into her pockets. She didn’t want to talk about this here where the doorman could overhear their conversation.

After a brief moment the blond woman nodded, glancing down at the sidewalk and folding her arms across her chest. Any weariness she felt was gone, replaced by an uneasy anxiety that was making her stomach twist into knots.

Erin said nothing, her heart strings tightening as she glanced at the smaller woman’s profile and spied the downcast expression on her face. She shoved her hands deeper in her trouser pockets resisting the urge to reach out and hold the other woman.

“Would you like a drink?” she asked when they came to the street corner where a local pub was located.

Kellie nodded silently and followed her companion inside. The place was busy but they were able to find a table in a quiet corner away from the darts boards. There was silence as they waited for the hostess to return with their drinks. Kellie ordered a pale ale to booster her courage while Erin had chosen a single malt to calm her nerves. Blue and green eyes met for a moment than looked away.

“George said that you wanted to give everything that you received in the will to me,” Erin broke the lengthening silence between them.

“Yes,” Kellie nodded fingering her chilled glass. “It truly belongs to you. Your mother was right you are Angus’ only heir.”

“But he willed it to you,” the solicitor said softly.

“But you are his daughter.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Erin shook her head. “He wanted you to have it.”

“Only because he had some outdated sense of honour,” Kellie said. “I know that he must have felt responsible for my mother and what happened while she was here in Scotland. He probably thought he had let my father down.”

“Aye he probably did,” the dark haired woman agreed. “But he could have merely put you in the will with a nice yearly income. He didn’t have to will you everything.”

“Than why did he?” the smaller woman wanted to know.

“Probably because he worried that if he willed me the money I would be pestered into giving my mother a healthy yearly income,” the Scotswoman said nonchalantly almost repeating verbatim what George Ludden had stated earlier in the day. “He would have been right. As tiresome as my mother can be I still love her and would have given her a good portion of the money to make her happy.”

“Well, now you can,” Kellie said simply. “I don’t want the money.”

“What about the Castle and the Island?” Erin wanted to know her blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

The smaller woman hesitated. She had grown to love Castle Macgregor and the island. She hated the thought of never being able to see it become the place she had envisioned in her mind. It was just another disappointment in her life.

“They rightfully belong to you,” she said simply.

There was silence again as the older woman pondered what had been said. She could see that the smaller woman was determined to return the money and she was almost as determined not to accept the inheritance. She sighed heavily.

“We are at an impasse than,” she said taking a sip of her drink. “Perhaps if you are so determined to give up the money maybe we should just give it to charity.”

Kellie glanced up sharply clearly confused by the situation. “You truly don’t want the money? But what about what you said in January?”

“You got me at a bad moment,” Erin replied waving her hand airily to dismiss her earlier assertion. “I told you once before that it had no importance to me. What I wanted from Angus he never gave me.” She paused and than changed the subject. “How is the work on the Castle coming?”

“It’s only just begun,” the smaller woman was glad for a slight reprieve in the conversation. She enjoyed talking about the castle and her face lit up at its mention. “I contacted a stone mason from the neighbouring county who says that he will be able to repair the outer walls and I have some carpenters, relatives of Morris Leach, tearing out the inside. They have pretty much gutted everything but the few rooms that I have been using.”

“It’s a pity all that work will go to waste,” the solicitor said sadly.

“You won’t finish it?” Kellie asked knowing the answer already.

“I haven’t the time to oversee a project as massive as that,” Erin shook her head, an idea forming even as saw the crestfallen expression on her companions face. “It’s a shame I have been hoping to see what the Castle is like when it is finished.” There was a pause as green and blue eyes met. “What about the promise that you made to me?”

“What promise?” Kellie racked her brain for what she could have promised this woman.

“You promised me that once you started working on the Castle that you would finish the project.”

“That was before I knew the truth,” the smaller woman defended herself.

Erin was silent as her mind considered a wealth of ideas. The fact that Kellie was not her sister was the utmost important thought but she knew that for anything to happen between them they would have to re-forge their friendship.

“Alright, we are clearly at odds here so there is only one thing that I can think of to break the impasse,” the solicitor said pausing to take a sip of her drink before continuing. “I will accept what Angus gave you in the will but only if you agree to do something for me in return.”

Kellie looked across the table at her companion. She was unusually interested in what the other woman had in mind. She swallowed and nodded her head.

“Aye good,” the taller woman began to feel in control again. “I will accept the money only if you promise that you will remain in Scotland and continue to oversee the restoration of the Castle. I like the idea of turning the place into an Inn.”

“You want me to stay on, even after everything?” the blond woman was startled by the proposition.

“Certainly,” Erin said. “None of this was your fault. Of course, I don’t intend for you to do this for nothing so I will pay you a proper salary for your services.”

“What happens when the Castle is finished?” Kellie wanted to know.

“Than I should think I will need someone to look after it in my absence,” the solicitor said.

“Are you sure?” the Canadian wanted to know.

“Yes, Kellie I am sure,” Erin hoisted her glass. “What say we toast to our new partnership?”

Kellie had never imagined that her life would change so much again. So much had happened in the last year she wasn’t certain she was even the same person. She looked across the table but did not immediately raise her glass.

“There is another problem?” the solicitor asked astutely lowering her glass. “Perhaps you have a problem working for me?”

“No,” the blond woman shook her head. “It’s just that I don’t want it to be like it has been the last few months,” she took a deep breath and decided to plunge forward. “I’ve missed you.”

Erin sucked in her breath unable to move her eyes from the downcast face that was right across the table from her. She had not thought that their separation would bother the younger woman as much as it seemed. She cursed herself for becoming so wrapped up in her own feelings not to consider the other woman’s.

“I missed you too,” she said and green eyes glanced up from where they had been staring at the table.

“You did?”

“Aye,” the solicitor nodded.

“I thought you hated me,” Kellie said.

“I could never hate you.”

“Than what happened?” the Canadian wanted to know.

Erin swallowed. This time she was the one who had to look away from imploring green eyes. She stared at the liquor in her glass for a long while gently swirling it around.

“I was going through a bit of a rough period,” was the solemn and evasive response.

“Why didn’t you tell me, maybe I could have helped?” Kellie said and than thought of the redheaded woman that she had once met at the solicitor’s home. “Did you break up with your girlfriend?”

“What girlfriend?” Erin was a little confused now.

“The woman that I met at your house that night I heard from the National Trust Board,” the blond woman said quietly. “I’m sorry but I can’t remember her name.”

“Rosemary,” the dark haired woman said absently amazed that she had almost forgotten about a woman who she had been seeing on and off for the last two years. God, she hadn’t even talked to the redhead since that night Kellie had come to her home to celebrate.

“No, it had nothing to do with Rosemary,” she sighed and decided to confess her thoughts. She opened her mouth but before she could speak they were interrupted.

“Kellie, Miss Macgregor,” Henry suddenly appeared at their table and the tall woman expelled a huge breath.

“Henry, what are you doing here?” Kellie smiled at the young man though the look didn’t reach her eyes. She instinctively knew that Erin had been about to say something important and now the moment was gone.

“I popped round to see if you were in town and the doorman at the Inn said that you had popped in here for a nightcap,” the young solicitor said glancing around the nearby vicinity for a vacant chair. “You don’t mind if I join you do you?”

“No, you have great timing, I was just about ready to leave,” the dark haired woman said tossing the remainder of her drink down her throat and rising to her feet.

“What about what we were discussing?” Kellie didn’t want to be rude but she was annoyed by the interruption.

“I think we covered everything,” the tall solicitor said looking down at the blond. “I expect you to carry on work with the Castle as you have been doing and sending updates as usual. The money will be at your disposal as it always has been.”

There were a dozen more questions that Kellie wanted to ask but she knew that the opportunity was gone. It was obvious that Erin wanted to leave and there was nothing she could do to prevent that short of telling Henry Ludden to disappear. She watched with a heavy heart as the dark haired solicitor strolled out of the pub leaving her with the young man.

CHAPTER TEN

SARAH LIDDELL WAS very different from Erin yet Kellie liked the woman immediately. There was a boundless energy to the interior designer and together they went from room to room discussing the various options available. She showed the woman the storage room where antique pieces of furniture where being stored and explained her desire for most of it to be restored.

“I want everything to be restored to its original look,” Kellie explained when they had finished the tour.

“I can have some designs and give you an estimate within a week to what it could cost,” Sarah said jotting down some notes on a pad she held. She knew that she would have to visit the Scottish archives for more information. “I don’t know what other designers have suggested but I hope you didn’t change any of your ideas. You have excellent taste.”

Kellie appreciated the compliment. She had been nervous at the beginning of the meeting uncertain what to expect from someone related to Erin. The redheaded woman had immediately put her at ease.

“Thank you but I’m afraid most of the ideas came from the books I’ve been reading,” she confessed. “I hope to keep the place looking as authentic as possible. The family diaries I found have helped me recreate many of the rooms.”

“That’s smashing,” the woman said enthusiastically. “Not many people care about these old relics any more. They are beautiful to look at but you need a deep pocket to keep it maintained. I think it was probably a good thing you got the island and the Castle instead of Erin.”

“You really think so?” Kellie was anxious for this woman’s opinion. It had been more than a month since their meeting in Edinburgh but it was obvious that Erin had not yet told her family about her change of fortune.

“Yes. I remember talking to her once and asking her what she was going to do when she inherited the monstrosity. She thought she would probably turn it over to the National Trust even though she hated the idea of letting it go out of the families hands.”

“What do you think she feels about my fixing up the place?”

“Erin is a very practical woman. She likes to think she can’t be governed by emotions but deep down she’s a romantic. She might grouse about fixing the old place up, but I know she’s happy with what you are doing with it.”

“She could have done the same thing if she had inherited everything,” Kellie suggested but the other woman only shook her head.

“No, she’s to busy with her law practice. She would never have spared the time to oversee the work as you are doing.”

“I hope your right,” was the wistful reply and the decorator looked at her. After a minute she just shook her head and looked at her note book.

“When do you expect to make your decision on who you are going to hire?”

“Decision?” Kellie was mildly confused and than she understood. “You have been hired. I am not having anyone else look at the place.”

Even though Sarah was delighted by the prospective commission she felt compelled to caution the other woman.

“Perhaps it would be in your best interests to get ideas and estimates from several other designers.”

“No,” Kellie was quite certain. “Erin referred you and I trust her judgment.”

“I will tell her that,” the red haired woman smiled brightly. “In that case I can start whenever you want.”

“As you can see it will be a few months yet before we can get at it, but I guess you can start by restoring the furniture.”

Sarah was incredibly excited at being handed the job. She rang up her cousin the next day and invited her for lunch as a way to thank her for the recommendation. Erin was pleased to see her cousin so happy.

“The place looks fabulous,” Sarah described the changes that had been made. “It’s incredible the work that has been done. I know I was only there once years ago but it was always so dingy and damp and now it’s so alive.”

“I thought she was keeping it authentic,” Erin said with a frown.

“Is it,” Sarah gloated. “Everything is being restored to its original look. Once it opens for business it will be very popular.”

Erin listened as the woman prattled on. She had not been to the Castle since Christmas though she had kept herself abreast of the developments through her secretary Debra McHadden who seemed to know everything that was going on. From the expenditures she had seen, Kellie had spent several hundred thousand pounds already.

“You should go up and have a look you would be amazed and proud.”

“Yes, I was hoping to make a long weekend of it this weekend,” Erin replied. “I thought I would pop in to see grandma and granddad first.”

It had been a month since she had last spoken directly with Kellie though they had conversed over the phone on numerous occasions. The blond Canadian had issued several invitations for a visit but she had been unable to get away until now.

She left Edinburgh midday on the Thursday to avoid the afternoon traffic and it was the dinner hour when she reached her grandparents place. The elderly couple were delighted to see their granddaughter and after eating and washing up the old man invited the girl for a walk. It was as if he sensed that the girl needed to talk to him.

“What’s up lass?” he asked once his pipe was lit and they were strolling down passed the barn into the meadow. There was a full summer moon out to light the path they were following.

“I told you, work’s been busy,” Erin replied.

“That’s not what I be referring to lass and you know it.”

“Aye, granddad you’re right.”

“So what’s on your mind?”

“Kellie Macgregor isn’t related to me,” she didn’t immediately know where to begin. She had told no one in the family about her discussion with Kellie and she had put off George Ludden. So far nothing had been changed in regards to the estate or money.

“Aye, that be a good thing right?” The old man said sucking on his pipe.

“Aye, but I don’t know what to do granddad. How do I make her see that I want more than friendship?”

“Have you told her how your feeling?”

“No,” Erin remembered that night in the pub when she had come so close to confessing the truth.

“Than perhaps that’s what you need to do,” Ewan McTavish stated the obvious.

“But what happens if she rejects me, what if all she feels for me is friendship?” The tall woman lamented.

“You won’t know that until you ask,” the man sighed, pausing to look up at his tall grandchild. He had seen her present a case in court, so confident and strong of presence that it was hard for him to understand the insecurity that she was showing now. “What are you afraid of lass?”

“I’m afraid of scaring her off granddad,” Erin admitted. “We’re just getting back our friendship I don’t want to do anything that might make her run from me.”

“Well, you’ll never know unless you ask,” the man repeated and the woman knew that was the only advice that the man would be giving her. She knew her granddad trusted her to behave sensibly but when it came to Kellie there were few things that she did that were sensible.

Kellie ambled through the debris littered castle carefully stepping around the workman’s tools as she made her way to the kitchen, the one room on the main floor that had not yet been touched by the contractors. It was getting dark so she turned up the lights before settling at the table with the scrapbook that she had been working on in the evening hours.

She had just sat down when she heard the knock on the large wooden doors in the hallway. The contractors were gone for the weekend and she wasn’t expecting any visitors. She wondered who would come calling that this hour. She was pleasantly shocked to find Erin standing on the stone steps in front of the main door.

“What are you doing here?” She asked in surprised as she ushered the tall woman into the castle.

“You have invited me up here so often I thought it was time to accept,” Erin smiled feeling an unexpected happiness at the sight of the smaller woman. She glanced around noticing immediately the evidence of the construction that was going on.

“The place doesn’t look like much now,” Kellie said feeling slightly shy of the other woman. “Hopefully in a few months it will start to take shape and begin to look like something.”

“I am sure it will,” the solicitor agreed and than motioned to the carryall that she was holding. “Where do you want me to put this?”

“I hope you don’t mind sharing,” the smaller woman said. “There is only one room on the second floor that hasn’t been gutted.”

“I don’t mind sharing,” Erin replied with a bright smile to hide her real feelings. She wondered if she would be strong enough to lie beside the woman without making a fool of herself.

“Have you had dinner?” Kellie asked.

“Yes, I was early for the ferry so I grabbed a bite to eat in the village,” the solicitor said following her hostess into the kitchen. She paused at the doorway noticing the way the small woman had rearranged the furniture to create a small sitting room.

“This is about the only room that hasn’t been torn apart,” the blond woman explained. “I figured that if I was going to live here while the restoration was taking place than I had to have at least one small corner comfortable enough to live.”

“Smart idea,” the tall woman nodded her head placing her bag down by the table before slipping onto the bench. “What were you doing here?”

“I am making a scrape book,” Kellie answered feeling suddenly shy. She grew silent as she watched the older woman slowly flip the pages. She could not see what the dark haired woman was thinking for there was no expression on her face.

“These are pictures of me,” Erin said softly not knowing what to think.

“Yes,” the smaller woman shifted nervously on her feet. “I know what you said about not wanting anything that belonged to Angus but I figured you might like the pictures, so I arranged them in the order that they were taken.”

“That was very thoughtful of you.”

“You aren’t upset?”

“No,” Erin felt a twist of emotion that she could not explain as she leafed through the pages of photographs of Angus and her time together.

“I was going to give it to you when it was done, as a birthday present,” Kellie continued when the other woman didn’t speak.

“I’m sorry I spoiled the surprise,” the solicitor said sincerely. Blue and green eye met for a long moment. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” the smaller woman replied and than moved to the wood stove. “Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, thank you.” Erin replied though she would have preferred something stronger.

She watched as the smaller woman boiled the water and than brewed the tea before pouring it into several cups. Mentally she composed the words in her head that she would say. She had the strong sense that the case she would be presenting tonight would be the most important one she ever argued. She waited until the woman was sitting across the table from her before speaking.

“You look awfully serious,” Kellie remarked adding some sugar to her tea before taking a sip.

“Sorry, I am just going over something in my head,” the taller woman replied wrapping her hands around the warm cup.

“Would you like to share it?” the blond woman asked a knot beginning to form in her stomach. She sensed that it was something important and that it involved her.

“The last time I talked to you in Edinburgh when we popped into the pub for a drink I lied to you,” Erin begin choosing her words carefully.

“What did you lie about?” Kellie asked softly the knot in her stomach tightening.

“I didn’t tell you the truth about the reason I was so nasty to you in January.”

“Okay, than why were you nasty to me?” the blond woman said quietly.

Erin knew it was now or never. She took a deep breath before continuing. “The truth is I was angry because I thought you were my sister and I didn’t want you to be.”

“Why?” Kellie was confused and a little hurt by the other woman’s admission. All the thoughts of them continuing as friends and more was suddenly very much in doubt.

“Because the thoughts I was having about you were decidedly unsisterly and I was afraid that if I continued hanging around you I would end up doing something stupid.”

“You were,” Kellie said hesitantly not certain where the conversation was leading. She wanted to be hopeful yet was so very afraid to be. Her heart was trembling. She searched the other woman’s face for some clue as to what she was thinking.

“Yes,” Erin nodded her head and turned her gaze away for a long moment before meeting the green eyes that were searching her face. “Every time we got together I felt my feelings for you grow.”

“And now?”

“And now I would like the chance to win your affection,” the solicitor said in a rush. “I don’t know how you feel or if I am overstepping my bounds here but I love you Kellie, not as a sister but as a woman.”

“You love me,” the blond woman repeated the endearment feeling a little dazed.

“Yes,” Erin ran a trembling hand through her hair. “Maybe I spoke to soon, I know you probably don’t feel the same way, but if you give me a chance, if you could just try not to think of me as a sister.”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes,” Kellie said a wide smile breaking across her face. “I don’t think of you as a sister, or I haven’t since that day I heard back from the National Trust and stopped in at your place. When I saw you with the other woman I was incredibly jealous.”

“You were?” Erin was shocked by the knowledge.

“Yes.”

“Than why didn’t you stay when I invited you?”

“Because I figured you were on a date and I didn’t want to intrude,” there was a short pause. “Are you still seeing Rosemary?”

“I haven’t been out with her since that night when I realized that I would rather spend time with you in a platonic fashion than spend it with her.”

“So where do we go from here?” Kellie wanted to know.

“First, I would like to kiss you,” Erin said bluntly and flushed, “and than I would like to court you.”

“I like both ideas,” the Canadian said with a smile.

With her heart thudding loudly Erin leaned over the table and cupped the smaller face between her hands. Their eyes met in a steady gaze for a long moment before she leaned in and kissed the blond woman like she had never kissed anyone before, releasing the passion she had kept locked so tightly inside for so long. Kellie responded in the way that left the taller woman in no doubt that their feelings were shared.

*  *  *

The baby was born as the first winds began to sweep the leaves from the trees. Ewan held the tiny infant feeling an incredible sense of power and love. He had witnessed the birth and despite the blood it had been the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

He glanced from the sleeping babe to the woman lying at his side. He reached down and gently combed the errant strands of her hair behind her ear. The love he had felt for her had grown a hundredfold.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. His brother and enemy was dead. The home of the Macgregor’s burned to the ground. His small army had stood guard in fear that an ally of his brothers would attack but treaties had been quickly negotiated so that now they would be left alone in peace.

“You are worried my love?” Lady Shannon said seeing the pensive look on the man’s face.

“Only that you might someday fall out of love with me,” he sighed.

“That will never happen my heart,” she assured him and his heart trembled. “You will be stuck with me until I am an old maid.”

“I will hold you to that promise My Lady,” he said and leaned his head to embrace her lips with his own. “I love you my Lady with all my heart and soul.”

“I love you My Lord,” she smiled. “Until you came into my heart I knew not what the word meant.”

“Then let me find the wet nurse and I shall show you.”

“I will be waiting,” Lady Shannon promised her heart trembling and her body already excited by the prospect of her possession. She was home and she was loved on Loch Loe.

*  *  *

“What do you think?” Kellie asked curious when she saw the taller woman close the book. “Is it any good? Do you think the publishers will like it?”

She had spent two years working on a book that centered on the love story of the man who had built the Castle for the woman he adored. She had borrowed details from the family diaries and than allowed her imagination to run free.

“It’s great and I think the publishers are going to love it,” Erin smiled at her companion setting the book on the night table before sliding down under the covers next to her lover. She wrapped her long arms around the smaller woman and pulled her in for a kiss. “I like what you did to the story. You gave it life. It’s almost a fairytale.”

“Only it really happened.”

“Yes it really happened.”

“I am glad you liked it,” Kellie sighed as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“How could I not, after all you wrote it?” the dark haired woman asked.

“You aren’t just being nice are you?”

“Nope.” The taller woman shook her head. “I missed you this week.”

Since the Castle had been opened for business six months earlier Kellie had been to busy to join her in Edinburgh during the week. For the last two years they had been juggling their relationship and dividing their time between Loch Loe and Edinburgh. The solicitor knew that it was time to change their arrangements, especially now that Kellie was getting her writing career established.

“I missed you too,” the smaller woman said leaning in to kiss her companion and than tapping the older woman’s forehead with a finger. “I fear there is something serious going on up in there.”

“Aye you’re right lass,” Erin smiled. “I was thinking that now that the Castle is running smoothly, maybe you would think of moving in fulltime with me in Edinburgh. You have a qualified manager here now to look after things and we can always come back for a long weekend….”

Kellie put her hand over the other woman’s mouth. “You don’t have to say anymore I have most of my stuff packed and I am ready to go back with you on Sunday.”

“Really?” Blue eyes brightened.

“Really,” the smaller woman replied with a grin. “I realized that we were spending far too much time apart. Besides how are we ever going to get me pregnant if I am out here?”

“I love you,” Erin laughed and kissed her soundly as her heart tumbled over itself in her chest.

She pulled her back into her arms and than rolled over on top of her when the phone rang impatiently. Kellie snatched up the receiver and listened intently though it was hard to concentrate with Erin nibbling on her breasts. She put the phone back and sighed.

“I have to go,” she said wrapping her arms around her neck and kissing her. “There is a problem.”

“Let them handle it,” the taller woman muttered hoarsely unwilling to let her go. “This is my time now.”

Kellie laughed at the pout that formed on her partners lips. She reached up and kissed the woman as she wrapped her arms around the slender frame of her lover. The Castle business would have to wait for she had something much more serious to contend with.

THE END