Border Moonlight by Amanda Scott

Author:Amanda Scott [Scott, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780446541350
Google: h7gSgfrjYl0C
Amazon: 0446541354
Barnesnoble: 0446541354
Goodreads: 4052979
Publisher: Forever
Published: 2008-12-31T11:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

A group of four was strolling toward Simon and Sibylla, so they walked on quietly until the others had passed them. Enjoying the comfortable silence, Simon remembered some news he had heard in the course of presenting himself to Fife's chamberlain, news he thought would interest Sibylla.

When the group had moved beyond earshot, he said, "I wonder if Edward Colville may have had reason to seek out your sister. Having learned she was here, mayhap he wanted to make a point to her, and to others, by openly declaring his rights. But I heard some news earlier that may interest you—and your father, too."

"I do not mean to tell my father about this morning's incident unless I must," she said. "He would see naught in Edward Colville's behavior to justify my reply."

He was more in agreement with Sir Malcolm than she knew but said only, "Thomas Colville's heiress has evidently changed her mind about marrying him."

She smiled mischievously. "Do not look to me to commiserate with Thomas, sir. I think the lady shows wisdom. Who is she?"

"The lady Catherine Gordon of Huntly," he said. "I do not know the family personally, but her father was a man of wealth enough to interest Fife. 'Tis said Catherine's inheritance includes properties that provide a significant income."

"So, one would assume that the Governor has become her guardian."

"He has, aye, and will act as trustee of her income until she marries."

"Only till she marries?" She looked at him. "That is not his usual habit, is it, sir? The estates his brother David of Strathearn's little daughter inherited did not go to her or to her husband, and Fife married her off straightaway, at the age of six."

"That was different," Simon said. "Margaret of Strathearn is Fife's niece, and David's estates were Stewart estates. Fife considered it his duty to retain them for the Crown just as any family will fight to keep family estates under its control. Recall Isabel's battle to keep Fife from taking the estates James left her."

"Aye, sure, so how did you learn that Catherine Gordon changed her mind?"

"Deduction," he said. "Another chap waiting to learn if Fife would see him told me that her ladyship has vanished. The Colvilles are searching high and low for her."

"But how does someone like that disappear?" Sibylla asked. "She must have an army of servants. Sakes, Fife must know exactly where she is."

"Godamercy, lass, do you blame Fife for everything that goes amiss?"

"Do you believe he does not want to add Catherine Gordon's property to the Crown's holdings?" she retorted.

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