The Chieftain's Choice (The Wolf Deceivers Series Book 1) by Elaine Manders

Author:Elaine Manders [Manders, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, The Wolf Deceivers Series, Mystery & Suspense, Scottish Highlands
Publisher: Elaine Manders
Published: 2017-03-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Well past noon the next day, Gavin and Morgan returned from investigating Nye’s murder. The place where his body had been found was on Clan Morgan land and lay north of Carmichael. The major roadway separating the clans was a site of constant highway robbery.

“I suspect when we find the thieves, the scoundrel who murdered Nye will be among them.” Morgan’s boots slapped the cobblestones in lockstep with Gavin’s.

“We know the murderer is connected with the Gilmour.” Gavin fingered his bag that held the torn plaid taken from Nye’s neck.

“The men should finish questioning their crofters by tomorrow, but you should know, they’ve found no one at the Kerr’s hut but the woman.”

This didn’t surprise Gavin. “Never mind. I’ll go myself tomorrow. I’ve promised to take tea with my wife this afternoon.”

A footman rushed to swing the castle doors open for them.

Morgan gave his beaver to Halberd. “I understand. A man has his priorities.” Morgan elbowed him and turned toward the wing where the rooms assigned to the visiting neighbors were situated.

Gavin handed his gloves to the butler. “I’m a bit late, Halberd. Tell her ladyship I’ll join her in about half an hour.”

“I’ll take her the message. She waits in her parlor.”

Not wanting to keep her waiting longer than necessary, Gavin raced up the stairs and came back down in little more than a quarter hour.

When he entered the parlor, Alana sprang to her feet and stared with wide frightened eyes.

Something about her forlorn expression rushed him to her, and he crushed her to his chest. “All will be well, lass.” The softness of her russet hair caressed his face, and he drank in the scent of rose water.

She stepped out of his embrace. “I was in a fret when you tarried. That man, McGil, had such hatred in his eyes.” Her shoulders relaxed as she moved to the bell pull. “The tea has grown cold. I’ll order a fresh pot.”

He smiled. She cared enough to worry over him.

Waiting until she sat back down, he joined her on the sofa. “Vicar Murray is going around to each family to alleviate their fears of witchcraft and tainted blood. I should have thought to call for his help before now. It’s his business to address our spiritual needs, and this is a spiritual need. I was so focused on my anger at Vanora, I failed to realize that.”

“The good vicar doesna think me a witch?”

“Of course not. We’ll have him and his wife to dinner soon. You and I might benefit from some spiritual guidance as well.” Gavin was certain he would. He hadn’t given nearly enough weight to his own spiritual well-being, much less, his people.

Halberd came into the room bearing a tray. “I brought a hot kettle of tea and some fresh scones, m’lady. I anticipated that’s why you rang.” He deposited the tray on the low table before them.

“Aye, thank you. How does Lord Barthram fare?”

“Resting comfortably, m’lady. I’m going to read to him now.” With perfect comportment, the butler bowed and ambled off.

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