The Twisted Laird: The MacGrough Clan Book 7

Book 7: The MacGrough Clan

by Cherime MacFarlane, The Graphics Shed

Genres: Historical Romance; Scottish & Highlander

Synopsis

The battle of Culloden is over. They must leave the glen or starve. Those who stay will die. But would Glasgow be a safe haven?
He doubts his ability to take care of those now his responsibility. His brother's widow doesn't believe he is capable. The woman who chose Edan knows he is able. The lowlands of Scotland in the year 1746, is a dangerous place for refugees from the Highlands. With women and children to care for, Edan Campbell MacGrough needs to keep certain secrets buried deep or he might hang. For a lame young man it is a difficult road to walk.

Release date: December 3, 2017

Publisher: Paper Gold Publishing

Print pages: 482

Content advisory: steamy

Sample

 

Edan braced both hands on his knees and looked at the assembled women. "We're ah sorry lot. Ye've only me an me lame, at that. Even were I strong as Sampson, I would be hard pressed tae get enough done tae keep us through tha coming winter. Nor, would I be able tae fight off tha scavengers who are going tae descend on us quite soon. Therefore, ye of MacGrough, I see nae other choice, but tae take us tae Glasgow."

There was a collective sigh from the assembled women. Adie looked up at Edan in surprise. The branch dangled from his hand. With a clatter Edan's sgian slipped from the lad's hand to land on the hearth. "Leave tha glen? We're leaving our home?" The boy asked as fear caused the boy's eyes to widen.

"Laddie, I see nae other way. If we try tae stay here over tha winter, there'll be naught, but bones come spring. Hamish gave me ah duty tae look after tha clan. There is nae where else for us tae go."

Rhona felt her eyes fill. She shook her head to clear away the tears, as she could not use her hands. They would lose their land. Land MacGroughs had lived on for centuries. It could only get worse from the look on Edan's face.

"We need tae bury our laird. We will see tae it this afternoon. I've thought about it carefully. We will put him under tha lip of tha old quarry. If we collapse tha ledge down over him none will be tha wiser."

"I will need help. Glynis, Jean ye tae will help me. Tomorrow, we will take down Daracha and Cadha's looms. As we have three horses, one will pull the big cart. We will take tha chests in my workshop. Fill them with whatever provisions are left from winter which will keep. Then, ye may put personal goods on top. If they dinnae want tae close properly tie tha things shut. Those will go in tha big cart. We have tha small pony cart for tha looms. By tomorrow eve we need tae be on tha road tae Glasgow."

He looked around at the stunned faces of the women. Only Glynis was dry eyed.

Softly, he continued. "God's mercy be on us. I'm sorry we cannae stay here. But we're tae few. Were there even three other good men we would try tae hold tha glen."

There were tears on all the faces. Edan pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers. Glynis' eyes filled and she brushed the back of her hand over her face once. With a shake of her dark head, she addressed Edan.

"We need ah place for Rut and Nairna to ride, an for Rhona, as all three are with child."

"I'm nae with child! Hamish was wrong. I will stay here. I'm nae leaving tha glen."

"Rhona, ye are......"

Edan was cut off by Cadha. The old woman rose and went to stand before Rhona. "Answer me true, Rhona. Did Hamish tell ye ah babe was inside ye before he left?"

Rhona could not lie to her. Cadha knew he had. It would do her no good to lie. Rhona hung her head. "Aye, he did. But I dinnae feel anything. My food stays down an I'm nae tired. Shouldn't I feel something?"

Evina rose to stand next to Cadha. "Nae always, lass. There're women who suddenly wake tae find they're three, or more months along. They get bigger an their monthly ceases. Naught else."

Rhona lifted her head to stare at the circle of women around her. Jean nodded in verification of the truth of Evina's words.

Edan cleared his throat. Rhona looked over at him.

"Are you ah honorable woman, Rhona? If ye give yur word will ye keep it? I've nae wish tae keep ye tied up until tha bairn comes. Will ye give me ye word tae wait nine months do naught rash an stay together with tha clan? If ye do so, if ye swear on Hamish's grave tae abide by tha terms I will let ye go unbound. After the nine months pass, ye may go where ye wish."