SEVERAL BRIEF EXCERPTS
from
Love’s Ransom by Gwen Kirkwood.
This is set in 1603
when clans made their own laws and raiders were hung if caught on another man's land. It is earlier and different to my usual stories.
Isabella Ellwood was too tense to sleep. Every
instinct told her something was wrong. Her brother, Jamie, should have been
home from the cattle raid by now.
Isabella said, ‘Sam is more friend than
servant.’
Alexander Latimer declared,‘He is fortunate then, but foolish to deliver himself, and you, into
our hands. You must love your brother dearly, Isabella Ellwood.’
‘I know the Ellwood lands are near the border but I thought the English had ceased their reiving since 1603?’
‘Most of the time that is so,' Isabella replied, 'but a family
within our barony covets our land and – and more.’ She shuddered and delicate colour rose beneath her
creamy skin. Alexander’s eyes lit with admiration. He understood. What normal man would not desire such a girl with her beauty, spirit and courage.
*****
‘I
am here because you hold my brother prisoner, Sir. He
is innocent. Your
men crave the thrill of a hanging. Let
them hang me instead of
Jamie. A life for a life'
There was a gasp of protest from Sam.
'First may I write
my mother a letter?
‘You can read and write?’ Henry asked, his
blue eyes alert with
interest.
‘Reading and writing! ’Tis all the boy thinks about!’ Sir William said gruffly. He looked
at Jamie. `Your
sister will stay here in your place, but she will stay as a wife.’
‘A-a
wife?’ Isabella’s eyes flew to Alexander’s face.
He smiled with delight. Isabella
knew he wanted
her for his wife. Her heart beat faster, but it was not with the fear or
loathing she felt for Neb Truddle. Sir William’s voice broke the invisible thread which drew herself and Zander
Latimer together.
‘Instead
of celebrating a hanging tonight, we shall celebrate a wedding,' Sir William announced.'I shall enjoy
having grandchildren with your
spirit ,
Isabella. Henry, you will have a more worthy bride than ever I could have
found for you.’
Zander’s eyes widened, then his face darkened.
‘Me?’ Henry’s face paled in shock and dismay.
‘Of course. Who else can give me grandsons with the Douglas name?
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