A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (great novels TXT) 📕

only of myself. In this matter, it is important that I be there for my family. They are not the reason I do not wish to return.”

“A moment,” Malcolm said, motioning for everyone to leave. The solemn young laird waited for his brothers and Ruari to leave.

“What is it?” Ewan asked, pouring a second glass.

“Naill and Kieran will travel with ye to represent the clan. Is there anyone else ye would like to go?”

“No, thank ye. I will rest one day and then we head to Uist. It will be best to ride hard, so no wagons will be required.”

Malcolm nodded. “I agree.”

Ewan considered what kind of a return would be best. For him to return the same, without anything to call his own or perhaps different? Truthfully, nothing had really changed about him. He remained a younger part of a family without a wife, land or any titles.

“I would like to return a landowner.”

“I am not sure I understand,” Malcolm said.

Ewan nodded. “I wish to purchase land from ye, so that I can have something before returning to my family. I left without anything. I gave up my land, my life, as it was. In all this time, I have not acquired anything. No wife, bairns or land.”

“Ye have done many things, Cousin. Ye have saved lives and fought for our clan bravely.” Malcolm exhaled. “I understand yer need to have something tangible. As a reward for yer service to me, I grant ye the land east of Ruari’s. There is a creek that runs south that divides the two. Ye can take the eastern portion as far as the Macdonnell lands. It is not very large, but it does include two villages.”

His heart thudded with disbelief. “That is much too generous. I cannot accept such a large gift.”

“It is what ye deserve. No member of my family should have nothing to their name. Upon returning to Uist, ye return a laird in yer own right.”

Laird.

He took a deep drink of whisky and coughed. “Thank ye.” He stood and hugged his cousin. “I will make ye proud. I swear it on my...”

“Yer name is good enough,” Malcolm said with a wide smile. “The villagers there will be glad for a laird who lives closer and can give them the attention they need.”

Ewan could not believe what had just happened. “What about Tristan and Kieran? Will they not resent that ye give me this?”

“Neither can leave Dun Airgid as their responsibilities are here. Not to mention, if any of us separate our wives, they would serve us our balls on a platter.”

Ewan nodded, understanding.

“It will be announced at last meal. Ensure ye are present.”

“I would not miss it.”

Walking to his bedchamber, Ewan considered what would be required of him. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, he would begin the search for a wife so that he could start the lineage for his new lairdship. Of course, it would not be a love match, but one of convenience. He would choose a meek young lass. One that would obey him without question and one he would never love.

That very day, he would begin his search. He’d make inquiries to Lady Ross and the other wives. Surely one of them would have the perfect candidate for him.

The opportunity presented itself rather quickly as he walked from Malcolm’s study to his bedchamber.

“Welcome home, Ewan.” Lady Ross and Kieran’s wife, Gisela, walked toward him.

Both waited in silence as he bowed and greeted them. “I am glad to be here although I fear it is only for a day, as I must go to Uist the day after tomorrow.”

“I am so very sorry,” Lady Ross said. “I am sure yer father will be missed.”

He didn’t wish to correct her, so instead he bowed his head. “Thank ye.”

“I must inquire,” Ewan began. “Upon my return from Uist, I will be building my own home and will require a wife soon thereafter.”

After exchanging looks, the women remained silent.

“I have to make sure that my last marriage was indeed dissolved, which I am sure it is. If I can place on ye the burden of finding a woman for me to marry, I would appreciate yer assistance, Lady Ross.”

“Ye wish to marry so quickly?” Lady Ross asked. “Why?”

“I prefer a meek lass. One with little opinion. Looks do not matter to me. If ye would kindly think on it.”

Once again, he gave a slight bow and walked away, ignoring their astonished looks.

Before last meal, he needed to sleep. The ride from the northern borders had been hard. After encountering a group of men along the way, they’d been forced to slow. He’d considered going faster, leaving the group and arriving back at Dun Airgid before the others, but then decided against it.

It wasn’t that he’d hoped Catriona remained or that she’d gone. What he didn’t want to face was knowing either way. Over time, he’d gone from hurt to anger and, finally, to accepting that it was best for him not to ever allow his heart free rein again.

Whether the woman remained or had gone, at this point, mattered little. He was prepared to see Catriona again and he was equally ready not to ever do so.

Now he had to not only face the current situation, but also to return to Uist where he would once again have to be ready to see Una.

Thankfully, no one except him knew the reason why he’d left Uist. And if he had his way, no one ever would.

Ewan flopped onto his bed, not bothering to remove his boots. Upon closing his eyes, the memory of the last time he’d seen his father immediately appeared.

“Go to Una, Son. Tell her the marriage will be dissolved. Ask that she consider returning to