Sarah Gabriel Read Online Free PDF Page B

Had he arranged the abduction, sending for these Highland ruffians as soon as she and her party left Kinnoull House?
    If not, then the Highlander himself planned this, and she could not imagine why. Since he knew who she was, he at least knew of her brother. Did he think her wealthy, as the sister of a chief? Did he want to be associated with the MacCarran name? But Duncrieff was only of modest means these days, and Robert sat in jail in Perth with a threat of treas on over his head. Forfeiture was more likely for Duncrieff than wealth now.
    She reached up a hand to touch the small pendant at her throat, a sparkling bit of smoky crystal set in a tiny silver cage on a silver chain. The ancient stone had been given to her ancestors by a fairy, long ago, and embodied the family legends for Sophie. Its power and protection would carry through her life if she used it well, or so said tradition.
    The little crystal, and the touch of fairy blood in her veins, bound her to an unspoken promise. She could marry only for true love. If that was not honored, so said the legend of Duncrieff, bad fortune would come not only to her, but to her clan. The well-being and the future of Clan Carran could depend on the wise use of the small fairy stone by its wearer.
    And it was said that the tiny crystal could effect a miracle—just one—should true love be in jeopardy. Otherwise, its fairy power could wreak havoc for its wearer, and for those around her.
    Sophie knew she could not marry Sir Henry Campbell, although her own father had promised her to him before his death to meet some obligation. Nor could she marry the Highland stranger who had stolen her on some whim.
    She touched the cool stone, seeking comfort in its familiarity. Beneath her fingers it felt different some-how, as if it shimmered under her touch. Surely that was her imagination, for the stones of Duncrieff only came to life in the presence of love, or so the old legend said.
    The two Highlanders murmured on, and her captor turned to look at her with clarity and intensity, suddenly, as if he knew all her thoughts.
    Choking back a sob of frustration and temper, Sophie tugged on the rope to annoy him, if nothing else. He tautened the rope as he spoke with the older man, bringing her closer.
    Sophie had no choice but to go with the stranger who had snatched her away from all she held dear, and who, by turns this night, had been both tolerant and cruel.
    But she had no idea what he intended for her—and she did not know what fate would bring if she married against her will.
    “What are you talking about?” she asked irritably. “Why did you mention a priest and a chapel?”
    “Priest?” The Highlander smiled a little. “I feel an urge to pray, Miss MacCarran.”
     
    “ Tcha, ” Neill said with a derisive snort. “She is a wee bonny thing to be tying like a cow.” He looked at Connor from under his frowning brows. “Sick as well, poor lass.”
    “I like this no better than you,” Connor replied tersely. “If I let her loose, we will be all night chasing her over the hills, believe me. I just want this over with.”
    “As soon as they discover her gone, there will be men searching the hills for her,” Neill said. “Best ifshe’s wed by the time Campbell finds out she’s missing.”
    “Exactly. Go ahead to the chapel, and wait with Andrew and the priest until we come. I’ll bring her through the hills to the north. It’s not the easiest route, but no pursuers will take that way. Follow the drover’s track over the hills to the chapel and make sure we have not been followed.”
    “Where will you take her later tonight? The search will be in earnest, Kinnoull, until she’s found.”
    “They’ll learn where she is when I am ready for them to know it. By then, she’ll be a contented bride. Or so we’ll hope.”
    “If any man could please a woman, lad, they say that you—”
    “ Truis —be off with you,” Connor said curtly.
    Neill grinned, then turned