Free Return to Rhonan by Katy Walters

Duncan? Lord Duncan?’
    His eyes narrowed as he said, ‘Yes. You’ve heard of him?’
    Jess saw his jaw tighten; the full lips pull back. Trained to read body language, she realized this was a touchy subject. Just saying the name caused him to tense up.  Puzzled, she decided not to pursue the subject; there was plenty of time for her to start asking questions. She felt the excitement tighten her chest.  Was there a chance it was the same Duncan?
    Quickly, she said, ‘Drowned himself in the lake?’ That’s awful.  You know; I saw a young woman over there when I was in the cab coming here – long red hair like mine going into the copse ... maybe it’s my eyes playing tricks. She could have been my double. But then there are lots of red-haired women in Scotland.’
    Douglas realized he’d over-reacted to her question.  There was only six weeks now for the codicil to run. Both he and Nat were on full alert as fraudsters frantically contacted the solicitor’s office with false claims. Thank God, Pevensey was on the ball.  He saved them a lot of time and heartache.  Douglas fought to compose himself. He was becoming paranoiac . After all, she was an American , and a multi-millionaire , there was little chance she was at all interested, added to that, she was gorgeous, her green eyes wide and innocent.  He smiled as he said, ‘People are warned to stay away from the island.  I’ll have to warn the staff to keep a look out – it’s quite dangerous –tidal water –fed by Loch Achray nearby.  But if you really want to have a look at the Mausoleum, I’ll certainly get one of the staff to row you over, maybe this afternoon?’
    An icy breeze almost stabbed her skin, followed by a peculiar pull on her body.  Her muscles grew heavy with fatigue; her legs leaden. ‘I guess I’ll have to take a rain check –I’m just so tired. I don’t know why, but maybe it’s the plane flight.’
    ‘Would you like me to send you up some lunch?’
    ‘Err … no thanks.  I ate on the plane.  I guess I’m too exhausted to do anything but sleep right now.’
    ‘I’ll let you rest ...  how about a drink in the bar, this evening? Say nine o’clock?’ Glancing over to the bed and then at the luscious curves and languorous eyes, Douglas felt the urge to join her. His fear now forgotten, he shook his head bemused, this woman bewitched him.
    ‘Great ... by the way, my dog Daisy should be arriving in a few days. We had trouble with her vaccination; she was quite unwell after it.’
    ‘Oh I hope she’s okay now.’
    ‘Yes thank goodness. Anyway, I was told she could stay in my suite.’
    ‘Of course.  I‘ll have a basket brought up for her. You said she was a golden retriever, so I’ll make sure she has a larger basket, and feeding bowls.’  
    ‘That’s good of you. She’s a hundred and two pounds, but not fat.  Loves her food though. I’ve really missed her. But , I just couldn’t bring her over whilst we were traveling so much.’ 
    ‘I know what you mean, I have a hound – Victor; we're like Siamese twins as, wherever I go, he’s there.’
    Jess laughed.  ‘I know Daisy is the same.  What breed is he?’
    ‘A Hungarian Viszla; they’re very much like the Weirmaraners, but all the Viszlas are ginger.  The breeders use the name ‘sedge’ – sounds better.’
    ‘Hah … beautiful dogs.’
    Seeing the wilt of her shoulders he said, ‘Look, I’ll let you get some sleep … later then.’  As he closed the door, he shook his head, still feeling that slight shock of recognition. She really was the double of Muriall, the woman in the portrait gallery.

 
    CHAPTER 1 3
     

1810 – DOUGLAS – THE CROFT
     
    His heart was heavy. So much for the meeting.  Now to tell Muriall and the others that there was no respite for the tenants.  Duncan felt like giving up the inheritance, of departing for the Jamaican Plantations bequeathed to him by his late grandfather. At least, he and Muriall could marry