A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (2 page)

Frances’ shoulders tensed, for he didn’t appear to be well. His eyes dulled and his aged face long. An instant concern came to her because she worried for his daughter, Winifred, her esteemed friend. Lord Lombard’s land bordered Lord William’s, and she and Winifred became close and shared many confidences.

One of those confidences was the rumor that Lord Lombard was looking for a new wife. He was far too old, in her opinion, to want to wed again, and Frances couldn’t imagine being married to such a horrid man.

Only last week Frances sent another missive to Winifred, but she had yet to receive a reply. For months she’d corresponded and hadn’t heard a word. It was unlike her friend, not to reply.

“Is Winifred unwell?” Frances sat forward, ready to jump to her feet.

Lord Lombard ignored her question and said, “I have no business with the king. Majesty, I’ve come to seek aid. My daughter has been missing for a fortnight, mayhap longer. Alas, I’ve been away and I’m not sure how long she’s been gone. We’ve searched everywhere. I ask that you send men to help search the woods.”

She couldn’t believe what she heard. “Winifred is missing?”

“It is not like her to be absent from our keep and she did not leave word of travel. The servants haven’t seen her in weeks. I thought mayhap she came here, to see you, Lady Frances, but the steward said she hasn’t come.”

“I will certainly ask the chamberlain send men if you deem it will help.” The queen leaned forward and took the lord’s hand, her empathy visible with the look of worry.

Frances’ heart tightened. Her friend would never leave without informing her father or the household servants. “I wondered why she hadn’t replied to my missives. Lord Lombard, has Winifred received missives, gifts, or the sort?”

His eyes shadowed with unease. “Nay, there were no gifts left by a suitors of late, but what has that to do with her missing? She has reached marriageable age.”

“Has anyone come to call on her?” Frances couldn’t shake the thought that something dreadful happened to her friend and she suspected foulness.

“Not to my knowledge. I await your men, Majesty. If they can come at the soonest?”

“Of course, my lord, I’ll take care of the matter right away.” The queen released his hand and rose to set off.

“I don’t want ye to worry, Lady Frances. I hope her disappearance is but a misunderstanding. She verily went to visit friends and perchance forgot to leave word.”

Frances considered that, and because she didn’t wish to upset the lord, she nodded. She wouldn’t disallow something similar happened, although an ill feeling sat in her stomach. Winifred wasn’t one to take off without leaving word though. She was the most courteous person Frances knew and the most kindhearted.

“I will write Lord William and ask that he send men to help search. Pray, send word when you find her. I shall be beset with worry until you do.”

“I indeed shall, Lady Frances. Good eve.” Lord Lombard strolled off.

She watched him until he exited through the large doors of the hall. Frances couldn’t help her misgivings. Winifred alluded many times that her father had a dark presence about him. If he’d harmed her then why would he seek aid? Mayhap it was his way of avoiding suspicion? She couldn’t reason it and turned her attention back to the dance.

As the night wore on, Frances bided her time until she might retire. The drawback to staying in the castle was that she had to share a chamber with six other ladies. Most of
whom gossiped, and spent nights away from their chamber. Frances would never tell on the ladies, because it was really none of her affair who they slept with. And of course the ladies always trusted her with confidences. She would never betray them.

After she said goodnight to the queen, she absconded the hall, the music followed as she left. Frances took the stairs to the upper floors, until she reached the third level. In the hallway, she
noticed Adam speaking with someone. She couldn’t recognize who he was as he loomed in the shadows.

Frances stopped in her tracks. Men weren’t allowed on the upper floors where the ladies were housed, but she couldn’t speak the affront. She wondered briefly how they had passed the guard posted at the steps. Apprehension furrowed her brow, and she considered sounding an alarm. Yet she wouldn’t do so because she didn’t want to get involved. There were many underhanded dealings within the castle.

Hurrying now, she quickly reached her chamber and was about to enter when Armstrong called.

“My lady?
Are ye to bed?”

“Aye, I bid you goodnight.”

“Attend me, Lady Frances. Why are you retiring? You didn’t dance with me yet. The night is still early.” He took her arm and began leading her to the steps.

She gently pulled away. “I do apologize, sir, but my head is beginning to ache. I really must retire. Thank you for the offer of the dance. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of ladies who will be honored to replace me.”

Before he could retort, she entered her chamber and quickly closed the door. She leaned against it, hoping he wouldn’t forthright and enter. That would be unmannerly. His footsteps eventually retreated to the stairs, and Frances breathed a sigh of relief.

She went directly to the desk and began her message. Lord William would understand that she wanted to return home. The image of it came to mind, and she missed the view from the barbican, the open land and breezes coming from the meandering fields. Now that spring arrived, she’d miss the fields blooming with the first wildflowers of the season.

Frances hastily wrote that she could no longer stay in Edinburgh. She was going to write that she was unwell, but she didn’t want to worry Lord William. He was a sweet, kindly man, and always had her best interest at heart. Instead, she indicated that her service to the queen ended, which it had. The queen gave her permission to return home. She added the news of Winifred’s disappearance and implored him to send aid.

When she finished her missive, she tucked it within her belongings, and would ask someone to deliver it on the morrow. She settled in bed and in her prayers, she begged for God’s protection of Winifred, and she thanked Him for saving her from having to dance with Adam Armstrong. Frances thought he might have spoken to the queen for she was singing his praises a little too much.

The last thing Frances wanted was to involve the queen in her romantic relations, and be embroiled in a political fracas. If she was forced to, she probably would wed the man as the queen wished for the sake of peace and quiet in the country, and thereby saving her neck in the process.

Throughout the remainder of the night, the ladies entered and left the chamber. Their noisy conversations kept her awake, as well as their snickers and laughter. She put a pillow over her head to block out the noise but her efforts were futile.

With morning soon to appear, Frances rose and dressed in a plain gray overdress, with a long-sleeved white tunic underneath. She pulled her hair back and tied it in a coif. Frances was a no-nonsense kind of person. She liked plain garments and didn’t like to draw attention. If the queen got her wish and she wed Armstrong, it would be difficult to stand next to him, because he always dressed impeccably in overt colors.

Frances made her way to the morning room and quickly ate. She then went to the castle’s offices to have her missive taken to Lord William. Once she accomplished her task, she went out to the gardens the queen so favored. The king gave the queen a substantial allowance and part of it she used for its purpose.

Frances ambled along and enjoyed the fresh morning air. Some of the court already awoke and were also taking a morning stroll. She stopped to sit upon a stone bench and tried not to worry. That was easier said than done. She wrung her hands thinking of her plight with the queen’s wish to wed her off, Winifred’s disappearance, and her wish to see Ermintrude. The sooner she left the better.

The queen, followed by her attendants, walked along the path and noticed her. Joan bid her attendants continue on, and only a few guardsmen stood nearby. She took a seat on the stone bench next to her.

“It is such a lovely morning, is it not?”

“I do enjoy being out this early, my lady. I’m surprised to see you. Were you not at the dance until late in the evening?” Frances pressed her skirts closer to her, and moved a few inches to give the queen more room.

“I left shortly after you. I do believe Alexander will soon come to me. I confess I want to see what all the bother is about.”

Frances couldn’t laugh, because the queen was quite serious in her tone. “By bother, I assume you mean sex. Be patient, Joan. He’s probably wary since you’re so young. He likely wants to ensure you will enjoy it. I would not be so hasty.”

The queen giggled, and Frances reminded herself that she was quite young. Being in such a position, the queen wanted to ensure her place within the king’s household. The only way to do that was to bear an heir. Many men married lassies far too young to take to the marriage bed. In a way, Frances admired the king for his gallant behavior. Most men would not give a care to the age of their wife and would expect the wifely duty be performed regardless of their tender years.

“Have you seen the viably handsome Armstrong this day? I saw him earlier and thought mayhap you were meeting him for a secret rendezvous?” The queen turned and removed the ribbon Frances used in her hair. “This is bothering me. Frances, you really should take better care with your hair. I shall fix it,” Joan said, and began to redo the coif.

“Nay, I haven’t seen him and you know I’d never meet anyone for a secret anything.” Frances laughed. “I wrote to Lord William in hopes he’ll send an escort. I only just took the missive to the office for delivery. I’m anxious to return home.”

“Oh, blighter it!
Your hair is unruly. I cannot get it to twist correctly. We can still make the arrangement with Armstrong if you go home. I shall ask Alexander when he returns from Londontown. He’s meeting with Henry again.” Joan pouted. “I wanted to go along, for I miss my brother and hoped for a visitation. I detest not knowing what is happening.”

It had been rumored the queen and her brother, the king of England, were quite close. That was another reason she tried to be cautious around Joan. The lady was used to getting her way and she used her resources to affect those around her. If Joan disliked you, she could truly make your life difficult or nonexistent. Frances was glad they’d formed a friendship.

Joan repositioned her head so she could finish the twist she’d done to her hair. She wound the tie around and it was indeed tighter and wouldn’t fall out. Yet Frances would certainly have an ache in her head by suppertime as tight as it was wound.

“I shall be glad of your assistance.” Frances couldn’t disagree and tried to seem somewhat interested, but not too attentive.

A servant came along and stopped before them. “My lady,” he said, and handed a missive to her. “This arrived last eve with an emissary, but it was too late to deliver it.”

Frances took it and thanked him. She held the missive, fearful it would be filled with the vile hateful words as the others were. The seal on the outside was that of her uncle’s. A worrying frown came. She wasn’t expecting word from him.

“Who is from?”

“Lord William.” Frances opened the missive and began reading. Her heart tightened with each word.
“Oh nay! I must leave at once.” She stood, ready to run forth. “My lord has taken ill and it appears he may die. The healer is having him take care of his final business and she bids me to hasten home.”

“Oh, Frances, I’m sorry to hear that. Come, I shall help you ready.”

“I couldn’t ask that, Joan. I thank you for your friendship. I shall pack and leave this day if I have your permission.”

Joan took her arm and began leading her away. “Of course you do. And humor me,
Fran, I’m trying to sneak away from the attendants.”

Frances nodded, but her thoughts were on her beloved Lord William. She worried and hoped she’d make it home before he passed. There were considerable questions raised and likewise much she wanted to say to him.

CHAPTER TWO

Gunn Clan

Highlands, Scotland

Sean Gunn was the quiet sort. Most discerned that about him and didn’t expect him to be forthright. Yet many became boisterous at the evening celebration, teasing and jesting. His friends knew not to test the bounds of his humor, for when he was in a mood, there were no jovial words to bring him out of it.

The Gunn clan held their annual spring festival, celebrating the end of the planting season. All the farmers were invited with their families to join in the festivities. Many looked forward to the merriment, but not Sean, for he couldn’t keep himself from being distracted.

Peace reigned in the highlands. Except for the minor skirmishes amongst the Highland clans, there was little to cause concern. The king was busy attending to country in Edinburgh, taking a young wife, and seeing to political matters with England and France. That made most in the northern region gladdened because they didn’t want to be bothered with the king’s plights which often had nothing to do with them. The Gunn clan’s rapport with the king was tedious at best since their laird did not hold fondness for their leader.

Sean sat beside his comrades, James, Duff, and Colm, awaiting their laird, Grey Gunn, his cousin. They couldn’t partake to the drink until their chieftain joined them. Their main role within the clan was to protect the laird, his family, and the clan when necessary. Impatience wore on them, but they still wouldn’t disregard their duties and take to revelry until they were bid to do so.

Grey finally finished the task of welcomes and greetings to those who attended and came to sit with them. Sean filled his cup with the brew they kept for certain celebrations. The harsh drink usually sent them to bed much earlier than they would like. And it often awoke them earlier too with a sore head and stomach. But it made them feel good while drinking it.

Sean kept his gaze on a few women who stood nearby. By the end of the night he’d be sure to have one of them between the bedding and himself, with his tartan their only attire. Aline, the lass he’d spent the most time with of late, watched him, and he raised a brow.

The silent message was received, given the widened smile on her lovely lips. She was curvaceous and at the same time feminine in her face and manners. Their unspoken agreement made him smile too, and he’d find her later when he was done drinking.

A smirk came, because it had been at least a fortnight since he’d had a woman. Duties kept him from many entertainments lately. Now that Grey settled down, the guard could as well. The past weeks kept them trekking through their land, visiting the outer lying farms, ensuring the crops were readied and the farmers needed no assistance.

At this time of year, Grey usually planned a trading mission, and would have the boats readied. They longed for the sea and the adventure of seeking new places to trade and the wealth it brought.

The difficult winter made travel impossible and many of the boats needed repair. Their laird didn’t seem to mind and appeared to want to stay home this spring. The Gunn clan made its prosperity through trading, but this year they would have to rely on their own food supply to sustain them.

“What has you grinning?” James asked.

He inclined his head toward the women. James turned and let out a bellowing laugh. The women giggled and spoke amongst themselves, but Sean knew what they were thinking and discussing. It was likely the same thoughts he’d had.

“I already made plans for after,” James said, flashing a grin.

Sean chuckled, for his guardsmen brothers were much alike. They liked their fights challenging, their women soft, and their drink hard.

He’d been friends with Grey long before he became laird. In fact, Sean was about seven or eight when they’d been put in the same group for training. Even before that, he’d lived at the main keep, and he and his laird were more like brothers for they’d been raised together.

Sean became melancholy, thinking of the time when they’d first met. He hadn’t been born on Gunn land and arrived with his parents when he was a wee lad at the age of two. In the early days, his mother kept him tied to her skirts and he didn’t even know he had cousins and kin.

Duff, the oldest in the group, was Grey’s commander-in-arms because he was the roughest and most intimidating. Duff wed and didn’t spend much time with them lately. That was well and good since he was so dubious.

Then there was Greer who died while protecting their laird’s lady, Bree, from a foe. Greer’s brother, Kenneth, his best friend, married a few years back to the MacQuarrie lass, and moved back home. Kenneth became laird of the McInnish clan and was too busy to visit. The only time Sean saw his friend was when he’d been given the duty of relaying messages to the McInnish clan. That duty was infrequent.

“Sean, you’re being quiet this night. What
has you so engrossed in thought? Here, have more drink,” Grey said, filling his cup to almost overflowing.

“My thanks,” he said, and drank a quick sip to keep it from spilling over the rim. The liquid trailed heat to his chest, warming him. “I was just thinking about when we first met.”

Grey grinned, lifting his cup in tribute. “Aye, I remember it well. Soon after we began training. We all tried to best each other back then. Seems we fought at least five times a day.”

“Probably more than that.
None of us could take Duff though. I vow he was born with skin of steel and wood in his head.”

Grey spit out the sip of brew he’d taken and laughed. “Duff, Sean meant it as a compliment not an insult. Stand down.”

Duff stood and glared, his burly arms rose with his large fists flexing. “Aye? Keep your compliments to yourself, Sean, or I’ll be giving you a fist to quiet your mouth.”

Sean’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Oh, have a drink and cease being surly. I meant it as praise.”

“There be no need to praise me. There’s a reason why I’m surly. Kait won’t let me near my bed and cosh if she doesn’t soon …” Duff mumbled a few expletives, and stalked off to find his wife.

Sean would have laughed at Duff’s lack of confidence, but he wasn’t such a good sort when it came to jests. Duff’s wife was close to giving birth and it surely caused his concern, emotions he wasn’t wont to display. They’d all have to deal with Duff’s abrasiveness until his bairn was born. Sean sure as hell hoped it’d be soon.

Grey raised his cup. “Aye he is churlish lately, but he has no reason to worry. Kait will be well. It’s strange what with Kenneth gone. I know you miss him too, and he made me miss Greer less.”

“Remember how overwrought he was when Elisa gave birth? I vow no man ever succumbed to irrational thoughts as Kenneth.” Sean stayed by his friend’s side throughout the emotional ordeal and he’d considered beating Kenneth into unconsciousness and ending his torment.

Grey chuckled under his breath. “Kenneth didn’t deem his wee wife could birth such a large bairn. I confess she worried me, too. I should’ve known she’d bear him a son.”

“
Aye, and she boasted she was going to have a lass. I lost the wager with Kenneth for taking her side and lost all my coin from trading that year.”

Grey raised his cup, chugging a few sips of brew.
“Serves you right. I asked him to visit for the celebration, but he has his own fields and clan to see to. It would’ve been good to see him. Now with Kenneth gone our numbers are lacking.”

Sean felt the same way. It wasn’t the same without Greer and Kenneth. “We knew one day we’d go our separate ways.”

“I didn’t. I always thought you would all stay here, except for Greer, since he was destined to be the laird of his clan. And since he died, and Kenneth had to become laird … I’d give anything to be back on the training field at the age of seven when bruises were our only concern.”

“Were that we could go back.” Sean didn’t like change, and it bothered him that something in his gut told him more was coming.

“Duff is concerned about the lack of guardsmen in the keep now. I’ll have to do something about it.”

“It’s just James, Colm and me, now, Grey. You should take on a few new guardsmen. With your bairns growing, they’ll need protection.” His laird’s family’s protection weighed on him, and he’d been meaning to discuss the issue with Grey as well.

Grey lifted his cup again. “Aye, my children never stay in the same place for long. I admit I lost them twice today. Don’t speak of it to Bree, she’d have my arse.”

“None of us can keep track of them. They have your wife’s nature, too full of vigor. May they grow anchors on their feet as they
sprout.” Sean raised his cup, saluting his assertion.

“I finally agreed to have Gordy take an apprenticeship with Duff. We’ll see how it goes. There are some others that I’m considering to add to the guard.”

Sean glanced at the young warrior, Gordy, sitting at another table. Although he was a Gunn soldier, he had a bit of maturing to do, as well as gaining a bit of experience. But the lad showed courage when he protected Grey’s wife a few years back, when on a mission for the king.

Colm nudged him, “Sean, I’m thinking of marrying Kelsi.”

“Kelsi McInnish?” He couldn’t help frowning at that even though he knew Colm was interested in Kenneth’s sister. But he didn’t know it was serious. Yet now that he thought about it, Colm went to Kenneth’s clan more often lately and he was always the first to volunteer to deliver news or messages.

“A toast then, to Colm and Kelsi. May they live long and have many bairns.” Sean raised his cup
again, the drink began to take effect on his sullen mien.

James gulped down his drink. “I’m off. I see Sarah looking at me. I vow I’ll get no sleep this night.” He flashed a grin before he left the table.

Colm stood and tossed his empty cup on the table. “I’m to bed. I’ve got an early ride tomorrow. In the morn, I’ll stop in before I leave in case you have any messages. I’ll return with news from Kenneth and the McInnish clan in a few days, Laird.”

Gray inclined his head before tossing it back and drinking down the rest of his brew.

Sean lifted his cup, a gesture of farewell. He was left sitting with Grey. Night darkened many a path and the clan began to quiet. The rest went off, and Sean was getting ready to seek his bed as well. The drink was beginning to make his head spin.

“What’s bothering you?” Grey asked. “You’ve been brooding all day. Every time I looked at you, you wore a scowl. We’re at a celebration; you’d think to enjoy it.”

“Nothing is wrong. Can’t a man sit and reflect without everyone believing something is wrong?” But something bothered him, and Sean couldn’t reason it.

“I know you, and this mood is unusual.”

“Mayhap you’re right. I get a sense a change is about to occur. I don’t know why. God Almighty, I detest change, but it’s coming and we should prepare.” Sean set his cup down, still holding it around the base, and shrugged his shoulder.

“Nothing’s going to change, Sean. The drink is going to your head.” Grey laughed when he punched his arm and made him spill a good amount from his cup.

“It’s been too peaceful. Something is bound to stir things up.” Sean looked toward where the women stood and noticed they had left. He decided it was probably for the best since he wasn’t good company. The last thing he wanted was to leave a woman dissatisfied with his presence.

He left his laird when Bree came and handed Grey one of his children. Sean adored his laird’s children, and doted on them. The twins had been born two years before and were finally at an age where they could converse even if it was one word at a time. The only problem with that was they had to watch what they said around them lest they be scolded by their lady.

Sean found his way to the garrison and his bed. He stripped, preferring to sleep unclothed, especially when the weather warmed. He lay upon his bunk, listening to the snores of the other men and tried to reason why he got this strange feeling. All evening something nagged him.

The night drug on and Sean lay awake, tossing and turning, and even the strong brew did little to lull him. His thoughts kept returning to his friends.

They reached an age where one should move on to the next stage of life. Sean liked his life the way it was, simple. He was pleased that Kenneth, Duff, and Colm found wives and started families of their own. He wasn’t ready to tie himself to one woman, and he was definitely not ready to be a father.

Sean didn’t have to worry about responsibilities. His days were spent guarding and his nights free to do as he pleased. He only answered to Grey as well it should be. Mayhap boredom caused his irrational thoughts?

Morning finally came and with it the dulled light of dawn, and he decided there would be no sleep for him. After donning his garments, he walked toward the sea, a short distance from the Gunn keep, where he could take a quick swim. A few men had the same idea and swam in the depths.

The scent of the sea engulfed his senses. Sean stripped and swam out, reveling in the refreshing chilly water which took the sleep from his body and mind. The hefty waves gave him a good workout and exerted him. When he’d had enough, he joined the other men on the sandy shore and began redressing.

The men went off to attend to their training duties, and Sean started off for the hall. A morning feast would cover the table and he didn’t want to miss out. His laird’s wife made the most delicious foodstuffs, and the guardsmen were always welcome at the table.