A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (23 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Michaelmas

Autumn, 1223

Frances knelt next to the hearth, placing fruit, nuts, spices, and a wrapped goose in each of the baskets that surrounded her. She’d completed a good number of them this day and they were all taken to the kitchens where she would retrieve them later. The contents of the baskets would aid most of the clan’s people though the winter, especially the spices. She was happy to be able to give such a gift to them.

A fire blazed, sending warmth into the large hall. Mistress Ina tended to break out in song every few minutes, and Frances found a smile, for the woman always cheered those around her.

“Are ye feeling well, my lady? Ye appear to be so.”

She looked up from her chore. “I am well. I haven’t had any symptoms in days and James says the poison should be well out of my body.”

“That is good to hear. Mayhap you can try for another bairn?”

“It would have been the perfect gift for Sean. He’s done so many wondrous things for me, and I was saddened that I lost our child. I know it would’ve made him happy.”

Mistress Ina clucked her tongue. “Aye, well you shall give the lord a son. Worry not.”

The dear woman had an odd look on her face and when Frances turned, she saw Sean standing behind her.

“I’ll take these baskets to the kitchens.”

“Thank you, Mistress.” Frances took the hand Sean threw down at her. He helped her to stand, and pulled her toward him.

“Come,” he said, and led her to their chamber.

Frances was tired and spent most of the day making baskets for Michaelmas. She and Sean would begin delivering them on the morrow. Even though she felt like her old self, she had to take it slow and still tired easily. The delivery would be taxing enough on her and she decided to do a little at a time so as not to burden herself.

Autumn was sneaking its way toward them, with its crisp winds and colder nights. She changed into a warm night-rail, because it grew chilly. Although she could have done away with it since Sean kept her warm enough. Sleeping next to him was akin to being next to the hearth.

Frances finished her toiletries, combed her hair, and left it loose, and began straightening up the chamber. She folded his tunic and the extra tartan he’d thrown at the end of the bed.

His eyes followed everywhere she went.

“What? Have I grown horns?”

Sean laughed. “Nay, I was thinking about what you said down in the hall … to Mistress Ina.”

“You were listening to us? How unchivalrous of you.” She crawled onto the large bed, taking in the view of him lying against the pillows with his arms folded behind his head. His bared chest rose with each breath, and his long muscular legs crossed.

“I didn’t mean to, but aye. You never have to repay a gift I give you.”

“I know, Sean, but it would have been a pleasant surprise.” She lay next to him and ran her hand down his sinewy arm when he untucked it, which tightened under her palm.

“You’re all I need, Frances, you and Trudy. If we do have a bairn one day, we’ll be even more blessed.”

“Sean, that makes it hurt much less. I do hope to give you a son one day or repay your kindness somehow.”

He grasped her hand and squeezed it gently. “You will. Now come, kiss me.”

She tilted her head back and when his mouthed moved over hers, she lost all thought. His kisses always consumed her. Sean’s hands caressed her body, and she let a moan rise from her throat. How she wished she were able to love him properly.

“Can we?”

Sean pulled back and grinned. “I wish we could, but you’re still healing. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’ve heard there are ways … Some of the women in court did things, and of course I heard their discussions. You should’ve heard their boasts. They were quite detailed and I vow it would’ve made men blush for they were verily wanton. Their descriptions were vivid.”

“What things are you speaking of?” his voice gruff, and deepened with incredulity.

“Akin to what you did to me.
Only I would be doing it to you.”

Sean looked as though he’d choked a bird for his eyes widened. She noticed the knot in his throat rise an inch as he swallowed.

“You would do that?”

She laughed and smacked his arm. “Aye, you did it to me and it is only fair that I get to do it to you. Now stay still. Tell me what you like.” Frances took to her knees, unclasped his belt, and pulled at his tartan until it came loose. With a toss, it fluttered to the floorboards. She removed his braises and smoothed her hands along his muscled thighs.

“You, I like you.”

His words made her blush. “Sean, you really are lovely.”

He grinned. “I am not lovely …”

Frances chuckled at his outrage. She was hesitant because although she’d perceived what the women at court did, she wasn’t too sure how to go about it. But from her experience when Sean kissed her there, it couldn’t be too difficult and likely not much different.

She continued to caress him until he began moaning. With as much courage as she could gather, she set her mouth on his hard length and licked him. He almost bolted off the bedding. She settled him with a hand to his abdomen and grinned for she verily enjoyed having control over him.

Frances kept moving her mouth on his erection, and then took it in and let him thrust until he was delirious with desire. His entire body began shaking, and she knew he was close to reaching climax.

“Do you like that?”

His response came in a garbled moan. She took him in hand and set her lips over the tip. Her mouth tightened around him and he groaned and jerked away. Lost in his peril, Frances sat back and smiled at what she’d done to him.

As he came down from the euphoria, Frances kept touching him, soothing his restlessness. “You really are beautiful, Sean, for I cannot cease touching or looking at you.”

Sean finally found his voice.
“Aye? I’ve been called many things, Frances, but beautiful or lovely was never used. If you weren’t hurting, I’d fuck you so hard, and have you in the same predicament I’m in.”

She grinned, thinking of it. “I so wish.”

“Soon, love, soon.” Sean pulled her into his arms. “Come, rest. We have a busy day on the morrow.”

Frances closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep, but she was unable to. Her husband, on the other hand, fell right to sleep, and the sound of his breathing comforted her. She noticed the slight smile upon his lips.

Throughout the night, she lay there musing over all the things she had to do the next day. A list formed in her mind. She also thought about the happenings and grew melancholy that they hadn’t found the culprit yet. That worried her. Someone was wreaking havoc on their shire and hurt defenseless women.

How she wanted to bring justice to her friends’ deaths. They had yet to find Sabine or Reina’s bodies, but she knew in her heart that the lassies were dead. If not they would have found them by now. But Frances had no means to find this perpetrator and hoped the Gunn Guardsmen, who were on their way, might help.

Sean hadn’t broached the subject with her since Rafe’s visit, and she thought he was trying to keep her from despair. It wasn’t working and she’d inform him of that.

As dawn crept in the window casement, lighting the fabric covering the stone arch, she decided she may as well rise and assist Mistress Ina with the morning fare. Mayhap she would make Sean and Ermintrude a special meal this morn in celebration of Michaelmas.

Frances carefully moved off the bed without waking Sean and hastened to dress. She chose her best gown and when she’d opened the wardrobe saw the green gown Master Stephen made for her. Her eyes flowed tenderly over the green material, and she lovingly ran her fingers over the beads in the bodice, thinking of Winifred, and the day she’d given them to her.

She couldn’t wait to wear it and would do so at the feast of Michaelmas that would be served later that day. Frances shook herself from her reverie, and pulled the dark blue gown over her head and slipped her feet into her worn slippers, the ones she wore when inside the keep. Later, she would return and change into warm boots for the basket deliveries.

Now ready, she turned back and saw that Sean still slept. It was rare that she rose before him and adoringly, she watched him sleep. His beautiful face was peaceful and would that she could kiss him. But she didn’t want to wake him and left the side of the bed.

Frances reached the door and walked through it without looking on the other side. She bumped into something hard and drew in a gasp. When she turned, she bumped into another hard body and yelled out. As she turned and twisted through the mass of men standing in the hallway, she fell and landed on her rear.

Looking up at them, her eyes widened. They all started speaking and once and Frances stared in complete rapture.

That’s when she heard Sean.

“What the hell is going … on?” He grumbled under his breath several expletives and shoved two of the men out of his way. “Cosh move aside!” he shouted at them. “Frances, are you all right?” He picked her up, carrying her in his arms.

Her eyes widened at the behemoths standing in the hallway and realized who they were. Sean wasn’t the least bit concerned with their presence. The men stood smiling without saying anything and started to cheer when Sean moved into their chamber and slammed the door in their faces.

Frances laughed when he set her on her feet. “The Gunns I presume?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Sean waited patiently for Frances outside one of the crofter’s cottages. She’d taken in a basket and spent several minutes speaking with the man’s wife. He met a good many people during their morning trek, and couldn’t for the life of him remember most of their names. Some he’d met at the celebration. But as he’d get to know them, he was sure to recall.

Frances exited the cottage and took another basket from him. He still held one and they were at least getting lighter with each one she took away. She knocked at another cottage next to the crofter’s, and an old woman answered. Her hair turned white with her years, and she was well long-in-the tooth.

Sean was apprehensive about letting Frances out of his sight, but the old woman seemed harmless. Frances went inside her cottage and was in there a good amount of time. So much so that he grew worried and knocked at the door.

After Frances bid the woman a good day, she stepped out and approached him.

“I’m sorry I took overlong. The woman is aged, and I straightened her cottage a little. She liked to talk too and told me stories of her younger years. She knew Lord William when he was wee and had been his nurse.”

“No need to explain. I worried because … well, you know.”

She grasped his hand and led him away. “Aye, I see it on your face. As long as I’m with you, I am safe. I must see to it that someone comes and helps Mistress Anne, for she’d done many years of service at the keep and we should repay her kindness.”

“I agree. We should have a few more lassies help Mistress Ina too at our keep.”

Frances flashed a smile. “You are so good to our clan. Once they get to know you, they’ll accept you.”

“They’ve already begun to. I believe that is
your doing?”

Frances grinned and linked her arms with his.
“Mayhap. I did mention it to Stephen, the miller, when I’d gone there to have my gown made. He assured me that he would tell the clan about you, and that I was happy being married to you.”

“Are you?” He stopped and gazed into her eyes, they’d softened, and the green hue of them seemed to sparkle.

“Verily I am. Need you ask?” she untwisted her arm and shoved his shoulder. “But if ye keep putting me off in our chamber, I will have to wonder if you are pleased with me.”

Sean shook his shock away and laughed. “Oh? This night I will have you and you’ll be sorry you ever said that.”

“What prey tell will you do with me?” Frances giggled when his eyes widened.

“Frances, you, my love, are verily wicked. I plan to make you shake and whither and …” Sean groaned and closed his mouth, his lips firm. “I cannot discuss this right now for it makes me hard just thinking …”

“It sounds utterly delightful.”

They reached the last cottage along the lane, where Alvin stayed, to discard the last of the baskets. When he didn’t answer, they left the basket by the door. Sean had been told of the lad and wanted to meet him, but that would have to wait another day.

It took all day, but at last their task was done. Finally, they were empty handed. It helped that he’d had Jacob and James deliver some of them at the other end of the village.

As they walked the lane toward the castle, he took her hand and relaxed their pace. Being alone with her, he wanted to take as long as he could in returning. He’d yet had time to discuss the recent dilemmas with his laird and Gunn guardsmen.

As soon as he’d left his bed this morn, Frances had him out attending to their duty. He really didn’t mind, and truth be told, if he’d stayed and entertained his friends, he’d be waylaid with questions – mostly about his wife and his recent matrimony.

The jests would be flying akin to a broken sail if they’d been able to detain him. Luckily, he was able to avoid Grey, Duff, Kenneth, and Colm, and snuck out of the back of the keep. Sean chuckled to himself.

“What is so humorous?”

He gazed at his wife, not really wishing to share his thoughts.
“Nothing, just thinking of my friends. I must attend them when we return.”

“We’ll have a good supper this night. Mistress Maddie has prepared a grand feast for Michaelmas. I deem we’ll dine like kings.”

Sean squeezed her hand. “Good because I’m starved.”

“When are you not?” She laughed at his affronted gaze.

“’Twas your fault, for you drug me out of the keep before I could eat my morning fare.”

Frances reached inside the seam of her overdress and pulled out an apple. “I’m sorry, my husband, here.”

He took it from her and immediately set about eating the apple. Before he’d take a third bite, she kissed him, and licked some of the juice from his lips. Sean groaned, thinking it the sexiest thing she’d ever done. Well mayhap not.

They reached the outer wall of the keep, and Sean stopped to have a word with the gatekeeper. He’d put Cam, one of the guardsmen he trusted, in charge since he’d taken Benson inside the keep. “The gates need to be kept closed. If anyone comes, I want to be notified immediately. Let none enter.”

“Aye, my lord. We’ll close the gates now. You heard him lads.” Cam rang the bell and several lads came running to turn the crank to lower the iron gate.

“Are you expecting trouble?” Frances asked.

He shook his head. “Nay, but with all the dangers of late, I want no one within except for those who belong.”

“Who do you think poisoned me?
Someone within the clan?”

Sean stopped in his tracks and turned to her. “I wish I knew. But nay, I cannot think of any clan member who would want to harm you. Someone was here the night of the celebration and went unnoticed. That person blended in, Frances, and had full run of the keep. I want to ensure you have a fine time this eve with no worry over it.”

“I do too, but I shall worry regardless.” She tugged his sleeve. “Come, let us meet your clansmen. I wonder why you wouldn’t introduce me this morn.”

Sean laughed, for if she knew his clansmen, she wouldn’t ask that.

They entered the keep and Sean drew her in his arms. “Love, before we go in …”

“Why are you dawdling? I am certain I’ll like your clansmen, Sean, if that is what is worrying you.”

“Nay, it’s not that. I just want to kiss you.” His lips gentled over hers, and he became consumed by the movement of hers.

The kiss grew heated, so much so that he wanted to carry her to their chamber so he could have his way with her.
For it had been too long since they’d made love. And the image of her mouth doing those wondrous things to him last eve was enough to send him to pieces.

Someone tapped his shoulder and Sean drew slightly away from the lips that haunted his daydreams.

“I vow they will not give us a moment alone together,” he whispered against her lips.

Frances hugged him, and looked over his shoulder. “Hello.”

Grey appeared amused for all of two seconds before he pulled him away from Frances. “Sean, you’re being insolent. Aye, it’s time you met with us and told me what’s happening. Why you sent for Gordy. And who this lovely lady is.”

“I shall check the kitchens and see to the feast. I’ll join you soon,” Frances said, and left him.

He watched her walk away and then turned his attention back to Grey. “I’m glad you’re here. But why’d you come? I only wanted Gordy to come so he could trail this man I suspect of wrongdoing.”

“I wanted to see how you fared here. Your missive only stated you would be staying and when James didn’t return … What wrongdoing?”

Sean led him to the hall, passing by the slumbering Davy. He nodded at the two soldiers who stood at the bottom of the stairs and by the entrance, and was comforted by the knowledge that Benson stood outside his chamber door above stairs.

Once inside the hall, he was met with grins and stares from his comrades.

“James tells us you wed,” this came from Duff, the most formidable of the Gunn guardsmen.

“Indeed, he does not jest. I cannot say I’m displeased for I’m wed to the
most bonny woman.” Sean wasn’t amused by the stares from his comrades.

“Bring drinks, for we’ll toast Sean,” Grey said. When the hall’s serving lad hastened to hand everyone a tankard, and after all were filled to the rim, Grey raised his cup. “To Lord
William, and his matchmaking skills.”

“To Lord William,” they all chanted in unison.

Colm and Kenneth laughed when Sean shook his head in objection of his laird’s words.

“Laird, you interfered again, didn’t you?”

Grey didn’t look one bit contrite. “Who me? Suffice it to say, William did cue me in on his wishes. We spoke at length during a treaty meeting years ago. I knew what he planned.”

“Why didn’t you mention it to me?”

His laird chuckled. “Why stir the pot? You were set in your ways, Sean, and wouldn’t have accepted William’s gift.”

“Did you know about the betrothal?” Sean glared, but he couldn’t stay ireful with his longtime friend and cousin.

“Nay, I didn’t, but you seem happy. Are you?”

Sean’s answer came in a grin. All the men around the table lifted their cups again.

“To Lord William’s matchmaking,” they shouted in unison.

Sean clasped Kenneth’s hand, and looked at the face of his esteemed friend. He’d missed him and saw that he looked well. “How are Elisa and Michael?” He was mollified by the name Kenneth had chosen for his son. Kenneth had named him after Grey’s father, Laird Michael. The man’s legacy was renowned and each and every
guardsmen owed their laird’s father their eternal fealty.

“Elisa is well and sends her love. My son grows fast. I had to come along with Grey when he said he was visiting you. Besides, he said there was some evil afoot.”

“You know how we enjoy the fray. Aye, a good mystery spiked our interest,” Colm said.

“Aye, well, we’ve a good one for I don’t know who to suspect.” Sean sat at the table and his clansmen took to the benches and chairs around. He related the happenings and during his tirade, his friends said not a word. “…
which is why I’ve asked Gordy to come because he can look into the two men and their business.”

“Duff and I will look into the Lombard lord,” Colm said and rose.

Sean motioned for him to sit. “On the morrow, will be soon enough to begin. If you,” he said to Kenneth, “and James will look into Sir John’s doings. He’s away right now, but you can find out what he was up to and his dealings.”

His comrades agreed, and they’d begin their interrogation the next day. They spent the next hour catching up on news, and then several Hume clansmen and women began making their way inside the hall for the feast. Sean invited the families of those who tended the keep and some of the soldiers who he’d relied on of late to join them.

He grew anxious to see Frances and wondered why she took so long. When she didn’t come as the meal was being set on the table, he left the hall to go in search of her.

Upon entering their chamber, his breath caught. The sight of her stiffened him to a state of a lad seeing a faerie. His eyes soaked in the beauty before him. Her gown shimmered and the jewels at the bodice drew his eye. He so wanted to touch the skin there. The green fabric matched her eyes, just as he thought it would. Never had he seen a woman look so garbed.

“You look ravishing.”

“Oh, Sean, I didn’t hear you come in. I was just coming down.” She headed to the door, when he pulled her into his arms.

“I don’t want to share you with the others with you looking so bonny.” He got his wish and instead of touching the skin by the jewels, he slid his lips along the flesh of her bosom.

She gasped and smacked his hand away when he ran his forefinger along the seam. “You are wicked, but I love it.”

He sighed. “Come then. We’ll go and entertain. But this night, I vow, my lady, you will be writhing beneath me … without the gown.”

She laughed and walked ahead of him. He closed their door and followed her to the hall. When she entered, his clansmen all ceased talk, as he knew they would.

Then they erupted into a chaos of questions.

“Has Sean been a good husband?” Calm asked.

“I deem he’s been dour, hasn’t he?” Duff said, and laughed boisterously. “He’s always sullen when he’s in a mood.”

“Aye, he has been a good husband, and nay, he hasn’t been dour, at least, not around me.” Frances took her seat near his at the head of the table and smiled.

“I deem I know why, just looking at you … I don’t expect he’s been sullen at all,” Kenneth said.

“Lady Frances, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Grey, and these are the guardsmen, Duff, Colm, Kenneth, and you know James.”

“I’m glad you’ve all come. It will be a comfort to have you here.”

As the night wore on, stories abounded, and Sean sat back and enjoyed the revelry and Frances’ amusement. She appeared to hang on every word Kenneth bespoke about his wedding to Elisa. Sean would’ve laughed aloud when she insisted Kenneth swear that Sean hadn’t loved Elisa. He’d have to tell her she needn’t worry about that. She didn’t realize he listened closely to their conversation.