A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (3 page)

He waved to a few of the clansmen as he made his way and saw the remnants of the celebration being cleared away. Several fire pits were still erected. By noon no one would be able to tell they’d had a celebration.

The hall was noisy when he entered. Grey’s children ran around the large hall playing with the small sacks brought as gifts the last time they went trading. One of the heavy sacks flew at him, and he caught it, and tossed it back to the lad named after his brother, Greer. The wee lad even looked akin to his brother with his lanky body and dark hair.

His sister was his opposite. Aye, Grace’s light hair and profound blue eyes would indeed cause Grey troubles later when she became interested in men. Thankfully that wouldn’t happen for many years to come.

Then he spotted Sunny, his winsome niece. Her curly hair stuck out, for she must have just retreated from her bed. He smiled and waved at her. She belonged to Greer, but because he had no means to care for a bairn, Grey and Bree had taken her in and raised her. His niece had grown and now stood as high as his waist.

Sean took his seat at the table and noticed the look of pain on Grey’s face.

“Imbibe a wee too much last eve?” he asked, jesting.

“Nay, I only had one cup of brew. It’s not that.” Grey scowled at the parchment he held and didn’t elaborate.

“Then why do you appear cross?” Sean didn’t like the look his friend wore and it concerned him. There were only a handful of times when he’d seen that expression—none of them ever good.

“I received a missive bearing disheartening news.” Grey set the parchment on the table and pressed his fingers against his temples.

“What troubles you?”

Duff and Colm entered the hall and distracted him when they shoved each other so they could sit in the best seat — the one in front of the tray of sweet cakes. Sean poured himself a cup of ale and grinned at the banter between his friends.

“Let go, ye blighter,” Duff said, trying to pull Colm from the table. “Or by God I’ll break your arm.”

“I was here first,
find another seat,” Colm said, grunting at the strain of thwarting Duff.

They continued to bicker over who entered first and who should have the right to sit in the prime location. As they fought, James arrived and took the seat from them. Duff tried to pry him out of it but to no avail.

James held fast to the massive, heavy table. Duff and Colm lost out and Sean chuckled at their disgruntlement.

“If you’ve no messages to relay to the McInnish, Laird, I’ll be on my way.”

Grey didn’t reply and kept his gaze on the parchment.

Colm grabbed a hunk of bread and with a wave, he headed for the door.

“I’ve news that concerns you, Sean,” Grey said sternly, calling his attention, and to his wife, he said, “Take the children up stairs.”

All ceased talking and looked at their laird, given the severity of his voice. Bree gave him a sorrowful gaze and ushered the children to the upper floor.

The hall now emptied except for Grey and the guardsmen. He waited for him to continue, but his laird didn’t seem to want to reveal the news.

Sean’s interest now piqued because he didn’t like the tone Grey used or the demeanor he presented. “Me? What concerns me?”

“Lord William, the Hume, wrote to you. I took liberty and read the missive.”

Sean hadn’t heard that name in a long time. “Why would he write me? I haven’t seen the man since I was
wee, when my mother went to visit him.” He had a minor remembrance of it since he’d only been about five.

Speaking of the event made him think of his parents who died from sickness after his father returned from a trading mission, shortly after that visit to the border. Several Gunn men and their families succumbed that year. He’d been fortunate to have Grey’s father, the laird at the time, and his uncle, take him in and raise him as one of his own.

James said, “Is Lord William your mother’s brother, the one who banished her from his clan?”

Sean nodded.
“Aye, the one and same. He lives by the border and is probably an English supporter. I’ll have nothing to do with the Sassenach.”

“We don’t know that, Sean. Many by the border support either side when there is benefit or cause,” Grey said, waving the missive. “I believe Hume sides with Scotland.”

“My mother and he had a falling out when he didn’t approve of her marriage. Don’t know why he’d be interested in contacting me though.” He dismissed it, and took a large spoonful of pottage and added it to his bowl. The scent waffled to his nose and he couldn’t wait to taste it, for certain Bree had spiced to perfection.

“I deem you might want to read this.” Grey pushed the parchment toward him. “He sent it a few months ago and it now just reached you. Seems the messenger had trouble crossing our neighbor’s lands and reverted the long way around.”

“The messenger should’ve just thrown it in the fire and saved himself the time and trouble. I’ve no interest in reading it.” Sean frowned at the parchment as though it were poisonous.

Grey pounded his fist on the table. “He went through all that trouble to get a message to you, the least you can do is read it.
Cosh you’re a stubborn arse.”

Sean swiped it from the table and began reading:

‘Nephew, I behoove ye. Attend me at the soonest for I have urgent matters, dear lad, and must speak with you. Please come as soon as you can arrange it. There is much we need to discuss. Yours – William Hume’

Sean felt himself stiffen while reading the words. He scowled at the parchment so fiercely he could verily set it on fire. His heated gaze then looked to Grey, hoping he could explain why a man he hadn’t seen since he was barely out of swaddling clothes would want to see him.

“Will you go?” James asked.

“Hell no.”

“I think you should, Sean. Hume is an important man and has influence with the king and English court. Mayhap he needs your help.”

His scowl grew fiercer.
“My help? Why would I want to help him? After what he did to my mother, he dare asks for me to attend him? I care not that he has influence with the king or with the English court. None of that matters to me. He should ask someone who gives a shit for aid.”

No one spoke and Sean dismissed the conversation. The last thing he wanted was to get involved with the Hume clan. He had no cause or need to reinsert himself in their clan, he had his own.

The Gunns were more important to him and the only family he needed or wanted. His loyalty was already taken.

Sean refilled his bowl with the delicious pottage Bree made and began spooning in mouthfuls. As hungry as he was, he’d likely eat three bowls before he left to attend his duty.

“There’s no reason why you shouldn’t at least meet him,” Grey said.

“You won’t let this go will you?” Sean finished off the pottage, sated and felt much better. His stomach groaned from the brew he’d drunk the night before. And now his head began pounding, but that wasn’t caused by the drink.

“I won’t need you for some time. There’s nothing happening around here. I will have Duff send the most seasoned guardsmen to the keep to add to our protection, if that is your concern? Besides, I was going to add additional guards and give you, James and Colm time off.”

“It is a concern and I’m glad you’re considering it. Still, it doesn’t make me feel right leaving you here with inadequate protection. I’ve my duties and nothing will detain me from them.” Sean needed to come up with some excuse.

“I give you leave. Go and find out what the man wants.” Grey leaned forward, trying to intimidate him with a look that meant he should take heed. “I met Hume a few times at council meetings by the border. He looked to be a fair man. From our discussions, he led me to believe he’s in full support of our king. Even so, he’s your only family, Sean. You cannot dismiss this without a thought.”

“He is not my family and I sure as hell can,” he said, and was about to rise when James stopped him.

“What if I go with you? You don’t need us, Grey, and Sean could use the support on the journey. We’ll go, see what he wants, and return within a week, fortnight at the most.”

Sean was about to protest, but Grey stood and said, “Then it is settled. You will leave on the morrow. That’s an order.”

He’d be dejected leaving his beloved home, but there was nothing he could do. Sean was not one to blatantly scoff at or ignore a command.

CHAPTER THREE

Frances rode through the village adjacent to the lands where she lived, wishing her homecoming was more jubilant. She loved the old castle and the eccentric servants her uncle employed. This was definitely not the joyous return she envisioned.

The villagers had closed their windows and none were out attending to their daily tasks. At this time of day the village should be bustling with people selling and buying wares. Forlornly, she wondered if her uncle had succumbed and the villagers were already mourning. She hoped not, because she dearly wanted to say goodbye and hoped she had made it in time.

After riding the lengthy lane that led to her home, the dank, foreboding castle came into view. Her heart swelled with love. Even though it was old and drafty, she cherished it. Within minutes, she would find out if the news was devastating.

As she passed through the gate, she noticed the courtyard and buildings along the trail to the castle vacant. Except for the guardsmen posted at the gatehouse and in the bailey, all hid. Frances left her palfrey at the door, knowing the guard would bring her satchel and other belongings inside.

“My lady, I’ll take care of unpacking. Go and see him,” Jacob, the keep’s steward, said.

She nodded and was thankful he’d come to deliver the message in Edinburg. With Jacob along on the journey home, she needed not worry about protection.

“Thank you, Jacob, and for your protection as well.”

Frances hastily entered the castle and stood listening to the ominous silence.

The castle windows, what little there were, were covered with fabrics. A darkened abode met her and she stood wary to move forward. The old castle’s musty scent engulfed her. She listened for sounds, but none came. Frances took the stairs and the old wood creaked beneath each step.

Outside her uncle’s chamber door, she waited, drawing in an apprehensive breath. Determined, she opened the door and saw the healer and two nuns from a nearby abbey standing at his bedside. When she approached, she expected to find him barely hanging on to life.

William yanked the cup from the healer and tossed it aside onto the floor. “I will not drink that vile remedy. I must have my mind clear. Ah, Fancy, you arrived. Come closer, dearest. The rest of you can leave. Be gone, ye vile women.”

Frances felt the stirring of smile, for her uncle’s brashness was still there within his demeanor. The three women left the chamber hastily and quietly closed the door.

“You really shouldn’t be unkind, Uncle, they are trying to help you.”

“Bah, trying to help me meet my maker before I’m ready.”

“What ails you? You don’t look as though you’re dying. Did you speak a falsehood?” Frances leaned closer to get a better look at him and she felt his head for fever. His head was cool to the touch.

“When have I ever told a falsehood? I am dying. I told the healer I had a wee bit of life left in me and business to tend to. She wants me drugged with cowbane and unconscious. Nay, I say! I will stay awake until the very end.”

She tucked the coverings around him, and refrained from smiling. “Can I get you anything? What can I do to make you comfortable?”

He patted the bedside. “Sit, for I’ve something to say.”

She did as he requested, and sat on the edge of the bedding. “What is so important? I am gladdened that you called me home. I sent a missive off to you only yestermorn asking for an escort. The queen released me of my duty. I was tiring of Edinburgh.”

“I knew as much, lass. Aye, you didn’t want to go, but I am happy you did. The queen bid you to come in service to her … and we could not gainsay her. Besides, ye were only existing here and not living. You’ve been like a daughter to me, Fancy.” He took her hand and gently squeezed it. “Your father, my comrade, would have been proud of
ye.”

She sensed the weakness of his fingers and noticed how dull his eyes had become. Lord William always was spry and had bright eyes. He loved life and often teased her and called her Fancy. She’d never heard such an endearment before, but he’d said he called her that because she was elegant. He’d compared her to a graceful hall, which gleamed with candles and the finest household items.

Frances laughed at his comparison, for she was vastly the opposite. She was plain and no way resembled anything so grand. But William said she wasn’t plain and wasn’t unnoticeable. She was Fancy.

“You always become melancholy when you speak of my father. I don’t want you to be so. You’ll tire yourself. If you’re really not dying, we can speak on the morrow. I shall tuck you in for a nice rest.” She kissed his forehead and was about to exit his chamber, but he took hold of her wrist.

“Nay, Fancy, please stay. Now that you’re home, we should speak. I’ve betrothed you.”

She gasped, surprised by his admission. “You have?
To whom?” Several men’s names came instantly to mind and she held her breath hoping not to hear any of them.

“I don’t want
ye to be alone after I die. I know how you feel about marriage after what happened to your beloved Robert, but you can’t be alone. I cannot leave ye unprotected.”

“I still miss him,” she said forlornly.

Her uncle gave her a gentle smile. “You miss the ideal of him. Och ye must move on, lass. There are other fine men who would make a good husband. I vow you’ll find your betrothed handsome and worthy, a more honorable man does not exist.”

“I’m accustomed to being alone now and it doesn’t bother me.” Frances enjoyed the freedom of not having to answer to a husband, even if she still had to follow her uncle’s orders. Everyone’s ministrations were to wed her off.

“I cannot be at peace until I know you’re safe and cared for.”

His words sunk her heart. Putting it like that, how could she not see reason? She nodded firmly, conceding to his will, once again. “Uncle, why did you not write and tell me of this? You never keep secrets from me.”

“I didn’t want you to dwell on it. If I’d told ye, would you have returned so hastily?”

She shrugged her shoulder in answer.
“Mayhap not. I jest, Uncle, for I certainly would have returned. Ermintrude is here.”

“Aye, your sweet daughter missed you and has grown. Have ye seen her?”

Frances raised her brows. “Nay, I came to see you first. Cease dawdling, Uncle, and tell me who you betrothed me to. I’m beginning to think you’re delaying the telling.”

“I wrote to him months ago and surely he’s received my missive by now. My hope is he arrives before I meet my maker. If not it shall still be done …”

“Uncle! Please, cease dawdling.” Frances swore her heart stopped beating, waiting for his answer.

“He is my daughter’s son, my nephew. You shall wed into the family as your father and I wished.”

“You never spoke of this.” She wondered if indeed he was being deceitful.

“Aye, we made plans to betroth the two of you when you were bairns, but with what happened … I didn’t deem he would agree to wed
ye and so I betrothed ye to Robert. What a blunder that turned out to be.” William closed his eyes, his breath slowing, becoming harsh.

Frances touched his face, his prickly whiskers growing since he’d been bedridden. “I wouldn’t say blunder, for it gave me Ermintrude. You never mentioned a nephew. Is he a good man?”

William opened his eyes and nodded. “Aye, he is. We’re estranged, but I saw him a few times. He’s grown into a fine man. I fear I’ve done him wrong, Fancy, and I couldn’t make the wrong right until now.”

“Why is he angry with you? What did you do to cause such disdain? I cannot fathom it because you’re the kindliest man I know.” Frances didn’t like where the conversation was headed.

“He may be angry, och I hope to set it right. I’ll only speak of my ill-deed with him, lass. I’ve been corresponding with the Gunn chieftain about him for years. His laird knew I would eventually send for him. I saw my nephew a few times when his laird came for meetings here by the border. He’s honorable, strong, capable and devoted.”

She exhaled a garish breath.
“All that? You speak highly of him.”

“A finer man you could not find. I want you to wed him. It is my dying wish, Fancy. You won’t disappoint me, will you, lass?” His eyes grew dark, imploring her.

She wanted to protest, but her uncle had never been wrong in his assessment of others. If he thought the man worthy then she would believe him. “I don’t wish to disappoint you, Uncle. Shall I meet him before the wedding? I feel as if I’m dishonoring Robert.”

“Robert would not wish
ye to be unhappy. You’ve mourned him longer than you should, aye longer than convention. You’re young and should be wedded.” William tried to clasp her hand, but he was weakening. “I hope he comes soon, Fancy. You will wed as soon as he arrives. It must be done hastily and in secret. None must know until after I depart.” He gasped, taking in an uneasy breath.

“You’re upset. I won’t have you worrying yourself. You rest and we’ll speak of this again.” She patted the covering and then touched his face in farewell.

“I am tired, lass. Aye, let me rest for a wee bit. Promise to come and see me this eve.”

“We’ll dine together and can continue our discussion. I’ll return later,” she agreed, and left him to his slumbering.

Outside his chamber, the healer and nuns awaited. They reentered the room with her nod. She was glad to have them there watching over him even though the healer was known to be antiquated when it came to healing methods.

Frances couldn’t wait to see Ermintrude and hastened to the end of the hall. She threw open the door to the nursery and saw her sitting on the floor playing with a small white cat.

“My heart!”

“Momma, you’re here!” Ermintrude ran and threw herself in her arms.

Frances barely caught her with the force of her hug. She breathed in the scent of her sweet baby and rocked her. “I missed you so very much.”

“I have a cat.”

She knelt on the flooring, contentedly holding the wee lass in her arms. With a pet to the cat’s head, she heard her daughter’s giggle. “So I see.”

“Her name’s Libby. Uncle William gave ‘
er to me.”

Frances wiped a happy tear from her face. Joy came at being reunited with her child. Her fingers stroked the long sable tresses falling at her daughter’s back. “You must have been such a good lass for him to give you a cat.”

“Oh, aye, Momma. I was good. You’re home.” She set her small arms around her neck and hugged her tight.

“I am.”

Ermintrude sniffled. “Are ye going away again?”

“Oh nay, my heart.
I’m here to stay.”

She picked up her cat and held it in an awkward position, beneath its forearms.
“Promise?”

“I do promise. Now I must go and change for supper. I will see you before then.”

Her daughter’s focus was caught by the cat that bounded to the other side of the chamber when it was freed. There was no way to compare with a lively cat to hold a four-year-old’s attention.

Frances nodded to Alice, the young maid who oversaw the nursery. The tall lanky
lass was the daughter of Stephen and Mattie, who also worked at the keep and village. Stephen was the village miller and made the best garments, and his wife, Maddie, became the keep’s cook.

Alice appeared older looking than when she’d last seen her. Her eyes seemed bluer and her dark, almost black hair, much longer. She was a striking lass and one that had to have the village lads vying for her hand.

“Hello, Alice, I thank you for taking such good care of Ermintrude. She looks well.”

“Oh, I was happy to, my lady. She’s grown hasn’t she? I’ve had to let out her garments twice since ye left.”

She nodded. “I believe she has. You’re getting big, Ermintrude, and likely outgrowing your garments daily. Soon you’ll be a lady.”

Ermintrude snickered. “Aye then I can wear gowns like ye and Alice.”

“You certainly will. I must go and change now. I will see you soon.” Frances closed the door behind her and stood in the hallway, tears gathering in her eyes.

Some of the tears were happy, but most sad. She wondered if Robert would have loved their child. Would he have minded a daughter or would he have been disappointed? She couldn’t bear to think of him and shook the despondent thoughts away.

She reached her chamber and after closing the door, she looked lovingly at her surroundings. This was her domain, the place she felt the safest, the place where she could be herself and do as she pleased.

“It’s good to be home,” she said aloud.

She released a relieved sigh to be home and began unpacking her satchel. When she had gotten to the rest of her belongings, she noticed a satchel which didn’t belong to her. It was made of black leather and looked to be sturdy and of fine craftsmanship. She considered one of the guardsmen must have delivered it to her chamber by mistake. With that thought, she carried it to the lower level and found Davy, the castle’s main caretaker, and explained what happened.

The man nearly blind from age probably didn’t realize it wasn’t hers. But he cackled a laugh and pointed to one of the guards who had ridden with her. “Not my responsibility, my lady, to bring baggage to your chamber.”