Highlander's Challenge (27 page)

257

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"That's a first," she quipped.

Chuckling beneath his breath, he hurried from her chamber. She would get well. No woman with a fighting spirit as strong as hers would let death take her easily. 258

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

Morning crept upon him. Colin was tired beyond belief, having spent the night searching for his cousin. But she was nowhere to be found. Her absence proved her treachery. Wasn't it bad enough that he had someone trying to start a war, he had to have a jealous female attempting murder beneath his roof? He had not discounted Amelia's thoughts on his father's long illness either, but why would Maighread seek to harm him? He'd always been good to her, treated her as his own daughter.

The sight of Robert pacing fretfully at Aileen's door, made him pause. "How does she?" he asked.

"Your aunt willna let me in tae see her," he snapped then sighed heavily. "But she says she does as well as can be expected."

Colin nodded. "We will find Maighread, and she will pay for this treachery."

Robert nodded, obviously trying to control his temper. Colin knew how he felt, thoroughly and utterly useless. Elspeth had shooed Ian off hours earlier, and was determined to do the same to him. By Amelia's orders, no less. With heavy feet, he made his way to his own chamber hating the overwhelming sense of ineptitude. Halfway down the corridor, he was met by his father.

"Where is your guard, Da?"

"You're beginning to sound like Ellie, lad, with your fussin'

and such. I can take care of myself against a woman," 259

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

Douglas blustered, then calmed himself considerably. "And I was worried over Tuck and Aileen. How do they?"

"Robert says Aileen is doing as well as can be expected. As for the other, I dinnae know. Elspeth willna let me in tae see her." He chuckled halfheartedly. "Our guest has ordered me from her chamber."

His father laughed and slapped him on the back. "She has spirit, she does. But not tae worry. She'll recover. Now, let us fetch Robert from his watch and tend tae business." They had a guard bring the men from the dungeons to the great hall. He watched Robert closely, but noted no sign of recognition. His father, however, had a flash of memory, and knew one of the men from the raid he'd interrupted. The raid that had nearly taken his life.

"We didna do any reiving. 'Twas you, who were doin' the reiving," Robert argued.

His father jumped to his feet. "We didna touch a hair of your cattle before you ambushed us! I'll not have you spreading lies about the MacLeans."

Colin stepped between his father and Robert. "We need tae discuss this calmly." He nodded to the two men Amelia had caught. "And I think there lies the answers tae the riddle." The men paled considerably beneath their steely glares.

"I think that you'd best be telling us what you know," Colin said, his voice firm.

It wasn't long before they knew all.

The Campbells wanted both MacKenzies and MacLeans gone from the island. By pretending on more than one occasion to be either MacKenzies or MacLeans, they raided 260

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

the outlying farms. It was a nasty treacherous business, and all for the sake of a piece of rock. Its strategic position was like gold to them, and they were willing to do anything to have it.

"And is poisoning women part of your plan?" Colin demanded to know.

"We dinnae know anything of poison. I swear it," one man said.

He had them returned to the dungeon, then turned to his father. "'Tis no doubt in my mind that Maighread is behind the poisoning."

His father nodded, as did Robert.

"We must speak with MacKenzie. He must know of this," his father said. He looked to Robert. "You must go and tell him of this business, Robert. He should know of Aileen's illness as well."

"I'll not leave. My place is here. The laird placed her in my care and I'll not leave my post. I'll send a man with the news.

'Twas my intention at first light after seein' how she fared the night."

Elspeth appeared in the doorway. "Douglas, I must speak with you."

"'Twill have tae wait, Ellie. We've much tae discuss."

"I'm afraid it canna wait," she said.

"Amelia," Colin gasped, popping up from his chair, his heart pounding against his ribs.

Robert leapt to his feet at the same time and choked out a word. "Aileen."

261

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

His aunt cocked her head with one brow raised. "'Tis as I suspected."

They both rushed toward her, barking out questions, Colin demanding to know of Amelia, while Robert insisted she tell him of Aileen.

She held up her hands to silence them. "They are both a wee bit better, but time will tell." Leaning to the side, she peered around Colin to his father. "You see now, what we need speak of?"

His father rose from his chair. "That I do, love," his father said, walking up beside her and bussing her on the cheek. She blushed and gave him a reproachful grin. Colin's jaw fell lax. "Love?" he asked, stupefied to see his father behave in such a way. He'd been more than cordial to his aunt, wooing her, but love?

"Aye. Your aunt and I are tae be wed when this business with the MacKenzies is done. But now you've made it a sight more troublesome."

Colin pointed at his own chest. "Me? What have I done?

You canna possibly blame Maighread's insanity on me." His father chuckled, slipping his arm around Elspeth's thick waist. "You dinnae see the truth standing before you, lads?" Colin and Robert looked at each other, then back to Douglas. They both shook their heads, at a complete loss as to what he meant.

Douglas reached out and clasped Robert's shoulder. "Do you love Aileen true, lad? Now's the time tae speak your mind. It'll not go further than this room if that is your wish." Robert's mouth opened and closed like a codfish. 262

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Aye. I see that you do. And you, son. What of you and Tuck?"

Colin stared blankly at his father.

"I'm afraid you'll have tae be clearer, Douglas," Elspeth said with a small giggle.

"Aye," he sighed. "Here's the problem, lads. Colin was tae marry Aileen and join the clans. 'Twas agreed tae some time ago, but I see now that it wouldna be for the best." Colin shook his head. "What do you mean,
was
tae marry Aileen?"

"'Tis plain tae see that you love Tuck, while Robert here loves Aileen." He dropped his chin and peered at Colin from beneath his bushy brows. "'Twas not right tae ask you tae give up your own happiness when there are other ways tae make peace with a man. Especially now that we know 'tis not the MacKenzies who are our enemies." Colin swallowed hard. "But—"

His father shook his head. "You've found a woman you can love, and a marriage without love has little pleasure. I had hopes you would come tae care for Aileen, as I did your mother. But I can see now, 'tis not meant tae be." Moving to the hearth, Colin gripped the mantle. Not once that he could recall had he ever seen any overt affection between his parents. Not as he'd just seen between his aunt and his father. It was the way a strong laird had to be. He couldn't allow others to see his weaknesses, his heart. Had he been wrong all these years?

He turned back to his father, confused, bewildered, and struggling to grasp the small thread of hope. 263

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Your mother and I were happy, dinnae misunderstand me," his father said. "But we didna love one another." Douglas clasped his hand on Colin's shoulder. "I thank her for giving me such a fine son, but I'll not condemn you tae live out your life with a woman who isna in your heart." He chuckled and pulled Elspeth into his arms. "'Tis lovesick I am, but I mean what I say, son. As I see things, we can have three weddings, eh, love?"

"Douglas, let the lads at least do the asking first. You dinnae know the hearts of Aileen and Amelia."

"What?" he blustered. "They'd be foolish not tae take either of these braw, honorable lads tae wed."

"They're also verra ill," she argued. "They'll need time tae recover."

"Aye," he said with a sigh. "Robert, you'll send word tae MacKenzie of this Campbell business and of Maighread. We'll leave the wooing tae later, but mind you dinnae be draggin'

your feet, lads." He smiled at Elspeth. "'Tis a waste of valuable time."

Colin looked at Robert and Robert at him. Then they both bolted for the door. They ran neck and neck up the stairs in the wake of his father's laughter and Elspeth's fussing about disturbing the women. Neither of them paid her any heed. Barreling past Robert as he disappeared into Aileen's room, Colin burst through Amelia's door and hurried to her bedside. She'd fallen into a deep sleep, but shivered fiercely. Ignoring Fiona's sputtered protests, he slipped in behind her and cradled her against him as he'd done before, and she calmed somewhat.

264

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Colin MacLean, you'll march yourself out of here this instant," Elspeth fumed as she entered the room. "And while you're about it, you go and fetch that lad out of Aileen's chamber as well."

He ignored her as she continued to stare down at him with her stern frown and her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"We need tae change her shift and the linens," his aunt said, her voice softening. "You canna stay."

"I'll tend her," he said, wiping her damp brow and throat with a soft cloth.

"You'll do no such thing. 'Tis woman's work," she huffed.

"'Tis not seemly for you tae be here. Now, be gone with you."

"'Tis my fault this has befallen her. Blind, I was, tae Maighread's treachery. I'll not leave her. I canna," he said raggedly.

Elspeth sighed, her face twisting with her decision. "Verra well. But you'll turn your head or I'll be turning it for you." He nodded then lifted Amelia into his arms, coverlet and all, so they could change the linens. Sitting in the chair by the fire, he held her firmly in his lap. What would he do if she didn't survive? How could he bear to be without her now that he could have her?

He'd buried his feelings for so long that when his father opened the small door of hope, his heart exploded, no longer able to contain his love, his grief, his fears. No longer would he battle against a tide of emotion. He would still be strong, for the clan and for Amelia, but his strength would come from his heart instead of his duty.

265

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

Once the bed was made, he placed her against the bedding. He hesitated, not wanting to let her go, terrified he would never have her in his arms again. Straightening his spine, he turned and walked to the window, allowing Elspeth and Fiona to change her shift.

He watched the sun as it edged up into the sky. Would she wake, would she get better? The sound of her teeth chattering pained him. He wanted to turn around and hold her, care for her. His heart sank deep in his chest. But what if she didn't want him? He wasn't handsome like Ian. Lassies liked him well enough, but he lacked the fancy words and pretty compliments. He had the feet of a giant when it came to dancing, and knew little to nothing of wooing a woman. Assuming he'd marry Aileen or another of his father's choosing, he'd never thought to learn.

"Bless my soul," Elspeth gasped. He spun around, his thoughts momentarily overtaken by unknown fears. Gazing upon Amelia lying bare from the waist up, he noted one creamy breast bore a long jagged scar. It made him sick inside to think that she'd come so close to death before.

His aunt covered her quickly and settled her beneath the covers once more.

Placing a chair by the bed, he lowered his weary body into it and took her hand, rubbing it warmly between his.

"Come, Fiona," Elspeth said. "Let us see tae Aileen. I'll likely have the same battle with Robert as we've had here." The door closed silently behind them.

266

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Amelia," he whispered, rolling her name over his tongue for the first time, the taste of it as sweet as her kiss. He pressed his lips to her hand, and rested his head on the bed, his mind repeating prayer after prayer.

He dozed for a time, but awoke to her moaning and shifting restlessly. Tears slid down her cheeks as she tossed her head back and forth.

He gently stroked her brow. "Be still, mavourneen. 'Tis but a dream."

She sobbed softly. "Don't, Papa. Please," she cried. He scooped her up and moved to the large chair by the fire. Wrapping her tightly in the coverlet, he cradled her against him.

She calmed as he stroked her head and kissed her brow while he listened to the words of his heart. Feelings he'd never allowed himself to indulge in, words he'd never spoken to another living soul echoed loudly inside him, and yet he could not find the courage to voice them.

* * * *

Tuck opened her eyes and blinked several times before moving. She was sitting in someone's lap. A soft snore stirred the hair at her brow as she peered at the legs beneath her. She recognized those legs. They starred in every fantasy she'd had since she landed on the island. She bolted from MacLean's lap, clutching the blanket around her. He woke with a curse and lunged for her. She stumbled back onto the bed and he followed, sprawling on top 267

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

of her. Her loud complaint became a grunt at the unexpected weight.

Holding her to the mattress, he brushed his fingers across her brow and cheeks. His gaze searched her features, almost as if he couldn't believe she was real. But she had to get him away from her. The way he looked at her, and with his mouth so close she might not get through this odd encounter without grabbing the man and kissing the daylights out of him.

"MacLean, you either tell me why you're looking at me like that, or my knee's going to connect with your sporran." A slow grin eased over that exasperatingly wonderful mouth. "I never thought I'd be happy tae hear your sharp tongue."