Authors: Kara Griffin
A clearing ahead of them was the
perfect spot to take rest. Grey whistled low to Duff alerting him it was time
to stop. When he reached the clearing, he gently squeezed Bree’s arm to awaken
her.
“We’re going to take rest.” He
dismounted and helped her to her feet and held on to her for a few minutes
until she was steady enough.
“Keep watch, Duff.” Grey wanted to
reflect on these new problems and so he left the clearing.
* * *
Bree ached everywhere, even her head
hurt. There was no way to rub all the aches away. She sat next to a tree and
waited for Cait to join her. Cait stood by Duff and from her stance; she
appeared to be dallying with him. Bree would have laughed if she didn’t hurt so
much.
“God should put me out of my
misery,” she said to herself. “What were you saying to him?” she asked when
Cait approached.
“I was thanking him.”
Bree doubted that. “Thanking him,
huh? God be praised. Faith, you wanted to do more than that, Cait. You do not
fool me for a second. Do you find Duff attractive? He scowls all the time and
is cross. Surely the other man would be more amiable. James, that’s his name.
Aye, you’d do far better with him.” She laughed when Cait humphed.
Cait flopped down next to her
laughing. “I do find the more formidable man to my liking, even if he scowls at
me. He shan’t scowl at me in bed. Have ye ever seen a man so brawny? Aye, the
man has muscles everywhere. I felt his arms. Oh, and his eyes, they’re so light
blue. He’s verily handsome.”
Bree shook her head. She’d never
understand Cait’s ways. Why Cait enjoyed tarrying with such daunting men when
she could have a sweeter-natured man, bewildered her.
“I am a bit nervous about going to
the Gunn’s keep. Laird Gunn seems to think the MacHeths will come after me.
What if they decide to go back to the Champlain’s …”
“Oh, dear, you shouldn’t think of
them now. The baron has one of the largest armies in England. He has the king’s
protection and shan’t need your concern. You should just give over to the idea
the Gunn laird seems to like you.”
She tilted her head back and tried
to ease the tension in her neck. Nothing helped, even the firm massage she
worked into the knots. “He did kiss me.”
Cait moved closer and lowered her
voice. “Ah, he did, did he? And ye liked it?”
She drew an affronted breath. “How
can you ask that?” Cait rolled her eyes. “Aye, of course I liked it. You have
seen him, how could I not? He is a man who would take kissing most seriously.
Laird Gunn scares me a bit, but I confess I do like his power.”
“Bree, you are at liberty to make
your way in this world. Not many ladies are afforded such freedom. You should
take advantage of the lack of restrictions. If you like the Gunn laird, then
you should let him know. Ye be a bit shy for a powerful man like him. He’d want
a woman who could please him and knows what to do in bed. And I don’t deem
sleeping.”
Bree gave her an annoyed look. “I do
wish there was a kitchen close by. I think best when I am cooking.”
Cait laughed and shoved her
shoulder. “Well there it is. You actually like the man. I never thought I’d see
the day ye blushed like a true maid. Though you always stayed to yourself and
didn’t talk much to any of the men at the baron’s keep, except for your
precious Rhys.”
“I did kiss Rhys by the lake. He
didn’t return it though. Still, he kissed me goodbye, remember? The Gunn laird
is far more intimidating than Rhys. I don’t know how to behave around him.”
Bree felt her face heating. Surely this was not a discussion they should have
sitting among the trees in the woods with men nearby.
“I tell you all you have to do is be
coy. Your innocence is enough to wave the flags. Aye, mayhap if you accent-uated
your bosoms, he couldn’t help noticing. I have it on good authority most men
like ample bosoms. Just push them up like this …” Cait pressed her palms on the
underside of her breasts, raising them so cleavage showed at the top of her
overdress. Bree shoved her hand away.
“What in God’s name are you doing?
Pray, we should not discuss this here.” Bree was thankful Duff approached and
sat with them. Cait remained quiet on the subject of love or sex. Surely her
face turned crimson at what Cait had done.
“Milady, are ye hungry?”
“Nay, thank you, Duff. I ate
earlier. I fear I may never rise again as sore as I am.”
“Aye. You might want to get some
rest before we move on.”
She frowned. “Right here? I have no
tent. I cannot sleep in front of strangers.”
Duff scowled. “We don’t have time to
erect the tent, won’t rest long. I’m not a stranger, milady. I’m your laird’s
first in command. You’ll be safe, ‘tis my duty to protect ye. No harm will come
to you whilst I’m on watch. I promise ye that. Are you cold?”
She shook her head. If he thought
she’d sleep for one second in the company of a stranger, he’d be mistaken. Duff
surprised her when he removed his tartan and handed it to her.
“In case you get cold.” He gave a
look to Cait, who patted the ground next to her. But Duff didn’t seem
interested. He maintained his position and frowned at her.
“Where did Laird Gunn go?” she
asked, looking around to see if he’d returned.
“Went off to the wood. He oft does
when he needs to think. My laird has a lot on his mind,” Duff said.
“Oh, you mean me, do you not?” Bree
set the tartan around her and leaned against the tree.
“Aye, you most of all. I admit it
will be interesting to see what he does. I haven’t seen Grey so torn, not since
we were lads. About time he rejoined the living.” Duff nodded to James who
inclined his head in response.
“What is he torn about?” Bree asked.
“You. There’s uncertainty in his
eyes.” Duff shook his hand, releasing it from Cait’s hold.
Cait was being bold with him and he
didn’t seem to like it. She heard Cait giggle. Never one to back down, Bree was
sure Cait would win the battle with Duff. Eventually the man would have no
choice but to give in. She would get her way, one way, or another.
Bree wanted to discuss this. “What
uncertainty do you speak of, Duff? Have I put your clan in too much danger?
Mayhap the imposition is more than your laird desires. Does he not wish to honor
our bargain? Tell me now, and I’ll return whence I came.”
“Never that, milady. ‘Tis no
imposition to protect you. Grey would never dishonor your bargain. And ye
haven’t put us in danger. We have wanted to war with the MacHeths for years. If
they come to call, we will entertain them.”
“I don’t like this at all. What is
the uncertainty you speak of?”
James pitched a rock at the fire
he’d started. “The uncertainty is whether he can risk keeping you in fear of
losing you.”
“What kind of cryptic logic is that?
I never bargained for him to keep me.”
“But you’ll want to be kept by our
laird, milady. I promise ye.” James grinned at her and all Bree could think of
was the sadness she’d seen in Grey’s eyes.
“What is it that troubles him so?”
“’Tis not our place to speak of it.
Ask our laird, milady. He should be the one who tells it. But if Grey wants to
keep ye, best let him have his way.” James closed his eyes and dismissed the
conversation.
Duff settled himself on the other
side of James. He pulled his sword loose and set it upon his lap, all the while
giving an irritated gaze to Cait.
Bree never heard such horse-manure
in her life. Whatever troubled their laird should have nothing to do with her.
And if protecting her caused him grief, then he should have said so. Besides,
she wasn’t in the mood to agree with their reasoning. No one was keeping her.
CHAPTER six
Grey didn’t like to be kept waiting.
They weren’t well received at the Ross keep. Grey noticed the clan’s
distraction as he rode to the main building. Duff always drew attention, and
Grey couldn’t get past the thought that no one paid them any notice. Donal must
be raising hell for his clan to be so standoffish.
As soon as he reached the main
building, he helped Bree from the horse and left her with Duff, James, and her
maid. He strolled inside and told an attendant to let Donal know he was there.
While he waited, he paced the great hall, looking for any sign of anyone.
It was quiet. His footsteps sounded
on the wooden floor. Normally Donal’s hall filled with clan members and his
wife and children this time of day.
Donal came stomping into the room,
poured a drink, and downed it.
“Is that any way to greet your
guest?” Grey folded his arms and stood in a relaxed stance, waiting for his
notice.
“Damnation, the woman has done it
again!”
Grey raised an eyebrow, but didn’t
comment. He knew better than interrupt one of Donal’s tirades. Donal could go
on and on when he was angry about something.
Donal paced back and forth,
muttering under his breath, cursing in Gaelic and in English. He looked
infuriated about something, and from the sound of it, it involved his wife.
Grey wasn’t about to ask what troubled him.
“Adeline cannot go hunting whenever
she feels like it. For God’s sake, the woman just bore a child two months ago.
Have you ever heard of anything so …” Donal came to his senses and looked at
him curiously. “Grey, what are you doing here?”
“Finally noticed me?”
“I have much on my mind. What brings
ye here?”
“I’m passing through. Duff and my
company await outside. Can I bring them in now or do you want to shout a little
longer?”
“Was I shouting?” Grey nodded. “Aye,
I’m finished for now until that woman gets home and then I will raise the
damned rafters. Go and invite the rest of your party inside. It has been a
while since you visited. Doubt ye came for pleasantries. I want to hear about
this news of your abducting a MacHeth bride.”
Grey was about to move in the
direction of the entrance when he heard that. He should have known Donal found
out about what he’d been up to. The Ross sentry must have spotted them during
their travel. If they hadn’t taken rest the night before, they might have
reached Donal before he learned about what he’d done. He muttered a curse
before turning away.
“I will explain later, Donal.” He
went to get the rest of them to bring them inside. Duff grunted in greeting to
Donal, who smirked.
“Always happy to see ye, Duff. Aye,
your cheerful mien is welcome. Who have we here?” Donal stood and waited for
the ladies’ introduction.
One of his hounds came storming into
the hall and ran hell-bent at Bree. Grey tried to get to her before the hound
knocked her down, but the hound had a head start. Donal’s hound was huge, and
when he stood on his back feet, he was a head taller than Bree. She was knocked
off her feet and the hound licked her face. All he saw was her arms flailing
and then he heard her giggles.
“Get off her! Oh, I do apologize, my
lady, get out,” Donal shouted. “Out or I’ll feed ye to the wolves.” The hound
didn’t heed Donal’s threats.
Bree dug in her seam and brought out
a hunk of cheese. “He just wants a nibble. Here you are a nice treat for you.”
“Nay!” both he and Donal shouted.
She handed the hound the cheese and
he took it gently in his mouth. His tail wagged with such a force, dust wafted
from the rushes.
He and Donal stood watching, mouths
open in shock that the hound hadn’t taken her arm with the cheese. The beast
wasn’t gentle with anyone. Grey pulled Bree from the floor and she seemed no
worse for wear.
“I do apologize, lady …” Donal looked
winded.
“This is Bree … ah, Bree Champlain
and her maid, Cait. They were on their way to—”
“I know damned well where they were
going. Are you hurt? I’m sorry I don’t know what came over him. He’s usually a
good hound and doesn’t attack people. Likes his food though and would have
taken your hand. Usually attacks when food’s involved.”
“I am well. He is a very handsome
hound and seems content now.”
“Bree always has that effect on
animals,” Cait said.
They all glanced at the hound, now
lying near the hearth, the cheese gone and him satisfied to watch them from
afar. The hound’s tail thumped the rushes and his tongue hung to the side.
“You know news travels fast in the
Highlands, Grey. My sentry told me they spotted your party in the wood last
eve. Did ye deem I wouldn’t get wind of your carp? Stealing the MacHeth bride
was a low-down dirty trick.”
The Ross warriors were like ghosts
and Grey envied their talents. Most of them were seasoned, and the majority of
Grey’s clansmen were young and untrained. Though he still had a good amount of
men he relied on when needed, he would have more warriors than the Ross’ once
they were all trained.
“Damn, how did you learn of it so
fast? We told no one what we were doing.”
“I saw MacHeth, too. He was on his
way to meet a bride who … She was expected days past and when she didn’t show
up, they returned home. I should have known you’d get wind of this and take
matters into your own hands. There will be retribution, ye know that, Grey?”
Grey hunched his shoulder. “Seems
she took her time and then we were delayed by the slow moving carts. MacHeth
must have ridden like hell to get to you so hastily. Aye, stopped to tattle
like the priss-arse he is. You should have expected that, Donal. She doesn’t
want to marry any MacHeth. Bree, tell him so.”
“Wait a minute here,” Donal said.
“Bree? Are you saying your—”
“Donal, I could hear you shouting
all the way in the woods.” Adeline came into the hall and stopped when she saw
them sitting at the table. “Oh, I do apologize. I didn’t know we had company.”
She pressed her hands over her garments as if to rectify her appearance. But
Adeline looked like a precious flower, always perfect.
“You would damned well know that if
you weren’t hunting,” Donal said grumpily.
“Donal, we have guests. Save your
complaint for later.” Adeline was a breath of fresh air. Her smile lightened
the mood. Grey was grateful she’d walked in when she had. Donal would have to
wait for explanations.
Grey stood and made the
introductions. “Lady Adeline, this is Bree and her maid, Cait.”
Adeline smiled. “Welcome to our
home. Come, let us get you washed from traveling. You must be exhausted and
hungry. Shame on you, Donal, for keeping the ladies from their rest. Surely
they would like to wash and take a respite.”
“Adeline, you’ll explain later,”
Donal said firmly. “I mean it.”
“Mayhap I might. I must see to
company now. Stop being surly, Donal. Grey is waiting for your attention. I’m
sure he has enough news to keep you busy for hours. I do thank you for that,
Grey.”
Grey would have laughed at the way
Lady Ross smiled sweetly at her husband. She certainly knew how to handle
Donal. He’d never be so waylaid by a woman as Donal was. While the ladies made
their way out of the hall, Donal poured drinks and eyed him suspiciously.
Duff knew what was coming, the
endless questions Donal would throw at Grey. His commander asked to be excused
and didn’t wait for acknowledgement before he headed for the door.
“You know this will cause a war,
don’t you?”
Grey shrugged his shoulder. “Aye. We
were bound to war anyway.”
Donal paced around the table. “You
can’t take a clan’s intended without paying for it, Grey. What will you do,
take her to wife yourself? ‘Tis glad I am to hear such news. I never thought
you would wed since …”
“Nay, she has asked for my
protection, Donal, and bargained her dowry. I could not refuse her request for
protection. Ask her yourself. She’ll tell you true that she does not wish to
wed a MacHeth.”
“Damnation! This is a mess. I will
speak with the lass and find out the details. You are not out of the woods with
me on this issue, Grey.”
“Question her as ye like. I have
nothing to hide.”
Donal frowned. “I detest the
MacHeths as much as you do. I have warned Alexander about their scuffles with
his father. I don’t trust they will not try something sneaky to regain the
crown for MacWilliams. Why would the MacHeths send for an English woman for
bride? It makes no sense. There’s something odd about this. Will ye return her
to her family?”
Grey shook his head. “Hell, nay. The
Champlains sent her to the MacHeths. I don’t trust they wouldn’t send her back
were she returned to them. Besides, I mean to keep her.”
Donal laughed, practically spitting
out the sip of ale he’d taken. After wiping his chin with his sleeve, he asked,
“Does she know that you’re keeping her? Mayhap she doesn’t want to stay with
ye.”
“Nay. I haven’t told her yet … It
has been a long time since a woman has … You know how I felt about Albrey when
I was young. Bree needs my protection. I failed once, Donal, but I won’t fail
this time.” A little emotion snuck into his admission.
“I will decide on this matter when I
have spoken to her and if she agrees to your pursuit, I may agree. The MacHeths
don’t deserve such a bonny prize. And she doesn’t deserve to be a kept woman either,
Grey. If ye mean to keep her, you will do right by her.”
“I don’t wish to dishonor her,
Donal, but I am not sure I am ready to take such a drastic step.” Grey felt
backed against the wall. If Donal thought to threaten him, he’d be wrong.
Though Grey respected Donal, he kept his own council and wouldn’t answer to
anyone when it came to such personal issues. It was bad enough he answered to
Donal when it came to clan responsibilities, concerns that he’d asked his
advice on. Regardless, Donal wasn’t one to hold back his opinion on any matter.
Donal finished his drink and banged
his cup on the table. “Claiming, ah the pursuit is well worth it, Grey. My own
Adeline gave me a chase, but when I caught her she had no choice but to accept
me.”
Grey grinned to himself. He heard
the stories of how Adeline eluded Donal by dressing as a lad amongst his
soldiers. And how Donal knew about it and wore her down by training her harder
than others. Such stories oft made the rounds in the highlands and Grey never
thought he’d have such a tale to tell. Mayhap his luck was changing.
One of the servants came in and
skulked toward them. “What is it?” Donal shouted.
The woman jumped then looked at her
feet. “Lady … Gunn would like her satchel. She’s asked if someone could retrieve
it and bring it to the kitchens.”
“Lady Gunn?” Grey was confused for a
moment.
“By now my clan all believe Bree to
be Lady Gunn. Hell, I’m sure your men do too. Let’s get her satchel and then
you can tell me any news.”
Once outside, Donal took Bree’s satchel
from him and bid someone passing by to deliver it to his wife. Grey followed
Donal to the barracks and saw Garret, his longtime friend. For the next few
hours, they discussed clan news and the happenings.
Returning to the great hall, Grey
smelled something delicious wafting through the room. “I’m starved, something
smells good. Adeline must be serving a feast.”
Donal frowned. “Whatever it is, I
hope they bring it out soon. I could eat a horse.”
No sooner had he said that, the
servants began bringing in dishes. Following the trays, both Bree and Adeline
came in and sat at the table. Cait followed shortly thereafter, bringing
another dish, and set it on the table before sitting next to Bree.
“It was so kind of you, Bree, to
want to cook for us. Everything looks delicious. I fear I want to taste all of
it.”
“It is nothing special, Lady Ross.
Make sure you use honey on your hams when you roast them on the fire. It is
quite tasty.”
Grey sensed Donal’s seething look at
his wife. Adeline avoided her husband since she’d entered the room, but now
gave him a sweet smile.
“Donal, you could set fire with that
glare. Let us enjoy this fine meal Bree prepared and we shall discuss what has
you cross later. The children ate and are being bathed. We shall have the
entire night to … discuss it.”
“Bree cooked this meal?” Grey asked.
“Aye, Grey, she did. Donal, she’s
amazing in a kitchen. I’m sure cook will appreciate the herbs you left and the
information. Why, he’s singing gaily into his pots.”
“Lady Bree, thank you for your
kindness,” Donal said.
“Cut the chivalry cosh, Donal.” He
gave a look, letting him know that he didn’t appreciate the pleasantries he
dished out. “I don’t need to be compared to you when …” Grey groaned, for he
wasn’t as poetic with words as Donal was.