Highland Engagement

by Dana D'Angelo

  As Anabell observed them, she was suddenly struck with envy, and she wondered whether she would ever find a man who looked at her with such adoration. That sudden thought unsettled her. And since she didn’t want to explore the feeling, she hurried toward the steward.

  Unfortunately, she only took two steps when a small crowd caught her attention. When she looked closer, she realized that a puppet show was about to start. This was a treat! She glanced guiltily over at where the steward stood, but he had gone elsewhere.

  “I’ll find him later,” she muttered to herself.

  Anabell changed her course and headed toward the show. As she neared the group, she noticed that Calum and Hamish, two of Blane’s friends, stood nearby.

  But she forgot about the warriors when the curtains parted. Two puppets emerged and immediately engaged in conflict. And as the story unraveled, the crowd roared with disapproval or cheered. Fully absorbed in the tale, Anabell was just as vocal as the next person. When the villain dragged the heroine away, Anabell was almost in tears.

  Fortunately, her sorrow was short-lived since the hero showed up.

  “Rescue the lass!” a woman screeched from the front row.

  Other audience members, angered by the injustice they witnessed, shouted, and raised their fists in the air. “Kill the bastard! Kill him!”

  “What’s happening?” a voice beside her asked.

  “What?” Anabell blinked. Who was addressing her at this crucial moment? “Och, ‘tis ye,” she said, recognizing Blane.

  “What kind of story is this?” he asked.

  “’Tis a love story.”

  “A love story?” He looked in disbelief at the angry mob around him.

  She laughed at his expression and explained further, “A clan war separated two lovers, and they are trying tae reunite.”

  Blane chuckled. “I thought ‘twas a tale of murder and mayhem.”

  Calum turned around and gave a curious look at Blane. “Did ye hear that unusual sound?” he asked in amazement. He then jabbed Hamish in the ribs. “I’m certain I heard Blane laugh.”

  Hamish looked over at Anabell and said, “In all my years, I wouldnae have thought it possible.”

  “It seems ye have single-handedly changed our man, lass,” Calum added.

  Anabell sent them a bewildered look, and she felt the heat rising to her cheeks.

  Blane gave Hamish a friendly shove to the shoulders. “Dinnae mind this fool. He likes tae tell tales.”

  The camaraderie between the men was apparent, but the ribbing Blane received roused curiosity in her. Unable to resist, she observed him from the corner of her eye. Was there any truth in what his friends said? Even though she had traveled with him for many days, she knew very little about him.

  The show went into intermission, and Blane stepped back. “I’m going tae get some ale,” he said, his expression slightly bored. “Do ye want tae join me?”

  “Nay,” she shook her head. “I want tae watch the rest of the show.”

  As soon as Blane left, Hamish leaned toward her. “Ye ken,” he said. “I wasnae lying. Ye have truly changed the man.”

  “I’m nae sure about that. Blane was ornery when we left Caleith,” she said. “If anything, I likely added tae his ill-temper and made him worse.”

  “Nay, I dinnae think sae. From what I understand, Blane grew up in this region, but he was never fond of it.”

  The performance resumed, and a couple of people in front turned to glare at them. Anabell backed away and beckoned for the mercenary to follow her. Learning about Blane was proving to be more interesting than the play. Fortunately, Hamish seemed more than happy to speak about his friend.

  “Seamus told me that Blane leads your mercenary group,” she said casually. “Is this true?”

  “Aye, this is true,” he said. “This works in our favor since he’s charmed.”

  “Charmed?” she repeated.

  “Aye, he has easily saved each of us at one time or another.” His mouth twisted ruefully. “In my case, he saved me three times. Me and the lads think some supernatural force protects him since he has helped us escape death on sae many occasions. And because of his leadership, the Queen is indebted tae him and the Black Targe Company.”

  “What else can ye tell me about him?”

  He glanced over at his mate, who stood near a table, enjoying his ale. Blane watched them curiously as they conversed.

  “I should go,” Hamish said. “I probably said too much as ‘tis.”

  “I should be getting back tae the preparations too,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment. She hadn’t realized that Blane was such a short distance away. With that being the case, it was unlikely Hamish would reveal anything else about his friend.

  Anabell forced herself to leave the puppet show and renew her search for the steward.

  When she finally caught up with him, the steward shook his head and told her, “We dinnae have anything for ye tae do.”

  It was becoming more apparent that everyone thought she would get in their way. How was she supposed to help with this party when no one would give her work?

  “The servants are occupied with various tasks,” she said, frustration in her voice. “There must be something for me tae do.”

  As Anabell spoke, a maid with a basket was about to pass them. She stopped the servant. “Where are ye going with that basket?” she asked.

  The lass was taken slightly aback by the question and glanced nervously at the steward. “A group of us — we have tae go into the woods and pick some blackberries. Cook needs them for tonight’s pies,” she said.

  “See?” Anabell said to the steward. “Berry picking is a task that needs extra hands.”

  “Fine,” he said, throwing his hands in the air. “This celebration is for ye, and ye should be letting us do the necessary tasks. However, if ye insist on doing work, ye may go berry picking.”

  “Finally, I can do something useful!” she said happily.

  “Take this basket,” the woman said. “I’ll fetch another one.”

  As Anabell spun around, she caught sight of Blane again. He had moved to an overturned bucket and was sitting there, nursing his ale. The hot sun was overhead, and he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. He seemed to sense her scrutiny, and he turned his head. When he saw her, he got up and approached her.

  “Where are ye going with that?” he asked, his eyes drawn to the basket in her hands.

  “I’m going tae pick some blackberries.” Before she could stop herself, the question popped out of her mouth. “Would ye like tae come with us?”

  He paused.

  “I shouldnae have asked,” she said. “Ye are relaxing, and I dinnae want ye tae feel that I’m forcing this job on ye.”

  “Nay one is forcing me tae do anything,” he assured her. “I’ll be glad tae assist with the berry picking.”

  His masculine lips curved, triggering a strange fluttering in her stomach. Every time she encountered him, he seemed more and more appealing. How was this possible?

  The servant who gave her the basket beckoned Anabell over to a cluster of people. Several others, including Maggie and Oswyn, were a part of the group.

  “I think the troop is about tae leave,” Anabell said, glad to get out of the awkward moment.

  They traveled through the town and down a slope to where a blackberry patch was located. Then for the next hour, they spent their time filling their baskets with berries. On their way back to the town square, Maggie and Oswyn walked beside Anabell. But the couple was utterly absorbed with one another, and Anabell felt uncomfortable in their presence.

  Blane noticed her discomfort. “Do ye want tae walk with me?” he asked.

  “Aye!” she said, relieved that she could leave the lovers to themselves. “Let’s go.”

  People in the group walked at varying speeds, and Anabell and Blane found themselves lagging behind some of the others. They were about to pass a worn trail when Anabell stopp
ed, peering longingly into the thicket.

  “Nae far from here is a lovely waterfall. I used tae go there when I was a bairn. I wonder whether ‘tis the same as I remember it.” She released a regretful sigh. “’Tis doubtful that we’ll be able tae visit it.”

  Anabell made a sudden pivot and almost collided into him. Seeing his handsome face made it difficult for her to breathe or even think.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  She started to back away from him, but there was a strange light in his eyes, and she stopped. Once again, the odd, warm sensation flooded her center.

  “Ye are a bonnie lass,” he said, his brogue washing over her and causing her skin to tingle.

  “There are other lassies here that are far more bonnie than me,” she said.

  Blane shifted closer, and she felt his warm breath brushing against her lips. “There’s only one that I can see,” he said, his eyes never leaving her face. “May I kiss ye?”

  His question caused her heart to skip a beat. “I have never been kissed before.”

  “That’s a true shame,” he murmured. He reached up and traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “I can, of course, help ye remedy that problem.”

  Without warning, he angled his head and settled his hard lips on her mouth. His warm, masculine lips fitted perfectly against hers, and the shock of the contact caused an explosion in her brain. So this was how it felt to be kissed?

  But the analytical part of her mind closed down, and something inside her began to melt. Any resistance was gone, and only curiosity and desire remained. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, and she responded to him. A moan from deep within her core erupted, and she felt as though she floated in a stream of bliss.

  Blane’s arm settled against her lower back, drawing her closer to his sturdy frame. His free hand slid along her back and entangled itself in her hair. All the while, his touch was gentle yet firm, and his warmth and strength were like a protective covering.

  Her heart expanded, and she continued to follow his lead. Blane was the first man to kiss her, and it felt wonderful. Instinctively, she pressed her body closer to him, wanting something more.

  Giggling sounded behind them, abruptly shattering the spell. Blane and Anabell swiftly broke apart just as a couple came into view. The older woman stopped laughing, and her eyes grew wide when she saw her.

  “Anabell,” Maggie said. She looked at each of them. “Did we just interrupt something?”

  “Nay,” she said. “Blane and I were just discussing the waterfall in the woods. But we’ve lingered too long and should catch up tae the others. Are ye coming?”

  Chapter 13

  The group returned to town in high spirits. Blane watched Anabell go with the servants to deliver the berries to the cook. Apparently, Lady Beitris had lent her entire kitchen staff for the occasion, and they were busy making food at the various stations. From what Blane could gather, it was rare to have the town involved in event preparations like this. But the clan members readily volunteered their services and showed how much they respected and loved Anabell MacNeadain.

  He looked around. There were still a couple of hours before the party started, but it appeared as if there was much work to be done. All around him, servants were busy working on their assigned tasks. As the pressure mounted, some people traded jokes with one another while others worked in concentrated silence.

  Blane didn’t want to appear idle, so he went to inquire about a job. The servants, however, didn’t want his assistance. He shrugged and set out to find his friends. But then he found that his mates were dispersed throughout the town square, engaging with the pretty town lassies.

  People from the surrounding territories were continually arriving, whether it was by foot or some other means.

  “I dinnae think this event is really about me,” Anabell said as she came to join him. She took in the swelling number of folks merging into the town center. “I think the people are just waiting for an excuse tae drink and be merry.”

  “Well, they can drink and be merry on your behalf,” he said.

  She laughed at his comment, and he found himself responding to her warmth. The air of anticipation was present at every turn, and each guest answered to that excitement.

  The time passed quickly by, and the work was almost completed. Someone convinced the musician to start blasting his bagpipes. The man balanced himself on top of an empty cart and began to play.

  “Sae, the party has begun,” Anabell said, her tone tinged with amusement.

  As the shrill note pierced the air, some of the guests began to dance the reel. From the other side of the square, Maggie grabbed her partner and pulled him to his feet. Her movements were filled with beauty, grace, and energy. With her face flushed with joy, she immersed herself fully in the music.

  When the song ended, Anabell cheered along with the onlookers. The dancers began to curtsy and bow. Another tune started, and Maggie geared up to do another reel when she spotted Anabell and Blane in the crowd. She spoke quickly to Oswyn and then broke away from him.

  “Come join us,” Maggie said, approaching them.

  Blane paused slightly, and Anabell gave him a winning smile. “Let’s go,” she said.

  He usually avoided dancing, but he decided there was no harm in joining in on the fun. He allowed Anabell to pull him into dancing the vigorous and energizing steps. And it was a surprise to him that he actually liked it.

  As the tune began to wind down, Anabell saw Lady Beitris gathered with her attendants and guests.

  “I should see tae my grandmother,” she said. “Her neighbors are here, and I’ll need tae greet them.”

  Anabell hurried off to join her the Lady. Meanwhile, the head servant ushered more people to a table that was laden with food and ale. When two strong men brought over the roast pig, all began to hoot and holler. There weren’t enough stools, and some guests brought over empty barrels and crates to use as seats. Others sat on the ground to enjoy their meals.

  But the revelers weren’t the only ones savoring the bounty. On the tree sat a couple of hungry birds, waiting to steal food from an unsuspecting person. The hounds underfoot were likewise fighting over scraps that someone had tossed at them.

  After her duties to her guests were finished, Anabell returned to Blane. They helped themselves to the delicious offerings and watched a new show when the puppet theater reopened. This particular story was a comedy, and a crush of people came over to take in the performance. A few enterprising youths climbed to the top of nearby thatched houses and watched the show from there.

  “Lady Beitris requests that ye see her,” a servant said, interrupting them.

  “I’ll be right there,” she said. She then turned to him, offering him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I have tae go.”

  All he could do was to nod since he couldn’t reasonably object to her leaving, even if he preferred that she stayed at his side. His interest in the play disappeared as soon as she left, and he saw that his friends sat not too far from him. They blended in with the townspeople and seemed content. He was glad for his mates. They had fought nonstop for years, and this break was well deserved.

  Unable to help it, his attention returned to Anabell. From where he sat, he could observe her sitting with her grandmother and conversing with a noble guest. In the interactions, she exuded warmth and friendliness, and it was obvious that the person appreciated her company. He had to admit that he enjoyed her company as well. She was unlike any woman he had ever met. She was sweet, innocent, and seemed genuinely to care about those less fortunate.

  Then as he reflected on his behavior, he knew he probably shouldn’t have kissed her. But he did it, and he liked it. If her nursemaid hadn’t shown up, there was no doubt that more would have happened. Or rather, there were more things he wanted to happen. It appeared he lost control of his senses when she was near. And this was unusual for him. Under normal circumstances, his mind was clear and focused. Nowadays, he found hi
mself spending time pondering about where Anabell was and what she was doing. Somehow, he felt like a young lad who had become besotted by the first beautiful woman he met.

  A bairn with a basket full of wildflowers and heather stood a few paces away from him, her attention captured by the dueling puppets. Remembering that Anabell liked flowers, he called to the lass. The bairn looked at him, the puzzlement in her face turning into wariness.

  “There’s nay need tae be frightened,” he assured her. “I want some flowers.”

  The lass came over to him. “They’re from our garden,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “And they’re for sale.”

  “I’ll buy two blooms,” he said, handing her the money.

  Anabell was no longer at the main table, and Blane went to find her. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, she intrigued him. And being with her made him feel good. He also knew that when he gave her the pretty flowers, her expressive face would light up.

  He scanned the crowd, and because he towered over most people, he quickly spotted her. Her alluring form was unmistakable, and his body stirred with the awareness that he had held her soft body not that long ago.

  Blane started to head in her direction and stopped when he saw her speaking to a guest. Though the man had aged considerably, Blane recognized that it was none other than Gaven MacNeadain, Anabell’s sire. The two were absorbed in a serious discussion. And it struck him that the happy lass who he had spent the day with was gone. And in her place was a solemn, unsmiling woman.

  ***

  Almost all the food was eaten; however, the ale flowed continuously. And the revelers carried on as if they never wanted the celebration to end.

  When the bagpiper took a break from his performance, there were discontented grumbles from the clan members. The piper refused their demands for a new song, however a man lurched at the musician, trying to wrestle the instrument away from him. A couple of onlookers subdued the aggressive merrymaker, and with some cajoling from guests, the musician finally agreed to play another tune.