A Spinster at the Highland Court: The Highland Ladies Book One

by Barclay, Celeste

  “Robert said we can remove to Culcreuch before the end of the week, but I’ll make certain we’re ready to leave at first light.” Edward looked about the chamber and wondered whether his decision was the right one. Should they leave to get Elizabeth away from whoever thought her useful in their nefarious plan? Or should they remain and resolve this issue before leaving? His need to protect his wife was so great that he wanted to pack and leave that very moment. However, there was a greater danger in traveling at night than in spending one more night in Stirling. Beyond that, he would have to inform Robert of the break in. “We can go to our new keep and get familiar with the land and the people before we return here. We can stay there until Magnus and Tavish arrive with their wives.”

  “Deirdre and Ceit are coming?” Elizabeth couldn’t hide her excitement at the thought of seeing her friends once more.

  “That’s Robert’s plan. He wants Magnus and Tavish to assist with the investigation of your accident. He trusts them and says that I can trust their wives to support you. Beth, tracking who did this may take me away from court. I don’t want you alone at Culcreuch with the laird and lady of the keep here at court, and I don’t like the idea of you being here without me, but Robert assures me you will be well guarded.”

  “I expected as much. I mean, the Sinclairs coming is unexpected, but I accepted you might have to go sooner rather than later. I feel better knowing Deirdre and Ceit will be here. They know their way around court life, and I enjoy their company.”

  “Robert said as much. He’s sending a messenger to extend his invitation.” Elizabeth and Edward both recognized it wasn’t an invitation but an order that no one, not even the Sinclairs, could ignore. “They should be here in just over a fortnight if there aren’t any late winter storms.”

  “Then we should expect that there will be storms. Highland weather loves to taunt anyone who thinks to tame it or take it for granted. What shall we do in the meantime?” Elizabeth grinned as she wriggled in Edward’s lap. She felt the hard press of his iron length against her hip, and she wanted to forget that someone had been rifling through her belongings. She wanted to feel safe in her husband’s arms and enjoy every minute she had with him before he might have to leave. Edward was on his feet and carrying her to the bed before she finished speaking. He had her laces undone so quickly Elizabeth was unprepared for the chill air to hit her skin. When she shivered, Edward went to the fire and poked it back to life. He undressed as he approached the bed. He slid into bed next to her and pulled Elizabeth into his arms.

  “No matter what happens, I will always put your safety and that of our family ahead of all else. Robert couldn’t do that for his wife, but I can for mine. If need be, we will go to the Sinclairs and get as far from court as we can while still in Scotland. I won’t keep you anywhere where you might be in danger.”

  “And I love you all the more for caring so much about me. Most men would consider nothing beyond their lives and duties here at court. Losing Robert’s ear would concern them more than protecting their wives.”

  “And they are lesser men for it. You and any bairns the Lord blesses us with will always be my highest priority.”

  They melted into one another as their hands roamed over familiar peaks and valleys. Their sounds of passion echoed throughout the room as their bodies eventually fused into one. It was well after the midday meal before they were prepared to face the world again. They left their chamber to make Robert aware of latest development. Edward was also certain he needed to find Elizabeth’s father to discuss the possibility of a looming attack on the Frasers.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Bluidy hell, Robert! What if Elizabeth had been alone in the chamber when these bastards broke in? Would my wife of a week be dead? Would they have stolen her, too?” Edward felt the cords in his neck straining, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around his own brother’s neck. Robert’s nonchalance might be the death of him. It was only Elizabeth’s wide-eyed shaking of her head that kept Edward from challenging his brother. Edward and Elizabeth sat in the private chambers of the king and queen, all guards and courtiers having been dismissed.

  “I already promised to post guards outside your chambers at all times. I will have the more discreet members of my court ask the servants if they saw anyone skulking about or entering and exiting your chambers. I will make inquiries about any unknown animosity toward the Frasers or you. Did you consider perhaps someone is not happy about you marrying Elizabeth?”

  Elizabeth knew the king referred to Sinead. She felt ill picturing her husband’s former mistress. Jealousy and insecurity coursed through her, threatening to smother her while angered by the possibility that Edward’s past could endanger either of them. She clenched her jaw to keep from speaking and clenched her fists in her skirts to keep from lashing out.

  “I’ve thought about that, but Sinead has moved up in her own estimation. She now has the king’s real brother in her bed. I doubt she misses me.” Edward was tempted to look at Elizabeth as he spoke, but he admitted to himself that he was too much of a coward.

  “You are my real brother,” Robert bit out. “And that’s why I’m suspicious. You said yourself, she has more spies here than any foreign monarch, more than even Longshanks. I will send a missive to Ireland to see what is cooking there. If our brother even hints that your past is catching up to you, I’ll stuff the woman’s head on a pike. Her usefulness to the cause will run out.”

  Elizabeth continued to watch the brothers argue, nothing about their conversation making her feel any better. Her gaze darted to Queen Elizabeth to see how she responded to the heated discussion. The usual serenity was plastered on her visage, but Elizabeth saw the hard set of the queen’s jaw and how her throat bobbed as she swallowed several times. Their eyes locked, and the queen’s face softened, but there was a determination that Elizabeth sensed would be in her favor.

  “Perhaps you two could refrain from discussing the groom’s history of bedsport in front of his bride. That might be a conversation better had in private.” The queen glared at Robert and turned her nose up at Edward.

  Edward looked at Elizabeth at last and wished he hadn’t. He realized she struggled to restrain her temper, and he read the hurt and doubt that whipped through her sharp mind. He pulled his chair closer to hers and took her hand before sitting down. He glanced at Robert and Queen Elizabeth before leaning toward his wife’s ear.

  “I’m so sorry, Beth. It was cruel of me to let Robert bring that up or to say anything about her in front of you. I took for granted that you would understand I no longer care for Sinead at all. Even when I was with her, my feelings were never anything like what I’ve felt for you since the first time I saw you. And I don’t mean in the chapel but when we danced in the Great Hall. I will kill her myself and not lose a wink of sleep if her hand is in this. Even if it’s only to pass along information.”

  Elizabeth nodded her head, unable bring herself to look at Edward.

  “Your Majesty, my husband said we could retire to Culcreuch before the end of the sennight. Is that still the case?”

  “If Edward believes you are safer there, then yes, you may retire there while Edward further investigates this issue.”

  “No!” Edward was on his feet as Elizabeth uttered a whimper. “Until the Sinclairs arrive, Elizabeth does not leave my side. Whether we stay here or leave, you will not separate me from my wife.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather lead the search? Wouldn’t you rather your wife be far from where the threat exists?”

  “And can you be certain it won’t follow her without me to protect her?”

  “There is a full garrison at Culcreuch, and I can send more as her escort.”

  “No, Robert. I will not agree to this. Whether you’re my brother or my king doesn’t matter to me now that I have a wife. I swear to you, if you push me on this, I will take my wife where no one can find us. Not even you.” Edward seethed, and it was now Elizabeth’s firm grip on his
arm that kept him from launching himself at Robert as he had just as they had when they were young men training together in the lists. “I won’t risk losing my wife for eight years.”

  Edward couldn’t keep from throwing that final barb at Robert. He recognized he crossed a line from which he might never return. Robert and his sister-by-marriage both looked ready to do him in, but he wouldn’t back down, nor did he regret the low blow. While his sister-by-marriage fumed, Edward counted on his brother’s guilt still being so great that he would never put Edward in the same position.

  “Very well. I believe my wife would appreciate a reprieve from your presence.”

  Edward and Elizabeth took that to be the signal that dismissed them. In the passageway, Elizabeth trembled so violently that Edward feared she would collapse. He lifted a torch from a wall sconce and moved them into the nearest alcove, where he put the torch into a sconce. He tried to pull Elizabeth into his embrace, wanting to comfort her and reassure her, but she pushed away.

  “Don’t. I don’t want you to touch me.” Elizabeth’s voice was ragged as tears streamed down her face. “I don’t know whether I’m angry or scared or just incredibly jealous, but I know I’m not pleased with you, and I’m not ready to stop being upset with you.”

  Edward was at a loss for what to do to soothe his wife, but he understood her feelings. It had been insensitive to discuss Sinead in front of her, and unleashing his temper was enough to scare her on its own, let alone directing it toward the king.

  “I’m sorry we brought up my past in front of you, and I’m sorry that I frightened you with my temper, but I’m not sorry that I will defy anything Robert says if it might put you in greater danger. And whoever is threatening you has a short life ahead of them. Woman or man.”

  “Is she as beautiful as the rumors say?” Elizabeth whispered.

  Edward ran his hand through his hair. He could lie to make her feel better, but she’d know. He could tell her the truth, but it would do nothing to ease her insecurity.

  “She is a very attractive woman, and her fiery temper draws men who wish to tame it. She also has the support of the local people and has a network of spies that support Robert’s cause. All of that makes her an alluring woman.”

  Elizabeth nodded, but she was unable to force any words out. The tears fell faster and harder as her mind refused to release the image of Edward in bed with the faceless redhead. She turned, but didn’t step away when Edward laid his hand gently on her shoulder.

  “Beth, it rains there just as much as here. It’s bluidy cold and disgusting mucking about battlefields. It was lonely, too. Sinead served a purpose. She eased that loneliness, and she brought support to aid our forces there. I’m certain this isn’t the first time you’ve wondered about her. Have you ever wondered why I’ve never brought her to court even though plenty of men keep mistresses here? Have you ever wondered why I was able to leave without looking back?”

  “You didn’t bring her because there were distractions here, or as I’ve heard it, her temper made it more trouble than it was worth to bed women at court. She didn’t need to travel to keep her talons in you. She had a purpose, as you said, so you didn’t take her away from her spy network. You haven’t looked back because I’m now that distraction.” Elizabeth’s tone was hard, no trace of her sobs from only moments ago.

  “Don’t.” It was Edward’s turn to refute her. “Don’t ever say such a wretched thing again. You are not a distraction. You are the only person I love at the moment. And the only person I have. I can’t trust Robert will put us ahead of what he believes is best for the nation or the fight. I can’t blame him for it, but I will never forgive him for it if you suffer. I never brought Sinead because I didn’t care what she did, or who she did, while I was away. She certainly wasn’t faithful to me. I was able to walk away because I didn’t love her. By the end, I barely cared what happened to her. I suggested my brother Edward bed her so I could leave without looking back over my shoulder. Before you, I planned to go my entire life without marrying. I have no need to. Robert has his heirs, and I was never in line to inherit anyway. When I returned to court, I wanted to retire to an estate in the Highlands where I’d be content. I married because I love you, and the possibility of not having you at my side every day until the Lord takes one of us is unbearable. I married you because I have never felt like a better man than when I am with you.”

  Elizabeth turned and melted into Edward’s chest as sobs wracked her entire body. She shook as she clung to Edward’s tunic.

  “I feel so plain when I hear her described, and you were with her so long that you must have some feelings for her. It’s not that I fear you would ever be unfaithful. I just worry that you will run out of things to love about me. That you will walk away as easily from me as you did her.”

  “Oh Beth, mo chridhe, I can’t foresee what the future holds for us, but I am old enough with enough experience to recognize I’ve never felt this way before, that what is between us is not something simple. There is no one else who has ever held my heart.”

  Elizabeth nodded but still clung to him. “Why would you bait Robert like that? He is still king. He could toss you in the dungeon of some remote keep that I could never find. He could put your head on a pike or have you dangling from the gallows.”

  “But he never will. He knows our brother and I will always be his staunchest supporters. And as long as I don’t challenge him in public, he will never keep me from voicing my opinion. Edward and I keep him humble.”

  “Just as long as he keeps you alive.” Elizabeth kept trying to burrow closer, but her tremors slowed.

  “How are you feeling now?”

  “A little less jealous, quite a lot less scared, and maybe not so angry.”

  “We will take a tray in our chamber and leave at first light. I want us away from here until your relatives arrive.”

  “I suppose the Sinclairs are my relatives now, even if it’s rather indirect. Will Robert send for you when they arrive?”

  “I’m sure he will. We can spend the next few sennights in peace as we get to know the land.”

  “As much peace as we can have when I’m certain you won’t let me go anywhere without at least four guards.”

  “Only four? You underestimate me, my love. At least ten.”

  Elizabeth offered him a watery smile before they made their way back to their chamber.

  Chapter Thirteen

  T The horses snorted and stomped as steam from their nostrils puffed into clouds around their bouncing heads. The bailey was filled with guards in the royal livery as well as those who wore Edward’s insignia. Elizabeth quietly said goodbye to her parents while Edward finalized plans with the heads of the guards. Reubadair kept looking in her direction, both hearing and smelling his owner. When Elizabeth noticed Edward walking toward her, she crossed the bailey and took the hand he offered. She was prepared to mount Reubadair on her own, but two large hands wrapped around her waist before hoisting her into the saddle.

  “If you rode a slower or weaker horse, you would be riding with me. But I trust this beast to carry you through Hell and back if need be. He’s almost as loyal and devoted as I am.”

  “Aye, and you can be a wee beastie at times, too.” Elizabeth winked.

  “I shall remind you of just how wild I am.” Edward waggled his eyebrows, and Elizabeth’s laughter lightened his mood. He’d silently simmered the night before, pushing his temper aside to reassure Elizabeth. His tension was nearly palpable as the party prepared to ride out, but Elizabeth’s jest lifted much of the weight from his shoulders.

  Moments after Edward mounted, the party that consisted of Edward, Elizabeth, a half-dozen of Robert’s royal guards, and a score of warriors who would remain at Culcreuch during their stay clattered out of the bailey and onto the road leading north away from Stirling.

  Edward’s head was on a swivel as they left the castle, then the city of Stirling. He had a sense of foreboding that settled into his mind as t
hey left the city gates. The guards encircled Elizabeth, and while he knew he should ride in the lead, he was uncomfortable leaving her side. He appointed the head of his own guard to lead while the head of Robert’s contingent rode closer to the rear. He wished now that he’d made her ride with him; however, he also knew that he couldn’t swing a sword effectively if he needed to defend his wife. He scanned the horizon as much as he looked off to the sides of the road. He’d instructed the guards riding in the rear to look behind them consistently. He wouldn’t have anyone sneak up on them from behind.

  They rode in peace for an hour, but Elizabeth could more than sense Edward’s tension. It radiated from him and showed in the strained cords in his neck and the creases between his brows. She hadn’t pressed conversation and was content to continue in silence since Culcreuch was a short distance from Stirling, only an hour and a half’s ride as long as they kept at a canter. She, too, scanned the horizon, but tried to be more subtle as she watched the sides of the road. She knew she wouldn’t be as perceptive as Edward, but she was just as unwilling to be taken by surprise. She didn’t share with Edward that she still had nightmares about the carriage accident. She didn’t wake screaming or sweating, but her dreams were vivid, nonetheless. She now felt fear creeping up her spine as she imagined being thrown from Reubadair’s back. He was as loyal and steady as a warhorse, but that didn’t mean he was completely imperturbable.