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

by Barclay, Celeste

  “I won’t let anything happen to you, Beth, but I do appreciate that you’re alert.” Edward spoke as he heard the sound of water nearby. “We aren’t that far from the keep now, but we’ll turn off the road in that gap in the trees and let the horses drink at the burn. You can refresh yourself there, but don’t wander off. If you need privacy, I’ll accompany you and stand on the other side of the tree. Do not go anywhere alone, and don’t stray far from the horses.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Edward and once more felt the tension that rippled through him. She nodded and followed him silently into the trees. It was only moments later that they approached a stream that flowed along a rocky embankment. It would be difficult for the horses to drink, and she didn’t trust herself in her skirts to be able to keep her balance. Edward swore softly under his breath. He looked further north, searching for a better place to stop. He signaled that the party continue along the bank to a spot that looked easier to approach.

  When they came to a patch of riverbank that had dirt merging into the water rather than rocks, the group dismounted. The men led their horses to water, and the animals guzzled, thirsty after riding hard over rough terrain even if only for a short time. Elizabeth tugged on Reubadair’s reins, and he gladly took his place among the others. She passed the reins to one of the men and looked for Edward. He stood with his sword drawn, his back to the stream.

  “We aren’t far from the keep, but it’d be unwise to continue pushing the horses without a rest. I thought you might benefit from having a moment to stretch your legs.” Edward glanced in Elizabeth’s direction and reached out his hand. She gladly took it as he wrapped his arm around her waist. He dropped his voice for her ears only. “And I worry that after all our bedsport, you’ll be sore. I don’t want your skin to chafe while you ride astride.”

  “My love, I wore woolen leggings beneath my skirts for that reason. You know I ride often and over just as uneven land, so I’m not uncomfortable. I am eager to reach our new home.”

  Edward knew she left unspoken her eagerness to get off the road and not have him whittling every moment as he rode next to her. He also knew that his tension was making her nervous, but he refused to lower his guard for even a moment, lest someone make a move.

  “Eddie, can you take me to a tree?”

  Edward nodded, and they walked to a giant oak tree. Edward walked around with Elizabeth checking both the nearby trees and the ground. He didn’t want Elizabeth stepping into nettles or poison ivy. When he was certain it was safe for her, he moved to the opposite side, giving her privacy. When she was finished, she stepped back around the tree.

  “Go back to the others while I make use of the tree, too.”

  “I don’t mind waiting.”

  “It’s all right. I’ll watch you. Just don’t look back,” Edward chuckled. “You haven’t had a chance for a drink. Splash water on your face and neck. You’ll feel much better.”

  Elizabeth paused for so long that Edward thought she’d refuse, but eventually, she nodded and turned back to the stream. Edward unfastened the laces to his leggings and was about to relieve himself when all hell broke loose. Men on horseback broke through the trees while archers approached on foot, firing at man and horse indiscriminately, knowing that any casualty would slow their pursuit. He watched in horror as a man bent low over the side of his horse, galloping toward Elizabeth, poised to grab her. He screamed her name, telling her to run. Instead, she stood her ground, waiting until the last minute before jerking aside and thrusting a dirk into the neck of the man prone to snatch her off her feet. The man toppled from his horse, dead before his body hit the ground. Elizabeth pulled the dirk from his neck and swung around as the rider behind the dead man approached, this time more cautious. This man seemed more intent upon running Elizabeth over with his steed than capturing her. She once again waited until the man and beast were directly in front of her. She jumped aside, reaching up to grasp handfuls of the man’s tunic. She threw her weight backward and used the momentum of the horse to pull the man from the saddle. Her dirk was through his sternum before the man could catch his next breath.

  Edward was sure his heart stopped during the time Elizabeth engaged with the men on horseback, then it surged into his throat as he charged toward her. Elizabeth lifted her skirts and ran toward him, but with her focus on Edward, she didn’t anticipate a third man determined to capture her. She looked over just as the horse’s head nearly rammed her and tried to skirt the animal. The rider grabbed the back of her kirtle and a handful of hair, yanking her off her feet. Edward approached at the same time, unable to see Elizabeth but able to understand the man was attempting to kidnap his wife. His sword entered the man’s side at such an angle that Edward feared it would impale Elizabeth when it went clear through.

  Elizabeth screamed as her body was suddenly flung backward as the man jerked from the sword that pierced him, her back crashing into the horse’s flank. She felt herself falling, fearful she’d be trampled under the steed’s hind legs. She landed hard enough to knock the wind from her as she watched the horse’s hoof pass over her face close enough that she could see the nails in the horseshoe.

  Edward was certain Elizabeth would be crushed under the massive animal’s hoof, but somehow the horse’s gait managed to miss her entirely. As his own men fought off their attackers, his archers picking off one man after another, Edward slid next to Elizabeth’s curled body. He brushed the hair from her face, straining to see if her chest moved.

  “Eddie,” Elizabeth gasped. “Can’t--catch--”

  Edward scooped Elizabeth up, regretting having to move her when she whimpered, but they couldn’t remain in the open while the battle was still raging. He took her down to where the horses still drank, most oblivious to the fighting going on around them since they were battle-tested warhorses. He pressed in between his horse and Elizabeth’s, prepared to mount if need be but using the massive bodies to shelter them out of sight. It was clear from the three men who were determined to harm Elizabeth that this attack was intended to capture or kill her. While he longed to slay each and every man who was a part of this ambush, and he felt guilty for not leading the fight, he wouldn’t risk leaving Elizabeth alone. He’d done that once, and the consequences proved to be dire.

  Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut as Edward carried her away from the nightmare. She sensed the horses moving around her and understood that her husband was hiding them while also preparing to flee with her if need be. She feared falling and her eyes snapped open as Edward crouched low with her still in his arms. She felt the solid muscles of his legs beneath her backside and could feel his pounding and racing heartbeat. Despite its rapid pace, she found it reassuring as she burrowed into his chest and hid her face against his shoulder. She forced herself to take deep breaths to calm her lungs and heart. When she was sure she’d gotten enough air to keep from passing out, she looked around. It was difficult to see much, but she glanced under the horses’ legs and could see the feet of the men fighting. She watched as the dance between opponents slowed before a whistle rang through the air.

  Edward had never been so grateful to hear the whistle that signaled the end of battle. He rose to his feet, feeling shaken not only from resting on his haunches while holding Elizabeth but also from the all-consuming fear. He’d ridden into enough battles to have a healthy respect for the unavoidable fear that his life might end that day, but he’d always overcome it and faced battle without reservation. This had been unlike anything he’d ever experienced. Fear overwhelmed him as he tried to protect his bride, unwilling to lose the one person who meant more to him than his own life.

  Elizabeth tapped Edward’s chest until he looked down at her. He saw her mouth moving, but the ringing in his ears from his pounding heart blocked out the sound. He read her lips saying he should put her down, and she even pointed to the ground, but he shook his head, refusing to release her until he saw for sure that the battle was over. He nudged his horse aside and scanned the surrounding a
rea. He only saw his men still on their feet, the enemy all dead or on the brink. He watched his men circulate among the fallen, looking for their own men who could be saved and finishing off those enemies who had not yet met their maker. Slowly, Edward lowered Elizabeth to her feet, steadying her until he was certain her legs wouldn’t give out. Elizabeth slid her arms around Edward’s waist and pulled him to her with a strength that surprised him. They clung to one another, their foreheads pressed together as they both tried to calm, but it was only a moment later that their mouths crushed against each other. The kiss was desperate as they both sought to reassure themselves that the other was alive and well. Edward kissed her temple and cheekbone as she kissed his throat.

  “My lord?” One of the men approached, and Elizabeth buried her face against Edward’s chest, both embarrassed that they’d been caught but also because she was unready to let him go, even knowing he had duties that he could no longer ignore. “Angus, the king’s captain is dead and at least ten others along with him. Most of the men have injuries, but none serious enough to keep them from riding the rest of the way and guarding our lady.”

  Elizabeth hadn’t heard anyone call her “their lady” since she was a young child still living on Fraser land. At court, there was no one other than her immediate family that was part of the Fraser clan, at least not ones that she saw or spoke to. She knew her father had his own guards, but they rarely saw her. It warmed her to know that these men were loyal to her and considered her to be one of them. She drew in a breath and pressed her shoulders back as she turned to face the warrior.

  “Show me which men are in the direst need of stitching and have someone fetch me my satchel and a bottle of whisky.” When the man raised his eyebrows, she chuckled. “There is more than enough whisky to spare. I know someone has brought some. We’re Scots after all.”

  Elizabeth turned toward Edward and warmed to her toes with the look of pride that shone in his eyes. She squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “And I love you, little one. You’re braver than most men I know. You’ll make an excellent lady of the keep. wherever we finally wind up.”

  They separated as the warrior led Elizabeth to where several men sat, their clothes clearly bloody. Edward spoke with his men about what they saw as the ambush began, along with making plans for the men who perished. They were forced to remain in the clearing for longer than it had taken to ride from Stirling.

  Chapter Fourteen

  I

  t was nearing dusk when the much smaller entourage rode through the gates of Culcreuch Castle. Elizabeth was filthy and exhausted but grateful that Edward insisted she rode with him the remaining part of the journey. Edward was certain that another attack wouldn’t come that day nor that close to the keep, so he risked not being able to wield his sword for the assurance that Elizabeth wouldn’t collapse off her horse. He also needed the reassurance of her in his arms. He feared it would be sennights before he’d allow her beyond his reach. Edward swung down from his saddle before reaching for Elizabeth who toppled more than leaned into his grasp.

  “You’re exhausted and must be starving. Which do you want first: food or rest?” Edward murmured as an older man with thinning hair approached. The couple recognized that he must be the seneschal of the castle as he hurried to greet them.

  “Neither. I want a bath or a dunk in the loch at this point,” Elizabeth whispered.

  “My laird, my lady. We’re relieved you’ve arrived. We feared the worst as the day grew late.” The seneschal looked beyond the couple, his eyes widening as he took in the bedraggled group, the injured in particular.

  “Someone attacked us about half an hour from here. My men need attending, and my lady wife is in need of a bath. And who are you?” Edward’s clipped tone matched his expression as he surveyed the bailey then the wall walk, determining the castle’s defenses before being willing to allow Elizabeth to enter the keep.

  “My apologies, my laird. I am Iain, the seneschal here. Welcome to Culcreuch.” The man bowed to Edward and Elizabeth. “My lady, if you’ll follow me, I’ve arranged bathes be sent to your chambers. My lord, if you care to retire to yours, I’m happy to lead the way.”

  Edward towered over the man, and he was sure he intimidated him. He didn’t experience a moment’s remorse. The day’s events made him skeptical of everyone at the castle. It was impossible to be certain who arranged for the attack. While he doubted it was Galbraith, with the man’s loyalty to his brother, it was impossible to be sure there weren’t spies here who’d be glad pass along information to this faceless enemy.

  “Our chamber.” Edward glanced down at the man as he continued to observe the guards moving about the battlements.

  “My pardon?” Iain stumbled.

  “Our chamber, Steward. There is no “laird’s” and “lady’s” chambers. There is “our” chamber.”

  The steward trembled at this point and flushed red, the color spreading even to his balding pate.

  “As you wish, my laird. Please follow me, if you will.” Iain turned away and crossed the bailey to the steps leading into the keep, looking back to check over his shoulder.

  Elizabeth felt for the man, but she understood Edward was establishing himself in charge of the keep for the foreseeable future. It wasn’t so much for Iain’s sake as it was the men from the garrison who came out of the barracks and milled to observe their new leader. Elizabeth looked up when Edward wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pressed her against his side. At first, she thought he was being possessive, but when she caught his expression, she noticed the fatigue and worry etched in the lines that now creased his forehead and around his mouth. He was ensuring she made it the distance to their chamber. He was trying to take care of her. Elizabeth understood Edward suffered tremendous guilt that the attack even happened let alone when his breeches were down, and he’d just told her it was safe to walk in the clearing alone. She rested her head against his shoulder until they entered the keep, the Great Hall sprawling before them. It was one of the largest great halls she’d seen despite going on procession with the royal court and visiting many castles. She looked about and observed banners and tapestries hanging from the walls. They needed airing out and beating with a wooden stick. Elizabeth glanced next at the large hearths that were blazing to keep the winter chill at bay. She strained to look beneath the grate in which the logs rested. She caught sight of the mountain of soot in both. She looked around, noticing small things like sconces that needed the melted wax removed. The servants already pulled out the tables and benches for the evening meal, and it relieved her to notice they were clean and almost gleaming. The rushes on the floor smelled fresh. She noted someone efficiently oversaw the day to day running of the keep but maintaining it sorely needed attention.

  An older woman bustled in from what Elizabeth assumed were the kitchens. The woman was short and round with rosy cheeks and dimples. She greeted them with a smile while Iain continued to slash glances between Edward and Elizabeth, not at all sure what they would expect of him next.

  “My laird, my lady.” The older woman bobbed in a surprisingly low curtsey for how old Elizabeth estimated her to be. “I’m Margaret, but everyone calls me Maggie. I’m the housekeeper here. My lady, forgive me, but you look like you need a bath, a meal, and a snug bed. All in that order. Please follow me.”

  Maggie reached out an arm as though she was prepared to take Edward’s place while escorting Elizabeth above stairs. She’d follow the housekeeper without qualms if it meant she received those three promised comforts, but Edward wouldn’t release her, instead walking with Elizabeth as they followed Maggie.

  “Newlyweds, are you? That’s what we heard. My laird, it is nice to see you tending to your wee wife. She looks ready to keel over. Guards announced your approach, saying many of the men looked the worse for wear. I figured you might be, too. A bath is awaiting you with the fire stoked. I’ve sent up a platter of food in
case you aren’t in the mood to return below stairs for the evening meal. And there should be warm bricks already under the covers.”

  Maggie prattled on as she led the way to the third floor, explaining that the family chambers were well above the ground floor to protect the family in case of an attack. It would give the laird’s family more time to hide or escape if attackers had to climb more stairs. She rubbed her knee once they reached the landing. Elizabeth peeked up at Edward worried the woman’s ramblings would annoy him, but he grinned for the first time that day, and Elizabeth’s belly tightened at how handsome he was. They passed through a large doorway and entered a bedchamber that must have occupied at least a third of the floor. Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she caught sight of the bed pushed against the wall but tucked far into the chamber away from the door and the windows. It could fit four of Edward in it.

  “Don’t lose me in that,” she whispered.

  “I’d have to let you go to do that,” he slid his hand down her back and pinched her backside.

  “Keep that up, and they’ll be changing the sheets because I won’t be able to wait till after my bath.”

  “Our bath, I promise there’ll be little waiting once Maggie leaves.”

  Maggie watched the couple with a knowing smile before she moved toward the door.

  “I’ll send up a maid to assist you, my lady. Everything you should need is near the tub. I’ll send up your satchel and other belongings to you later. In the meantime, I’m certain Lady Galbraith wouldn’t object to you borrowing one of her robes and nightgowns.”

  “There’s no need to send anyone else. I will tend to my wife.” Edward removed his sword and rested it against the chair closest to the tub.

  “Well then, I shall leave you to it.” Maggie opened the door but looked back at the young couple. “You remind me of my Iain. Still just as lusty as the day we wed. Aye, the seneschal is my husband,” she added at the end when the couple looked surprised. Neither would have guessed that they were wed, nor that anyone would ever describe Iain as insatiable.