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

by Barclay, Celeste

  Once Maggie closed the door behind her, Edward and Elizabeth melted into each other, hands roaming everywhere as their mouths fused together. Edward pulled pins from Elizabeth’s hair not caring where they landed. He began tugging at the laces to her gown but growled when they knotted.

  “How many kirtles did you pack with you?”

  “Two others but I need to hang them up to let the wrinkles drop out.”

  Edward spun Elizabeth around and severed the laces with his dirk. She gasped as the weight of the gown slipped off her shoulders. Elizabeth peered back at him in time to watch him return the knife to its sheath. She wiggled her arms out of the sleeves and pushed the kirtle to the floor.

  “One step ahead of you now, husband. Do catch up.” Elizabeth offered him what she hoped was a saucy grin, and by the way he ripped the length of plaid and his tunic over his head, she knew he was as impatient as she was. Normally, he would’ve unfastened the plaid first. He pushed his leggings down his trim hips as he watched Elizabeth push her own woolen stockings down before tugging to get her boots off. He hopped about as he yanked his off, earning him a giggle from Elizabeth. It was only a matter of moments before they stood naked. Edward pulled her into his embrace and lifted her, guiding her legs around his waist, impaling her with his hardened cock. He walked them to the wall next to the tub before pressing her back to it. Edward thrust over and over, reveling in Elizabeth’s moans as she squeezed his rod in response to his grunts. He couldn’t slow himself. The need to be a part of Elizabeth, to feel how alive and safe she was, and to claim her in a way that no one could ever take away possessed him.

  “I’m so close, yet I don’t want it to end. I want you harder, and yet I want it slower. I just want you, Eddie.” Elizabeth scored her nails against his scalp as her fingers tangled in his hair, her other arm gripped around his shoulders. Edward’s teeth grazed the pulse point in her neck over and over until finally he latched his lips around her collarbone, intending to leave a love bite. Elizabeth’s clothes might hide it, but he would know that it was there, marking her as his. Elizabeth’s head fell to his shoulder as she repeated his action, drawing extra hard to ensure the mark would last several days.

  “Mine,” they gasped together as neither withstood the need for release any longer.

  As their bodies stilled, Edward’s kisses were like butterfly wings brushing against the skin behind her ear. Her fingers now stroked the hair away from his face. When he was certain his legs would hold him long enough to step into the tub, he lowered them into the hot water. They both sighed as the heat and steam soaked into their sore bodies. Elizabeth rested her head against his shoulder, and in turn, Edward rested his cheek against the crown of her head. They both remained silent and motionless as they welcomed the relief that flowed through them after the terror they both experienced. It was in silent agreement that they didn’t bring up the day’s events. They knew the matter would be there the next day. Elizabeth ran her fingers over the deep division between the muscles in Edward’s chest before brushing them up onto the ridge on the right side of his chest. Her fingers trailed along until they reached his nipple which she circled with the pad of her finger. She drew the path over and over as Edward stroked her back, his hands moving in opposite directions as they slid from her shoulders to her rounded bottom. She felt him stir within her, her weight on him having kept them joined.

  “Need you,” Edward whispered.

  “Me, too.”

  This time their movements were slow, conscious about not splashing water over the side as they enjoyed the erotic feel of the water lapping around them and the smooth glide of Elizabeth’s sheath over Edward’s sword. As sensation drove Elizabeth to rock more, she arched her back, letting her head fall back. The position thrust her breasts forward in offering to Edward. He latched on like a starving babe, but the way his tongue swirled and flicked her nipple proved he was all man. A man who hungered for his wife as one hand gripped the breast he suckled while the other bit into the soft flesh of her buttocks. Elizabeth held his shoulders as she moved her hips. Edward didn’t try to control anything about this joining, letting Elizabeth bask in all the pleasure she garnered from their love making. It was only when his body no longer obeyed his best intentions that both hands gripped her hips as he thrust upwards.

  “Yes. It was good before, but this is what I want.”

  Elizabeth’s words snapped the little self-restraint Edward had, pressing her down to grind her nub against his pelvis as he surged upward over and over.

  “Beth!” Edward bellowed as his seed burst forth.

  Elizabeth continued to rock against him until only moments later her moans filled the chamber and she was screaming his name. She collapsed against him, her entire body trembling from the exertion and excitement. Edward wrapped his massive arms around her, a shield to the cool air and the rest of the world.

  “What I wouldn’t give for this water to remain hot long enough for me to nap here with you, just like this.”

  “Mmm,” Edward kissed her hairline. “How I wish my body could remain just as we are, or at least until we are both asleep.”

  They remained clasped in each other’s embrace until neither could ignore the need to hurry through their cleansing as the water chilled. After Edward finished pouring the clean water over Elizabeth’s hair, unable to withstand the temptation not to nip at her breasts as she leaned back, he helped her to her feet. He snatched a drying linen off the stand where it hung before the fire. He wrapped Elizabeth in it and lifted her out of the tub before grabbing a linen for himself. While she huddled within hers shivering, he wrapped his around his hips and reached out to rub her shoulders and back. Elizabeth wrapped another drying linen around her hair before picking up the robe that was also warming before the fire.

  “Maggie and her maids thought of everything,” Elizabeth mumbled around the bite of cheese she pilfered from the platter. “As tired as I am and as much as I want to climb into bed and fall asleep against you, I’m ravenous.”

  They munched on a wheel of cheese, a small loaf of bread, and several different dried fruits, taking turns feeding one another. When a knock came on the door and a maid entered with her satchel, Elizabeth knew she had the excuse she needed. Still famished even after their meal, she pulled a kirtle out and snapped it, hoping to release a few creases. Now that she had clothes, she had little excuse not to return below stairs for the meal.

  “We should put in an appearance, Eddie. It seems wrong to arrive and then hide away. At least you should go down.” Elizabeth knew there was no way Edward would leave her alone in this chamber so soon after their arrival, so she’d have to join him.

  “There’s no need to maneuver me. I know you have a healthy appetite after making love. I spent four days in a love nest with you, remember? We’ll go down for the evening meal. I can’t have my wee wife wasting away without sustenance. What would I do if you didn’t have the energy to wake me throughout the night to satisfy your lusty needs?” Edward darted away as Elizabeth playfully reached out to smack his backside. Both appreciated their ability to jest after everything that transpired. They floated into one another’s arms, grinning knowing that it was just as often Elizabeth who initiated their nocturnal couplings as it was Edward.

  “Are you in need of more beauty sleep, Eddie? Should I let you rest if my needs are so taxing?”

  “Not on your life.” Edward tickled her, enjoying her laughter and the way her body squirmed against his. He could feel himself hardening, and Elizabeth must have too because she froze, hunger of a different kind gleaming in her eyes.

  “We have enough time, don’t we?” Elizabeth questioned.

  “Aye.”

  Elizabeth turned and walked to the foot of the bed, already pulling her skirts to her waist. Edward assisted her after his leggings fell out of the way. She leaned forward as she pressed her hips backward. Their coupling was fast and hard as Edward reached around her, stimulating her bud until she was thrusting her hi
ps against Edward just as hard as he thrust into her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  T They arrived at the evening meal just as it was being served, their cheeks still flushed. They burned brighter from the knowing looks cast in their direction. Elizabeth smiled throughout the meal, but was glad that they placed course after course in front of her. Edward was discreet in serving the larger portion on his side of the trencher before sliding it to Elizabeth’s.

  “They’ll still catch me guzzling away. I’ll be larger than the side of the stable if I keep letting you push more food in front of me.”

  “You don’t eat like this often.”

  Elizabeth tried to swallow a snort as she looked at her husband. “I eat like this after we make love, and since we do that morning, noon, and night, I eat like this at every meal. I don’t get this hungry even after a long ride on Reubadair.”

  “Are you comparing me to your horse?” Edward teased.

  “You’re both fine stallions that I can ride for hours.”

  Edward’s chuckle flowed from their seats, making many at the tables below look up at the grinning laird who only had eyes for his wife.

  “I suppose I shall take that as the finest of compliments, since you hold your horse in the highest esteem.” Edward shook off a droplet of sauce from the piece of goose he grasped. He raised it to Elizabeth’s mouth, and she leaned forward to take it, sucking the juices from his fingers. She was quick so as not to draw attention, but a few raunchy comments floated up to them. Elizabeth shrank back into her seat.

  “That’s not the first impression I want to make.”

  “That the laird and lady love each other? That bodes better for the people here than a couple who can’t stand the sight of one another. A happy laird and lady make for a happy clan, and while we reside here, it’s our influence that will affect the way they live.”

  “I agree, but they need not watch me acting like a tavern wench at the first meal we attend.”

  Edward only grinned and waggled his eyebrows, earning him a hand beneath the table that cupped his rod. He choked on the bite of his food, unprepared for Elizabeth to take up his challenge.

  “Do that again, and we will make a scene when I toss you over my shoulder and carry you abovestairs before they serve dessert.”

  “Does that mean you intend to do that after dessert?” Elizabeth offered her most innocent look of astonishment.

  “Play with fire, little one, and I will singe you.” Edward offered her another bite. Elizabeth angled her head to hide how she curled her tongue around his fingers before licking them.

  “I am but tinder to your spark.”

  They grew quiet for the rest of the meal, both too eager to leave to continue teasing one another. When the music began, and the diners pushed the tables to the side for dancing, the couple attempted to make their escape, but the clan cheered for them to join the dancing. Unable to refuse without displaying poor manners, Edward swung Elizabeth into a country reel. They attempted to do their duty by being gracious with each person they partnered, but neither relished seeing the other dancing with someone else. When the reel ended, and a song began that would allow them to remain together, Edward reached for Elizabeth, but a young man slid in front of him and asked for Elizabeth’s hand. She politely refused, saying she’d saved this dance for Edward. She shrank back when anger flashed in his eyes, and pain raced through her hand and arm as he squeezed her hand and wouldn’t let go when she attempted to pull away. A warning growl from over the young man’s shoulder forced him to release Elizabeth, lest Edward shove him out of the way. His glare was menacing as Edward looked at the younger man. It was clear the man who approached Elizabeth was a warrior, but he looked like a young boy compared to Edward’s size and chiseled, battle-hewn good looks. Edward crossed his arms as he stood between Elizabeth and the interloper.

  “My wife declined,” Edward hissed low enough for few people to hear, but his stance was drawing attention.

  “I didn’t hear her,” the man spoke without fear.

  “Do not lie, boy. I saw her shake her head, and I heard her. If you are that hard of hearing, you shouldn’t serve as a warrior. A field of turnips might be a better calling.” Edward glared at the other man but did nothing more. “What’s your name?”

  “Mitchell.”

  “Is that your Christian name or your clan?” Edward demanded.

  “Christian name,” Mitchell was growing surly and refused to answer more than he had to.

  Elizabeth watched as the young man dug himself deeper and deeper. No one at the keep was unaware of Edward’s authority as the Earl of Lochaber and Badenoch and the current laird in residence. At this point, the matter was no longer about Mitchell insisting upon a dance or even grasping Elizabeth’s hand for too long. It was about his outward defiance to Edward.

  “You are foolish, not brave,” Elizabeth muttered. She moved to return to the dais, but Mitchell spun around and blocked her path.

  “And you are little more than a whore,” he mouthed. Elizabeth understood what he said, as did others who stood nearby. Elizabeth’s small hand gripped his throat, her fingers pressing against points that made him splutter. She didn’t have the strength Edward had, but her hand was the right size to still immobilize Mitchell.

  “Say it aloud if you’re that brave,” Elizabeth challenged him.

  Edward was livid. He didn’t know what Mitchell whispered to Elizabeth, but he’d never seen her react like this. Only the attack earlier had shown she was willing and able to kill to protect herself. Even the time he noticed her carry a knife in Stirling, it had been to ward off an attack, not engage in one. He grabbed a fistful of Mitchell’s leine and tugged him backward, out of Elizabeth’s reach but into his. He shook the younger man hard enough to make Mitchell’s teeth click together.

  “Repeat what you said,” Edward demanded.

  “I didn’t say anything,” Mitchell sneered.

  Elizabeth stepped forward, but Iain slipped in front of her. He leaned toward Edward but out of Mitchell’s reach. He lowered his voice to keep everyone in the clan from knowing what a few people saw. “He called the lady a whore.”

  Elizabeth was sure the young man would die that night. Edward’s face drew into an expression Elizabeth was sure terrified more than one man into wetting himself on the battlefield. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he clenched his teeth, and Elizabeth glimpsed a vein pulse in his neck. She didn’t fear him, but feared for the brash young man who would’ve seen his life flash before his eyes if he wasn’t so arrogant. Elizabeth prayed for the sake of the clan and their stay at Culcreuch that Edward didn’t kill Mitchell.

  “Who claims this whelp as their son?” Edward’s voice rang out. There was silence in the crowd as they collectively held their breath. “Orphan?”

  Edward looked down at Iain, who was shaking his head. The young man had parents somewhere.

  “Where are they?” Edward shook him again.

  “We are here, my laird.” A man pushed through the crowd with a cowering woman at his side.

  Edward released Mitchell with a shove toward his parents. He glared at the father before softening his gaze, only slightly, when he looked at the mother.

  “Your son is no longer allowed in the keep, not even within the walls. If I lay eyes on him again before I leave Culcreuch, I will challenge him. There is no chance he will win. Thank God for his life, the little it’s worth.”

  The older couple pulled Mitchell through the crowd, swallowed by the buzzing of whispers as the gossip began.

  “Let me clear,” Edward’s voice boomed over the din, and the people fell quiet. “No one speaks ill of my wife without facing my wrath. Laird Galbraith is still your chieftain; I have no intention of taking over your clan. Lady Elizabeth and I are here for an extended visit, but we are not interested in usurping anyone’s position. That said, if this is the behavior of your warriors, this dishonor and arrogance, then you should fear for your future. But I believe Mitchell
doesn’t reflect your clan. So far, Lady Elizabeth and I have only seen kindness and hospitality. We appreciate this warm welcome of a veritable feast. Let not the whisky and ale go to waste nor the musicians grow old.”

  Edward signaled to the musicians to play again and he reached out his hand to Elizabeth, who gladly followed his lead as they launched into the dance they were meant to have. The couple remained belowstairs far longer than they would have liked, but they wanted to ensure the clan recognized they held no ill will to them. Edward sensed the wheels turning in Elizabeth’s mind, and he, too, wondered if Mitchell might have been a spy sent to test them. Or perhaps he might be a future danger if he became attached to whoever wanted to harm Elizabeth.

  When Elizabeth stumbled twice while dancing and leaned more against Edward, he knew she’d reached her limits, even if she was too proud to admit it. He led her through the twirling crowd toward the stairs. Maggie and Iain met them there.

  “We apologize for this evening’s dust up.” Iain humbled himself. “Mitchell has always been a hothead, and it will see him in Hell one of these days.”

  “Aye. His poor mother is beside herself with how he turned out. Neither she nor her husband are anything like the lad. They’re honorable people, good parents to their other children, but the lad has always been trouble.” Maggie shook her head as she looked wistfully toward the keep’s main doors. “You did right to banish him from within the walls. I’ve never trusted him, and I doubt most people would tolerate him after the way he acted. He’s safer away from those who caught what he said. More than one man was ready to defend our lady.”

  “Thank you, Maggie.” Elizabeth’s heart was ready to burst at the warmth in the woman’s eyes. Once more, she felt welcomed when another person referred to her as “our lady.” She remembered she and Edward wouldn’t make their permanent home here, but it still felt wonderful.