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

by Barclay, Celeste

  “Please have a tray sent up for Lady Elizabeth in the morning.” Edward looked down into Elizabeth’s emerald eyes and smiled. “My hope is that my wife will sleep in and recuperate from today’s ordeals.”

  “Yes, my laird. My lady, we have moved your chest to your chamber. You should have all that you need. If you leave out the kirtle you’d like to wear, I’ll be sure it’s brought to me when the maid delivers your tray. I’ll have it ready for you when you rise.” Maggie dipped into a curtsey before she and Iain shuffled away.

  “What’s wrong, little one?” Edward felt Elizabeth pull away as they made their way up the stairs.

  “You said the tray is for me. Where will you be? I thought we were sharing a chamber.” Though spoken softly, Edward still heard the strain in her voice.

  “You fear I’ll sleep somewhere else, with someone else.” Edward commented rather than asked. “Beth, I’m spending the night exactly where I want to be, and that’s tucked under the covers next to you. I simply anticipate waking before you, and I want to investigate the castle’s defenses before you wander around on your own.”

  “Do you realize how I would have panicked if I woke alone and you hadn’t forewarned me by asking for the tray? I would have feared something happened to you. That somehow someone had taken you.” Elizabeth tried to keep the tremor from her voice but was certain she failed.

  “You’d fear for me if you awoke alone? You wouldn’t fear I abandoned you?” Edward saw the flash in his wife’s eyes and knew that she'd fear for him, but she’d also fear that he abandoned her. She’d said as much when she questioned whether they were sharing a chamber. “Beth, I’ll never be slipping off to meet another woman. There will never be another woman. I’m not your father or any of the other men at court. You must know that. That’s why I want to return to the Highlands.”

  “I know, but it’s hard. From what I understand, my father didn’t set out to be unfaithful to my mother. From what I’ve learned, they were quite close when they first married, but drifted apart. Then they both took lovers.” Elizabeth shrugged.

  They arrived at their door, and Edward pushed it open, entering first as he swept the chamber looking for anything out of place or any intruders. Edward led Elizabeth over to the cushioned chairs and pulled her into his lap. He held her as she curled into his warmth. He understood her fears stemmed from being overwhelmed by everything that happened that day. He held his own fears that if they returned to court or if Robert sent him off to battle, Elizabeth might grow tired of waiting for him and find her own lover. Edward didn’t believe she was that type of woman, but he understood what separation and politics could do to even the most loving marriage.

  “What if it’s you?” He muttered against her hair.

  “Me what? She leaned back.

  “What if you’re the one to find someone else?”

  Elizabeth’s eyes opened into saucers as her mouth gaped. She snapped it shut, but her eyes remained wide.

  “You think I’d be unfaithful to you?”

  “You seem to believe it’s possible for me to wander. Why shouldn’t I fear the same?”

  “You fear that?”

  “Aye,” Edward looked away, but not before Elizabeth glimpsed raw pain.

  “Eddie, I will never leave you. Not for another man, not for another home, not for anything. I’m not your mother,” she whispered the last two words. “And I’m not Sinead.”

  Edward’s head whipped back around. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I know your mother left you behind when she retired to the convent. It’s why Robert’s family adopted you. And I doubted Sinead was faithful to you, and I suspected that is why you weren’t faithful to her when you returned to court. You’ve said as much. I heard about her temper before you told me about it, but I’m also acquainted with many of the ladies you’ve bedded.”

  “Beth, you are too close to the truth. Leave off.” Edward shook his head, and Elizabeth gazed into the fire after the abrupt end to their conversation.

  Edward regretted snapping at her and realized they were still getting to know one another. Her past might have been a clean slate, but his was murky and sullied.

  “I’m sorry, Beth. I shouldn’t shut you out like that. Yes, it is still painful all these years later that my mother’s life shattered so much after my father’s death that she gave up on raising me. And I did consider at one time that Sinead might be a more permanent part of my life as my mistress, but I learned I was wrong by walking in on her when I returned from scouting a day early. We came to an agreement, and we abided by it for quite some time. When we were apart, we were free to do as we pleased, but when we were together, we were exclusive. Her temper and jealousy grew when I had to travel between Scotland and Ireland more often. She became possessive but refused to give up her own liaisons, claiming that they were all to help the cause and allowed her to gather more information. When I broke things off for good and returned to Scotland, I intended to bed a few women and then retire to the Highlands.”

  Elizabeth was uncertain she wanted to learn all of this now that Edward began explaining. Hearing him speak so casually about bedding other women made her feel worse rather than better.

  “I even considered seducing you when I first noticed you in the chapel, but by the time we spoke for the first time and Robert stopped me, I was certain I wanted so much more with you. Or at least I wanted the chance to discover if there could be something more. I realized that I didn’t want another mistress or even a few conquests. I wanted something real and lasting. With you. I’d never imagined that before. Even with Sinead, I assumed she might remain my mistress indefinitely, but I never considered making a home with her or having bairns. Thoughts of those two things fill my head whenever I think of you. I don’t want to accept it’s possible that our love might fade. I’ll do all that I can for the rest of my life to ensure it doesn’t.”

  Elizabeth cupped his jaw in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his parted lips. She didn’t press for anything more, and neither did Edward. The simplicity and gentleness spoke of love rather than lust.

  “I admit to jealousy, knowing you’ve been with women I know and seeing women fawn over you. I don’t like it, but I have faith that you would never betray me. It’s just hard to remember that when other thoughts crowd into my head.”

  “I can understand that. I’m often jealous, too. I despised watching the way men at court salivated over you, following you with their eyes. More than once I feared you were already involved with another man. When I heard you with Reubadair the first time, I was livid. When you rode off alone and went traipsing through town on your own, I was irate. But Beth, I want no one but you. Nothing could ever be better than what I have with you. Why would I stray when nothing and no one will live up to you?”

  Elizabeth took a deep breath before a long sigh seemed to cleanse her heart of her fears, at least the fears of Edward’s unfaithfulness. It didn’t change the fact that what she’d said earlier was also true.

  “I still would have panicked. I would have feared something happened to you. I’ve woken next to you every morning since we wed, and even before that while we were at the inn and in the cottage. It would have been a shock to roll over to cold sheets.”

  “Would it be better if I always kiss you goodbye before I leave our bed?”

  “I suppose. I’m not a late sleeper normally. I have developed bad habits since getting married. I have a husband who spoils me.” Elizabeth gave Edward’s jaw a peck. “I suspect I will rise just as early as you most mornings once we settle into a routine. I may not be the lady of the keep, but I can still help. I suppose you’ll go to the lists each morning. I just don’t like the fear that overwhelms when you’re in danger.”

  “When have you ever seen me in danger? I’ve had to watch you in danger time and again. Today will never leave me.”

  Elizabeth looked at him as though he’d lost his mind. Once more her mouth was agape; all she did for a m
oment was shake her head.

  “Of course, I’ve seen you in danger. Why do you think I was trying to run back to you today? You had your breeks around your ankles while men were trying to kill us.”

  Edward’s mouth tightened into a flat line. She insulted him even though he realized she didn’t intend offense.

  “I wasn’t helpless. You intended to defend me with your dirks when I had a sword I’ve spent my life training with? And my breeks were not at my ankles. I’d barely unlaced them.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply you can’t defend yourself, but I saw you looking defenseless,” Elizabeth grimaced as the word slid past her lips, knowing she was tripping over her own words. “It terrified me an attacker would creep up on you. I was positive I had to get to you.”

  “That’s why you didn’t run, even though I was shouting for you to go.”

  “I don’t think I even heard you. My focus was on getting past those first two horsemen. I lost sight of you as the third one rode up. Before I realized what was happening, he lifted me off my feet. I watched you running with your sword raised like a lance. I jerked away to make sure you didn’t spear me with your sword, and the man flung me backwards as you buried it in him. I hit the horse’s flank and was certain the animal would trample me. It was impossible for me to tell where you were or whether you lived. I just waited for the inevitable pressure of the horse’s hoof, but it never came. The next thing I knew, you were kneeling over me then picking me up.”

  “Mo ghaisgeach beag.” My wee warrior. Edward stroked the hair back from her face as he looked into her sparkling green eyes. The firelight flickered, and the reflection made it appear as though she had diamonds twinkling on a bed of emeralds. They were mesmerizing. “I love that you want to protect me, but I was certain my life was ending as I watched you take on those two men. When the third one grabbed you, I wasn’t able to consider anything but him and getting to you, so he couldn’t take you. I love you more than anything, little one. I can’t imagine living without you.”

  “And you don’t realize I’m the same way? I would sell my soul to the Devil if I was certain it would keep you safe.”

  “We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?” Edward smiled, his teeth flashing, making him look boyish. Elizabeth’s breath hitched as she looked at her handsome husband. She hadn’t seen him offer this smile to anyone else. It was special to realize she was the fortunate recipient of something rare.

  “We are. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Elizabeth leaned forward for another soft kiss.

  “As long as you don’t take unnecessary risks, I won’t stop you from riding like a daredevil. But if we’re ever in that situation again, you must run, Beth. Just run. Trust that I will get to you, but I can’t protect you if you get yourself killed.”

  It wasn’t long before they climbed into bed, stripped to their skin, Edward sinking into Elizabeth. They went slowly, taking their time to heighten and lengthen their pleasure. When exhaustion refused to release its hold on them, they collapsed into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Elizabeth woke as the sun peeked into the chamber, and she found herself wrapped in the embrace of muscular arms, her back pressed against the searing heat of her husband’s chest.

  “You’re still here?” Elizabeth’s voice rasped as she rolled toward Edward. Her husband’s fingers skimmed over the bare skin of her back.

  “Mmm. It seems fatigue claimed me, too. I didn’t intend to sleep this late, but I suppose I was too comfortable to notice the sun rising.” Their lips brushed against one another. “Good morning, little one.”

  Edward rolled Elizabeth on her back and was pressing her legs apart when a knock on the door preceded someone pushing it open. Elizabeth scrambled to pull the covers up while Edward grumbled something that sounded like get out. A young maid entered but stumbled when she saw Edward sitting up in bed, the sheet pulled across his chest. It was Elizabeth’s turn to grumble, but Edward had a lock of her hair wrapped around his finger. He leaned in to whisper in her ear.

  “She’ll disappear in a moment. Then we can work up the appetite needed to clear that tray.”

  “My lady, Maggie said I am to gather your gown to have it brushed out and prepared for the day.”

  Elizabeth groaned. She’d forgotten about that. She had no intention of letting a maid rummage through her chest, but she needed to have a gown readied. Elizabeth pulled the robe from the foot of the bed and shimmied into it while trying to protect her modesty. She looked up and realized she need not have worried. The maid was too busy staring at Edward, who in turn, was watching Elizabeth. She slipped from the bed and moved about the chamber gathering a fresh chemise, tunic, and over kirtle. The keep was draughty, and she knew she needed more layers. As she moved around, gathering what she needed, she watched the maid who gawked at Edward. The young woman gave up trying to gain his attention, but she did little to hide her interest. Elizabeth handed the garments over, but didn’t let go.

  “Aye, we all know my husband is a handsome man, but do more than gawk, and you will find yourself scrubbing chamber pots until we leave.”

  The maid’s eyes widened as she bobbed a curtsy and practically ran from the chamber. Edward’s laughter only got louder as Elizabeth harrumphed before climbing back into bed. He pulled Elizabeth beside him before once more rolling her onto her back. This time he didn’t pause before surging into her.

  “I find I rather like my wife to be possessive of me.” Edward grinned.

  “I’m no worse than you are.” Elizabeth would have said more, but her mind blanked as the sensations coursing through her took priority.

  “I had five brothers to share with growing up and never did like it. Now, I want what is mine to be mine alone.”

  “I didn’t have any sisters to share with, so I never learned how.”

  Edward’s groan rumbled in his chest, and Elizabeth found she no longer wanted to talk. The way they moved proved without a doubt they belonged to one another.

  After they devoured the food and completed their morning ablutions, Edward insisted that since he’d already remained in the chamber this late into the morning, he could wait until Elizabeth was dressed and able to go belowstairs with him. Maggie returned with Elizabeth’s gown, tsking about how the couple was taking years off her life with how they frightened everyone, but she beamed a wide smile, nonetheless.

  “Just like me and my Iain,” Maggie chortled before growing serious. “My lady, here is your gown. If there is aught you need please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll be in the kitchens with Bethea, the cook, planning the week’s menu if you’d be willing to assist.”

  “I doubt either of you need my help,” Elizabeth shook her head.

  “Mayhap, but we’d like it, anyway.”

  “I’ll down just as soon as I’m dressed.”

  “And I’m supposing you’re not in need of a maid again.”

  “That’s correct,” Edward cut in. “I’m the best lady’s maid my wife can find.”

  Maggie walked to the door muttering, “It’s a mite trickier getting her into the gown than getting her out.” But she was gone before either Edward or Elizabeth could say anything about her comments.

  “She is right, you know,” Elizabeth grinned over her shoulder as she pulled the chemise over her head. She pulled on a fresh pair of stockings, then reached for her tunic and kirtle.

  “Then you must teach me.”

  “I need to teach you more patience or all of my laces will be in tatters.” Elizabeth bent to pick up a piece of ribbon from the gown she wore the day before. Edward couldn’t resist tapping his wife on her backside. “Have you always been so playful? Were you the most easygoing of the six of you?”

  “Not nearly. Edward was actually the one who rarely let anything faze him, and he always had some joke or off-hand comment about everything. Thomas was the troublemaker, but had a knack for making sure he was never in trouble. Niall and Alexander just wanted to be inclu
ded. I was more observant and withdrawn, while Robert was pensive.”

  “Then why now? I would think after what you’ve seen and had to do in battle, you would be even more serious.”

  “I am with everyone but you.”

  Elizabeth’s heart once more fluttered when Edward directed his boyish grin at her.

  “Do you smile like that for anyone else?”

  “Like what?” Edward tilted his head as he considered Elizabeth’s question. The warmth of Elizabeth’s presence did wonders for his soul, soothing the anguish that had taken root after so many years of fighting. He realized he was genuinely happy when he was with her. “I suppose not.”

  “You seem relaxed and younger when you grin.”

  “I have you to thank for that. No one else makes me want to smile like this, and I hardly ever consider myself feeling young. Boyhood seems like many lifetimes ago.”

  “I like this side of you. I like how happy you seem and that I’m the only one you gift with that smile. Remember I like a good secret; after all, I did spend years creeping through those passages.”

  “Don’t remind me. I still can’t believe you memorized your entire way around Stirling Castle without seeing the light of day. Makes my head and chest hurt.”

  “Now you sound like my gram.” Elizabeth giggled as she dashed through the door Edward held open for her.

  Elizabeth joined Maggie and Bethea in the kitchens while Edward made his way around the battlements before joining the men in the lists. He spent the entire morning there, even taking the noon meal outside while Elizabeth ate and chatted with the women of the clan. She assisted with the menu planning and received a tour of the storage rooms from Bethea. The woman was proud of how well stocked the larder remained despite it being the middle of winter. When they were through, Maggie led Elizabeth on a tour of the keep. She explained that Lady Galbraith oversaw much of the running of the keep as chatelaine, but she also hinted that the lady of the keep wasn’t well versed in some less-noticeable tasks that needed doing. Maggie implied that she tried to provide guidance, but Lady Galbraith was unwilling to consider suggestions.