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

by Barclay, Celeste

  “What shall it be, little one? The coast or the mountains?”

  “Isabella Dunbar and her husband are now living with the Sinclairs. She’d be beside herself for a chance to visit us at Dunachton. She could visit actual Pictish ruins rather than having to rely on her dusty tombs from the Romans and Britons. That said, Inverlochy is near to Glencoe. We could open our doors to Amelia and Roy if the need arose.” Elizabeth looked thoughtful, tapping a finger against her lips, but Edward recognized that while she spoke the truth, she was teasing him. She wouldn’t decide based on their potential houseguests. But she grew serious as her own question arose. “Eddie, would we still be able to bring my brother and sisters? I haven’t seen them enough lately, but we could offer them so much.”

  “Wherever you choose, their home is already there.”

  “In that case, I believe Inverlochy is where I’d like to make our home. I would have both the coast and mountains with Loch Linnhe and Ben Nevis so nearby. I’m sure we can find something of interest for Isabella.”

  “You will interest Isabella. It wouldn’t surprise me if she is with child soon, too. She and her husband are just as--- energetic as we are.” Edward waggled his brow. “Besides you and Ceit shall have bairns, as will Deirdre. After our bairn comes, I will take you to the Sinclairs if you wish.”

  “I do.”

  Edward chuckled as he nudged Elizabeth’s jaw up with the crook of his finger. He gazed into her emerald eyes and asked, “Are you certain that Inverlochy is what you want?”

  “Aye.” Elizabeth beamed, and Edward kissed her, uncaring about their audience. Let the men be jealous and let the Frasers see he loved her well. Edward turned back to Robert, an arm around Elizabeth’s waist, his other hand clasped with hers. He smiled at Elizabeth and encouraged her to make their declaration.

  “Inverlochy, Your Grace. We would like Inverlochy to be our new home.”

  “Well met. I believe that shall be a fine choice for you. Plenty of space for bairns to run and grow. The Highland air and all.” Robert covered his grin by leaning over a parchment and signing it before affixing his seal. “It is done. You may be underway as soon as you are ready.”

  “We’re already packed,” Edward’s voice was clear but soft. He expected Robert’s look of surprise, but his brother accepted their departure was inevitable. Robert gestured with his hand, and the meeting was adjourned.

  “You really are leaving, little brother.” Robert stepped around the table and pulled Edward into a tight embrace once the others cleared the chamber. “I will look for your missives. Don’t forget to write in between chasing your wife about your castle.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it. I shall capture my bride and insist she keep me company.”

  Elizabeth cleared her throat, making a feminine but distinct sound. Both men turned to stare at her.

  “And what if it is I who does the chasing, and my husband is too exhausted to write? May I send missives to the queen in lieu of my husband?” Her expression of innocence only made the two men laugh harder.

  Edward kissed her temple, and his soft breath whispered across her ear as he murmured, “You won’t have to chase me. I surrender.”

  Elizabeth’s fair skin once again blushed, but she wouldn’t deny her husband his willing capitulation.

  “When will you depart?” Robert brought their attention back to the conversation.

  “I’d like for us to ride out tomorrow morning if I can arrange things. Chests and trunks can be sent along on wagons later.”

  “Perhaps you could give the MacDonalds a sennight to adjust to losing the keep. You would arrive before my messenger if I agreed to your departure tomorrow.”

  Edward and Elizabeth chuckled at the exaggeration, but they would arrive within hours of the messenger if they left in the morning. They conceded that wouldn’t ingratiate them to their new tenants.

  “Very well. But I would like to take Beth to Culcreuch then.”

  Edward didn’t miss the pain that flashed in Robert’s eyes as he suggested an alternative to them remaining at court. He knew his brother understood his desire to be away from court, but it would be the first time that Edward struck out on his own in truth, with no intention of returning to either of his brothers’ side. He wouldn’t remain at court, nor was he going to their brother Edward’s camp in Ireland. He’d be independent, and it was an unsettling notion to both of them.

  “Perhaps you and Her Grace might visit,” Elizabeth offered. “Laird and Lady Galbraith have a beautiful home.”

  “You would have the entire court repair to their keep so soon after you arrive?” Robert questioned.

  “Beth said you and Elizabeth. She didn’t invite your circling flock of vultures,” Edward clarified. “We’d love to host you and our sister-by-marriage. We have no intention of having the court eat the Galbraiths out of house and home.”

  “Perhaps the queen and I are overdue a long ride together. If we end up at Culcreuch for the midday meal or supper, then what a happy coincidence.”

  “Thank you,” Elizabeth beamed.

  “Then we depart for Culcreuch in the morning and from there Inverlochy when you deem the MacDonalds are ready to welcome us.” Edward clapped a hand on Robert’s shoulder now that the Privy Council chamber was empty but for them and a couple of guards. Robert gripped Edward in a tight embrace.

  “Go with God’s grace, little brother. You have a fine life ahead of you.” Robert whispered to Edward as they continued to cling to one another. Eventually, Robert released Edward in exchange for embracing Elizabeth. “You’re a good lass, and I’m grateful you agreed to take on my brother. He is better for having you as his wife.”

  “And I am better for having him as my husband.” Elizabeth’s smile was so brilliant Edward was certain his heart would beat out of his chest as he absorbed its warmth.

  “Eddie,” Elizabeth looked over her shoulder to where her husband watched her from beside the fireplace. She pushed her kirtle over her hips before scooping it up and placing it on a hook. “There’s something that I’ve been wondering about for some time but haven’t gotten around to asking you.”

  Edward wandered away from the fireplace until he stood behind Elizabeth. He plucked the ribbons from her shoulders, letting her chemise fall to the floor before cupping her breasts. They were even fuller than before, and he enjoyed the feel of them overflowing from his fingers. He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, eliciting a low moan as Elizabeth’s head dropped back against his chest.

  “What are you wondering?” Edward’s breath beside her ear made her shiver, and she moaned once more when he nibbled on her earlobe.

  “Do you remember that day in the woods?”

  Edward stiffened. Of course, he remembered the day she mentioned. Curiosity consumed him when he saw her ride out of the stable. The emotion morphed as he was possessed by fear while he chased her across hill and dale at a breakneck pace and overwhelmed with anger when he found her among the trees. It was also the first time her entire body had pressed against his, and the first time he tasted her lips.

  “I do,” he replied slowly.

  “Do you remember our conversation and what you promised me?” Edward’s mind snapped back to having Elizabeth in his lap, and how she admitted to her scandalous behavior when she thought about him. He also recalled what she admitted she wanted from him. “Do you remember our night at the inn and what happened when I wouldn’t let go of your--”

  Edward spun Elizabeth around and grasped her backside, pulling her onto her toes to rub his rod against her mons. His hand drew back and landed on her right globe with a resounding smack.

  “Is this what you’re referring to?” Edward growled, and Elizabeth’s moan reassured him it was. “Is this what you want?”

  Edward rained down two more swats as Elizabeth clung to him. She tucked her head into the crook of his neck and nodded. Edward continued, alternating sides, but the pressure remained light and playful.

  “Ed
die,” Elizabeth mewled. “This is exactly what I want. I thought maybe you forgot or weren’t interested anymore.”

  Edward paused before leading Elizabeth to sit beside him on the edge of the bed. Dissatisfied with her sitting next to him, he lifted her into his lap. His hand glided over her bare skin while he remained clothed. The contrast and Elizabeth’s vulnerability didn’t go unnoticed, rather heightening the tension between them.

  “There has been much going on since that night. Between the threats and learning you’re with child, I feared scaring you. Or worse, harming you or the bairn if I tried spanking you again.”

  “Eddie, you don’t scare me. Even when I’ve seen you furious, you don’t scare me. I know you’d never harm me or our bairn. I have a healthy respect for your physical strength, but I never fear you turning it on me.” Elizabeth ran her fingers through his hair as she nestled closer. “I wish---I’d like—um, rather would you--”

  “Are you suddenly too shy to ask?” Edward teased.

  Elizabeth nodded and slid off Edward’s lap. He reached for her, but she stepped around his knee, so she could position herself and lay across his lap. Her upturned backside was stretched beneath his nose, and his eyes feasted on the sight his wife presented. It was only moments later that Elizabeth’s moans filled the chamber as her backside heated to a deep shade of pink. When Edward worried she couldn’t bear much more, he lifted her to move further back on the bed. He arranged her so that she straddled his hips before she sheathed herself onto his throbbing sword. Their coupling had a wildness and closeness that reminded them of their first night together, and both were certain they had created a new bond within their relationship.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “I can’t believe that after nearly a moon at Culcreuch, I’m finally about to see Inverlochy for the first time.”

  Elizabeth’s giddiness made Edward smile. Their sennight layover in Culcreuch turned into a month once Robert and the queen arrived. The royal couple found they enjoyed the reprieve from court so much that they remained for a fortnight. Between time needed for missives to travel to and from Inverlochy announcing the change in ownership, along with giving the clan time to prepare the castle, the days flew by. The keep had once belonged to John “the Black” Comyn, Edward’s predecessor as Earl of Lochaber and Badenoch, but the king gave the castle to the MacDonalds for safekeeping. Since it no longer had any noble occupants, the queen deemed the keep needed spring cleaning to bring it to royal standards. Elizabeth stood her ground when the queen suggested the castle might not be ready until summer. Elizabeth was adamant that she’d oversee any major restoration or projects. She was certain there was little possibility for the castle to be in much disrepair after only a few years. People still lived in and around the keep, and she wanted her home to match her taste and Edward’s, not that of the king and queen.

  “You shall find your new home just over the next rise.” Edward had visited a sennight earlier to ensure it was ready for Elizabeth’s arrival. He was pleased with the keep, realizing Elizabeth’s prediction that the MacDonalds had kept it in good repair was accurate. The tenants and servants offered a warm welcome despite the land changing hands twice in a short time. There were still a number of members of the Comyn clan who received amnesty and remained. They had been farmers and servants with no say in the Black Comyn’s political choices. Robert gave the people the choice to renounce Comyn and swear their fealty to him or be put to death. It was a simple choice for most of them, and they lived better for it. The MacDonalds ensured the lands prospered and peace existed where it hadn't for many years.

  “Is that it?” Elizabeth pointed to the horizon where she spotted the tips of a brick tower.

  “Aye, that’s our new home.”

  “Race you!” Elizabeth didn’t wait before spurring Reubadair into a gallop. While she didn’t ride pellmell now that she was expecting, she still liked to give Reubadair his head. Elizabeth knew she could have outpaced Edward and his horse, but for her own safety and to not terrify Edward, she kept Reubadair even with Edward’s horse. They heard the bells ring as the guards on the wall walk recognized Edward’s standard, and they raised the portcullis for them. They clattered into the bailey, but Elizabeth waited until Edward lifted her from the saddle. She knew he was guarded about her coming to live at Inverlochy since there were still members of the Comyn clan living in and around the keep. She offered a silent agreement to follow his lead upon their arrival.

  An older woman by the name of Eithne greeted them and introduced herself as the head of household and chatelaine. However, once the couple stepped into the Great Hall, Eithne handed over her large ring of keys to Elizabeth with a noticeable look of relief.

  “I’m a housekeeper nae a chatelaine, ma lady.” Elizabeth smiled at the burr in the woman’s accent.

  “Thank you for entrusting me with these so soon upon my arrival,” Elizabeth dipped a shallow curtsy.

  “Aye well, ma lady, I’ve heard good things aboot ye. Yer mon is fond of ye.” Eithne grinned at Edward as though he were a lad rather than a battle-hardened warrior now in possession of a keep and its surrounding land. “If ye’ll follow me, ma lady, I had a bath ordered to yer chamber when the scouts announced yer approach. I figure ye’ll feel a mite better once ye’re refreshed. Ye can have a lie down after, or I can give ye a tour of the keep. Whatever ye wish. The evening meal willna be for a few hours.”

  “Thank you, Eithne. A bath sounds lovely. I think I would like that tour afterwards.”

  “Vera well. I’ll find yer maid and have her assist ye.”

  “My lady wife doesn’t have a maid,” Edward grinned, and Elizabeth’s face went up in flames. “She has me.”

  Eithne’s step faltered before she doubled over in gales of laughter. She laughed so hard she drew attention from the other people in the hall. Her serious face creased into deep laugh lines that showed she wasn’t always stern.

  “Ye’ll do well in the Highlands, the two of ye. If there isnae a bairn on the way already, there will be before the season changes. Mark ma word.” Eithne turned and continued toward the stairs. Elizabeth shot Edward a glare, but that only provoked him into being even more outrageous. He scooped his wife into his arms and followed Eithne. Elizabeth buried her face as the people below went from stunned silence to cheers.

  “You’re incorrigible,” she hissed.

  “That and impatient. I haven’t seen you alone and naked in days.”

  “I was trying not to think about the fact that I haven’t seen you naked in days either, but now that you’ve said it, I’m rather impatient, too.”

  Edward walked into the chamber that Eithne showed them. The tub was before the hearth with steam rising from it. Edward set Elizabeth on her feet and spoke before Eithne could.

  “Lady Bruce will call for you when she is ready for that tour. Thank you.” Edward crossed the floor, gently but firmly closing the door with Eithne on the other side.

  “Lady Bruce. I’m still not used to that.”

  “Sound rather nice though.”

  “It does.” Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Edward’s neck and lifted her chin to accept his kiss. The kiss was just as they always were, passionate and explosive even in its tenderness. Clothes soon littered the floor, and just like the night they handfasted, Edward lifted Elizabeth to slide into her before lowering them into the bath together. “I wish we could stay like this the entire rest of the day.”

  “Who says we won’t?” Edward leaned Elizabeth back to wet her shoulders and hair before cradling her against his chest.

  “The water won’t stay hot.”

  “Then we keep summoning more,” Edward chuckled.

  “You want some of the male servants to see me naked, impaled on your rod? I refuse to allow any of the women to even glance at you in the bath.”

  “Perhaps not,” Edward grinned.

  “Besides, weren’t you supposed to send Robert a missive once we arrived?”

  “I
intend to be too busy chasing my wife around this chamber to send any missives today.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  The evening meal was about to be served when Elizabeth and Edward emerged from their chamber at last. Eithne graciously mentioned nothing about the missed tour while the rest of the staff brought out platter upon platter of food for the welcome feast. When the meal concluded, and amid many mugs of ale, each member of the MacDonald and Comyn clans who lived and worked within the castle walls came forward to bow and pledge their fealty to Edward and Elizabeth. As they sat upon the dais, their hands clasped while watching men and women kneel to swear their loyalty, Edward and Elizabeth knew they were finally home.

  Epilogue

  Ten years later…

  “Edward,” Elizabeth’s aggrieved voice reached Edward as he wiped his face on his leine and stepped away from the lists. “Tell your sons that if they insist upon sparring like real men that they must tend their wounds like real men.”

  Edward looked at the three boys Elizabeth herded toward him; his youngest, Thomas, being led by the collar Elizabeth gripped. He took in the three dirty faces and three sets of dirty hands along with a bloody nose, a nasty cut over one eyebrow, and what looked like a broken little finger. There wasn’t a tear in sight. Instead, there was his aggravated wife and his three rambunctious sons, Neill, Alexander, and Thomas. They were stepping stones in age: Neill at nine, Alexander was seven, and Thomas was five. A cooing sound and kicking legs peaked from behind Elizabeth’s back as their youngest son, three-year-old Robert, grabbed a fistful of his mother’s hair. Elizabeth reached back and eased the strands from their toddler’s chubby fingers.

  “Lads, I didn’t give you your wooden swords to create more work for your mother. You look like a lot of scruff pups. Come with me, and you can explain your war wounds while you get cleaned up.” Edward shooed his sons ahead of him to the buckets of water kept near the training field for the purpose of cleaning wounds and washing mud off faces. He leaned around Elizabeth to muss Robert’s hair before giving Elizabeth a kiss. He rested his hand on her swollen belly as her fingers fisted his leine. Despite having four children and one on the way, their kisses had lost none of their fire. Just the opposite, their love and desire for one another was so obvious that it never surprised their people when they announced Elizabeth was expecting. It just surprised people that more than ten moons went in between births.