He could not help but smile. “I will explain it later, but first, will you marry me and come with us when we go home?” She did not answer and he held his breath. “Mackinzie?”
“I am thinking.”
“You will be happy there, I promise.”
She moved away and turned to watch the ocean. “I cannot.”
“Why not?”
“I do not know what I am. Am I Scot, English, or worse, a Celt? They say I am a Celt, they have always said it.”
He knew, but he wanted her to tell him. “Why do they say that?”
“Because I came to them in a bucket and no one knows who put me in it.”
“Then they cannot know you are a Celt. I say you are a Scot the same as me, the most becoming Scot I have ever seen.” Mackinzie giggled and he believe it was the first time he’d heard that. “The MacGreagors will not call you a Celt, I forbid it.”
“By order of the king?”
“My good lass, in the MacGreagor clan, I am the king.” She smiled slightly and then grew silent again. This time he let her be. No one would care that she was found in a bucket, but she cared.
Finally, she looked at him. “You are certain they will not call me names?”
“Not if they wish to be a MacGreagor. We do not hold with such things, even from our children.”
“Aye, but if they did, I would not know where to hide.”
Sawney took hold of her shoulders and turned her until she faced him again. Then he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “If ever you have a need, this is where you shall hide. I give you my pledge, no matter where I am or what I am doing, you shall always be my first thought. I will gladly hide you in my arms until the day I die.”
LENOX WAS THE FIRST to ride into the Campbell village and Paisley ran out of the castle with open arms to greet him. She looked for her brothers among the MacGreagor warriors as they dismounted, but it was not until she saw Sawney leading his horse and walking hand in hand with Mackinzie that she allowed herself to take a breath.
“Hew?” Paisley asked
Lenox hugged her once more. “He is well, we all are.”
She was thrilled and ran to her brother, who had the biggest smile on his face she had ever seen. Paisley greeted all the others, while Daniel, Keter and Blare held their families close. The war was won, Mackinzie would become their new mistress, and they could all go home, at last.
THE MACGREAGORS STAYED long enough for the men to get a good look at the ocean and to celebrate Senga’s marriage to Joel.
For the first day in years, Mackinzie did not hide. She had a few choice words to say to one of the Campbell women, but after that, she was content to be by Sawney’s side. Tavan was filled with glee, as was Laird Campbell at the sight of her constant smile, a sight they vowed not to forget.
The next day, things had changed. Mackinzie spoke little, sometimes grew tense and it was enough for Paisley to knock on Sawney’s door late at night after everyone had gone to bed.
He was surprised to see his sister at his door and stepped aside so she could enter. “Are we at war?”
He always had a way of making her giggle and such was the case this time. “Not yet.”
Sawney closed the door and held a chair, but Paisley chose not to sit. “It is too much for Mackinzie,” she said.
“I agree. Have you a suggestion?”
“It is only that the Campbells are the smaller clan and if she is not comfortable with them, how can she be with all of us?”
“Aye, but these are the people who hurt her.”
Paisley walked to his bed and sat on it instead. “I wonder if she will ever tell us what happened?”
“Perhaps when she becomes more accustomed to us.”
“If she does not grow silent again. Brother, you intend to make her the MacGreagor mistress. The people will curtsy to her, do what she says without question and she is ill prepared. Even I had difficulty with the demands on me and I am a laird’s daughter. What if she hides? Our woods are far thicker than these and we will never find her.”
He slowly ran his fingers through his hair. “I had not considered that.” Sawney’s eyes suddenly brightened. “Never do you come to me with a quandary and no ready answer. What this time?”
“Caught again, am I? Well, perhaps it might do for us to rest far more often on our journey home.”
“So you can prepare her?”
“So we all can.”
“Agreed. We’ve no reason to hurry home now that we are well protected, and from what I have seen of the destruction, the lads need all the time they can get to repair the Keep.”
“Good.” Paisley closed her eyes for a moment. “Brother, what I say now will not please you. Tell her you will bring her back if she is unhappy with us.”
Sawney finally sat beside her on the bed. “Paisley, I cannot lose her. What is life to me without her?”
“Does she say she loves you?”
“Nay, not yet.”
“You came back for her as you said and now you have her trust. Can you not see, she will feel trapped by us if you do not give her a solemn pledge? Do not make her love you. Let her do so when she is content.”
“You are saying I should not marry her right away?”
“Aye. When she is ready, she will ask why you are waiting. Then you will know, even if she does not say she loves you.”
MACKINZIE HAD HER BELONGINGS ready even before dawn. There wasn’t much; a change of clothing, her baby things, the shovel Tavan made for her and the carved goblet. Waiting was not her best feature and when she had checked everything five more times, she gave up and went out the door. There was one person she wanted to see before she left and she was glad to find Tavan up and about.
“Child, I am happy you have come. I have a gift for you.” He handed her a sack and watched her face light up when she saw the balls of soft wool in many different colors.
“It was you, I suspected as much.” Suddenly, she put her arms around Tavan and hugged him.
He was so shocked, he hardly knew what to do, but if she was willing, he could think of no greater gift and hugged her back. As soon as she let go, so did he. “I give you also a word to take with you. ‘Tis this—stand firm against the world, Mackinzie, for your husband’s sake. He is a good lad and he needs a wife of great courage.”
NOT MORE THAN A FEW moments after she left Tavan, Sawney came to get her and her belongings, but first he assured her he would bring her back if she grew unhappy. She thought it very odd. If she wanted to come back, she doubted he could stop her. Nevertheless, if it pleased him to say so, then she was pleased to hear it.
By the time they were ready to leave, all the MacGreagors knew what had happened to Mackinzie and were warned not to frighten, provoke, or laugh at her childish ways. Once they said their goodbyes, five MacGreagor warriors led them out of the Campbell courtyard. They walked their horses along the water’s edge and then turned up the path beside the hill.
Sawney expected her to do it and warned the men to stop when Mackinzie rode her horse to the top. He thought she needed a moment alone, yet he held his breath. If she were going to change her mind, it would be now.
She sat upon the dapple gray Laird Campbell gave her as a going away gift and she was quite overwhelmed by his kindness. He did care about her, he must. Mackinzie was sad to leave her ocean, but not sad to be going with the man she loved. She took one last look, turned her horse, rode down to the meadow, and as soon as she caught up, fell in behind Sawney.
Home, she decided, had a very nice sound to it and with Paisley there too, she was certain this was the life she was meant to have. Still, she had many questions and spent the first day thinking about them. Most of all, she thought about what Tavan said. He was right, nothing frightened her and it was time to show her courage. Heretofore, she would be as bold as Sawney needed her to be.
ACCORDING TO MOFFET, whom Sawney did not take with him, Dena had just enough time to think of a way to r
id herself of the woman Sawney intended to marry. There was always the possibility he would marry her before he brought her home, but just in case, she needed to be ready.
Dena played the grieving widow well, although she did mention she did not find Neasan to be a loving husband. The women were back to bathing each morning and she was happy to go with them and answer all their questions. Because everything she said would soon reach the ears of the entire clan, she embellished a few of the details and never once mentioned his obsession with Paisley.
She was the only one who walked behind his box when the men carried her husband to the graveyard of shame. It was her duty and she held her head up high, bearing the pretend sorrow as best she could.
In the afternoons, she took long walks to pretend to ease her sorrow. Most of the time she considered what to do about this Mackinzie woman. There were several ways to prevent a marriage and she thought she knew them all. Perhaps she could embarrass her in front of the clan, frighten her, or better yet, push her off a cliff. The last option would take some doing, but it was certainly worth considering and she knew exactly where a high cliff was.
Dena liked being mistress while it lasted and she was good at it. She had taken to visiting the sick, ordering the meals for her husband, assigning duties, and seeing that all was well, despite Neasan’s constant upheaval. For that reason alone, she was far better suited to the position than any other woman could be. Besides, someone from another clan would not know exactly how Sawney liked things. Indeed, Dena was exactly what Sawney and the restored MacGreagor clan needed. All she had to do was convince Sawney of that.
Not asking Moffet and Diocail to keep quiet about Mackinzie before he brought her home, was an error on Sawney’s part, Dena thought. Diocail obviously liked Mackinzie, told about the time she called Sawney a scunner, and made mention of her odd behavior, most likely because of the children’s name-calling.
Dena listened to every word of the gossip and little by little, she began to learn Mackinzie’s weaknesses. A plan was forming in her mind and just thinking about it excited her. Sawney would choose her to be his wife instead, Dena was sure of it.
SAWNEY WAS NOT SURPRISED Mackinzie spoke little that first day. When he occasionally looked back, she smiled to reassure him and when it was time to rest the horses, he went with her to walk the stiffness out. Even then, she did not speak much and he did not require it.
The Campbells gave them enough provisions to make it home, and already it was a far more relaxing journey for the women and children than the one they took to reach the ocean. They stopped to gaze at the far off mountains, to pick flowers, to let Flora and Logan run and play, and for the twenty men Sawney brought with him to get their fill of the beauty of Scotland.
For Mackinzie, having men constantly guard her took some getting used to. They seemed friendly enough and very helpful, especially Blare, who often asked if she needed to stop. No man touched her save Sawney who only did so when he helped her mount or dismount.
So happy to be with their families again, Keter and Blare often hugged and kissed their wives, but Sawney did not and Mackinzie was glad in the beginning. Touching him when they were alone was something far different than an open display of affection. She was unsure what she should or not do. Each time the husbands took the wives in their arms, she watched to see exactly what was permitted in this new clan.
Sawney watched Mackinzie watch the couples and wondered what she was thinking. He longed to hold her that way and often, but if that was what she wanted, she gave him no hint.
When it was time to prepare the evening meal Mackinzie helped, although she needed instructions. Gavina and Jennet knew all kinds of things about food she did not know and it fascinated her. She laughed both at them and with them, watched them add just the right spices, and could not wait to see how it tasted.
Around the campfire after their evening meal, she began asking questions about her new home and Sawney answered each one. Mackinzie did not find that to her liking at all and began to get annoyed. “Does the laird in your clan answer all the questions?”
Sawney quickly glanced at the others. “Nay, only the important ones.”
“Such as how small the fish are in your river?”
He raised an eyebrow, “You do not believe me?”
“I might if you let someone else answer occasionally.”
He grinned, “Lads, show this lass how long the fish are in our river.” Every one of them held their hands as far apart as he had that day on the hill.
That made her giggle. “Now I believe you.”
From then on, he let the others answer. However, when Sawney offered her his flask of wine and she took a sip, Mackinzie nearly spit it out. “‘Tis bitter.”
“Nay, Campbell ale is too sweet,” said Sawney.
She was astounded, put her hand on his shoulder, and got up. “You did not bring any ale?”
“I did not think to. Do you drink ale often?”
“Only when I can steal it.” She suddenly realized what she said and horrified herself, but when she turned to look at the others, they were smiling.
“Only MacGreagor wine is worth stealing.” said Keter.
“Says you.“ She rolled her eyes and went to sit between Jennet and Gavina. “If I teach you, might you make Campbell ale for me?”
Sawney winked at Paisley. “Now that, I will not allow.”
“Toe...” Mackinzie caught her breath and covered her mouth. “I vowed I would not say that anymore.”
“You are very wise indeed,” said Sawney. “I have vowed to throw you in the loch each time you do.”
Mackinzie looked at Gavina and then at Jennet. “Fret not, I can out run him.”
Everyone laughed and the ice was finally broken.
EACH DAY MACKINZIE spoke more, laughed more, and kept an eye on Sawney, just in case he looked like he was going to toss her in whatever body of water they happened to be near.
They stopped to fish, walked and talked, and in the evenings, they told Mackinzie all about the people she would meet. Some of the stories were sad, but most were happy.
Hunters and warriors from other clans they met along the way told of a great battle. Each account of the fight grew more incredible with the telling and soon it was a thousand men in a glen somewhere and half died. The MacGreagors only smiled and moved on.
The night before they were to ride into the MacGreagor glen, Paisley took Sawney aside. “I wish a cottage of my own and two beds. Mackinzie will stay with me until you are married.”
“I thought to have her live with aunt Carley, but your way is better. Done then.”
“Sawney, she tries too hard to please us.”
He put his food on a rock and leaned down to adjust the shoes that laced up to his knees. “Does she? I had not thought that.”
“We have taken her from all things familiar and the change in her is remarkable. I fear she too easily goes from a lass who hides and does not speak, to what you see now? Who can make such a change? If only she would cry, then I would know how to help her.”
“Perhaps once we are home.”
“Perhaps we might offer to take her back to see the Campbells each spring.”
“I agree. Father made few mistakes, but not sending the people out to see the world was one of them. Let the MacGreagors know what a peaceful life they have and be grateful for it.”
Both of them paused to listen to the howl of hungry wolves. “They come closer.” Paisley whispered.
“Aye, we will keep the fires going this night and see that the horses are free to run if need be. We should have brought a dog.”
She reached up on tip-toe and kissed Sawney on the cheek. “Tomorrow we will be home and able to sleep peacefully in our own beds.”
In four days, Sawney had not held her and Mackinzie did not understand why. As soon as Paisley went to make her bed, she went to him and blatantly asked him. “Is it forbidden for you to touch me when others are near?”
He smiled, put his foot down, and opened his arms to her. “Never. Is it forbidden for me to kiss the lass I love?” The moment she lifted her head, he lowered his lips to hers and felt the joy he denied himself for four days. Paisley was wrong. Mackinzie’s embrace and her kiss was all the proof he needed to be certain she was not trying too hard—she was just becoming the real Mackinzie.
This night, he put his bed beside hers, turned on his side, took her hand, and watched her fall asleep. Never had he been so happy and he savored the moment. He regretted having to share her with so many in the future, but the clan, his father’s beloved clan, needed her too.
CHAPTER XV
IN THE DAYS WHILE THEY waited for their Laird to come home, the MacGreagor glen was a flurry of activity that kept everyone busy. In the third-story bedchamber that would now become Sawney’s, the builders pulled up the floorboards where Neasan’s blood soaked into them and laid new ones. Wooden pegs were used to secure the old ones Neasan tore up, all the feathers were swept up, the bed was put back together, a new mattress was added, and a new trunk now held the things Justin kept in the old ones. All the rumors of what Justin kept in that room were finally set aside and the myth was no more. Some found that sad, for they spent hours speculating on that very subject.
The second floor bedchambers were easier to repair and once done, the women cleaned and made beds for whomever Sawney wanted to live with him. New mortar was used to put all the stones back in the walls of the great hall. Grandmother Glena’s colorful pillows were beyond repair, but the feathers were recovered and stored, to be used again if the new mistress desired more made. Broken chairs were put back together and pitchers and goblets, bartered from the Graham market, replaced all the smashed ones.
A Time of Madness Page 18
