Her Highlander’s Promise (Highlanders 0f Cadney Book 4)

by Fiona Faris

  “I think yer safe now lass,” he said, finally turning to face her. His arms stretched out as he moved toward her, but he quickly dropped them to his side. “Lass, yer trembling.”

  “Am I?” She looked down at her hands, and he was right. She was indeed shaking. She wasn’t sure if it was fear, anger, or a little bit of both. She looked up at him, fake concern in his eyes that she would not succumb to. “I don’t see why it would be any concern of yours, Mr. MacGille.”

  “Ah, so we are back tae Mr. MacGille, are we? Dae ye mind tellin’ me why th’ sudden change?” He looked wounded, and Alice had to fight to keep her reserve. She would not allow him to fool her again. She could not risk revealing herself to any ally of Uncle Felix.

  “I think you know full well why I would be formal with you, sir.”

  “I do nae think I do, lass. If I did, I wouldnae have asked. What has ye troubled? I thought we thought each other friends, at least?”

  “Friends? You thought we were friends!?” She could no longer keep her anger in check. How dare he claim friendship after what she heard. “Would you call me friend while plotting with my uncle behind my back to get me wed?” He looked stricken, and Alice felt a momentary lapse of her reserve.

  “Lass—” He moved closer.

  Alice pulled farther away. So now she would add liar to his rapidly lengthening list of faults. And to think she had been taken in by his wounded appearance and kind words.

  “I heard you, Mr. MacGille.”

  “Lass, I dinnae ken what ye think ye heard, but ye’re mistaken. I’d not side with a man like Westing for anything, especially not against ye.”

  She knew what she heard, and she would not let the handsome Scot talk her out of it. She crossed her arms and glared at him, challenging him to lie again. Aithe dropped to the couch next to her.

  “If marriage is what is best for the lass, then a marriage she shall have,” Alice hissed.

  “Ah, lass. Ye didnae hear what came before?” He gently pulled her hands into his. “Yer uncle was taking me tae task, Alice. I was fightin’ on yer behalf.”

  Fighting on her behalf? Could she have been wrong? She stared at him, trying to reconcile the man under the willow who saved her from the cliffs with the man in front of her now, with the man she had just heard in her uncle’s library.

  “Lass, please, ye ken I came here on my honor tae see ye safe and happy. I would nay see ye wed tae a stranger kenning ye didnae want it. Yer uncle was warning me tae keep away from ye. I lost my temper when I saw the greed in his eyes. He views ye as nay more than property. I was only warning him in return. I’d sooner marry ye myself tae keep ye from his bidding before I’d see ye hurt.”

  Marry her himself? On his honor? She was shocked, but there were other things she needed to focus on.

  “Aithe, truly?” She looked deep into his eyes and knew before he could answer her that he was telling the truth… almost weeping from relief.

  “Aye, lass, truly. When a highlander gives his word, he means it.”

  Highlander… the description rang in her ears. Until this very moment, she hadn’t realized that when he spoke of his home, he had been referring to the Scottish Highlands. She had always been taught that Highlanders were brutes, unaccustomed to gentlemanly behavior. Yet here was Aithe MacGille, swearing to her that it was his honor that drove him. It was his promise to her brother that made him seek her out and challenge her uncle.

  How could I have been so wrong?

  “I’m afraid I owe you an apology.”

  “Och lass, ye cannae ken what ye heard when ye only heard half of what was said. Th’ fact that ye’ve gone back tae using my Christian name is good enough apology for me,” he smiled. Alice once again questioned how this man sitting next to her, this stranger, could make her feel so quickly at ease.

  “What shall I do? How can I avoid my uncle and the future that awaits me? Unless…” she looked at Aithe, and an idea began to form. It wasn’t really her idea; it had been his. He had spoken the very words of her salvation to her uncle himself. It was the cause of their disagreement. If Aithe married her instead of Lord Treadmont and took her to Scotland, she could escape.

  It was madness… to ask a stranger to marry her—would she really do that? Would she not merely be exchanging one prison for another? Yet, he wasn’t exactly a stranger. They had shared more underneath the willow than she had ever shared with a man. And what about that kiss? Of course, that kiss had been entirely her doing and forcing him into a marriage he did not want would make her no better than her greedy uncle. And would Aithe accept her, and not be cruel? Could she really tie herself to him for life? Her mind was on fire.

  “Lass, I can see the wheels in yer brain turnin’. What are ye thinkin’?”

  “Earlier, when you spoke of your home. Do you miss it?” He gave her a puzzled look.

  “Please tell me.”

  “Aye, I miss it.” He looked down at his hands in his lap. “When I left, I didnae think I’d ever want tae return. I was young, headstrong, and full of meself.”

  “But you changed your mind?”

  “Aye. My family home in the highlands is a place called Cadney. ’Tis beautiful. Me Da’s Keep is situated between two other family Keeps. Our clan is new, my two uncles Lucas and Nathan gave me Da th’ land between their Keeps so he may start his own clan. He always said he wanted tae give his children somethin’ great.” Aithe’s eyes drifted, lost in memories.

  “And did he?” Alice wanted Aithe to keep talking. Something in his voice longed for home, she could feel it. And the more he spoke of home, the more she thought she might be happy there.

  “Aye, he did at that. My brothers, sister, and I had a good childhood, filled with happy memories.”

  She leaned in closer to him on the couch, and his breathing became more rapid. She could tell she was pushing the bounds of propriety but did not care. If she did not gather the courage now to ask for what she wanted, she never would.

  “Will you take me there?”

  He looked stunned. She had shocked him. Alice held her breath as she waited for his response.

  “I cannae give ye th’ marriage ye deserve lass.”

  “I don’t need a love match, Aithe. But I would like to live as I see fit, in a peaceful place. I would like to grieve Christopher. I would like a life free of the cruelty I have lived thus far.” Alice returned to turning her hands over, anxious about what he might be thinking.

  “I can give ye that. But would ye be happy with no love, no bairns?”

  She had always thought of having children, but not without love. With peace instead of love, she would happily forfeit the idea of children.

  “I can. I’m willing to make it a marriage of convenience.”

  “I dinnae ken, lass,” he replied, shaking his head as if he could not believe the turn of events. If Alice were being honest neither could she. Had she awoken that morning and been told she would be begging a Highlander to take her away, she would have laughed like a madwoman.

  “Truth be told, t'was my intention tae offer me hand. I want tae dae right by my promise tae ye brother. But I’m nay good for marriage. I’m nae a good match.”

  “But if you were to take me away, you would be honoring your word to my brother. Take me with you to Scotland, please. Then Uncle Felix couldn’t force me to do his bidding. He couldn’t lock me away when I refused his demands. I would be safe from his cruelty and greed.”

  “I ken he views ye as nothin’ more than property, but is he really so cruel lass that ye’d rather live in a loveless marriage with me, then a fine English marriage with th’ Earl?”

  Tears welled in her eyes at the thought of being locked away in the cellars again. It was cold and dark.

  “He is cruel. A marriage to the Earl would mean I'm still under my uncle’s thumb. I don't know why he is so eager for such a match, but I assure you my obligation to him would not be finished. When I don't follow his orders precisely or do as he bids, he
becomes angry. And you haven’t any idea just how cruel he can be when he’s angry.”

  “Och,” Aithe stood cursing in what Alice thought must be Gaelic. She did not understand the words, but the sentiment was clear enough. “Does he strike ye, lass?”

  Alice shook her head. “No, never. But rather, he locks me in the cellars beneath the kitchens. When I was younger, I was more willful than now and had less fear. I would argue or snap back when I disagreed with Uncle Felix and for that, I would spend days alone in the darkness with only crusts of bread and a bucket of water. As I grew older, I learned to mind my tongue and modify my behavior. Until yesterday and today, I had not been willful in quite some time. But I fear if I don't relent to marrying Lord Treadmont, my uncle will lock me away in the dark again, or perhaps worse.”

  “I see,” he replied. “And that is why ye were shakin’ like a leaf on an autumn tree when I came intae th’ parlor.”

  She nodded. “I thought you had sided with him. I thought he had succeeded in convincing you marriage to the Earl was the best option for me. I was scared.” She could not keep back the torrent any longer. Aithe was back on his knees in front of her again, his strong arms wrapping her in a solid embrace. She sobbed in earnest, her face tightly pressed against the soft fabric of his linen shirt, allowing her fears to flow out with the salty tears. He held her and whispered endearments she did not understand.

  “I'm convinced ye needed tae marry, lass, but nay th’ Earl. Let me take ye away from here. I’ll take ye tae Scotland. I’ll take ye tae Cadney. Ye’ll be safe. We’ll leave tonight.”

  No one believed her, but Aithe. Aithe would save her. He would not marry her for love, but neither would th’ Earl. But he would marry her with honor, and that she could make do with.

  Wiping her eyes, she pulled away from Aithe’s embrace. She really did have to stop sobbing in his presence. He must think her a simpering fool.

  “I will try and be a good wife. I give you my word.”

  “Aye, and I will be a good husband, even if I cannae give ye love. I will try tae give ye peace.”

  Chapter Six

  Alice could not believe Aithe had agreed to her scheme. What was she thinking? They would meet at the stables once the house settled in for the night, ride for Lamberton directly across the Scottish border, and be wed. Once they were married, they could travel with more ease to the Highlands, and should her uncle follow, he would have no recourse as she would be under her new husband’s protection.

  Her new husband. When she thought of it, a warmth spread through her. Safe. She knew nothing of Aithe, but she knew how she felt with him: protected, free, more than she had felt in a long while. But first, she had to be a dutiful niece and endure her uncle’s dinner party without rousing any suspicions.

  She had wanted Aithe to take her right away, but he had insisted they wait, and she conceded. Her uncle had asked Aithe to leave the house in the most dignified way, and to keep suspicion at bay, he would do so. She would attend the dinner party as planned and try her best to be cordial to the Earl and his family. Then she would retire to bed and with luck on their side, no one would notice she was missing until late the following morning. After any gathering, the house usually remained undisturbed until well after the noon hour. She would allow her maid to dress her for bed, and she would feign a headache.

  How will I manage? Alice tried to hide her shaking hands. She had never lied a day in her life, and though she was willing to do whatever necessary, she was nervous beyond measure.

  “Be still, my lady,” Rebecca said as she worked Alice’s unruly chestnut waves into some semblance of an acceptable style. Alice looked down at the violet silk gown she wore and thought of all the hard work of her maid and wished she could tell her of the plans. But no matter how kind the young woman was, she was still in Uncle Felix’s employ and Alice could leave nothing to chance.

  “My apologies, Rebecca.”

  “Are you ill, my lady? You seem rather agitated tonight. His lordship did not put you in the cellar again? Surely, I would have heard.”

  “No, no. Nothing as terrible as that. I fear I may be on the verge of a terrible headache is all.”

  No time like the present to start laying the groundwork for her escape.

  “Oh, thank the heavens. I do so hate when his lordship locks you away. I know it is difficult for you as well.”

  She smiled at the woman in the mirror on the dressing table.

  “Yes, well, hopefully, we can put all of that behind us now.” Alice really hoped that would be the case.

  Rebecca pulled back, and Alice admired her work. She never considered if she was pretty or not but did think she looked quite as fetching, as usual, that night. She thought of Aithe waiting for her in the stables and wished he could be the one escorting her to dinner. Oh goodness, where did that thought come from? There was no denying the Highlander made her think uncharacteristic thoughts. The memory of their kiss flashed before her eyes, and her cheeks flushed warm. Did he know that was her first kiss? Could he tell? Why had he not pushed her away?

  Her heart fluttered at full speed whenever she thought about Aithe MacGille. It was hard to imagine a time when he hadn’t been around, even though it had been less than a week since making his acquaintance. She could only hope their plan would not lead to their ruin. Maybe he would kiss her again… surely if he was to be her husband, there be more kisses? With their proximity to each other and commitment, would something happen overtime? Perhaps it was wishful thinking? There was a part of Alice that wondered what it might be like to be wed, out of love, and not convenience.

  “I think you are quite ready, my lady,” Rebecca said, finishing up her hair and snapping her out of her thoughts.

  “Yes, indeed, shall we go downstairs?”

  * * *

  “Ah, yes, here she is. Lord Treadmont, may I present my niece Lady Alice Winterborne.” Felix took her arm, pressing tightly enough that she had to fight a wince before whispering in her ear. “Act lively, my girl. Don't mess this up.”

  The Earl stood before her in his tightly fitted long coat, on his head the traditional wig. He looked to be as old, if not older, than her uncle. His mother was nowhere to be seen, and Alice thought if she were indeed his mother, then she must be on death’s door. As he bowed before Alice, she caught a whiff of something that smelled somewhat off, almost medicinal.

  “My lady,” the Earl offered her his arm. “If it would please you, my mother is already settled at the dining table… her legs not being what they used to be. As we are to be wed, I would desire to introduce you.”

  She looked back anxiously at Rebecca, who waved her forward with an eager smile.

  “Yes, my lord.” She nodded slightly, feeling her uncle’s satisfied gaze on her back as the Earl led her into the dining room

  Dinner was a torturous exercise in behaving well. Alice paraded out every accomplishment for the Earl and his ancient mother to judge. Her drawing was too natural, her music lessons too bland, her conversational skills banal. She did her best to take it in her stride, eating her meal in small, fashionable bites, and speaking only when spoken too.

  She was able to glean from the small amounts of conversation between her uncle and the Earl that they were in business together… something about merchant ships to the colonies. Alice was sure that this made the match so advantageous to her uncle. And while she longed to ask more questions, to learn more, she knew that it mattered not. In a few short hours, she would be on her way to Scotland, to a new life of peace. She would hold her questions to ensure everything went to plan.

  She wished Aithe was at the table. And twice during the fourth and fifth course, she had a minor attack of nerves, sure her uncle knew something was afoot and her hands began to shake.

  “Are you all right, my lady?” the Earl asked after the shaking persisted through the sixth and final course of the meal. Alice had tried to keep her hands under the table, but turtle soup had been served, and she was una
ble to disguise it.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “You seem to be trembling,” he countered, giving her a pointed stare. His eyes were tight together and too brown, almost black. He had a wary look.

  “Oh my, I’m so terribly sorry you noticed, my lord. Just a wee bit cold is all.”

  The Earl nodded and chuckled. She heard the clatter of metal on porcelain and looked up to see her uncle staring at her with fire in his eyes.