The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton Legacy)

by Ruth A. Casie

  “What’s their message?” She was a breath away, but she held no appeal. He suspected he didn’t appeal to her either. They were both caught in this drama, playing their roles. Her part was to keep him away from Laura, which had its advantages since all he wanted was to keep Laura safe from the traitor. But he didn’t count on Laura having a part in the production. He left Reeve with an open opportunity.

  “If you have the information, they’re willing to meet you tomorrow.”

  “Tell them I have what they want.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jamie hiked through the woods to the old castle. The lower floor was flooded by the recent rain. The place was picked clean by builders for the new site and villagers. He waited for his contact perched on a low stone outcrop that had once been the footing for one of the outside walls.

  The muffled clinking of metal findings on a horse’s bridle disturbed the silence. Slowly, three horses came into view. He waited and watched as the small party skirted behind a stand of small bushes. Their horses secured, three people approached him.

  Disappointment drained him. These people weren’t who he expected. Although they wore masks and were heavy clothed, Mara’s bent posture and stiffened walk easily identified her. He suspected Rhona and one of the reivers were the other two. None of them were the leader. Jamie’d have to play more games until he found him.

  Mara sat next to him and took off her mask. “There’s no need for this. My disguise didn’t fool you. Your face is easy to read.”

  “You are wise, maybe even crafty, but you are not the leader.”

  “No, but the leader sent me to speak to you. The one who leads us would surprise you. Come, walk with me.”

  “I’m surprised you’d be against The Maxwell,” he said as they moved toward the river.

  “I could say the same for you, but I’m sure you have your reasons. Mine are not too complicated. Profit. Trading secrets and goods to both the Scots and English fill our sparse coffers. Lord Herbert has been good to me, but I must take the side of my family. That’s where my allegiance lies. And yours?”

  “I want to farm my land and let everyone else fight for their cause. I have no intention of declaring who I support. My family is on both sides. Being patriotic to one makes me a traitor to the other. I cannot win.” He easily he saw that now. How different was he from Holger? That was a sobering question.

  She stopped and turned to him.

  “No one will win. You don’t need magic to see that. Too many want to take for themselves and leave nothing for the others. But enough. What did you bring me?”

  He took the map out of his shirt and handed her the package.

  She inspected the map.

  “Yes, this is what we thought. You prove yourself trustworthy.” Her raspy laugh punctuated her choice of words. Trustworthy. The word hung in the air like a bird and settled around his neck like an albatross.

  She tucked the package into his shirt.

  “Replace the map before The Maxwell finds it missing. Rhona will tell you what to do next.” She pulled open his jerkin. The black stone pinned in place.

  “I thought the gem was a rumor. Where did you get the stone?”

  She closed his jerkin, patted his chest and stared at him with her good eye. “Don’t let anyone know you possess the gem. Keep it hidden. Defend it with your life.”

  “Why? This jewel doesn’t appear to be special.”

  “Holger died for the gem because it wasn’t meant for him. The stone in the center is ancient, from a legend lost over centuries. Lady Darla may be able to tell you more. She has knowledge of the ages. From the little I know, the stone is a herald from an ancient family’s curse.”

  He touched the stone.

  “The gem doesn’t appear different than any other.”

  “Its magic is silent. When the time is right, the magic will summon its rightful owner. The markings are no longer visible on the center stone. Intentionally removed, I suspect. Without them, there is no way to know who the stone will draw, angels or devils. The gem chooses its champion. The new champion may be you.”

  “How did Holger come to own this?”

  “I suspect he bartered for the jewel.” Mara cackled. “We spoke about the stone. He wanted to learn about the legend. He never told me he had the brooch. If he had, I would have told him to sell the cursed piece to someone, or give it away. Ach, he wouldn’t listen to me anyway.”

  “Why are you telling me all this? If the piece is so rare, I would think you’d want it for yourself.”

  “The cursed gem is of no value to me or mine. In the wrong hands, it leads to destruction. The gem didn’t protect Holger, did it?”

  “Is that what you wish for me? Destruction?”

  “No, Jamie,” she said softly. Something in her tone made him ache. “Since you were a boy, I suspected you were marked for great things. Why do you think The Maxwell keeps you close?”

  That made him think as they walked the rest of the way in silence.

  “I’m ready,” she called to the others. He helped Mara onto her horse. Without a word, the three left as silently as they came.

  Jamie watched them disappear into the forest.

  Laura drew her shawl close and crossed the chilled courtyard, heading for the jeweler’s wagon. Her morning had been spent accepting everyone’s good wishes on her coming marriage. Her female cousins congratulated her on marrying an earl from a fine house. She wasn’t sure if they were envious or truly happy for her.

  “Lady Laura. Congratulations,” the jeweler said as she approached.

  She smiled. “Many thanks.”

  “I have the chain you requested. I thought about the beads and designed a necklace that I’m sure you’ll like. I’ll string the beads so if the chain breaks again, only one bead is in jeopardy.” He stretched a gold chain out. Laura took the leather pouch from her pocket and emptied the beads onto the black velvet mat.

  “Notice how the eight links in the middle are larger. I’ll secure a bead onto each one. This will take me a few minutes.”

  “I’ll return when you’re done.” She was relieved she wouldn’t return to Glen Kirk and give Lisbeth her necklace in pieces. The day had warmed, rare for the end of October. She wandered to a nearby stall filled with bolts of material. The stall backed up to a house and was busy with women looking for winter goods.

  “M’lady, I’ll be with you soon. My wife went to the village to visit her mother today. I brought velvet from Edinburgh. I put the bolt in the back. I’ll—”

  “I can look for myself. No need for you to be concerned.” She stepped into the house and the small storage room to the side. Bolts of cloth were stack against a wall, but she was drawn to the rich rust-color velvet that was on a table near the window.

  “They met with him as you predicted.”

  “Yes, I’m not surprised.”

  Her head popped up. Reeve. Set close to the ground, the small window only allowed her to see as far up as men’s chests. She had no idea who was with Reeve.

  “He brought the map. We gave it back as you instructed.”

  “Yes, won’t Jamie be surprised when the map winds up in the traitor’s hands and they point to his dead body and name him their accomplice.”

  “But they can’t. They gave the map back as you instructed.”

  Reeve tapped his chest. “Collins isn’t the only one with access to Herbert’s solar. I’ve waited a long time for this. Now, come with me. We have more to do before I meet with my bride.”

  Laura leaned her back against the standing bolts. Reeve was going to expose Jamie as a traitor. She walked into the stall. Reeve spoke nearby with Mara and Rhona. Too close for her to move past without being seen.

  “M’lady,” said the merchant’s wife. The woman drew her to one of the tables. “Did you find the velvet? I knew the color would suit you. The fabric and color would look lovely with this pale orange satin or this blue silk.”

  “We’ll take the velv
et, the silk, and the satin.” Laura swung around. Reeve stood over her. “Consider the fabric a wedding present.”

  “That is very generous of you.” She inclined her head. Hold steady, that little voice inside said. Think before you do something you’ll regret.

  “Not at all. I want my wife to be the envy of everyone. The material will make a beautiful wedding dress.”

  She started back to the gatehouse, Reeve by her side.

  “You’ll have to work quickly on your wedding dress. We only wait for the priest.”

  “But—” She stopped by the gatehouse door and glanced at him as he walked on.

  He took her hand and tugged her along. Caught off guard, she stumbled. “We marry at once,” he ordered in a voice of authority.

  “That’s impossible.” It was his voice that disturbed her more than his statement. This was the Reeve she remembered. Her misgivings increased by the minute. She threw her head back and placed her hands on her hips.

  “I’m quite aware the king wants us to marry. I don’t think he wants to give the Scots any advantage, do you?” A tendon in his jaw tightened. One small victory.

  “Of course not,” he snapped. She met his accusing eyes without flinching.

  “The king would have quite a temper if we married here, giving my Scottish relatives an advantage or a claim to Glen Kirk. He would much prefer we wed on English soil, at Glen Kirk.”

  There was something in her tone that made him pull up. Or was it her mention of Glen Kirk? It didn’t matter. As long as he agreed to wait until they got to Glen Kirk.

  He searched her face with feral eyes that turned soft, almost loving. “You are a surprise. There are brains on top of that beautiful body,” he said and his gaze slid over her body. His mouth softened. “I can’t wait to enjoy it.”

  A rush of heat raced up her neck to her cheeks. His leering smile said he thought she was aroused. Let him think that for now. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

  “Ah, you’re eager as well, but I agree. We’ll delay until we reach Glen Kirk. Waiting alters my plans considerably, but I will rearrange them for you. We’ll leave tomorrow and be married by the week’s end.” He bent to her ear. “That will have to be soon enough.”

  Reeve was unaware of the anger that rippled up her spine as he marched off toward the barracks. As soon as he was out of sight, she rushed up the stairs.

  “Jamie,” she said and knocked on his door.

  “Jamie,” she said more urgently.

  When he didn’t respond, she rushed inside and came to a halt. His room was empty. She checked everywhere. Nothing. Her heart squeezed in anguish as she realized he left without a word.

  Disheartened, she went to her room and found a scrap of paper in Jamie’s handwriting on the floor. Glen Kirk. She turned the paper over. Nothing. Did she feel any better that he had taken time to leave her a message? She dropped into the chair and stared at the message. Jamie had left for home without her.

  She idly touched her necklace and played with the beads. Her body stiffened in shock. The beads were cold. Lose a bead, lose something dear, repeated over and over in her head.

  She would be home soon enough. Although she and Jamie had words he would... he would come to her, and Reeve would kill him. She touched the bead at her neck and felt its warmth.

  Laura paced her room. Perhaps she could catch up with Jamie. No, she had to get home and rally the Glen Kirk men. They would never let anything happen to Jamie. Neither would she.

  “M’lady?”

  “Come in.”

  The door opened. Mrs. Turner entered with two other women.

  “We’re here to pack your things.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Laura?” Jamie banged on her door. The sky was dark except for a rim of light on the horizon. It would be an hour or so before the first rays of sunshine brightened. He pushed the door open and walked in. “Laura,” he said, impatient. He didn’t care if he woke her. He had to make sure she was there.

  The room was dark, the hearth cold. All Laura’s things were gone. He stood by the small table, half his note on the table, Glen Kirk. The rest of the note, we leave today, was conveniently missing. Had Laura removed it, or someone else?

  He sat on the edge of her bed. The rumor was true. Reeve had left Caerlaverock yesterday afternoon and taken Laura.

  He entered his room and stopped. His bed was stripped and his things gone. He stepped out into the hall.

  “Lord Jamie.” Mrs. Turner came down the corridor from the servant’s quarters. “I thought you left us.”

  “Not at all. I was in the village working with the men to restore the granary. What made you think I had left?”

  “I thought it odd. One of the soldiers told me to pack your things and bring them to the stable. He said you were leaving last night.”

  “Who told you?” A tingle rushed through him. He must be getting close. The leader wanted to keep him from speaking to Laura.

  “The Earl’s captain.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Turner.”

  “Will that be all? I’m expected in the kitchen.” The woman hurried down the stairs.

  Jamie rushed to Herbert’s solar. He lit the taper on the desk and pulled out the folio.

  “Jamie?” He closed the leather cover with the maps and stared at Herbert. The Maxwell’s hand rested on his dirk.

  “Yes.” Herbert stepped closer into the small circle of candlelight, relief etched on his face. “I wanted to see if the map was here.”

  “My stable is empty. Reeve is gone. It is a relief.” Herbert brushed dirt off his coat, put his case on the floor, and sat at his desk.

  “He’s taken Laura with him.” Jamie dropped in the chair by the desk.

  “Yes, Oliver gave me a report. How dare he take her from my house without my consent? Although, she went quite willingly, or so she thinks.” Herbert appeared tired and worn, but the expression on his face indicated anger simmered beneath the surface.

  Jamie didn’t like the sound of that. “She thinks?”

  “I can’t believe Edward would decree the match without Wesley involved. This entire story is too preposterous. And why demand a quick wedding?”

  “To be married before the king stops it,” Jamie said. “Beg for forgiveness. He’s in love with Laura and can’t live without her.” The idea made him sick. “So while we sit and wait, Laura is married to Reeve.”

  “Laura convinced him to postpone the wedding until they returned to Glen Kirk. She’s in for a surprise when she finds Reeve’s men manning the castle.”

  “What do you mean Reeve’s men manning Glen Kirk?” Jamie sat at the edge of his seat.

  Herbert clasped his hands on the desk. “It’s the reason I rode most of the night. Donald sent word. Glen Kirk has fallen.” His voice was rough and low.

  “While Reeve visited Caerlaverock, his troops marched against Glen Kirk. Donald moved quickly once he discovered the plan, but by the time he arrived, Reeve’s colors flew over Glen Kirk.”

  Jamie slammed his hand on the desk. His anger became a scalding fury.

  Worst of all, Laura was with the traitor.

  “What of Wesley and Darla?” Jamie’s chest heaved as he listened. He got to his feet. “When do we leave?”

  “Not so fast. When Donald came to me, he had chased after them, but Reeve had already crossed into England. He went no farther. And there’s more.”

  “More?” He paced.

  “Donald’s sources confirm that Laura is a pawn. Reeve wants to marry her for access to Glen Kirk. She was clever to convince Reeve to wed her on English soil. I assume her motive is not for her father’s blessing, but for his support to stop the marriage.”

  “If he hurts her—”

  “Donald told me Laura was not restrained or being guarded. We assume she is not aware Glen Kirk has fallen. With her an Englishwoman and now on English soil, I cannot move against them. We stay here for now. Wesley and Darla are in London. Ned shoul
d be back with news from Howard. It’s up to them and the king to act. My hands are tied, as are yours. I think we’ll find that Edward never ordered this marriage. Reeve created the story to obtain what he wants: Glen Kirk.”

  Taking no action only let Reeve move further toward his goal. Jamie didn’t care for that strategy.

  “We can’t sit here and wait. The message could take weeks, Faith, it could take that long for Howard to be granted an audience with Edward. You can’t take action, and I can’t sit here doing nothing while Laura is at Reeve’s mercy. She thinks I abandoned her.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Jamie gave Herbert the note.

  “There was more to the note. The full note read, Glen Kirk. We leave tonight.” Jamie walked to the door.

  “Hold,” Herbert said. Jamie turned.

  “I will not wait. I’ll leave immediately. You cannot convince me otherwise. If I had returned her to Glen Kirk when I wanted, none of this would have happened,” Jamie said.

  Herbert let out a scratchy laugh. “You think so? I will overlook your arrogance and attribute it to you being distraught. Reeve would have found another way. But I ask you to hold not to stop you. Take what you need. Many of our men have families in England. They will ride with you.”

  Jamie took a calming breath and let it out slowly. “I’m grateful for the offer, but I don’t want to deplete your ranks. Reeve may have planned something here once he is gone. I will not put the clan in jeopardy.”

  “Your farmers are a fighting force, an elite one at that. Be careful, Jamie. Reeve cannot be trusted. I have no idea how far he will go to acquire what he wants.”

  Jamie nodded and left for the barracks. The sun peeked over the horizon. His men were ready to start their day. He gathered them together in the empty armory.

  “I have word Glen Kirk has fallen.”

  His men rumbled. “When do we leave? Do we help Donald?”

  He was humbled by their willingness to fight for Glen Kirk.

  “No. Donald went after them and got as far as he dared.”

  “They crossed into England,” Sean said in disgust.