Highland Belle
Page 8
Haggis? Brigette asked, turning to Iain. What is it?
A Highland delicacy.
Consisting of what?
The heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep minced wi suet, onions, oatmeal, and seasonin. Iain grinned broadly. Then the whole mixture is boiled in the sheeps stomach.
Brigette gulped, fighting nausea, and pushed her plate away. Im not as hungry as I had believed, she whispered.
Iain swallowed his laughter. Shall we go, then?
It was an uncommon day in the Highlands, a rarity of cloudless sky and dazzling sunshine and crisp air. The sky was a blanket of blue covering a riot of autumns vibrant colors — gold, red, and orange mingled with evergreen.
Iain and Brigette gazed silently at the wondrous sight in front of them. Loch Awe shimmered with sunbeams dancing on top of its sparkling blue water. Brigette was overwhelmed by natures glory and even Iain, accustomed to this sight, was not unaffected.
Impressive, is it no? he commented, catching his wifes expression of wonder.
Awe-inspiring, she replied. Iain chuckled, pleased by her wit and everything else about his wife.
Leaving the loch behind, they stopped to visit several of the crofters, who greeted them with genuine warmth and offered what little they could in the way of hospitality. Whatever doubts Iain may have had concerning his wife vanished as he watched her charming his crofters and their families.
For her part, Brigette was impressed with the crofters simple dignity and generosity. She filled with pride at the obvious esteem in which they held Iain and admired him for returning in kind that respect to his people. Most pleasantly surprising of all was their easy acceptance of her as their new lady.
When they returned to Dunridge, Brigette slipped from her horse. Intending to take Sly for a walk in the gardens, she dashed into the foyer and headed for the stairs, then came face to face with her cousin, who was carrying the fox.
Smiling, Spring shrugged her shoulders. I couldnt bear the sounds of his lonely whining any longer.
Ill take him, Brigette said and lifted Sly into her arms. Order a bath for me. I wont be long.
Brigette stepped outside and looked around cautiously. No hounds were running loose. She set Sly down, then noticed a small girl sitting alone. Thinking the child was Iains niece, Brigette walked over and sat beside her. They exchanged easy smiles.
Five-year-old Glenda was the picture of Antonia. The only dissimilarity was a smattering of freckles sprinkled across her nose.
You must be Glenda, Brigette said.
Yes, ye are Lady Brigette?
Yes, but you must call me Brie — all my friends do.
The sparkle that leaped into Glendas eyes reminded Brigette of Loch Awe. Are we to be friends, then?
Seeing the childs hopeful expression, Brigette felt an insistent tugging at her heart. Of course. Do you want to be my friend?
I do.
Why are you sitting here alone? Brigette asked.
Its my play time.
Well, why are you not playing?
Glendas expression drooped. Ive nae friend wi whom I can play.
I dont believe that, Brigette scoffed gently. A sweet girl like you must have many friends.
I have ye.
But what of the other children at Dunridge?
I amna allowed to play wi them. I did once and was punished.
Who wont let you to play with the others?
Mother, Glenda told her. Theres nae use in sneakin, cuz whenever I am doin somethin bad, she knows.
I see. Brigette lapsed into thoughtfulness. What a supercilious bitch Antonia is! As a child, I was allowed to play with the other castle children. Why shouldnt Glenda?
Sly sat down in front of them. Cocking his head to one side, he wagged his long tail.
Brigette chuckled. I believe Sly has decided to befriend you.
Slys yer dog?
Hes mine, Brigette said with a laugh, but no dog. Sly is a fox.
A fox? May I touch him?
Yes.
Glenda reached out to pat Sly, who seized the opportunity to lick her hand. When she giggled in surprised delight, he licked her again.
Sly is a special fox, Brigette exaggerated. When I was hopelessly lost in the forest, he saved my life.
Ye were lost in the forest? He saved yer life?
Brigette nodded solemnly, ready to embellish her tale. And —
How verra impressive, Antonia sneered, towering above them. Brigette leaped to her feet, but Antonia ignored her and vented her wrath upon Glenda. Yer a naughty chit! I told ye to stay away from the Sassenach. Now go to yer chamber.
Stay where you are, Brigette ordered, then turned on Antonia. The child did nothing wrong.
Mind yer own business, Antonia shrieked.
Whats goin on here? Black Jacks voice boomed out as he approached them. Whats all this shoutin aboot?
The Sassenach is interferin wi my daughter, Antonia raged. She hasna the right!
Glenda only spoke with me, Brigette explained. Shes not deserving of punishment.
I agree wi ye, Black Jack said.
But I am Glendas mother, Antonia insisted.
Thats a fact ye only occasionally remember, Black Jack said, his expression darkening with anger. Glenda can pass her time wi whomever she wishes. When Antonia opened her mouth to protest, he added, As head of this family, I will be obeyed. Ye ken? Without another word, Antonia stalked off.
Thank you, my lord, Brigette said.
Dinna concern yerself wi her. Shes angry cuz Malcolm died and ruined her chance to become a countess. Black Jack looked at Glenda, who was staring up at him with an expression akin to awe. Do ye like yer new aunt from England, lassie?
Glenda nodded, too shy to speak to this larger-than-life man who was her grandfather.
And her wily friend here?
Again the little girl nodded. Black Jack smiled and decided to give Glenda more of his attention. Would ye care to walk aboot wi yer grandfather?
I would, she whispered, then shyly placed her hand in his.
Did I ever tell ye, hinny, Black Jack asked as they strolled away, who ye were named after . . .?
Brigette and Sly walked through the foyer and headed for the stairs. Antonias voice, raised in anger, drifted out from the great hall. Brigette ignored it and started up the stairs, then halted when she recognized Springs voice raised in self-defense. How dare Antonia reprimand her cousin! With angry determination stamped across her features, Brigette marched into the great hall.
I told ye, Antonia was shouting at Spring, to fetch my sewin, and yed better do it.
And I told you, Spring shouted back, I must see to Lady Brigettes bath.
Antonia raised her hand to strike, but Brigette grabbed it from behind and whirled her around. Spring is my tirewoman, not a castle servant. Refrain from ordering her about!
What little control Antonia had on her temper vanished. With a shriek of frustrated rage, she lashed out, slapping Brigette hard across the face. Brigette retaliated instantly, slapping the blond beauty just as hard.
Ladies! Iain bellowed, striding across the hall. And I use the term loosely.
Tears welled up in Antonias eyes as she faced him. Lady Brigette attacked me for nae good reason, she sobbed.
Cease orderin my wifes tirewoman aboot, Iain commanded, unmoved by her delicate weeping. And dinna strike my wife again. Go to yer chamber and dinna return till supper.
She struck me, Antonia countered. What aboot her?
Ill deal wi my wife, he assured her. She willna strike ye again.
Am I to be blamed for this? Brigette was outraged.
Antonia, Iain repeated, ignoring his wifes outburst. I told ye to leave.
Well? Brigette challenged after Antonia had gone. Am I to be sent to my chamber and ordered to keep my hands to myself?
Id never order ye to keep yer hands to yerself, Iain said, then grinned suggestively. Go to yer chamber — Ill join ye shortly.
7
My playtime is nearly over, Glenda said glumly.
I suspect so, Brigette replied. Would you like to make it last a little longer?
Yes, but Mother will be angry wi me.
Brigette smiled mischievously. Ive devised a system for always doing what I want and never catching trouble.
What is it? Glendas eyes gleamed with excitement.
Before speaking, Brigette glanced around cautiously as if looking for eavesdroppers. Life has two paths you may follow, the long road and the short road, she told the little girl. When theres a thing I dont want to do, I always take the long road. That way I delay whatever it is I dont want to do. For example, when playtime is over, the short road is through that garden door. The long road is walking all the way around to the front courtyard.
What if Mother or Grandfather becomes angry wi me?
You have a course of action available in that event. If its a man, like your grandfather, you must bat your eyelashes like so. With great exaggeration, Brigette batted her eyelashes, and giggling, Glenda imitated her.
Excellent! Brigette exclaimed. Never forget that a beautiful woman who bats her eyelashes at a man is irresistible. Glenda laughed and Brigette added, Its silly but true.
What if my mother is angry?
If its a woman, like your mother, Brigette answered, then you must do the same thing you do after youve batted your eyelashes at a man.
Which is?
You lie.
Lyin is a terrible sin, Glenda cried. Its naughty!
Nonsense! As there are two roads to follow, there are two kinds of lies, Brigette explained. A bad lie almost always hurts someone. A good lie is an excuse and keeps a loved one from becoming hurt or angry. In other words, a bad lie causes pain, but a good lie prevents it.
I ken, Glenda said. When Moireach asks if Ive eaten all of my porridge, I must say yes, even if Ive given it to Sly. The real truth would make Moireach angry, and we dinna want that to happen.
Correct. Brigette hugged her. The choice is yours. Shall we travel the long road or the short road inside?
Glenda smiled. The long road.
Followed by Sly, Brigette and Glenda walked hand in hand around the keep. The earl stood in the front courtyard to greet Iain and Percy, who were dismounting.
How did it go? Black Jack asked his eldest. Iain started to reply but caught sight of his wife. Smiling, he watched her advance on them.
Keep yer mind on business, damn it, Black Jack swore, making his youngest son chuckle. I asked ye how it went down?
Better than wed hoped, Iain told him. We lifted aboot thirty head of Menzies cattle.
That should be strainin the mon this winter, Percy said.
Im doublin our own guards til the first snow, Iain added.
The earl smiled. Thats good news.
No, Kevin, sounded Moireachs irritated voice. Get back to yer duties. Ye willna be botherin the laird wi such a triflin matter. Get back, I said!
One of Dunridges apprentice cooks marched into the courtyard. Moireach followed behind, irately protesting all the way. Approaching the earl, Kevin held a mutilated chicken high in the air for all to see. Tis the third one this week, he announced. None has been eaten, just killed.
Im verra sorry, Moireach apologized, but he wouldna listen to me.
Its all right, Black Jack assured her, then looked at Kevin. Well, lad, do yeve any idea who did this?
Ive been keepin a close watch, the young man answered, but whoevers doin it is as sly as a fox.
At Kevins words, silence enveloped the group. Each glanced nervously at Sly and then his mistress.
Do ye know anythin aboot this? Iain asked his wife.
Me? Brigette exclaimed. Why would I kill a chicken?
I dinna mean ye, personally, he returned, his expression grim. Someone ye know, perhaps?
Brigette was bewildered for a moment, but then her husbands meaning dawned on her. How dare you suggest such a vile thing! she cried. Sly would not kill for pleasure, and hes certainly not hungry.
Can ye vouch for his whereaboots every minute of the past week? Iain countered.
Yes.
Brigette.
All right! Brigette shouted. No, but that does not mean —
Enough! he interrupted. Bringin him here was against my better judgment. Ill rectify the matter now.
Iain stooped to lift the fox into his arms, but Brigette was faster. She scooped Sly up and ran. Iain reached out and would have caught her, but Glenda kicked his shins viciously, giving the woman and the fox a headstart.
Brigette dashed into the outer courtyard. Iain was close on her heels.
Run, Sly! she screamed, and nearing the gate, flung the fox from her arms. Frightened, Sly flew through the gate into the world beyond Dunridge Castle.
Brigette whirled around to face her husband. His expression mirrored his terrible rage, and she trembled, doubting the wisdom of her actions. Iain slapped her hard, leaving a reddened imprint on her cheek, then grabbed her before she fell. He caught her upper arm in a cruel, bruising grip and dragged her back to the inner courtyard. Without a word or glance, Iain forced her past the earl and the others.
Dinna touch her! Glenda screeched, charging at Iain. Percy captured the child and swung her up into his arms.
Iain pulled Brigette into the foyer. At the base of the stairs, he gave her a rough shove. Get upstairs. Ill deal wi ye later.
With her spine proudly straight, Brigette climbed the stairs to their chamber. Iain watched her, then headed for his fathers study. If he went upstairs now, he might strike her again. He needed to calm down, get his anger under control.
Iain poured himself a whiskey and downed it quickly. Then he poured another. How dare she publicly defy me, he raged, then slammed the whiskey down and left the study. As Iain started up the stairs to his chamber, Black Jack and Percy walked into the foyer.
Iain, Percy called, hoping to speak in his sister-in-laws defense.
Shut yer mouth, Black Jack growled. His wife isna yer business.
Ignoring them, Iain climbed the stairs to his bedchamber. He turned the knob, but the door would not open. His wife had locked herself in, adding fuel to his blazing temper. Iain knocked. Silence was his answer.
Brigette, he shouted. Open this door.
Begone, you heartless bastard! she shouted back.
Iain banged savagely on the door. Mark my words, Brigette. If ye force me to break the door, yell regret it.
After a silent moment, Iain steeled himself to kick the door in, then heard the sound of the bolt being thrown. The door remained closed.
Iain opened it and walked in, then stopped short in surprised disbelief. A few paces away stood his wife, one of his own gleaming daggers in her hand. He growled menacingly and advanced.
Whatever youve come to say, have done with it, Brigette ordered, waving the dagger at him. Keep your distance or Ill tickle your ribs with this steel.
Iain held out his hand. Give it to me.
Where would you like it, my lord?
I amna jestin, lassie.
I amna jestin either, laddie, she mimicked his burr. Speak and leave.
When I get my hands on her, Iain thought, Ill spank her within an inch of her life. Id nae other choice out in the courtyard, he explained, inching closer to her. Slys guilty. Its what happens, sweetheart, when ye harness a wild thin.
Sly is innocent, Brigette countered icily. Besides, you struck me.
Ye publicly defied me and were deservin of a public reprimand. Iains voice was deceptively low and gentle as he inched closer and closer.
Suddenly, Iain lunged forward and kicked the dagger from her hand. Brigette screamed and scrambled to retrieve it, but he yanked her back, warning, Dinna point another dagg
er at me unless ye plan to use it.
Lashing out, Brigette whacked his face with her fist. More annoyed than hurt, Iain shoved her onto the bed and fell on top of her. Frantically, she thrashed and bucked, seeking escape, but he held her easily and waited for her to tire. Then nose to nose, he warned, Yer duties are to bear my sons and see to my every comfort. If ye dinna ken that, wife, yer life will be less than worthless and death will be a blessin. Remember, the one wi the cock gives the orders, and the one wiout obeys.
Iain stood and stared down at her, then, without another word, turned on his heels and left.
Outside his chamber, Iain paused to calm himself and leaned against the door. The muffled sound of his wifes sobbing assailed him, and guilty remorse coiled itself around his heart and mind, nearly felling him. Sweet Jesu! How could I have struck her? he castigated himself. Though my anger was justified, my actions were not. If only Brie considered the consequences before opening her mouth!
Serving supper at the high table that evening was a thankless chore. Brigettes chair was conspicuously empty and Iains expression was black. Almost glumly, Black Jack and Percy spoke quietly to each other. Brigettes absence had cast a shadow over the entire hall, even subduing the MacArthur warriors. Only Lady Antonia was in excellent spirits, eating her supper with obvious gusto.
Disgusted by the days events, Moireach marched into the kitchen. Cruelly, she captured Kevin by his ear and pulled him toward the great hall.
Ye dolt, Moireach snarled. Look what mischief yeve wrought. What did the death of a few worthless chickens matter when our ladys happiness was at risk? Ye ken?
Kevin stared at the high board. His expression became morose when he saw Brigettes empty place and Iains forbidding countenance.
I see ye finally do ken. The housekeeper sneered. Lady Brigette is upstairs sobbin in her sleep cuz Lord Iain hit her.
It isna my fault, Kevin insisted. I was duped.
Duped? Whatre ye sayin, lad?
Id prefer no to be overheard, Kevin whispered, then glanced around.
With her lips curled in disgust, Moireach led him through the foyer to the courtyard. Now, pray tell, how were ye duped?
Ye willna breathe a word of this, will ye?