Highland Belle

by Patricia Grasso

To be honest with you, Brigette whispered, leaning close, Uncle Iain becomes jealous when Sly shares my bed. Youd actually be doing me a tremendous favor by —

  A rousing cheer interrupted her words, and everyone looked up. Jamie and Spring, crimson with embarrassment, entered the hall belatedly.

  Iain grinned at their discomfort and called them to the high table. I hope ye slept well, Jamie, he teased. The earl has ordered us outside the walls today to begin trainin. Jamies mouth dropped in dismay.

  Good mornin, cuz. Brigette smiled knowingly at Spring. Ill need your help today letting out the seams on my gowns.

  Black Jack stood, then resettled Glenda in his chair and kissed the top of her head. Ive plenty of work to keep me busy, he announced. Ye willna be seein me til supper. Noting his granddaughters disappointed expression, he added, But Ill be seein ye at the usual hour in the garden. Glenda grinned.

  Im going to redecorate the nursery, Brigette informed her husband. What do you — ?

  Ignoring her, Iain stood and quaffed his ale, then pecked her cheek and strode out of the hall. Moaning and groaning, the MacArthur men-at-arms followed him out.

  Weve been deserted, Spring observed, taking the chair vacated by Iain.

  Glenda, Moireach called from the entry. Its time for yer lessons. The little girl feigned deafness. Come along, the housekeeper ordered, marching to the high table. Father Kaplans lookin for ye. And dinna make me shout.

  Och! Glenda cried innocently. I didna hear ye callin.

  Biting her bottom lip, Brigette swallowed her laughter. Glenda had been practicing her good lies. Most diligently, it appeared.

  Come along, Glenda bade the fox. Its time for our lessons.

  No, Moireach ordered. Ye know verra well Father Kaplan banished him from yer lessons. Hes too disruptive.

  When Glenda left, the fox climbed onto his mistresss lap. Absently, Brigette scratched him behind the ears, and Sly sighed contentedly.

  My thanks for insisting Jamie and I wed, Spring said, her cheeks pinkening. You wouldnt really have sent me home, would you?

  Brigette grinned impishly. I never said I would.

  What?

  Apparently, the earl is a master at handling his men. The two cousins dissolved into laughter.

  Alone in her chamber, Antonia fumed. The Sassenach will not be so smug when Finlay snatches her, she thought with some satisfaction. Id love to see the expression on her face when he does. Id dispatch her myself on this very day, but then Id be obligated to give Iain an heir.

  While Antonia hid in her chamber, the days passed peacefully at Dunridge. Accompanied by her two favorites, Brigette meandered about the garden on the eventful day that Antonia emerged unexpectedly. Glenda, frightened by the determined glint in her mothers eyes, grabbed Brigettes hand.

  I want to spend time wi my daughter, Antonia announced imperiously. Ye arena welcome to join us. She held out her hand to the child. Come.

  Glendas grip on Brigettes hand tightened. No.

  Youre trying to cause trouble, Brigette accused, positioning herself between them. Youve never shown any interest in Glenda before.

  How dare ye come between my daughter and me! Antonias expression was murderous. Release her.

  No. Brigettes expression was just as murderous. The two beautiful adversaries stood nose to nose, neither willing to retreat.

  Whats this aboot? Black Jack thundered, arriving for his daily stroll with his granddaughter.

  Sly! Glenda cried.

  Three sets of eyes darted to the child, then followed her horrified gaze. Slys hind leg was raised as he urinated on Antonias skirt.

  Oh! Antonia leaped back. Enraged, she turned on the fox and tried to kick him. Sly crouched low, bared his fangs, and growled threateningly.

  Antonia fled the garden. Black Jack, Brigette, and Glenda burst out laughing. The earl held out his hand in invitation to his granddaughter, then winked at Brigette and said, I knew the damned beast was good for somethin.

  As harvest neared, Iains days were spent defending MacArthur territory or invading Menziess. Although she missed his almost constant presence, Brigette was also busy. She redecorated the nursery beside their chamber and was forever sewing, either baby clothes or the seams on her gowns.

  One afternoon in early October, Brigette passed through the great hall. Surprisingly, Iain was there, eating an unusually early supper with a group of his men. Brigettes smile radiated happiness as she rushed to his side.

  What a rare treat to see you so early in the day, she gushed.

  Iain patted her swollen stomach. Seein yer lovely face is, indeed, the rarest of treats. I do believe yer bodys nearin ponderous, hinny.

  But why are you eating supper now? For once Brigette ignored her husbands teasing.

  I willna be eatin supper later. Were raidin tonight and willna return til mornin.

  Brigette paled.

  It isna dangerous, sweetie, Iain lied, only a considerable distance from here.

  You know I dont like being alone in the night, she cried.

  Ye know Id never willinly leave ye alone, dearheart — he spoke as if to a child — but Ive nae choice in the matter. Why dinna ye invite Glenda and Sly to share the bed?

  My worrying would keep them awake all night. Brigette burst into tears, and Iain held her close, trying to console her.

  Theres nothing I can do to prevent his leaving, she realized with a start. If I cry, his mind will be here instead of concentrating on whatever he does while raiding. Brigette forced a watery chuckle, wiped her tears, and lied, Ignore me, my love, the baby makes me weepy.

  Iain smiled, then kissed her lingeringly. Finally, he lifted her off his lap and stood. His men followed him out of the hall.

  Alone, Brigette sat in a chair in front of the hearth. Resting her elbows on her thighs, she covered her face with her hands and wept quietly.

  Slurp! Something wet tickled her hand. Brigette peeked through parted fingers. Slurp! Slys tongue slipped in between and licked her salty tears. As Brigette stroked him, Sly rested his head on what little lap she still possessed and sighed in beastly contentment.

  Sleepless anxiety was Brigettes companion when she retired that night. After lighting the dozen candles shed commandeered, Brigette began to pace. What if Iain is injured? Or worse? she wondered, nearly frantic for his safety.

  The hour grew late. Brigette knelt beside the bed to pray and promptly fell asleep. Much later, she lifted her head and stood, every muscle in her body stiffly protesting the movement. One by one, she snuffed the candles, leaving only the one on the bedside table.

  Brigette crossed the chamber and looked out the window. The night sky had brightened to gray. Placing her hands on her stomach, she felt the baby moving inside and, after making a final appeal to Whomever, lay on the bed and slept.

  Iain and his men dismounted in the courtyard and went directly to the great hall, crowded with family and retainers breaking their fast. Brigettes seat was empty.

  All went as planned, Iain told his father. Weary, he rubbed at his red-rimmed eyes. Wheres Brie?

  She hasna come down yet, Black Jack answered. Go on and rest. Well speak later.

  Iain nodded and left the hall. He paused outside his bedchamber, but heard only silence from within, then opened the door quietly and walked in. Brigette was asleep.

  Iains nose twitched; the chamber smelled like one of Father Kaplans solemn high masses. He looked around and smiled at the sight of all the candles, now extinguished. His fearless wife was afraid of the dark.

  Undressing quickly, Iain slipped into bed and was shocked when he glanced at Brigettes face. Purple smudges of fatigue lay beneath her eyes, and even in sleep, her expression was pinched.

  An anxious woman births an anxious baby. His pregnant wife had kept a lonely vigil awaiting his safe return, and a lump of constricting emotion rose in Iains throat. Brie, he whispered, drawing her into his arms.

  Green eyes fluttered open. Smiling tiredly, Brigette reached up to
touch his face, and Iain kissed the palm of her hand. Then they snuggled together and slept.

  October waned and Brigette waxed. By All Hallows Eve, she was outrageously large and ached to be harvested like the barley. Two months of waiting stretched endlessly before her.

  As she grew in size, Brigette retreated from the petty squabbles and frustrations of the daily life swirling around her. Instead, she wrapped herself in a cocoon of pregnancy; her world revolved around the birth of her child.

  Iain became uncharacteristically patient and solicitous of Brigette. Concerned for her health, he steered clear of unpleasant subjects. Checking the watches was his euphemism for raiding and defensive skirmishes.

  On the morning of All Hallows Eve, Brigette sat between her husband and father-in-law at the high table. She was tired, depressed, and cranky. A mug of milk and a bowl of porridge were set on the table before her, but she pushed them away.

  I want ale, Brigette thought mutinously. Never again will I eat porridge or milk or haggis.

  And my gowns! she continued torturing herself. I want to wear my beautiful gowns. Brigettes apparel was now limited to shapeless shifts, albeit of the finest fabric to be had. Necessity had forced her to use the fabrics acquired in Edinburgh, and her heart had nearly broken.

  Brigette sighed. It was ill luck to be enormous so soon. Peaceful sleep even eluded her. Each time she lay down to rest, the baby would kick, pummeling her insides as if to punish her laziness. The babe was as infuriating as his sire.

  Raidin season is almost over, Iain was saying to his father.

  Menziess winter willna be lean, Black Jack remarked, but liftin his cattle grazin in the shadow of Weem was a severe blow to the mons pride.

  We must be alert until the first snow falls.

  Mark my words, Black Jack said, forgetting Brigettes presence. Hell retaliate wi somethin equally devastatin.

  Brigette gasped and paled. Nervously, she looked from one to the other.

  I wasna speaking of anythin life-threatenin. Black Jack patted her hand. I meant hell try to wound our pride by hittin close to Dunridge.

  Brigette looked at Iain. He nodded, verifying his fathers words, but suspicion nagged at her mind.

  Ill ride out to check the watches along the perimeters, Iain said, rising.

  Ill come wi ye. Black Jack stood with his son.

  Ye havena eaten much, Iain chided Brigette, but if yer finished, Ill help ye up.

  Why should I leave this chair? she snapped. I cannot do anything.

  Iain grinned at her waspishness.

  You dare to laugh at me? This is all your fault!

  Guilty as charged. His good humor did nothing to restore hers.

  I know your men are betting on the number of babies in my belly, Brigette told him. If theres more than one, I wont forgive you. Ever.

  Dinna ye want a lad for me and a lassie for yerself?

  I dont want two, she wailed, her eyes filling with tears. I dont even want one.

  Ye know ye dinna mean that, hinny, Iain cajoled, fighting to keep a straight face.

  Look at me. Im grotesque!

  Yeve never been more bonnie, sweetheart. Iain leaned over to kiss her cheek. Why dinna I help ye up?

  Im not an invalid. Brigette shrugged off his helping hand. If I cant rise on my own, Ill sit here until I give birth.

  So be it — if ye dinna mind a blistered rump.

  After Iain left, Brigette reached for his ale and gulped it down quickly. There was no sense in aggravating Moireach; Brigette offered the mug of milk to Sly, who never refused anything.

  With her stomach leading the way, Brigette surveyed the garden. Autumn had already bared the trees and added a crisp bite to the air. The wild shrieks and madcap scamperings of playtime continued in spite of pregnancy, but only Glenda and Sly delighted in running about. Brigette followed at a more sedate pace.

  Fetch it, Glenda ordered, pitching a stick across the garden. With a flash of yellow collar, the fox dashed away. Father Kaplan says everyone must attend mass in the mornin, she told Brigette. Its All Saints Day.

  That means tonight is All Hallows Eve, Brigette replied. Its magical.

  Magical?

  Tomorrow we celebrate all the saints in heaven, Brigette explained, but between the hours of dusk and midnight tonight, evil roams the land.

  Evil, ye say? Glenda shivered. Spirits?

  The demons make merry, Brigette embellished, because at the stroke of midnight, they must return to their place of eternal damnation.

  D-d-demons?

  Yes.

  Sly ran up to them and dropped two sticks in front of Glenda. He sat down, cocked his head to one side, and wagged his tail expectantly. In spite of his great feat, the fox was ignored.

  Glenda reached for Brigettes hand. Dinna ye think we should go inside?

  Why?

  The d-demons might c-come early.

  Im certain that wont happen, Brigette assured her. Spirits are punctual.

  Oh. Unconvinced, Glenda clung to her hand. Uncle Iain has great love for ye.

  What? Brigette was surprised by the abrupt change in topic.

  Yer bellys grown verra large. Ye look like ye swallowed somethin whole.

  Thank you, Brigette said drily.

  Do ye think Grandfathers angry wi me? Glenda asked. He didna walk wi me today.

  Uncle Iain and he rode out earlier. Hell be home shortly. Brigette glanced at Glenda. Teardrops were sliding down the childs face. Why are you weeping?

  The d-demons are goin to hurt Grandfather!

  No. Sorry shed frightened Glenda, Brigette tried to console the child, but was incapable of kneeling to gather her close. Uncle Iain and your grandfather will be home long before dusk . . . Shh!

  Muffled shouts and sounds of alarm from the front courtyard were carried on the wind to Brigettes ears. Come.

  As fast as her bulk would allow, Brigette pulled Glenda through the garden door and raced down the main corridor to the front foyer. Filled with men-at-arms and servants, the foyer was in an uproar.

  Sweet Jesu! Brigette cried, rushing forward.

  With Iain and Jamie holding him up, Black Jack staggered across the foyer. An arrow protruded from his shoulder blade and chest. Seeping blood stained his shirt.

  Grandfather! Glenda shrieked.

  Get her away, Moireach shouted, racing across the foyer to help the earl.

  Twas those evil demons! Glenda screamed at Brigette, who stared dumbfounded at her. Spring materialized and dragged the hysterical child into the great hall.

  Recalling her fathers untimely demise, Brigette trembled with fear, but stepped closer to watch Moireach examine Black Jack. Her unborn child kicked hard, seeming to protest the furor, and Brigette gasped, clutching her stomach.

  Dinna consider goin into early labor, the housekeeper warned, catching the sudden movement from the corner of her eye. She lightly slapped Black Jacks face and asked, Who are ye?

  Good God, woman! he bellowed. Im stuck like a pig and ye ask who I am? Have ye taken leave of yer senses?

  He isna muddled from the loss of blood, Moireach said to Iain. Lets take him upstairs to remove the arrow.

  With the earl between them, Iain and Jamie started up the stairs. Dazed, Brigette followed them to the earls chamber.

  Set him here, Moireach ordered. Jamie, stoke the hearth so I can see what Im doin.

  Its my fault. Brigette moaned. I conjured the evil ones by speaking of them.

  Black Jack looked at her and smiled faintly. Nae evil spirit did this. I never imagined Menzies would go this far.

  Dinna speak, Iain cautioned. Yeve lost a lot of blood.

  Black Jack caught the housekeepers eye and glanced at Brigette. She was as white as a person can get and still be breathing.

  Go downstairs, Lady Brigette, Moireach ordered. Boil water and collect as many candles as ye can. Eager to help, Brigette hurried from the chamber.

  Hold him steady, Moireach said. Give me yer knife, Ia
in, and keep the damned arrow from jigglin aboot.

  With a minimum of movement, Moireach cut the head and tail of the arrow and, after a careful inspection, threw them aside. With a steady hand, she pulled out the stem. Black Jack groaned, and blood flowed from both ends of his wound. After cutting his shirt away, Moireach lifted her skirt, tore off a section of her petticoat, and gingerly dabbed at the wounds.

  Jamie, fetch hot water, poultice ingredients, and strips of clean cloth. And dinna let Lady Brie return until ye come back.

  Why?

  Dinna question me — yer wastin precious time.

  Held steady by Iain, Black Jack sat on the edge of the bed. Moireach knelt in front of him and tried to staunch the bleeding. With his eyes, Black Jack questioned the housekeeper, who answered with an almost imperceptible shake of her head.

  What is it? Iain asked.

  Tell him before the others return, Black Jack said.

  Moireach retrieved the head of the arrow and held it out for Iains inspection. See there. It was dipped in poison. Probably neither quick nor terribly painful, it will prove fatal all the same.

  Nae! Iain railed. Is there nae cure?

  Moireach shook her head.

  Ill slay the craven bastard wi my bare hands!

  Ive nae doubt yell eventually kill him, son. Black Jacks voice was resigned. At the moment, however, ye must take charge of Dunridge. He looked at Moireach and asked, How much time do I have?

  The housekeepers eyes were blurry with tears. Long enough to see Iain on the high road.

  Good. Black Jack smiled with grim satisfaction. Time enough to see my first grandson?

  Unable to meet his searching gaze, Moireach shrugged, saying, If Lady Brigettes time comes early.

  An expression of unutterable sadness crossed the earls face, but was quickly replaced by solemn resignation. So be it, Black Jack said, accepting his fate. When the wounds have been dressed, Iain, bring Father Kaplan. Ive the need to confess my sins. Promise whats passed between us here will go nae farther. I dinna want anyone mournin before Im gone. Moireach?

  I swear.

  What aboot Percy? Iain asked.

  Send for yer brother, but as soon as Im buried, hes to return to Edinburgh. Sheena Menzies is too valuable a prize to lose.

  Iain gazed at his fathers face, which had aged immeasurably in the span of one short day. I swear.