Highland Belle

by Patricia Grasso

  Are ye ready, hinny? Iain asked, walking through the door.

  Yes.

  Pulling her into his embrace, Iain lowered his lips to hers in a passionate, earth-shattering kiss. I swear to guard yer safety with my life, he vowed. Yell never be frightened again, I promise ye.

  Please, dont feel guilty, Brigette begged, her heart wrenching at the desperate anguish in his voice. The folly was mine. Im sorry my careless behavior has caused you worry.

  Thank ye for that, hinny, Iain said. He kissed her again, then grabbed the borrowed woolen cloak off the cot and wrapped it tightly around her. Keep that close aboot ye. I dinna want ye catchin another chill.

  Outside, Magnus and ten MacArthur warriors, including Bries cousins husband, Jamie, were mounted and waiting. Alasdair, his wife, and several of the MacDonalds stood in their midst. Taking Ina MacDonalds hands in hers, Brigette kissed the older womans cheeks, then thanked Alasdair and his son, Rob, whod swum to the rock and saved her life.

  Iain lifted Brigette onto his horse, then turned back to the pirate chieftain. He produced a hefty pouch from his plaid and handed it to Alasdair, then offered his hand, saying, I pledge ye my friendship for all time.

  Yer a rare one, MacArthur, Alasdair commented wryly. Many a mon wouldve become my sworn enemy for savin his wife. The countess must be very special.

  No, Iain disagreed, mounting behind his wife. When its healthy, her tongue never rests. Everyone but Brigette laughed. Turning their horses east, the MacArthurs began their journey to Dunridge.

  Leaning against her husband, Brigette relaxed and enjoyed the feel of his strength at her back. She peeked at Jamie, riding on their right, and wondered if he or Spring would ever speak to her again. Jamie, she apologized, Im sorry for the trouble I caused you.

  Jamie glanced sidelong at her and nodded. What else could he do? A mere warrior, angry though he was, could not throttle his lairds countess, foolish though she was.

  And, Brigette continued expansively, Im glad my husband refrained from sharpening his sword on your flesh.

  Im too even-tempered to act so rashly, Iain insisted. Riding on their left, Magnus chortled, earning an admonishing glare from his even-tempered cousin.

  Several miles passed in silence. The steady motion of the horse lulled Brigette, and she closed her eyes. Sleep did not come, but rather the trancelike daze that bridges consciousness and sleep.

  What did you give Alasdair? Brigette asked drowsily.

  Gold.

  Gold? She perked up at the word.

  The rascal demanded a ransom for savin ye, Iain told her.

  Brigette giggled at the mans audacity, then fell silent for a long, pensive moment. Well? she asked finally.

  Well what?

  What is my worth in gold?

  Iain smiled down at the top of her coppery crown. Accustomed to his wifes maneuverings, he knew her casual tone belied a burning curiosity. The questions unfair, sweetie, he replied evasively. It was an uneven exchange.

  Some of the best things in life are expensive, she said. Exactly how much did I cost you?

  Trust me, lovey. Yer nae bargain.

  Brigette frowned, uncertain if shed been complimented or insulted. My price must have been great, she decided, a delighted smile gracing her lips. Im certain, she said modestly, your high opinion of me is based on love, not necessarily worth.

  Chuckling, Iain nuzzled the side of her neck. I love ye, he growled against her ear, but Id love ye better if ye cost less.

  Oww! Youre impossible.

  But ye love me?

  As if you didnt know it.

  Their entourage arrived at Dunridge at dusk. Weakened by her illness, Brigette slept with her head nestled in the crook of Iains neck.

  As they passed through the outer gate, the guards shouted a greeting. Brigette stirred, but did not awaken, and Iain nudged her gently when they halted inside the courtyard.

  Shall I carry ye inside? he asked.

  No. She yawned and stretched.

  Iain dismounted and reached to lift Brigette, whose eyes were sultry with sleep. Merciful Christ! he thought, feeling his manhood stir. I can hardly wait until suppers done and were alone in our chamber.

  With her husband on one side and Magnus on the other, Brigette walked into the crowded great hall. Shrieking with joy, Glenda threw herself into Brigettes open arms.

  Im sorry I went away, Brigette said, holding the little girl close. I did not intend —

  That bad mon snatched ye!

  Yes, you must thank Cousin Magnus, for he saved me from drowning.

  What aboot Uncle Iain? Glenda asked loudly. Uncle Iain frowned at the reminder that his cousin had a talent for rescuing his wife.

  Uncle Iain brought me home, Brigette added hastily.

  Thanks for savin Lady Brie, Glenda said to Magnus, then looked at Iain. And thank ye, Uncle, for bringin her home. She tugged at Brigettes sleeve, saying, Come on. Slys waitin for ye.

  Smiling at her husband, Brigette shrugged her shoulders and was led away.

  Thump! Thump! Thump! Slys bushy tail whacked the floor in greeting when Brigette knelt beside him. She reached out to pat him, but the foxs tongue was quick, licking her hand.

  My poor, poor Sly, Brigette crooned, inspecting his bandage. The fox whined pitifully, gaining even more sympathy.

  Brigette stood to greet Moireach and Spring. Im sorry for causing trouble, she apologized, hugging her cousin and then the housekeeper.

  It wasna yer fault, Moireach said.

  Spring nodded. You dont look well, Brie.

  Ive been ill, but Im much better now, she told them. In fact, Im famished.

  Sit down, the housekeeper said, and Ill bring supper.

  Fetch Dubh, please, Brigette said to Spring, then held out her hand to Glenda. Sit with me while I eat. Sly hobbled after them.

  Brigette sat between Iain and Magnus at the high table. Glenda was glued to her side until Iain lifted her onto his lap and ordered her to stay. Slys whines for attention bothered Brigette. She lifted him onto her lap, and he licked her chin, making the others laugh. Magnus took the fox when Dubh arrived.

  My son, Brigette cried, reaching for him. Dubhs tiny arms and legs flailed about, making it difficult for her to snuggle him close. He remembers me.

  Iain laughed. Did ye think hed forget his own mother?

  Brigette kissed Dubhs cheeks. I missed you, my son.

  What aboot me? Glenda asked pettishly.

  I missed you terribly, Brigette answered. Sly whined. And I also missed you, my pet.

  What aboot me? Iain mimicked Glenda.

  Brigette cocked a brow at her husband. Especially you, my love. Tonight, youll know exactly how much. She turned to Moireach, and asked, Did you hire a wet nurse for Dubh?

  The housekeeper grinned and shook her head. Hes been drinkin warmed goats milk from a wineskin.

  Lady Antonia arrived then and cast a blatantly insincere smile at Brigette. Yer back — how wonderful!

  Refusing to let her homecoming be spoiled, Brigette ignored her.

  Cousin Magnus, Antonia said, its grand seein ye again. Yeve a talent for rescuin my dear sister-in-law.

  Magnus grinned. Its grand seein ye also, Lady Antonia. Yer always of such good cheer. As for the other . . . He shrugged. Lets say it was fate.

  Tell us what happened, Antonia urged.

  Let me say first, Brigette began, what happened was my own fault, not Jamies. I was foolish to ride unescorted. Anyway, when I rode to the loch, a Menzies warrior shot Sly and knocked me unconscious. He left me to die on a rock in the Sound of Mull. Fortunately, the MacDonalds happened by and rescued me.

  Were ye frightened? Glenda asked, wide-eyed.

  Would you have been frightened? Brigette countered, and the little girl nodded. So was I.

  Do ye intend to let Menzies get away wi this? Antonia asked Iain.

  Ye know better than that.

  What of the warrior, Brie? Antonia asked, her tone casual. Can
ye describe him?

  Theres nae need for descriptions, Iain said loudly. My fearless wife dispatched the bastard. Thunderous cheering shook the rafters.

  Antonia paled. Finlay! The Sassenach murdered my brother! Nobody noticed when she slipped away.

  The conversation at the high table turned to other, more pleasant subjects. Dubh was passed from mother to father to godfather and then back to his mother.

  Its bedtime, Brigette announced, for wee children and convalescing beasts. With Glenda glued to her side, Brigette carried Dubh out of the hall. Sly limped after them.

  Dugie! Jamie! Iain called, and when the brothers stood before him, ordered, First thin in the mornin, prepare the men for war.

  Aye, Dugie grinned.

  Wi pleasure, Jamie added, then walked away with his brother.

  Yeve a happy family, Magnus commented, stretching his legs out. It makes me yearn for Inverary.

  Who wouldve guessed a Sassenach twit could make me happy? Hows Avril?

  I havena seen her these past two months, Magnus replied, but after I report to the queen, Im for Inverary. Its past time I settled down and gave Argyll a few grandsons to coo over.

  Iain laughed. I canna imagine Argyll cooin. Would ye care to troth yer firstborn lassie to my Dubh? Eventually, shed become a countess.

  Its a deal. Magnus smiled and shook his cousins hand, then changed the subject. How will ye flush Menzies out of Weem Castle?

  Iain grinned broadly. Percys the one wholl do the flushin.

  Percy? Magnus echoed doubtfully. That blockhead?

  When ye see him in Edinburgh, give the lad a message from me.

  Which is?

  Swoop.

  18

  Edinburgh Castle

  Ye dinna mind takin my duty wi the queen?

  Ill say yer unwell today.

  The queens youngest ladies-in-waiting were like a mixed-matched pair of dolls, opposites yet complementary. Both were petite, but Sheena Menziess dark hair and eyes contrasted sharply with Dorothea Drummonds flaxen locks and pale blue eyes. They were like magnificent jewels, beautiful when solitary but startlingly exquisite when placed in the perfect setting of the others company.

  Its sooo romantic, Dorothea gushed, her youthful imagination taking flight. Lord MacArthur and ye sharin a forbidden love . . . a secret rendezvous. . . . Ohhh! I wish it were I!

  Were only sharin a picnic lunch, Sheena laughed. Ye make it sound illicit.

  Stolen moments of forbidden ecstasy, Dorothea sighed.

  Yer correct aboot that, Sheena agreed. If Murdac were at court, we wouldna be boldly paradin around Edinburgh.

  Highlanders are wild — nae offense meant to ye, Sheena. Perhaps Lord MacArthur will carry ye off to his castle.

  Nae offense taken, Dorothea. Sheenas dark eyes shone with mirth. Percy doesna have a castle. His brother is the Earl and master of Dunridge.

  But what would ye do, Dorothea asked, if he spirited ye away to his brothers castle?

  Why, Id call for a priest, Sheena quipped, making her friend laugh. Ill return before supper and take yer duty tonight.

  Leaving her chamber, Sheena walked down the long corridor to the stairs. Outside, she hurried to the stables where, having sent word earlier, her horse was saddled and waiting. She gifted the freckle-faced stableboy with a smile and pressed a coin into his hand.

  Percy waited in the castle esplanade. As usual, Sheena thrilled to the sight of him. His laughing blue eyes and easy smile were vastly different from her brothers grim intensity.

  Where are ye leadin me? Sheena asked, shyly peeking at him from beneath dark lashes.

  Its a fair enough day, Percy commented as they rode up High Street. I thought wed ride outside the town. Are ye game, lass?

  Only if ye remembered to bring the food.

  How could ye think, he asked, feigning dismay, Id forget anythin as important as the food?

  Although the sun was not shining, the cloud cover was a pale shade of gray, and the day was unseasonably mild. Edinburgh was soon left behind.

  Its grand ridin out and no carin who sees us, Sheena said, enjoying the unexpected pleasure of being alone with the man she loved. If only Murdac would remain at Weem permanently, every day could be like this for us.

  Life is filled wi if onlys, Percy remarked. People who succeed dinna rely on fate; they make their own luck.

  Leaving the road, they cut through the woods and stopped beside a stream. Percy dismounted and then assisted Sheena. After the horses had drunk from the stream, Percy tethered them and placed feed bags around their necks.

  I see yeve thought of everythin, Sheena said, grinning.

  Of course. He winked at her, saying, And now for our lunch.

  Percy produced a blanket from one of his saddlebags and tossed it to Sheena. While she spread it beneath a tree, he brought their lunch of bread, cheese, sweet ham, and wine.

  After theyd eaten, Percy lay back on the blanket while Sheena packed up the remains of their meal. He reached out to touch her back, and smiling, Sheena turned around.

  Percy pulled her down onto his chest and kissed her lingeringly. She sighed and he groaned, then gently rolled her onto her back. His mouth covered hers, branding her with his searing, earth-shattering kiss.

  Drawing back, Percy gazed longingly into Sheenas shining, dark eyes. I love ye, he whispered.

  And I love ye. If only —

  Damn if only! he swore. Will ye marry me, Sheena?

  Yes, she answered without hesitation, and he smiled. But how will we ever convince Murdac to give his permission? Perhaps the queen . . .

  Damn our brothers and the queen, Percy growled, his smile vanishing. I can wait nae longer.

  W-what do ye mean? Sheena asked, suddenly apprehensive. Risking her brothers anger was madness, not to mention suicidal.

  I mean, we arena returnin to Edinburgh. Well be married at Dunridge.

  No!

  Grim-faced, Percy stood without a word and walked toward his horse. Puzzled, Sheena sat up and watched.

  Percy pulled a cord of rope and a length of cloth from his saddlebag, then strode purposefully back to her. Do ye come willinly, he asked, or do I carry ye off?

  Shocked, Sheena recalled for one insane moment her conversation with Dorothea. But where had Percys good humor flown? Where was the easy smile that had captured her heart? Coming to life, Sheena leaped to her feet.

  She would have run, but Percy grabbed her arm and whirled her about. When Sheena raised her hand to strike, he caught it in a brutal grip and forced her to the ground, then bound her wrists together and yanked her to her feet.

  Sheena opened her mouth to scream, but Percy gagged her with the length of cloth. Venomous fury leaped at him from her dark eyes.

  Im sorry for treatin ye this way, Percy apologized, dragging her toward the horses, but theres nae other way. He lifted her onto his horse, then untied both horses and mounted behind her. Leading Sheenas horse, Percy rode west toward Dunridge Castle.

  Two days later, they entered Argyllshire, the home of Campbells and MacArthurs. Percy saw a lone rider approaching in the distance. Argyllshire was not danger-free; should he stay on the road or take cover in the woods? By all thats holy! Percy decided. I will not hide on my own territory!

  As the rider came closer, Percys face split into a grin. Cousin Magnus!

  Coming abreast of them, Magnus halted and looked from a red-faced Percy to a bedraggled Sheena, then back at his cousin. His mirth won out and Magnus shouted with laughter. Greetins, cuz, he finally greeted them. Mistress Menzies.

  A muffled sound came from behind Sheenas gag.

  Good day to ye, Percy said, thinking perhaps abduction had not been a wise idea. Do ye ride from Dunridge?

  Aye. And might I say, cuz, I believe ye possess the Sight.

  The Sight?

  Iain bade me tell ye to swoop. Magnus flicked an amused glance at Sheena. But I can see yeve already swooped.

  Im beginnin to wish I hadna.
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  Why is that? Magnus grinned broadly, adding, And why is Mistress Menzies bound and gagged?

  Because she willna keep her mouth shut, Percy snapped, then added in a long-suffering voice, I can tell ye, takin a captive bride isna so easy as a mons led to believe.

  Takin any bride, Magnus returned drily, isna so easy as a mons led to believe. Lady Brigette recently sent Iain racin across the breadth of Scotland to Oban.

  Brie?

  Menzies had her snatched and tried to kill her. Acknowledging the muffled shrieks of protest, Magnus nodded at Sheena. Nae offense, Mistress Menzies.

  Brie is unharmed? Percy asked.

  Magnus nodded. She was lucky. Much as Id love to see the endin of yer romantic adventure, I canna linger. He reached out to shake Percys hand, then smiled mockingly at Sheena. Best wishes on yer forthcomin nuptials, Mistress Menzies. May yer hearth be blessed wi harmony and a dozen fine sons.

  Outraged squawks issued from behind the gag. Laughing, Magnus rode away.

  It was suppertime at Dunridge, and the great hall was a beehive of activity. Brigette entered on the run and hurried to the high table.

  Yer late, Iain observed.

  I was feeding Dubh, Brigette replied, reaching for the bread. I cant believe how well he drinks from the wineskin. As an afterthought, she added, I pray Dubh doesnt grow to be a drunkard.

  Drinkin goats milk from a wineskin willna lead him into drunkenness.

  Are you certain?

  Iain rolled his eyes. Ye dinna plan to pass the next eighteen years worryin aboot it, do ye?

  When Brigette did not answer, Iain glanced at her. Her face had drained of blood. Hinny? Whirling about, he looked in the direction she was staring.

  Standing in the halls entrance were Percy with Sheena Menzies, bound and gagged and filthy. The hall grew silent as warriors and retainers noticed the unlikely couple. Then Percy moved, dragging his captive across the watching chamber to the high table.

  Percy! Brigette cried, horrified. How could you do such a vile thing?

  How did ye get my message so quickly? Iain asked, baffled. Magnus didna leave til —

  Wheres Father Kaplan? Percy interrupted.

  Release Sheena at once, Brigette demanded.

  Percy was about to refuse, but Iain caught his eye. If I was ye, baby brother, he advised, I wouldna cross swords wi my wife. Bries already dispatched one mon, and shes dangerous when provoked.