Highland Belle

by Patricia Grasso

  Percy looked from Iain to Brigette. Reluctantly, he removed Sheenas gag and untied her hands.

  Are you well? Brigette asked. Sheena nodded, bleakly.

  Get the priest now, Percy ordered.

  Ye bastard! Sheena shrieked, turning on him, astonishing everyone in the hall. I wouldna wed wi ye even if ye were the last mon in Scotland!

  Yell marry me, Percy said grimly, or Ill beat ye black and blue.

  I willna! Sheena stamped her foot for emphasis.

  Silence! Brigette cried, leaping from her chair. There will be no wedding until Lady Sheena has bathed and eaten.

  Percy hesitated, then agreed sullenly, Verra well.

  Brigette walked around the table, took Sheenas hands in hers, and led her out of the hall, crooning, You poor thing. Come with me.

  Iain grinned at Percy, whod sat down beside him. I didna think ye had it in ye, baby brother. Percy scowled, encouraging his brothers sarcasm. The lass may wed ye, Iain continued, but I doubt shell bed ye unless ye also bathe. With an uncharacteristic growl, Percy stood and left the hall.

  Brigette and Sheena sat together in one of the bedchambers upstairs. An untouched plate of food lay on Sheenas lap.

  I amna hungry, she said coldly.

  Suit yourself, Brigette replied, then asked, Truly, you dont want to marry Percy?

  Ive said as much, havent I?

  Im certain Iain wont force a marriage. You dont love Percy, then?

  Sheena was silent.

  Merciful Christ, Brigette thought. She reminds me of myself. And I feel like my mother! Sheena, do you love Percy or not?

  Dark eyes met green. I love him, Sheena admitted.

  Then what is the problem? Brigettes irritated tone revealed her frustration.

  Hes a beast, Sheena cried. Ive never been so mistreated in my life.

  Cruelty is contrary to Percys nature, Brigette remarked. He must love you greatly to behave in this barbaric manner.

  Do ye really think so? Sheena asked uncertainly. She hadnt thought of it that way.

  Brigette nodded. The decision is yours, Sheena. Marry Percy tonight or live without him for all time. Beneath the grime, Sheena paled, and Brigette gently pressed her advantage. Which will it be?

  I — Ill marry him.

  Brigette sighed with relief. My mother must have felt like this, she thought, after Id signed the marriage documents.

  When the bath was ready and the last servant had gone, Sheena disrobed and climbed into the tub. She sighed, sinking into the steaming, scented water. Is it true what Lord Campbell told us? she asked Brigette. Did Murdac have ye snatched?

  Yes.

  Im sorry. How can ye be so kind to me?

  What a goose! Youre not responsible for his actions. Brigette handed Sheena a towel. Wrap yourself in this. Ill return in a minute.

  Sheena rose from the tub, then dried and wrapped herself in the towel. Brigette returned, carrying the most breathtaking gown shed ever seen. It was an exquisite satin and lace creation, adorned with hundreds of seed pearls.

  Behold, Brigette announced. Your wedding gown.

  How beautiful! Was it yours?

  It was supposed to be. Brigette gazed wistfully at the gown. I actually wore a black mourning gown.

  You what!

  I was insulted because Iain sent Percy to stand as his proxy. To demonstrate my displeasure, I wore one of my mothers mourning gowns. Brigette grinned puckishly, adding, A rather effective way of punishing my husband, wouldnt you say?

  Sheena burst out laughing and hugged Brigette. Im glad well be sisters.

  Word spread quickly, and the great hall was filled to capacity. Those MacArthur retainers whod been absent earlier were now in attendance.

  Father Kaplan and the MacArthur brothers waited in front of the hearth for the bride to arrive. When Brigette and Sheena appeared in the entrance, the hall grew silent. Percy turned and saw his bride, and his mouth dropped at the vision she had become.

  Smiling shyly, Sheena walked slowly toward him. When she finally stood before him and looked up, Percy lowered his lips to hers and kissed her passionately.

  Wild cheers and whistles erupted throughout the chamber. Father Kaplan cleared his throat, but was ignored. Percy? The old priest placed his hand on the younger mans shoulder, saying, Its best to save that for after the vows, my son.

  Breaking the kiss, Percy smiled sheepishly and apologized. Sorry. Sheena turned to face the priest.

  We are gathered here, Father Kaplan began, to join this mon and this woman in the holy state of matrimony . . .

  Iain sidled up to his wife. Perhaps, he whispered close to her ear, Percys nae blockhead after all.

  Brigette glanced sidelong at him, and her words wiped the smile from his face. Hes a barbarian — like you.

  Fetch it! Glenda tossed a stick, and Sly hobbled after it as fast as his injury would allow. The morning was young, and the child and the fox were alone in the garden. Instead of returning the stick, Sly scurried past Glenda, who whirled around and saw Brigette.

  Good mornin, Glenda called, rushing to Brigettes side. Yer early today.

  Im keeping out of Uncle Iains path.

  Why?

  Because I called him a barbarian, Brigette answered without thinking.

  Whats that?

  Another word for a Highlander, Brigette lied, then quickly changed the subject. Sly is walking much better.

  Yes, but he limps

  Brigette made a show of scanning the garden. I dont see Lady Autumn anywhere.

  She was verra tired this mornin, Glenda whispered loudly out of the side of her mouth. Lord Sly kept her awake all night.

  Brigette looked at Glenda in surprise. The child could not be referring to that, could she? Why did Sly keep Autumn awake through the night?

  He was chewin on her hand.

  The rogue! Brigette burst out laughing. Did you know this is a special morning, Glenda?

  Special?

  You have a new aunt this morning.

  I do? Glenda was impressed but puzzled. Who?

  Lady Sheena is your new aunt because she married Uncle Percy. Shall we breakfast?

  Hand in hand, they entered the great hall, already filled with men-at-arms and retainers breaking their fast. Iain and Antonia sat at the high table.

  Brigette told Glenda to sit between Iain and her. Sly sat between their chairs; he knew anything the little girl dropped was his.

  Feeling important to be sitting in the countesss seat, Glenda looked at Iain and gestured to the MacArthur warriors, saying, Look, Uncle. The hall is filled wi barbarians.

  Iains spoon halted in midair. He looked at Brigette, who was biting her bottom lip to keep from laughing, then cast a quick glance at Antonia, whose hand had flown to her mouth to hold back the laughter bubbling up.

  Iain grinned, and Brigette could no longer contain her laughter. Confused, Glenda looked from one to the other.

  And heres the littlest barbarian of all, Brigette quipped, taking Dubh and his wineskin from Spring.

  A rousing cheer went up when a grinning Percy and a blushing Sheena paused in the entrance to the great hall. The younger MacArthur led his bride to the high table and introduced her first to Antonia and then to Glenda.

  Yer my new aunt, Glenda announced.

  Yes, I suppose I am.

  As she sat down beside Brigette, Sheena felt happily overwhelmed. Marrying Percy had given Sheena something shed yearned for all her life, a family. Until now, Murdac had been her only living relative, and he could hardly be called affectionate.

  This wee piglet is my son Dubh. Brigette turned the baby around to face her.

  Sheena held out a finger, but Dubh would have none of it. Screeching his displeasure, he received his hearts desire, the wineskin.

  Hes a handsome lad, Sheena complimented, making Iain a friend for life, and I believe he resembles the earl.

  Especially when he opens his mouth, Brigette added, casting her husband an I-got-you-last
look.

  Smiling, Moireach served the newlyweds their breakfast. Heres yer ale, Percy, she said, setting two mugs on the table. And for ye, my lady, fresh milk.

  Milk?

  Now that yer likely to get wi child, ye must drink a mug of milk each day.

  Brigette laughed at Sheenas stricken expression and whispered, She told me the same thing on my first morning at Dunridge.

  It was then Sheena spied Sly, who, begging for food, had placed his paw on Glendas arm. Whats that wild beastie doin here?

  Sly isna a wild beastie, Glenda cried indignantly.

  Sly is my pet, Brigette explained. I found him in the woods when he was just a baby and had somehow lost his mother.

  When I was a little girl, Sheena said, I wished for a kitten.

  And did yer wish come true, hinny? Percy asked.

  Sheena shook her head. Of course, there were many mousers runnin aboot Weem, but I yearned for my own special pet to keep me company at night. She held out her hand, and Sly circled around Brigettes chair to sniff and then lick it.

  Sly likes ye, Glenda said.

  But why didna ye get a kitten? Percy asked.

  Murdac wouldna allow it. Hed purchased imported carpets for my chamber and believed the kitten would ruin them.

  What a nasty mon, Glenda declared.

  That isna a nice thin to say about Lady Sheenas brother, Iain reprimanded the little girl. Even if it is true, he thought to himself.

  Blushing, Glenda looked down the table. Im verra sorry, Lady Sheena.

  Percy excused himself from the table just as a courier entered the hall and strode toward the high table. The man wore the Devereux livery.

  Someone is dead, Brigette whispered, paling.

  Halting in front of Iain, the courier bowed, saying, Greetings from the Earl and Dowager Countess of Basildon. I carry a letter for the Countess of Dunridge. At Iains nod, the man handed it to her. Brigette tore it open and quickly scanned the contents, then laughed. Bucko and Marianne are the proud parents of a daughter, Theresa. And Lil married Fat Bertie!

  Chuckling, Iain turned to the courier. Find yerself a perch and eat. The countess will want to send a message back wi ye.

  Percy returned, carrying a squirming ball of fluffy white fur. Yer wish is my command, madame, he said, placing a kitten on his wifes lap.

  Oh! Happy tears welled up in Sheenas eyes. Where did ye get it?

  Percy shrugged. Theres always a litter of somethin bein born around here.

  Shes precious. Or is it a he?

  I amna certain, Percy said, grinning, but it looks like a she.

  Ill call her Bana, Sheena announced, cuddling the kitten.

  Bana? Brigette asked.

  Its the Gaelic for fair.

  Resting his head on Sheenas lap, Sly sniffed at the frightened, mewling ball of fur. Slurp! The foxs tongue slipped out and licked the kitten.

  Brigette glanced sidelong at her niece, saying, It appears Lord Sly fancies Lady Bana.

  Good, Glenda replied. Perhaps now Lady Autumn will be granted some peace.

  Duncan the crofter felt the first stirrings of fear when he entered the foyer. Never had he been inside the walls of Weem Castle, though many times as a boy hed wished he could see it. Now Duncan was sorry that hed gotten what hed wished for, but there was no escape.

  Murdac Menzies, the Earl of Meinnich, was a hard man, and the message Duncan carried was not good news. Would the earl vent his anger on the bearer of bad tidings? the crofter worried. Was the gold piece the stranger gave him worth more than his own life?

  Flanked by two of the earls warriors, Duncan entered the great hall and shivered involuntarily. He gazed the length of the enormous chamber to the high table where the earl sat.

  Powerfully built, Murdac Menzies was as cruel as he appeared. What could have been a passably handsome face was marred by an angular scar running down the length of one cheek, but what truly frightened people were the earls eyes. His were the cold, black eyes of a serpent, betraying his lack of compassion.

  How will my wife and children survive without me? Duncan worried as the warriors ushered him across the hall. He was not a cowardly man, but his legs trembled as he walked toward the high table.

  My lord. One of the warriors spoke as the crofter bowed to the earl. This mon insists he has a message for ye.

  Menzies looked at Duncan, who, he noted with satisfaction, shifted nervously beneath his scrutiny. What have ye to say?

  M-me n-name is D-Duncan, laird, he stammered, fumbling in his pocket for the gold coin. A stranger give me this and a message for ye. Duncan paused; his mouth had gone dry, the words unable to come.

  Spill it, Menzies snapped, scowling.

  MacArthur snatched Lady Sheena, the crofter blurted out. Shes bein held at Dunridge Castle.

  Ye lie! Menzies leaped up, his face mottling with rage. Frightened, Duncan stepped back. Not immune to the danger, the Menzies warriors also stepped back.

  A disturbance at the halls entrance saved the three from the earls wrath. Accompanied by another of the earls men, a courier strode briskly toward the high table. The man wore the livery of the Earl of Moray, the queens half brother.

  My Lord Menzies? At Murdacs nod, the courier handed him the missive.

  Menzies quickly read the message and looked up. Deadly fury shone from the depths of black serpentine eyes, and he vowed in a chilling voice, I will turn Dunridge — nay, the whole of Argyll — into a wasteland!

  19

  Spring became summer, and the sun rode high in the sky. A message from Edinburgh arrived in June; Queen Mary had delivered a son, James, but there was no time for rejoicing at Dunridge.

  War, especially bitter, raged between Iain MacArthur and Murdac Menzies. One casualty was the womens activities. They were no longer allowed beyond the castles walls, much to the frustration of Brigette, who felt the garden closing in on her.

  One morning in early July, Sheena spied Brigette marching purposefully toward the stables. Brie, she called, running to catch up. Where are ye goin?

  Im riding to the loch, Brigette answered. Care to join me?

  The loch?

  Thats what I said.

  But the earls forbidden us to —

  The earl is a jackass, Brigette snapped. I refuse to be a prisoner in my own home. Are you coming?

  Brigette turned away, and Sheena followed her to the deserted stables. They saddled their own horses, then mounted and rode toward the outer gate.

  Unexpectedly, their path to freedom was blocked. Iain, Percy, and a troop of MacArthur warriors filled the portal. Theyd been out surveying the damage done by Menzies the previous night.

  Where do ye think yer goin? Iain growled, grabbing Brigettes reins.

  Your request to remain inside the walls is unreasonable, she told him.

  It was an order, no a request.

  Im not your prisoner.

  Yer my wife and will obey me.

  Challenging him, Brigette tugged at her reins, but Iain held them firmly in his iron grip. Angry dark eyes warred silently with determined green ones. Dismount, he ordered, and walk back. Casting him a scathing look, Brigette dismounted and stalked off.

  Iains eyes drifted to his sister-in-law. Ye also, Lady Sheena.

  Sheena glanced at Percy, who, wearing the most aggravating smirk, looked away as if she were a stranger. Humiliated, Sheena dismounted and followed Brigette.

  The ladies arena permitted outside, Iain shouted to the guards. Do whatever ye must to stop them.

  Insufferable . . . pigheaded, Brigette was mumbling when Sheena caught up with her.

  And my husband didna even defend me, Sheena complained.

  Im breaking out of this decrepit pile of rock, Brigette vowed, even if I must scale the walls.

  And we dinna need their horses, Sheena added. We can walk out instead of ride.

  Ha! If I know Iain, hes already instructed the guards to stop us from leaving.

  We could sneak out the post
ern gate, Sheena suggested.

  Brigette flashed her a brilliant smile. Why, youre more devious than I am.

  Sheena grinned. Thank ye.

  When Glenda takes her lessons with Father Kaplan, Brigette said, Ill meet you outside the gate. Well be back before anyone realizes weve gone.

  When Antonia left the great hall that afternoon, she noticed Brigette skulking around the end of the corridor and stepped back to watch. Brigette scanned the garden and then darted out the door. Perplexed, Antonia followed.

  Outside, Brigette scurried behind a section of shrubbery, then dashed to the back of the garden and hid behind a tree. A moment later, she fled her hiding place and flew through the gardens rear door.

  Antonia reached the back of the garden in time to see Brigette disappear through the postern gate. What in Gods Holy Name was the Sassenach doing?

  Curiosity got the better of Antonia, and she opened the postern gate. A hand shot out and yanked her through.

  What the bloody hell are you doing? Brigette demanded angrily.

  I could ask ye the same thing, Antonia returned, lifting her nose in the air. She looked from Brigette to Sheena and then disdainfully at Sly. Im tellin Iain.

  Pulling a dagger from the waistband of her skirt, Brigette waved it beneath the blondes nose. Youre coming with us.

  Thats right, Sheena added. Ye willna ruin our chance for a few moments of pleasure.

  Where are ye goin? Antonia asked.

  To the loch and back, Sheena answered.

  Verra well, Ill come.

  And keep your mouth shut, Brigette warned, or well be caught.

  Silently, they walked through the woods and reached the shore of Loch Awe without being detected. The three women and the fox strolled along at a leisurely pace, enjoying the summers day.

  Sensing rather than hearing the thundering of hooves, Sheena turned and saw Sly, with hackles raised, whine and dash into the woods. Run! Sheena screamed, then darted into the woods after the fox.

  Brigette whirled around and saw the men riding hard toward them. Black and white Menzies plaid! She started after Sheena, but noticed Antonia running in a panic down the shoreline.