“Taking her back to her clan will only cause a war betwixt your two clans.”
“So be it and well worth the risk. I would rather be at war with the MacDoughalls than be saddled with her another day. Take her back, Liam, and have it be done on the morrow. When you return, I will sign whatever document you wish.”
“Why don’t you banish your wife?”
He held his chin in thought for a moment before he answered, “She’d only return, aye, like an incurable plague. I cannot stand to be in her presence. You must do it.”
“You give me no choice.” Liam scowled and was discontented at the request. He didn’t want to see Blayre, especially knowing she’d wed his cousin. What’s more, she obviously hadn’t loved him when they were young. She’d only wanted to be lady of the keep. He shook his head, disparaged to learn the truth, of her deceit.
“I’m afraid I cannot give you a choice. I would only trust a family member to attend to this private matter. We are cousins, almost brothers, and I ask your forgiveness, Liam. Aye, for what I wrought you, for my unacceptable behavior. I will be grateful if you would handle this matter for me.”
The benevolent words affected him, and Liam drew a deep sigh. He wanted to loathe Micheol for what he’d done, but it appeared he’d been punished, more so than he could ever repay him. “I will see to it. But you will sign the document return my land this night?” Liam wouldn’t do his cousin’s bidding unless he procured his lands beforehand. Micheol wasn’t to be trusted, not in the least.
Micheol held out his hand to shake. “I shall sign the document before we dine. This night, we will have a fine supper and speak not further of these matters.”
“I will stay only one night.” Liam pulled his hand back, disgruntled by his task. He wanted the damned document and to see the last of his cousin.
“I need to give the sentry their duty and set the watch. Mistress Isolde will settle you. It is good to have you back, Liam. I really meant what I said, about my … regrets.” Micheol rushed from the hall.
Liam leaned against the chair, deep in thought of what Micheol asked of him. He didn’t hear the approach of the person behind him. He felt someone touch his back, and he turned to find Blayre standing behind him. She’d changed much. Her light hair now darkened. Her once bright eyes now muted with … a look of despondency.
“Liam.” She pressed her body against his. “I heard you’ve returned. You’re more handsome than I remembered. It has been too long of years since I’ve seen you.”
“Blayre.” Liam took her arms and pushed her back a step. “I heard you married my cousin.”
“Is that what he told you? I did wed him, but only because I knew I couldn’t have you.” She pursed her lips and touched his face. “I’ve missed you. Will you come to my chamber? I would take you to my bed, for I recall you being a tremendous lover.” She pressed her breasts against his arm and caressed the length of his torso.
He should’ve been shocked by her invitation, but strangely he wasn’t. “Nay. I am married, Blayre.”
She laughed. “And you love your wife? You always were overzealous when it came to matters of the heart. There was a time when all you wanted was me. I seem to recall your professing your love. Ah, mayhap you are like all men and speak falsehoods when it suits you.”
Liam got a glimpse of her true character. Fortunately, he’d escaped the torment she would’ve brought to his life. He pushed her back again, putting space between them. Then he remembered his task on the morrow. How would he get her to ride with him without at least showing some interest?
“I never bespoke a falsehood to you, Blayre. You know that to be true. There was a time when my heart was yours.”
“And now your heart is taken by another? Would that you could give me your heart again? I would gladly take it.” She pursed her lips and a sultry gaze came to her eyes.
He took her hand and led her to the steps to the upper rooms of the castle. As he walked along, a plan formulated in his mind. In the hallway that led to the solars, he pressed her against the wall, his body almost touching hers. He lifted her face and noticed the curiosity in her eyes. “I’d forgotten how beautiful you are. I recall your body, your passion … But you are Lady Lennox. We shouldn’t act in haste.”
“It matters not, for my husband is lacking. He does not incite desire in me the way you did.” Her hands perused his body, and he allowed her the liberty. “I need you, Liam, want to feel you again. Come inside my bedchamber. I will make you remember how good it feels to lay with me.”
Liam peered at her, the lass who held his heart all those years ago. He shook his head, disbelieving this was the same girl. Her face no longer held the shining eyes of youth. The closer he looked at her, the more he wondered what had attracted him. Mayhap his own youth betrayed him. “We cannot here. There are too many eyes and ears. Join me for a ride on the morrow?”
“Oh, a secret liaison. I should welcome a ride on the morrow.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
Liam felt nothing in her kiss and his body didn’t respond ardently. He held her face and frowned at her quick acceptance. “Until tomorrow then.” He released her and retreated down the hall, thoroughly appalled by the encounter. There he found a servant and asked which chamber his wife resided in.
Liam drew a resigned breath and entered. He found Makenna sleeping in a large bed and didn’t awaken her. Instead, he sat in a nearby chair and reflected on his meeting with Micheol and the reunion with his so-called love. How wrong he’d been about her, about Micheol, his uncle. Liam was never angrier with himself, and for being put in this situation. He couldn’t leave the foreboding place soon enough.
Chapter Twelve
There was something Liam withheld from her. Makenna was certain of it, especially after last night’s supper when Lady Lennox all but scorned her. She barely spoke to her and gave her looks of disdain all evening. Makenna was relieved they’d leave this day.
She awakened and found Liam dressed and gazing out the window casement. “You’re up already? What time is it? Are we to leave? I can be ready to go within minutes.” Makenna tossed back the covers and shuffled to a sitting position.
“It’s early. I’ve things to see to before we leave. You should stay abed and rest, love.” He knelt next to the bed and caressed her hair.
Makenna grew concerned because Liam’s eyes averted hers. There was definitely something his gaze hid from her. She set her hands on his shoulders and tried to ease him. “I will rest once we are away from this place. Were you able to get your cousin to return your lands? You didn’t speak of it last night.”
He set his head on her lap and placed her hand on his neck. “I did, but there is one more thing I must see to before we can leave.”
She sighed because she’d hoped they could depart in the morning. “What is it you must do?”
“Take Blayre, Lady Lennox, home. I need to see her settled before we return to the caves.”
“I see. How long will you be?” Makenna’s heart ached.
He confirmed her suspicion that he and Lady Lennox were lovers. The lady gave her husband more than friendly looks during their tortuous two-hour long supper. Coupled with that, she overheard several maids gossiping of Liam’s sordid past with Lady Lennox. She didn’t want to believe the servant’s talk, but he was taking the lady home. If that didn’t bespeak his interested in the lady, she didn’t know what would. Makenna wasn’t a fool. She knew men took mistresses to their beds, ladies of ill repute, women who cared not if the man was attached to another.
“I should return by the eve. I may be late, so don’t await me if you want to seek your bed.” He kissed her on her head and hastily left the chamber.
Makenna stared at the door for a long time before she decided to rise. Her heart tensed at his departure, especially because the keep and all those within gave her unease. Liam never professed to love her. With her vow of vengeance, she doubted their future. She shouldn’t be angry with him and yet … H
e didn’t realize that she likely wouldn’t survive her quest to see Sir Hawk dead. Did Liam expect her to live with Lady Lennox under the same roof in the meantime? Many husbands took other women for lovers, and she’d discerned some even housed the woman on their lands or in their homes. It would appear hers would.
After she dressed in the plain overdress gotten from the miller, she fixed her hair and slipped on her slippers. She needed to escape the chamber or she’d go mad with her thoughts. Makenna opened the door and found no one in the upper hallway. When she reached the main hall, she walked around the great chamber, wondering what she’d do all day.
There was darkness about the place and gave her an unsettled, apprehensive feeling in her stomach. She’d felt it the moment they’d rode through the gate. Lady Lennox appeared to be the cause of the clan’s anguish. She heard the way she spoke to the servants. Didn’t Liam realize how disastrous his affair with her would be? Did he have a care for his clan or for her? Obviously not, since he planned to place the woman in his home.
“Can I get you anything, Lady Kincaid?” Isolde, the maidservant approached. “The morning meal sits yonder on the table if you care to eat.”
“I am not hungry. Thank you, Mistress.” She probably wouldn’t be able to tolerate food the way her stomach tumbled. The thought of her husband with Lady Lennox sickened her.
“Och, lass, you look distressed. You should eat something. It always helps me when I’m feeling down.”
“You’ve known Liam a long time?” Makenna moved to the table and picked up trencher which she filled with fruit and cheeses. She’d pick at the fare to satisfy the maid. “Will you speak of him? I would like to learn of my husband as a child.”
“I would be pleased to, my lady. He was an affable lad. Sweet and very young when he first came to live with the earl. He was barely old enough to be freed of his mother’s apron strings when she died. Poor lad. Even so, he was always kind and generous.”
Makenna frowned, for he was kind, but with his recent deed, she didn’t want to believe him gallant. “Has there always been discord between him and his cousin?”
“His Grace was spoiled and oft troublesome. Micheol’s father favored Liam, and I’m afraid it caused strife betwixt them. It appears they’ve remedied that for I haven’t seen the earl this happy in years. This morn he smiled widely. I suspect it is because of Liam’s return.”
She took a piece of bread and chewed it quickly. “What of Lady Lennox? Do you know much about her? How long has she and the earl been married?”
Isolde gazed to the entrance and then returned her eyes. “I shouldn’t speak ill of the woman, but it cannot be helped.” She sat beside her. “The earl is away this morn and Lady Lennox is out riding. So I won’t fear they would hear me.”
Makenna kept her expression serene, but inside she seethed. She discerned well where the woman went and it wasn’t riding. “I won’t speak of our conversation, Mistress. How she is acquainted with Liam?”
“Many years ago Liam and the lady professed their love to the earl, but he forbade their marriage. The earl was angry and he sent Liam away. We hadn’t seen him since his return yesterday, five long years gone by. His Grace returned after his father’s death with the lady and had married her. ‘Tis a shame because Micheol might have found happiness if he’d wed someone akin to you, my lady, for your kindness and heart show in your eyes.”
“That is sweet of you to say. I’m sorry, Isolde, that she despairs you. I assume Micheol is displeased with her?”
“Oh aye, he certainly is for she’s been unable to give him an heir and he wants a son. I’ve heard their arguments, for the earl’s voice travels. Lady Lennox did have a bairn once, a long time ago, about four years past. But it wasn’t his and since he’s tried to beget her with child. I suspect the bairn might’ve been Liam’s for they were rumored to be together … that way. The men said they’d found them in a compromising position … unclothed as it were.”
Makenna sat rigid in her chair. “What happened to the child?”
The maidservant wiped the edges of her eyes and spoke low, “’Tis a sad story, my lady, for she admitted to his lairdship that the bairn wasn’t his. ‘Tis said Lady Lennox sold the bairn to a cobbler in the village for a paltry sum. Not enough to purchase a decent cloak, ‘tis said. We haven’t seen the bairn since.”
“Why would she sell her child?” Makenna’s heart tore at hearing such woe. She couldn’t believe the woman’s cruelty. If Liam knew what she’d done would he still want to take her as his lover? She didn’t have time to ponder it.
“Lady Lennox didn’t want to lose her position as the earl’s wife. His lairdship’s wife covets riches. She’d likely sell her soul to the devil and likely has for the woman has a dark heart. I fear the child might be dead and I am loathed to speak of it to Liam. He has a right to know about his child, and I wanted to tell him, but it is for naught. I saw the bairn but once and she had the same hair and eyes as her father. She was a bonny bairn and would be a wee bit more than four years in age. Still young and shouldn’t have to slave for the cobbler. If indeed that’s what the cobble intended.” Isolde sniffled as if she held back her sorrow. “I must go, for I have many chores to see to. If ye need anything, my lady, please come and see me.”
Makenna set the bread down that she’d taken; her stomach in a mass of disgust. She paced the chamber and considered what Isolde told her about the bairn. Her heart ached at what the bairn must’ve endured. Somehow she had to find the child and remove her from this place. With that thought, she hastened to the chamber she’d been given and rummaged through Liam’s satchel. She found what she was looking for: a well-sharpened dagger, one that would put fear in the cobbler’s eyes. Her bodice bulged slightly with the additional contents, so she pulled a tartan around her shoulders to hide the contraband.
She left the keep and walked toward the gatehouse. The sentry wouldn’t let her pass and blocked her from proceeding.
“Where ye be off to, Lady Kincaid? ‘Tis not safe for you to roam the wood by yourself. Do you wish an escort?”
She recognized the men from when they’d come the day before. “I shall be safe enough. I wish to walk to the village. Is it afar?”
“Nay, my lady, just beyond those trees,” he said, and pointed to the north. “About an hour’s walk from here. Do you wish a horse?”
“No, it’s a fine day for a walk.” She hurried through the gate before they stopped her, and kept walking. Makenna didn’t have a plan, but something would come to her. The lane to the village was sparse with trees and she looked at the beautiful land that sat on each side of the road.
Near the village, she came across several people who bid her a good day. The day drew chillier and Makenna pulled down the sleeves of her overdress. She wished she’d remembered to grab her cloak, but the tartan kept her warm enough. Along the merchant cottages, she found one that offered a show of sorts with puppets and several children sat before it being entertained. She sidled next to the opening and noticed a small doll made of straw for sale.
It would do well to have something to offer the child should she need to appease her. The wee one might be fearful. Makenna purchased the doll and moved along until she came to the cobbler’s hut.
She stepped inside and smelled the strong scent of leather and paste made from rye. She wandered around the tables, pretending to look at the shoes offered for sale. The cottage was a mess and definitely no place for a young child. Then she noticed the wee one in the back, slunk on a mat in the corner, stirring a pot of paste.
Her heart ached seeing the lass’ condition. Her clothes tattered and her face dirty. What was worse, the child looked starved for as thin as she was. Makenna noticed the cobbler busy in discussion with a customer. Fear at getting caught apprehended her for a moment, but she knew what she had to do. She knelt next to the lass.
She smiled and held out her hand. “Good day. I’m Makenna.” She gently touched her hand. “I’m a friend. Do you kno
w what friends are?”
The light brown curls on her head shook as she answered.
“Friends are people who care for you. They can be trusted. I need you to trust me, will you do that?”
The little girl’s head bobbled. Her cornflower blue eyes shone with a wee bit of fear, eyes that resembled her father’s. She wanted to weep at the sadness of the child’s plight.
The cobbler turned and Makenna stood hastily and pretended to look at a pair of boots on the nearest table. His regard returned to the customer again who thankfully plied the man with questions. She knelt again and held out her hand.
“I want you to come with me. I shall get you out of this horrid place. You do want to leave, don’t you?”
The little girl shook her head.
“I know you are fearful, but you shouldn’t fear me. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Does he hurt you?” She pointed to the cobbler who thankfully, was still enmeshed in his conversation with the customer.
The little girl nodded.
“I have a gift for you,” she said, and placed the straw doll in her lap. “Isn’t she lovely? She needs a friend too. Will you be her friend?”
The little girl nodded.
“Will you be good to your dolly, just as I will be to you?” Makenna smiled when she took it and held it to her chest and nodded. “I promise you will be safe with me. Come and let us leave this place.” She took her hand and led her toward the exit of the cottage. The high tables hid the child until they neared the exit. Once the cobbler’s back was turned, she hurried outside and picked the girl up. Makenna walked swiftly toward the lane and didn’t slow her pace until she was well away from the village.
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 14
