Fair Border Bride

by Jen Black

  “Who’s wi ye, Spirston?” A man’s voice growled the question.

  Matho chuckled. “The bridegroom, that’s all. He’s daft enough to pay siller for t’ lass ye’ve got in there.”

  There was a lengthy pause in which Harry suffered agonies of frustration. Alina was so close and yet he could not see her, touch her or hold her. Suddenly the need to hold her took precedence over everything else. He glanced at Matho. “Get on with it!”

  “Dinna git yersel in a fettle, man.”

  Harry looked at him blankly. “What?”

  Matho shrugged. “Don’t be so impatient, that’s all.”

  “Stand in t’ middle of the yard so’s ah can see ye,” commanded the voice on the other side of the door.

  Harry looked up. There was a small open square in the wall above their heads. A piece of sacking stretched across it. The thought of a pistol or a bow poking it aside as they walked across the open space chilled him. Matho followed his glance. Harry shook his head, and Matho bawled at the closed door.

  “Open the door, man and stop being so bloody cagey. D’ye want the gold or not? The man’ll gan and find another bride if’n ye tak too long.”

  Harry mimed what he wanted. Matho understood, linked his fingers and propelled Harry up to reach the window above their heads. Harry got the toe of his boot on the protruding door lintel, waited until Matho pounded on the door, and under cover of the resultant noise wriggled headfirst through the small opening. It was a tight fit around his shoulders. As his palms touched the gallery floor he heard the sound of a sneck lifting on the inside of the door.

  “About bloody time,” snapped Matho.

  The narrow gallery was only three feet below Harry. He softened the sound of his entry as much as he could and looked around. Straw and rugs gave evidence that someone slept there on a regular basis. Staring straight ahead over the empty space beyond the gallery, he saw the massive stone blocks of the old peel tower. Harry crept to the edge of the gallery and looked down.

  Sacks and barrels stood against the huge baulks of timber that held up the stout roof beams and one corner of the room was penned off for animals. There was little furniture. A scarred table and a wooden bench, a few crackets and one carved chair. A stream of sunlight ran from the open door to the bed tucked against the stone wall that joined the old tower.

  Harry’s heart lurched. Alina stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by Hogg’s family. Though a woman held her by the arm, Alina stood straight-backed, her head high.

  “Ach, dinna fash yersel, man.” Hogg’s words drifted back into the house, and the tone suggested that he surveyed Matho with acute dislike. “Thoo’s at fault, fer breakin’ a man’s sleep.”

  Alina looked up, saw Harry and gasped. Finger to his mouth, he tip-toed to the ladder.

  “And here’s me thinkin’ ye were a man that knew a bargain when it pitched at his feet, but mebbe ah wus wrang.”

  At Matho’s uncompromising answer, Harry grinned. He reached the ladder and swung himself onto the first rung.

  “Stop yer bletherin’, man. Where’s the bluidy bridegroom, then?”

  Harry put one hand on the rail and vaulted the eight or nine feet to ground level. “Here,” he said, landing in a crouch.

  Alina flung herself towards him with such force that the woman could not keep hold of her. Harry kept one eye on Hogg as he and Alina came together in the beam of sunlight. She clung to him, a glorious armful of femininity and he looked down and forgot his plan.

  Something hard crashed against the back of his head. He staggered and then flopped over Alina. She cried out but could not hold his weight. He dropped to the floor, and lay there unmoving.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  “Meggie!” Alina wailed as she knelt at Harry’s side. “What did you do that for?”

  Matho leapt forward, encircled Hogg’s shoulders in a bear hug and dragged him over the threshold and out into the new day. Hogg roared in anger, the children squealed in excitement and Matho bellowed instructions.

  “Harry! Get me a rope to hold this bugger.”

  Alina shook Harry, gently at first and then with increasing vigour. With a mighty effort, she raised him onto her knees, but still his eyes remained closed. A yell of frustration made her glance over her shoulder in time to see Hogg wriggle out of Matho’s grasp and bolt back inside. Matho sprinted after him, saw Alina and jerked to a stop beside her.

  ‘What’s up wi ‘im?’

  “Meggie hit him with that griddle pan. It’s a wonder his head’s not dented.” She turned back to the man lying across her lap. “Harry?” Her voice quivered. “Can you hear me?”

  Harry did not respond. Alina glared at Meggie, who still held the blackened iron griddle in one limp hand. “I’ll never forgive you if you’ve hurt him.”

  The children, wide eyed and serious at her sudden vehemence, vanished behind their mother. There was no sign of regret in Meggie’s pleasant, homely face.

  Harry groaned.

  “Oh, Harry, how do you feel?”

  Harry stayed where he was, a silly smile on his face, his cheek tucked against her bosom. She patted his cheek. “Harry, wake up. Open your eyes.”

  Matho fidgeted at her side. Looking up, she caught the unguarded expression on his face and bit her lip at the tenderness she saw there. He knew, as she knew, that nothing could ever have flourished between them. It was time Matho Spirston found a woman of his own.

  Hogg, forgotten while all attention focussed on Harry, grabbed Alina’s arm, and dragged her, shrieking, across the room. Harry dropped back to the floor, and opened his eyes. Hogg got his back to a pillar. Matho started forward but stopped when Hogg drew a knife and held it to Alina’s throat.

  Alina gulped, stood absolutely still and swallowed noisily. The steel blade was chillingly cold against her skin. Matho, she saw, had lost the soft expression. Instead his lip pulled back from his teeth. “Let go of ’er.” He took a step forward.

  The knife moved against her skin, pressed on the tendons.

  “Johnnie, no!” Shock filled Meggie’s voice. “The bairns are watchin’ ye!”

  Johnnie glared at his wife. “What d’ye expect me te dee? Let ’er gan off without a penny piece for me trouble?”

  “Da!” bleated Jack.

  “Don’t hurt her, Da,” cried Mary.

  Alina locked glances with Matho. She glanced meaningfully at Harry. Matho’s glance flicked to the floor.

  Harry gazed vacantly at the thatched roof.

  Johnnie snorted behind her. “The ’ero wakes. Get ’im up.”

  Meggie strode over and tugged at Harry’s arm. Under her rough attempts to rouse him, Harry struggled to his knees. In two effortful movements, he made it to an upright position.

  Alina saw him properly for the first time. His slashed blue velvet was almost as muddy as her wedding gown. When he probed his skull, his fingertips came away blood-stained. He looked at Meggie, his gaze sliding to the griddle pan in her hand. “Madam.” He swayed but kept his gaze steady on her and struggled to produce his easy smile. “You have an exceedingly strong arm.”

  Meggie’s face softened. “Ay. It’s all the ’ard work that does it.”

  Harry rubbed the back of his head, and then tugged at his once starched collar to loosen it. “Do you think we can persuade your husband to release my bride?” He hesitated. “I want to take her home. If it is a case of money…”

  Alina called across the space between them. “Meggie, let Harry pay. He can afford it.” She twisted her head slightly, felt the blade slide at her throat. “Johnnie, how much to release me?”

  Harry turned, saw Alina with a knife held at her throat and blanched. “Good God, man. Release her! Your quarrel must be with me!”

  There was a pause. Everyone stared at Johnnie. “Ah can see ye fond of the lass, but what’s her life worth to ye? Enough to keep me family alive for five years?”

  It would be a huge sum. Alina’s gaze latched on to Harry. “P
ay him, Harry. He will put it to good use. Meggie will make him, won’t you, Meggie?”

  Meggie’s expression radiated confidence. She turned to Harry and smiled. “Aye, he will that. Ah’ll see to it that he does, m’ lord.”

  Everyone turned to Johnnie Hogg.

  “Please, Johnnie?” Alina’s voice was soft and persuasive. “Let me go?”

  Greatly daring, Alina turned her head to meet Johnnie’s sharp glance for a brief moment. The knife did not press quite so hard against her throat, but he looked grim and she could not blame him. He had two lovable children and no means of supporting them other than by thievery and trickery. The muscles of his lined cheeks worked as he looked beyond her to Harry and Matho. He must wonder if he could trust either of them, and if men like Matho and Harry would deal honestly with him.

  ‘”They are trustworthy,” she said softly.

  They, of course, stood there like wooden lumps. Impatience ran through her. Why didn’t Harry simply hand over the money? Johnnie was hardly likely to refuse any payment, however small, and he must be keen both for money and to be rid of her. She was nothing but a burden to him, another mouth to feed. Then the knife pressed cold against her throat, and Johnnie’s gruff voice snapped out one word. “Well?”

  No one answered him.

  Alina could not believe that he would use the wicked blade on her.

  But he might consider selling her on, like a horse or a cow. That way he would make money. Her heart jolted and then steadied. All Harry had to do was pay Johnnie, who then wouldn’t need to sell her.

  Why did Harry stand there, his face wooden, and say nothing? The suspense was terrible. “Harry, if you love me, please!”

  His troubled gaze came to her at once, a line of anger or puzzlement between his brows. Was it imagination, or did she see a confusion of pity and love in his eyes? If only Meggie hadn’t hit him and clouded his judgement. He probably had a head ache. Alina bit her lip once more to stop it trembling and prevent words tumbling out. Words that would beg him to get out his leather purse and save her.

  His gaze moved to the man behind her.

  Doubts filtered through Alina. Harry’s father was Deputy Warden, and knew the King. Harry talked as if he had wealth, certainly spoke like a gentleman. He’d been taught at Oxford and served the Royal Household. Why then did he look at her so sorrowfully, as if apologising or saying goodbye?

  In sudden fright, she looked at Matho. The man she had known all her life stood as solid as a bear, his red hair glowing in the shaft of sunlight, his eyes dark beneath it. Were they going to abandon her? She feared they might think she was not worth such a vast sum. Matho couldn’t pay, she knew that. He had never earned more than enough to feed himself and an occasional new doublet. Her breath came faster and faster as terror gripped her.

  “What sum would keep you and Meggie for five years, Johnnie?” She had to know. Her habit of chattering when nervous was unattractive and she really ought to control it. Harry did not move a muscle. She swallowed hard and felt the blade move against her skin.

  Why didn’t Harry say something? If he spoke, she wouldn’t have to.

  “Four times fifteen punds a year,” Johnnie snapped. His voice hardened. “But judgin’ by the face on yon lang streak o’ misery, his purse is full o’ holes.” He snorted a gust of air by her cheek. “Or mebbe he thinks o’ choosin’ another bride.”

  Sixty pounds was a large sum, but she was sure Harry could manage it. If he still wanted her, of course. She tried to read his expression. Was he thinking of deserting her?

  Harry drew in a long, shuddering breath and looked at her captor. “I don’t have the money.”

  Alina gasped. He had rejected her. Her heart stopped in her chest and tears sprang to her eyes.

  The edge of the cold steel slid across her neck and sharp biting pain flared behind it. She squealed and flinched away but Johnnie held her fast. Jack started forward, his eyes huge, and Mary cried out.

  Harry’s eyes narrowed, his face twisted. He lunged forward, but Matho caught his arm and dragged him back, steadied him. Warm liquid spilled down her throat and pooled in the hollows of her collarbone. Alina, breathing hard, squinted at the spatter of blood decorating her bosom. How much blood was too much? Would she bleed to death?

  “Johnnie, Johnnie. Remember the bairns, man.” Meggie’s voice, laced with worry, came from somewhere behind her.

  Johnnie didn’t respond to his wife’s instruction, but he did move the knife a hand span from her throat. Alina drew in a ragged, unsteady breath and shut her eyes. Her knees felt weak and it was tempting to lean back against Johnnie.

  “Ye were sayin’?” Johnnie shifted his stance behind her. His tone invited Harry to change his mind. She opened her eyes and gazed at her lover.

  The dazed look had disappeared. Fire sparked now in Harry’s eyes. His mouth formed a straight line and the line had deepened between his brows, but still he said nothing. Alina regarded him with growing horror. So ready with a quip at every opportunity, and now, in her hour of greatest need, he had nothing to say.

  “Harry?” Her voice wavered. She cleared her throat. “Changed your mind, Harry?” It came out more aggressively than she intended, and she regretted it when she saw him flinch. She stiffened. Why should she feel sorry? He had no intention of saving her.

  His lashes flickered. He shrugged his shoulders, half-turned to Matho, and then looked at the earthen floor at his feet.

  She choked down the lump forming in her throat. “This is my wedding gown, Harry. Had you forgotten?” She could not believe that he was forsaking her. She gulped in another breath of air. Was she going to have to shame him into saving her?

  No, she couldn’t do it. Either he saved her because he loved her, or her life was over. She could not bear to look at him. He could never have really loved her, in spite of all he said. Closing her eyes, she sagged back against Johnnie. His arm shoved her forward again. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. She would not show Harry how much he had hurt her.

  Johnnie hissed against her ear.

  Her eyes flew open just as Harry, his voice raw and angry, broke the silence.

  “Damn you to hell, Johnnie Hogg! If you make her suffer one moment more, I’ll strangle you with my bare hands! I can’t pay you because I have only coin enough for half a year on me. What fool rides the Borders with such a vast amount of money in his saddlebags?”

  At the venom in his first words, her eyes widened. Then a shocked gasp of laughter broke her. He could not meet Johnnie’s demands for simple, practical reasons. Dizzy with relief, she grinned at the roof as his words rang around the rafters.

  “Aye,” added Matho, with a hard edge on his voice. His strong features and lowered brows added to the menace of his threat. “An’ if’n ’e doesn’t finish the job, ah will, mak nae doot aboot it.”

  “Why, Matho…” She couldn’t think what to say.

  Johnnie spat close by her feet, rubbed the hand with the dirk across his chin and nearly gave her another scar as the cold blade whispered across her shoulder. “Can ye no’ get the money in the week?”

  It was a practical compromise, but Harry’s scorn was withering. “Of course I can. But I will not leave Alina with a worm like you for a week. I would not consider it for a moment.”

  “Well, ah won’t let ’er leave. If’n ah do, ye’ll ne’er come back.”

  “Don’t be stupid, man. Do you dare to doubt my word?”

  “Ah have’na heard yer word yet,” Johnnie said dryly.

  Harry coughed and looked at his feet. “Then let me give it to you. I will leave with Alina now and return within the week bearing enough gold to support you and your good wife for five years. You have my word as a gentleman on it.”

  “Nah.” Johnnie shook his head.

  Alina twisted her head to meet his gaze. “Johnnie, please!”

  He gave her a quick shake. “Gold’s nee damn good. Silver’d be better.”

  A faint gri
n crossed Harry’s face. “Then silver it shall be. I swear it.” He looked around the strange room. “If you own a Bible I’ll be happy to put my hand on it.”

  Johnnie considered. Then he let go of her arm, put a hand between her shoulder blades and shoved her forward. She ran into Harry’s arms and buried her face against his throat. Gasping, laughing without enough breath to do it, she pushed deeper and deeper against him. Weak with reaction, she remained there, her face against the pulse in his neck, pulled the warm spicy smell of him deep into her lungs and fought the urge to sit down and cry.

  “Does he mean it?” she whispered, forcing herself to stand up straight. “Will he really let us ride away?”

  “He’d better. If he doesn’t, he’s never going to be a rich man.” Harry snuggled his nose into her hair and swayed her in his arms for a moment. Then he looked up. “Is this your land, Johnnie?”

  “Oh, aye. What there is of it.”

  Meggie’s voice came out of the gloom. “There isn’t much to gan ’roond when the law divide’s a man’s lands ’tween his sons.”

  Harry nodded. “Beggars increase and service decays, isn’t that what they say of it? Could you not get service with the garrison? I could put in a word for you with Henry Burton.”

  Meggie stepped forward, a child on either side. “That would be reet good o’ ye, sir. Johnnie’s a good man, but he’s lucky ’is neck’s no’ longer than it is.”

  Alina looked at the children, and saw that they had not understood the reference to hanging. She looked at Johnnie. “Will you allow him to do that, Johnnie? To speak for you at the castle?”

  The reiver looked at his wife, and then back at Harry. “Aye, if’n ye like.”

  ***

  Sitting sideways across Harry’s thighs as Bessie carried them both back to Aydon gave Alina the opportunity to lay her cheek against the tickling velvet of Harry’s doublet. After the adventures and horrors of the past few days, she was content to be beside him, to measure the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She inhaled the smell of his skin and hair, and nestled closer, passed both arms around his chest, absorbing his slightest movement as they rode east across the wide fell. The sun shone warm on her spine, but a breeze cooled her front and gave her an excuse to shuffle closer still.