His Highland Pledge (The Clan Sinclair Book 4)

by Celeste Barclay

  “What of this mistreatment?”

  Deirdre’s face drained of color as she thought back to the evening when Archibald tried to accost her in the alcove. Her tremors increased, and Magnus scowled before wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He angled them, so his body protected her.

  “It’s all right, Magnus,” she murmured. He relented and turned back.

  “Lord Archibald followed me out of the Great Hall the evening I saw Magnus for the first time. He grabbed my arm and pushed me down the passageway to an alcove. He shoved me in and threatened that if I did not cooperate, he would make our marriage miserable. He would send me to his land and visit only when he decided he wanted to beget an heir and then a spare. He manhandled me and was about to--,” Deirdre choked as the words refused to come out.

  She shuddered once more before continuing, “he was about to—to—enter,” she could not finish. She buried her head in Magnus’s side as she began to shake.

  “Do ye need to hear aught more?”

  “Were they in fact betrothed? If they were, he was within his rights to engage in conjugal activities.”

  Magnus saw red.

  “Ye would condone a mon forcing a lass who is half his size. That any mon molest a woman. Nay. They were never betrothed. He had nay rights. He never would have had the right to assault her. Marriage doesnae mean a mon can violate his own wife.”

  “Young man, you know as well as I do that there is no such thing as violation in a marriage. A woman’s duty is to submit.”

  “They werenae betrothed. He had nay right to touch her. He had nay right to threaten her. Ever.”

  “There were other threats?” he directed his question to Deirdre.

  She nodded her head.

  “That is not enough. You will have to tell me in your own words, lass.”

  Deirdre hiccupped as she tried to catch her breath.

  “I was a lady-in-waiting to the queen. On one occasion, we were in the gardens when Lord Archibald approached. He forced me into a secluded area where he put his hand around my neck, squeezed it, and warned me I would be his soon enough, and he would do whatever he wanted.”

  “The fingerprints were visible on her neck and her arm when she returned to the group.”

  “You were there and did not intervene,” the priest skepticism was obvious.

  “Clearly, I wasnae there when he dragged her away. I arrived in the garden unaware they stepped away. When she returned, I could see the red marks from a goodly distance away.”

  “Your Grace, there was also an attack on Magnus’s life. An arrow hit him while someone shot several others at him on the royal hunt. Someone tampered with his saddle, and his horse threw him as he tried to escape. A dead raven was left on his bed in a puddle of blood. These are not the normal course of things at court. We are undoubtedly in danger and in need of sanctuary.”

  Not convinced yet, the priest cocked his head and looked at them from the corner of his eye.

  “What made you decide to run? It is obvious you have been on the run for some time. How many days has it been?”

  “We departed when word reached us that the betrothal contract signing and wedding were to be held at the same time. That night. We have been traveling for five days.”

  “Five days from Sterling to here? Inveraray is not that far that it should take you that long.”

  “As ye may imagine, we didnae exactly travel the main roads. We had to stay off the paths and trails which meant take a less direct path. I double backed and weaved to try to keep our trail less obvious. That took time.”

  “And during this little misadventure, you have traveled alone?” The disapproval dripped from his voice at this point.

  “Why would I nae travel alone with ma wife. We arenae in need of chaperones since we are wed. As I told ye at the beginning, our union was consummated seven years ago.” Magnus’s voice was quiet but there was no missing the determination.

  “That may be so, but until a church blesses your union, and you would do well to remember you are not in the true Highlands yet, your handfast is not a guarantee to your claim.”

  Deirdre could see the two men were only to go around in circles, and it was their safety in jeopardy if the abbot would not concede.

  “Father, while you consider our situation and pray for guidance, I would like to make a contribution to the abbey. It is the least we can do if we might at least stay the night.”

  “A contribution? Of what type?”

  “I have only a single piece of jewelry, but I think the abbey could find a means to benefit from it. If you’ll pardon me for a moment.”

  She turned from the two men and made sure that her skirts rustled to prove her need for privacy. She slid her hand into the pouch and fished around for a string of pearls. It was a valuable piece but far from the most precious of her kitty. She brushed down her skirts and turned back around.

  “I beg you forgive for the impropriety, but as you can imagine, I had to keep it safe.”

  She handed the necklace to the priest whose eyes lit up before he remembered his self-control.

  “You may go to the well to refresh yourselves, and then make your way to the commissary. You may eat, and by the time you finish I should have a decision for you.”

  Magnus knew he was in no position to demand anything, but he trusted the priest far less by the time the interview concluded than when they entered his solar. He had a very distinct feeling he and Deirdre would need to leave before the sun rose. As long as they were wedded by the church before their departure, he would deal with the consequences when he must.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Deirdre and Magnus were finishing their meager meal of dried figs, bannocks, and watered ale when they were summoned back to the abbot’s office. This time he was not alone. An even older and more distinguished man was there too. It was obvious that this was the bishop. Magnus stood behind Deirdre with his hands on the outside of her shoulders. He did not like being positioned behind her, but the cramped room and his size did not allow for many options.

  “I understand you would like to receive an official church blessing to make your handfast permanent, is that correct, my children?” There was a lilting burr to the bishop’s words that gave him away as a Highlander. From the real Highlands as opposed to the abbot’s observation that Magnus and Deirdre were barely out of the Lowlands.

  “Aye, Yer Grace.”

  “You’re a Sinclair, and you’re a Fraser. I believe your families had a falling out some years ago. Is that correct?”

  “Aye, over the Mackenzies.”

  “Yes, I remember now. Magnus is it not, your father sided with the Mackenzies.”

  Magnus was not sure if this would be in their favor.

  “Aye, Yer Grace.”

  “My nephew is the current Mackenzie laird. I believe he is the father by marriage to your oldest brother.”

  “That is right.”

  “Then we are family. I suppose that means we should move this wedding along.” The bishop indicated the door, and the four of them moved through the silent halls to the chapel.

  The bishop entered the sacristy followed by the abbot. It was not long before both returned fully vested in their clerical robes.

  “I do not believe a full Mass is in order at this time. I think a brief exchange of vows and a blessing shall suffice.” Mangus and Deirdre nodded. “Very well, face one another and join hands.”

  Magnus paused before removing his brooch and pulled forward the extra length of plaid. He took Deirdre’s hand and wrapped the plaid around their hands and forearms. There was far more fabric than needed, but the custom was preserved. The bishop smiled, and Magnus did not feel the same unease that returned the moment he looked at the abbot.

  “Magnus Sinclair, do you pledge yourself to this woman, Deirdre Fraser, so you may both be joined as one? That you shall live out the holy sacrament of marriage, forsaking all others, giving Deirdre the first bite of your bread and the firs
t sip of your wine? In this lifetime and the next?”

  “Aye, by the grace of God, I pledge ma troth to Deirdre Sinclair, that we may be one in the eyes of God and His holy church. All that I have is all that I give, that we may share in it as one.”

  “Deirdre Fra—Sinclair,” the bishop conceded, “do you pledge yourself to this man, Magnus Sinclair, giving yourself freely to be wed? Forsaking all others? That you shall provide him comfort and succor, that you shall obey and cherish? In this lifetime and the next?”

  “Aye, by the grace of God, I pledge ma troth to Magnus Sinclair, that we may be one in the eyes of God and His holy church. All that I have is all that I give, that we may share in it as one.”

  “Then let this marriage be blessed by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What God has joined, let no man put asunder. Amen.” Bishop Mackenzie made the sign of the cross and nodded.

  Magnus pulled Deirdre to him, ignoring the bishop and abbot, and kissed her soundly on the lips. Throat clearing and a cough were not enough to dissuade the couple from sealing their vows with a tender, drawn-out kiss.

  “Mo bhean.” My wife.

  “An duine agam.” My husband.

  They rubbed noses together as had been their own show of affection since their first kiss.

  “I love ye,” they said together.

  “If you are through,” the abbot stepped forward, “I believe we have chambers prepared for you.”

  “Chambers?” both Magnus and Deirdre asked.

  “This is a monastery, not a brothel.”

  Magnus stepped in front of Deirdre as best he could with their hands still bound.

  “Dinna speak that way aboot ma wife, Father. It willna turn out well for anyone,” he warned. The abbot’s marked change indemeanor made Magnus nervous, but he would not allow anyone to insult Deirdre.

  The bishop raised his hands, and Magnus relaxed.

  “The abbot is correct in that customarily, men and women would be separated, but since you are a newlywed couple and extended family of mine, I offer you my chamber for the night.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace.” Deirdre murmured before tugging Magnus’s hand below the plaid. He unwrapped the wool and put it back in place.

  “Bishop Mackenzie, if we could ask one more favor of ye. I would ask that we are given two copies of the marriage decree signed and sealed by ye.”

  “A written marriage decree, and two at that?”

  “I have reason to believe we shall be in need of proof we have been wed before a priest, a bishop no less.”

  Bishop Mackenzie studied them both before nodding his head.

  “One moment please,” and the priest disappeared into the sacristy only to emerge minutes later with two pieces of parchment. He stepped near two candles and held the parchment close enough for the heat to dry the ink and his seal. Once he was sure the documents would not smear, he folded them and pressed his seal to the outside.

  They followed the bishop to a well-appointed chamber that had a window and large fireplace with a roaring blaze. The bed was larger than most in an abbey but would be a tight fit for Magnus even without Deirdre. He was not sure how they would fit when they slept.

  Once left alone, Magnus and Deirdre looked at one another and then burst into gales of laughter. The pent-up fear, frustration, and anger found its release through laughter. Magnus tucked a few curls behind her ear.

  “Finally, mo eun beag.”

  “Finally, mo fhuamhaire.”

  They kissed briefly before both pulled back, suddenly feeling awkward.

  “Does it seem wrong to ye to make love on a bishop’s bed? That seems to be sacrilege. Is it considered hallowed ground?” Magnus cocked one eyebrow.

  Deirdre knew he was joking, at least partially, but she felt much the same.

  “He must ken what he was offering, but it doesnae seem right to me either.”

  They looked at each other for a long moment.

  “So, we willna consummate our wedding on the night of.” Magnus shook his head.

  “I dinna think so,” Deirdre’s disappointment was clear, and that made Magnus chuckle again.

  “We have every night for the rest of our lives.” He lightly gripped her chin between his thumb and forefinger before giving her a swift peck. “Let us sleep while we can. We still have many days ahead of us.”

  Magnus pulled the spare plaid from his saddlebag and walked to the fireplace.

  “What are ye doing?” Deirdre asked. She knew what he intended, and she was not pleased.

  “Ye see the bed. There isnae enough room for me alone, and I would squash ye if we tried to share.”

  “Nay,” she barked. She crossed her arms and planted her feet imitating his Odin stance. “I forbid it.”

  “Ye forbid it?” Magnus stalked back to his tiny wife as though he were a lion after his prey. “Forbid what exactly?”

  “Ye sleeping on the floor. On our wedding night. I willna have it.”

  Deirdre squealed as Magnus grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around.

  “Ye’ve become demanding now we’re officially wed.”

  “Ye dinna ken the half of it. But seriously, Magnus, ye are nae sleeping on the hard floor when there is a bed available.”

  “If I lie next to ye, there will be nay other option than to be pressed together. If I’m pressed together with ye, ma already screaming cock will burst. I thought we werenae going to make love on a priest’s bed.”

  “Ye will just have to learn some control.” Deirdre pulled away and stripped off the filthy kirtle for the first time in days. She stood in only the now grey chemise. She had abandoned stockings days ago and taken off her boots as they entered the chamber. Magnus could not look away as she turned down the bed. He unpinned his breacan feile and unfastened his belt before pulling off his stockings. He placed them on the only chair in the chamber and walked slowly to the bed.

  He pulled back the other side of the blanket, not that it had far to go.

  “Ye dinna sleep like that.” Deirdre jutted her chin at his leine.

  “Neither do ye,” he dipped his chin towards her chemise.

  They both knew if they were naked, they would not stay apart. By mutual silent agreement, they crawled into bed. Magnus shifted onto his back as best he could and drew Deirdre over most of the top of him. He was surprisingly comfortable with her stretched out along him with one leg draped over both of his and her head in the crook of his neck. Exhaustion was stronger than desire for once. They were both soundly sleeping before either had a chance to regret their lack of opportunity.

  Magnus awoke to the sound of voices in the corridor. He glanced at the window and saw it was still night, and the fire burned down. He was about to relax believing it was the priests heading to chapel. Unsure of how long he slept, he assumed it was matins or lauds. His eyes were drifting shut when a realization had him climbing out of bed. If it were the monks on their way to prayer, there would not have been any voices. He crept to the door and pressed his ear against it. He could still hear voices, but they were muffled. He did not want to open the door, but his intuition said he needed to know what was being said. He pressed the handle, and when it made no noise, he pulled. He only opened the door wide enough for him to feel the cool air seep through. He pressed his ear to the gap and listened.

  “I would venture to say that pearl necklace is not her only piece of jewelry. I am sure she had others, and he probably has coin in his sporran. Even if they do not, there is bound to be a reward for them both.”

  “Go now. You will have to take the ass since you will need to travel farther and faster than you could on foot. They said they were attacked on the road but clarified that they were avoiding a search party. There must be one in this area. Ask in all the villages and hamlets you pass. Spread word that the king’s fugitives are here. Move quickly while the others are at matins.”

  Magnus recognized the voices of the abbot and Brother Adam. He jumped when he felt Deirdre’s hand
at his waist. She looked at him silently as she strained to hear too, but the men moved away before she could hear anything. Magnus pressed the door closed and locked it this time.

  “Get dressed.”

  “What’s happening?” her whisper could barely be heard.

  “Sshh. I’ll explain once we are away. Just hurry.”

  Whatever Magnus heard was making him dress faster than she had ever seen. He did not even properly pleat his plaid. She pulled her clothes on as he moved around the room to make sure there was no evidence except for the wrinkled sheets, and he built up the fire, so it would seem like they were there longer. He walked to the window and tested the glass. It opened outward to the courtyard they passed through when they arrived. He watched a single figure dart across to the stables. It was not long before the lone figure was trying to hush and lead an unwilling mule. Magnus’s hand held Deirdre back from the window, but she ducked under his elbow. They watched as Brother Adam opened the gate and passed through. There was no way for him to relock it, and Magnus breathed a sigh of relief since the bolt had been loud. Magnus pointed to himself and then out the window, then he pointed to Deirdre.

  He threw one leg over the sill and dropped to the ground. It was not far but jarring. Deirdre was quick to follow, and Magnus caught her before her feet touched the ground. Grabbing her hand and staying in the shadows, they sprinted to the stables. Once inside, Magnus did not wait to saddle Sealgair. Deirdre offered the horse a carrot and then an apple to keep him occupied. Magnus nearly yanked her away when he saw his horse’s teeth move towards Deirdre’s hand, but this normally cantankerous warhorse was a lamb in her hands. He shook his head.

  I truly dinna understand the women of this family. Mairghread then Siùsan, and now Brighde and Deirdre all turn our beasts into pets. Magnus shook his head as he watched and saddled at the same time. I suppose they have plenty of practice on their husbands. We are a sad lot. The only one who hasnae fallen is Tavish. He has the furthest to go, and I would bet ma last farthing he falls the hardest. Some lass will have him by the bollocks.