A Nightmare Marriage

by Bethany Hauck

  “Alastair traveled here with us,” Jacqueline told her. “He knows Logan and thought he might be able to tell you a bit about him. Will you come downstairs with me and talk to him?”

  “Aye,” Fiona agreed. “I’d like to hear more about him, even though I already know I’m not going to like the man, or accept this nightmare marriage.”

  “What do you mean?” Jacqueline asked. “You’ll give the man a chance won’t you?”

  “I’ll never accept being forced into marriage with any man,” Fiona answered. “If I won’t be happy, neither will he.’

  “Some advice, sister,” Jacqueline said. “A man will only take so much before deciding he needs to correct your attitude. I’d be careful of what you say to the man. Be respectful and get to know him, you may find you like him.”

  “I’ll have to think on that,” Fiona told her. Jacqueline knew Fiona was hurt and upset at the moment, she hoped in time she might come to accept the idea and give Logan Stewart a chance. She knew from experience a good marriage could be formed even from a forced marriage, she and Connor were proof of that.

  “Come then,” Jacqueline said, helping Fiona off the bed. “Wash your face and dry your tears. Your Da doesn’t need to see you in this state. He’s having a hard time with all of this too.”

  “I didn’t mean to upset Da,” Fiona said, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

  “I know you didn’t,” Jacqueline told her. “But he loves you, so anything that upsets you, upsets him.”

  Jacqueline and Fiona arrived in the great hall together, where they joined Connor and Caiden Fraser, and Jacqueline’s brother Alastair, who were all seated around one of the tables talking.

  “How are you doing, sister?” Connor asked, getting up from the table and hugging her.

  “I’m angry and scared,” she told him truthfully. “What if this Logan is anything like his cousin Lachlan?”

  “Then you’ll become a widow quickly,” Connor said to her.

  “He isn’t,” Alastair, who had also heard her, said. “At least he wasn’t when I knew him. He was actually a pretty good man.”

  “Tell me about him, Alastair,” Fiona said as she sat down at the table. “Tell me everything you know.”

  “I’ll share what I can, but it’s been years since I’ve seen the man,” Alastair told her. “We fostered together for a short time. Logan is the oldest son, he was barely twenty summers when he got word his Da was dying, and he had to return to Dunnottar, the Stewart keep. I’ve heard he’s a good laird.”

  “That’s it?” Fiona asked.

  “There isn’t much more,” Alastair said. “He was well-liked by just about everyone. Logan treated people with both kindness and respect when we’d be working or training together. He always came across as very honest and hardworking. Logan was older than many of us that were fostering with the Munro’s, and he helped the younger lads often. He was very patient and explained how things needed to be done and why. I don’t believe I ever saw him get angry at anyone. I’ve never been to Dunnottar keep, but I know he has a younger brother, although, from the things he told me when we fostered together, I don’t believe they were very close.”

  “How old is Logan?” Fiona asked.

  “Three summers older than me I think,” Alastair said. “That would make him around eight and Twenty.”

  “Not too old then,” Fiona said. “At least I can be grateful he’s not a shriveled up old man.”

  “Dunnottar is supposed to be a good size keep,” Alastair said. “From what I remember, and the way Logan described it, I’m assuming it’s at least the size of Tarmon, if not larger.”

  “Where’s it at?” Fiona asked.

  “East of Tioram,” Alastair said, “Maybe a half day’s ride from there, right on the edge of the sea.”

  “Well I have always wanted to see the sea,” Fiona said, trying to smile.

  “You don’t have to do this, daughter,” Caiden said to her. “We’ll meet the man, and if you really don’t like him, I’ll find a way to get you out of it.”

  “Nay, Da,” Fiona said gently to him, putting her hand on his arm, “you can’t-do that. The whole clan could be punished, and I won’t let that happen.”

  “I’d gladly give up this keep and castle if it would mean you’d be happy,” Caiden said to her.

  “I’m so sorry this is happening to you, Fiona,” Connor said. “How did Brayden take the news?”

  “He was hurt,” Fiona said.

  “It’s hard to give up someone you love,” Alastair said.

  “It’s never been like that,” Fiona said. “We’ve been best friends since we were children and get along well. We have many of the same interests, but there was never an undying love between us. I love Brayden as my friend, but I was hoping it might grow into something deeper one day.”

  “Then maybe this will be for the best,” Connor said.

  “You never did like Brayden,” Fiona said to her brother.

  “It’s not that I didn’t like him, Fiona,” Connor explained.

  “He just didn’t seem like the right husband for you. I want you to

  experience a love like I have.”

  “Well we don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Fiona said glaring at her brother. “Hopefully you’ll approve more of this man.”

  “We’ll have to see what this Logan Stewart is like, maybe you’ll even find you like him,” Connor said to her.

  “I doubt it, but we’ll find out soon enough,” Fiona told him. “He’ll be here tomorrow.”

  “That soon?” Jacqueline asked.

  “The missive said the wedding needed to take place within a fortnight,” Caiden explained. “We received it a sennight ago.”

  “I’m going to retire for the evening,” Fiona said sadly, tired of the conversation. “I’ll need to be well rested for tomorrow.”

  “Good night, sister,” Connor said, standing up and hugging her as the rest of the group around the table called their good nights to her.

  As Fiona was getting ready to climb into her bed, a knock sounded at her door. “Come in,” she called.

  “You’re still awake?” Jacqueline asked as she walked into the room.

  “Truthfully Jacqueline, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” Fiona told her. “I’m too worried about tomorrow.”

  “Connor and I have been talking, and I have something for you,” Jacqueline told her. “First though, I need you to know that Edith will be traveling with you to Dunnottar.”

  “But she’s your maid,” Fiona protested.

  “But she’s been your friend longer than she’s been my maid,” Jacqueline said to her. Fiona went to protest again, but Jacqueline put her hand up, stopping her as she said, “and before you protest further, know that it was Edith who asked if she could accompany you.”

  “I’ll be glad to have a friendly face with me then,” Fiona said nodding, somewhat relieved.

  “I also wanted to give you this,” Jacqueline said, holding up a beautiful necklace with a large blue stone hanging from it.

  “It’s beautiful,” Fiona said, fingering the stone as she asked, “what’s it for?”

  “I know you’re scared about going to a new place to live. I remember what it was like coming here with Connor for the first time,” Jacqueline told her, “I was so frightened.”

  “But we loved you right from the start,” Fiona said.

  “And I was so grateful for the acceptance you gave me,” Jacqueline said. “I’m sure they’ll love you at Dunnottar too, but this is just some assurance for all of us. If anything happens, and you need Connor to come for you,” Jacqueline explained, “get this necklace to us.”

  “What if I can’t get it to you?” Fiona asked.

  “Then do whatever you have to do. Bribe a guard or send Edith with it,” Jacqueline said. “Alastair has given her directions to Tioram from Dunnottar. Send Edith to Ross, and he’ll get word to us at Tarmon.”

  “Thank
you,” Fiona said, feeling a little better about what was going to happen. She hugged Jacqueline, knowing she was going to miss her when she was gone.

  “It’s going to all be fine,” Jacqueline said trying to reassure her. “You just wait and see.”

  “And if it isn’t?” Fiona asked.

  “Then we’ll bring you back home,” Jacqueline said matter of factly, kissing Fiona on the cheek before leaving the room.

  Chapter 3 First Impressions

  “There’s a large group of riders approaching, Laird,” Angus, the Captain of the Torman guard said as he entered the great hall. Fiona, Jacqueline, Connor, Caiden and Alastair were all gathered there, having their midday meal.

  “Thank you, Angus,” Caiden said. “Bring them into the hall once they’ve arrived.”

  “Aye, Laird,” Angus said, turning to leave.

  “So he’s here,” Caiden said, feeling almost as nervous as his daughter. “If the man is an arse, I may just run him through; we won’t have to worry about a wedding.”

  “Stay calm, Da,” Connor said. “Besides, if he’s an arse, you’ll have to beat me to it.”

  “Both of you stop,” Jacqueline said, trying not to grin. “You’re not helping Fiona any by talking like that. Alastair said he’s not a bad man, let’s at least give him a chance.”

  “I’ll give him one, but that’s it,” Caiden said, patting the dirk he had strapped to his side and making both Fiona and Jacqueline giggle nervously.

  Fiona looked down at the meal she had been enjoying just a few minutes earlier, now her stomach was churning, and she couldn’t seem to take another bite. She tried to pay attention to the conversation around her that continued, but her stomach seemed to be rolling, and she fought to keep the part of her meal she’d already finished down. She couldn’t recall what anyone at the table had been talking about from the moment Angus had made his announcement till now. It seemed only minutes later when Angus re-entered the hall, followed by three men.

  “Logan Stewart,” Alastair said, standing up and extending his hand, greeting the man.

  “Alastair McCabe?” Logan said, grinning, “It’s good to see you old friend, it’s been many years.”

  “It has,” Alastair said as they shook hands. “Let me introduce you to the Frasers.” He led Logan over to the table and began introducing those still seated there. “This is my sister Jacqueline and her husband Connor Fraser, Caiden Fraser, the Laird here at Tarmon, and this lovely young woman is who I believe you are here to see, this is Fiona Fraser. Everyone, I’d like you to meet Logan Stewart, Laird of the Stewart clan and Dunnottar.”

  “Welcome to Tarmon,” Jacqueline said, breaking the silence that followed Alastair’s introductions. She rose to her feet to greet their guests since the rest of the table hadn’t moved or greeted the men in any way.

  “Thank you, Lady Jacqueline,” Logan said. “Let me introduce my traveling companions. This is my brother, Gregor, and my Captain of the Dunnottar Guard, Brody.”

  “Welcome Gregor and Brody,” Jacqueline said, giving both Connor and Caiden a nudge.

  “Yes welcome,” Connor said quietly.

  “We’ve just finished our meal,” Caiden finally spoke, trying his best to sound welcoming, “would you care for something to eat or drink?”

  “It’ll probably be poisoned,” Gregor muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Shut up, Gregor,” Logan turned and told him quietly. “Thank you, Laird Fraser, but we ate not long ago on the road as we journeyed here.”

  “Let’s collect your bride and get back on the road,” Gregor said. “I don’t want to be around these killers; I don’t trust them.”

  “Gregor,” Logan practically shouted, “enough! Go wait with the rest of the men out by the horses if you can’t control yourself.”

  “I’m only saying what’s true,” Gregor said. “I don’t understand how you can trust any of these people after what they did to Lachlan.”

  “You mean your cousin who first kidnapped and then was trying to rape my brother’s wife?” Alastair said, standing up and walking over to Gregor. He was becoming angry at the way the man was talking about his family and made sure he knew it. He stopped inches in front of Gregor, and spoke just loud enough for those standing near to hear, “you should be grateful, Lachlan Stewart was lucky Ross ended his life quickly. I would have made sure it was a slow painful death; he would have suffered much more if it’d been my wife.”

  “Where’s your proof Lachlan was trying to do such a thing?” Gregor said. “You have none!”

  “I was with Angela the first time those awful men your cousin hired tried to take her from right here in Tarmon,” Jacqueline said, also standing up and defending her family. Connor took hold of her arm, keeping her next to him. He was afraid his small wife might attack and kill the man if he didn’t shut up soon.

  “How do you know they were hired by Lachlan?” Gregor asked, all the while Logan and Brody were trying to get him to stop talking and go outside.

  “Because they told us so, right before we killed them,” Jacqueline said threateningly.

  “Enough, Jacqueline,” Connor said.

  “So your husband is a killer too?” Gregor said looking at the couple.

  “I don’t need my husband to fight my battles,” Jacqueline hissed at him. “I put an arrow in two of them myself, and if you don’t believe me, we can go to the target field, you can stand down by the targets, and I’ll show you how good of a shot I am.”

  “Jacqueline,” Connor said again, then softer so only she could hear he continued, “do we need to go upstairs for a private conversation?”

  “He’s being an arse,” she said softly back.

  “He is, but you’re not helping,” Connor said. He then turned back to Gregor, telling him, “you’re either very brave or very stupid to walk in here and start making accusations against us. I know which of the two I think you are.”

  “I’m not afraid of you,” Gregor said, although he stepped back a step.

  “I take it you’re the reason we’re having this wedding,” Caiden said to him. “You must be the arse who fought with Owen McCabe. I can see now why the fight happened; you don’t know when to keep your mouth shut, lad.”

  “What are you going to do about it, old man?” Gregor said to Caiden, making both Connor and Alastair put a hand on their swords.

  “Shut up and go outside now,” Logan said to his brother, grabbing him by his shirt collar and shoving him towards the door. “Make sure he gets there and doesn’t come back in,” Logan said to Brody.

  “So is this what my daughter has to look forward to living with?” Caiden asked.

  “I apologize for Gregor’s behavior. He’s got some issues with Lachlan’s death,” Logan said, wanting to kill Gregor himself for ruining this first meeting, “but I can assure you, I do not. I understand that Lachlan wasn’t always right in his thinking. There’ll be no hard feelings from me towards Fiona.”

  “What about the rest of the people who live at Dunnottar?” Caiden asked. “Will there be hard feelings there? Will Fiona be safe?”

  “I can’t guarantee what the villagers will do,” Logan answered. “I can guarantee, that I’ll do all I can to keep your daughter safe.”

  “I have doubts about this marriage,” Caiden said. “I don’t understand why the King insists on it happening so quickly.”

  “Look, Laird Fraser,” Logan said sighing, this meeting wasn’t going as well as he’d hoped it would. “I don’t like the speed of it either, but I’m not about to go against what I’ve been commanded to do.”

  “Could we hold off on the wedding until tomorrow?” Caiden asked. “That would give you both an evening to at least get to know each other. I can put you and your men up for the night.”

  “I have no issue with that, but we’d have to leave right after the ceremony,” Logan said. “I need to get back to Dunnottar quickly. It’s a busy time of the year for gathering crab from the s
ea.”

  “I’ll agree to that,” Caiden said. “Jacqueline, can we get three rooms ready for our guests tonight?

  “Of course, Da,” Jacqueline said.

  “I’ll have Angus find a place for your guards,” Connor said. Logan nodded his agreement.

  “Lady Fiona,” Logan said, addressing his future wife for the first time. She had been sitting silently and listening to everyone else speak, “could I interest you in a stroll around the keep, so we can get to know each other a bit?”

  Fiona looked at her Da who nodded, “I’d be happy to,” she answered, even though she didn’t really want to. Logan knew she was only doing it to be polite; there was no smile with her words.

  “I’d really like some time with you,” Logan said to her as he offered her his hand and helped her out of her seat. They walked out of the hall together, neither one talking or touching.

  The first few minutes neither spoke as they walked side by side. Finally, not being able to stand the silence any longer, Logan spoke, “so how do you really feel about this marriage, Fiona?” he asked. He had been pleasantly surprised to find that Fiona Fraser was beautiful. With dark hair and bright blue eyes, she was breathtaking. He knew when the time came he’d have no problem bedding her. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he was looking forward to it.

  “How do you think I feel?” she answered. “I was betrothed to someone I liked very much, and now I have to marry a complete stranger.”

  “You were betrothed?” Logan asked, not liking the idea of his future bride spending time with another man.

  “I’m almost one and twenty, Logan,” she said. “It was time for me to marry. Brayden and I’ve known each other nearly all our lives; he’s one of my best friends.”

  “And where is this Brayden?” Logan asked, he wasn’t sure why, but he felt a sudden dislike for a man he had never even met.

  “He’s around,” Fiona said. “I haven’t seen or talked to him since I had to break our betrothal.”

  “Not such a good friend then,” Logan muttered, again not sure why he was acting this way.