by B. J. Scott
Chapter 22
As Edina anxiously awaited Helen’s return, she paced her chamber, a myriad of questions flooding her mind. Did the Mackenzie lass come willingly, or did William have to use some form of deception in order to get her to accompany him? Did he use force or does she love Duncan enough that she would do anything to win him back? She prayed for the latter.
A rap on the door disturbed her musing. “Aye, who is it?” She swallowed against the lump in her throat. If it were her father or Duncan, how would she explain when Helen returned with the lass, or that she had not been truthful about her quick recovery from the attack.
“Helen. May we enter?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Edina hurried across her chamber, threw open the door, and peered down the hall. “Aye, come in.” She motioned with a sweep of her arm, then stepped aside so the two ladies could enter. “Did anyone see you, Helen?” she asked as she closed the door.
“Nay. We stayed in the shadows and were as quiet as two wee mice.”
“I dinna understand the need for secrecy,” the Mackenzie lass said as she glanced around the room. “Where is Duncan?”
“Forgive the confusion. I will do my best tae explain.” Edina escorted the lass to a chair. “Please have a seat. I must also apologize for my bad manners. I am Edina Sinclair. Welcome to our home.”
“I am Oceana Mackenzie,” the lass said then glanced around the room. “Where is Duncan? I thought he’d be here.”
“Your name is beautiful, as are you.” Edina shifted her weight from one foot to the other and twisted her hands in her skirt. Now that the lass had arrived, she had no idea where to begin. “Duncan isna here at the moment, but I am sure when he returns, he will be pleased tae see you.”
“I dinna understand. I have made a long journey and would verra much like tae know what this is all about. The man who came for me said that Duncan needed me and bid me tae come. He said it was urgent. Is he well? I have been worried he might have fallen ill or is injured. When can I see him?”
Edina glanced at Helen. “What did William tell her?”
Helen shrugged. “I dinna know, but if you would grant me leave, I will find out.”
With a curt nod, Edina dismissed her maid, and waited for her to leave the room before addressing Oceana. “I can assure you Duncan is well. Can I get you something? Mayhap you would like some mead.” She quickly changed the subject and moved to a table by the window. “You must be thirsty after your trip.” She picked up a clay jug, filled two pewter goblets, then handed one to Oceana.
Oceana took a sip then placed the cup on the table. “I appreciate your kindness, and this is verra good, but I am not used tae drinking spirits.”
“If you dinna mind me asking, how auld are you?” While Edina found Oceana to be every bit as beautiful as described, the lass didn’t appear much older than a bairn, mayhap fifteen or sixteen summers at best. It was commonplace for a man to wed a much younger bride, but Duncan did not strike her as the kind of man to consort with a young woman of such a tender age. True, she was old enough to breed, but could not possibly be aware of the ways between a man and a woman. “You are so young. How long were you and Duncan courting?”
“People often think I am younger than I am. I’ve seen nearly eighteen summers and Duncan has seen twenty and seven. I know there is a gap in our ages, but I have what the clan seer calls an auld soul and am wiser than my years. Duncan and I first realized there was an attraction between us when I was not quite fourteen. He came tae visit with his father, Mam’s distant cousin. The draw between us got stronger each time we were together, and afore long, we couldna deny it.” She stopped speaking and lowered her gaze. “But our union isna tae be.”
Edina’s heart twisted in her chest. Oceana obviously cared a great deal for Duncan and would make him a good wife. Now, if she could convince him to free her from their betrothal, they could be wed. “You are aware that Duncan and I are betrothed?”
Oceana nodded. “Aye. I was told his father and yours entered into an agreement as a means tae unite the clans.”
“Do you still love him?” Edina asked.
“It doesna matter. Duncan is a man of honor and will do as his da asks. You’re a verra comely woman, Edina. I am sure he wasna disappointed with his father’s choice.”
“It matters a great deal how you feel about each other. Our fathers entered into a pact, but Duncan and I had no say. Had they not made a deal, do you think the two of you would have married?”
“Aye. But you and Duncan are tae be united, and there is naught that can be done tae change that.” Tears ran down Oceana’s cheeks as she spoke.
Edina squatted beside the chair and took Oceana’s hands. “What if there was something we could do?”
Oceana sniffled and shook her head. “There is no hope for Duncan and me.” She tugged her hands from Edina’s grasp and stood. “Your fathers have an agreement and the king sanctioned the union. The marriage will take place regardless of how Duncan and I feel about each other, or. . .” Her voice trailed off and she slid her hand over her belly. Her face blanched and she began to sway.
“Are you unwell?” Edina grasped her arm and ushered her back to her seat.
“I just need a minute to catch my breath. I guess I am wearier than I thought.” Oceana closed her eyes and inhaled slowly.
Edina studied her guest and waited for the color to return to her cheeks. She hadn’t noticed when Oceana first arrived, but judging by her profile, the willowy lass had a slightly swollen abdomen. “It might be bold of me tae ask, but are you breeding?”
Oceana buried her face in her hands and sobbed. “Och, I dinna think it showed. I should never have come, but couldna resist the chance tae see Duncan one more time.” She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her gown and peered up at Edina. “Please dinna tell him I am here or about the babe. I will leave at first light.”
“He doesna know about the babe?” Edina found it hard to hide the shock in her voice.
“Nay, and you must promise not tae tell him. I dinna wish to complicate his life or tae put him in a position where he feels he must break his word. I also havena told my parents and dinna want them tae find out. My father would demand Duncan’s head on a pike for violating me.”
Edina started to pace. “What are you going tae do? It willna be long afore you can no longer hide the fact you are with child. Duncan has a right tae know he is going to be a father.” This information could be used to break the marriage contract, but Edina felt pity for Oceana’s plight. “How will you conceal a babe?”
“I told my father I wished tae take the vows and will go tae the priory when I leave here. He thinks that is where I am now. Once the babe is born, he, or she, will be given tae strangers and raised as their own. They will never know who sired the child or who gave birth. The sisters and priests will keep my secret.”
“How sad. I canna believe Duncan would take your maidenhead and not consider the consequences. Especially when he knew he wasna free tae marry you.” Edina clucked her tongue and slid her hand over Oceana’s shoulder, hoping to offer a modicum of comfort.
“When Duncan found out about your arranged marriage, he came tae tell me we could never see each other again, but I fear we got caught up in the moment. Afore we knew it, we had consummated our love and it was too late tae go back.”
Oceana paused to draw in a slow shaky breath before she continued. “Neither of us thought a babe would come from just one joining. A bastard that will be taken from my arms at birth, a son or daughter Duncan will never know.” Oceana lifted her chin and gazed into Edina’s eyes. “Please dinna hate him. He and you had not yet met and it willna happen again. Losing the man I love and my babe is my punishment.”
“You will lose your babe, only if we allow that tae happen.” Edina paused, softly nibbling her bottom lip. “If Duncan knew about the babe, he might be willing tae stand up tae his father and demand he be allowed tae marry the mother of his heir.
I am sure an alliance between the Mackenzie and Sutherland clans would be equally suitable tae the king.”
“Nay! He must never know. I love him too much tae ask him tae shirk his duty tae his clan or tae go against King Robert’s decree.”
Edina saw the desperation on Oceana’s face and could hear the angst in her plea.
“Are you not happy about the marriage, Edina? I can assure you that Duncan is a gentle and caring man. You are verra lucky he was chosen for you. Please dinna hold this one mistake against him.” Oceana twisted her hands in her lap.
“Duncan is a guid man and I have no doubt he would make a wonderful husband—for the right woman,” Edina added. “While it is tradition for the daughter of a laird tae marry her father’s selection, I dinna want my husband chosen for me. I wish tae marry a man I love, one who shares my feelings. Tae be honest, I sent for you, not Duncan. I hoped that when you saw each other, he would decide tae marry you in my stead.”
“Is there a man you do wish tae marry?” Oceana asked.
Alasdair’s face flashed before Edina’s mind’s eye and her chest tightened. “There was a man I thought loved me, or could in time, but it was not tae be. He is a warrior and has no plans tae take a wife. However, it doesna mean you and Duncan should be kept apart.”
“I know Duncan verra well and regardless of what he wants, he willna go against his father’s wishes. He is tae be the next laird of Clan Sutherland and must command and earn the respect of his kin.”
“Dinna fash, we’ll think of a way for the two of you tae be taegether. But you are correct. From what I have seen, Duncan is duty bound and we must wait for the right time tae let him know you are here. For now, I will ask Helen tae take you somewhere safe. I will send for you once I figure out a plan.”
Edina summoned Helen. “Please take Oceana tae the chamber at the top of the north tower. But I dinna want anyone tae know she is here.”
“Not even Lord Duncan?” Helen asked.
“Especially, Duncan. No one is tae know,” Edina answered, a little more abruptly than she intended. “See that she has everything she might need and ask William to bring wood for the hearth. He must also promise to remain silent about Oceana’s presence.”
Helen bobbed a curtsy. “As you wish, m’lady. And you needna worry about William. I will see that he holds his tongue.”
Edina took Oceana’s hand and patted it. “Go with Helen. You can trust her, and for now, I promise tae keep you secret. I must think on what you’ve told me and will come tae see you this evening.”
“I want you tae give me a horse ride!” Andrew shouted as he climbed onto Alasdair’s back, squeezed his chubby legs against his uncle’s sides, and dug in his heels. “Da gives me rides all the time, but you are a much bigger mount. I look like a warrior.”
“That you do, laddie.” Alasdair obliged his nephew by crawling around the chamber on all fours and snorting like a warhorse.
“Andrew Fraser, leave your uncle be. I am sure he has better things tae do than appeasing your whims.” A red-haired beauty entered the chamber. She pressed her hand to the small of her back and released a soft sigh. “I have my hands full with two bairns, but fear I will be run ragged with three.”
“You look as lovely as ever, Cailin.” Alasdair placed Andrew on the ground, then stood. He tousled the wee one’s hair and patted his behind. “Go and play with your cousin, Elise. I will give you another ride later.” He pointed to Bryce and Fallon’s daughter. The curly-haired tot was sitting in the corner, chewing on a rag doll.
“Nay. Elise is a babe and I am a warrior like my da,” Andrew protested and stomped his tiny feet. “I am almost auld enough to train in the lists.”
Alasdair fought hard to stifle a laugh. “That may be, but you have not yet seen three summers and I think your mam would like you tae wait until you are wee bit aulder. Now, be a guid laddie and play with your cousin.” He covered his mouth, snickering as Andrew trudged across the room grumbling.
“He’s a brooder like his da and too proud tae give in like his uncle Bryce,” Alasdair remarked.
“You are very much at home with the bairns, Alasdair. Mayhap you will soon have some of your own. You’d be a wonderful father.”
“Bah.” Alasdair gave his head a shake and held both hands in front of him, in hope of staying any further comment about bairns. “I will leave breeding tae my brothers. You look weary, lass, mayhap you should sit for a while.” He took Cailin’s arm and ushered her to a chair by the hearth. “Would you like a pelt or tae put your feet up?”
Cailin smiled and touched his cheek. “You’ve changed, Alasdair.”
Alasdair coughed to clear his throat and backed away. “Why does everyone keep saying that? I am still the same man I always was.”
“I dinna mean tae offend you. On the contrary, it is a compliment. You seem much more at peace than I’ve ever seen you, and there is something else, but canna put my finger on it exactly.” Cailin sat in the chair and peered up at her brother-by-marriage.
“Naught has changed about me. I am still as ill-mannered, hot tempered, and as slovenly as ever. I remain a clumsy brute who eats too much, drinks tae excess, and has no use for women,” he grumbled.
“I dinna believe that for one minute and never thought of you as any of those things. Even though you’ve tried verra hard tae make people believe it,” Cailin countered. “True, you were quick tae anger and put on a gruff front, but I saw beyond that not long after we met. Inside, you are a compassionate, caring man, and you deserve tae find happiness.”
Alasdair threw his hands in the air. “You’re mistaken. What I described is exactly who I am and always will be. You are not about tae change me. Not you or . . . anyone else.” He caught himself before he revealed too much.
“Connor told me you met someone you care about. There is no shame in admitting it. I believe there is a mate for everyone. It is our destiny tae find that person. The difficult part is recognizing when tae accept what fate offers.”
“Connor needs tae mind his tongue and you sound like Fallon with her prophecies. I set no store in fate or superstition. I make my own luck.” He picked up his sword and fastened the scabbard around his waist. “There is no woman in my life and never will be. I have no need of one.”
Despite his efforts, Cailin gave him a knowing glance and her brow knit together. “If you dinna wish tae confide in me or your brothers, I understand. Connor and Bryce can be difficult tae deal with, and you are a verra private man. Just know that I am here tae listen if you ever do wish tae talk.”
“That willna be necessary. I am a warrior and my destiny is tae fight for my king and country,” Alasdair replied curtly.
“Say what you will, but I think you’d make a fine husband and father. Any woman would be proud to be your bride.” Cailin slowly stood and ran her hand over her swollen belly. “As you are aware, Connor never planned tae marry and neither did Bryce. But I honestly believe they are both happy. You are entitled tae the same. If you have met a lass who touches your heart, tell her. Dinna wait too long because you never know what life has in store.”
Alasdair bit back a curse. Was he that poor at hiding his emotions? Did everyone know that Edina had breached the protective wall around his heart? “We canna always have what we desire.” The words escaped before he could stop them. He lowered his gaze and turned away.
Cailin caressed his forearm. “Anything is possible if you truly want it. Look at Connor and me. I was tae marry a man I detested and my father wouldna listen to reason. Then, I was falsely accused of murdering the English soldier, taken prisoner by Borden, and slated for execution. Yet, we ended up together and I love Connor with all my heart.”
“Some men are luckier than others,” Alasdair muttered as he recalled the difficulties and danger Cailin and Connor faced on their way to happiness.
“Alasdair, there you are,” Bryce called out as he entered the chamber. “I have been looking everywhere for you. Jayden Sinclair is her
e and asked tae see you right away.”
Alasdair’s stomach clenched and his pulse began to pound. “I did not expect him for several days. Something must be amiss. Where is he?” He didn’t bother to hide the anxiety in his voice.
“In the great hall. He said—” Bryce began but never had a chance to finish. Alasdair pushed past him and ran down the hall.
Chapter 23
With his heart pounding like it was trying to escape his chest, Alasdair raced into the great hall, and stopped short when he saw his friend standing by the dais talking to Connor. “Jayden!” He stomped over to where they stood and grabbed him by the arms.
“What are you doing here? I dinna expect you for several days, if at all. Has something happened tae Edina? Tell me.” Fallon’s prophetic word echoed in his head, and the twisting of his gut told him she was right. She’d said Edina was in danger. Mayhap she was injured, or worse, dead. Why else would her brother be here ahead of time?
I should have listened to Fallon, should have return to Sinclair Castle as soon as I heard her prophecy.
His mind reeled. But then again, what could he have done when she was a three day ride away?
“Damnation, Jayden, Tell me why you are here. If something has happened to Edina, I’ll never forgive myself for leaving her alone.” Alasdair tightened his grip. “Speak up, man!”
“Calm yourself, Alasdair. Edina is well, or she will be after a wee bit of rest. Now, let me go afore you break my arms,” Jayden replied.
“For a man who claims he isna in love, Alasdair is verra concerned about Jayden’s sister.” Bryce chuckled.
“Hold your tongue, brother,” Connor snapped.
Alasdair ignored Bryce’s comments. His only concern was for Edina. He released his grip on Jayden and took a step back. “What do you mean she will be fine? Tell me.”
“Edina was attacked in her chamber not long after you left the castle. She—”
