The Talisman (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 2)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Megan, Calum and Gavin stood at the chapel entrance talking with a few clan members as she approached. From the looks of it, the small chapel was filled to bursting, leaving a small crowd to mill about outside the chapel doors, eager to begin the festivities.

  Ailis darted a worried glance around her. Fie, how would she enter without having to pass by Gavin? Spying Nelli hurrying her way, she sighed with relief. She would walk in with her, grateful she'd not have to stop to speak to him. For what could she say? Her heart was so heavy, she had no words to speak.

  Nelli nodded as she reached her. "There ye are. 'Tis time for the betrothal. Hurry now. Meggie wishes ye to stand with her."

  Ailis swallowed nervously and took a step back, shaking her head. She had not thought to take part in the betrothal ritual. "But I can not–"

  "Dinna be givin' me any blether. If my Meggie wishes it, ye will do so. Now come along." Nelli grasped her arm and nearly dragged her to the chapel steps.

  Megan looked down from the top step and smiled at her. Then she turned to her brother and said, "Now we can begin."

  Guilt flayed Ailis. Had they been waiting for her to join them before entering the chapel to begin the ceremony? Fie, your foolish self-pity has been poor repayment for the friendship Megan and the clan have shown you.

  Silently, Ailis vowed to put aside her feelings and do all she could to make Megan's day a happy one. Perhaps in doing so, 'twould hurt less when she left them. For leave them she must. Soon.

  Gavin spoke quietly with a nearby clansman who shook his head. After quickly looking about, Gavin took a step toward Ailis and coolly offered his arm. He did not speak and his grim expression never wavered as he looked at her.

  Seeing his scowl, her heart plummeted to her feet. The only man she would ever love looked at her as if her presence was as distasteful as the bitter herbal remedy she had made him on their journey from Craigmuir. Nay, more so.

  She hesitated for a moment, before she laid her hand lightly on his arm. The feel of his firm warm muscles beneath her fingers was nearly her undoing. How good he felt, just as he had when they'd made love. Nay, not love, 'twas only lust for him. She longed to feel his arms wrapped around her in a truly loving embrace and to see his handsome face light in a tender smile for her alone.

  Sweet Mary, how she wished things could have been different between them. But 'twas not to be. She must accept it and be strong for Megan's sake. There would be time enough to grieve her loss after she left.

  Ailis stole another glance at Gavin's face. His handsome features were pulled tight with tension and barely controlled irritation. 'Twould seem her nearness displeased him sorely.

  Fie, if his face turned any more sour, 'twould burst like a rotten apple. As obviously distasteful as he found her presence to be, surely the man could act less sullen at his sister's betrothal.

  She forced her gaze from him and watched Nelli hug Megan then enter the chapel. 'Twas time for the ceremony to begin. She must walk beside Gavin into the chapel then stand as a witness for Megan's betrothal vows. Ailis took a deep steadying breath. Aye, she would do it. For Megan.

  Gavin started forward and she matched his pace as best she could. His long legs covered the distance swiftly as if he wished to be rid of her touch as quickly as possible.

  Megan and Calum followed. As they all reached the small carved altar at the front of the chapel, Ailis slid her hand from Gavin's arm and walked over to stand beside Megan. Her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She drew a shaky breath and forced herself to smile for Megan's sake.

  Celebrating her friend's betrothal filled her with joy and melancholy at the same time. She could see the love shining in Megan and Calum's eyes and sensed the good wishes everyone shared for them. At the same time, she could not stop her thoughts from turning to her own family.

  Da would never rest easy, knowing his daughters had found no such love. Poor Jenny would never be settled with a man and family of her own. And she, she would have naught but a broken heart and memories to take with her when she left to seek her family's murderer. Nay, there was naught to keep her here.

  Ailis shivered and clasped her hands together tightly, forcing her thoughts back. She listened as the priest blessed the couple and Gavin read the formal betrothal agreement from a crisp parchment. When a young lad brought quill and ink, Megan and Calum signed. Then Gavin took the parchment and signed it with a flourish. He handed it to her saying, "Make your mark next to my name as a witness. The priest will verify it."

  So, not only did he not care for her, but he thought her too ignorant to even know how to write her name. Never had she been so glad that she'd labored nightly as a young lass to learn to do so. He wouldn't make her feel inferior that way.

  With a grim smile, she took the quill from him. The touch of his warm hand as their fingers met caused her hand to shake. She forced her emotions back and signed her name. As she finished and laid the quill down beside the parchment, she looked up at Gavin and felt a small thrill at the bemused look on his face.

  He stared at her for a long moment with an expression she could not understand. Then he turned to Megan, placed his sister's hand in Calum's and the brief ceremony was finished.

  Gavin smiled for the first time since they entered the chapel. "Meggie, I am sure Da and Mam would be as pleased as I. I am sorry Logan is not yet here, but I know he wishes you well and will be here soon to share in your joy."

  Then he turned and clasped forearms with Calum. "And now, cousin, lead your betrothed and us to the feast!"

  Before they could move, many of the people in the chapel crowded around them offering their congratulations. Ailis quickly slipped away before Gavin could reach for her. She had no wish to linger there, to be escorted by him, when 'twas evident he wanted none of her company.

  Hearty voices and laughter rang out as everyone followed the betrothed couple to the great hall and prepared to spend the rest of the day feasting and celebrating the betrothal and the clan's good fortune.

  As soon as Gavin, Calum and Megan were seated at the dais along with a few guests, the feast began. A kilted piper strolled through the hall playing ballads followed by another Scot with a bodhran and still another with a lute. Together their music added a pleasant atmosphere to the already happy occasion.

  Ailis stood aside as a grand array of foods were brought from the kitchen. Platter after platter of steaming haggis, colcannon and roasted venison filled the air with their rich aromas. Two young lads, each carrying a huge tray of hot scones, bannocks and forfar bridies, walked slowly up and down the large room allowing guests to take their fill as they passed.

  Gazing across the huge room filled with merry makers, Ailis glanced at the lord's table. As the chiefs of allied clans, Laird Munro and Laird Cameron sat on Gavin's right. To his left, sat an empty chair, then Megan, Calum and other clan members. Ailis quickly searched the room for Logan. 'Twas obvious he was expected as the empty seat had been saved for him. When she did not see him, she hoped he would soon join them. Megan and Gavin would be hurt by his absence.

  The delicious smell of hot scones drifted past her. Faith, she had not eaten since early that morn. She quickly looked about the room to find a seat before none were left. Although the hall was quite crowded, there were still spaces here and there on the long benches where she might sit. She started toward a place to the side of the room when she happened to glance again at the lord's table.

  Gavin's face was turned to the side as if he searched the room. His expression resembled a thundercloud about to burst. Fie, she did not know what would occur if Logan did not appear soon. Seeing Gavin's angry scowl, she changed her mind about sitting in the hall. She would help Nelli in the kitchen whilst she got a bite to eat. Aye, there she would not have to look at Gavin. She had seen too many of his fierce frowns and nay enough of his smiles. Hurrying across the room, she headed for the kitchen.

  #

  The longer Gavin sat at the lord's table with the empty seat beside
him, the more his frustration grew. He gripped his wine goblet until his knuckles ached. Was Ailis so intent on avoiding him that she was not going to attend the feast? His jaws clenched together and his tension grew as he scanned the crowded room once again.

  By the saints, where was the blasted woman? He could not believe she had not waited to walk out of the chapel with him. Even if she truly did not care for him, surely she should have considered his sister's feelings and remained with them.

  The idea that Ailis could so easily dismiss his feelings left him frustrated and angry. He had certainly not been able to forget her as easily. Thoughts of her had plagued him the entire time he had been away checking the herds.

  Gavin reached for the goblet in front of him and took a deep drink. The wine was sweet and delicious on his tongue. Just as her kisses had been. Damn it. Even in drink, he could not escape thoughts of her.

  He frowned. It had been a mistake to take her with him on the disastrous journey to Craigmuir. Aye. 'Twas merely because of her ability to brew ale that he had asked her to accompany him at all. If not for that– Nay, man, be honest. You asked her to go because you take great pleasure in her company and wished to be with her. Nay for any other reason.

  One of his clansmen seated at the high table called to him with a grin. "Och, Gavin, is it so displeasin' fer us to join ye above the salt? 'Tis but once a year."

  He blinked, startled. "Nay. Losing a sister is hard on a man."

  The clansman grinned even broader. "Well dinna fash. Ye are nay alone. Ye still have Nelli."

  Gavin snorted. "Aye, there is a comforting thought."

  He turned away from the man and looked out across the hall again. As he did so, he finally saw Ailis. His eyes bored into her back, willing her to turn. But she merely continued on her way and left the room. From the direction she went before he lost sight of her, 'twould seem she was headed for the kitchen.

  By God, he'd had enough. The lass belonged there beside him and she would sit in the seat he had saved for her. He would give her no choice in the matter. Megan wished her there, and, in truth, the feast held little joy for him without her.

  Lifting his goblet, he took a drink then set it down with a thunk. Turning to the others at the high table, he said, "Friends, continue to enjoy yourselves. I wish to have more wine brought from the cellar. I will return soon."

  Megan looked up as he stood. "Gavin, please find Ailis and bring her to join us. I fear she works over long in the kitchen and does not stop to think of her own enjoyment."

  "Aye. I shall." He strode across the crowded hall, nodding to cheerful greetings as he went but refusing to stop and talk. Nay, the words he needed to say were for none but the stubborn wench in the kitchen.

  As he entered the smoky bustling kitchen, he paused to survey the scene before him. To be sure, Nelli was in her heyday. The old woman had everything running as competently as the king's guard. 'Twas evident she needed no more help.

  Gavin spotted Ailis immediately. She stood with her back to him beside a table laden with crocks and dishes of foods of all sorts. Quietly, he walked up behind her, giving her no warning of his approach. She wouldn't escape him this time.

  She was meant to be with him and he with her. And the sooner the stubborn lass realized it, the easier their life together would be.

  The sobering thought drew him to a halt a few feet from her. Aye, even with the smoky haze filling the air about him, his thoughts became crystal clear. 'Twas no use holding to his misguided vow.

  He loved her.

  Och, but he had done a sorry job of telling her so. As soon as he had the chance to speak alone with her, he would tell her of his feelings and there would be no mistaking his meaning this time. Nay, by God.

  As he walked up behind her, she turned, bumping into him. He reached out and grasped her waist to steady her. For a moment, he simply stood there enjoying her closeness and the feel of her beneath his hands.

  "Oh! You startled me, Gavin." Ailis blushed and stepped back. "Is aught aright?"

  "Nay, 'tis not. What are you doing here? Do you not care that you hurt my sister and me by your mindless absence?"

  "'Twas not my intention to hurt Megan–"

  "Nay?" Gavin cut across her words. He could not believe she would so callously admit to caring nothing for him. Surely he mistook her words. "Well, you did. I have come to remedy that and take you back with me."

  For a moment, a glimmer of hope seemed to fill her expression, then she thrust her chin up at him and her eyes took on a look of battle. "You may think you are my master but you are not. I go where and when I please. And it nay pleases me to go with you."

  "I never claimed to be your master."

  "Nay? Then why is it you are here ordering me about, despite me telling you I want n… naught to do with you?"

  Her words hurt more than he had thought possible. Did she truly wish to shun him after all they had shared? Not wishing to let her know how much she had hurt him, he growled, "I will not have you shame my sister by not attending her betrothal dinner."

  His frustration grew and he forced himself to speak as calmly as he could. "I will not soon forgive Logan for missing it, but 'tis naught I can do about it this eve. However, you are here and I will not allow you to do the same."

  "You won't allow me! You do not even care that I–"

  "Stop! I do not wish to hear your excuse. You will accompany me back to the hall and act civilly, if not for my sake, then at least for Meggie's." He turned and gestured brusquely toward the hall.

  She thrust her hands to her hips and frowned defiantly at him. "After what occurred between us, you can be sure the last place I wish to be, is sitting beside you. 'Tis not Meggie I meant to avoid."

  Gavin glared at her. His jaws clenched so tightly, they began to ache. He lowered his face close to hers and spoke for her ears alone. He would not bandy words with her in front of everyone there. "I regret you feel so, but I will not have my sister hurt. You will come. Either walking beside me or over my shoulder, but you will come. Now."

  Gavin held his arm out stiffly to her, his hand clenched tightly in frustration. He forced his fingers to relax, but didn't lower his arm. His eyes warned her not to refuse.

  Ailis continued to stand with her hands on her hips for a moment longer, in silent challenge. Then she sighed and placed her hand gingerly on his arm, almost as if she expected his anger to burn her fingers. He could feel her hand tremble. Was it from anger or some other emotion?

  In a sizzling emotional silence so intense that it could be felt, he led her back to the great hall, his hand covering her own, fearful she might bolt from him. As they entered the crowded room, he glanced down at her.

  Ha. If she thinks to sway me with that beautiful angry face of hers, she is wrong. For good or ill, I love the fiery lass and she will soon know the truth of it.

  Gavin led her to the lord's table and held her chair for her as she sat.

  Megan leaned over and hugged her. "I am glad you are here." She darted a glance across the hall and then looked back at Ailis. "'Twould seem Logan has been delayed, but knowing my brother's love of merriment, I am sure he will arrive shortly. Then our celebration will truly be complete."

  Gavin sat back in his chair and forced himself to relax. Now that Ailis was beside him, all would be well. He would appease her anger, and then when the time was right, he would tell her of his love and ask her to be his wife. In truth, his vow to remain unwed had been futile since she came into his life. But he had made a poor showing of his feelings in the past; he would not rush telling her the next time.

  As time went by, Ailis seemed to relax and seemed not displeased to be there. She shared his trencher in an almost friendly manner and smiled her thanks once when he filled her wine goblet.

  Gavin breathed a silent sigh of relief. All would be well.

  "Ailis!" Megan screamed.

  He whirled around in his seat and looked at his love's pale face. Ailis' eyes grew wide as she gra
bbed at her throat. Her head jerked back and her mouth opened in an obvious struggle for air. God help her, she was not breathing!

  Megan slapped her on the back but it did not help.

  Gavin surged to his feet, knocking his chair to the floor. He grabbed Ailis from her seat and pulled her up against him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her rib cage below her heaving breasts and yanked upward.

  Nothing.

  God, her face was paler still. He tightened his grasp and jerked upward more firmly. Suddenly, a bit of food flew from her lips onto the floor.

  Ailis slumped in his arms, her breasts rising and falling rapidly as she gasped in great gulps of air. When she tried to speak, her voice came out as a hoarse croak. She gently cleared her throat and tried again. "Thank you, Gavin. Please… put me down. I wish to sit."

  Gavin heard her speak, but was lost in the rush of emotion that overwhelmed him. He had known a moment of near panic when he saw her beautiful face contort and turn pale with her inability to breathe. God help him, he could not bear the thought of her in danger.

  Now, after coming so close to losing her, he was stunned into immobility. All he could think of was how truly lost he would be without her. He never wanted to let her leave the safety of his arms again.

  His anger with her earlier had been no more than bruised pride because she had not taken his overture of love as he had meant it. He knew only that he loved her and wanted her to be his wife. In truth, he had been drawn to her from the first moment she came running into his life, screaming like a mad young thing. He had wanted to make her smile and to assure her he would make aught aright.

  As the knowledge that she was hale once again slowly filtered through his anxious thoughts, he relaxed. Then the enticing feel of her soft body wrapped in his arms and the tremulous touch of her breasts rubbing against his forearms drew his thoughts elsewhere. His body tightened with such a flood of lust that he was shamed by his own thoughts.

  Megan's voice broke through the emotional fog that held him in thrall. "Gavin, did you not hear me? I said to put Ailis down. Give her some wine to clear her throat." His sister nodded when he looked at her. "You should have some too, from the looks of you."