Nicolette felt the warmth spread across her cheeks, "Oui. I have to avoid him today! He confuses me." She had to escape Jamie’s probing eyes and searing touch, for the sake of her very soul.
Marie giggled, "Laird MacQueen does look as though he could be a little disturbing."
"And why would you say that?"
"I met him this morning, in what shall I say?" she giggled. "Embarrassing circumstances."
"Tell me what happened."
Marie flushed a bright pink, "I cannot, Mademoiselle, please don’t ask me, it’s far too humiliating."
"So, as you can see, he can be quite overpowering," Nicolette sighed. "But, no matter, I do not wish to see him."
"Chere, not a man with his looks? How could you not fall in love with him? He seems to be quite attentive to you."
Nicolette sighed, "Marie there is so much you don’t know. We cannot agree on anything!"
"Sometimes you argue with a man because you are at war with your own feelings. Fighting can have it’s own fascination."
"Marie, you are such a tease. I know you have had many men in your life, so be honest. Did you argue with them all?"
"Sometimes, but mostly just the, well how shall I say, the more interesting ones." Marie sighed, "I have met someone new, Chere."
"I did not realize, I have not noticed anyone."
Marie looked wistful, "It is Laird Jamie’s cousin, Alec. He is like you, and does not care that I am a mere servant. For the first time in my life I think I am truly in love."
"In love! I have never heard you speak this way before. What is he like?"
"He is tall like a giant, but gentle and a good man. He wishes to marry me."
Nicolette laughed, "Is that so difficult to believe?"
Marie shrugged.
"Are you going to marry him?"
"I do not wish to leave you, Chere, but how can I can live without him? What shall I do," tears glistened in her golden brown eyes.
Nicolette held her hand, "You have to follow your heart. I want you to be happy, but that is a decision only you can make. If you love him you should marry him, for to love without marriage, Marie," she teased. "Surely you will burn in perdition!" And so shall I.
Marie began to chew on her bottom lip, "I could go if you would marry Laird Jamie, Mademoiselle. We could go together. They say you are betrothed."
"Where did you hear such gossip?"
"The servants talk, Chere. Most of us do not think of you only as the mistress of the chateau but as our friend."
"Thank you. Not everyone has been as lucky as I. We both know I could not dress or do my hair without you. I need you, Marie, but I do not think of you as a servant! Without you I would not have one single friend." Her white chiffon night shift floated about her as she rose and walked to the window. "Tell me, how do you know when you are in love?"
"You will know. When I am near Alec I seem to melt. I cannot resist him. His touch is so very delightful."
Nicolette burst out laughing, "I have heard that before! What makes this time different?"
Marie stood, "Mon Dieu! I have not been in love so many times, and I have never felt this way."
Nicolette walked from the window and put her arm around Marie’s waist, "Come, tell me about him."
"It is different this time. He is so strong and confident. I love how he looks, how he moves, everything about him." She whispered, "He is a good lover."
Nicolette giggled, "A lover? When did this happen?"
Marie blushed, "Tell me, Chere, do you feel the same about Jamie. He is your betrothed."
Nicolette glanced down, embarrassed, "I don’t know. He is beautiful. I will give him that much, but so very aggravating! We quarrel a great deal."
"Ah, back to the fighting, no? Perhaps you fight with him to keep from making love," Marie patted her hand.
Nicolette giggled at the thought. There were times when she had wondered about that, like the last few moments at the lake, but she could never tell Marie that! "There is more than just Jamie to think about. There is a secret I must tell you. I must tell someone."
Marie put her hand to Nicolette’s face and stroked her cheek, "So what is it, Chere?"
"I am already secretly betrothed to Philippe de Berges," Nicolette watched displeasure register on Marie’s face.
"The Marquis? That weasel! He is not a good man, Chere. He has asked you to keep this a secret from your brother? This is not good."
"He only wanted to wait ‘til my nineteenth birthday."
"Chere, why would he not wish to tell your brother? It is not reasonable. Think of it! There is something wrong, you must reconsider."
Nicolette turned away, her back stiff, "No! I will not! I wish to live here. I promised father and I barely know Jamie."
"You do not know the Marquis," Marie walked around to face her. "Do you love him?"
Nicolette’s fingertip touched her lips, moving slowly back and forth, "I do not know." She could barely think of Philippe with any conviction at all. There were times when she could not recall his features, but she had to reclaim her sanity, as well as her determination. She would not break her pledge.
"When the Marquis is near, do you feel a melting sweetness inside? Do you wish to give him all the love you have to offer? Tell me the truth, Chere."
Nicolette began pacing, "No. I feel none of that."
"What of Laird Jamie, what do you feel for him?"
Nicolette’s fingertip traced her lower lip again, "When I am with him I am simply confused."
Marie smiled, "Chere, do you long for Laird Jamie’s touch? Do you want to know everything about him, to understand his deepest thoughts?"
She dared not answer for she did long for his touch. There were times she wanted to be so close as to touch his soul. Mon Dieu! I am in love with him. Now what am I to do?
"Why not come out with me? Alec is taking me on a picnic this afternoon, and I wish you to meet him."
Nicolette shook her head, "You should go on your picnic alone. You are lovers."
Marie smiled, "No, I wish to spend the day with you both. No one will know! I will walk to the copse of trees on the North side, you go past the park on the west, and I will meet you in-between. We will sneak away, just like when we were children."
Nicolette’s face brightened at the thought, and she laughed, "Oui, just like when we were children."
~ * ~
High in the noonday sky the sun kissed her with its warmth. She met Marie and they walked to the footbridge not far from the west road of the estate. Nicolette saw Alec ahead in the meadow and she watched him. His face lit up as they approached and she smiled. Alec seemed friendly and very in love with her friend.
She dressed as simply as Marie, wearing a white flowing blouse gathered low above her bosom, tied with a simple bow, and cinched at the waist with a wide black corselet laced together in the front. The brightly colored skirt, full from several petticoats, only came to her ankles.
The wild green grass and brightly colored flowers were delightful. Spring seemed more beautiful to her this year. The bees flitted from flower to flower. Their gentle buzz filled the air. The birds were singing, and the sun was glorious. She tilted her head back, enjoying the warmth, and reveled in the beauty surrounding her.
Alec had spread a blanket on the grass. He lay on his side next to a basket with his head on his hand watching them. She and Marie were laughing and holding hands.
"Marie, my love, are ye goin’ to introduce me to the lady."
She laughed, "This is the Marquise de Noilles, but you may call her Mademoiselle Nicolette. Is that not so, Chere?"
"So very happy to meet you, Sir. I have heard much about you. Please, simply call me Nicolette."
"Nice to meet ye, lass," Alec smiled, stood up then bowed. "Now tell me, exactly what have ye heard?"
Nicolette felt her face blaze and hoped he would not notice, but she was wrong.
"That bad? Or should I say that good?" He laughed, then p
ulled Marie to him and kissed her boldly.
Suddenly Nicolette felt glad to be alive. Something about these two made her realize this was how life was meant to be.
"Ye know this meadow reminds me of America. Lush and fresh like this, only young, new, and just waiting to be conquered."
She sat on the blanket and faced Alec, "You were in America with Jamie and my brother?"
"Aye, Jamie’s father sent us tagether," Alec sat down and pulled Marie next to him.
She handed them each a plate, and Alec opened a bottle of wine. Bread, cold chicken, cheese, and apples were scattered on platter, and they began to eat. For a few minutes they were quiet, but soon the conversation turned to the lovers.
"I think my friend is very happy. Tell me, are you the cause?"
Alec grinned, "Aye, I hope so, my Lady, for I love her."
Marie blushed and gazed into his eyes.
"And she tells me she loves you."
Marie gasped, "Mademoiselle! A man should never be certain how you feel about him!"
"If he cannot guess from your cow eyes he is probably not very bright."
"Indeed I do know, she tells me, and not just with words!" Alec grinned.
Nicolette’s thoughts returned to Jamie. How much alike they were, these two cousins. Then she thought of the night before, their conversation, and curiosity overcame her.
"Tell me about America. Why were you there, so far from the Highlands?"
"We were forced ta leave. There was a skirmish with English mercenaries hired by the nobleman who owns the land bordering our own. Jamie’s father feared reprisal."
"Your cousin will not speak of it. Was it very bad?"
"Aye. Jamie was but a lad then, only sixteen, but he saved my life. That day he had gone off at dawn ta hunt, and knew nothin’ of the battle."
Alec took a deep breath, and Nicolette could almost see the painful memory begin to surface.
"Some sheep disappeared the night before and the Laird sent ten of us out ta look for poachers," Alec’s face clouded and he reached for Marie’s hand, holding it tightly. "It was a trap and we were attacked. I sent a runner ta the castle for help but he never arrived."
Alec looked around, "It was a spring day, much like this one, the meadow just as pretty, until the fightin’ began. Then it looked like something from perdition. I can still see the bright flowers trampled inta the blood red ground like a well worn carpet."
Nicolette closed her eyes. His lilting words almost made the scene come alive.
"It didna’ take the English long ta cut us down. Our weapons were ancient claymores, instead of sabers, and nay pistols," his brow furrowed. "I thought all was lost, until Jamie came crashin’ through the brush."
Marie stroked his cheek, and Alec took a bite of apple, "I was the last one, the rest were already down. I was as strong as an ox then, but with each thrust I grew weaker. I was bleedin’ from a gash to my side, blood ran down my plaid and onto my leg, yet I kept fightin’."
Nicolette winced, "Please, you do not have to go on if the memory is too painful."
Alec gave her a crooked smile, "Nay Lass, ye should hear this. Ye will know Jamie better I think, and I want ta tell Marie. Mayhap it will finally cleanse my soul." After a long, silent moment he continued, "Ye could hear the swords clangin’ as I fended off three men. I heard Jamie shout but could not turn. Then there was a dull thud, as something fell hard behind me. When I glanced around, I realized someone had tried ta take me from behind, but Jamie stopped them with his arrow."
Alec suddenly smiled, "He is quite an archer!" His smile drifted away. "I heard another arrow as it flew through the air, and a man dropped ta the ground by my side. The Englishman facing me turned and began shoutin’. I heard someone running taward Jamie from the far side of the field. He screamed obscenities as he raced forward. I glanced back ta see his sword slice soundless circles through the air. He looked demented." Alec looked vacantly in the air then gazed into Nicolette’s eyes. He reached for the wine and drank long from the bottle, no longer caring about anything but the memories. "A highland yell rent the air, shrill, loud, and surprising," he laughed. "I was proud of him, hell, I was proud of us all. Strangely, I too, felt no fear. Ye see, Jamie’s father had trained us ta be warriors all of our lives. We had often rebelled and run off ta play, but he would have us practicing again the next day. Still, all those hated hours of drilling became our deliverance. We were prepared ta fight."
He took another drink, "Jamie proved himself worthy ta lead us that day. When the wild man rushed toward him, he picked up a sword from a dead Englishman lying at his feet and grabbed his dagger then tore into the fray." Alec stopped and picked a daisy near the blanket crushing it in his fist, "It was as if time stood still, and felt like hours instead of minutes before I heard the swords engage. The Englishman near me seemed surprised as he watched. After all, Jamie was young but superior with a sword, and soon he gained the advantage." Alec stood and started pacing, "By this time I could see them, and when Jamie delivered a death blow the Englishman dropped ta his knees clutching his stomach. Jamie barely gave him a glance as he ran ta help me. Thank God above he did because I took another blow ta my leg and could scarcely stand."
Alec pulled up his kilt to show them a huge jagged scar down the side of his thigh. "Weariness from the struggle had taken its toll. My strength drained slowly away in a crimson stain on the ground. I was waitin’ for the final blow when Jamie rushed forward and forced the last strike back into the air. Aye, ye should have seen the puzzled look on the English dog’s face as his sword flew through the air. When he ran ta retrieve his weapon, the last Englishman drew his blade. Until then, he had only watched. As if the fight was some sort of amusin’ spectacle, for his entertainment." He smiled, "Jamie mocked them, calling them cowards, asking how they would like ta fight with even odds."
Alec opened another bottle after he drained the last and his face suddenly turned a deep red. "Jamie fought fiercely, like an untamed savage, instinctively makin’ up for his lack of experience as a warrior. By now I was useless, weak as a kitten, and when my opponent realized he could kill me at any time he left ta join the fray. What they didna’ understand was Jamie’s father had often made him practice with more than one man at a time. The blood splattered wide when one fell ta the ground with his throat slashed. Jamie strode toward the remaining Englishman, but as he approached the man turned ta run. Jamie caught him just as he mounted his horse, pulled him down, and kicked the sword from his hand."
Alec stood completely still, "Jamie’s words are as clear as if he had spoken them yesterday. ‘Ye thought ta finish the MacQueen’s?’ His voice so loud it echoed. The Englishman yelled back, telling him that he wanted ta rid the land of Scottish vermin! I heard Jamie’s voice shake, and realized his hate and panic, but I didna’ understand his fear."
Alec began to pace again, "That’s when I saw something flash in the sun, and shouted a warning. The Englishman’s dagger slashed through the air, almost surprisin’ Jamie. He jumped back and his sword slashed out, knocking the dagger from the villain’s hand then continuing its downward swing until it sliced deep inta the man’s thigh. The brute screamed like a woman when he fell ta the ground. Jamie’s fury knew no bonds. The Englishman continued to shout that Jamie was nothin’ more than an animal. Then Jamie screamed, ‘Ye are finished,’ that’s when I yelled at him."
Alec stood perfectly still, the pain written in his face, "I made a fatal mistake that Jamie paid for later, and nearly with his life! I said that we best be away, that we didna’ know if there were yet more soldiers. I thought we should warn the Clan! I believed we should show mercy. Yet, some men do nay understand quarter, and that was my blunder."
Tears swam in Nicolette’s eyes, "Alec stop now, do not blame yerself."
Alec continued, as if he hadn’t heard, "Jamie tried ta ignore my words, his anger and outrage tempted him ta conclude the day’s treachery by leaving no one standing, no one ta tell the tale, but
I called out ta him again. I begged him ta leave. I wanted ta reach the Laird, afraid they would come after him next. I could see Jamie hesitate, unwilling ta leave before dispatching the Englishman. He raised his sword then turned and looked toward me. I saw the indecision written all over his young face, but again I told him that we must leave."
Alec dropped ta his knees, "Aye, he saved my life and the honor of the MacQueen’s, and just sixteen that very day." He put his hand into the wide, black, belt that held his kilt, as if re-enacting his next words, "Jamie tucked the bloody sword into his belt, grabbed the reins of the Englishman’s horse and helped me inta the saddle. The English devil tried ta follow, he picked up his sword and ran toward us. As we passed, Jamie kicked him in the chest and he fell. The horse reared, landing’ on his injured leg. Ye could hear the bone crack across the meadow, and it was then that we heard his hysterical scream. ‘This is not over! I tell ye now it is not over! I will search heaven and hell until I find ye!’ That was a day I’ll never forget."
His fingers raked through his hair like a comb, "Jamie’s father was angry! Instead of being proud of Jamie, he was furious. He seemed ta think the skirmish was somehow Jamie’s fault. He was angry that Jamie had run off that mornin’ ta go hunting instead of facing his responsibilities!"
Alec gazed into her eyes, "Ye must understand, he was just a boy. It was his birthday ye see, and no one knew. The only one who ever remembered was gone. His mother had been missin’ for some time, and to this day he reels from desertion. Indeed lady, he fears any woman because of what happened to his mother, and he will never trust another, or so he has said. Sorry, but ta this day Jamie blames himself, as though going hunting that mornin’ caused what happened."
Alec shrugged, "There was a terrible argument between Jamie and the Laird. One was just as stubborn as the other, I can tell ye that much. The entire clan heard their deafening voices as they echoed through the keep," Alec sighed. "The Laird stood before the roaring’ fire with his face as red as the flames. He sent us ta America ta live with our uncle in the Colonies that very same night. Jamie didna understand ‘til much later that his father was nay so angry as afraid of almost losin’ him"
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