Given to the Highlander (Highlander Bride Series Book 1)

by Veronica Touse

  “Ah’m Clan Chief Buchanon. Call me Baile.”

  Oidche took his outstretched hand and clasped it briefly. “Ah’m Oidche Munroe Murray, son of Clan Chief Garrett Murray. Pleasure to meet ye.”

  “Ye’re me daughter’s new husband, then? Are ye treating her right?”

  Oidche seemed thrown off by the comment. Probably assuming that like most fathers, they just wanted their daughters wedded off. One less mouth to feed. “Aye chief, ah’m caring for her. Although, she tends not to listen when she ought to. And she is stubborn as ah’ve ever seen.”

  “Aye, just like her maither.” Both men burst out laughing.

  “Ah’m not amused,” Malmuira said sternly. “Where’s Balloch and Lara? Oidche was looking forward to meeting his niece for the first time.”

  Her father sat back down. “Ye must have just missed them. They were headed to the Murray keep. Lara wanted to see her faither.”

  “Ah’m sad ah missed them. ‘Twould have been nice to see my brother again. Perhaps we will see them before we leave?”

  Her father shook his head. “They were planning on staying over there for the summer. Lara has missed her family.”

  Malmuira put Siusan down next to her father, kissed her father on the cheek and left the men alone to talk. She could tell that Oidche and her faither would get along well. It gave her a moment of peace when she realized that these trade agreements would probably go well and would help both clans.

  Her room was exactly the way she had left it. One of the servants must have been cleaning it, however, because it looked much less dusty. Mae always lacked an attention to minute details. It was something they quarreled about on a semi-regular basis, but Malmuira tried to look past it.

  She walked over to the vanity and picked up the looking glass her mother had left to her. Her sandy hair stuck out every which way and she looked exhausted. She grabbed a brush she had left behind and swept her hair up into a loose bun.

  A knock sounded at the door and Maizy walked in, without further ado. She smiled and ran over to Malmuira, holding her in a hug. Maizy’s lean body felt more frail than usual to Malmuira.

  “Maizy!” she exclaimed in excitement. “How’re ye fairing?”

  “Ah’m well. But how’re ye fairing?”

  “Quite well.” Malmuira finished the last clasp on her dress and smoothed the dress out.

  “Ah heard ye were back in the keep and ah couldn’t pass up the chance to visit. How’s yer husband?” She had a weary look on her face. Malmuira thought she was probably worried about her.

  “He’s well. A fine husband. Very kind.”

  “Ah’m glad ye got a kind one.” As she said that a tear slid down her face and Malmuira realized that something must be bothering her.

  “Maizy, what’s wrong?”

  “Ah have something to tell ye Mal. Ah’m with child.” Her hand rested on her stomach, and she rubbed it slowly while she spoke.

  “That’s wonderful news, Maizy!” Malmuira was excited for her, but Maizy’s head hung low as tears continued to stream down her face. “But why’re ye cryin’?”

  “It’s complicated. Ye know my husband isn’t a kind man. Ah’m afraid he’ll hurt the wee bairn before ah have a chance to meet her. Ah left him.” She took a deep, steadying breath before she continued. “Ah’ve stayed here in the keep, since. Yer faither has made sure ah’m okay and let me stay in one of the rooms. He has been very kind to me.”

  Malmuira put her arms around Maizy in a gesture she hoped would comfort the grieving mother.

  “Ah’m so sorry. That must be terrifying. My faither will care for ye, though. He has worried about ye since ye married. After ah told him yer husband was unkind to ye.”

  “Aye, but who’ll want me when ah have a bairn and no faither? Ah’ll be an old maid with no prospects. What if yer faither gets sick of providing for me? Ah’m scared, Mal.”

  Maizy laid her head on Malmuira’s shoulder and began to cry in earnest now. Malmuira rubbed her back up and down to soothe and comfort her, but didn’t know what else to say.

  “It’ll be alright, Maizy.” She didn’t know what the future would look like for Maizy. “Ah’ll talk to me faither and make sure all will be well.”

  Maizy sniffed once and dried her eyes off. She encircled Malmuira in a bone-crushing hug and wiped her eyes dry on the back of her sleeve. Her fair cheeks were rosy from crying. “Tell me about yer husband now. Ah need some good news.”

  It was Malmuira’s turn to be sad. “He’s kind and generous. But ah don’t know that he needs me. Ah had a plan, but ah’m not sure what ah want anymore.”

  “What was yer plan?”

  “Ah had hoped that he would leave me with my faither. That perhaps the peace treaty could remain intact if he left me here. He’s friendly with the lasses in his clan, remember?”

  “But why would he want to leave ye here?” She had her eyebrows knit together and a look of concern on her face.

  “Ah’m embarrassed.” Malmuira’s heart began to race and she felt compelled to tell Maizy, but frightened of what she would say.

  “Ye have nothing to be embarrassed about. Ah’m the one with child and without a husband. Ah have more right to be embarrassed.”

  Malmuira realized that Maizy would be the perfect person to understand and talk to. “He’s not bedded me yet. Ah was shakin’ on the wedding night from fear and he said he wanted me to desire him. Ah’ve been sleepin’ in his bed, but we’ve still not consummated the marriage.”

  “Does he really like the ladies?”

  Malmuira caught the hint. “He does. He just wanted me to be willing. Ah don’t understand though, why he is so kind to me. And ah’m getting to know him more. He’s a very good man.”

  “Sounds like ye’re a lucky lass,” she said with a smile. “Why would ye want to stay here, if ye found a man that treats ye so well?”

  She thought on that for a moment. “Ah don’t think ah do, anymore. Ah just miss me faither and Siusan. Ah don’t want to leave them.”

  “They’re fairing well, Mal. No need to worry. And ah’ll care for Siusan. Ah have been since ye left. Yer faither is grateful to me. ’Tis probably why he let me stay here in the keep.”

  Malmuira felt relief spread through her. If Maizy was caring for Siusan, she knew that she would be loved and safe. “Thank ye, Maizy. That means so much to me.”

  “Join me for midday meal?” Maizy asked her.

  “Aye, ‘twill be fun.”

  “Faither, ah know ye are waiting on the McLeods, but ah need ye to listen to me about this.” Malmuira talked to her father during supper and had tried to warm him up to the idea discussing trade agreements with the Murrays before the McLeods were able to chime in.

  “My nighean, ye must understand, ah have to do what is best for the clan. Ah know ye want to help yer husband’s clan, but ah have to make trades with whomever will be most profitable to us. Ah raised ye to know a good trade and to care for yer people, so ye must respect my opinion.”

  “Aye, Faither. Ah do. Please let me explain to ye what ah mean.” She waited for his response, knowing that if she held her silence until he agreed to listen, he would be more receptive to what she had to say.

  “Alright Mal, ah’ll listen. But ah’ll make my choice for the clan and ye’ll abide it.”

  She nodded her understanding to him, knowing that when he made a decision it was final, and she had no further way to persuade him.

  “Faither, ye’ve been at war with the Murrays for a decade now. They are poor from it. We’ve had our share of hardships as well. Our clans both benefit and profit from peace. The Murrays will do whatever they can to ensure peace in order to prosper. Faither, the McLeods have no such interest in our peace. When we were at war with the Murrays, they benefited from our increased trade.”

  “Lass, ye’re making assumptions about McLeod’s character that ah don’t care to hear.”

  “Nay, Faither. No assumptions about character, just observa
tion. The McLeods have no stake in our peace. If we choose to do a large amount of trades with the Murrays, it ties us together. We have to maintain peace. The McLeods will see that and it could stir them up. They will lose profit from our peace.”

  “If this be the case, then there isn’t a good option. Ah’ll not provoke the McLeods to satisfy the Murrays.”

  “Ah’ve thought on that too, Faither. Forgive me for my assumptions, and ah’m but a woman, but ah thought perhaps this may work. Trade with the Murrays for less than half of yer needs and with the McLeods for the majority. The McLeods will see a decrease in profit, but not enough to start a war over, and the Murrays see an increase in profit, which makes them wish to keep war at bay.”

  Her father leaned back in his chair, taking a long draught of ale and twirling a strand of his beard over and over. He often did this when deep in thought.

  “Ah’ll let ye know what ah decide in the morning. Ah need to think on it. And ah may be open to talking to the Murrays earlier, as ye suggested, but ah don’t want to solidify any trade agreements before the McLeods get here. ‘Twould be an insult to them. ”

  Malmuira took a deep breath and let it out. This had gone better than she thought it would. Oidche sat next to her at the table. He had appeared to be speaking to the man next to him throughout their entire conversation, but Malmuira knew he was listening intently to her and her father. He squeezed her knee in a reassuring gesture, which affirmed that he had in fact, been listening.

  “How’s Siusan fairing?” Malmuira was eager to keep the conversation with her father going. It was the part of her day that she missed the most while at the Murrays’ keep. Her father had always entertained her thoughts and ideas, unlike most men in the Highlands. He taught her to be smart and to speak her mind. His encouragement had always given her bravery in the face of opposition, but it was also what got her into trouble.

  “Siusan is a spitfire, like ye. Got her maither’s temper and her sister’s stubborn endurance. Michty me, ah can’t keep up with her. Maizy’s been a gem. Takin’ care of her like she were her own. Ah’ve been so grateful for sweet Maizy. Sorry that filthy wretch of a husband was beatin’ her. No need to be hittin’ yer wife. A wife with child is a frail thing.”

  Malmuira inwardly grimaced at her father’s assessment that women were frail when with child, but she was happy that her father cared greatly for Maizy. “Ah’m so happy, Faither. Ah also worry. What about Maizy? Will ye keep her here after she has her bairn? How long are ye planning on letting her stay?”

  Her father looked off into the distance with a content smile on his face. “Ah hope she’ll stay for a long time. She has been a joy to have around. Ye should see her with Siusan.”

  “Ah’m glad she is so helpful. That does my heart good to see Siusan being cared fer so well.” Her father gave her a look and she quickly backtracked. “Not that ye’re not capable of caring for her yerself.”

  He laughed aloud at her discomfort and she laughed as well.

  “What about ye, lass. How’s yer husband treating ye?”

  Oidche sat up slightly straighter, which was the only indication that he was listening to her response. “Oh, he’s awful really,” she began.

  Oidche turned quickly and protested loudly. “Malmuira Buchanon-Murray!”

  Her father was already laughing again, keenly aware that Malmuira loved to tease and torment the people closest to her.

  Oidche realized that she was teasing and his cheeks reddened. “Malmuira, ye’re gonna be the death of me.”

  “Aye, lad. She’ll be the death of me, as well. We may need to band together to keep her in check.”

  It was Oidche’s turn to laugh. “Ye’re lucky ye don’t have to put up with her on a ride. She was riding us to death. Her pace was relentless!”

  Baile beamed with pride. “She’s the best rider ah’ve seen and her mother was before her. Mal’s a natural too. Never had to teach her much on a horse. She picked it up, like walking.”

  “Ah bested Oidche at a race, although he’s probably the best ah’ve seen myself.” Malmuira felt like gloating.

  “Ye shouldn’t best yer husband at anything, let alone riding.” Her father scolded in a soft tone that told Malmuira he was playing, although she could see some seriousness in his eyes.

  Oidche took a swig of milk and grabbed a biscuit. “She won fair and square. And it gave me new respect for her.”

  Her father’s eye twinkled. “Ah’m glad ye both get along. Oidche, let us meet tomorrow morning to discuss trade agreements. My daughter thinks it best for us to speak before the McLeods show. Ah’m inclined to agree.”

  Oidche stood and stuck out his arm. Her father clasped Oidche’s forearm and both men nodded in understanding. A thrill ran through Malmuira. She may have just helped to solidify the peace between her new clan and her family.

  Chapter 7

  Oidche had excused them both after talking to her father. They had enjoyed a full meal and she was looking forward to some sleep. They strolled through the hall, hand in hand, wandering almost aimlessly around the keep. The furnishings were sparse, but stately. Once they approached their room, Oidche put his hand on the small of her back and guided her in through the door.

  “Are ye tired?” Oidche walked over to the hearth and began to restart the fire that had died down in her absence.

  “Only a bit.” She sat on a chair and brushed through her hair, enjoying the rhythmic motion and the comforting sensation.

  “Ah’ll stay for a while and have a drink with ye then and head back to the stables.”

  Malmuira was confused and felt a jolt of sadness pass through her. “Ye’re not sleeping with me?”

  “Our week is over.” The fire began to grow in the hearth and put off a nice warmth.

  “Oh.” She set the brush down and braided her hair in a long plait.

  “Unless ye want me to stay?” He had a hopeful tone in his voice that made the corners of Malmuira’s mouth turn up.

  “It’d be strange to see someone’s husband sleeping in the barn while she sleeps in the bed. Might start some talk. Best for the negotiations if ye’re sleeping in bed with me.”

  Oidche closed the distance between them. He cupped the back of her head in his hand and kissed her gently. First on the eye, then on the nose, the cheek and finally on her lips. Malmuira closed her eyes and relished the warmth from his touch.

  “Ye did good today.” His face was close to hers and husky.

  “Thank ye. Ye did good with my faither as well.”

  “He’s a good man,” Oidche stated simply. “And ye are a good woman.”

  This time, Malmuira stood on her tip toes and kissed him. She liked the feeling of their lips passing over each other and the way that his hands grasped her hips when she pressed against him. Feeling brave, she passed her tongue over his lips and his mouth opened, sweeping her up in a passionate kiss that left her breathless.

  “Come to bed with me, lass. Let me make ye feel good all over.”

  She felt her heart begin to race. She wondered what pleasure awaited them both. He untied her bodice and pulled off her gown. She stood in her underthings.

  “Ye’re breathtaking.” She could tell by the rise and fall of his chest that he was aroused. This knowledge only made it harder for her to concentrate. Everything felt fuzzy and surreal.

  Still standing, he ran his hands up and down her sides, brushing the sides of her breasts with his fingers. She couldn’t help the quick inhale that escaped her when his fingers brushed the inside of her thigh.

  And then he kissed her. It was a long, slow, sultry kiss that spoke of untold heat and pleasures. She tried to catch her breath, but his lips had already claimed hers. He worked his way down her body. His tongue trailed down her neck and chest. She felt him pull on the ties for the thin undergarments she wore.

  Oidche paused. Malmuira wondered why he had stopped.

  He leaned closer to her, “Can ah ask ye something?”

 
“Of course.” She wondered what thought would interrupt his attention to her body.

  “Have ye ever been with another man?”

  Malmuira shook her head.

  “Am ah the first man ye’ve kissed as well?”

  She nodded, embarrassed at her lack of experience. “Aye, ah’ve never really been interested in any lads since ah was very young, so never had the inkling to kiss anyone. Ah’m ah okay at it?”

  “Aye, better’n okay.”

  She felt relief at his compliment. She was worried that her lack of experience would show.

  “Were ye worried otherwise?”

  “Aye. Ah didn’t know if ah was doing it right.” She bit her lip and dropped her eyes.

  “Ye’re doing just fine, lass. Ah guess ah didn’t really think about it. Ah remember that my bride was nervous on our wedding night as well, but it was so long ago, ah forgot.”

  Malmuira took a few steps away and sat on the edge of the bed. Oidche joined her.

  “Do ye miss her oft?”

  “Aye, ah miss her dearly. She still has me heart… ah think ah’ll always love her.”

  Dismay flowed through Malmuira. She could never compete with a memory.

  Oidche must have realized her disappointment. “There’s room in my heart to love ye as well, Mal.”

  A sad smile crossed her face. “But ye’ll always want her back.”

  “Of course ah will. Just as much as ye’d always want yer maither back. But the dead don’t speak, Mal. They don’t love. We hold them with us here.” He took her hand and put it on his chest. She felt his heart flutter under her palm.

  “Ah have times when ah miss me maither something fierce, but then ah see Siusan’s smile and it looks so much like me maither’s smile. Ah feel like she is with me.”

  “Ah’m glad ye found solace in yer family. Ah want to be yer family now, Malmuira. Ye’re unlike any lass ah’ve known.”

  “Ye want to keep me?” Her voice trembled and a tear fell out of the corner of her eye and down her cheek.