Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  The ride the next day was the most grueling. Brendan found himself wanting to wrap his arms around her and so he did. She didn’t push his arms away so he held her close. As she relaxed against him, he smelled her sweet fragrance. She smelled of summer roses, and she entranced him with her alluring eyes.

  The day ended with shadows darkening the forest, and they stopped to make camp again very close to their home at the loch. Brendan watched her holding Bonnie in her arms, where she had fallen asleep. Warmth from the campfire chased the cold away.

  “Oh, the heat feels good. The Goddess’ elements always make me feel peaceful.” Kate rubbed her hands together. She set Bonnie next to her, covering her small body with a plaid and then pulled her cat next to her.

  He smiled at the softness of her voice, but he couldn’t help wondering what she meant about the Goddess. Something about her was mysterious, and he knew she hid many sides of herself from him. She continued to pet the cat.

  “Lady Kate, is that your animal?”

  She jumped, not knowing that he’d sat next to her.

  “Aye, it is.”

  “I saw it the first night and thought it might be yours. What’s that around its neck?”

  “Ah, just a … ah, little trinket.” She continued to pet Trixie’s fur. “Are we going to reach the MacKinnon’s holding soon?”

  He regarded her for a moment before answering. She tried not to fluster over his question, but she didn’t do a good job of it. Whatever was around that cat’s neck made her tense.

  “We should reach home on the morrow. Why are you so anxious to reach my clan? Are you being followed?” He leaned casually on his knees, knees that were bared. Her eyes widened, but then she shifted her gaze to a safer place. He held her eyes with his wanting to laugh at her delightful bashfulness.

  “Nay, I just want to get Bonnie home. I promised her that I would see her arrive safely. Then I must go.”

  “Where must you go?”

  “To King Henry. I must see him about my father’s … about my wardship and other matters.”

  “Are ye married, Lady Kate?”

  “Nay, that’s another matter which I must speak to Henry about, one more painful issue piled atop the rest.” Her face became saddened.

  Brendan acted casually and fiddled with the ties on his boots. Now that he was on Highland soil, he could remove the dirt he’d placed in them before he’d left home. It was his long-standing habit to put Highland soil in his boots whenever he left the Highlands, that way his feet would never leave his beloved county’s soil. As he went about dumping his boots, he kept up the conversation.

  “Why do ye want to talk to Henry about marriage?”

  She looked at him oddly, while he went about his chore.

  “He settled a betrothal for me and I will soon marry. My father’s lands lay unprotected, because my overlord is away. I cannot await his return, and I had intended to ask the king to place me with my betrothed.”

  “There’s much more to this story?”

  “I can’t talk about it, but must see the king. I’ll speak to Bonnie’s father and then be on my way.” Kate lay next to Bonnie and went to sleep.

  Brendan fumed silently. He didn’t like what he’d heard. What the hell was going on? The lass was supposed to wed and was betrothed. Well, hell. Why did the thought of her marrying make him feel incensed? She had lands in England? The lass must be an heiress just as Julianna was. Did all women in England come with land? He didn’t know the goings on of that land. He hated England and didn’t venture there if he could help it, but he wouldn’t dislike the lass because she came from that hated country. Nay, he liked her just fine. A smile tugged at his lips.

  Gil approached Brendan from across the camp. “Ah, hell, Brendan, did ye just smile? You’re in for it now, the lass is going to turn you upside down. I’m glad, because you need a woman. Aye, she’ll make you smile and laugh, not to mention being a fine—”

  Brendan cut him off by gesturing in a lewd manner, which Gil laughed at. Brendan kept his eyes on Kate, while listening to Gil’s bullshit. It was true, he didn’t ordinarily laugh.

  “Shhh, quiet, Gil. Don’t wake them, and stop carping about this cosh. Have you set anyone to the watch? I’m going to take a walk and check, and then bathe in the loch.”

  Gil nodded, but he continued to bait him. “The lady seems to like ye. At least, she didn’t run away when she first saw you. I know she probably wanted to, because you’re not the type to attract a lass. Nay, ye scare them witless. Come to think on it, she did swoon.”

  Brendan’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t comment on Gil’s view. He was coarse and crass, yet underneath, he was a good man with a slightly sensitive side, rarely shown to anyone. His true nature wasn’t something he wanted known. He’d spent most of his life training to be a warrior. Nay, he wasn’t suitable for many women, but he was prideful in that he could at least protect his clan. He and his brothers grew up under their father’s formidable rules. Since his father had died, their clan prospered and his brother, Colin, had become a well respected laird.

  Though Brendan mainly kept to himself because of his father’s uncaring mien, his brothers were important to him, as were their wives and children. Over time, he had lost some of his abrasiveness, but he couldn’t help keeping his true self hidden. He supposed it became more of a habit to be so contentious.

  Gil spent much time with him, and Brendan considered him his closest friend. Since Brendan’s brothers had married and started families, he had spent more time carousing with Gil’s laird, Douglas Kerr. When Bonnie went missing, Douglas had given Gil leave to aid in the search. Though they were similar in size, his friend had lighter hair, and was always smiling. That damned smile irritated him, because it usually flocked the ladies to him. Brendan neither attracted the ladies, nor was he cheerful. But they were similar in their tastes, which made gallivanting around with Gil enjoyable. Gil would relish watching him blunder in dealing with the lady. He knew that Gil would assist anyway he could, and torment him to no end.

  Brendan felt the burden of his niece’s plight ease from his insides now that she was safely home. Once he had reached his land, he purposely had camped at the loch so the men could wash before going to the keep. He stripped off his tartan, and began scrubbing the paint off his body. After that chore was finished, he pulled out soap from his pouch and washed until he was finally clean. He lay on the bank and closed his eyes, drying himself in the late-night air. The coolness felt good on his skin and calmed him. He was happy to be home again.

  “Brendan?”

  He looked up and saw Gil. “Aye?”

  “What are ye going to do about the lass?”

  “What should I do about her? She’s here to explain to Colin what happened to Bonnie. There’s nothing more to it than that.” He sat up and looked at him questioning his manner.

  “Well, if you’re not interested, then—”

  “I don’t know if I am or not.” Brendan admitted that to himself, more so to Gil.

  “Aye, ye are.”

  “Then why are you asking?”

  “Just checking.” Gil threw his tartan at him, laughing.

  “Don’t ye have a lady waiting for you at Douglas’ keep?”

  “Mayhap I do, at least I hope Romy is there when I return.” Gil leaned forward on his knees, watching the loch, and Brendan punched his arm.

  Gil had spoken of the woman he’d met at the asylum where Douglas’ wife, Isabel, had been sent by her father. They’d gone to aid Douglas in rescuing her when he promised to retrieve his sister Candace’s friend, namely Isabel. They had married and his cousin seemed content with his wife.

  Brendan grinned, remembering the weeks that followed with Gil talking excessively about Romy. He had claimed he’d fallen in love and Brendan thought him as mad as his brothers. Still, Gil hadn’t returned to his clan, and didn’t seem to be in a rush to do so. Brendan sobered, recalling having a similar conversation about women with his cou
sin, Douglas, that he’d just had with Gil about Katie.

  He disregarded Gil and relaxed, letting the loch ease him. It felt good being home and he’d missed the solitude. He had searched for Bonnie for months, never considering that he’d actually find her. He’d hoped to hear news of her abduction then send word to Colin in Londontown, but he was glad it was over. His sweet niece was safe and sound and Colin would be happy, when he returned.

  Brendan had come to the realization that he’d never be a family man as his brother had become. Mayhap he’d spent too much time training as a warrior, or maybe he just wasn’t the type to marry and have a family. He had to admit though, that Lady Kate was beautiful enough, sweet enough, and courageous enough to make him change his mind.

  Chapter Seven

  They reached the MacKinnon holding the next day just before late afternoon. Kate held Bonnie and covered her with the plaid her uncle had given her to keep the sun from burning her tender skin. The guardsman at the portcullis frowned profoundly while the warrior spoke to him rapidly in another language, probably stating whom he had with him. The man’s face lit with a smile, he then shouted unknown words to the men who stood behind them, and walked away. The warrior turned to help Kate from his horse, careful not to rouse his niece.

  “I see you’ve returned, lad.”

  Kate turned at the sound of another man’s approach. She saw a dark-haired man with gray eyes, who had the look of the warrior in her vision. Perhaps this was the man with the heart that didn’t want anyone to know about it. He appeared older than he had in her vision.

  “Walt, it’s good to be home. How goes it?”

  The man, Walt, clapped the warrior on the back. “I’m doing well. Who is this?”

  “This is Lady Kaitlin Stanhope.” The warrior turned to her. “This is Walt, our good friend and commander-in-arms.”

  “My lady.” Walt bowed, and then placed a hand on the warrior’s shoulder. “Come by later, lad. I’d like to talk to ye, and haven’t seen you in months. Have you heard word of Bonnie?”

  The warrior nodded. “Aye, I found her, she’s beneath the cover. Her mother will raise the keep with her crying when she sees her.”

  Walt smiled broadly. “God Almighty, ‘tis good news, lad. Best go then and see to Julianna.” He walked away, whistling.

  “Keep Bonnie covered until we tell Julianna about her. I don’t want her to die from shock.” He motioned to her to enter the keep.

  Kate did as she was told and kept Bonnie covered. She entered a large hall, which was clean and adorned with banners. The castle had a homey feel to it. A fire in the hearth lent its warmth to the coziness. The warrior gestured at her to sit and he left. She sat alone in the hall and idly looked around the hall. She noticed the floor reflected a shine and the furnishings gleamed. Kate readjusted Bonnie on her lap, but the child slept like a baby, drooling on her bodice. If Bonnie knew where she was, Kate thought, she’d be yelling down the keep.

  The warrior returned with a beautiful lady whose long hair was pulled back with a tie, but Kate could see its length swing behind her. She started to stand, but he motioned for her to remain seated. Kate did as he requested, and the lady sat next to her. Her face reflected an odd look, as though she tried to reason why Kate was there.

  “Welcome to our home, I’m Julianna MacKinnon. Brendan tells me you brought a gift.”

  Kate’s eyes widened hearing the warrior’s name. She’d been with Bonnie’s uncle, Brendan, all the while, the man with a heart who didn’t want anyone to know about it. He was standing right next to her and she turned a frown at him. “You’re the man with a … oh, good Goddess, save me.”

  “Pardon me, what did you say?” Julianna’s brows furrowed at Kate’s rude remark.

  If this warrior had a heart beneath that hard-looking body, she’d be stewed for supper. She smacked her forehead, realizing she was judging again. So the man painted his body like a heathen, but wasn’t it similar to her praying to her ancestor’s spirits, the Goddess and Gods? Nay, he was definitely not of the same gentle manner as she. Besides, he raided her country, and he looked arduous. Why did she feel attracted to him? Was she attracted to him? “Good Goddess, I am.”

  “Lady Kaitlin?”

  Kate blushed at her affront. She hadn’t realized that she’d prayed and spoken aloud, or that she had become immersed in her thoughts.

  “Oh, um … I do apologize, Lady MacKinnon. Please forgive me for my lack of manners. I am happy to meet you finally. I’m Kaitlin Stanhope of Cheshire, England. I do have something for you.”

  “Kaitlin, what a bonny name. So what have you there?” Julianna leaned closer, with a look of dismay on her pretty face.

  The lady seemed in shock at having an Englishwoman sitting at her table, probably because her brother in-law, Brendan, had brought her home. She likely considered her to be a lady of vulgar manners or ill repute. Lady Julianna kept looking from her to Brendan.

  Brendan took the seat next to her. She grimaced at the way he sat too closely on the bench, and it made her feel awkward. His body pressed against hers, causing her to move aside.

  “Julianna, God sent this lass to Bonnie and—”

  “Bonnie? Oh, my … is she … she … dead?” Julianna began weeping into her hands.

  “Nay, nay, my lady, she’s well, truly. In fact—”

  “You’ve seen her? Where is she?”

  “Julianna, let the lass finish and she’ll tell you all.” Brendan’s voice rose with impatience.

  Kate gave him a hard glance for speaking to Lady Julianna that way.

  “Oh, I do apologize, Lady Kaitlin, please continue.”

  Kate smiled. “I have brought your daughter home.”

  “You have? Where is she then?” Julianna stood, looking toward the door. “Is she outside?”

  “Nay, she’s right here, beneath the plaid.” She pulled back the woolen cover to reveal the sleeping child. Lady Julianna’s eyes widened when she viewed her daughter. Kate placed Bonnie in her mother’s arms, who looked at her lovingly, then wept.

  “She looks thin and frail. Oh, her wee face is so sweet. It’s hard to believe I am actually holding her, seeing her.” Julianna whispered, trying not to wake her daughter. “It has been months since she went missing and I never thought to see her again.” She cried harder, and her shaking woke Bonnie.

  Bonnie opened her eyes and started crying. “Mama.”

  They hugged and bawled, oblivious to Brendan and Kate.

  “Darling, I’ve missed ye. You don’t know how happy I am to see you,” Julianna whispered against her daughter’s head.

  “Mama, I missed ye, too. I’m sorry I didn’t listen and stay in the tent. Is Papa angry?”

  Julianna smiled, hugging her tightly. “Nay, love, he’s not angry with you. In fact, you’re going to make him very happy.” Her eyes rose to Kate’s, holding a look of love.

  “Where is he?” Bonnie shouted as loud as she could. “Papa, Papa, I’m home.”

  “He’s still in England searching for you, Button. Brendan will you send someone—”

  “I all ready have, several days ago, when I found these two in the woods. I met Burk at the gate and told him to expect Colin’s arrival.” Brendan remained stone-faced.

  Kate couldn’t believe that he wasn’t affected by the mother and daughter’s reunion, she was about to cry buckets over the joy of it. Nay, she definitely shouldn’t be attracted to a man like him. Why would she even consider such?

  “How did you find her, Lady Kaitlin?”

  “I’m sorry, Lady MacKinnon, but I should like to await your husband’s return before I reveal all that happened. It’s a long story. Do you mind if we await him?”

  Julianna’s gaze went to Brendan’s before she answered. “Nay, I have my daughter back, that’s all that matters. Just look at you, you both need tender care. I’ll have a bath and food sent up. Bonnie, let’s show Kaitlin your chamber.” Bonnie shuffled off her mama’s lap, taking Kate’s hand. T
hey left without a word to Brendan.

  *****

  Kate stood in the hall, waiting for Lady MacKinnon’s return. She admired the beautifully sewn banners that hung on the walls and thought about her plan. Calling them by different names would aid her in not having to reveal Lord Richard’s name. She wanted to reach King Henry first and gain his promise to look into her father’s death. If she told the MacKinnons, Lord Richard’s name, she would never know if he had actually killed her father. Desperation to find the truth outweighed her sensibility. If the Highlanders found out his name, they would search him out and kill him before she had a chance to prove Richard’s guilt. The truth would die with him. Always having a keen sense, she knew Richard had to be responsible, and somehow she would verify it. She owed that to her father, didn’t she?

  She was so deep in thought that she hadn’t noticed Brendan standing by the door watching her. When she turned, she saw him. Kate stared at him attentively and realized she was looking at her vision. Her vision stood before her very eyes, the gray-eyed, dark-haired warrior. Why hadn’t she realized it before? This morn when she’d awakened, she was so preoccupied with arriving at the MacKinnon keep, she hadn’t noticed he’d washed the war-paint from his body, and she hadn’t dared to pay attention to his form. Even his body resembled that of her vision. With the door opened wide, and what with the way he stood there with his arms folded over his chest, and the sun shining behind him, he looked exactly like her vision.

  Goddess help her, she would swoon. Kate swayed on her feet and was about to fall to the floor. How he reached her side before she did so, she’d never know.

  “Are you unwell, Lady Kaitlin?”

  She felt his strong hands supporting her, and she looked at his face, shaking her head. Lord, he was a tall, well-built man. His muscles bulged against his tunic. His hair dark was nearly black. With his hair and body cleaned of its paint, she took him in. She realized her mouth was agape and closed it. He made her knees weak and her pulse race. Was it fear or something else which caused her intense reaction? Unfamiliar emotions stirred a mixture of havoc within her.