Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  Colin looked at him and grinned. “Aye, so when are you going do it?”

  “This night.”

  “She’ll have to agree, Brendan.”

  “She will, somehow.”

  Colin caught Bonnie as she ran toward them and threw herself at him. He moved to the table. Brendan joined them and reached for another cup.

  “Button, your uncle needs loving. Why don’t you sit with him awhile?”

  “Aye, Papa.” Bonnie crawled onto Brendan’s lap.

  Brendan continued to watch his woman dance with Gil. She seemed to be enjoying herself, a little too much in his opinion. Everything about Kate made him cheerful, the way she moved, the way she laughed, and the way her eyes smiled.

  “Uncle, why are ye angry?”

  “I’m not angry with you, fairy.” He touched her chin.

  “Who are you angry with?”

  “Gil.”

  “Why, did he do something bad?” She reached her hand behind his neck and gave him a gentle pat. He frowned at the gesture, which usually made him feel patronized.

  “Because he’s dancing with Kate.”

  “Why don’t you dance with her?”

  “I don’t dance.”

  “Mama said you danced with her once. You want me to get ‘em to dance with me instead?”

  “Would you?” He felt guilty for using his sweet niece in such a way. “Nay, never mind.” But before he could stop her, Bonnie jumped from his lap and scurried across the room. He watched Gil release Kate then lift Bonnie. Brendan smiled at his clever niece. She waved to him from across the room, and he lifted his cup in salute. He heard her giggle.

  Colin stood near his table and conversed with Julianna and Sara, but Brendan hadn’t paid much attention to them, until he heard his name.

  Sara looked at the scene of the dancers. “Julianna, what’s going on? I can’t believe it, I just saw Brendan MacKinnon smile.” She cupped her hand over her mouth, but Brendan’s hearing was superb.

  “Aye, he even laughed yesterday,” Julianna confided.

  “’Tis a miracle.”

  “Nay, ‘tis Kate.”

  “Poor Brendan.” Sara laughed.

  Colin shook his head at their comments and gave him an apologetic look. Brendan didn’t let their womanly gossip bother him. He couldn’t stand to see Katie without his plaid on, it was driving him deranged. Before marching off toward her, he turned and looked at Colin. He reached behind him, opened the trunk, and took out a plaid. Then he marched to her.

  “I asked you to wear this plaid.” He held the plaid out to her. Kate smiled at him and touched his arm. He instantly unwound.

  “You did? I don’t recall.”

  “Aye, you know damned well that I did. I want you to put it on.” His tone hardened, and he shoved the plaid at her.

  She took it. “What if I don’t do as you say?”

  “Then I’ll drag you out of here again and put it on you myself. Or better yet, I’ll make sure the only thing you’re wearing is me and my plaid.” He waited.

  She humphed and quickly placed the plaid over her shoulder, the way Julianna wore hers, and looked at him with fire in her eyes.

  “You look lovely.” Brendan fixed the pleat on her shoulder, placed his arm behind her, and pulled her against him. He knew Colin was about to make an announcement.

  Colin jumped onto the table and held up his arm, indicating his request for quietness. The hall became still with silence.

  “Clan of MacKinnon, I stand before you the happiest man. I’m blessed with the women in my life. My wife Jules, you’re the love of my heart. My daughter, Bonnie, I love you, Button. And the newest member of our clan, Kate, who will be considered a MacKinnon from this day forward. There are not enough riches in the world to repay you for bringing our daughter back. You are a lass of valor. For all that you endured for the sake of our child, ‘tis only right that we call you a MacKinnon.”

  Brendan smiled at the speech, mainly because Colin had gotten better at making speeches. But his smiled widened more so when his clan began chanting, lass’ valor. Katie lowered her head, looking confounded and she blushed. Brendan leaned forward and kissed her hard for several minutes, before she thought to push him away. She moved away hastily, before he had a chance to stop her. Brendan heard Colin’s laughter, when he sat back down at the table. He watched Katie speaking to Bonnie, and she’d lifted her up. Their heads touched and they whispered. His demeanor softened, seeing them together.

  A short while later, Katie had taken a seat at the end of the table, she hummed along to the tune the musicians played. Bonnie sat on her lap and was almost asleep.

  Brendan nudged Colin’s arm. “It’s time.”

  “Are you certain, Brendan? Mayhap you should give it more thought and give her more time to become accustomed to the idea. Father Tomas can come back later. There is always tomorrow.”

  “Nay, I’m ready. I want to get it done tonight.” He advanced toward his adversary who sat unaware for the moment. Just how would he get her to say the words? “Katie, I need to speak to you.”

  Kate handed Bonnie to Tess and followed him. He stopped a short distance away, waiting for her to stand beside him. Father Tomas stood by them, and he blocked her view of the clergyman. She started to greet him, but Brendan stepped in front of her.

  “Katie.” He turned his back on the older gentleman, needing another minute or two to collect himself and to explain. She glared at him. He took her hand, placing the edge of his plaid over their joined hands. Her glare turned to a chaotic look.

  “What do you want?” She tried to pull her hand away, but he held fast.

  Colin and Julianna stood by Father Tomas, looking at her with smiles. He thought they would give him away, but remarkably, they didn’t say anything. She turned to glare at him again, and he squeezed her hand tenderly. Kate appeared awkward, what with the onlookers around them. She curiously eyed him and his eyes bore into hers, but then he looked at Colin briefly. His brother gave him a nod, as if to say get on with it.

  “Katie, you don’t have to worry about meeting with King Henry about your betrothed. I’m honored that you brought Bonnie home and are so brave, you have more courage than anyone I know. I honor you by pledging myself to you this day. I’ll protect you with my life for the rest of my days.”

  “I don’t believe I ever heard you speak so many words, Brendan.”

  “Tell me you love me.” He squeezed her hand, and kept his face serene.

  “What are you talking about, Brendan?” Kate cast him a heart-fallen look.

  Brendan knew her panic had set in. He watched her stiffen, and she glanced to those who stood nearby. She tried to pull her hand from his, but he wouldn’t let go.

  “You love me, Katie, admit it. I want to hear you say the words.” He waited, giving her a stern look, willing her to say that she loved him.

  “Do I? Oh, I do, don’t I? It’s because of the vision. I do love you, Brendan MacKinnon. How is it you know and … I didn’t? I don’t know why, you are the most arrogant man. What does my betrothal have to do with this? Oh, Goddess help me, the king will be wrath. Why aren’t you saying anything? You’re exactly like my vision—”

  Brendan leaned forward and kissed her, saving her from making a complete fool of herself. And it wasn’t his usual suck-the-breath-out-of-you kiss, but a sweet sensual one that she couldn’t help returning. Father Thomas mumbled in the background, but she didn’t seem to hear him.

  She shoved him away and returned to the table. Loud cheers rose in the hall, and she became embarrassed by their stares. Mayhap she wondered why they were looking at her so strangely. He knew she believed he’d just announced their betrothal to his clan, but he’d done more than that.

  When he asked Father Tomas to allow them say their own vows, the Father hadn’t questioned him. All was needed was to hear her declaration of love, which was why he’d provoked her. It had been much easier than he’d thought it would be. She said the word
s and made him happy.

  Brendan sat across the hall, watching her for a long time. As he sat there, he pondered his actions and hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. When Katie found out what he’d done, she was likely going to become angry. It was too late now, because he’d cast his fate. The celebration went well into the night. Many of the clan’s people spoke to her, congratulating her on her nuptials. Some of the older ladies touched her hair and said blessings of fertility. Thankfully, they had spoken to her in Gaelic, and she hadn’t understood them, for if she had, she wouldn’t be sitting so happily across the room. He almost laughed aloud when she thanked them for their kindness.

  Colin sat beside him. “Brendan, I’m really happy for you. I know that da’s relationship with our mother affected us, and I had never thought any of us would marry because of it. Now here we are, all married. I’m proud of you for doing the right thing.”

  Brendan scowled. “You’re talking like a woman again. Being around your wife has turned you soft. Och, you’re right, I never thought I’d marry. Look at her, Colin. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and is probably wealthy. What have I to offer the woman?”

  “You are one of the bravest men I know. Kate won’t need riches, just a man who will honor her and protect her. Is that not what you pledged today?”

  “Aye, but I’m thinking she’s going to raise holy hell when she finds out.”

  “Too late now. I should take Bonnie off to bed, and you should take your lass to bed, too.”

  Bonnie fell asleep on Kate’s lap, and Kate looked as though she’d nod off as well. Colin approached and lifted his daughter. Brendan stood behind him.

  “Come, Katie, you’re tired, I’ll walk you to your cottage,” Brendan told her.

  “Nay, the last time you did, you almost … Well, I’m certain I can find my own way.”

  “You’ll get lost in the dark. Nay, I’ll make sure you arrive safely.” He didn’t give her a choice, but pulled her from her chair.

  “All right, very well, Brendan.” Kate couldn’t walk fast enough, but he had no trouble keeping up with her.

  “Katie, we should discuss what happened at the celebration.”

  “What is there to discuss? I never agreed to anything, Brendan Good night.”

  They had arrived at her cottage, and he released her hand. Kate opened her door, and then slammed it in his face. He laughed at her display of wit. Unknowingly, she had just shut out her husband. A feeling of happiness made him smile, and he grinned, thinking it may take him some time to get back inside that door.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Brendan was completely miserable. The two days following the celebration, Kate kept her distance. He decided to give her time to adjust to his family before he shocked her with the truth. Bonnie kept her busy, and he wasn’t around much, which made his task easier. Julianna told him that she had just left the hall with Bonnie, and they went to visit Tess. He relaxed, and ate the remainder of his food. Colin sat beside him at the table, discussing retaliation plans.

  “You still haven’t found out? What’s taking you so long, Brendan? You said you would get the name of that churlish-dog.” Colin pounded his fist on the table.

  “She’ll tell me eventually. I haven’t seen her since the celebration,” Brendan confessed.

  Colin had just taken a large gulp of ale, and at Brendan’s admission, he spit it out. “What?” He swiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You have rendered me speechless, Brendan. Are you telling me that you have not bedded your wife?”

  “Damn it, nay. I haven’t had the heart to tell her we’re married. She probably thinks we’re betrothed. I’m giving her time to—”

  Colin jeered at him. “We don’t have time for this cosh, Brendan. You need to find out who the dog is. It’s time you came clean and told her the truth. Damnation, tell her that you are not betrothed to her, but married. I cannot believe I agreed to this. She saved my daughter’s life and I owe the woman, look what I allowed to happen. I am not happy about this at all. You have to tell her the truth.”

  “All right, Colin, I’ll tell her, and then I’ll get the man’s name. For Christ’s sake, stop badgering me.” Brendan hadn’t meant to shout his frustration.

  Julianna entered the hall and stopped upon seeing them. She hurried to the table and gave Colin a kiss before turning to him. “Brendan, I need your help.”

  “What’s amiss, Julianna?”

  “Kate’s cat is in the kitchen, and it’s hissing at everyone. How did it get out again? I don’t know where Kate is, and Dame Hester won’t be cooking our supper until I get it out of there. Will you return the animal to her cottage?”

  Brendan’s jaw ground, and he took his seat again. Why didn’t she ask Colin? He was her husband, damn it all. Besides, he was a trained warrior, not a simpleminded fop to do such a mundane chore like retrieving a cat from the kitchens. And he was giving the lass some well-needed space. Now he would have to take the damned cat to her. He supposed it was his responsibility—the cat did belong to his wife. He nodded at Julianna and stormed off toward the kitchen.

  “There it is!” Julianna screeched. The furry thing crouched under a wooden table.

  “I see it,” he said testily.

  The cat hissed at them. Dame Hester stood aside, yelling for him to get it.

  “You get it,” he told Julianna.

  “Nay, you. Are you afraid?”

  “To hell with that.” Brendan knelt down, grabbed the cat by its tail and yanked it out. He held it under its front arms, and heard Julianna and Dame Hester laughing as he left.

  When he reached her cottage, he stood beside the opened door, and was about to walk in when he heard his niece’s cry. A small cauldron sat on the blazing fire in the hearth. Kate stood by it, adding the ingredients needed to make the paste to soothe the child.

  “I’ll just add a pinch of a yarrow root to ward off infection, and pinch of anis to soothe the sting. Oh, and a drop of wax to the mix to make it stick to ye. How did you get stung, lovey?”

  Bonnie whimpered beside her. “That lad, Sean, chased me again.” She wailed, holding her arm in the air as though it might fall off. “I ran to the tree and didn’t see it. It hurts, Kate, make it stop.”

  “It’ll take a few moments for the potion to simmer then we’ll make you all better.” Kate stirred the liquid, which formed into a thick paste. She slopped some into a small bowl and blew on it to cool it off. After applying the substance to Bonnie’s arm, she set the bowl aside. “There, how does that feel?”

  “Better, Kate. I knew you could fix me. Sean best not come near me, ‘cause next time I’ll make him get warts.”

  Kate laughed and petted his niece’s hair.

  Brendan watched silently with a smug smile on his face. Was she a witch? The only person he knew that used potions was Jinny, and he thought her a witch. Anyone who could heal with such knowledge was considered such. Jinny brewed potions of all sorts, and cared for their clan’s illnesses. Many clansmen were leery of her, but even so, they often sought her when they needed medicinal attention. Brendan admired her skill, and knew Jinny was just as superstitious as he was.

  He followed his ancestor’s practices to the limit. Luckily, he’d spoken to the elders and learned what he most wanted to know—details about how they went into battle. That’s how he learned what symbols to paint on his body, and to put soil in his boots. Dame Hester had told him that her husband often did so, because he never wanted his feet to leave his beloved Highland soil. After hearing that tale, Brendan had taken up the practice and honored Harold’s habit. He recalled Colin’s strange look, when he’d seen him do it over the years. His discovery of Katie being a witch comforted him. He set the cat down and continued to listen.

  “If the boy keeps bothering ye, you can fix it so he won’t.” Kate giggled.

  “How can I do that?” Bonnie asked.

  “You have to ask that after what we did to Lady D?”

  Bonnie laughed with a touch
of devilry in her voice. “Nay, I’ll take care of ‘em. He’ll not bother me after I …”

  “Now, don’t do anything too bad. You know your father won’t be happy about it, and you don’t want to have to sit in his chair.”

  “I won’t, Kate.”

  Kate gave her an I-don’t-believe-you-look and laughed. “Oh Trixie, there you are. I thought I left you at the keep.” She petted the cat and began collecting her herbs from the table.

  “Maybe I’ll put thistles under Shawn’s plaid.”

  Bonnie laughed at Kate’s expression, which made him grin. His niece ran through the doorway on her way to make plans for the poor lad Sean, and almost knocked him over. She waved to him, and kept moving. He saw Emma turn the bend ahead, and she shouted for Bonnie to wait for her. Bonnie’s attendant couldn’t keep up with her and chased after her. When would the lass ever learn?

  Kate stood beside the doorway, watching his niece run amidst the light rain. Brendan waited for her to acknowledge him. He filled the space in the doorway, and she backed up a step. He took his time admiring her pretty face, beautiful hair, and the clandestine look in her eyes. His body came alive, just standing near to her.

  “Good afternoon, Katie.”

  She frowned at him, and blocked his entrance. “Benton. What do you want?”

  “Lass, when are you going to give up the farce?”

  “What farce, my lord?”

  “Never mind, may I come in?”

  “It wouldn’t be proper.”

  “Aye, it would.” He pushed the door open wider and shifted her with his arm.

  “If you think just because we’re betrothed—”

  He kissed her quickly, cutting her off. Brendan could feel her looking at him when he passed by. His tartan didn’t cover much of him, and his soft-brown tunic’s sleeves were rolled to his biceps. Her eyes moved quickly to a more modest part of his body, and her face brightened at her own boldness.

  Brendan sat at the table, knowing she gawked at his back. His damned manhood knew, too. He wanted to talk to her, and didn’t need his sexual longing intruding. Not only did he wish to talk of their marriage, but he wanted to find out why she’d been placed in the care of her guardian. Henry should never have allowed Kate to go to the guardian, but if he hadn’t, Kate wouldn’t have saved his nice and she might have by now wed the Barclay.