Highland Christmas

by Coulter, J. Lee

  Highland Christmas

  By

  J. Lee Coulter

  Published by J. Lee Coulter

  Copyright 2012 J. Lee Coulter

  Cover art courtesy of Canstockphotos.com

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter One

  "Who do ye think he is?" whispered the lass.

  Her older brother shook his head. "I do nae ken but he looks ta be injured. We should fetch Maither. She will heal him." Glancing at the grey sky above, he knew he needed to take wee Mary home before it released it's fury. He had no wish to abandon the stranger but his sister was only six-years-old. He had to see to her first. With his decision made, he quickly put together a fire to warm the man and ward off predators. He took Mary's hand in his to hurry her home. She pulled back in alarm.

  "What are ye doing, Michael? We cannot leave the poor man all alone!"

  Michael turned to her in frustration. He did not need her childish reasoning right now. They must hurry. "We are nae deserting him, Mary, but I must get ye home and bring back help. We are nae strong enough ta move him by ourselves. Now come along quickly so we may find some aide."

  The snow began drifting down a few moments before they reached their hut. Michael practically drug his sister to the door as she began catching snowflakes in her hand, delaying him further.

  "Come along, Mary. We must aide the man we left behind." With a guilty look for forgetting about him, she ran the rest of the way home, bursting through the door.

  "Maither, Maither," she cried as she ran inside. "We found a man sleeping in the snow!"

  Meg put a hand to her aching back as she straightened. She was bone weary from her daily chores and now she had this exuberant child bouncing in spouting nonsense to her. She raised a dubious blonde brow at her daughter then spotted Michael entering their cramped quarters.

  "What silliness have ye concocted this day, my sweet?"

  "She speaks true, Maither. There is an injured man lying near the burn a half league from here. We came ta get your help."

  Meg gave her son a hard stare. These past two years had been a struggle for them. If only their faither had not been killed on that raid into MacDonald land. Now they expected her to take in a stranger and feed him as well. How could she? But , then again, how could she not? It was the Christian thing to do. She sighed. It would be getting dark soon.

  "Hitch Maisy ta the cart, Michael. And be quick about it." Gathering blankets and a few supplies she might need, Meghan met him outside the door. "There is stew in the hearth and bread in the cupboard. See ta your sister until I return."

  "But Maither, he is a large man. Ye will need my strength ta help ye."

  "Nay, Michael. I need ye here looking after Mary. God willing, I will manage. He's at the burn we picnic at?"

  "Aye. I built him a fire but it will nae last long. Please hurry!"

  "Nae worries, son. I will return afore ye ken it." She hurried the cart off at a brisk trot as she studied the darkening sky. The snow still fell lightly but that would not last much longer. She had to return before it worsened.

  Michael had marked the path well and she was soon standing over the injured man. He was certainly right about the size of him. How am I ta get him in the cart? Frustrated, she knelt in the snow and checked for injuries. All that she found was a cut and a lump on his right temple. He groaned.

  "Sir knight. Can ye hear me? I have come ta give ye aide but ye must help me. I can nae lift ye into my cart, ye must help." His eyes fluttered open a crack. Meg smiled as she helped him struggle to his feet and into the cart. Tucking the blankets securely about his shivering body, she headed for home. Later that eve as she warmed herself near the hearth, she studied the man they had rescued. He had not awakened but the once. Michael had helped her get him into the crofter’s hut. Not an easy task for a nine-year- old boy and a five foot three widow.

  She could see by his clothing that he was a man of some import. He remained quite attractive for someone pushing sixty, as well. Meg shook her head to clear her thoughts. She was not searching for a man. At her age of twenty-five, her child-bearing years would soon end. No man wanted such on old wife. She rose to go to her pallet when a large hand grasped her wrist in an iron hold.

  "Who are ye, lass? Where am I?"

  Staring pointedly at her wrist, Meg replied, "Is this the manner of treatment ye give when offered a helping hand?"

  He released her instantly. "Forgive me, m'lady. I was nae clear-headed when I awoke."

  "I am Meghan MacCauley and ye be in my home. Are ye hungry...thirsty? I have stew over the fire if you are of a mind ta have some Sir...?"

  The old knight studied her for a moment, wondering if he should trust her with his name. Grunting, he allowed for some leniency. "William, my lady, and aye, I would welcome some sustenance." As she bustled around preparing his meal, William rose cautiously and sat at the table. "Where be your husband?"

  She stiffened. "Lachlan was killed just two years past. I have nae bothered with another."

  Placing the fare before him, Meg retreated to the hearth. "Tell me, Sir William, how did ye come ta be on MacCauley land without so much as a steed?"

  His brow arched. "Ye did nae find my mount?"

  "There was naught but ye in the place where my children found ye. Your horse must have run off."

  "Tis just as well. The auld nag and I did nae see eye ta eye. Tis the cause of my current predicament." His eyes twinkled with merriment.

  Meg glanced away uneasily. He was a big man and as stout as they come. She was alone, save for the bairns, and no match for this man if he decided to assault her. She twisted her fingers as she tried to figure out where to let him sleep for the night. The lean-to that served as a stable was out of the question as the winds howled outside the door. It wasn't even fit for their horse!

  William studied her beneath his brow as he ate. It did not take an astute man to see her dilemma and know the cause of her anxiety. He would leave as soon as the weather cleared.

  "Ye have naught ta fear, lass. I would nae harm ye."

  "I do nae fear ye," she lied. "I was simply figuring out where ta let ye rest. There is nae helping it though, ye will use my bed and I will retire with the bairns in the loft."

  He leapt to his feet. "I would nae push ye from your bed, my lady! I can use the loft...or the stable."

  She shook her head. "Ye would nae fit in the loft, and the stable is nae fit for man or beast. Nay, my solution is best."

  Seeing that she was right, he acquiesced. Settling back in the chair, he sipped his ale. "Tell me, Lady Meghan, why do ye live out here all alone? Ye are a beautiful young lass who could have your pick of any man. Why hide out in the forest?"

  "Ye are mistaken, Sir William. I am neither young nor a lady...who would want me? I was wed to a knight once and it was nae pleasant. Why would I wish ta repeat that? At least now I can do as I please and answer ta nae one but God. Besides, nae man of worth would ever look my way when he sees only a widowed healer with two young children. Nay. I do nae have a need for that."

  "I can nae agree with your assessment, lass. I ken nae your late husband, but he was a fool ta
mistreat ye. As for the other...when ye near my age, then ye may call yourself auld. I would say ye are in the prime of life right now, naught more."

  Meg yawned. It had been a long day for her and morning came early. Pulling her tartan closer about her shoulders, she walked to the ladder.

  "I will nae argue the point with ye, my lord. I find that I am in need of some rest so I bid ye good eve. If ye need anything feel free ta fetch it."

  "I thank ye for your hospitality, my lady. Rest well."

  Nodding, she retired for the night.

  William perused her small hut. She needs much but I believe her pride refuses aide. I must repay her kindness in some manner. But how? A wide grin spread across his lips as a solution came to mind. Ahh...tis good ta be king!

  William rose before dawn to the sound of horses in the yard. Upon venturing outside he found his entourage approaching, leading his wayward steed. He halted them with a gesture as he strolled towards the tired guard.

  “I see ye have found me, Fergus.”

  “Aye, Sire. Are ye well?”

  “Thanks ta this family...aye. I must reward them once I return ta the castle.” Arching his brow, he queried,”Do ye ken where my cousin might be?”

  “I heard that he was at the Sutherland’s rejecting another bride.”

  William chuckled. “Good! Send a runner ta fetch him! I would speak ta him on an urgent matter when I return home.”

  “Aye, your majesty, twill be done.”

  Chapter Two

  "Maither! Maither! My man is gone!" wailed Mary in her ear as she opened her eyes groggily.

  "What are ye blabbering about, Mary?"

  "My snow man is gone! Did ye nae hear me?" she cried even louder.

  Stretching, she made her way down to the main floor and looked about. Sure enough, Sir William had left. It was just as well. He was not hurt badly and the skies had cleared. He would do well.

  The snows began in earnest a few days later and continued for a week thereafter. Meg was beginning to worry as it became harder each day just to reach the stable and tend to her mare and chickens. If only the wind would stop blowing. Even that would be helpful. She eyed her dwindling peat stacked in the corner. If they ran out of that then they would freeze. There was no way to gather more in this weather. With a heavy heart she returned to the task of kneading her dough.

  "Michael, I wish ta play outside in the snow. Mayhap we can find my snow man again!"

  He shook his head. "Nay, Mary. The snow is too deep." He gave her his best authoritative look. He was three years her senior, after all. "We will have ta wait until the sun comes out. Play with your doll til sup is ready while I see ta my chores."

  Her lip stuck out in a pout for a brief moment. "Do ye think that he is well?"

  He glanced up from his work in irritation. "Silly bairn. Of course he is well...he is a knight, after all! He can look after himself."

  Mary was silent for a few moments as she considered his words. Shaking her head, she replied, "He did nae do a verra good job of it when we found him."

  Meg chuckled as she listened to their conversation. Sometimes her youngest was wise beyond her years. She felt blessed to have these children in spite of the treatment she received from their father. He had been a harsh man...even in his reactions to his bairns. They were happier now without him around.

  "Come children and wash for sup. It grows late."

  The sun rose with the dawn scattering the storm clouds away toward the horizon. Michael had managed to clear a path to the stable and opened up a space so Mary could venture outdoors, as well. She entertained herself by twirling about repeatedly until she grew dizzy, then laughed at herself as she fell, unharmed in the snow bank. Her brother smiled while gathering eggs as he listened to her antics. It was only twenty minutes later that he noticed that she had grown quiet. He wondered if she had become chilled and returned to the fire but did not think it likely. Nearing the stable door, he heard voices speaking to her...men's voices. Alarmed, he peered around the door to see his sister conversing with a merchant and his helper.

  Spotting her brother, she squealed, "Look Michael! I have found two snow men this time! Is it nae grand?"

  The men turned toward him. The merchant smiled in greeting. "Young master! I am Angus MacInnes and this be Connor MacGee, my aide. I wish ta ken if I may impose on ye? My pack horse has turned lame and I need ta get my wares ta market. Would ye have a horse that I may borrow? I would pay ye well."

  Michael studied the man. He looked to be around forty and a bit portly. He grinned as he thought "Tis a wonder his own steed still stands". His aide was another story. He was young...maybe thirty, with a strong build and broad shoulders. Some would call him handsome, he supposed.

  "Ye will need ta ask my maither. Tis nae my decision ta make. Please come inside and warm yourselves by the fire, sirs. Ye may speak with her there about the horse."

  Meg's back was turned when she heard them enter. "Mind ye ta wipe your feet afore ye traipse through and get everything wet." She spun around in alarm when she heard a man clearing his throat. "Who are ye?"

  Before they could answer, Mary spoke up. "These are my new friends, Maither...Angus and Connor. I have found two snow men this time." She puffed up proudly at this accomplishment.

  Flustered, she didn't know what to say. The portly man was obviously a merchant, but the other...? Her heart began picking up speed as her eyes traveled the length of him, all six foot three of him, settling on the greenest eyes she had ever seen. He was taking measure of her at the same time and was well pleased.

  The king did nae mention that she was beautiful as well! I think I am going ta enjoy this task. His eyes twinkled as they locked with her own aqua orbs. She glanced away quickly, blood pounding in her ears.

  "Please, sirs, warm yourselves while I fetch ye some ale. We do nae have much but I can offer some fresh bread and cheese...if ye are hungered."

  Angus settled near the hearth as he replied. "Do nae trouble yourself, mistress. Ale will be fine." As they drank the refreshment Angus retold their predicament, while Connor continued studying her.

  "I am sorry Angus, but my mare is nae strong enough ta carry your load. She is too auld and weak."

  "I see. Then I will need ta take your mount Connor. Ye can wait here for my return."

  "Nay!" she yelled. "He can nae stay here! Tis nae proper!"

  "Proper or nae...he will stay. I must deliver my goods. If it bothers ye so much, he can sleep in the stable and help with the chores. I will pay ye with peat, food and his labor for the duration of his stay."

  Her eyes widened in fear as they locked with his once again. A wide grin spread over his face as Mary danced around them chattering with excitement. How was she to resist such a temptation if he let loose his charms on her?

  "Do we truly get ta keep him, Maither? Will he be here for Christmas Tide? First-footing? What wondrous luck ta have a tall, dark man for that!" Mary clapped her hands as she bounced from one foot to the other.

  "Child, be still! We are most certainly nae keeping him!" Meghan snapped at her. "Ye can nae stay here! I will nae allow it!" She said as she turned her attention back to Connor.

  His green eyes hardened as he spoke to her for the first time. "I am afraid it can nae be helped, my lady. Angus must deliver his wares on time. The king is one person ye do nae wish ta disappoint."

  She did not need to know that Connor and the supplies used for payment were the wares that Angus spoke about...and she was the recipient. Such a stubborn lass! Still...I will assess her and make my decision then. She has a fine spirit...a mark in her favor. Turning to Angus, he said, "I will transfer the packs ta my horse, Angus. Ye can be on your way in a short while." Giving her a stern look, he left with Mary hot on his heels, chattering a mile a minute.

  "He is an honorable man, my lady. He will nae abuse his station here...or molest ye...if that be what ye fear. Put his strong back ta good use. Surely, there are some repairs that ye wish done." W
hile Meghan fumed over the situation he finished his ale then joined Connor outside. His beady eyes darted about the yard to assure himself that the children were not about. In a low voice he queried, "Well, my lord, what think ye thus far? She is a real beauty, eh?"

  Connor growled at him. "Guard your tongue man! The king would nae be pleased if his plans are revealed!"

  "Aye, I ken. But he will want an accounting of your first impressions."

  He was right, of course. Busying himself tying the packs on his steed, he gave it some thought. "She is very pleasing ta the eye but it takes more than looks ta capture a heart." He paused. "I do admire her spirit and it takes courage ta raise two young bairns alone in the woods...especially for a woman! Aye. She has intrigued me...ye may tell him that much. I will need ta see more before a decision is made but ye may tell him ta prepare a betrothal contract. If she be agreeable when the time comes, then we will sign it...but only if she agrees."

  "Then ye must charm her, my lord." Angus chuckled to himself as he rode off to report to the king.

  Connor enlisted the aide of the children as he began transporting the goods to the hut. Meg said nothing until their fourth trip inside. She was astonished at the amount of items as her cramped space grew even smaller.

  "Must ye store all your goods here? Can nae some of it fit in the stable?"

  Glancing at her, he shook his head. "This is your payment, my lady. If ye wish some of it stored elsewhere ye will need ta sort through it and decide that for yourself. I will be happy ta move whatever ye wish. There be one more load ta bring in but being as it is peat, I could store some of it in the stable."

  Her eyes rounded. "Tis too much for such a short stay." Her mouth began to salivate as she spied a ham hock. She could not remember the last time they had meat...let alone pork! Resigned, she decided to endure his presence for her children's sake. The visit would only be as bad as she imagined it to be. "That would be welcome, Master MacGee. Thank ye."

  So, she is a sensible woman, as well. Another mark in her favor.