Tarnished Honor

by J. Lee Coulter

  “Never fear, Poppit. I am capable of protecting ye both. I thought ye were sleeping…and where be your nursemaid? Nae bound and gagged, I pray.”

  She shook her head as a big yawn escaped her. “She is sleeping, Da.”

  “As ye should be, Amy. Do nae fash yourself, your da will keep us safe. We were just playing…um…tickle. Aye…tickle. Sorry I am that we woke ye. Now, back to bed with ye.”

  Her nursemaid showed up just then. “Here ye be! Ye gave me a fright, lass! Tis nae safe to wander these corridors in the dark.” Her eyes darted to the laird. “Sorry my lord. She is a slippery one.”

  Connall smiled at her. “Nae worries. Now run along to bed, Poppit. Tis late.”

  “Aye, Da.” She rested her weary head on the maid’s shoulder as she scooped her up, asleep before they left the room.

  Brighde giggled. “I hope this is nae going to become a habit. It seems that people are always crashing in on us after we make love.”

  Her husband joined in, appreciating the jest. “Mayhap I should bolt the door in the future, wife.” He gave her a resounding kiss, tucked her into his warm embrace and promptly fell asleep.

  * * *

  Chapter VII

  * * *

  The heavy snowfall kept most of the clansmen indoors, only venturing out to tend to the livestock. Blacksword was thankful as he readjusted to being laird and spent his days going through stacks of parchments that had accumulated over two years’ time. A monumental task, to be sure. In the evenings he caught up on clan news as Amy perched in his lap until bedtime. The rest of the eve he would spend in his wife’s arms.

  He was content. They had been home for a sennight when he decided to have a talk with Brighde about the circumstances that brought about their wedding. Amy had been abed for nearly an hour so there would be no interruptions. He strolled over to the hearth in the great hall where she sat altering some gowns for Amy.

  “Come, wife. Tis time to clear the air betwixt us.” He held out his hand. She gave him a puzzled glance as she put away her needlework and took his proffered hand. They retired to their chambers silently.

  Placing his hands behind his back, he waited for her to be seated before he spoke. Connall cleared his throat several times as he considered the best way to approach this. He did not wish for another battle with his lovely bride. Brighde began to fidget under his intense scrutiny.

  “Have I displeased ye in some way, husband?”

  He shook his head brusquely. “Nay, wife.” This was proving to be more difficult than he had anticipated. It should not be. All he need do is tell her the facts and she must accept it. With that decided, he plowed forward.

  “This concerns the eve afore we wed.”

  “Oh.” She bristled but kept her tone respectful. Her one desire was to forget that eve of shame. “I do nae wish to discuss it, my lord.”

  Connall’s black brow arched in surprise. “Nay? Just the same…we will, my lady. I would have ye ken the why of my behavior.” He sat opposite her, peering intently into her face.

  “Before ye came to sup that eve, Angus told Stephen and I of a reprehensible proposal he had concocted in his greedy mind. He wished ye gone from Urquhart…I do nae ken why.” He took in a deep breath as she sat silent. “He was going to drug ye then have Ross bed ye, so ye would be forced to wed him.” She gasped.

  “Uncle drugged me?”

  “Aye.”

  Brighde’s eyes narrowed as a thought struck her. “Ye said Ross was to enter my chambers yet it was ye that were there.”

  His eyes pleaded with her to understand what he revealed next. He gave a curt nod. “Aye, I could nae allow it. He has had four wives lass, and every one has died in a year or less. I could nae let that happen to ye. Twould nae be honorable to depart kenning that was your fate.”

  Her eyes rounded as she remembered his words. “So that is what ye meant when ye said ye did this for me! I had wondered.”

  His gaze softened. “Ye remembered my words. I was nae certain…”

  “Why did ye nae tell me this at the time instead of bedding me? Uncle would nae have known.”

  He shook his head. “Ye would nae have wed me otherwise. I had thought to do just that, afore he told me ye would demand an examination. Angus swore ye would call for the healer…and he was right. If ye had nae then he would have been suspicious and given ye to Ross.”

  “I still do nae understand how it came about that ye entered my chamber. What happened to Stephen?”

  Connall shrugged. “I convinced your uncle that my suit was preferable. My coffers are deep and my title desirable. Twas enough for him.” A sense of guilt nagged him as he hedged around the whole truth. He was certain that Brighde would be displeased if she knew about the gold. But, after all, he had not lied to her…he just did not go into detail.

  She studied her hands as she contemplated all that he had said. “So ye wed me just to keep me alive?”

  His voice gentled as he lifted her chin. “Nay, Brighde, twas nae the only reason. I desired ye from the moment we met. I would have nae other to wife…only ye.” His kiss was a caress as he sought out her lips. She sighed when their lips separated…certain that she was in Heaven. Aye. I am very pleased that Connall was the one that entered my bed. He has more honor than I thought.

  Her finely etched brows furrowed as her thoughts raced off in a new direction.

  “I still do nae understand Uncle Angus’ motives. Why was he so intent to be rid of me? We got along well enough and my dowry was allotted by my father before his death. Twas quite generous was it nae?” She glanced at her husband, catching a glimpse of something…she was not certain of what. “What is it, Connall? Ye did receive my dowry, did ye nae?”

  He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. He had hoped to avoid speaking of money and lands. His green eyes peered deeply into hers as he shook his head.

  “He offered nae dowry, Brighde. Honestly, I had nae even thought to inquire about it. I wanted ye for my own…at any price.”

  She spun away as fury began creeping up her spine. Pacing before the fire, she muttered under her breath at his thievery. Halting in her tracks she turned to her husband with determination in her eye.

  “Ye must demand your due! Ye can nae allow him to swindle ye of your rightful monies.”

  She is angry because I was cheated? My wife never ceases to astound me. His heart warmed with affection toward her as he shook his head.

  “Do nae fash yourself for my sake, lass. I have nae need of your dowry, besides…I already possess the most valuable treasure from the lot…ye.”

  Brighde blushed at the compliment as she shook her head in denial. “Tis nae right that ye be cheated of your due. I will send him a missive.”

  “Do nae!” He snapped.

  She glanced at him, a bit startled at his tone of voice. Swallowing hard, she replaced the parchment that she had just retrieved. “I do nae understand, husband. Why would ye nae wish for my dowry?”

  Connall could see that she was not going to forget the insult. He must tell her a reason. He held out his arms. “Come, my love, and sit with me. I would tell ye a truth that I had hoped to spare ye.”

  As she settled into his lap he gathered his thoughts. This truth would be hard for her to hear but she left him no choice.

  “Before I rode into Urquhart that day, I passed through the little crofter village a short distance from your gates. Twas a sore sight to see. The people were nae much more than skin and bones. There was a stench of death in the air. I followed the odor to a particular hut…tis where I found Amy.”

  She gasped in horror as she realized what he implied. “She saw her mother die?”

  “Twas worse than that I am afraid. I entered to find her sleeping betwixt her dead parents. They must have been dead for several days…the smell was rank.” His eyes misted at the memory. “I took her away immediately and had my men bury them. The villagers were nae up to the task. We gave them all we could spare but I fear that
they all will soon be dead.”

  “The poor lass. She must have been terrified when they did nae wake.” Tears flooded her eyes. “But what has that to do with my dowry?”

  “Do ye still nae see? Your people are starving to death. Angus must have spent all of the gold…including your dowry…if the people go hungry. Mayhap he feared ye would take your complaint to the king. To ask for it now, even if he still has it, will nae aide those people and quite possibly would put ye at risk. That I will nae allow! I warned him afore we departed that he best see to the villagers or he will be visited by the king’s Enforcer. Besides, wife, twill be a much better use of your coffers. Do you nae agree?”

  Her husband amazed her with his thoughtfulness. He was correct, of course. Helping those people was a better use of the funds. They had no need of it. She stroked his strong jaw, as her tear-filled eyes glistened. “Aye husband. Tis a noble thing ye have done. I can nae think of a better way to dispense it.”

  “Ye be satisfied with my decision then?” Brighde nodded. He grinned. “Then let us go to bed…the hour grows late and my body has plans for ye.” She giggled as he stood with her in his arms and strode to the bed.

  * * *

  “Blast this weather!” Stephen blew on his fingers to warm them looking ahead dismally. He recognized that they would all freeze to death if he continued on with this madness.

  They would have to return to Wick. They had been struggling through five-foot drifts for two days and yet they were still five days ride from Halkirk. He glanced back at his shivering men. Twould not do to confront Blacksword with sick warriors…or none at all. He shook his head in frustration as reason won the day.

  “McGee!” He snarled. “Turn the men about! We will return to Wick and wait out this God-forsaken weather in comfort.” He spun his steed about, plowing back through the drifts that were quickly rebuilding.

  His captain breathed a sigh of relief. He prayed that the return trip would be easier. “Well men? Ye heard the laird. Turn about afore he changes his mind.” As one, they did an about-face to follow.

  * * *

  It took them a day and a half to return to the seaside port as the path they had blazed through the snow was blown over once again. Stephen’s disgruntled clansmen piled into the small inn, gathering close to the hearth to soak in the heat provided there.

  He sat down heavily on a bench and breathed a sigh of relief. He had not been certain that they would make it back. His eyes narrowed with anger. Twas Blacksword’s fault! If he had not stolen his intended bride this journey would not have been necessary.

  The innkeeper appeared just then to see to his patrons. His portly body flitting from table to table like a bee gathering honey.

  “Me laird! I be a bit surprised ta see any aboot in weather like this. Ye look chilled ta the bone! Me wife has a fine pot o’ rabbit stew simmering in the kitchen. Would ye be wantin’ some ta warm yer insides?”

  Stephen gave him a bleary-eyed look. He was exhausted but hot food did sound good. He gave a curt nod. “Aye. Bring some for all my men…and ale. I will be needing a room, as well, till this storm passes.”

  The innkeeper fidgeted for a moment. All his rooms were filled by others caught by the snowfall. He dare not offend this laird, though. His beady brown eyes lit up as he rested on a solution. His daughter, Meghan, would have to give up her room. She could sleep on a pallet in her parents’ chamber. With his mind settled, he bustled off to the kitchen.

  Later, with his clansmen’s hunger sated, and much ale, they settled into an exhausted sleep. Stephen stumbled to the tiny room that had been provided, chills wracking his body. Peeling off his damp clothing as he cursed the Earl, Brighde and the weather, he passed out across the small bed.

  * * *

  Chapter VIII

  * * *

  “Da! Da! See the pretty gown Mama made for me?” Amy twirled around in a circle before Connall in the great hall. Smiling from ear to ear as she showed off her new attire.

  His hand flew to his chest in mock amazement as she performed before him.

  “Is it really ye, Poppit? I thought a fairy princess had come to visit us.”

  She giggled with glee as she bounced about him. Squealing with delight as he picked her up, twirling her around then giving her a big kiss on the cheek, Amy leaned back peering in his face.

  “I love ye, Da!” He was taken aback by her mood change, so solemn now. She hugged his neck tightly as he murmured in her ear.

  “I love ye, as well, lass. Ye are my wee ray of sunshine.” His throat thickened as he realized how true that avowal was. She and Brighde had been with him for a month and a half now. Her emaciated frame had begun to fill with pinked, healthy flesh. Her lack-luster hair sported a sheen of gold highlights atop the red and her bright cyan eyes sparkled with life. Connall realized that somehow, in the past few fortnights, both of them had subtly wormed their way into his affections.

  Brighde had held back as she observed their interaction. Every day that passed reinforced her trust in this man she called ‘husband’. She knew that he had a good and noble heart.

  Connall felt her eyes boring into him. His gaze strayed to where she stood in the archway. Their eyes met and locked, filled with desire and…something more. Mutual respect? Yes, that was part of it but not all. His heart skipped a beat as it sped up in his broad chest. He wanted her…more so every day.

  A deep voice murmured in his ear. Ýe are smitten with your Countess, Blacksword.”

  He spun toward Robbie ready to deny it, then, bit by bit grinned. He was right! Connall was bewitched by her. She was ever in his thoughts these past days. Could he be falling in love? And what if he was? Would it be a tragedy? He thought not.

  “Twould appear that ye may be correct, Robbie,” he replied as he set Amy on her feet. “I am certain that I am smitten by this Fae Princess so, why nae her mama?”

  Amy spread her blue skirt as she twirled about. “Do ye like my new gown, Sir Robbie? Mama made it just for me. Tis ever so pretty!” Her cherub face beamed up at the mountainous highlander in pride.

  Robbie bowed low, kissing her hand. “Aye, little mistress, tis wondrous indeed!”

  She squealed with delight, clapping her hands as she bounced on her toes. “Did ye see Da? He kissed me! Now we be betrothed! I must tell Mama.” Amy skipped out of the hall in her excitement to find Brighde who had exited a few minutes before.

  Connall glanced at Robbie’s astonished face. “B-but…b-b-but…all I did was kiss her hand.”

  He gave him a stern, fatherly glare as he fought the laughter bubbling up in his chest. “Ye will nae trifle with my daughter’s affections! If she says ye are betrothed then…ye are betrothed!”

  “B-but…b-b-but…I already have a wife! Ye ken this, Connall!” His panicked eyes shot to his laird.

  “Then I suggest ye rid yourself of your current spouse or…figure a way out of this betrothal without hurting her tender heart.” Slapping him on the back heartily, he strode from the hall booming with laughter.

  “Mama! Mama! I be betrothed!” Amy blurted out loudly as she entered the solar. She was so excited that she could not stand still. She gave Brighde a big squeeze in her exuberance. Brighde’s delicate brows arched in alarm. Surely, Connall was not planning her life already.

  “Whatever are ye babbling about lass? Ye are too young to be betrothed.”

  Amy pulled back as tears began filling her cyan eyes. She nodded slowly, her lips forming a pout. “Uh-huh! I am wedding Sir Robbie! He kissed me!”

  “Be reasonable, Amy. Ye can nae wed Robbie. He has a—”

  “An ailment!” Connall interrupted as he ventured into the solar. He gave his wife a warning look.

  “He is ill?” Amy’s eyes rounded. “What is wrong with him?”

  The laird’s face grew serious as he settled his gaze on the wee lass. “It is called ‘aging’, Poppit. He grows older every day. Why, by the time ye be old enough to wed, he will be too old for ye. I do hea
r that he has a handsome young son, though…if ye be interested.”

  Her thumb plopped into her mouth while she considered her options. After a few moments of deep thought she bobbed her head vigorously. Puffing out her wee chest and straightening her spine, she replied. “I will nae make any promises but…I will meet him. Does he like puppies?”

  Connall grinned at the fickleness of her emotions. “I do nae ken lass, but I will make inquiries if it suits ye.”

  “Thank ye, Da. I best go tell Sir Robbie that our betrothal is off.” She stalked from the chamber, determined to find her quarry.

  Brighde and the laird had a good chuckle over the lass’ antics. He squeezed her hand affectionately.

  “Thank ye, wife, for playing along. I did nae wish to see her heart broke. Twas best to allow her to call off the wedding since she announced it.” Connall shook his head and laughed. “Ye should have seen poor Robbie’s face! It was priceless! She reduced him to a stuttering terrified mass!”

  “Oh my! Ye make me pity his poor son if that be the case. What hope does a ten-year-old have against the force called “Amy”?” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she joined in the fun.

  Grabbing her hand, the Earl pulled her from her seat. “Come, my love. This will be too good to miss.” They hurried out together in search of Amy’s victim, not wishing to miss any of the amusement.

  * * *

  She was late! Brighde shook her head in disbelief. She was never late…until now. Placing her hand on her flat stomach, she wondered if it were true. A gentle smile crossed her lips as she thought of having a child…Connall’s child. Will he be pleased?

  Brighde silently chastised herself. Of course he will be pleased! He is wonderful with Amy. Why would he feel any different for his own bairn? I will wait to be certain afore I tell him. I would nae wish to disappoint him. She hummed a long forgotten lullaby as she drifted absentmindedly to her solar.