A soldier yelled, “Lady MacKinnon?”
“All’s well, I dropped something.”
With several more trips up the stairs, all of the weapons had been removed. When they finished, they sat at the table. “There, that looks much better. Colin is going to pitch a fit.”
“You’ll have to take his mind off the hall when he enters. You must know how to distract him.”
Julianna shook her head. “I haven’t the faintest idea.”
Tess laughed. “When he comes home, throw your arms around him and kiss him.” Tess giggled. “Kiss him until his mind is only interested in taking you. He’ll not notice his hall is removed of its weapons. I tell you—”
“I’ll do it. How do you know this?” Julianna laughed.
“My ma always said interesting things aloud, I always listened.”
“She sounds marvelous.”
George came inside the hall, his hooves clopping the wooden flooring as he ran and butted his head against her chair. “George, you beast! You’re not allowed in here. Be gone.” Julianna pulled him to the door, struggling to push him out. The goat eventually gave in, letting her lead him out.
“I’ll never keep him out if no one closes the door.”
“I will get one of the men to close it,” Tess said.
The door, like everything else, was made for a warrior’s use. Julianna didn’t have the strength to close it. If the door was closed, she’d have to exit through the back. Thinking of it, she went to see how big it was. When she reached the back exit, she noticed the door, but unlike the massive twenty-foot one at the front, it was only ten feet high. She pulled the handle, and stepped through the opening. Steps led to a gated garden in desperate need of work, like everything else. She walked through the gate.
The castle sat upon a meandering hill, but the slope at the back wasn’t as high as the front. The sight before her amazed her. A village, bustling with activity, sat at the bottom. Smaller buildings and cottages dotted the hills. People waved to each other, and offered greetings. She was sure they were MacKinnons, seeing that they wore the same plaid. The feeling of belonging tightened her heart. She smiled, sitting at the top of the slope, watching the villagers, and feeling as though she was home.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Those damned McFies! Two months had passed since Colin began his search and he hadn’t found a single one. Short of going to their holding, he wouldn’t make progress. The cokenays hid. The MacKinnons made camp and Colin contemplated his next move.
Brendan flipped a log into the fire with his sword. “Colin, why do ye think they hide?”
“They’re cowards. Somehow, I will ferret them out. I always do.”
“What if it takes too long?”
“I’ll wait,” Colin said, heatedly.
“Even if it takes months? You should go home to your wife.” Brendan stood and went to the other side of the fire.
“I must finish it.” Colin pounded his fist on his knee, becoming irritated by elusive Ellic.
“You destroyed them, there’s not many living on their land. Why not let it go?”
Colin looked up to see Walter standing before him. His commander sat next to him, and took a swig of ale.
“It will end with Ellic’s death. My da’s honor is at stake.”
“It’s been years since his passing and it’s pointless to go on like this. Put the feud behind ye and start living your own life. Go home to your wife and beget sons.”
“Why are you willing me to give up now? It cannot be because I’ve married. Nay, it’s something more.” Colin grasped Walt’s tunic, pulling him close. “What the hell is it?”
“Colin, I …” Walt hesitated. “’Tis nothing.”
“What do ye want to say, Walt?” Colin released him.
“Your father was mean spirited and cruel. I saw how he treated your dear mother. Though I only saw him strike her once, I know he beat her often. She hid in her chamber and did a fair job of keeping her bruises covered so you lads wouldn’t see.”
“Why are ye telling me this now?” Colin’s hands shook; he clenched them closed, disbelieving his da had beaten his ma.
“Don’t avenge him, Colin. He doesn’t deserve it.” Walt spat on the ground.
“The McFies killed my da. Whether he deserved it or nay, I must keep my vow. Why haven’t ye told me this before?”
“Would you have believed me?”
“Nay, Walt, I suppose I wouldn’t have, but now …” Colin lowered his eyes. Any man that beat a woman was considered barbaric to his way of thinking. Now that he’d met Julianna, and having seen her face, he couldn’t fathom how a man could be so cruel. Perhaps his own da was such a man.
“Ye loved your da, but you didn’t see the things he had done. I say ye forget your pledge.” Walter walked away.
Colin swallowed his anguish. His da had beaten her. She’d hid? She had scarcely showed herself when they were young. His da had been cruel-hearted. How could he honor him, now knowing that? He didn’t remember his ma being bruised, but she’d hid and stayed away from her children. He’d never seen his parents argue. Of course, he’d stayed in the barracks with the men oftentimes when he’d begun training.
He didn’t remember her dying, and had only been told by his da about it. Memories of him holding his brothers, when told the news, came to him. Colin had believed his da to be a loving parent and good husband. He still had to contend with the McFies, whether his da deserved avenging or not. But for now, he’d go home to Jules.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Julianna spent her days caring for the keep, making the necessary changes. Their home started to look more like a home and less of a warrior’s keep. She hung tapestries in the great hall and in their bedchamber. She missed Colin, and hadn’t heard a word from him. It had been two months since he left, and if not for Tess, she would have been awfully lonely. The ladies did speak to her, but they were busy keeping their own homes. She usually met them by the well, where she did the washing. She spoke in Gaelic to everyone. If they were surprised, they didn’t show it.
She heard one clansman say, “Our laird would only marry a lass who speaks our tongue.” Little did they know.
As the keep was transformed, none mentioned the absence of the weapons. She felt agitated and somewhat cross. When she began feeling lightheaded and ill, she’d overdone it. Having completed many tasks on her list in the past weeks, she decided to slacken her pace.
One of the tasks she hadn’t completed was getting George to stay out of the keep, no matter how hard she worked on him. She’d push him out and he’d come right back inside. Eventually, she had to admit that she enjoyed his antics. One day, she caught him nibbling a tablecloth she’d just finished sewing. He turned his head when she ran at him and swatted his rear with a trencher. George yelped, and ran through the doorway.
Each morning, she’d awaken with an upset stomach. She’d hurry to eat, but that didn’t help, nor did it relent until midmorning. She felt dizzy in the late afternoons, and was tired all the time. She’d felt that way for a few weeks. When she awoke that morning, the feeling overcame her again, and she actually heaved over the chamber pot. She knew she was ill, and asked Tess if there was healer within the clan. She’d been told there was, but the clan feared her. Julianna scoffed and bade her to be fetched.
Tess brought Jinny to her later that day. She was a soft-spoken lady with the kindest gray eyes and had such gentleness about her.
“What ails ye, milady?” Jinny asked.
Julianna recounted her symptoms, and Jinny looked her over, asking many questions.
“When was the last time ye had your flow?”
When the last question was asked, Julianna frowned. “You mean my monthly? I’ve had it, haven’t I?”
“If you’ve a bairn in your tummy, there’s a potion you can drink when you arise. Our laird will be proud.”
“Don’t say anything yet. I’m not sure if I am, but I’ll tell him when I’m r
eady.” Julianna held her stomach, hoping the queasiness would subside.
Jinny left the hall to get the potion.
“A baby, Tess, I cannot believe it. I’ve always wanted children, but what if … If Colin comes home, I’ll be able to tell him.” Julianna couldn’t bring herself to be excited, too many matters made her uneasy about her future. Even the joyous news of having a child didn’t affect her as it should. She didn’t know why she felt so despondent, but she did.
Tess knew she missed her laird. “He’ll be home soon, Julianna. He cannot stay away, not with you beckoning him.” She laughed.
A sound below alerted them that some men had returned from training. Julianna walked to the window and hoped some fresh air would help lessen her sickness. Suddenly, her door was thrown open and Colin strode into the room. He walked to her with quick strides, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard.
“I’ll go and …” Tess chuckled, and closed the door.
Colin kissed her until she was breathless. He enclosed her body in his steeled arms, making her feel safe, protected, and loved.
“Ye look lovelier than I remembered.”
“Colin, I missed you. I’m happy you’re home.”
“Ah, lass, I’ve missed you. I cut short my mission so I could come and see ye. The keep looks grand, you’ve done good work. Call me a bath so I can rid myself of this grime. Then I’ll show you how much I’ve missed ye.” He laughed aloud, which exposed a small dimple she only just noticed.
Julianna went to prepare for his homecoming. She had a bath and food sent, and had told him that she would join him after she saw to her tasks. Though she only wanted to tell Dame Hester not to await them for the evening meal, one thing led to another, and she was delayed. After giving him sufficient time to bathe, she couldn’t wait any longer. She went to their chamber, hoping he hadn’t fallen asleep. When she opened the door, he stood next to the chest, holding her packet.
He opened the bound material and unfolded the top letter, and seemed to be reading it. He quickly folded the letter and was about to replace it.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, Jules, I didn’t hear you come in. I was looking for clothing.” Instead of taking out a tunic, he walked to the bed and lay upon it. “What took you so long? You should be here tending your husband.”
“I told Dame Hester not to await dinner for us. Why were you looking through my possessions?” She crossed her arms, letting him know she was unhappy.
“I didn’t mean to pry, lass. I won’t touch them again. Now come here.”
She knelt beside him on the bed, gawking at his unclad body. Nothing hid his masculine form. She touched his hair, still damp from his bath. Her hand traveled to his neck, over his chest, and his hard stomach flinched when she swiped it with her hand.
Colin didn’t breathe, but only smiled at her boldness. Julianna wanted to please him, and she grinned when he laid back and closed his eyes. She leaned over him and kissed him, promising she’d fill him with desire.
“Ahhh, my sweet wife is having her way with me, is she?”
Using her hands, she caressed him all over, while her mouth spent kisses over his hot skin. Colin pulled her to him and rolled her onto her back. Looking down at her, he smiled then kissed her. He kept kissing her, not allowing her to pull away. Her body felt sensitive and she gasped when he entered her. Their lovemaking became forceful, yet loving. She craved satisfaction, and achieved it, calling his name again and again. Colin kept at his lovemaking until finally he couldn’t move.
He lay still, worn-out from his exertion. Julianna kept touching him, she couldn’t bring herself to stop. His skin felt so wonderful beneath her fingers.
“I’ve missed ye. That was … you’re too good to me … so incredible.” He flustered.
Julianna cuddled beside him. He looked above, deep in thought.
Sleep evaded them.
“By the way, Jules, what did ye do with my weapons?” He frowned at her.
“What weapons?” She tried to sound reticent.
“Ye know very well what weapons,” he said sternly.
“I put them in the chamber down the hall. Do they have to hang in the hall? It makes the hall look like a …” She didn’t know what to say.
“… a warrior’s keep? Where else should I put them, if not in my hall?”
“Can you not use one of the extra rooms or put them in the garrison?”
“For now, we’ll leave them where they are. Does it really bother ye, sweetheart?”
“I don’t like all those weapons. It reminds me of … they’re used for killing. I know you need them for our protection, but the thought of—”
He stopped her by sitting up. “How did you move them? Nay, I don’t want to know. Do you realize the danger you were in? You could have hurt yourself. I know none of my men helped you, I asked.” Taking his place next to her again, he yawned aloud.
Julianna didn’t bother to answer him. She again told him in his own language that he was the love of her heart, but he didn’t reply. When she leaned over him, she noticed he had fallen asleep, but at least he had a smile on his face.
Chapter Thirty-Six
When Colin awoke the next morning, he rolled over to kiss his wife, only she wasn’t there. A husband should rise before his wife, shouldn’t he? He looked to the window; the sun indicated it was well into morning. He’d slept much later than usual, and he scrambled to rise and set about his routine. This morning, he felt rejuvenated, and supposed a good night’s sleep was the cause, but then he remembered feeling so relaxed last night, because Julianna had cherished him. He hadn’t felt that in a long time, not since he was a wee lad.
Strolling into the hall, he saw his men standing idly about.
“What are ye doing in here?”
“We’re awaiting you, Laird,” Douglas said.
“You know your duties,” Colin said.
“Did ye have a nice rest? Your wife told us not to awaken ye, and that we had to be quiet.” Robin laughed.
“Be about your duties, and Robin, if ye tease me again, you’re going to get my fist in your mouth.”
“What a grouch. I thought marriage might soften ye, but I see I was wrong.” Robin ran from the hall, knowing he’d pushed it.
Colin ate a light meal and then went to track his wife down. He’d been told by a lass that she was by the well. He spotted her sitting on the ground, soaking wet, next to George, who was tied to a rope. He was on the verge of laughter, when she glanced up. His laughter died when he spotted Bleeth standing on the other side of the well.
“Colin, good morn, I’m glad you’re here.”
“Jules, what in God’s name are ye doing?”
“This beast needs a bath. If I cannot keep him out of the hall, at least he’ll be clean.” She tugged the rope and George pulled it back.
Colin went to help her up. He untied the rope attached to George, and the goat took off running.
“’Tis not a fair idea to wash him. He would smell worse.”
“He will?” She sounded dejected.
“Aye, if ye wet his fur, he’d stink for days. Better to leave him be. If it bothers you having him in the hall, I can—”
“Nay, I’m glad I didn’t wet him yet. I cannot imagine him smelling worse than he does.”
“I tried to tell her that, Laird MacKinnon,” Bleeth said.
“I don’t imagine she listened to you, huh, Bleeth?” Colin grinned at his disgruntled look.
“Nay, she didn’t. I’m off to find Brendan. He promised to show me sword tactics this morning.” With that, Bleeth went off.
Colin laughed when Julianna looked to her feet. She was a mess, but looked enticing, and before she walked away, Colin pulled her close for a good morning kiss. His hands rested on her bottom as he ravaged her mouth. He stood with his wife in the courtyard, with his clan-members looking on. Julianna was unaware of the spectacle they created, but he knew.
The rest of the d
ay was filled with as much excitement. The clan was on alert because the Ferguson had been seen on their land. Colin couldn’t believe his audacity when he rode to the gate.
“Colin, finally home, huh? I have a message for ye.”
Colin attacked him, knocking him to the ground. Seamus fought back, but he wasn’t up to taking him on. Colin held a dagger at his throat, but he held back.
“Ye must hear me out. I mean nay harm.”
Colin stuck his dagger into Seamus’s arm, and his blood seeped from the wound.
“Oww, Lad, ye must listen,” Seamus said, holding his arm.
He glared at Seamus for daring to come on his land, and he wouldn’t be so accommodating. Colin kept him from moving, and hadn’t noticed Julianna come out of the keep. The MacKinnon warriors bore down on them.
“Colin, what are you—”
“Kill the bastard!” Walt said heatedly.
“Milady, I have a message for ye. You must get the MacKinnon to listen.”
“Colin, maybe you should hear him. Perhaps he has news.”
Colin wasn’t about to do that, but his wife’s soft words made him give in. He put his dagger in his boot, grabbed Seamus with both hands, and lifted him.
“What’s the message, old man? Say it and be quick, or I can kill ye.”
“The Englishman asked me to tell ye he awaits you, milady. He said he was your father and that your sister would not fare well, if ye didn’t come.”
“Oh, God’s grace!”
Colin saw Julianna stiffen.
“Lass, Seamus deserves to die, let me kill him.” Colin fisted his foe’s tunic, hoping to avert her upset.
“Nay, he doesn’t, release him. Laird Ferguson, I’ll tend your wound.”
Colin noticed she tried to maintain her composure, and outwardly the message didn’t seem to affect her, but he knew it had.
Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Page 23
