by Tarah Scott
“I played no role in seeing you safely home, Sister?”
Amusement flickered in her eyes, but was replaced with a serious expression. “Aye, you did. I was just pointing out Cailean’s part. His only transgression is being different.”
“And I am a Ross,” Cailean added.
“There is that,” Lennox said, and Cailean knew he needed to get home.
*
Julianna walked with Lennox in the tunnel back to Raghnall.
“He isnae to be trusted, Julianna.” Lennox shot her a look. “He’s lost his wits.”
She released a breath. “He is different, but he is not mad.”
“He does no’ foam at the mouth, but that does not mean he is right in the mind.”
“Why?” she asked. “Because he sees things others cannot? You know what is said about Malvina.”
“She is a harmless old woman.”
“A harmless old woman who predicted the storm four years ago that nearly destroyed Reay Abbey. I know what you are going to say,” she added. “And you do remember when she told you that Lady Beth had married John.”
“What would you have me to say, Julianna? That he is the same as you and I?”
“Aye, just like us, he is honest.”
The door came into view up ahead.
“Our mother will not be pleased with your infatuation with him.”
“I am a woman grown. I do no’ have ‘infatuations.’”
“You deny finding him attractive?”
She snorted. “I have eyes. The man is pleasing to look upon. I see the way you look at Rhona.”
“I have no intentions of marrying Rhona.”
“Lucky Rhona,” Julianna muttered.
He cast her a sidelong glance as they reached the door. She grasped the bolt, but he laid a hand on her arm. “Take heed, Julianna. I willnae allow him to touch you.”
Ire flared, but she understood her brother too well to let the anger influence her. They were as close as any sister and brother, except perhaps Abel and his sister who would’ve shared a bed in order to populate the earth. She understood her brother without the encumbrances of sex. Still, he peeved her.
“No’ that ye have any say in my affairs,” she said, “but why? He has risked his life for both of us several times in only four days. What is his crime?” She knew the answer, but wanted him to speak the words aloud. One day, soon, he would remember them, and understand why he was wrong.
“We know nothing of him,” he replied. “He is a lowly warrior; worse, a wanderer.” He met her gaze. “He isnae good enough for you.”
The latter statement managed to surprise her.
*
Julianna meandered from the henhouse toward the kitchen door, glad for the morning sun that warmed her face. Lennox wasn’t mistaken that she found Cailean attractive—after all, he knew her as well as she knew him—almost. Lennox had not been opposed to the match with Sir Lawren, until last night, that is. Sir Lawren’s attitude toward Lennox had angered him, and Lennox was unforgiving in such matters. In time, Lennox would see that Sir Lawren didn’t have Cailean’s courage or his kind heart. Guilt surfaced. Nae, she wasn’t being unfair. Sir Lawren existed in the world to…well, existed as most men did in his station in life. Cailean, however, did more than exist. He lived…he conquered.
Would he remain at Raghnall? Lennox was not ready to let him leave, and Julianna was in no hurry to press him to do so. But Lennox couldn’t hold him prisoner much longer. She knew when a man found her appealing, and Cailean clearly did. All she had to do was give him the opportunity to act upon his desire.
Perhaps tonight, after the evening meal—
“Lady Julianna,” called a familiar male voice.
She cringed. What was Sir Lawren doing here so early in the day?
He caught up with her and matched her pace. “I was hoping you would have time for a ride this morning.”
In truth, she did. How was she going to say no? “I do not usually ride in the morning.”
He smiled. “We have no’ had an opportunity to finish what we started the other day when your mother interrupted us.”
She almost rolled her eyes. Had she been so eager that night that he believed she lived to experience another private interlude with him? Were all men so ignorant?
“My mother reminded me that a lady remains chaste.”
“Surely you need not remain chaste with me,” he insisted.
This presumptuous attitude pricked her pride, and she said, “Why is that, Sir Lawren?” before she caught herself.
“You will be my wife,” he said, and she cursed her stupidity in asking a question that would force the issue.
“You have not asked me to marry you, which means I have not accepted.”
He shrugged. “Our union is sanctioned by your father.”
Per her mother’s urging. Sir Lawren was going to be much more difficult to deal with than was her mother. Accepting Sir Lawren’s marriage proposal meant she wouldn’t have to worry about Crowe’s interest in her—or so her mother had said. She was right, and given that Julianna liked Sir Lawren, it had been an easy choice. Now, however, she had another, more interesting, choice.
“Sir Lawren, today is no’ a good day for me to roam around the countryside.”
“Forgive me, Lady Julianna. You’re concerned about leaving Raghnall after Hugh’s attempt to kidnap you yesterday. I vow on my life that you need not worry for your safety while in my company.”
She smiled. “You’re very gallant, sir, but please understand I prefer not to leave Raghnall today.”
“Of course.” They reached the kitchen and he opened the door for her. “Perhaps you will stroll with me in the garden.”
It wasn’t as much a question as a given.
She preceded him into the kitchen and stopped at sight of Cailean, hip leaning against the heavy oaken table where Sue pounded bread.
“Ye are a rogue, Cailean.” The dark-haired girl laughed a husky, sensual laugh.
Cailean laid a hand over his heart. “Ye wound me, lass.”
“Cailean, since you are here playing with the lasses, ye can make yourself useful,” Cook said.
“I am at your service, madam.”
Cook gave him a stern look that didn’t quite mask the smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Julianna stared. Cook was ancient. Surely she wasn’t charmed by the man? He clearly enjoyed being the center of the women’s attention, but that was like a man. Still, she had been certain he had some affection for her. Why— Then she knew why. Sir Lawren hovered at her side. Someone told Cailean that Sir Lawren courted her. Lennox—no, she realized as quickly as the thought formed. After last night, Lennox couldn’t be amenable to the match. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t allow Cailean to believe there was more between her and Sir Lawren than there was. She would have a long talk with her brother.
“Bring those oats over here, Cailean.” Cook pointed to a sack of oats in the corner near the kitchen door.
Sue’s eyes shifted to Julianna and Cailean looked in her direction.
He straightened from the table. “My lady.”
The amusement died from his expression. Aye, something had definitely changed between them.
Cook and the other women looked her way. Sweet Jesu, they had been so enthralled with him that they hadn’t noticed her presence. Sue yanked her attention to the bread she was kneading.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself, Cailean.”
Sir Lawren stiffened beside her and she realized her mistake. Julianna went to the table and set down the eggs. Cailean seemed to break from a spell and hurried to the corner and fetched the bag of oats.
“Thank ye, Cailean,” Cook said.
Julianna glimpsed the side-look Sue cast in his direction. This time, he seemed oblivious of her attention. He also wasn’t looking in Julianna’s direction. She would take care of that. First, however, she had to send Sir Lawren on his way.
Julianna strode from the
kitchen and wasn’t surprised when the knight followed.
“Lady Julianna,” he said when they’d taken a few steps, “I would speak with you alone.”
She glimpsed the handful of knights sitting near the hearth and her cheeks warmed when two of the men glanced in their direction. Heaven help her, Lawren was either going to propose or try to make love to her. Now was not the time for either.
“Forgive me, Sir Lawren, I forgot to give Cook instructions for the evening meal. My mother invited guests.” A blatant lie, but one that would save her a great deal of trouble. “Can we talk later—or tomorrow, perhaps? I have much work today.” She turned and headed back to the kitchen.
She got three steps when he called, “Lady Julianna.”
Julianna feared he would come after her. She glanced over her shoulder. “Please, my lord, I—”
His eyes widened and he took a step toward her. “My lady—”
She yanked her attention toward the kitchen and got a mouthful of shirt and hard muscle. Something thudded onto her feet. She cried out as strong fingers seized her arms. Julianna snapped her head up and met Cailean’s gaze.
“Are you all right, my lady?” he demanded.
His brow furrowed and the concern in his eyes made her knees go weak. Something struck her foot and she looked down to see apples scattered across the floor. A burlap bag lay half across their feet and half on the floor.
She lifted her face to Cailean’s. “Apples.”
“Take your hands off her, you arse.”
Sir Lawren seized her arm and yanked her out of his grasp.
“I was only stopping her from falling,” Cailean said.
The knight stepped between them. “I saw what you did.”
Cailean’s expression cooled. “Exactly what did you see?”
“You had your hands on her.”
Julianna stepped up beside them. “Sir Lawren, please. Cailean did nothing wrong.”
He glared at Cailean. “I have seen the way ye look at her.”
“Have ye now?” Cailean’s voiced matched his expression, and Julianna repressed a shiver.
“She is to be my wife,” Sir Lawren said.
Julianna jerked her gaze onto him. “I beg your pardon, sir.” She seized his arm with both her hands and yanked him to face her. The kitchen maids squeezed into the doorway to watch. “Ye havenae asked me to marry you,” Julianna snapped. “And I have not agreed. I will no’ agree, if you must know.”
He broke free of her grasp and looked at Cailean. “Let me deal with this loon, Julianna, then you and I will talk.”
Anger roared through her and she opened her mouth to tell Sir Lawren to get out of her home, but Cailean said in a soft voice, “You will address her as Lady Julianna.”
Julianna blinked.
Sir Lawren’s face reddened. “Who are you to give me orders?”
Cailean shrugged. “Just a lowly knight.”
“A knight?” he sneered. “Who did ye apprentice with? I have never heard of you.”
“Do you know every knight in Scotland?” Cailean asked.
A handful of warriors lounging near the hearth rose from their seats.
“Prove your metal.” Sir Lawren laid a hand on his sword hilt.
Cailean’s gaze sharpened. “A man doesnae draw a sword while a guest in another man’s home.”
“A man doesnae touch another man’s woman.”
From the corner of her eye, Julianna caught sight of Brodie pushing through the men near the hearth.
“I believe Lady Julianna said she had no intention of marrying you,” Cailean said in a nonchalant voice.
“Lady Julianna isnae your business.” Sir Lawren drew back a fist.
Julianna cried out. Cailean sidestepped the blow and kicked Sir Lawren in the arse. The knight stumbled two paces, regained his footing, and whirled. His second punch missed Cailean’s chin by a hair. Cailean rammed a fist into his ribs. Sir Lawren threw an upper cut that caught Cailean’s jaw. His head snapped back. Brodie reached them. He seized Sir Lawren by the scruff and tossed him aside like a child, then shoved Cailean’s chest. Cailean reeled backwards, hit the wall, and bounced off onto the floor.
Sir Lawren leapt to his feet, his lip bloody. “I will have your head for this, Brodie.”
“Ye will have nothing, Lawren. You are acting like a green lad. Go home and dinnae return until you have learned manners.”
Cailean pushed onto his knees and rubbed his jaw.
“Lady Julianna—” Sir Lawren began.
“Nae, sir. Brodie is right. Off with ye.”
His mouth thinned. He shot Cailean a venomous glare, then whirled and strode across the room. When the door closed behind him, Cailean rose.
“I’m sorry, Lady Julianna.”
“It wasnae your fault,” she said. “I ran into you.” She bent and began picking up apples.
He hurried to her side and grasped her arm, pulling her upright.
“I’ll gather the apples,” he said.
She realized everyone was staring and nodded. “Thank ye.” She faced Brodie. “And thank ye, Brodie.”
“Are ye all right, lass?”
“Aye, unless you count being angry.”
Brodie grinned. “A riled woman is a force to be reckoned with.”
Cailean held the sack and now bent to grab three apples. The women swarmed from the kitchen and helped him scoop apples off the floor. Julianna turned and headed for the stairs. When she reached her quarters, she closed the door and leaned against the door. Cailean wasn’t a simple warrior or a wanderer. He was a knight. A knight. Why hadn’t he said anything? This changed everything. Even if he held no lands—and he might—as a knight, he had some status. Lennox was right. Why hadn’t they heard of him? Who was his family? If he was connected to anyone of import that meant…
Her pulse quickened. “You will address her as Lady Julianna.” He had defended her honor. She shouldn’t be surprised. After all, he’d defended her life several times. She had been certain he found her attractive. Was it possible there was more?
*
Cailean wiped sweat from his brow with the back of a hand and leaned on the battleax he’d been sparring with a moment ago. He had yet to see Lady Ravenstone today. He’d hoped to talk her into some errand that would take him into Heatheredge. Instead, Lennox had found him and let him know he wasn’t pleased with the altercation between Cailean and Sir Lawren—though it was clear Lennox didn’t care for the man. Cailean wasn’t pleased with the conflict, either. The wrong encounter would get him dead or in the damn cellar of the Red Lion, waiting for the magistrate to hear his case. If he ended up there, it would be because of his involvement with Lady Julianna. She ran into him, literally, when he’d landed here in medieval Heatheredge, and she entangled him in her life more with each passing hour.
The problem was, he liked it.
Lennox stood ten feet away, watching Gregory and another man spar. Cailean knew Lennox had many more questions, and intended to get answers, soon. A man approached Lennox.
“The message has been dispatched to your father,” the warrior said.
“Good,” Lennox said.
The messenger turned and strode away.
A message sent to Sir Ravenstone? Cailean swung the ax so that it stuck into the ground, then went to Lennox. “You sent a message to your father?”
Lennox cast him a sideways glance then returned his attention to the men on the field. “What business is that of yours?”
“You didn’t send a message that Lady Julianna was kidnapped?”
Lennox faced him. “Why are ye asking?”
“Lady Julianna was brought home safely. There is no need for your father to come home early.”
Suspicion lit Lennox’s eyes. “I agree.”
“Then you didn’t send a message telling him to head home?”
“Nae.”
Relief flooded Cailean. “Good.” He started to turn away, but Lennox grabbed his arm.
“If you didn’t summon him home, it doesn’t matter.”
“Are ye seeing into the future again?” Lennox narrowed his eyes.
Cailean hesitated. What the hell. “It would be dangerous for him to arrive home ahead of schedule.”
Fear flickered in Lennox’s eyes. “Why would it be dangerous for him to return early?”
Dammit, even if this was an alternate universe, he didn’t want to mess with history. God only knew what problems he could create. Like getting someone killed—himself included.
“If your father changes his plans he will be attacked.”
“By whom?” Lennox demanded.
Cailean shook his head. “I dinnae know. Just that he will disappear.”
“Disappear?” Lennox repeated.
Cailean silently cursed. He hadn’t meant to reveal that much. Historians had theorized that Hugh Murray had attacked and killed him on his journey home in order to keep Sir Ravenstone from looking into Lady Julianna’s kidnapping.
Lennox glanced at his men, then jerked his head in a ‘follow me’ motion. They strode toward Raghnall, away from the men, and when they were out of earshot, he said, “Disappearing is different than being attacked.”
Cailean said nothing.
Lennox studied him for two heartbeats. “What do ye know about my father’s cousin Malcolm?”
Cailean shook his head, confused.
“He went missing six days ago.”
“What?” That hadn’t been in the history books. But then, not everything was. Heatheredge kept better records than most towns, but there were still plenty of holes. “What do you mean ‘missing’?”
“He left Raghnall on some business for my father and hasnae returned.”
Apprehension rammed through Cailean. Was it possible people were falling into the…what was it, a hole, a door that opened in the twenty-first century? A chill snaked up his back. What if the door didn’t open back to his time? He’d never heard of anyone who seemed to be from the past turning up in his time. But then, someone who looked and insisted they were a fourteenth century person would end up in the psychiatric ward of the nearest hospital as one more homeless statistic. What if the place one landed in time was random? If Val had a hand in sending him here, did Val know where ‘here’ was?
