Highlander's Wicked Game: Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance Novel

by Fiona Faris

  She rested a short while and then tidied herself up from her journey, going in to meet her aunt later that afternoon. There was a large meal set out of meats and breads, fruits, cakes, and tea. Madeleine sat with her aunt, and as they ate, they talked and got to know one another as adults. All the while, Margaret watched Madeleine, seeming to take in everything about her, and Madeleine knew in no time at all that her aunt was a sharp, wise, clever woman.

  “I understand that you do no wish to find a husband while you are here, but your mother has made it very clear that she expects you to become a lady while you are with me, and to find a suitable husband.” Margaret chuckled softly, but her face was serious. “I will get to work on you, and you will let your Campbell stubbornness go while you are here, and if we do this together, we may have quite a bit of fun. We can make the most of it, and if you keep your mind open, you may discover that you like it.”

  Margaret seemed certain that she knew just what she was doing, and Madeleine sighed, realizing that her aunt was right. Echoing the sentiments of her father, she might just have to give the whole endeavor an earnest try.

  Margaret’s dressmaker came to make dresses for Madeleine, and while that was being done, Margaret showed her niece how to style her hair in the current fashions of the French court. As Madeleine learned, her aunt carefully instructed her in the proper etiquette, manners, and behaviors of court politics.

  “French court is like a game of chess, and everyone is a player. Everyone has their own interests and agendas, and because of that, alliances are made, and sometimes that results in betrayals. There are some people who are loyal to others, but most often the people there are only interested in benefiting themselves, and they act accordingly. You will want to be careful who you make friends with. The young ladies might be after a suitor you like, or the men will be vying for your hand and attentions and cause trouble trying to win you over. You should be mindful of that, and you should also be aware that not all men have marriage in mind. Some men are only interested in a passing dalliance with a young lady, and you cannot allow something like that to happen, for it would ruin your chances of finding a good husband.”

  Madeleine tried to conceive of it all in her mind. “It sounds like different world altogether.”

  Her aunt raised her brows and nodded. “It is. I know the world you come from. I was a Scottish lass many years ago, but your grandmother sent me here for an arranged marriage, and it changed my life completely. I learned the ways of court early, and I know you will too. Mine was a good marriage. I loved my husband and the life that we shared here. I see no reason why you couldn’t find a wonderful man at court to be wed to.”

  Madeleine frowned. “I dinna ken if the men here at court would want a girl like me. I am myself in the woods, or riding and hunting, or swimming in a loch, or roaming the hills freely. I can no’ see myself in fine dresses or attending balls. It does no’ seem like my kind of life. I dinna ken if I will fit into a world like that.”

  Margaret pinned a few more curls of Madeleine’s hair in place and patted her shoulder. “You will do fine. You are beautiful and intelligent. You will fit right in, as long as you are careful about who you trust and who you spend time with. We mustn’t leave anything to chance. I’ll be helping you, so you won’t be navigating the deep waters of court alone. I know that you will do your best.”

  “Aye, aunt, I will try.” Madeleine answered quietly.

  Madeleine took it all in stride, knowing that though she might be stubborn and independent, if she was to be presented at the French royal court, she wanted to be at her best, if for no other reason than she was representing the Campbell clan on foreign soil, and her proud heritage and name must be upheld and honored above all else. For that reason alone, she allowed Margaret to do any and all things that might be needed to prepare her properly for when the day of presentation came.

  As Madeleine was readied for her first trip to the court of King Charles IX, son of the formidable Catherine de Medici, she felt as if she wasn’t herself at all. She stood before a full-length mirror, gazing at a total stranger.

  Her waist-length dark curls were pulled up and arranged beautifully at the back and top of her head, adorned with small jewels throughout, making her hair look like a starry night. Her face was touched delicately with makeup; just enough to bring some extra color to her full red lips, and her finely rounded cheeks. She wore a breathtaking gown designed in hues of blues and greens the shade of the sea, which brought out her emerald eyes and her porcelain skin. Her shoes were made to suit the gown she wore, and it felt to her as if she had to learn to walk all over again, having a fabricated heel on her shoe.

  She stared at the unfamiliar young woman in the glass and wondered where her true self had gone and if there was any part of herself that she could show, or be genuine to, amongst the nobility of France.

  “Feeling nervous?” Margaret asked, smiling over Madeleine’s shoulder and catching her eye in the mirror while giving her a last examination before they left for the castle.

  “Yes. I dinna ken if I can dae this. I think I might be in over my head.” Madeleine tried to take a deep breath, but it found no place in her.

  Margaret smiled and patted her hand as she took it. “You’ll be fine. You look divine, and if you just remember everything that I taught you, you’ll fit right in, and you may even have some fun.” Madeleine wasn’t sure if she believed her aunt, but she knew that tomorrow would still come, whether she had a successful day at court or not. She swallowed hard and determined to give it her very best, if only for her family back at home in Scotland and her aunt Margaret, who had worked so tirelessly to create the vision that Madeleine had become.

  Margaret kissed her cheek lightly, and with that, they went out to the carriage and headed off to make Madeleine’s future.

  Chapter Two

  It was all that Madeleine could do not to stare in amazement at the castle and all of the finery in it, or all of the people dressed so grandly in and amongst its halls. She said nothing as she stayed at her aunt’s side, nodding and smiling slightly at those they passed or people to whom she was introduced, all while sorely missing her rugged Highlands.

  They’d been in the castle for fifteen minutes when Margaret turned an eye to Madeleine and gave her a knowing look. “How are you feeling?”

  “Suffocated,” Madeleine answered honestly.

  Margaret chuckled and patted her arm. “Well, if that’s the worst of it, then you’re doing fine. It can only get better from here. Now come along; you’ve only met some of my friends so far. Let’s get you in amongst some girls your own age. That will help put you at ease.”

  Madeleine didn’t really spend time with girls her own age back on the Campbell lands at home. She was most often with her younger sister, Fiona, or her male cousins who ranged in age from slightly older than herself to little Bonnie’s tender age. Madeleine was certain that spending time with other girls her age at French court wouldn’t do much to assuage her consternation.

  Margaret led her and introduced her to a group of young women. “These are the ladies Anne, Marie, Claudine, and Marguerite. Ladies, this is my niece, Lady Madeleine Campbell. She has come from Scotland to stay with me for a time. She is in need of some fine company and some assistance in getting to know the games of court here.” Margaret eyed all of the girls intently, and each of them smiled widely and gave their hands to Madeleine; they all knew right away that they were to take her into their circle, and they did.

  “How lovely to meet you!” Marguerite said pleasantly. “We all loved your Queen Mary, but we were girls when she was here. That was seven years ago.”

  “Thank ye, we love her too.” Madeleine smiled in return.

  “I heard that her second husband just passed away in February. I’m so sorry.” Claudine gave Madeleine a sympathetic look. “It must be difficult to lose two husbands in so short a time.”

  Madeleine nodded. “It must be.”

  “How a
re you enjoying France?” Anne asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

  “It’s really beautiful. Much sunnier than ‘tis at home, and I’m enjoying it.” Madeleine felt their welcoming smiles begin to thaw the frozen nerves all over her body.

  “What do you like to do for fun?” Claudine asked interestedly. She had an intelligent air about her that made Madeleine feel as if she was speaking to someone who never missed anything going on around her.

  “Oh yes! Do you play any instruments? Do needlework? Do you sing? Oh, I love people who can sing beautifully!” Marie intoned dreamily, playing with the strands of pearls curved around her slender neck.

  Madeleine felt her stomach tighten. “I… ehm… no, I dinna really dae anything like that. I prefer to go hunting and fishing. I’m no’ bad at archery, and I ken well how to use a sword.”

  The four ladies before her blinked in astonishment.

  “Do you really?” Marguerite asked in an awed hush. “Know how to use a sword I mean!”

  Madeleine thought back to the two men by the creek who had attacked her, and the corners of her mouth turned upward. “I dae indeed.”

  “You go hunting and fishing?” Anne asked as a grin widened over her face. “Just like the men?”

  Madeleine nodded. “Quite often, to be truthful.”

  “Oh, I could never do any of that!” Marie looked horrified at the very idea of it. She snapped open her folded handheld fan and waved some air over her face as she batted her eyes.

  “I think it’s wonderful!” Claudine beamed as she slipped her arm through Madeleine’s, ignoring Marie’s dramatic response. “We don’t have any ladies here at court nearly as interesting as all that!”

  “What brought you here to court?” Marie tilted her perfectly coiffed head slightly. She looked as polished as a woman could possibly be, and it was obvious that she enjoyed it.

  “My mother sent me here to refine me into a lady,” Madeleine admitted somewhat grudgingly.

  Claudine gave Madeleine a sidelong glance and a slightly coquettish smile. “And perhaps to find a suitable husband as well?”

  Madeleine rolled her eyes. “Yes, I guess that, too. I’m no’ interested in finding one, though. I dinna ken why she thinks I need one!”

  Marguerite gave her a knowing grin. “Well, there are several eligible men here, and there are also some who are married and are only looking for a liaison, so be careful. You don’t want your reputation ruined by the wrong man. We’ll be glad to help you.”

  Madeleine wanted no help, and no husband, but she knew she shouldn’t say that. “Thank ye. I am grateful.”

  Aunt Margaret approached the group of young ladies at that moment with a stately looking woman at her side. “Lady Madeleine Campbell, this is Her Royal Highness, the Queen Mother, Catherine de Medici.”

  Madeleine bowed low, and the queen mother eyed her with a half-smile. “You’re quite a charming young lady. Margaret is a dear friend of mine. I’m happy to welcome you here.”

  “Thank ye, your royal highness.” Madeleine answered.

  “Your aunt tells me that you are seeking a suitable husband. My son is hosting a celebration at the lake in two days. There will be many eligible men in attendance there, and perhaps you may find one to your liking. Do come.” Queen Catherine gave her a look that told Madeleine that it wasn’t a suggestion.

  “Oh yes, of course. Thank ye, your royal highness.” Madeleine answered, feeling as if the voice was not her own at all. She wondered where the girl from the Highlands had gone, and who had taken her place and was standing there in strange shoes in front of the queen mother of France.

  Margaret and Catherine left the young girls, and Madeleine’s new friends grew excited for her. “Oh! I’m so glad that you’ll be there with us! We’re all going!” Claudine gushed happily.

  All of the other girls joined in talking about it with elation, and Madeleine felt as if she was living in a bizarre dream.

  If Madeleine had felt out of place up to that point, it was fully eclipsed by her arrival at the royal celebration. The grounds around the lake were filled with nobles and esteemed guests. There were fire lights lit in so many places that the area fairly glowed. Musicians sent serene music out across the shimmering waters of the lake, and a big moon shone down upon it all.

  Margaret had put Madeleine into an exquisite dress; one the likes of which she had never imagined. Her hair had been expertly styled, as well, and a bit of color added to her face. She felt overdone, but her aunt insisted that she would easily be the belle of the ball. Madeleine didn’t bother telling her aunt that she didn’t want to stand out in the crowd; she preferred, instead, to blend into the shadows, or even better yet, to vanish from the event altogether; but she let the point go because she knew that her mother and her aunt were bent on finding a suitable husband for her, and that meant that she had to be in the spotlight, at least until they all agreed on someone, or until they gave up on her, and she could be allowed to return to Scotland without a man at her side. It was a secret hope she harbored, and it brought her comfort in times when her obligations in France tried her soul.

  Margaret stayed with Madeleine long enough for her to find her friends, and then she advised the girls to introduce Madeleine to the best available men in attendance. They promised that they would. Madeleine scowled privately and sighed. It was the last place she wanted to be, but there was no real way out of it for her.

  “I know you aren’t interested in a husband, but don’t think on that,” Anne told her sympathetically. “Instead, let’s just have fun.”

  “We will have to introduce her to a few men,” Marie pointed out. “I’m not failing Margaret MacLeod Deschamps!”

  The other girls giggled and agreed, save for Madeleine who rolled her eyes.

  The girls pointed men out to Madeleine as the evening began to get busy, and they discussed the merits of each one as they went along, decidedly favoring some over others. Marguerite stopped short as they were nearing the royal boats on the lake and gasped.

  “Oh! He’s perfect! Look… that’s James II of Crussol! Oh, he’s ideal!” She looked as though a fire had been lit beneath her.

  “Why is he perfect?” Madeleine asked, wondering if the other three girls would agree.

  “He’s the Baron of Steel. He’s also wealthy, handsome, and as yet, unmarried.” Claudine answered knowingly.

  “He’s a real catch!” Marie pointed out.

  “He is. So many ladies are after him, but none more than Françoise Louise of Clermont. She desperately wants him!” Marguerite smiled, nodding subtly to a young blonde girl with pale skin and large blue eyes not far from the man. She was staring adoringly at him, and he seemed not to notice her at all. “But, I think he might like you instead.”

  “Why is that?” Madeleine asked, her stomach feeling as if it had dropped to her feet.

  “Because he keeps looking over here at you!” Anne gave Madeleine’s arm a squeeze.

  “Ladies, I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I was compelled to come over and meet your lovely new friend,” a nasally voice sounded behind them, and all the ladies turned with a start.

  They faced a tall, thin man with little more than wisps of graying hair atop his head and poor teeth in his mouth. He was dressed in lavish attire and held his chin up proudly. “I am Pierre Beaumont, at your service,” he announced. “And who might this enchanting creature be?”

  Madeleine was certain she would either be sick or be forced to run as fast as she could. The man before her made her nauseous.

  Anna cleared her throat and looked at Pierre directly. “This is Lady Madeleine Campbell of Scotland.”

  Pierre’s old eyes twinkled. “Do me the honor of accompanying me on a stroll, Lady Madeleine,” he insisted, rather than asked. Madeleine’s friends gave her sympathetic glances. Madeleine felt as if she had no choice. Pierre held his arm out for her, and Madeleine took it as he walked with her away from the group.

  “There’s a littl
e rumor buzzing through the guests here tonight that you’re looking for a husband at court. Is that true?” He raised a bushy, graying brow at her and drew her closer to him. Every alarm in Madeleine was going off. She didn’t even want to be at Pierre’s side, let alone any closer to him than walking distance.

  She thought fast. “Rumors can be started so innocently, and then get so out of hand.” She told herself that at least it wasn’t a lie. It was more of an evasive maneuver. Possible options for escape from the older man began to play themselves out in her mind.

  Pierre paused in their casual stroll and faced Madeleine, giving her a hungry look. “If it is true, if you are looking for a husband, I could very well be tempted by you. My dear… you’d be quite a lovely little morsel to keep. I wonder if I might…” He leaned closer to her and his rank breath reeked all around his head. “…have a sample.”