Her Highlander's Heartl (Highlanders 0f Cadney Book 2)

by Fiona Faris

  “If it’s for Gavin, Violet, I can handle anything.”

  Chapter Seven

  Nathan pushed the map of Scotland out of his way, his eyes blurring over at the sight of it. He had been in the library planning their trip to Perth since Milly had left him that morning to go and prepare her things. It would be a challenging trip just with winter settling in, let alone navigating the prison itself. The sun was now low in the sky and the evening meal would be called soon. It was time for Nathan to take a break.

  If his calculations were correct, using a cart and three to four horses, he and Milly could be to the prison at Perth and back in less than a fortnight. A fortnight alone with Milly, it would be torture. He briefly thought of how perfect she had felt earlier in his arms. Even in tears she had been a vision. Her scent soft and warm like rare vanilla dipped in milk heated over a fire and served on a cold winter’s night. He wanted to drink her, all of her, and wondered if her lips would taste as sweet as he imagined. He scowled and quickly pushed the thought away. It was unfair to think of the woman in such a way. He would be alone with her for a long time, so he needed to keep himself in check. He wished he could be sure if they would find Gavin. He and Milly alone would not be able to break Gavin free of the prison. It was a tightly protected fortress, and under English control. But if he saw for himself Gavin MacGille was alive, and well, he would be able to come back and work with the MacGille clan and his own to secure the man’s release.

  As it stood, their mission would be much more complicated if he was there. But if he was it would be the proof he needed to force the council’s hand and deny any claim Elias may think he has to lead the clan. He scowled again, running his hands through his too-long hair. If Gavin was truly in that prison and Elias knew about it, and offered to use his connections to free the man, if and only if Milly married him; that would be solid proof that Elias was the traitor Nathan already suspected he was. What Nathan couldn’t figure out was why? Why would Elias leave such a loose end out in the world, and if Gavin MacGille had something on him why not use those same connections he was bragging of to Milly to secure the man’s hanging, ending his life and silencing him for good? Unless the whole thing is a calculated move on Elias’ part. A long game? Nathan shuddered.

  A knock at the library door shook Nathan back to the present.

  “Lad, ye been locked up here all day, should we be worried?” Nathan looked up at his Uncle William as he entered the room. When had his strong, sturdy uncle begun to look so aged? His gray hair was still as unkempt as the night Nathan returned home.

  “Och, I be fine, Uncle. What can I help ye with?”

  “I was wonderin’ if ye made any progress with the MacGille lass? Elias has been stalking around the keep all day like a rabid animal. I was hopin’ tae take that tae mean we may be havin’ a wedding?” He hated to lie to his uncle, but he wanted to keep his conversations with Milly private for now. The man was still Elias’ father, and with he and Milly traveling soon, that would leave William in the keep with Elias. There was no telling what Elias could resort to once he realized they were gone. That included torturing the old man for information. Nathan couldn’t have that on his conscious. He let out a strangled laugh. Elias was never very good at keeping his anger from display. He wondered briefly of his da, how would his father, as Laird, handle this same situation Nathan found himself in now? With a deranged, enraged cousin threatening the clan ‒ a friend, he once only thought of only as a feisty, annoying, girl, now all woman, coming to call with an undeniable request for help. He knew his father would’ve been much more equipped than he to handle this crisis. Ah Da, how I wish ye were here, he thought before addressing his uncle.

  “Unfortunately, Uncle, my cousin’s ill temper has nothing to dae with me.”

  “Like HELL it doesn’t!” Elias boomed from the doorway. Nathan was unsure how much of their conversation he had heard but was now very glad he hadn’t elaborated with his uncle.

  “Elias, cousin, settle down!” Nathan warned. William stood in an effort to try and placate his son, but Elias pushed him out of the way and moved toward Nathan. William lost his footing, tripping over the chair and falling back with the force of Elias’ shove, but Nathan had no time to put him to rights. Elias was charging toward his desk, his eyes red-rimmed in rage.

  “Well, ye did something, she refused me—and now she is holed up in her bed chamber feigning’ illness.” Nathan held back for a moment. Smart lass, he thought. If she is ill, no one will think to miss her, buying them more time.

  “Och, I cannae help it if the sight of ye makes the lass feel ill, Elias. She said as much when we broke fast this mornin.’ Perhaps ye should look for a fight elsewhere.”

  “Like HELL I will settle down! Tell me, Nathan, how did you do it? How did you turn the lass away from me so quickly? Did you offer her money? Or no, maybe you played poor, pitiful, orphan Nathan, just lost his da, and she wanted to soothe yer aching heart?” he added in a mocking burr, his proper English accent faded in his anger. “Tell me cousin, did she spread her legs for ye already?!”

  Nathan felt a surge of anger pull him upright. Elias lunged for him and Nathan dodged out of the way. The last thing he wanted was a brawl in the library, but he needed Elias to know he would not stand for the disparaging remarks about Milly. “Ye’ll not speak in such a way about a lady and a guest in our home, ye bastard!”

  “I’ll speak any damn way I wish. Tell me this Nathan, is it like my mother all over again? Why is it that every woman who comes within’ ten feet of you feels an overwhelming desire to protect you? What kind of weak man you must be. Perhaps Millicent will end up dead too, just like my mother!”

  He knew his cousin blamed him for his own mother’s death. He knew that Elias thought his mother loved Nathan more than she loved her own son. It simply wasn’t true. Nathan was only ten years old and sick with the same disease that took his own ma. His aunt spent time comforting him, urging him to eat and grow strong. She spent hours upon days telling him that his mother would not want him to weep or stay sick. Eventually he returned to health, but Elias’ mother was struck ill, and succumbed. Elias never forgave Nathan. All the pain and fear that came with the memories of the two women’s deaths came rushing back with Elias’ words. Coupled with his threat against Milly and all the calm resolve that remained inside Nathan flew out of the window.

  He jumped over his father’s old wooden desk, papers flying in every direction, and landed a quick fist into Elias’ jaw, knocking the smaller man back on his heels. Wasting no time, he picked his cousin up by the collar. They weren’t young boys any longer, and Nathan had grown up well. His six-foot-four-inch frame towered over Elias. “For the last time, Elias, I was just a boy. I’m sorry yer ma died. I’m sorry my ma died, but I’ll not spent my life feelin’ guilt over something that was naeone’s fault! And I’ll not have ye speak ill of Milly. While she is in this keep she is under my protection!” He unceremoniously dropped his cousin onto the floor. “Like I said, if yer lookin’ for a fight, best do it elsewhere. I’m busy.” Nathan moved to help his uncle up and back into his chair.

  “Are ye alright, Uncle?” Nathan checked to make sure the old-man wasn’t hurt. He was resilient, but when it came to his son, Nathan didn’t expect him to fight back.

  “Och, dinnae fash.” William waved Nathan away. Elias was still in the room rubbing his jaw, a fine purple bruise was starting to form right where Nathan hit him.

  “I meant what I said, Elias. The lass is under my protection. It’ll dae ye well tae remember.”

  “You think you mean to marry her then?” Elias’ spat, his tone was stretched, his teeth gritted. Nathan couldn’t help but notice how red in the face he still was. His anger hadn’t subsided at all even though his voice was low.

  “I dissnae matter what I think, or what ye think for that matter. The lass will make her own choice. I think it’s best if ye see yourself out, man.”

  “Heed my warning, the Lairdship will be m
ine. You are done taking it from me.” Elias glared first at his father, then at Nathan. “If you have any designs on the MacGille lass, I suggest you forget them. There will be a wedding, and it will not be yours. I will make sure of it.”

  Elias spun on his heels and left the room. Nathan was left with a cold emptiness in the center of his stomach.

  “He’ll not succeed, lad. Surely the council will see tae reason. He is my own, but he is unhinged. Entitlement leads tae nothing but trouble.” Nathan appreciated his uncle’s words. If only he could be so sure. He and Milly needed to leave right away, not only to quickly find out if Gavin is truly alive, but to keep her out of the keep and far away from Elias. His cousin had made it clear, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and Nathan will not allow Milly to be used as a pawn in the dangerous game Elias insisted upon playing.

  He and Milly would have to leave tonight, and they didn’t have a fortnight to accomplish their goals. Elias wouldn’t be held at bay long. No, they would have to go fast. Instead of a cart they would have to take two horses and ride. More speed, they could take lesser roads. They would be less likely to be seen, possibly buying them a bit more time if Elias bought that Milly was indeed ill and hiding in her bedchamber.

  “Aye, I hope ye’re right, Uncle, but in the meantime I have an errand tae run to help ensure that it is so. If ye dinnae see me around the keep, trust I will be back sooner rather than later. If Elias causes a stir, dinnae hesitate tae send tae the MacGilles for assistance.”

  Chapter Eight

  Slamming the door to his bedchamber, Elias threw off his plaid. He hated wearing it. He hated honoring his MacKenzie blood. “Blast Nathan Mackenzie!” he shouted into nothing. He didn’t know how he did it, but Nathan was most definitely behind Millicent MacGille’s recent illness. He had somehow gotten to the lass. The bruise on his face still burned. He hadn’t intended to engage his cousin in a brawl, but the man was so pompous sitting behind that desk, smirking at Elias. He knew that he may have won the battle, but Elias was smarter. Nathan wouldn’t win the war. And his father, treacherous, weak man that he was. Siding with Nathan over his own son! William MacKenzie had always been weak. Elias knew it when he was just a pup. His mother was their strength, and if it weren’t for Nathan she’d be here today. He would seek her council now. She would know how to persuade Milly to marry him. His mother would’ve fixed everything. Better yet, he wished his mother had left his father when he was born, taken them both back to her family in England. He would have never known this blasted place, or these horrible people. Scotland was a wasted place, good only for grazing of cattle and sheep. If his mother had lived, he knew she would agree.

  Elias suddenly realized his mistake with the MacGille girl. Idle threats would not work.

  Yet, after her pitiful display that morning, and her subsequent refusal to meet him for a pleasant horse ride through the meadow, it didn’t seem niceties would work either. No, he needed something stronger to persuade her to marry him.

  If only there were other women to choose from. Even though he had confidence that his leverage over Milly would work to his advantage, he wouldn’t mind having a different lass or two as a back-up plan, just in case. Everything hinged on his taking a Highland born lady as a wife. Damn the clan and their antiquated rules.

  He had worked too long, and too hard to lose now. If he thought he could’ve gotten away with it, he would have just had Nathan killed and then there. That would be no choice now. No prodigal son can steal the title from him.

  It was unfortunate that he didn’t have enough support in the council, nor enough men ‒ yet! But if he could just persuade the lass to marry him, that would be easy enough to change.

  He paced the stone floor. He needed a way to bring Gavin MacGille to him, to the keep—it was the only way. If Milly could see her brother, know that he was indeed alive, then she would be so grateful that she would, of course, agree to marry him. It was sad that Gavin would, of course, never be free. He knew too much. He couldn’t allow anyone to find out how Uncle Hammish met his unfortunate end, or allow anyone to guess he was an agent working for the English. No, that would not do at all. So, Gavin would have to die, but not before Milly said ‘I do’—everything had to be in place before he would be rid of Gavin MacGille permanently. He let out a loud sigh. He would most likely have to do away with Nathan as well. Even if the girl married him willingly, Nathan would not give the title up without a fight. Killing Nathan would be more difficult than killing Gavin. He rubbed his jaw again at the thought. But nevertheless, he would do it, and take pleasure in it.

  “I shall write to Daniel, he will send Gavin to me post haste.” Elias smiled at his own genius. Lord Daniel Hopkins was the name of the Commander who controlled the prison in Perth. He also happened to owe Elias a small fortune in gambling debt. He wasn’t a very reliable or honorable man in his personal life, but he did enjoy the status of Commander. Elias used incredible wealth and influence to keep the commander at his ready, and now it would come in handy.

  He sat at his desk and began drafting his correspondence.

  Dearest Commander Hopkins,

  Though it has been much too long since our last letter, it is my great pleasure to ask you to see that the Jacobite prisoner, Gavin MacGille, is to be released right away into the custody of the messenger who carried this letter. He is now under the protection of the MacKenzie.

  As always, you will be rewarded handsomely for your cooperation.

  Sincerely,

  Your humble servant,

  Elias MacKenzie, Laird of Clan Mackenzie

  It didn’t bother Elias one whit that he was lying about his title. He would be Laird soon enough, then the English commanders and Lords of Parliament, hell the King himself would be clamoring to take his letters. He was the Crown’s key to breaking the Highlanders and ending those fool Jacobites for good. Surely the Crown will love having an ally as strong as Elias MacKenzie. The other clans will also see his power and follow his lead. Especially with such powerful marriage as to a MacGille. And as soon as he could get that little chit to marry him, the faster he would be rewarded for his efforts.

  He rang the bell and waited for the small, blonde maid, Fiona to come in. She was a meek lass.

  “Yes, my Laird?”

  “I need for you to fetch me the lad, Samuel, in the stables. I need him for an urgent errand. Do not be lazy!” The girl snapped her head up and gave him a quick nod and disappeared. He didn’t know exactly where her loyalties lay but so far she had been a decent help to him. It was unfortunate that Milly had begged off sick for their ride, but Fiona had been a good lass and told him right away that she suspected the illness was a fraud.

  Samuel he had no question, was loyal, had been since the very beginning. Samuel was with him at Dunkeld, and hated Nathan almost as much as Elias. Samuel was the perfect messenger.

  Elias leaned back. Placing his arms behind his head he let out a light chuckle. Ah, how I look forward to dismantling this keep brick-by-brick, and watching Nathan’s face as I destroy it all, he thought.

  Chapter Nine

  Late January 1690. Road to Perth, Scotland

  Nathan made sure the hallway was dark, not a single candle lighting the way, or a single servant present before he knocked on Milly’s chamber door. She opened it with concern.

  “I thought maybe ye changed yer mind?” She was dressed in men’s breeches as she opened the door to her bedchamber. Nathan was taken aback. The pants would’ve looked ridiculous on any other lass, but on Milly the buckskin hugged her curves in all the right places. He had expected her maid to open the door, and he wasn’t prepared for the way his body reacted as the window behind her framed her in a glow of the last traces of the sun’s light before total night fell. He let out a slight cough and searched for any place to set his eyes aside from her.

  “What are ye wearin’, lass? Ye can’t leave the keep dressed like that!”

  “Travel breeches, of course. We won’t g
et anywhere quickly if I’m forced to ride side-saddle. Men’s pants make it much easier to ride. Or, if yea prefer, maybe we should wait a day or so to break my brother out of prison and I can take that horse ride with yer cousin and see how he plans to accomplish it?” Nathan fought back the urge to laugh. She was a clever lass, he would give her that. She was right that side-saddle would only slow them down.

  “Nay lass, we should leave, and sooner rather than later. And when we are traveling it’s best that people think we are husband and wife.”