by Katy Baker
“Of course I do," Lucy replied. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
"As many times as I need to ask!" he snapped, anger flashing in his eyes. Then he took a deep breath. "What I've come to say is that until the crofters can get here to give their evidence, I'm willing to take yer word for it and release ye. On one condition."
Lucy crossed her arms. "What condition?”
"That ye give me yer word ye willnae try to leave my lands and that ye'll remain within the castle or the village until yer innocence can be proven."
Lucy's heart leapt. Freedom! She was going to be allowed out! Now she could start looking for Irene MacAskill. Now she could start trying to find a way home!
“You have my word," she said. "I won't stray more than a mile from the castle until you say I can."
He nodded. "Good. Then please consider yerself the guest of the Harris clan. I'm sure Aniss will show ye around.” He went to the door but paused and turned back. "What did ye mean when ye said Irene MacAskill was responsible for what happened to ye?”
How was she supposed to answer that question? She was pretty sure he already thought she was crazy. If she told the truth it would only confirm that. But she didn't want to lie either. "Irene MacAskill lured me to Scotland," she said, choosing her words with care. "I'm a musician and she offered me the chance to make a living from my music. It was an offer I couldn't refuse."
Harris frowned at this. "Make a living? Why would ye need to do that? Doesnae yer husband provide for ye?” His voice was intense and Lucy got the impression that he was very interested in her answer.
“I don’t have a husband,” Lucy replied. "And even if I did I wouldn't expect him to provide for me. It's not the done thing where I'm from. Women earn their own keep in my homeland."
He didn't answer for a moment. Instead, he watched her, his eyes fixed unblinking on her face. Something stirred inside her. Her lips parted, breath escaping her in a rush. Andrew Harris might be rude, domineering and insensitive, but by God, he was easy on the eye. He shifted as though he might move closer to her but held himself back. He crossed his arms, sticking his hands underneath his armpits, looking suddenly uncomfortable.
Almost under his breath, Lucy heard him mutter, "Good."
Lucy wasn't sure whether he meant the fact that she was unmarried or that she intended to pay her way. Without realising it, Lucy took a step towards him. In response, he moved as well, until there was less than an arm’s span between them. Lucy found herself gazing up at him. He was so tall she had to crane her neck back. His unblinking gaze seemed to catch and hold her and Lucy felt something she hadn’t in a long time. Desire.
Something flashed in his eyes and the hairs on the back of Lucy’s neck stirred. He breathed out slowly, his eyes traveling down her face to rest on her lips and back up again. He started to speak but then he shook his head and stepped back.
"I must go," he said gruffly. "Ye will not go a mile beyond the castle." He bowed stiffly, spun on his heel and left.
The door slammed behind him.
Chapter 9
LUCY COULDN'T SLEEP. Even at the best of times she was a poor sleeper and this certainly wasn't the best of times. She tossed and turned in the big bed, dozing off for a few minutes, only to jerk upright and look around wildly before she remembered where she was. Her dreams were full of tangled images of Irene MacAskill, Andrew Harris, the stone archway and the old woman's cryptic message about saving someone.
It was no good. Lucy sat up. She had no idea what time it was but she guessed it was deep into the night. Usually, when she couldn't sleep, she put on a trashy DVD or went for a walk around the block but neither of those options were open to her now. She climbed out of bed and crossed to the window. Below her, the bailey lay in gloom, lit only by the weak light from the torches on the gates. She pressed her forehead against the bubbled glass and gazed out, wondering whether she would look out of her own bedroom window ever again.
Movement in the courtyard caught her eye. A shadow moved along the base of the wall and then stepped into the pool of light by the gate. Lucy startled as she recognized Andrew Harris. He paused long enough to look around then approached the steps leading to the battlements.
Intrigued, Lucy watched as he climbed the steps and then leaned on the parapet looking down over the cliffs below.
Where’s he going? Lucy wondered. It must be about three in the morning. Why is he wandering the castle grounds at this time of night?
Harris gazed out for a long time and Lucy got the impression he was deep in thought. Eventually, he straightened and began walking along the battlements away from the main keep. Lucy watched him for as long as she could but eventually he disappeared into shadow. Lucy sighed. It was none of her concern what Andrew Harris got up to. What did she care if he liked to go walking alone at night?
She slumped into a chair, propped her feet up on the stool and leaned her head back. Her eyes slid closed. Before she knew it, she was sound asleep.
The crowing of a rooster woke her. Dawn light was filtering through the window. Lucy had forgotten to pull the curtains and she’d also managed to fall asleep in the most uncomfortable position imaginable. She groaned as she sat up and an ache shot all the way down the back of her neck. Pushing herself up straighter, she rolled her head, trying to work the kinks out of her neck.
Her Aunt Helen said if you slept on a problem it looked better in the morning. Lucy was surprised to find her aunt was right. As she stood and peered through the window onto the brightening landscape of a new day, Lucy felt more hopeful. Irene MacAskill must be around here somewhere. Harris himself had said he'd encountered her on the road so she couldn't be that far away. Now that Harris had decided Lucy could leave her room, she could begin asking around and making enquiries.
Yes, she thought to herself. I'll be home before I know it.
In the courtyard below, people were already busy. She saw a string of maids carrying buckets of water from the well and workers dressed in rough wool smocks were gathered outside a shed where a burly man was handing out tools. Involuntarily her eyes flicked to the battlements where Andrew Harris had walked last night. There was no sign of him now.
She crossed to the wardrobe and took out some fresh clothes. She pulled the night-gown Aniss had leant her over her head and then donned the clean garments.
Aniss had left a bowl and jug of water on her dresser along with a small bar of lavender soap. Sending her silent thanks to her new friend, Lucy poured the water into the bowl and had a quick wash. The water was icy cold and helped to clear her thoughts. When this was done she experimentally tried the door handle.
She half expected it to be locked so she was pleasantly surprised when the handle turned and she was able to pull it open. Tentatively, she stuck her head into the corridor. There was nobody in sight. The corridor was filled with doors just like her own and she guessed this must be a part of the castle given over to guest quarters. From below came the distant clatter of crockery and the sound of conversation.
Lucy headed towards the noise, drawn by the prospect of company. At the end of the corridor she reached a set of steps that lead down into the entrance vestibule. Here were three doors. One stood open with conversation drifting from within. A little nervously, she approached this door and peered through.
A huge vaulted hall met her gaze. The floor was made of flagstones covered in red and gold rugs. A deep fireplace sat against the far wall although there was no fire lit right now. An instrument that looked like a primitive violin hung on the wall above it. Tall, thin windows let in the morning light and tables and benches filled most of the space inside. Lucy was impressed despite herself. This place belonged in a theme park or a movie set. It was beautiful.
“There ye are!” said a voice.
Mona hurried towards her. The housekeeper smiled. Her hair was done up in a braid that she'd curled into a bun at the back of her head and she looked immaculate, despite the early hour.
"I was
going to send Aniss up to yer room but ye’ve beaten me to it. Come in, dear.”
Lucy gave Mona a nervous smile and then peered beyond the housekeeper at the people gathered in the room. Her eyes were searching for one person in particular.
“Laird Harris isnae here,” Mona said, reading her thoughts. "He's already out doing his rounds and besides, he rarely breaks his fast in the Great Hall."
Harris was already out? After being up half the night? Did the man sleep at all?
"Lucy!"
A small figure ran towards her and Lucy recognized the young lad from yesterday. He skidded to a halt in front of her, one hand clutching a piece of bread and jam smeared around his mouth. “Are ye coming for some breakfast? Cook makes the best breakfast in the whole of Scotland!”
Lucy smiled at his enthusiasm. "Good morning, Jamie. I'd love some breakfast. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
Jamie grabbed her hand and all but dragged her across the room to a table where Aniss was seated with an older man. Aniss was busy polishing some pewter tankards whilst the older man peered at a long roll of parchment. They both looked up when Lucy arrived.
“Look who’s here!” Jamie cried. "She's going to sit with us, aren’t ye, Lady Lucy?"
The man frowned at the young lad. "Don't pester the lass, Jamie. And wipe yer chin."
Jamie grinned and then flopped onto the bench, reached into a big pot that sat in the middle of the table and began ladling porridge into his bowl.
"It’s nice to meet ye finally,” the man said, giving her a bright smile. “I’m Dougie Harris, steward of Dun Arnwick. So how was yer first night with Clan Harris?” He pushed the parchment to one side and indicated for her to take a seat by his side.
Images of Andrew Harris walking the battlements flitted through her head. "Um. Interesting,” she managed.
Dougie nodded. "It must be strange for ye but mayhap once ye find yer way around the place it will start to feel like home. Isnae that right, Jamie?"
The young lad looked up from where he was shoveling food into his mouth and nodded. "I'll show ye around, Lady Lucy. There are the stables, the kennels and the cove where ye can catch crabs with a line.”
"Jamie, I'm sure Lady Jennings has better things to do than that," Dougie said.
"No, that's fine," Lucy said quickly. "I'd love to see Jamie's animals."
The lad fairly beamed at her and Dougie shook his head in surrender.
“Here,” Aniss said, putting down the rag she was using to clean the tankards. "Ye must be hungry. Have some porridge. If Jamie's left any, that is."
She ladled some porridge into a bowl and passed it to Lucy who took it gratefully. It proved to be delicious and filling and Lucy was surprised when she found herself staring at the bottom of the bowl.
“That’s it, lass,” Dougie said, smiling. "There's plenty more where that came from. Eat yer fill."
Mona slid into a seat beside Jamie. She tutted at the state of him and pulled a rag from her apron pocket and began wiping his face whilst he squirmed and protested.
"Keep still, lad," she scolded. "Would ye want the laird to see ye in such a mess? Only the neatest, cleanest lads get admitted to the garrison ye know?"
This seemed to have the desired effect. Jamie went still and looked up at Mona with wide eyes. “Truly? Do ye think if I have a wash he’ll let me join?"
Mona shared a look with Dougie who laughed. "All in good time, my lad. Ye have a long way to go before ye are old enough to take the trials.”
“I'll be captain of the guard one day," Jamie announced boldly. "And then I'll eat all the porridge I want!"
Everyone at the table burst into laughter and Lucy found herself joining in. These people shared an easy companionship and obviously knew each other very well. Dougie and Mona ran the household but did so in an easy-going, friendly way.
Unlike Harris, she thought sourly.
Lucy finished a second bowl of porridge then pushed the bowl away, rubbing at her stomach. "That was delicious. My compliments to the cook. I don't think I'll need anything else to eat all day."
"I'll be sure to give Edith yer compliments," Mona said. "She'll be mighty glad ye enjoyed yer breakfast. She takes her duty to her guests extremely seriously, does our Edith.”
Dougie clasped his hands on the table and leaned forwards. "Laird Harris has told me ye are seeking someone and has asked me to send out word. What was her name again?"
“Irene," Lucy replied. "Irene MacAskill. She looks to be in her seventies and is small with gray hair that she wears in a bun. If you could find news of her, I'd be so grateful."
"Dinna worry, lass,” Dougie replied. "Somebody is bound to know where she lives. We'll find her, ye mark my words."
Lucy found herself suddenly blinking back tears. "Thank you," she whispered.
Aunt Helen was definitely right. A problem always seemed a little easier come the morning.
They fell into good-natured conversation. Jamie began firing a barrage of questions at Lucy, wanting to know everything about America. Lucy answered as best she could, being careful not to mention anything that might reveal her time traveling origins. Jamie listened wide-eyed, soaking up information like a sponge. He was inquisitive and obviously intelligent and had a cheeky way about him that Lucy found endearing.
"Och, Jamie," Aniss said at last, coming to Lucy’s rescue. "Enough of yer chatter! Ye'll be wearing Lucy out with all yer questions!"
“But...but...” Jamie stammered.
"But nothing," Aniss said firmly. She pushed her chair back and stood. "Come on, I reckon it's about time we showed Lady Jennings the castle, don't ye?" She turned to Lucy. "That is if yer ready, Lucy?"
Lucy nodded. "That sounds great, thanks."
Jamie sprang to his feet with excitement, grabbed Lucy's hand and began pulling her towards the door.
Lucy looked back over her shoulder and smiled at Dougie and Mona. "Thanks for breakfast!”
“Ye are welcome, lass,” Mona replied. “Just remember, dinna take any nonsense from that young scallywag!”
"Dinna ye worry, Mona," Aniss said. "I'll keep him in check." She ruffled Jamie's hair then led the way down the steps into the bailey.
The first thing Jamie insisted Lucy see was the kennels. This was a long, low building built right in the corner of the bailey. Jamie led Lucy to a stall at the end where a brindle hunting hound was curled up around a litter of puppies.
"Isn't she grand?" Jamie said. He knelt beside the dog and scratched her ears. "And ye are a great mama, aren't ye, girl?"
The dog thumped her tail and licked Jamie's hand. Jamie lifted one of the pups and held him up for Lucy to see. He was a fat little thing with fluffy ears and big puppy-blue eyes. "This is the one I'm gonna keep," he announced. "His name's Sniffer."
"Now dinna get ahead of yerself, Jamie," Aniss said. "These are the laird's hounds and he hasnae said ye can keep one yet."
"He did so," Jamie shot back. "He said I could keep one if I took good care of the litter. And I have, havenae I?"
This last question was aimed at the kennel master who was sweeping by the door. "Aye, lad, ye have at that."
Jamie beamed.
Lucy scratched the mama dog behind the ears then made a big show of examining the pup. "He looks in top condition to me," she announced. "I'll bet he'll make a fine dog one day. I reckon Laird Harris would be an idiot not to give you one of these pups, Jamie."
Aniss rolled her eyes at Lucy's encouragement of the lad but Lucy just laughed. "Where to now, oh great guide of mine?"
"The stables of course!"
So Lucy was shown the stables, the armory, the kitchen, the inner and outer bailey, and finally, the battlements. As Jamie led her up the steps, she found herself walking the same route she'd seen Harris take the night before. The wind plucked at her hair and clothes and a fine spray of sea-water sprinkled them but Lucy found it invigorating. From here the ocean spread out before her and the Isle of Skye rose behind. Was t
his why Harris had paused here? To look out on the ocean just as she was?
They made a circuit of the battlements and Lucy began to find her bearings. Dun Arnwick was a large keep with many outbuildings and a village spread out on the headland opposite filled with cottages. Crofts dotted the hillsides roundabout and sheep grazed in the fields.
After a full circuit they made their way from the battlements and through a postern gate into the grounds. From up ahead Lucy heard the sounds of shouting and the clash of metal. They were on the land-ward side of the castle and in front of them was a large field encircled by ropes. Racks of weapons were gathered along one side.
"The practice grounds," Aniss said. "This is where the laird brings his men to train."
The field was full of sparring warriors. "Is he expecting trouble or something?" Lucy asked.
"Nay, nothing of the kind. Clan Harris has been peaceful for years. The laird makes sure of that. But Laird Garrick is visiting tomorrow. He’s heading to the mainland to meet with the southern barons and will spend the night with us before he crosses over.”
"I see," Lucy said. "And your laird wants to show strength to his visitors?"
Aniss nodded.
More male posturing, Lucy thought. Great.
In the center of the field a lone man was fighting a group of four. It was Andrew Harris. He'd stripped to the waist and sweat covered his torso. His hair was caught in a loose ponytail at the back of his neck and his muscles rippled in the sunlight.
Lucy swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. Then she shook herself, angry at her reaction. So he had a nice body? So what? It didn't stop him being an insensitive asshole did it?
Harris crouched with his feet apart, carrying no weapon other than a short staff. His attackers moved warily, each holding a similar staff.
“What are ye waiting for?” Harris shouted. "There are four of ye! Attack, damn ye!”
One of the men darted in, swinging his staff low towards Harris’s ankles. Harris pivoted away and the man’s staff swished through empty air. Harris spun around to crack the man neatly on the temple.
