by Amy Jarecki
“No, it does not.” Cromartie waved the parchment in Dunn’s face. “A pardon granted from Seaforth in no way excuses your irresponsible behavior.”
The chieftain’s jaw twitched. “I see, so it is permissible for a man to place a bounty on an innocent man’s head?”
“Innocent? You absconded with my daughter.” Looking toward the open door, Cromartie craned his neck. “Guards! Guards!”
“Stop this madness. You cannot blame Mr. MacRae for saving my life!” Mairi shouted, bless her for trying.
From the passageway, the stairwell echoed with approaching footsteps.
Dunn slammed the blasted door and locked it. “Do not be so hasty, Your Lordship.” He tugged Mairi under his arm and held her protectively. “I have asked your daughter to marry me and she has accepted. I love her with all my heart. Furthermore, I can provide her with a home where she will live in the style and comfort befitting her station.”
“Please, Da.”
“Have you lost your mind, Mairi?” Cromartie’s voice was sharp. “I forbid it! I cannot allow you to throw your future away on a henchman.” He took another step closer to the door. “Guards!”
Keeping Mairi at his side, Dunn backed up until he blocked the earl’s path. “I beg your pardon, m’lord, but I am not leaving until you bless our betrothal.”
“Are you deaf? I cannot and shall not.” The earl threw out his hands. “I’m only relieved to have my daughter returned in time to travel to London for the Royal Autumnal Ball.” He shifted a pointed stare to Her Ladyship. “We’ve discussed this, Mairi. I have an alliance to make with your hand, and it will not be with a mere Highland chieftain, mark me. When Seaforth rescinded his duty, it opened the door for me to make an alliance that will bolster our line.”
“You would put your quest for wealth before my happiness?” Mairi asked.
Fists pounded on the door. “It’s locked!” shouted a guard.
“Lay an ax through the timbers!” bellowed Cromartie, eyeing his daughter. “Nearly a month hiding with this swine and you’ve already forgotten the roots of your kin?”
Rage boiling in his chest, Dunn shifted Mairi behind him. “I will not leave without her. She will be my wife with your blessing or not.”
“So now you’re threatening me?”
Dunn drew his sword. “’Tis no threat. You read the letter from the Earl of Seaforth, your clan chief—your superior, and yet you refuse to acknowledge it. You have not removed the price on my head—”
“And I shall not.”
Dunn seethed. “Believe me, m’lord. You do not want to start a feud with Clan MacRae.”
“Please, Da.” Mairi stepped between the men, holding out her palms.
Cromartie ignored her. “And I’ll tell you, young pup, I will have the queen’s dragoons put Eilean Donan to fire and sword if you do not stand down.”
“Mairi, come.” Dunn lowered his sword and beckoned with his fingers.
“Nay. I have forbidden it, and my word is final. Do you not see, daughter? He is merely using you to clear his name.” Cromartie grabbed her arm.
“I have proclaimed my love. I have offered my hand.” Again, Dunn raised his sword. “Release her.”
“I choose MacRae.” Gnashing her teeth, Mairi twisted her arm from her father’s grasp and dashed toward Dunn.
Protecting her with his body, he leveled his weapon at the earl’s sternum. “I wish things could have been different, but Mairi is mine now. Call off your guard.”
The earl’s gaze grew dark and deadly. “If you dare leave with my daughter, you will never be safe. I will hunt you to the ends of the earth.”
Dunn backed the lass to the door. “I have Seaforth’s protection. It is you who are wrong, and all of Ross Shire will testify to it before a magistrate. I ask you once more,” he hissed through bared teeth. “Tell your guards to stand down.”
“Let them pass.” Cromartie raised his voice, his hand disappearing into his sleeve.
Dunn opened the door to a half-dozen guards looking stunned. “Stand back,” he growled.
Mairi turned, stretching her fingers toward her father. “Please, Da. Don’t do this!”
“I shan’t!” In one motion, Cromartie grabbed Mairi’s wrist, pulled her into his body, and pressed a dagger to her neck. “Seize him, you fools!”
“Not this night.” Dunn’s sword hissed through the air as he kept the guards at bay. “You would rather murder your own daughter than allow her to marry me? You are mad, Your Lordship.”
“She will do my bidding. And that is final.” Cromartie scowled and backed away. “Surrender your sword.”
“You are making a grave mistake,” Dunn seethed.
Mairi whimpered. “Stop this lunacy! I love him.”
But Cromartie’s hard stare reflected no compassion. “Guards!”
The earl might have been bluffing, but Dunn couldn’t take the risk and call Cromartie out. His heart twisted. Seeing the love of his life with fear filling her eyes while her own father held a dagger to her neck ripped Dunn’s heart into a thousand shreds. He gulped against the thickening in his throat, lowered his arm, and dropped his weapon to the floorboards. The guards rushed in and seized him. “You have not heard the last of this,” he growled.
“Oh? I believe I have.” Cromartie nodded to his men. “Take MacRae to the prison and let him feast with the rats.”
“You will be my wife, Lady Mairi!” he shouted as he allowed them to haul him away. Aye, Dunn may have lost this battle, but if his surrender meant saving Her Ladyship’s life, then so be it. Cromartie had no grounds on which to accuse him, and God save His Lordship once this was over.
Chapter Twenty-One
When Da finally released his grasp, Mairi clutched her neck and stumbled away.
My very own father threatened me with a knife! Never in all her days would she believe he was capable of such madness.
She coughed and sputtered, trying to regain control while blood trickled through her fingers. On top of it all, Dunn had taught her how to defend herself and, at the first attack, her efforts had been totally inept. Could things grow worse? She glared at her father in disbelief. “You would murder your own daughter?”
“I did not act upon my threat, did I?” the man grunted with a snort. “I bluffed and fooled him. Have you seen that Highlander fight? If I hadn’t done something rash, he might have cut down the lot of my guardsmen—perhaps killed me in the process.”
Mairi jammed her fists into her hips. “But there was no need for any of it. I love him. I intend to marry him with or without your consent.”
“Good God.” Da threw out his hands. “Clearly the man has taken advantage of your naïveté. You couldn’t possibly love him. In my opinion, he’s nothing but your cousin’s hired muscle.”
“He is a hero. A chieftain who owns land and cattle. A man who is loved by his clan and kin. How dare you treat him like a common felon?”
“Och, you are a fool, your head filled with fanciful ideals.” Da shook his dagger and eyed her. “I cannot believe you allowed him to convince you that he is in love with you.”
“He did not need to convince me. How many times must I tell you, if it weren’t for Mr. MacRae, I would have been violated?”
A rueful laugh rumbled through Cromartie’s throat. “You mean to say that rogue didn’t lay a single finger on you?”
Mairi’s cheeks burned. It was none of her father’s concern if she had accepted Dunn’s love and returned it in kind. After all, he never would have made love to her if she had not given her permission. “He acted honorably.”
“Well, something happened. I’d wager Seaforth’s stallion colt on it.”
“That colt is mine.”
“Oh please, Mairi, nothing is yours. Seaforth gave me that horse in payment for my burden upon his withdrawal of your betrothal.”
Seaforth had also given Da coin that ought to be part of her dowry. I suppose he has forgotten that as well. “What say you? I am merely a woman—
nothing but a burden.”
“Och, stop feeling sorry for yourself. ’Tis time you realized you are a mere lass clearly incapable of choosing your own husband.” He smoothed a hand over her hair. “I will ensure you are well positioned. You might even be appointed as one of Her Majesty’s ladies.”
Mairi’s spine shot up straighter than a bedpost. “I believe I am a far better judge of character than you, Father.”
“Is that so? I will make an alliance that will ensure your children become powerful peers of Britain. I am thinking only of you and the posterity of my progeny.” He stuffed the dagger into his sleeve. “Besides, I have already received correspondence from the Earl of Buchan, the Viscount Lymington, and the Marquis of Beverly.”
Mairi rolled her eyes to the ornate ceiling relief. “Not a duke in the offing?”
“I’ve yet to hear from the Duke of Kent, and many more will be in London, where you will make me proud. Never forget your place, or I shall ensure you face dire consequences.”
Mairi lowered her hand from her neck and looked at her bloody palm. Who was this man who purported to be her father? Had she ever truly known him? “What will you do with Mr. MacRae?”
“If he weren’t fast allies with the Earl of Seaforth, I’d have already ordered his hanging. Though satisfying, such an act would bring dissention to this house, which I can ill afford.” Da paced. “But Seaforth will be required at the Autumnal Ball as well. I reckon he will not be able to help MacRae for at least two months, possibly more. Perhaps given time to ponder his misdeeds whilst wallowing behind bars, the man will reconsider his suit.”
“But he won’t.”
“Then I will have you married afore we return from England.”
“I will refuse your choice!”
“If you dare defy me, I will not hesitate to execute the bastard—Seaforth or nay. Do you understand? If you try to run, he dies. If you deny a legitimate offer for your hand from a titled gentleman, he dies. Have I made myself clear?”
Mairi clutched her hands against her roiling stomach while tears burned her eyes. “Exceedingly clear.” The words tasted bitter in her mouth.
A guard appeared in the doorway. “MacRae is behind bars, m’lord.”
“Well done.” Da flicked his wrist at Mairi. “Now take my wayward daughter and lock her in her chamber. Post a guard at her door. The only person permitted within is Aela. She’ll need new gowns for London.”
Mairi gulped as the guard appraised her like vermin. “When are we departing?” she asked.
Da returned to his chair and picked up his gazette. “As soon as I can arrange transport.”
* * *
Locked in her chamber, Mairi threw herself facedown on the bed and shrieked into her pillow. For the love of God, if she’d only realized what an unfeeling cur her father could be. Never had he treated her with such disdain. In fact, until now, she had been cossetted. Aye, she’d heard rumors about his ruthlessness, but never saw this side of him until now.
He has played me like a marionette for my entire life.
Her body shook as tears streamed in her eyes and wet the pillow.
I’ve been so blind.
And all the while Dunn was right. He knew she should have stayed in the wood with Ram. He knew Da would behave cruelly.
And I did not believe him.
She sat up and drew a fist to her mouth. Ram and Curran had orders to wait. What would they do if Dunn did not return? If the lads were to approach the castle bearing arms, Da might make good on his threat and hang MacRae.
Mairi hopped to her feet and dashed to the door, pulled on the latch, and shook it with all her might. “Let me out. Please!” She pounded her fist against the timbers. “I am being held against my will and I have done nothing wrong.”
“Apologies, m’lady,” said the guard. “Orders are you must remain within. Shall I send for Miss Aela?”
“Yes, do so. I need her at once.”
Footsteps approached in the corridor. “I am here, m’lady.”
“Thank heavens.”
The lock clicked and Aela slipped inside. “Och, m’lady, I’ve been ever so worried. I feared you might never return.”
“Well, your worry has been unfounded.” In a blink an idea came to mind. She pulled the lady’s maid into the dressing room so as not to be overheard. “I need your help forthwith.”
“Of course, but I’ve been sent to pack your trunks.”
“There’ll be time for that later. Quickly, I need to change into your costume.” Mairi pulled open her kirtle laces. Aela was near enough in size, and she wore her brown hair tucked under a coif. If Mairi passed the guard quickly, he’d never notice.
“But I cannot possibly—”
“I order you to disrobe immediately. ’Tis a matter of life and death.”
“But what if the earl discovers us?”
“I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times the earl has visited my bedchamber in the past one and twenty years. Am I not wrong?”
“You are correct. I don’t recall ever seeing him in this wing.”
“Still, we must act with caution. Once I’ve donned your costume, you will climb under my bedclothes, pull them over your head, and pretend you are fast asleep.”
“Are you certain about this? ’Tis risky. What if you are caught?” Aela removed her apron.
“Then I’ll be no worse off than I am now, will I be? Now haste.” As soon as Aela stepped out of her kirtle, Mairi slipped it on. “Climb into bed and do as I say. I shall return with an armload of wood and say you—I mean I have a chill.”
Aela removed her coif and handed it to Mairi. “What do I do if someone comes in?”
“Ignore them.” She pulled a frilly white dormeuse cap from the peg. “Put this on. It will hide your hair.” Mairi grasped Aela’s hand. “Now, quickly, pin up my tresses so no one can see the color beneath my coif.”
Within minutes, Mairi stood at the door and knocked, giving the maid a nod.
“I’m ready to come out now,” Aela called from the bed before hiding beneath the comforter.
“Straightaway, miss,” said the guard, unlocking the door.
“My thanks,” Mairi replied, impersonating Aela’s voice to the best of her ability and curtsying with her head down. But she didn’t wait for the guard’s reaction. Walking briskly, she headed straight for the servants’ stairs, dashed down three flights, then raced outside and across the courtyard to the guardhouse. Catching her breath, she stood against the wall and gradually inclined her head until she was able to peer inside the archway. A light flickered from within, but she saw no one.
Movement above caught her eye as two guards met on the wall-walk, looking outward toward the forest. “Have you seen anything?” one asked.
Mairi froze in place, her back flush against the wall. If either of those men turned around, they’d spy her for certain.
“Not a thing.”
“Do you think MacRae’s men will attack?”
“I doubt it. The bastard might have been able to slip into the castle with Lady Mairi, but all the shire would ken if he’d ridden here with an army.”
“Mayhap you’re right.”
“But I might be wrong…”
Unable to hold her breath any longer, Mairi slipped into the archway and crept toward the tower’s passageway leading to Castle Leod’s single gaol cell. She’d seen it once when she went exploring as a young lass—in the days when she was insolent and incorrigible and her governess drove her mad. As she tiptoed forward, she listened for voices, but only heard a snore. The man guarding the passageway was sound asleep, sitting on a stool with a musket across his lap. Mairi searched for keys, praying they were hanging from a peg on the wall, but saw none. The guard didn’t have them hanging from his belt, either. Her gaze slipped to his sporran.
Her fingers twitched. Oh no, he’ll wake for certain.
Quiet as a mouse, she slipped past the man and hastened down to Dunn’s cell.
“Dunn,” she whispered, only able to make out his outline in the dim light.
“Mairi?” The big chieftain stood and grasped the iron bars.
“’Tis I.”
He reached through and flicked the coif with his finger. “What are you wearing?”
“My maid’s costume.” She drew a hand over her mouth, blinking back tears. It was no time to simper like a weak-minded waif. “Da has ordered me locked in my chamber until we leave for London. He said he will kill you if I defy him.”
“Christ, he’s worse than even I imagined.”
She wrapped her fingers around the bars and gave them a fruitless shake. “I must find a way to free you.”
“Nay. You must not take any further risks.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Your father must believe everything is running according to plan—his plan. Now tell me, when will he set out for London?”
“H-he said soon—ah—when he can arrange transport.”
Dunn pulled the key to the hidden gate from his sporran and held it up. “Take this and go back through the tunnel. Find Ram. Tell him I have been captured.”
Her heart raced. “And to plan your escape, raise an army, and march on Castle Leod.”
“Wheesht. He kens what to do.”
“He does—then we shall plot your escape for certain.”
“Leave that to my men. I mean it, Mairi. Remember when I said I would leave nothing to chance? Believe me when I say I’m finished biding my time, but the earl must think otherwise until Ram and Curran have raised the alarm.”
“But—”
“Make no bones about it, your role is the most important. You must convince your father that you know nothing of any contingencies. I am keeping you in the dark for your protection.”
“I want to do more.” She hid her face in her palms. “King’s crosses, I cannot bear to see you caged like a criminal!”
Dunn cupped her cheek, his hand cool, but ever so gentle. “You must go along with your da until I can set things to rights. And I swear on my life, I will.”
“But—”
“Go—find Ram, and do not take such chances by coming again.”
