“We know all we need know of him, sir,” the smith said with vigor. “He is a man of valor and honor, and one who keeps his pledge.”
“He is, indeed,” Duncan said. “Though we are brothers, Murdoch and I have always been as different in nature as two men could be. When we were boys, I learned to read while he learned to ride. I studied with my tutors, learning Latin and the keeping of ledgers, while he trained for his spurs. Indeed, Murdoch became a knight with such uncommon ease that he might have been born one.”
The villagers of Kinfairlie applauded at this.
“But more than this, my brother has an understanding of the world that I do not. When our father faltered in his health and the fortunes of our home suffered, it was Murdoch who named the solution. It was Murdoch who urged my father to purchase from Tynan of Ravensmuir the hand of the Magdalene, to ensure that Seton Manor could become a place of pilgrimage. In old days, there was a well where people came to pray for cures and Murdoch believed that the relic would remind them of the power of that place, as well as buttress its strength. It was Murdoch who saw how to put coin in Seton Manor’s coffers, Murdoch who named the solution that would succeed.”
Duncan glanced downward. “It was Murdoch who rode to war to serve my father’s name and his honor, and it was Murdoch who my father wished to see one last time before he passed from this earth. My father and Murdoch were two of a kind, two sides of the same coin, two men who knew how to make their way in the world and who would defend all who relied upon them. I am the one so different from both of them, the one more inclined to prayer and contemplation, the one who would prefer to forget the world of men and heed only the voice of God.”
“He loved you,” Murdoch said softly and Duncan smiled.
“He did, but he did not understand me. And I doubt that I was the only one who wished you had been born the elder son.”
Murdoch dropped his gaze for his father had confided precisely thus to him, and it would be disloyal to his brother to say as much aloud.
“And so it is that the occasion of Murdoch’s wedding gives me the opportunity to set this matter to rights,” Duncan said. “For on this day, before all of you as witnesses, I surrender the seal of Seton Manor and its signet ring to the man who should be its laird.” He turned and pulled the signet ring from his finger and offered it to Murdoch, the smaller velvet sack that held the seal of the manor in his other hand. He smiled.
“But you cannot do this. It is your legacy...”
“It has been my burden, assumed out of duty. I am glad to surrender it to one who will be more capable than I might ever be.” Duncan pushed the ring on to Murdoch’s finger.
“But what of you? What will you do?”
Duncan smiled. “I shall depart this place on the morrow to follow my own vocation. I shall join the monastery of Kilgarrow, take my vows and enter the life of contemplation that has beckoned to me since I first learned to read.”
“Are you certain of this, Duncan?”
“More certain than I have been of any one thing in all my life.” Duncan glanced at Isabella and smiled. “As certain as you are of your bride.”
“That is no small measure,” Murdoch said, unable to keep the joy from surging through him. “I thank you!” He caught his brother close and hugged him tightly, fiercely glad that he had a home to offer to his Isabella. She smiled at him from behind Duncan, her delight in their situation most clear, then Alexander raised his voice.
“All hail Murdoch Seton, the new Laird of Seton Manor!”
“All hail!” roared the people of Kinfairlie in unison.
Alexander turned and beckoned. The crowd parted and Owen led a black destrier toward the happy couple, a massive stallion with a gleaming coat and bright eyes.
“Hermes!” Isabella gasped and Murdoch realized it was that same horse.
Alexander grinned as Owen brought the horse to his side. Hermes stamped and snorted at the noise of the crowd, his ears flicking. He sniffed Alexander with obvious affection, then spied Isabella. Hermes pulled the Laird of Kinfairlie toward his sister with a determination that made the assembly laugh.
“A wedding gift for my sister, Isabella,” Alexander said and Murdoch heard his new bride catch her breath in awe. Alexander leaned forward to hand her the reins, his eyes sparkling. “You always said you wanted one of Ravensmuir’s horses, and Hermes, truth be told, chose you long ago.”
Isabella gave a cry of delight, taking the reins then patting the horse. She kissed her brother’s cheek, then kissed the ostler as well, making him flush scarlet. Then she walked around the horse, so obviously delighted that Murdoch smiled. Her joy was infectious. “We must breed him!” she cried to Murdoch. “And see that the world is filled with horses of his ilk.”
Murdoch laughed. “We must ask your brother of that,” he said, for he knew that any soul who bred horses with such care would want a say in the future of any horse that left their stable.
Alexander smiled with indulgence as he watched her pleasure. He spoke softly to Murdoch. “I would have you bring him here to stud once annually, if you do not mind, for his lineage is excellent.”
“I would be happy to do so,” Murdoch agreed. “And I make no jest. I would welcome your counsel in breeding. Your experience in such matters is far greater than mine.”
Alexander smiled at him. “I shall be glad to do so.” Once again, the pair shook hands heartily. There were embraces then and much laughter, backslapping and handshaking, until the whole company eventually turned to make their way to Kinfairlie’s hall to feast. Hermes returned to the stables with Owen, prancing as if the day had been planned to show him to advantage.
But it was Isabella’s happy smile that made the moment complete for Murdoch. “Did you know about Duncan?” he whispered to her.
“I suspected that Alexander had some secret,” she confided.
“And Hermes?”
She wrinkled her nose and smiled. “I but hoped. You must believe I have dropped many a hint in this hall, especially since Alexander gave Eleanor a horse as her nuptial gift.”
“Is this my own future then, to never have a secret from my lady wife?” Murdoch teased.
“What manner of secrets would you have from me?” she teased in turn, pretending to be affronted.
Murdoch laughed. “I cannot think of a one.” He kissed her quickly then, halting only when Alexander cleared his throat close by. He shook Murdoch by the hand and leaned close to embrace him, whispering with quiet urgency when he did as much. “Take Annelise with you to Seton Manor.”
It was more of a command than a request. Murdoch stepped back and studied his wife’s brother. “You have a reason for this?”
“I have many,” Alexander admitted. “But know this – I put my trust in you with another of my sisters.”
“I do not understand.”
“The Earl of March would see her wedded to one of his men, and I would keep my pledge that she would choose her own spouse.”
Murdoch studied Alexander and guessed that the earl was becoming forceful in the matter. “I see,” he said. “What of Elizabeth?”
Alexander’s lips tightened as he eyed that sister and Murdoch wondered who meant to court Elizabeth. “One sister in your care and another in mine,” was all he said. “It seems only fair.”
“Indeed, it seems most fair for me to have two beauties from Kinfairlie in my home. I thank you for your trust in me.”
Alexander gave Murdoch a steely glance. “We shall meet at midsummer at Inverfyre, and if Annelise is yet a maiden, we will bring her home to Kinfairlie.” His intensity could mean only one thing: Alexander wished for Murdoch to ensure that Annelise was wed by then.
By her own choice.
“I understand,” Murdoch said softly, holding Alexander’s gaze. He was keenly aware that Isabella was listening to all of this. “I shall ensure that Elizabeth is treated with such honor as if she were my own sister in truth.”
Alexander smiled and they sh
ook hands again, the decision made and a new bond forged between them.
“You have a secret now,” Isabella whispered when Alexander returned to Eleanor’s side.
“I have a quest,” Murdoch replied softly. “And you know I how I welcome such a challenge.”
Isabella studied him, a wary twinkle lighting her eyes. “You are to find Annelise a husband. One she loves and who will love her well. A man of honor and some affluence.” Isabella bit her lip. “Do you know of such a man?”
“The Highlands are full of them.” Murdoch placed his hand over hers and gave her fingers a squeeze. “And you know well, my Isabella, I like nothing better than a challenge. We shall undertake this one together.”
“I have no doubt that we shall triumph,” his lady declared with satisfaction, her eyes dancing. “For we know not how to fail in matters of the heart.”
And Murdoch laughed aloud for, as always, his Isabella spoke the truth.
* * *
Cast of Characters
A large family in a large household in a long linked series means many characters passing through each book. This character list should help you place everyone as you read. Names in bold type are characters with their own listings.
The character list has been updated for this current book, so if you have not read The Rogues of Ravensmuir and The Jewels of Kinfairlie, there may be spoilers. Babies born and marriages made will be added with each new book in the series.
Alexander Lammergeier - oldest son of Catherine and Roland; Laird of Kinfairlie after 1420; married to Eleanor Havilland; father of Roland (the younger). His story is told in THE SNOW WHITE BRIDE.
Annelise Lammergeier - third daughter of Catherine and Roland and their sixth child; sister of Alexander. Her story will be told in THE HIGHLANDER’S CURSE.
Anthony - castellan of Kinfairlie, serving Alexander and Roland before him.
Darg - a spriggan, and one very fond of ale. This small fairy can be seen and heard by Elizabeth.
Eleanor Havilland - wife of Alexander and Lady of Kinfairlie; mother of Roland (the younger). Her story is told in THE SNOW WHITE BRIDE.
Elizabeth Lammergeier - youngest sibling in the family at Kinfairlie; fifth daughter of Catherine and Roland. She has the ability to see the Fae.
The Elphine Queen - a Fae queen of Scotland. Like Finvarra, she has a taste for mortal partners.
Erik Sinclair - Laird of Blackleith; husband of Vivienne; father of Mairi and Astrid by his first wife, Beatrice; father of Catherine (the younger) by Vivienne. His story is told in THE ROSE RED BRIDE.
Father Malachy - Kinfairlie’s priest.
Finvarra - King of the Daoine Sidhe. Although usually resident in Ireland, he visits the court of the Elphine Queen annually. His wife is Una but he is not faithful. He is also an excellent chess player.
Gawain Lammergeier - younger brother of Merlyn; husband of Evangeline; Laird of Inverfyre; father of Michael (the Hawk) and adoptive father of Rosamunde. His story is told in THE SCOUNDREL.
Isabella Lammergeier - fourth daughter of Catherine and Roland and their seventh child; sister of Alexander, wife of Murdoch. Her story is told in THE RENEGADE’S HEART.
Madeline FitzHenry - oldest daughter of Catherine and Roland and their second child; sister of Alexander; wife of Rhys FitzHenry; mother of Dafydd and Rhiannon. Her story is told in THE BEAUTY BRIDE.
Malcolm Lammergeier - second son of Catherine and Roland and their fourth child; Laird of Ravensmuir.
Matthew - the son of Kinfairlie’s miller. His courtship of his wife, Ceara, occurred in THE SNOW WHITE BRIDE.
Michael (the Hawk) Lammergeier - Laird of Inverfyre; son of Evangeline and Gawain; milk cousin to Roland; husband of Aileen, father of Nigel, Evangeline (the younger), Mhairi, Gawain (the younger) and Avery. His story is told in THE WARRIOR.
Moira Goodall - Eleanor’s maid. She has served Eleanor since the lady’s infancy.
Murdoch Seton - brother of Duncan; husband of Isabella. His story is told in THE RENEGADE’S HEART.
Merlyn Lammergeier - Laird of Ravensmuir and later Laird of Kinfairlie; married to Ysabella; father of Tynan and Roland. His story is told in THE ROGUE.
Owen - Kinfairlie’s ostler.
Roland Lammergeier - Laird of Kinfairlie by his father, Merlyn; husband of Catherine; father of eight children: Alexander, Madeline, Vivienne, Malcolm, Ross, Annelise, Isabella, Elizabeth; died in a shipwreck in 1420 along with Catherine. He makes a brief appearance with his family at the end of THE WARRIOR.
Rosamunde Lammergeier - a foundling adopted and raised by Gawain and Evangeline as their own in THE SCOUNDREL; lover of Tynan; wife of Padraig Dean. Her story is told in “The Ballad of Rosamunde.”
Ross Lammergeier - third and youngest son of Catherine and Roland and their fifth child.
Rhys FitzHenry - Lord of Caerwyn; husband of Madeline; father of Dafydd and Rhiannon. His story is told in THE BEAUTY BRIDE.
Tynan Lammergeier - Laird of Ravensmuir after his father, Merlyn; lover of Rosamunde; died in the collapse of Ravensmuir in THE ROSE RED BRIDE.
Vera - chamber maid at Kinfairlie, who has long attended the daughters of the house.
Vivienne Sinclair - second daughter of Catherine and Roland and their third child; wife of Erik Sinclair; step-mother to Mairi and Astrid; mother of Catherine (the younger). Her story is told in THE ROSE RED BRIDE.
* * *
Ready for more True Love Brides?
Read on for an excerpt from
The Highlander’s Curse.
Coming in December 2012.
Excerpt from The Highlander’s Curse ©2012 Claire Delacroix, Inc.
Annelise strode through the village of Seton Manor, blind to the activity that surrounded her. It was early summer in the highlands and the weather was fine. Seton blossomed under the hand of Murdoch and his new bride, Annelise’s sister, Isabella. The mood in the village was joyous, for all saw that their future was improved.
Annelise did not share this happy view. Indeed, she was irked and mightily so, much more so than any who knew her might have thought possible. She was vexed with her situation and thus with herself. It troubled her beyond belief that Isabella, her younger sister by two years, had wed before Annelise herself had even snared the interest of a man.
Annelise would die alone.
Tending to the children of her sisters, no doubt, and dependent upon the goodwill of their respective husbands. As kind as the husbands of her sisters had been, that was not the life Annelise had ever desired. She wanted a husband of her own, and children of her own, a hearth of her own and a garden of her own. She did not want to sit by the fire, complete her embroidery and watch the world slide past her in all its glorious activity. She wanted a busy life herself.
But she knew not how to begin upon it.
It was her cursedly shy nature at root and Annelise knew it well. She could see the evidence in the fortunes of her sisters, each of whom had been rewarded for audacity. Her eldest sister, Madeline, had boldly fled an unwanted match and won the ardor of Rhys FitzHenry. Her next sister, Vivienne, had boldly tempted a lover to come to her, and had won the heart of Erik Sinclair. Isabella had boldly dared to believe in the integrity of an apparent villain, and thus was now Lady of Seton Manor. Even Eleanor, who had boldly fled an abusive household, had won true love by taking a chance.
Sadly, Annelise had thus far in her life been incapable of either boldness or taking a chance.
Her disgust with herself was made worse by the compassion of others. Isabella’s husband, Murdoch, had invited many men to his board, his intent in finding Annelise a match openly acknowledged by all. They knew she could not manage this feat alone and deigned to help her, though in a way, their assistance was condescending. It was clearly necessary, though she might have preferred otherwise. The fact was that even though Annelise knew the men in question had come to meet her and to speak with her, she was so wretchedly timid that she had not spoken to a one of them.
Sh
e would die alone, and ’twould be her own fault.
She was a fool. Should she not be able to change her manner and thus her fortunes, perhaps she deserved to die alone.
The very idea gave her purpose. Annelise reached the edge of the village but kept walking, her chin high. She could not go back to the hall, not yet, not before she had made some change in her circumstance, however small it might be. As the forest closed around the road and the road curved out of sight of Seton village, Annelise knew what she would do.
She would visit the glade with the natural well, the place where people came to pray for healing. It was an old place and she had been there several times with Isabella. Isabella had prayed there to quickly conceive Murdoch’s child, and five months into their marriage, she rounded with child. It was clear that the well had power, and equally clear that Annelise had need of assistance. She would go there herself this very day and pray that she found a husband.
Soon.
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