Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  “But this I owe ye for besmirching her name!” And he smashed his fist into the man’s nose… satisfied to hear cartilage snapping as it broke, blood spurting out in a spray. Then he went in search of his wife.

  He found her in their chambers weeping softly to herself, as she lay on the bed hugging a bolster. He sat on the edge, drawing her into his arms tenderly. She crumpled into his loving embrace and sobbed her heart out, crushed at what that man had revealed.

  “Shhh, lass. Ye will make yourself ill.” He kissed the top of her head, holding her securely. “That man does nae ken ye. Do nae let his words grieve ye so, mo gradh. I ken who ye truly be and that is all that matters.”

  “How can you want me, kenning what he thought?” she sobbed into his, once dry, tunic. “He kenned me before and said I was an atrocious person.”

  Garrick smiled into her red-rimmed eyes, as he gently dabbed away the tears streaming down her striking face. “I want ye because I ken that if that were your true nature, ye would still be that way...even without your recollections.”

  She shook her head in denial. “Nay. You can nae desire me after hearing what he said.”

  He hooked a finger under her chin raising her gaze to his. She tried to avert her eyes but he would have none of it.

  “Look at me, Seonaid,” he insisted. When she did, he searched the depths of those green pools until he was certain that she saw his earnestness. “I wanted ye the moment I laid eyes on ye. When our minds were linked I could see who ye really be. Ye were nae selfish brat but a lost lass in a sea of fog. And ye were meant ta be mine. Do nae doubt that! Ever!” He kissed her ardently, greedily marking her as his own.

  Garrick retrieved a cool damp cloth. As he dabbed the tears from her face there was a scratching at the door.

  “Enter.”

  Seamus strode into the room, concern written on his face. “Are ye alright, Seonaid?”

  She nodded quietly as she twisted the plaid with her fingers. This man may be her father but she still did not know him very well. Not well enough to confide in him anyway.

  He eyed her speculatively, then looked to Garrick, raising his bushy brows. Garrick shrugged. “Twill take time, Seamus. She is groping around in the dark, trusting every tale told since the truth evades her memories. But the true character that is Seonaid sits before us this day. The other was only a wee part of her.”

  Satisfied, he grunted taking her hand in his.

  “I must return home on the morrow, daughter. Afore I go I would have ye ken the truth of things and answer any queries ye may wish ta ask of me. I will nae have ye besieged by doubts or uncertainty.”

  “I thank ye, Father, but I do nae even ken the inquiries I should make.” She stared at his rough scarred hand holding her own. She sincerely desired that she recollect something of her life with him but all she drew was a blank. She shook her head in defeat.

  He led her to the chairs by the darkened hearth. They sat down as he began, for the next three hours, regaling her with his reminiscences of her childhood. Garrick sat quietly on the bed absorbing as much of it as he could, envisioning Seonaid as a wee lass through Seamus’ eyes. He could see that Seonaid had clearly relaxed by the end of that time… and he had actually gotten her to giggle at herself by the time he was finished.

  “Ye were an enchanting bairn, Seonaid, and ye have grown into a lovely young lady. Do nae distrust it. That fool in the stable was spurned by ye a few months back. That be why he utters hurtful words. I admit that there were times your fiery nature got the better of ye but if it caused harm ta someone ye always lamented your actions.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her brow tucking it behind her delicate ear. He cleared the emotion from his throat blinking back a tear.

  “Now, if ye have nae questions, I would see that fine mare your husband has given ye. And, mayhap, there be a gift from me as well tucked away down there.”

  A huge grin spread across her face as she darted a glance at her husband. Seeing that Seamus had restored her good cheer, he returned the smile effortlessly. Her father was good for her, he realized. He knew how to best sooth her worries away. King Alred had chosen quite well. He nodded to his lovely wife and they returned to the stables.

  She gripped Garrick’s arm as they entered the dusky building. It was not so dark that a person could not see but compared to the sunlight it was murky. Garrick began opening some small windows to allow the light in, as her eyes searched the stalls. She heard horses shuffling in the straw; some nickers were perceived from the rear as feet were stomped. A loud whinny came from Cadence as he saw Garrick approaching. The smell of hay and horse flooded her senses. She felt familiar with the sounds and smells. She turned to Seamus and cried, “I have spent considerable time in a stable!” It was not quite a question but she sensed it was true.

  He beamed at her! “Aye, lass! Ye loved the horses. Twas always a chore ta get ye out of the stables and into the keep.”

  She remembered...sort of. It was something she could cling to, to rebuild her self-confidence. Twas enough for the moment.

  She spun back around to Garrick, and looking past his shoulder, she sucked in her breath. The highlander was standing in the shadows observing them. He advanced toward Garrick at Seamus’ wave of his hand… bowing low.

  Garrick crossed his arms over his chest keeping Seonaid behind him and scrutinized the man when he straightened. Both of his eyes were blackened from his, now crooked… broken nose. There was a gash on his temple and he had a split lip. I only hit him once, did nae I? His brow raised in query as he regarded Seamus over his shoulder.

  “I could nae let ye have all the fun,” He grinned back at him. “She may be your wife but she is also me daughter. I could nae let the slight pass. Now…Sir Richard has something ta say ta ye both.”

  Garrick turned his attention back to the huge man and waited.

  Richard shuffled his feet for a moment gathering his thoughts. He looked Garrick in the eye and said, “Please forgive my unruly tongue. Twas only my opinion of your lady wife since she would nae have me ta husband. I did nae mean ta wound her. Twas jealousy speaking...naught more.”

  “What say ye, mo cridhe, is he forgiven?” He did not turn to her as he spoke but stood perfectly still awaiting her response.

  Seonaid recognized that she had to learn to face these fears. Her husband would soon tire of a cowering wife. Besides, she did not sense that it was in her nature. Decided, she took a deep breath, held her head high and stepped to his side.

  “Aye, husband, he is excused. I only hope that he will pardon me of any slight I may have caused him even though I am nae aware of it.”

  Richard gave them a staggered look as he heard her words. He would never have believed it if he had not heard it with his own ears! Perhaps she had changed. “Nay, m’lady, any slight on your part was only in my mind, I think.” Bowing again, he took his leave of them.

  Garrick swelled with pride at her comportment. Each day his confidence grew that he had chosen his wife astutely. Her royal heritage shone through even though she had not benefitted from being raised in the Court. He held out his arm and said, “Let us see ta your steed, me lady.”

  She could tell that he was pleased with her as they proceeded to a stall in the back of the stable which held her golden mare. His cobalt eyes were glowing with pride each time he beheld her. She was glad that she had pleased him. It gave her heart joy to see him contented with her.

  As they arrived at the stall, he asked her in his deep voice, “Have ye thought of a proper name for her, mo gradh?”

  “Aye. Majesty is her name. Nae other would suit such a striking animal.” Seonaid stroked her scooped face fondly. “When may I ride her, Garrick?” she asked eagerly.

  He glanced briefly at her stomach then caught himself, looking back at her shining face as she petted her horse. “Tis too late this day. She is a very spirited mare, Seonaid. We will take her nae further than the outer bailey on the morrow, until we see how ye handle her.
Perhaps further if things go well.”

  She was a little tentative herself about whether she could ride a horse such as this and saw the wisdom in what he suggested. Nodding agreement, she held up an apple for Majesty. The mare nickered softly at her mistress then, using her soft lips, plucked the treat from her hand. Seonaid laughed with delight. “She likes me.”

  Garrick’s eyes softened as he replied, “How could she nae?”

  Seamus had been silently studying the finer points of the mare. She was a bit small for battle but she looked to be fleet on her feet. It would be interesting to see the effects of breeding her with a Friesian.

  “Tell me, Garrick, is this the only mare of this blood that ye have acquired?”

  “Nay. I bought six from the Count. All fine horses. Majesty is special, though, for her coloring. Tis why I give her ta Seonaid...an exceptional horse for an extraordinary lady. Would ye like ta see the others? They are in the paddock.”

  “Aye, I would. Mayhap we can barter a bit over them.” Seamus’ eyes gleamed as they all walked to the hindmost entrance to the stable to a large paddock. Five sets of large brown eyes turned to them as they approached. There stood a grey, a chestnut, a black and two bays. One bay was blood-red with black stockings to her knees and the other was almost a golden shade with a silky black mane and tail. “Magnificent!” he exclaimed.

  “Tell me, Son, would ye consider a proposition on a couple of these fine mares?”

  Garrick gave him a guarded look considering the way he had referred to him as ‘son’. “Perhaps. It depends on what ye have in mind, ‘Father’,” he drawled flashing him a smile.

  Seamus grinned. Oh this one is quick! But he believed he might like what he had in mind so he threw an arm over his shoulder and said, “I feel a monumental thirst coming on.”

  “Come. Let us retrieve me gift for Seonaid and then we can have us a good haggle.”

  Garrick procured Seonaid’s arm as they re-entered the stable, following Seamus to the cart that had conveyed her personal properties. He reached into the back of it and uncovered a large bulge that was bundled in the corner, exposing an excellent saddle with matching bridle. It was done in Garrick’s forest green color, with pendants displaying the Brodie crest adorning the harness interspersed with bells.

  “Oh, Father, tis beautiful!”

  “Ye like it, then, lass? Tis lightweight so ye can saddle your own horse if ye like.”

  “Aye, I love it! I will use it on the morrow! Thank ye.” She gave him a hug and a peck on his rough cheek.

  He blushed at her show of affection and said gruffly, “Now about that liquid refreshment...”

  They returned to the keep to find that it was nearing the supper hour. Seonaid excused herself so that she could change her clothes and wash up, while Seamus and Garrick settled themselves by the huge fireplace with a mug of ale.

  They eyed each other like two wildcats before a battle. Garrick finally broke the silence.

  “Tell me, Seamus, what did ye have in mind about the mares?”

  A crafty smile creased his lips. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he pursed his mouth. “Ye plan on breeding Majesty with your Friesian, Cadence, do ye nae?”

  “Aye,” he drawled.

  “Well, I just happen ta have an excellent Andalusian stud that I would like ta breed with a couple of your mares. When the foals reach breeding age, I am thinking we could cross-breed the two lines hopefully getting the strength, speed, size and endurance necessary for a worthy destriar. What say ye?”

  Garrick twirled his cup as he mulled over the idea. It had merit. He had wanted to raise horses of this caliber for several years so that the knights would seek his above all others. Was a profitable business. Allowing Seamus this access would see his dream realized in half the time. “Tis a proven stud ye speak of?”

  “Aye. He sired the mount I rode here. Tis a fine steed but the mares are lacking for what I would wish him ta be. Your mares are more of what I had in mind.”

  Garrick nodded. “Which mares did ye have in mind? I will nae let Majesty go.”

  “Aye, I would nae ask it. But the blood-red bay and, perhaps, the grey would suit. I would return them once their foals were weaned and breed them with Cadence’s get or, if ye like, breed his get with me Apollo. Twill make some fine horseflesh I think.”

  “A most interesting proposal, Seamus. I will have me steward transcribe an agreement and once tis all settled, we have a deal.” They clasped each other’s forearm to seal the deal then Garrick sent a gillie to find his man.

  “We shall miss ye when ye return home, Seamus. Ye have aided Seonaid through a very difficult time. I do appreciate your labors.”

  His brown eyes saddened as he replied, “In truth, I shall miss her greatly. She is all that I have...and now she is yours.” He paused. “She loves ye, ye ken. I can see it when she looks at ye. Be tender with her heart.”

  Garrick’s heart pounded as he warmed at the thought of her love. He tried to thrust it back into the shadows of his mind but it was relentless. He did not want the emotion. It could put her and himself in danger one day, mayhap even the clan! Yet there it was, boldly daring him to deny his feelings...and he could not. He ran his fingers through his ebony hair in frustration. There was no way to stay this onslaught. He had never yielded to anyone in his entire life. Not armies nor even kings! But this slip of a lass...his wife...has managed to get past his defenses settling into his heart.

  He regarded Seamus boldly and vowed, “I would surrender the whole lot, all that I am… before I would harm me lady wife in any way. Ye can be certain of that.”

  “Aye. I ken it. I just wanted ta be sure ye did.” Satisfied, they went to his study to conclude their deal.

  Chapter X

  Seonaid met her husband at the stable doors wearing a chocolate brown gown that was made precisely so she could ride astride modestly. It was split up the middle, front and back and sewn together creating large, pant-like leggings.

  Garrick shook his head. When he had examined her new saddle he saw that it was not a side-saddle and had instructed the groomsman to use another. Now he realized that her father had not erred on making it the way that he had. He turned to the mare and began loosening the girth as she strolled over to them.

  “Tis nae my new saddle.” She glanced at Garrick...confused.

  “Nay, tis nae. I was uninformed that ye rode astride and had proper clothing for doing so.”

  She watched quietly as he removed the saddle from Majesty’s back. “I do nae think I ken how to ride on a side-saddle. Tis a feeling I have.”

  “Tis of nae import as long as ye have proper clothing. I would have ye at ease when riding.” Garrick tossed her new saddle on the mare tightening the front and rear girths. He stepped back when done to aide her mounting.

  “Does nae she look grand?” She cried. “The color suits her!”

  He grinned. The way his wife’s mind worked was an enchanting breath of fresh air. Only she would be fashion conscious of her steed’s attire. Chuckling to himself, he said, “Well, m’lady, do ye wish ta ride her or admire her outfit?”

  She blushed at his tease, smiling and placed her foot to the stirrup. He wrapped his large hands around her petite waist boosting her into the saddle, then adjusted the stirrups. Mounting Cadence, they rode at a walk to the outer bailey then turned circling to the rear of the castle where the knights trained on horseback.

  “How does she feel ta ye? Is she responsive ta your touch?”

  “Aye. But I think she wants a run.”

  “Nae yet. A trot will do.”

  Seonaid patted her neck then gave her enough rein for the stride. As they put Majesty through her paces, she knew that this was a memory she had retained. She discerned that she could ride this horse without any problem which made her wonder what had gone wrong the day Garrick found her. How could she have run off a cliff? Assuredly she had not lost control of the animal. She frowned.

  “What troubles ye,
mo cridhe? Is the mare nae pleasing ye?”

  “She pleases me very much, Garrick. I was trying to fathom how I lost control of the steed the day you found me. I ken that I am a fair rider. I can feel it here.” She raised her hand to her heart.

  “It could have been any number of reasons. The horse may have spooked or somebody could have been pursuing ye,” he paused at that thought, “or ye may have come upon the cliff unaware. Twas well hidden from the meadow.”

  “Aye, that makes sense.” She smiled at her husband. With a twinkle in her eye, Seonaid gave Majesty her head putting her heels to the mare’s flanks as she leaned low over her golden neck. The mare leapt suddenly to a flat out run, her tail arched high flying in the wind like a white banner.

  Garrick cried out in alarm as he sent Cadence pounding after them, tearing up the turf with his massive hooves. His stallion began gaining ground as he raced after her, his heart pounding in fear for his wife. Then he heard her laughter on the wind. His heart calmed… to a certain extent. She was in control of her mount. But he would still chastise her when he caught her...if he caught her, he thought, as he realized that Cadence was losing ground and getting winded.

  Seonaid slowed Majesty to a canter as she made a wide circle back toward Garrick. She grinned broadly as she drew near. “She’s magnificent! She is swift as the wind and she is nae even fatigued!”

  Her smile ebbed as she saw the dark scowl on Garrick’s face. He took a deep breath to calm his annoyance then gave her a stern stare. “Ye just took ten years off me life, wife! I thought she had run off with ye.” He returned her smile then. “Tis good ta see ye ride so well, though, cause Cadence could nae catch ye and he is the swiftest horse I own. Mayhap, from now on I should ride one of the remaining mares ta keep up with ye. For certain, ye can outrun any soul who would be fool enough ta chase ye.”

  Seonaid’s eyes sparkled with pleasure at the praise. He leaned over and kissed her soft lips. She loved kissing him. He made her toes curl in her boots and desire creep into her body.