A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman)

by Griffin, Kara

  Sean studied her face and considered there was more to the telling. “Frances, I’ve been a guardsman my entire life. From the second day I arrived, there’s been a sentry on duty, day and night.”

  “Oh. That is good to hear. I shouldn’t concern myself with matters of protection then. I will leave it up to you.”

  Something in her tone caused him to sense her fear. It had nothing to do with old Davy’s inattention. “What happenings besides Winifred’s disappearance?”

  Frances sighed. “Nothing really of import, well nothing I cannot handle on my own. I don’t want to worry you. You have enough to do with running Lord William’s lands.”

  “I never worry, Frances, I take charge. If something is bothering you, you should tell me.” Sean searched her eyes and saw the dim flicker of fear in them. Something definitely bothered her.

  “I’m more worried for Winifred. It is unlike my friend to leave without word and she’s gone. Many have been searched for her. Lord William even sent men to assist Lord Lombard, but to no avail.”

  Sean nudged her chin to look at him. “Is Lord Lombard her father?” He didn’t like hearing the man’s name, let alone knowing he came to their keep today.

  “Aye, he’s Winifred’s father. I saw him upon my return from my walk with Ermintrude. He asked questions about you. I gave vague answers because I wasn’t sure what you wanted to divulge.”

  “That’s good, Frances. Lord William didn’t trust him. His name is on the list of those who I should be wary of. And your uncle thought he might want to offer for you. Did he say such to you?”

  Frances scowled and shook her head. “Nay, but Winifred mentioned he was looking for a new wife and I … never gave him a chance to say anything to me about it. I expect you’ll let him know I am unavailable.”

  He found a grin. “You definitely are unavailable.” Sean affirmed that statement with a deep kiss that set his body afire again. When he broke from the kiss, he clasped her hand and watched her bonny expression. Her eyes deepened with affection.

  “I do hope he understands, for I wouldn’t want him as an enemy.”

  “Do not concern yourself. Aye, I speak with the man. He’ll be at the meeting I’m to attend. I’ll see him there.”

  “I want to ensure Ermintrude and I are secure while you are away. Can we at least put another guard near the entrance?”

  “I won’t insult Davy by replacing him. Mayhap we can find him an apprentice.” She had a bewildered look upon her face and Sean realized she didn’t understand. “If we give him someone to train, he’ll deem we’re honoring him instead of replacing him. I will ensure the apprentice is capable of guarding you and Trudy.”

  “Oh, that is kind. You surprise me, Sean, for you seem to have a care of the servants and that is what my uncle would have wanted.”

  “There’s more to me, Frances, than a bonny face.” He laughed at his jest.

  “Aye, there certainly is. You’re very intelligent, Sean, and I find it sexy.”

  “Oh, how sexy? Sexy enough to let me have my way with you again?” He discarded her robe, tossing it to the floor. His hungry eyes took her in, lying so willingly available to him.

  “Aye, definitely.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Frances roused to marvelously aching muscles. She stretched and opened her eyes to find herself still ensconced in the lord’s chamber. All the events of the previous night came rampaging into her mind. She grinned happily at the thought of love-making with Sean. Never had a man so thoroughly enchanted her. Encounters with Robert were far too resigned to ever compare to what she experienced last eve.

  She couldn’t believe she’d gone through with her plan to seduce Sean. Frances, in all her days, had never been so wanton. It was definitely the fault of his aura. She couldn’t resist him. If she only knew how pleasurable the experience would be, she probably wouldn’t have waited days to offer herself. Now that she’d awakened to desire, there was no way she’d hide from him again.

  She noticed a scrap of parchment on his pillow, and reached for it and read:

  ‘Frances, I am yours. Look forward to my return for I will have a gift for you. I shall think of last eve until I see you again. Sean’

  Before she could deem what he’d meant, the chamber door banged and was suddenly thrust open. Ermintrude ran into the chamber and jumped upon the bedding.

  “Momma, ‘tis early. I didn’t mean to be a bad lass.” She continued to toss herself on the covers.

  Frances moaned when her sweet cherub landed on her stomach with a heavy thud. “What did you do? Where is Alice?”

  Before Ermintrude answered, Alice peeked into the chamber. “Oh, my lady, I am sorry. She got away from me and … The lord isn’t here, is he?” She kept her eyes averted.

  “Nay, he’s gone. Come in, Alice and tell me … What did Ermintrude do this morn? She claims she was a bad lass.”

  Alice stood meekly by the doorway and appeared chagrined. “From what Sabine told me, our wee lass stole out of bed and came here in the dark hours of the morn. His lordship returned her to the nursery, but he was practically unclothed and only wore a tartan around his waist … Sabine said—”

  “Nay! I wish not to hear what she said. Ermintrude, why did you come in here?”

  Her daughter didn’t look one bit guilty or contrite for her misdoing. “I wanted you. You weren’t there.”

  “So you came here?” Frances wondered how she’d know that.

  “Aye,” she said, nodding. “The giant, ah, the man … told me I shouldn’t skulk around the chambers. What does skulk mean?”

  Frances found a smile. “It means sneak about. You verily shouldn’t leave the nursery without Alice either. Now promise me, you won’t do that again?”

  The sweet lower lip on her daughter’s mouth pouted. “I shan’t. Och the giant is strong, Momma. He lifted me way up.” Ermintrude continued to roll around on the bedding, giggling.

  “Aye, he is. And cease calling him a giant, for he’s a man, and your father. You must respect him.” Frances shook her head, realizing that her daughter didn’t understand. “You shall be kind to him and never cause him an upset.”

  Reprimanded, Ermintrude nodded.

  “Go with Alice, my heart, and I’ll come and see you soon.”

  Ermintrude rolled off the side of the bedding and her small feet hastened to the door. Alice took her hand and led her away.

  Frances never slept unclothed and the feeling of it caused her to blush. She felt a wicked twinge coarse through her and marveled at it. She found her robe by the bedside and quickly donned it, and left the chamber. Sabine stood in the hallway, apparently awaiting her to rise.

  “My lady, shall I clean the chamber?”

  “Thank you, Sabine. And I would appreciate your discretion of Ermintrude’s misdeed this morn.”

  Sabine’s silence was palpable, and then she nodded and curtseyed. Frances entered her chamber and was glad that she avoided hearing the sordid details of what Sabine saw.

  She could imagine Sean’s stealthy body framed by the hallway torch lighting, and what he must have looked like. His naked chest would be enough to send a lass to a mute state. That and the scars he wore. She’d refrained from mentioning the welts and hadn’t asked him how he came to such wounds. Being a warrior and a guardsman, he verily had been in a fracas or two.

  After tending to her morning chores and dressing, Frances ate a quick bite from the trencher left by her bedside, to appease her stomach and then headed to the hall. As she distended the stairs, she saw James approaching the entry doorway and slamming it closed. Davy stood to the side with a bemused gaze upon his face.

  “What is happening? James?”

  James turned and frowned. “Milady, good morn. I was just ensuring your safety.”

  Frances never considered Sean would make James, Davy’s apprentice. James was far too brawny and besides, he belonged to another clan. “Who came to call?”

  “Someone named Sir John.
I made him leave, milady. I need to have a talk with Benson about allowing people inside the gates. I would’ve thought Sean would …”

  “Oh that is not good.” Frances turned to the door and frowned.

  “Aye, that’s what I thought. The man was too indignant. I didn’t like the look of him. So I tossed him. Sean told me to watch over you and his … daughter whilst he was gone.”

  “He asked you to become Davy’s apprentice?” she asked, astounded by this news.

  James laughed boisterously. “Nay, milady. This is only temporary until Sean returns.”

  “I see. Well, I shall go and see to Sir John. It is very rude of us not to welcome him. He has jurisdiction in the area and is a good friend of Queen Joan’s. You’ve just tossed the sheriff.” Frances would have laughed at the outrage on James’ face.

  Verily he wouldn’t be much of a keep caretaker, not with his burliness. Many would either be turned away from their door or they’d flee for their lives.

  She hadn’t really spoken much to him, but he had arrogance about him with a heavy brogue in his voice. Not to mention the fact that he was even more muscular than Sean. He seemed more capable of fighting off an army than a visitor.

  Were all highlanders filled with cynicism? She didn’t believe they gave trust easily and were skeptical of any and all. Still, she was glad James was there to protect her. Given the terrible happenings of late, she was sure he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  When she’d spoken to Sean about her misgivings, she was wary to mention the “gifts” she’d received. He had enough to take care of and nothing really happened as a result of them. She assumed someone wanted to scare her. Indeed, they had, but she would deal with the matter when and if she needed to.

  Frances hastened outside to catch up with the sheriff. She shaded her eyes with her hand as the morning sun lent to a glare. Ahead, Sir John walked next to Benson, the gate watchman.

  “Sir John, await me.” She hurried to reach him and bowed her head at Benson who left them. “I must apologize. Pray you are certainly welcome.”

  Sir John turned to her, his brown eyes taking on a softness. He stood taller than she, and was of thin build. She’d noticed he’d cut his hair for the last time she’d seen him, his dark locks had reached his shoulders. Now it was cropped to his head. She wasn’t sure this was a good look for him, but refrained saying so. He appeared more menacing, especially with the leather garments he wore.

  “Lady Frances, good morn. I came to see how you were. I was riding through the area and haven’t seen Lord William in quite a while. I suppose he already left for the meeting? Who was that man at your door?” His face hardened with disdain.

  She walked beside him and headed toward the garden rows behind the main keep. “He was set as watch over the keep. I do apologize for his abruptness, but he is only doing his duty. I heard you were away. I do hope your business was successful.”

  “Very rewarding and worthwhile. Yet it drew me away from you which displeased me.”

  Frances smiled and led the way. “I must unfortunately keep to the gardens for we are in mourning.”

  “My lady, Robert has been gone for years. Your morning period is well over. That is why I have come to call. I wish to ask Lord William if—”

  Frances couldn’t let him continue. “You see, Lord William has died.”

  Sir John turned and embraced her. Frances pulled away awkwardly as she didn’t really know him well enough for him to be forthright. She’d met him when she’d first arrived in Edinburgh and was regaled the tale of how he’d rescued Queen Joan from her abductors and returned her to King Henry. The man was knighted and given ample rewards for his bravery and service to the queen. He appeared to be a kind man whom Joan spoke of fondly. Frances had no reason to dislike him except she often thought his interest were of a romantic nature.

  If she’d allowed him to continue, she was sure he was going to speak of his intension. That was null at this point since she’d wed Sean. Frances didn’t want to disappoint the man if indeed that was his desire.

  “My profound sympathies, my lady. When did he die?”

  “Recently. The new lord has taken to the meeting of the lords, I believe in Selkirk.”

  “The new lord? Who is this man?”

  Frances stopped by a tree, whose leaves sprouted. The shade was a welcome relief from the bright sunshine. “He is from the Gunn clan, Sean Gunn, nephew to Lord William.”

  Sir John appeared to scowl at this news and Frances wasn’t sure how much she should divulge. She desisted from telling him of her marriage. Lest he be angered by it, and she certainly didn’t want to test his mien when she was alone with him.

  “I am on my way to Selkirk and am attending the treaty meeting myself. Mayhap I will meet him there.”

  She led him away from the shaded tree. “Aye, I am certain you will. Have you seen Queen Joan recently? She was bored when I left her recently in Edinburgh. The king had gone to meet with King Henry and I know she would be pleased to see you.”

  The mention of the queen caused a look of spurious regard on his face. It was a glimmer of resentment, one that passed quickly. Frances caught the look before he glanced away. She wondered if he abhorred Joan. But why would he? He had rescued her and they spent a good amount of time together before she was safely returned to her brother.

  Sir John nodded firmly. “I did see her, but she had no time to entertain me. I must be off for I’ve a long ride and don’t want to miss the meeting. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Lady Frances.” He took her hand and bowed.

  Frances retracted her hand and tried to smile politely. “It was good of you to come. Safe travels.”

  “I shall go and meet the new lord of Hume. Mayhap I can convince him to … Well that is neither here nor there. I will come again soon, my lady.”

  He walked away and Frances wasn’t sure why he was chagrined by the news of a new lord. Surely he didn’t vie for the lands of her uncle’s. She suspected he wanted to ask her to wed him, and at that thought, she released a relieved sigh.

  Frances returned to the keep and decided it was time for her to return to her duties. She needed to have the keep cleaned, launder attended to, and she wanted to ensure Madam Maddie prepared a decent supper.

  When she entered, she found James standing guard and Davy sleeping at his post. It was quite a relief to see James there. Verily she wouldn’t find dubious gifts left in her chamber with James at the post. She waved to him and went to her chamber to retrieve the list of duties she wanted to see to. Upon entering, she saw a parchment lying on her bedding.

  An instantaneous fear washed over her. It hadn’t been there this morn when she’d been in the chamber. Taking the message in hand, she didn’t see any indication of whom it was for or from.

  Best get it over with, she thought, and broke the wax seal holding the missive closed. The seal was plain with no indication of its sender.

  ‘My lady, I am told your eyes seek another. Woe is in my heart for your eyes are only meant for me. But alas, they shall be plucked from your beautiful face ever they look wayward again. Devotedly yours.’

  Frances gasped at the meaning. What kind of fiend wrote such vindictive sentiment? A horrid, frightening feeling pounded her heart. She admitted the message threatening. The chamber closed in on her and she hastily left it, gripping the parchment. She ran down the hall to the door that led to the barbican. She needed air. As she stood atop the wall, she couldn’t stop herself from shaking.

  Taking a calming breath, she gripped the missive, squeezing it as if she could make it disappear. She noticed Sir John and his band of men riding far off in the adjacent field. There was no way Sir John could’ve gotten into her chamber, but he could have had someone else attend to it. Frances leaned against the crenellation and was happy to see the back of him.

  “Milady? Are you unwell? Harmed?” James came through the doorway, leaving it open. “I heard the door slam and came to investigate.”

/>   Frances nodded and tried to shake the despondency away. “I am … well enough.”

  “You don’t sound well, milady. You look affright. What happened?”

  She handed him the parchment. “Someone left this on my bed. Has anyone entered the keep?”

  James scowled as he read the short lines. “Nay, milady, none have entered this day. At least not through the main entrance or by me.”

  “Why would someone leave that?”

  James fisted his hand and anger shadowed his face. “I know not, but we will ensure your safety. I will have more guards posted. You will not leave the keep for any reason. Is that understood?”

  As if she was a young lass being reprimanded, Frances nodded and kept her gaze on the stones by her feet. These gruesome happenings became unnerving and worrisome. She wished with all her heart she knew who the knave was.

  James moved closer and handed the parchment back to her. “Worry not, milady. No one will harm you when I’m on duty. As soon as Sean returns, you’ll have to tell him.”

  “I will. ‘Tis just … I don’t want to cause him hardship when he’s only become lord. He has other more important things to see to. He shouldn’t be concerned with my paltry problems.” Frances started off for the doorway when James pulled her back.

  “There’s nothing more important than you. Lady Frances, I’ve known Sean since he was wee. Cosh, he’s going to be incensed when you tell him. Best do it as soon as he returns. If you don’t, I will.”

  She wouldn’t let him leave and blocked the exit, and hoped he’d give her more insight into Sean’s demeanor. “Should I be fearful of his response? He is much larger than I and could verily, and if I anger him …” She wouldn’t admit that the thought of angering Sean terrified her.

  Though he’d been gentlemanly, she didn’t know him well enough to ascertain how he reacted when something infuriated him to which she was bound to do. Her first husband never physically harmed her, but his words always cut deeply.