A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman)

by Griffin, Kara

  Sean entered the chamber with his sword drawn. “What’s amiss? Are you harmed?”

  “Nay, nay, it is … someone left that,” she said, and pointed to the object.

  “Oh that. I forgot to tell you I left you a gift.”

  Frances’ heart slowed and she released a sigh of relief. “For me? Why?”

  Sean took her in his arms and held her, hugging her close to his body. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I wanted to give you a wedding gift, but had to wait until I went to Selkirk. Open it.” He released her and reached for the wrapping.

  “I don’t know what to say.” Frances took the wrapped bundle from him and untied the string. A beautiful green silk fabric appeared and beneath it a floral pattern in a heavier fabric. “It’s lovely. I’ve never received such a gift.”

  “I thought you would like it. If you don’t …”

  “It is too fine a gift, Sean, and likely cost a good amount.” Frances couldn’t believe he afforded such a gift.

  “I deem it would make a bonny gown and would match your eyes.”

  “Oh aye, I do love it. Thank you.” Happy tears came to her eyes. “You are verily thoughtful, Sean. I cannot wait to make something of it.”

  “Come, we must be off for supper. James is awaiting us.” Sean took her face in his hands and kissed her gently.

  Frances was disappointed when the kiss ended too soon. “I must change and will be down presently.”

  He left the chamber and she hastened to change. She chose a simple blue gown with a white tunic to wear beneath. It took a few minutes to get all the tangles out of her hair and once she’d finished, she headed for the hall.

  There seemed to be a good number of people attending supper this eve. Frances wasn’t aware Sean invited guests besides James, and now wished she’d dressed with more care. Around the table James, Jacob, Archibald, the village strongman, and Benson, stared at her as she sat next to Sean.

  “I’ve sent word to the Gunns and will have a few men come and assist us in trailing of Sir John and Lord Lombard. I’ve already put Angus to the task of watching Bantrum.” Sean continued the discussion, after he sent her a small smile.

  James poured a cup of ale, and then one for her, and handed it to her. She thanked him, but was more interested in their conversation.

  “Aye so the men will follow Lord Lombard and Sir John to see what they can find out?” Benson asked.

  Sean nodded. “We Gunns are good at being inconspicuous and they won’t even know they’re being followed. My hope is they will be able to discover which of them murdered Winifred. If Bantrum is guilty, he’s libel to do something out of the ordinary. Angus will report in soon.”

  Frances drew a quick breath. “You deem one of them might have killed Winifred?”

  Sean took her hand. “I do. Lord Lombard was upset because she didn’t bring the bride price he’d expected. At her betrothal feast, he shamed her and affronted Sir John.”

  “Hold. Hold. She what? I didn’t know she was betrothed to Sir John. Winifred never mentioned it. When did this happen?” Frances couldn’t believe what she heard.

  Benson took up the discussion. “Aye, my lady, happened soon after you left for Edinburgh. Sir John just returned from his travels with King Henry and Lord Lombard announced the betrothal. There was a grand feast.”

  “It seems Sir John was interested in not only you, but also Winifred. Mayhap he realized she had feelings for Bantrum. You said she confessed her love for him.” Sean took a chunk of bread from the tray and added it to his trencher.

  Mistress Ina moved around the table setting trays of meats, vegetables and a large stew bowl. She clucked at the helper who assisted her, distracting Frances for a few moments.

  “Aye, that she did. She confessed such to me, but I know not if she told him. Mayhap he didn’t know of her affections. If Sir John found out she loved another, would that be enough to not offer a fair bride price? Is that why Lord Lombard was uncaring that she was missing?” Frances was completely dumbfounded by the news. She and Winifred always shared confidences and she wondered why she had not sent a missive.

  Sean nodded. “I believe so, Frances. Even though we suspect him and he had a motive to kill her, we cannot assume Sir John did the deed. We must have proof. I’ve asked some friends to come and trail him, look into his matters.”

  She couldn’t even touch her trencher for this news was shocking if not daunting. “I hope Sir John wasn’t the one who killed her. Queen Joan may be upset by it. He and she became fast friends when he rescued her.”

  Jacob grunted. “Aye, and if ye ask me that’s the only good thing he’s done in the last few years. We’ll figure out who the killer is.”

  “There’s no others that have motive. Sir John must be the culprit,” James said.

  Frances sighed objectively. If that was true, she’d been in danger more times than she could count for he’d visited her and she’d been alone in his company several times. She’d known he was interested in courting her, but she verily wasn’t interested in him. Was he the one leaving her the vile gifts and messages?

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  A fortnight passed since Sean gave her the fabric. She still hadn’t done anything with it. After her morning rituals, she decided to take a walk to the village and see Stephen, the village miller. He was the best at making garments and had even sewn some that people could purchase.

  None had the time to be properly fitted and likewise the coin for the finer fabrics or custom made garments. Coarse linens and woolens often caused a rash or itchy skin, especially if the fabric wasn’t washed enough. Frances held the exquisite bundle with care given that it had to cost a substantial amount.

  She bid Ermintrude to mind Alice and she promised she would bring her back a trinket. As she left the keep, she noticed James following.

  “Do you not have other duties to attend to? I’m sure someone else can guard me.” She didn’t think she needed an escort to the village as it was only a short walk away. Frances wasn’t about to tell James that she didn’t need a guard, for he’d just become ireful and preach about his right to protect her. The Gunn men were overzealous in that duty.

  “There is nothing more important than you, milady. Sean wants either him or me with you at all times.” James continued to shadow her.

  “I see. Well, come along then. I’m off to the village.” She tucked the fabric bundle under her arm and set off.

  The heat of summer was in full effect given the midday sun above them. Most tended to stay indoors during the heat of the afternoon. She saw nary a person outside. The village was akin to a vacated town and she only saw Archibald who drove a cart toward the castle. She waved at him as he passed.

  By the time she reached the village, Frances was overcome and welcomed the dense shade of the trees along the lane. She’d often wanted to venture into the thick forest on either side of the path, but it looked dark which snuffed her adventurous spirit. Ahead, she saw Stephen standing in the doorway of his hut.

  When they reached the door, James leaned in and looked inside. He motioned her forward. “Go inside and I’ll await you here,” he said, after checking to ensure there was no one within.

  “Good day, Stephen, I need garments made and I bought my own fabric. It was a gift from my husband.”

  Stephen, the tall, burly miller, grinned. “Aye?” he took the fabric from her and inspected it. “He be a fine husband to gift this to ye. We heard Lord William, God bless and keep ‘em, betrothed ye to his long lost nephew.”

  “He did and I’m pleased and blessed with his choice, Stephen. I could not have asked for a better husband.”

  “Aye then, I’ll tell the rest. We were leery of accepting him, my lady, och if your word is true then we will.”

  Frances smiled, his words meant they cared for her welfare. She hoped the clan would accept Sean. “I do speak the truth. All within the clan should accept Lord William’s word too, for he was a good man and wouldn’t have put us
in the care of harsh uncaring lord. Sean is a good man and you all should be pleased with him as lord.”

  “I’ll let it be known. Now let us see this fabric in the light.” He unrolled the green silk and made noises of approval.

  “Can you make me a gown? I wish it to be ready by Michaelmas. I’ve also a collection of beads Winifred gave me that I want sewn into the fabric.” She pulled a small pouch from within her overdress and set it on the table. Saying her friend’s name caused her chest to hurt a little, but Frances wanted to include the beads so she’d always remember her whenever she wore the gown.

  Stephen ran his hand along the material. “’Tis fine fabric, my lady. Aye. We’ll have enough to make the wee one a smaller version too if ye like.”

  “Oh that would be wonderful. Ermintrude would love that. I shall gift it to her on Michaelmas.”

  “Come and let us measure your length.” Stephen took a long string and began taking measurements. “Been a long time since I got to create anything so grand. Be my pleasure, my lady. Will my wife be long this day at the keep? Aye and my Alice loves your wee one.”

  Frances leaned against the table as he wrote down her measurements. Maddie was such a good cook and lately they’d taken much of her time, what with Sean wishing to entertain at suppers.

  “I do apologize, Stephen, for keeping Maddie so long the past days.”

  The man chuffed and smiled. “My Maddie is honored to cook for you and our lord.”

  “And verily, Alice has been a godsend for Ermintrude. I don’t worry with her in residence. I’m pleased she’s able to help me with her.”

  “Aye, my daughter will be a good mother one day. Mayhap soon as she’s near marriageable age. ‘Tis good practice for her.” Stephen continued to make markings on the parchment.

  Frances sighed, knowing Alice would soon need to be replaced if she wanted to have a family of her own. “I’ll see if I can have Maddie come home early. We’ll have a light supper this eve.”

  The servants worked so hard at the keep and that lent an idea to give them a day of relaxation. She was sure they’d appreciate the time with their families. Stephen would want to be with Maddie and Alice. She’d make the suggestion to Sean.

  “Thank you, Stephen. I’ll come by next week to check on the progress.” Frances exited the hut and found James leaning against a shady nearby tree.

  “Are ye ready to go back to the keep, milady?”

  “I’ve one more stop. I promised Ermintrude I’d bring her a gift and she’s been very well behaved lately.” Frances knocked at the door of a hut at the end of the lane. She waited for Alvin to answer.

  Alvin had a talent for making trinkets and he could carve just about anything out of wood. His face lit somewhat with a smile upon seeing her. The edges of his mouth curved upward until he noticed James, then he shuffled forward and stood close to her.

  “Lady Frances,” he said low, keeping his distance.

  James didn’t appear to like him being closer to her and he moved so fast, Frances winced.

  “James, nay!” she shouted, but before she might stop him, James tossed Alvin to the ground inside the hut and had drawn his sword.

  Alvin yelled out and began huffing.

  Frances pulled at James’ arm to get him to retreat. “I’m so sorry, Alvin. Are you hurt?”

  Alvin shook his head and kept looking at her feet. Frances helped him to stand. Alvin backed up until he reached the wall.

  “I came to buy a gift for Ermintrude. Have you anything special?”

  Alvin slunk around her, staying well away from James. He opened a box and took out a small sack. Four wooden figurines were emptied on to the nearby table.

  “Two lassies, two lads,” Alvin said.

  Frances inspected the figurines and smiled widely. “I deem this is your best work yet. They are really well done, Alvin. There’s so much detail.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” he replied. Alvin didn’t usually speak much and almost never made eye contact with anyone.

  Frances took out a few coins from her string purse and set them on the table. She knew he didn’t like to be touched, and would balk if she tried to get near him. The coins were more than enough payment, well over what she should pay. All within the village and keep felt responsible for him and overpaid him whenever they could.

  “I must be off. Come and see Ermintrude soon. She always loves your visits, as do I.”

  He nodded, but didn’t retort. Alvin retreated and Frances gave a gentle wave. She’d gotten a little too close and he flinched. She quickly retrieved the pouch and figurines. Her daughter would love playing with them.

  Outside Frances turned to James with her hands on hips and wanted to scold him thoroughly. “How dare you attack an innocent lad? He is … Well, he is special and doesn’t know right from wrong. He wouldn’t have hurt me.”

  James winced. “How was I supposed to know that? The lad is full grown. Hell, he’s larger than some men I know. I thought he was …”

  She scrunched her eyes, giving him a glare. “You owe him an apology.”

  James grimaced. “Stay put. I want to be able to see you from the doorway.” He marched back to Alvin’s hut, knocked, and opened the door.

  She heard James’ greeting but nothing of Alvin’s voice as she waited outside.

  “I didn’t mean to harm ye, lad. I was only protecting milady.”

  Then she heard James’ bellowing laugh. When he returned a few minutes later, she asked, “What was so humorous?”

  “He wanted to feel my arm muscle and see my sword.” James sheathed his sword and sidled next to her. “Who is the lad?”

  Frances kept up with James’ long strides as they walked along the lane back to the castle. “No one really knows. He was left outside the village chapel when he was a bairn. We’ve all taken care of him. He makes things out of wood and we pay him what we can to keep him in comforts.”

  “He has talent. I’m envious of his skill. I haven’t seen anything so well made. Trudy will love her gift.”

  Frances laughed. “Aye so Sean has you calling her that too?”

  “Aye, ‘tis easier than Ermintrude.”

  She glared. “She was named after my mother. Are you insulting my mother, James?”

  His eyes widened and he looked contrite. “Nay, milady, never.”

  “I’m jesting, James. Are all you Gunn guardsmen so solemn and serious?” She laughed, because it was rare that she could jest with either of the Gunn men.

  James chuckled but reverted to silence for the rest of their walk. Like Alvin, James didn’t seem to like to talk either. But Alvin had a reason for his silence, for he didn’t trust anyone.

  The trek back to the castle didn’t take long and as she entered the main keep, she noticed a different guard had been put on duty with Davy. Davy true to form had his eyes closed. She’d have to ask later who the young guard was. Frances liked to know the names of those who worked inside the keep.

  “I’m going to do rounds. Don’t leave the keep until I return,” James said adamantly.

  “I don’t plan to.” She was tired after the long morning and overheated from the hot walk to the village. Frances decided she’d take a well-needed rest. She was about to take the stairs when Mistress Ina called.

  “My lady, Maddie needs ye to look at the goose for the night’s supper. I don’t deem it’ll be big enough and she wants your opinion. Will my lord entertain this night?”

  Sean took to inviting clan members to dine with them in the evening and poor Mistress Maddie had to stay one step ahead of him, for he gave no warning. Frances would have to have a discussion with him about that when next she saw him. Her husband went missing most of the day and attended to his vast duties. He spent most of his time on the training field or meeting the crofters and craftsmen.

  Frances went to the kitchens with Mistress Ina and agreed the goose was rather small.

  “We shall have a light supper this eve, Maddie. You should go and see
to your husband. He misses you.”

  She set the goose back on the table. “You’ve seen Stephen?”

  “Aye, I just returned from the village. I promised we wouldn’t keep you as long this day. Make a light supper. Besides, it is too hot to be leaning over the poke.”

  “I shall make a soup instead, ‘twould be easier.” Mattie smattered flour on the table and tossed a large wad of dough on it. “Aye, and I’ll make some bread to go with it.”

  “I can serve my lady and lord this eve, Maddie.”

  “Oh Ina, that would be kind.” Frances was pleased.

  That decided, she returned to the hall and asked the guardsman to relay a message to Jacob to have another goose brought from the food stores in case cook needed it.

  No sooner had she taken care of that task, she was called back to the kitchens to taste the soup Maddie was making and then Mistress Ina asked her to set the chore list for the following day. They met with the laundress, a thin woman named Patrice, who asked if she’d wanted her bed coverings washed the following day.

  Frances spent the next hour going over the chores for the morrow, and added that the rushes be replaced and the bankers be taken out and beaten to free them of dust.

  Finally she was free to take her rest. She passed by the hall and noticed Davy still attending to his midday nap. The guardsman hadn’t returned from delivering her message to Jacob. She took the stairs and went to Ermintrude’s chamber.

  Her daughter was learning to tie knots, Alice informed her. Her wee body was flat against the floor and she was intently concentrating.

  “My heart, I’ve returned and brought you a fine gift.”

  “Momma!” she exclaimed and rolled to her feet. She ran at her and hugged her close. “What’d ye bring me?”

  Frances pulled the pouch from inside her overdress and handed it to her. Ermintrude emptied the contents on the floor and drew a gasp.

  “It’s a lass, oh and a lad, and more.” She picked each one up and looked at them.