by Alexa Aston
“Which Craigg do I have the displeasure of meeting?”
Her father sucked in a breath, and Peigi could almost hear his mental counting as he tapped down his temper. “I am Malachi, the youngest son of the deceased chieftain, and represent my clan in the hope of peace. May I introduce my daughter and only child, Peigi.”
The younger man with midnight hair and piercing blue eyes stepped forward with his hand out. “Malachi, it is good to see ye again.”
His smile was genuine and sent a warmth that seeped into her cold bones. Powerfully built, he stood at least a foot taller than Peigi. His face was rugged yet gentle when he turned to face her. “Greetings, my lady, I am Calum, The Younger MacNaughton, the eldest son of our crabby chieftain.”
He bowed low and, as her eyes followed him, she took in the massive shoulders and strong back. Sweet Mary, she thought, then bit her lip to hold back the smile that instantly sprang to her lips. Heat rose up her neck when her stomach betrayed her with a flutter.
She gave a quick curtsy, keeping her eyes to the floor. “It is a pleasure to meet ye. We thank ye for receiving us.”
“Welcome, Miss Peigi. This is my father, Angus, MacNaughton of Dunderave and aforementioned crabby chieftain. He isna nearly as gruff as he sounds.” He winked at her. “But he does bite on occasion.”
Angus gave a half-grunt, half-chuckle at that remark. “What message does the Craigg send?”
Malachi cleared his throat. “I’ve come on our clan’s behest but also on a personal quest. I have a debt to settle with Calum.” His gaze locked on the younger MacNaughton. “I’m a man of honor and like any good Scot, I’ll settle my debt by Hogmanay. I canna go into the new year owing another man.”
Calum gave his father a side-glance. “My father kens the situation and how we came to meet. Please, sit.” He indicated the chairs before a large walnut desk. “Would ye care for tea, or would ye rather be shown upstairs to freshen yerself from the journey?” he asked Peigi.
His voice washed over her like warm, freshly-churned butter. She nodded, and this time his smile sent her pulse racing.
“Was that an aye to the tea or the room?” His straight, white teeth and strong jaw added to his aura of strength.
Och, may the saints help me! What was it about this man that turned her insides to jelly? “Aye to the room if ye dinna mind. I’d like to get out of these traveling clothes.”
He nodded and addressed her father. “I assume ye will be with us at least a few days?”
“If ye’ll have us.”
Angus gave another grunt then looked up and smiled. Peigi was shocked at the change. With the smile on his face, she could see where Calum had gotten his looks. “Ailish, my love.” A woman entered the room and he rose to greet her.
Tall with dark hair that glittered with strands of gray, she moved across the room with an easy elegance. Full, rose-colored skirts swished around her in a graceful arc, and her matching bodice showed off a tiny waist and full breasts. Peigi thought she was stunning and clutched her own cape at her neck to hide her travel-stained appearance.
The woman accepted her husband’s hand and even managed a slight blush as he kissed it. The transformation in Angus was immediate. Here was a man still deeply in love with his wife. Her apprehension eased with this proof of her father’s words. If the greeting the chieftain gave his wife was any indication, he would indeed value her opinion.
“Of course they will be staying.” She stopped in front of Peigi and her father and held out her hand. “Greetings, I’m the wife of this mannerless oaf.”
Malachi bowed and again made introductions.
Ailish turned to her husband and son. “There will be no talk of politics until after supper. The three of ye can retire to the study then for yer whisky and argue all ye like. Now”—she turned to Peigi and Malachi—“shall we get ye settled?”
Peigi grinned, instantly liking this woman. The trio made their way up the narrow stairs to the second floor.
“I had rooms prepared for ye after word was received of yer arrival.” She stopped at the first door on the right and beckoned to a maid at the end of the hall. “Mr. Craigg, I hope ye will find these quarters suitable during yer stay. Please inform Colleen if there is anything ye need. The meal will be served in an hour if that is to yer liking.”
Her father bowed. “Thank ye kindly, Madam, yer hospitality is generous and appreciated.” He gave Peigi a questioning look, and she returned it with a reassuring smile.
“Now, my dear, ye are just at the end of the hall. Again, Colleen will take care of anything ye need.”
The young girl hurried toward her mistress and gave a quick curtsy. “I just brought up a pitcher of water. Will ye be needing any help dressing, miss?”
Peigi shook her head. “No, I thank ye. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
“Weel, then. Colleen please fetch our guests in an hour and show them to the dining room.” Ailish smiled, her brown eyes a dark cognac in the dim hall. “I look forward to getting better acquainted.”
She watched the older lady retreat down the steps, thinking of her father’s reason for bringing her here. After meeting the lady, Peigi decided she wanted to make a good impression regardless of her uncle’s orders. She felt comfortable with the chieftain’s wife and was thankful for that small comfort. But when her mind strayed to Calum MacNaughton, the fluttering in her belly began again.
Stepping inside the room, she gasped. The furnishings were rich and tasteful and nicer than any room of her own home. And this was just for sleeping. A large, dark, four-poster bed with a forest green and gold brocade bed cover took the far corner. Heavy, deep green curtains were drawn on two sides. Looking down at her dirty boots, she pulled them off and placed them on a stool. Then she said a quick prayer to her mother, hoping for the ability to speak to the man without stuttering or turning the shade of a ripe raspberry. Sweet Mary, if Lord Fulton had the stomach-tumbling braw looks of Calum, Peigi might have given in with pleasure.
*
Calum hadn’t expected Malachi to bring his daughter, nor had he expected her to be so lovely. When she pushed back her hood, thick auburn hair fell down her back in waves, the firelight highlighting browns and golds and reds. Unruly curls framed her face where the snow had dampened the tendrils. He couldn’t see her figure from beneath the cloak, but when she’d chewed on that full bottom lip and stared at the floor, his body had responded with alacrity. Then she’d peeked up at him with those big, green eyes, and he’d been unable to look away.
Some of Malachi’s description came back to him. A bit overbearing. He hadn’t noticed but then she’d barely spoken. What else had he said?
She can charm the crankiest of men if they only sit down to our table. Ah, yes, but he had a suspicion there was more to her allure than cooking. A grin spread across his face. This visit just got much more interesting.
Why had Malachi brought her? Did he intend to put her forward as a wife for one of his brothers? A flicker of irritation stabbed at his chest as he thought of Finley or Hamish kissing that delicious mouth.
“Calum!” Angus poked at his chest. “Have ye heard a word I’ve said?”
“Och, my mind was wandering, Da.” He grinned. “She’s a bonnie little thing, isna she?”
His brothers walked through the door. “Who?” asked Fin. “What did I miss?”
“The Craiggs have sent an envoy to end the feud. Seems that now they are starving, they want to be our friend and ally.” Angus snorted and poured some Scotch whisky into a crystal glass and held it out, waiting for one of his boys to take it.
Finley stepped up to take it. “So who is the bonnie little thing?”
“Calum seems to have a taken a fancy to the envoy’s daughter.”
“Dinna put words in my mouth. It was only an observation.” Calum hated the indignant tone in his own voice. “Where’s our little brother?”
“Here, plotting how to steal yer woman from ye. What does she look li
ke?” Hamish entered the study with a smirk. “Soft and willing? I like a female I can dig my fingers into without a shriek.”
“Nay, this one would be too skinny for ye,” countered Angus. “She’s a tiny thing but does have a look about her. Pretty red-brown waves and clear, green eyes.”
“I prefer thin and willowy,” offered Finley. “Will they be staying for supper?”
Calum tamped down the unexplainable anger that poked his gut as his brothers spoke of a woman they’d never met. “Ye’ll both keep a civil tongue in yer head if ye ken what’s good for ye. Malachi is here on business and to settle a debt.”
“Ah, the infamous Malachi of the Loch, is it? How will he pay up, I wonder?” Fin gave a low whistle. “He has no money, no lands or livestock to give away. Perhaps an old family heirloom? A jewel-encrusted, silver broadsword, perhaps?”
“What is a man’s life worth?” asked Ham. “Maybe a coveted ring or belt buckle from generations past.”
“Anything coveted by the Craiggs wouldna be of any value to us,” mused Angus. “Ye both have me curious now.”
“It doesna matter what it is, ye blethering oafs,” scolded Calum. “Whatever it is, trinket or treasure, I shall accept it with grace and no’ embarrass the man. And none of ye will either.”
His brothers chuckled and nodded in mock gravity, but Angus seemed thoughtful. “Are ye sure about that, Son? Ye’ll accept with grace?”
“Certain as a saint standing before heaven’s gate.”
Chapter Four
Heartache and Hunger
Calum leaned against the oak panels of the fireplace, arriving in the dining room ahead of his brothers. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust them. He did. As long as he was in the same room to supervise their every move. His mother arrived and kissed him on the cheek.
“It’s so nice to have visitors this time of year, isna it?” she asked in a light tone. “Once the snows begin, most folks avoid traveling. Let us pray it is worth their effort.”
“Aye. Da’s attitude has surprised me. I thought getting him to listen would take a great deal more coaxing.”
“Yer father is no’ an unreasonable man. He listens to yer words more than ye realize. It’s a new generation of Craiggs, and he isna one to hold a father’s sins against the sons.” She turned as Angus joined them. “Hello, my love.”
“Mo chridhe.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Ye look ever so lovely tonight. I do believe ye get bonnier with each year.” His arm slid around her waist as her cheeks turned pink with pleasure.
“Ye must be up to something with those fine words. I’ll figure out what ye’re after before the night is through.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair from his forehead. He leaned down, whispered something in her ear, and she gave a husky laugh.
They were the reason Calum had not married yet. He saw no reason to rush into a union unless it would be as happy as his parents’. His father’s affection had only grown over the years. His mother adored this stubborn and often gruff old Scot. Angus would do anything for this woman—lay down his life, give up his wealth, jeopardize his honor—as long as he could be with her and keep her safe. In return, Ailish gave him her unconditional love, softened his rough edges, and was the only human being on earth who could make him admit he was wrong.
This is what he wanted when he chose a wife. A friend, a companion, and a lover. A woman who knew her own strengths and weaknesses and didn’t pretend to be something she was not. A woman who would see his own faults, understand his misgivings, and offer him comfort and support despite his imperfections. A woman who could stir his blood and bring out the best in him. His parents had set high standards for their sons when it came to matrimony. Calum would wait as long as he must to find that woman. He would settle for no less and doubted his siblings would either. In the meantime, there were plenty of willing lasses to keep him occupied.
Voices from the hall announced the rest of the party. He heard Finley mumble something, followed by a silvery laugh that sent his pulse hammering. Peigi entered the room on his brother’s arm with Hamish and her father behind them.
Ailish went to meet her guests and took Peigi’s hands. “Ye look fetching and refreshed. I hope the room is agreeable.”
“Aye, I must admit I’m no’ used to such finery. I feel like a duchess for a day.” Peigi smoothed her deep orange wool dress, looking wistfully at Ailish’s deep green silk skirts with dark flaxen stripes.
Calum’s heart softened when she looked at his mother with a genuine smile, no sign of envy in her eyes or tone. “Ye are stunning, Madam. That color turns yer eyes to molten gold.”
“And may I say, ye are no less lovely, Miss Peigi.” Calum bowed and enjoyed the blush that crept into her cheeks. Offering his arm, he added, “Would ye do me the honor of sitting next to me?”
She only nodded and placed her fingers on his forearm. A jolt shot through his arm to his belly and then lower. The reaction surprised him, for it was only a touch. Looking up, he caught his mother’s narrowed gaze upon them both. He gave her a wink and turned her thoughts. “What is on the table tonight, dear Mother?”
“I’m afraid nothing exciting. Mutton pie, some roasted venison, boiled turnips and tatties,” replied Ailish. “However, I did convince Enid to bake an almond cake in honor of our guests and my sons’ homecoming.”
“That alone might make this trip worth making,” exclaimed Malachi. “I canna remember the last time we were treated to such a fine sweet.”
Angus took his place at the head of the long table, flanked by his wife and their guest of honor. Calum sat between his mother and Peigi and gave a warning glare to both his brothers facing them. This young woman was quiet, almost shy, and his instinct was to protect her, even from his own kin. He still hadn’t seen the overbearing, independent nature Malachi had mentioned.
*
Peigi placed her hands in her lap to hide her nervousness. For a brief moment, when her fingers lay on Calum’s arm, she had been at ease. It was strange how his closeness both unsettled her and made her feel safe. The talk turned to the colonies and war and the price of tobacco. Her father’s animated tone told her how much he enjoyed speaking about something other than the downfall of the Craiggs. It also gave her the opportunity to study the rest of the family.
They were a handsome clan to be sure. Their interaction revealed a close family bond and camaraderie that came from deep affection. They laughed and teased each other, touched one another with a familiarity indicating that intimacy was no stranger between them. Oh, how she longed for this kind of closeness with a family of her own someday. What would it be like to enjoy the company of loved ones without worrying about food for the next winter or which neighbor needs tending first? Not to fear that knock at the door reporting a little one has a fever or a father fell dead from apoplexy. To have the ability to pay a physician or purchase one basic necessity without giving up another.
The English earl’s wan face came into mind, but she pushed thoughts of him away and studied the handsome MacNaughtons. The siblings all had their father’s intense blue eyes, but only Calum had inherited his mother’s dark hair. He was easily the most handsome of the brothers with his large muscular frame, easy grace, and breathtaking smile.
The young female who had answered the door on their arrival served a steaming golden soup in deep Delft Blue plates. Peigi closed her eyes as she sipped the savory broth and chewed on the small bits of leeks, carrots, and kale. Oh, how the spices played havoc on her tongue. It brought back memories of her childhood, of her mother instructing the cook on a new recipe.
“Madam, this is the best broth I’ve ever tasted.” Malachi nodded to Ailish. “If this is any indication of the rest of the meal, it will take all my resolve to avoid the sin of gluttony.”
“Ye can thank Hamish and Finley for replenishing my stock of herbs and spices. They made a stop in Edinburgh and made some purchases for me.” She smiled at her sons. “We are so thankful to have them hom
e again, if only for a short time.”
Wine was served just before the mutton pie arrived. A golden-brown crust covered great chunks of meat with turnips and potatoes. Peigi’s mouth watered in anticipation. It had been so long. In the summer, fish was abundant, but hunting on the earl’s land was forbidden so venison and smaller game were limited. In the past, livestock had been butchered and salted or smoked for the winter, but now the Craiggs had only a few goats and cows kept for milking. It had been at least two years since she’d tasted mutton or beef. Her father let out a moan with his first bite then turned bright red. Peigi tried unsuccessfully to stifle a snicker.
Calum bent his head toward her and whispered, “Ye’re a woman after my heart if ye are as easily pleased as yer father.”
His warm breath feathered her temple and the wings in her stomach flapped wildly. The wine and good food had gone to her head, and she took a bite of the pie, chewing slowly. “Mmmm, ’tis heavenly.” She licked her lips and stole a glance from under her lashes. His eyes darkened to indigo. Her heart raced and she tried to still it with her hand. The barest smile turned up the corners of his full lips, but it was those pools of the darkest blue that kept her mesmerized. She couldn’t have looked away if her skirts had been on fire. Which is exactly how she felt right now. On fire.
“So Malachi, why dinna ye tell us yer version of how ye met our brother?” Finley broke the spell and her pulse slowed when Calum turned his attention to her father. “To hear his version, he merely assisted Black Angus in pulling ye from the loch.”
“Nay,” said Malachi. “A braver man I’ve yet to meet. I dinna ken if I’d have ventured out onto the ice to save another. Though, I will admit the hound was impressive. As I’ve said, I owe my life to this man and plan to settle that debt before I leave.”
