by B. J. Scott
After picking up a dirk from the bedside table, she padded to the hearth, knelt, then pried a loose cornerstone. From a narrow trench, she retrieved a leather-bound book, a gift from her father on her ninth Saint’s Day. With the intent she would someday be the chatelaine of Thistledown Castle, her da had insisted she learn to read and write. The fact she was not a male heir had never bothered Brandon MacClay. At no time did Laurel question his pride, love, and devotion.
He’d even gone so far as to decree before witnesses that on the day Laurel turned eighteen, she’d inherit his estate and take her place as lairdess to the clan. Once married, her husband would become laird, under the provision he assumed the MacClay name. While not a common practice, it had been done by lairds in the past as a means to preserve the clan name, fortune, and property.
She reverently opened the book and traced each letter of a faded inscription with her fingertip and read aloud. “To my beloved daughter, Laurel. You are the light of my life, and the reason for my existence. Be it in body or spirit, I will be with you always.” Below the inscription, he wrote the clan motto—Strength in honor.
While many summers had come and gone since his death, Laurel still expected to enter the great hall to find her father sitting at the dais, his warriors gathered around awaiting orders. She wondered if someday she’d have her own babes and if they, too, would feel the same tug on their hearts when they thought about her. She could only hope that they would never experience the pain of loss and prayed she’d be there to watch them grow and prosper.
She had barely seen four summers when her mother died. On that day, her father became her whole world. But she remembered every contour of Katherine MacClay’s beautiful face, her delicate lavender scent, and the melodic lilt of her voice. She never tired of hearing how much she resembled her mam. She clutched the book to her breast, tears running down her cheeks. “I miss you both so much, and while I relish the thought of my freedom—be it only until I am wed, I’d willingly trade it all for one more day with you.”
A small wooden treasure box also occupied the space left by the cornerstone. After brushing off a layer of soot, she lifted it to her nose, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply. The scent of carved pine remained after all this time. Upon opening the lid, she plucked out another cherished possessions—a silver, emerald-encrusted pendant that belonged to her mother. The only article of value that Deidre had yet to confiscate. Not that she hadn’t tried. In fact, she’d turned the keep upside down looking for the precious amulet. She wanted the clan heirloom as much as her husband wanted to rule in Brandon’s place.
Laurel believed had Deirdre been the sole person in charge, she’d have shipped her off to the convent the day of her father’s funeral. However, Murray would not permit it. Not because he cared about her or out of loyalty to her da, but it would not do for the future mistress to suddenly disappear.
While he gave his wife free rein to raise her as she saw fit, he did express the importance of keeping up appearances and being discrete when it came to punishment. In addition to being seen at feasts and events held within the castle walls, her cousin felt an occasional appearance in the village from time to time would help to naysay any rumors she was being mistreated. Today was one of those days.
Deirdre proved to be a master of deception and at no time did anyone suspect that her charge was anything but well-tended. For the first couple of summers, she claimed the death of Brandon MacClay left Laurel sad and so distraught that she’d become withdrawn and reclusive. Manipulating a bairn of ten was no challenge. Most of the clan believed the tales about her being a witch were true, so were afraid to question their mistress. Her finest coupe was winning over the clan elders with bribes and favors so they would turn a deaf ear and a blind eye. Even if Laurel had decided to come forth with accusations, no one would listen. Still facing the same two alternatives she’d had when her da died—either wallow in misery each day of her life or make the most of things until she came of age to inherit—she’d chosen the latter.
She scrubbed a stray tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. There was no changing the past and no one knew for certain what their future held. But, she would soon be eight and ten summers. Free. Until then, Murray and Deirdre governed her life. She’d managed to survive thus far and had honored the deathbed pledge she’d made to her father. She had but a sennight to wait.
Closing her fist around the pendant, she wandered over to the small window, then peered outside. When she moved from the south tower, she traded her breathtaking view of the forest and loch for one of the mountains. She often stared in awe at the majestic peaks. Whether covered in snow, shrouded in a fine morning mist, or encased in sunlight, they were always a magnificent sight. The trees that lined the valley were ablaze with autumn foliage. Billowy clouds, the color of a lamb’s belly, dotted the azure sky.
“Lady Laurel. Are you awake?” a woman called from the hallway, then rapped on the door.
When Laurel recognized Isla’s voice, she quickly returned her treasures to their hiding place. As she tucked the necklace in the box, she spied the ring she received from Blair Cameron. A smile tugged at her lips and her heart skipped as she remembered the handsome young lad who had vowed to court her when he came of age. But she’d not heard a word from him since the day of her da’s funeral and she’d all but given up hope of ever seeing him again.
For all she knew, he was married, his wife round with his babe, and mayhap other bairns tugging at her apron. Given Deirdre’s reaction to Blair on the day they met, she had no doubt he’d be turned away even if he tried to visit.
“Lady Laurel!” Isla called again. “Are you awake?”
“Aye, I come anon.” Laurel dropped the ring into the box before returning it to the trench in the floor. She replaced the hearthstone, climbed to her feet, then opened the door.
The petite, dark-haired woman cringed as she stepped into the room. She immediately pulled her plaid around her shoulders and clucked her tongue. “I canna believe your cousins make you stay in this dreadful place. Your father would be furious. I never understand why he left you in their care.”
“I had only seen ten summers when Da died and I wasna old enough to stay alone. My mother was gone and his brothers all died in the war for Scotland’s independence.” She paused to mumble a quick prayer, then crossed herself.
“His illness struck suddenly and he had verra little time to prepare for his death. Murray was his closest living relative and Da asked him to watch over me until I was ready to assume my duties as lairdess of the castle. He accepted. For that, I am grateful.” The words left a bitter taste, but she had promised her father to honor Murray, and while difficult at times, she had done her best to keep that vow.
“Grateful? The mistress treats you like a servant, worse than her husband’s deerhounds. A stray cat would make a better mother. Your cousin Murray and their son, Allan, are no better.”
“It willna be long before I am mistress of the castle, and all will be as my da intended. It is sweet of you to care.” Laurel smiled.
“You are far more forgiving than most, m’lady. I hope you are able to fulfil your father’s wishes. But. I . . .” She hesitated.
“But?” Laurel asked.
“I’ve heard your cousin Murray plans to see you wed his son. Were that to happen, he would become laird, and you would remain forever under his parents’ rule.”
“I’ve no intention of getting married to anyone. Especially to my cousin Allan.” She shuddered at the thought of her homely, arrogant kinsman.
“You dinna have a choice. As your legal guardian, Murray can declare the two of you betrothed, and you willna be free to decline. I overheard some of his men talking. They said he wishes to maintain control of the clan and will use his son to do so.” Isla lowered her gaze and shook her head. “For you to be forced to marry Allan would be a sh
ame. Not only is he sickly and unattractive, I’ve heard he favors the lads and not the lassies.”
“Rumors are not to be believed, Isla. However, I willna marry. Unless, it is to a man I love and one who loves me in return.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” Isla wiggled her brow.
“Mayhap,” Laurel replied hesitantly, thoughts of Blair Cameron flooding her mind.
“I pray what you say is true. That you find your true love. But right now, we must see you dressed.” She handed Laurel the bundle of clothing she carried. “Lady Deirdre told me to give you these. She said she willna have you going to the village looking like a serving wench.”
Laurel studied the plain, blue wool gown, a pair of matching slippers, and a stark white wimple. “My cousin likes to keep up appearances, even though they may be false. I am certain she worries more about her own reputation than she does mine.” This time, she didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in her voice. “I prefer to wear these.” She moved to the shelf by the door and picked up a kirtle and brown skirt. “They may not be the attire befitting a laird’s daughter, but they are clean and comfortable.”
“I dinna think it a good idea to upset Lady Deirdre. She said you must go out looking like a lady.” She motioned toward the items of clothing Laurel held. “Please, m’lady, put those on and make haste. I truly want you to accompany me, and if you dinna do as you’re told, she may reconsider.”
“She willna change her mind. It has been a while since I last visited the village. She doesna want people to wonder if I am well. Besides, if we slip out before she sees us, she willna know.”
Isla shook her head. “Och, no, milady. She wishes to speak with you before we leave.”
“Verra well, I’ll do as you request. Nothing will spoil this day,” Laurel said with a smile. “I havena visited a fair in such a long time and plan to make the most of it. I will change and join you in the bailey when ready.”
“You have yet to break your fast, and what of your cousin Deirdre?” Isla asked.
“I’m far too excited to eat and will speak to Deirdre before we depart.”
“As you wish, milady. I will meet you below,” Isla replied. She curtsied, then headed down the hallway.
Laurel watched the young woman scurry out of sight before closing the door. Her cousin believed in a firm hand. Whether she’d deserved it or not, Laurel had seen the biting end of a willow switch more than she cared to remember.
She closed her eyes, her mind drifting back to the day she had dallied too long conversing with friends. She was fourteen. Infuriated by her tardiness, Deirdre had ordered a harsh reprimand. In private, of course, so no one could bear witness.
Laurel rubbed her wrists, remembering the tight leather straps that bound her to the whipping post. She could still feel the rush of cold air when her gown slid from her shoulders, exposing her bare back. The sharp crack of the whip and the biting sting as it tore into her tender flesh were unforgettable. Passing out after the third lash had been a blessing. She still bore the scars and would do so forever, but she had never been late again.
“Soon I willna be under their rule, but until then, I must bide my time,” she said on a shuddering breath, then tugged the gown over her head. After plaiting her hair and donning her wimple, she secured an arisaidh around her waist before positioning the extra fabric over her head and shoulders.
“Best get this over with so I can be on my way to the festival,” she said to herself as she headed in the direction of Deirdre’s chamber.
Chapter 3
Laurel knocked, waiting for permission to enter the sanctity of Deirdre’s chamber.
“Who dares disturb me at this hour of the morn? You best have a good reason,” Deirdre shouted.
“Laurel. Isla said you wanted to speak with me before we left for the festival.”
“Enter, and be quick about it.”
Laurel opened the oak door and stepped inside, a rush of warm, fragrant air greeting her. While the décor had changed to reflect her cousin’s taste, the sunny solar stirred many fond memories. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she pushed thoughts of her parents and the happy times they’d shared to the back of her mind. “When I assume my rightful place, reclaiming my chamber will be one of the first things I do,” she muttered beneath her breath.
“Stop mumbling and step intae the light. You remind me of a thief skulking around in the shadows.”
“Why did you wish to see me?”
“Let me look at you.” Deirdre’s brows knit together as she studied Laurel from top to bottom. “I suppose you’ll do,” she finally said.
“Why did you summon me?”
“You dinna think I would let you leave without making sure you dressed appropriately? I also want to remind you to conduct yourself in a manner befitting your status. Dinna speak to anyone while in the village, except to make your purchases. You are to accompany Isla, retrieve the vegetables, then return by noon. Is that clear?”
Her heart sank. Noon did not leave them much time to spend at the fair. By the time they got there and completed their task, they’d have to return home. “I was hoping to stay a wee bit longer. I’m sure Angus would like to take part in the completions. He has trained all summer for the events. Would that be possible?”
“Nay. There is no need for you to dally. Angus is going as your escort, not to compete. Make your appearance, get the items Cook needs, and return as I have instructed. That is, unless you want me to change my mind and not allow you to go at all.” She handed over a small pouch containing several silver coins. “This should be more than enough to cover the cost.”
Laurel bobbed a curtsy. “Aye. We will do as you request.” She almost choked on the words, but refrained from arguing. It would do no good to anger her benefactor.
“Dinna make me regret my generosity. Your cousin Murray has an announcement to make at the feast this evening and you must attend. It wouldna due for you to be locked in your chamber for disobedience.”
An announcement? Laurel’s stomach twisted with dread. But she was not going to let anything spoil her day. “I’ll return on time.” She curtsied and left the room before Deirdre could comment further.
“Why did the old crone insist on seeing you?” Isla asked in a hushed voice when Laurel joined her in the bailey.
“She ordered us to return by noon and forbid me to talk to anyone while in the village,” Laurel replied. “She also gave me coin to make our purchases.” She held the pouch in the air. But she didn’t mention the announcement. She did not wish to speculate for fear the rumors being bandied around the keep about marriage to Allan might be true. She shuddered at the thought.
“That doesna leave us time to see the sights or for Angus to take part in any of the events. Did she give you any coin for yourself? Isla asked.
“Nay.” Laurel shook her head.
“That doesna surprise me. She isna known for her generosity. Not that the money belongs to her. Were your father still alive, she and Murray would have nothing but the tunics on their backs.”
“It doesna matter. I am grateful to have some time away from the keep. Best we be away. The longer we tarry, the sooner we will have to return. Has Angus readied the horses?” Laurel asked as she glanced around, seeking her beloved palfrey. A gift from her parents when she was old enough to sit a horse.
“Lady Deirdre thought it best we go in the carriage. Angus is waiting near the postern gate,” Isla replied.
“Then best we hurry. I dinna wish to waste a precious minute,” Laurel said and turned on her heel.
The hour-long journey between the keep and village seemed to take forever. But when the rows of brightly colored tents finally came into sight, the equally decorative pennons flapping in the breeze, her heart leapt with joy. The din of cheerful voices, the smell of coo
k fires, and the festive music reminded her of the times she attended the annual event with her parents.
“Do hurry, Angus, we want to do and see as much as we can before we return home,” she said.
“I’m certain you ladies are anxious to sample the sweets. Mayhap buy some fabric or bonnie ribbons for your hair. But the horses can only go so fast, m’lady. We’ll be there in a few minutes.” Angus smiled.
“The miserly old witch only gave us enough coin for the vegetables. But that willna keep us from looking,” Isla replied.
Angus reached into his sporran, retrieving two pieces of silver, which he handed to Laurel. “Now you’ll each be able to shop as well as taking in the sights,” he said, then cracked the reins across the horses’ flanks. “Ha!” he shouted and the carriage lurched forward.
“Your kindness touches my heart, but we canna accept this,” Laurel said as she tried to hand them back.
“Nothing would please me more than to know you and Isla are enjoying the festival. I held a great deal of respect for your da and consider it an honor to see that you have a good time. Keep it.”
