**
Monique hurried toward Alexander as he headed for the outer door of the main corridor. "My lord, have you seen Katherine? She promised to return to the solar quite some time ago but has not done so."
"No, my lady. I'm on my way to the stable. If you wish, I will ask if anyone there has seen her."
After questioning several people, he learned his betrothed had last been seen near the postern gate. He strode over to it. The bar had been lifted from the inside. Scowling, he yanked it open, and scanned the surrounding area. It was empty. What was the lass thinking to wander off by herself? Damn. She should have better sense than that.
As he closed and barred the gate, he called out to a nearby clansman. "You there, Robbie, come here." Motioning to the gate, he said, "If Lady Gordon returns send someone to let me know. I'm going to look for her." Alexander saddled Tursachan quickly and set out for the nearby village. His gaze scoured the land as he rode.
When he reached the small hamlet, the friendly baker looked up from her flour-covered board. She dusted her hands together, sending great clouds of white powder into the air. "Greetings, m'lord. Have ye come for a wee taste of my bride's pies for the weddin'? 'Tis well known mine are the best in the Highlands. The first batch will be done anon." She smiled and slapped a large tray of hot sweet bread down beside him, coating him with a fine layer of flour. "I can offer ye a bite of fresh scones to tide ye over while ye wait."
He grinned and wiped his hands on his kilt before he reached for one of the warm buttery morsels. "No, mistress, I came seeking my betrothed. But I won't turn down such a delight. Has Lady Gordon been here today?"
"Nay, m'lord. Have ye asked the cooper's wife?"
"No. What would she be doing there? Don't tell me she is learning the trade of barrel making, for I won't believe it."
The plump woman grinned and clapped her hands to her wide waist. "Faith, no. That wee lass couldna bend the staves. 'Tis a new litter of kittens there. She has sent a maid to ask after them twice. 'Twould seem she wishes for a small pet. Or perhaps she plans to give ye one fer a weddin' present." The woman chuckled heartily over her joke, her ample, flour-covered bosom bouncing with her laughter.
Alexander returned her smile and shrugged. "'Twould be an interesting dowry to be sure. Thank you. I'll seek her there." He walked out munching on the scone and grinning. The grin soon vanished as he went through the small village. None there had seen Katherine. God's wrath. Where could the lass have gone? It would be getting dark in a few hours.
After leaving the village, he rode out around the nearby countryside. The longer he went with no sign of her, the more concerned he became. Worry for her safety tightened his chest. He clenched his jaw in determination. He would find her.
Alexander hesitated at the base of a hill. Would Katherine have come this far? Riding around the hill would take more time than he wished to give. No, he could ride to the top faster and it would afford him a good view of the area. If he didn't find her soon, he'd have no choice but to return to the castle and gather a group of clansmen to help him search further.
As he reached the summit, his mount came to an abrupt halt. The stallion held its head erect, and then sniffed the air, as if it sensed something.
Attuned to his horse's keen senses, Alexander immediately scanned the hillside for any sign of attack. Naught seemed amiss. Then he saw her. She lay still and silent among the grass. Fear shot through him when he spotted her lying unresponsive on the ground. God's blood, what had happened? Watching for any sign of ambush, he dismounted quietly, his sword drawn and ready. He strode over swiftly and reached toward her. Then he heard her slight exhale and saw the even rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. Thank God, she merely napped in the warmth of the sunshine.
He expelled a long sigh of relief. An intense rush of emotion soared through him leaving him light headed. Here, in this high airy spot, he felt as if he were looking at an angel, innocent and golden.
Without contemplating why he did it, he simply left Tursachan to crop at the grass, picked a handful of heather, and placed the flowers beside her face. Although he'd done it in silence, his movements awakened her. She opened her eyes and smiled up at him as if she were simply continuing to dream pleasant thoughts, though now awake. Her guileless nature enchanted him. He sank down to his knees, and then lay beside her, propped up on an elbow. Wild thoughts raced through his mind as he lay there gazing at her.
After a few moments Katherine broke the heavy silence. "Ah, Alexander, is this not a glorious view? I feel as if I could stay here forever just looking at all the beauty about me."
He agreed, his eyes never leaving her face. "Aye, lass, 'tis the most enchanting sight I've ever seen." Lifting the heather he'd picked, he smiled and handed them to her. He stroked her face gently and whispered, "These bonnie flowers should be with the others you've gathered." Just as I should be with you.
Leaning closer, he felt her breath touch his face with the gentleness of a butterfly's wings. "Lass, I fear you've put me under your spell. I want naught but you whenever I'm near you."
Her face turned a bright pink, and she toyed silently with the flowers in her hands.
For the first time, the thought of wedding Katherine and sharing his life with her didn't cause him undo distress. A sense of hope and peace settled over him just being in her company. He frowned slightly at the necessity of leaving the hilltop paradise and the tranquil moment, not wanting it to end. But Monique was concerned about her daughter's whereabouts. Reluctantly, he stood and reached down to help Katherine to her feet.
He pulled her up beside him, gazed into her eyes and drew a ragged breath in a futile attempt to clear his head. He watched in fascination as she smiled and closed her eyes, her thick dark lashes fanning out over her cheeks.
Hell, Monique could wait.
Alexander wrapped his arms around Katherine, pulling her close, and then slowly took possession of her lips. They were warm, soft. With a gentleness he hadn't realized he possessed, he teased her mouth, ran feather-soft kisses over her closed eyelids, down her face and the side of her neck. He nuzzled the crook of her shoulder, drinking in her scent. Then he traced the line of her throat with his tongue, and covered the moist trail with kisses. She trembled in his arms and murmured a throaty sigh.
That tremulous moan sent his emotions reeling skyward. He ran a hand through her hair, past her shoulders to the velvet expanse of skin just above the neck of her gown. The silky softness of her skin felt warm to his touch.
The shrill cry of a red tailed hawk jolted him out of his reverie. Startled, he glanced up at the sky. Och, not yet, you bugger. But the answer of its mate, somewhere in the distance, reminded him of his responsibilities. Alexander released Katherine reluctantly and his desire plummeted back to earth. He frowned at the sky. "'Tis late, lass. We'd best return to the castle now."
He burned with need for her, but if they didn't leave soon, he'd not be able to control his emotions. "Your mother is worried about you. If I don't return with you soon, the whole clan will be out looking for you."
Taking her hand, he led her over to where Tursachan stood grazing. God, he wanted her. Just one more kiss. He thrust his fingers into the golden waves of her hair, leaned closer and bent his head toward hers. Another shrill screech nearly sent him tumbling on his arse. "Have you ever tasted roast hawk, lass? I'm told 'tis a delicacy if done correctly." With a smile, he lifted her to his saddle and silently swung up behind her, nudging his stallion toward home.
**
The castle grounds teemed with continued frenzy in preparation for the wedding. Fiona crossed the courtyard, meeting Alexander and Katherine as they dismounted. "Fie, there ye are m'lord. I have been searchin' everywhere. Elsa sent me to fetch ye. 'Twas somethin' about ye goin' with me to find some herbs she needs to make a tincture fer one of the villagers. She said I'd find them in a small cairn ye know of, beyond the castle."
Alexander glanced from his childhood friend to Kath
erine. Bemused, he watched her pleasant expression turn wary. The light in her beautiful blue eyes turned dark as Fiona continued. "I know the herbs well that Elsa needs. It shouldna take any time at all to fetch them if ye'll but show me to the spot. I'd grieve to think my delay caused the mon longer discomfort."
Smiling up at him, she reached out and grasped one of his hands in her own. "I'm sure Lady Gordon wouldna wish to delay the healin' even though 'tis only fer a villager."
Katherine's voice seemed to hold a hint of sadness. "Alexander, can no one else go? I had hoped we—"
Fiona spoke quickly. "Oh. Forgive me, milady. I didna think ye would mind Alexander doin' this wee thing. The MacGregors have always cared fer their own." She turned back to him. "I didna know things were so different now."
Alexander shook his head. "They're no different, Fiona." He turned his gaze back to Katherine, hoping she would understand. He was caught between the responsibility of aiding one of his clansmen and wishing to remain with her. Unfortunately, all he saw was growing anger. "Lass, I know the spot well. 'Twould save time if I showed it to Fiona. Since she knows just which plants are needed, it won't take long. Why don't you let your mother know you are back? I'll take Fiona there and return soon."
Katherine chewed her bottom lip as if trying to force words from her beautiful mouth. The look on her face confused him. Why was she so upset?
"Alexander, why don't I go with you two? I could be of help in finding what Elsa needs."
Fiona answered before he could reply. "Ye're verra kind, milady, but once there, I'll easily get what I seek I assure ye." Smiling, she placed her other hand on top of his as well.
The sight of Fiona and Alexander's clasped hands struck Katherine like an icy winter's blast. It would seem Fiona's claim of being Alexander's lover was true. Cold bitterness swept through her, freezing the warmth of trust from her heart and shredding her newfound hopes.
Fie, surely he was not as self-seeking as Daniel had been.
No, Alexander wouldn't claim to go based on such an obvious lie. He couldn't do so and truly feel the way he said he did. She glanced at Fiona's confident smile. Uncertainty gnawed at her. She looked back at him and waited. Please let him change his mind.
He simply nodded in answer to her silence. "Ah, that's a good lass. I'll take Fiona to gather the herbs she seeks and join you when I return."
He might as well have thrown her a bone and patted her on the head with his uncaring words. Did she mean no more to him than a hound to be petted and then sent on its way? Fury threatened to choke her and her voice cracked in answer. "Do as you wish. I won't stop you! 'Tis obvious you wish to do this more than be with me. Don't trouble yourself to seek me out when you return. I no longer desire your company."
She spun away from him, afraid he would spot the tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't look back as she walked away, ashamed of what she might see.
Katherine sat at the window of her chamber seething with anger. Her gaze searched the garden and beyond. Well over an hour had passed and still they hadn't returned.
Then shock and betrayal pierced her heart as she watched Alexander walk into the garden, carrying Fiona wrapped in his arms. The black haired vixen clung tightly to him; her head snuggled against his shoulder like a well-pleasured lover.
Furious, Katherine hurried from her chamber. She wouldn't stand for it. He would rue the day he flaunted his mistress for all to see.
**
Alexander carried Fiona through the garden to the courtyard. There he helped her to sit on the side of a horse trough near the stable. "Rest here lass. I'll get one of my men to help you to your cottage."
Fiona wound her arms back around his neck. "Alexander, I want ye to take me there."
Shaking his head, he lifted her arms from his neck, and stepped back. "Someone else will do it. After our trip to the cairn, I think 'twould be best that we not be alone together again."
"Fie, Alexander, 'twas only a wee kiss I gave ye. Dinna fash so."
His jaw clenched. Cornered and uncomfortable, he remembered how Fiona had twined her arms around his neck, pulled his mouth down to hers, and kissed him wantonly.
He sighed and shook his head. "Lass, you are tempting fate. I don't wish to harm our friendship. Stay here while I fetch someone to take you home." Scanning the courtyard, he spied the same man he'd assigned earlier to watch the postern gate and motioned to him. "Robbie, lad, come here. Fiona is nay well. Escort her home and see that Elsa is told."
The man glanced at the pouting face of the young woman and grinned. "Och, dinna frown, lass. I will see ye safely to Elsa's care." Then he lifted her to his chest and headed for the main gate.
**
Katherine met Alexander at the corner of the stable. Glaring, she thrust her hands to her hips. "So, you didn't wish to remain with me because your lover was waiting for you. Do you think me a fool? Or don't you care that I know the way of it between you and her? I won't stand for it. Do you hear me? You can't have me and keep your shameless whore, too!"
Shocked at her outraged display, Alexander growled, "Silence, woman. Dare not my anger with such mad accusations. You know naught of Fiona and me. I've known her all of her life."
"Aye, you have. So you know she understands naught of herbs and plants for healing. Did you think me so besotted with you that I'd believe her lies? Just how did you plan to explain carrying her in your arms like a lover? You have betrayed me and our betrothal vow."
"Hold your tongue, wench! 'Twas not as you accuse. I simply carried her back to the castle after she fell and twisted her leg reaching for one of the plants of which you say she has no understanding. Even in her pain, she insisted I pick up the plants she dropped."
The sound of their raised voices resounded across the bailey. Two women chatting together outside a nearby shed ceased talking and looked at them. Katherine watched as Alexander's angry glower sent them scurrying for the small building. She took a step back at his fierce expression. His words struck like a lash. "And as for you, no, I don't think you a fool. You closer fit the description of a harridan and a shrew! That is, if I think of you, at all."
He glared at her then stomped off toward the castle, almost running down a groom who walked out of a side door of the stable. "Damn it, man, get out of my way!"
**
Katherine was still awake late into the night when someone knocked at her chamber door. A cold knot formed in her stomach. "Who's there?" Staring across the silent room, she watched as a folded piece of parchment slid beneath the door. Then footsteps faded away down the corridor.
Dread and anticipation fought for control of her emotions. She rose from the secure warmth of her bed, crossed the cold wooden floor and stared down at the missive at her feet. A sudden quiver touched her spine. The night must be colder than she thought. 'Twas only a note.
Suddenly anxious to be done with the unknown, she grabbed up the parchment, broke the wax seal and read:
Lass, I have no wish to live in anger. Our course is set, one with the other. I have vowed to protect and provide for you. In time, we may yet come to enjoy each other's company. Let us forget this day and begin anew on the morrow. Alexander
His lack of an explanation or apology wrenched at Katherine's heart. She touched the note to her lips. Did he intend to forget their moments of pleasure as well?
Chapter Nine
Katherine watched the pale rays of dawn spread their golden hue steadily over the garden below. Too nervous to sleep, she had tossed and turned in bed for most of the night. Despairing of rest, she rose and wrapped in the thick pink robe, then crossed the chill room to sit on the window bench and stare out into the fading darkness.
With the rising of the sun, the day she dreaded had begun. It was her wedding day. Thoughts of the event to come formed a burning lump in her throat and her chest tightened like twisted wool on a spinning wheel. Her hands shook as she crossed herself. Sweet Mother Mary, give her strength to do what she must.
&nbs
p; She drew a deep trembling breath and pulled her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms about them. Lowering her forehead to her knees, she let out her breath in a long slow sigh. She had no choice but to wed the arrogant Highlander, but he would never have her heart.
"Lady Katherine? Are ye asleep?"
"Oh, Gillian, you startled me."
"Forgive me m'lady. I knocked but ye didna answer. I brought ye some bread and watered wine. It wouldna do for ye to go below stairs afore the weddin'. Ooh, your hands are like ice, my lady."
The servant girl bustled about the room. She stirred up the embers in the fireplace and added additional logs until a bright blaze crackled from within. "Ah, 'tis better. Ye'll soon be warm as a chick under a broody hen."
Gillian walked over to the chest on the far side of the room, took out linen towels and fresh soap and laid them beside the tub. "The lads will be bringing up hot water anon. After ye've had a warm bath and a wee bit to eat, I'll help ye dress and prepare yer hair."
Half an hour later, Katherine sat before the fire with her eyes closed. She clasped her hands in her lap and concentrated on the feel of the boar bristle brush as Gillian pulled it through her hair. It never failed to calm her nerves. Until today.
When the motion stopped, she looked up hesitantly. A few more minutes wouldn't hurt. It was early yet and no need to rush. A shiver shook her. She rubbed her hands briskly up and down her arms. Her new chemise lent little warmth.
"Beggin' yer pardon, my lady, ye dinna need to stay sittin' in yer shift. Come. I'll help ye with yer gown. I can finish yer hair after ye are dressed and warm again."
Katherine stood motionless, her arms wrapped tightly about herself. She was frozen. A statue. An ice maiden. Across the room, her wedding finery lay waiting on the bed, the gown's long sleeves stretched out and compelling. Cold despair touched her like a ghostly embrace, chilling her heart as well as her flesh.
**
Alexander climbed the last few stairs and crossed the open walkway of the castle's north tower. He nodded to one of the sentries on duty. "Has Malcolm been spotted yet?"
Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) Page 12
