"Da, when Alexander returns, he could come live at our home. He could—"
"No. You must stay here, under the protection of the MacGregors."
Katherine saw her parents exchange a vivid look and nod to each other. Icy fear whispered across her skin. Was there more to the secret than they told her? She hated the quiver in her voice, but was unable to stop it. "What are you not telling me?"
Monique grasped Katherine's hands. "If you are married and living apart from us, should the duke find me, he still would not find you. We would take the secret of your whereabouts to our graves."
"Sweet mother of God! You can't think I would accept such a fate for you two! Alexander and I will stay with you. We will add to the defenses of the castle. Hire mercenaries. Anything."
"Listen to me, sil vous plait! No matter what happens, the duke is your legal father. If he found you with us, he could take you. The courts would not condone my life with Angus. We would have no chance to protect you."
Angus stood behind Monique, put his hands on her shoulders and faced Katherine. "Lass, the only thing that will prevent the duke from taking control of your life is your marriage to Alexander. 'Twould be honored in a court of law. Would you endanger him, perhaps the whole MacGregor clan, by asking him to live with us?"
Before she could answer, her mother gently squeezed her hands and said, "Please, cheri. Stay here. Do it for Angus and me."
Tears streamed down Katherine's cheeks. Sweet Jesus. How could she stay behind and let them go, knowing what she did? She looked at the love and determination in their eyes. Aye, and how could she not?
Chapter Twelve
Alexander's fist connected with the man's jaw sending him sprawling to the floor with a bemused expression on his face.
"God's blood, mon! What was that for?" Devon asked as he stood up, gingerly rubbing his jaw.
"Your insinuation of impropriety between my brother and my wife is insulting. You will apologize for what you have said. Now. Or I will wring it from you with my bare hands."
"Your wife? But… but… I thought William was joking when he told me the woman was your wife. I hadna heard you'd married and since you werena there, and them so friendly like, I decided 'twas a joke being foisted on me. Och mon, I meant no harm. You know our clans have been loyal allies for many years now."
Laird Drummond hurried over as their angry words carried across the room. "Alex, what ails you?"
Alexander growled, "'Tis naught I care to discuss." With that, he turned to a wench serving usquabae and thrust his goblet out for her to fill. The two men beside him lowered their voices, but he could still hear their words.
"Och, Davey, I dinna know what to think. Is Alexander married or no? When I stopped at During Castle on my way here, his brother introduced me to a verra bonnie lass as Alexander's new bride. 'Tis bemused I am. If he is a newly married mon with such a bonnie wife, why is he no there instead of leavin' his wife to the care of his brother? If I had such a bonnie wife, we wouldna even leave my chamber."
"Aye, Devon. 'Tis true Alexander married the lass, but as to the rest of it, I dinna know. He may not quite understand it himself yet. Come, let us find a drink and a willing lass. He willna thank us for interfering."
Alexander spun around and glared at them. "Aye, you have it aright." Annoyed, he watched as the two men wrapped an arm around a buxom serving maid and left the hall.
A comely wench approached him with drink and a knowing smile. "Is there aught you need, m'lord?"
"Aye, but not here." He tossed back the rest of his drink and walked to his chamber alone.
**
Alexander pushed an empty jug off the bed and sat up. God, his head hurt. He looked at his disheveled clothes and saw he still wore his boots. Damn. He'd drunk so much he'd not even undressed before he'd passed out on the bed. Last night when a serving wench had come to his chamber with a jug, compliments of Davey and Devon, he'd drunk a full mug of usquabae as she toyed about his chamber straightening things. He had watched with quickening lust as she bent down to move a small trunk, showing off her ponderous breasts. Seeing his look, she had responded by running her hands from her plump hips up over her large breasts and down again. Lifting the hem of her skirt to expose her calves, she had wriggled provocatively, and brushed up against him.
When he'd pulled her closer to nuzzle her breasts, the wench's linen cap had fallen away. A length of deep chestnut hair fell across her shoulders. Seeing the dark hair, rather than the golden halo he'd so often dreamed of, had totally banished all feelings of lust. He'd given her a sovereign for her trouble, kept the usquabae and sent her away. The rest of the night, he'd alternately yearned for and cursed Katherine as he drank himself into unconsciousness.
Now, by the glaring light of day, he felt a growing hunger for her that rivaled the pounding in his head. 'Twas time he returned to During Castle. In truth, he had meant to return before now, but rain had made the roads nigh impassable for over a fortnight after they had arrived. And, though he could have pleasured the days away, his guilty memory of Katherine's gracious acceptance of his leave taking, kept him from doing so. Like it or not, he was wed, and he wouldn't dishonor his marriage vows.
Aye, he would return, make love to her, and given time and an affable wife, make amends for his duplicity. After he had satisfied his lust, he would take Katherine to Castle Ironwood. 'Twas best he remove her from the attentions of his foolish young brother. If Devon had not known she belonged to him, others might misunderstand as well. A woman of her beauty was capable of turning hearts and he didn't wish to tempt fate. At Ironwood, she would be for his eyes and touch alone. Later, if he still felt the need for freedom, he could leave her behind under the protection and scrutiny of his loyal servants. Aye, he'd leave today. With fair weather, he would be at During Castle in four day's time.
**
The long ride had been pure torture but even the heavy rain hadn't stopped him as he'd traveled alone, pressed on by his need to return. For five straight days and nights, he'd ridden with only short stops for necessary food and rest.
Chilled and weary beyond belief, Alexander nudged Tursachan forward over the last knoll. The cold rain had finally ended during the night and During Castle lay ahead of him in the pale dawn. As the sun limned the castle towers in gold, Alexander thought yet again of Katherine's lush flaxen hair. It would be good to be home. Aye, the journey had been rough, but he'd soon enjoy his reward. He would be with her again. See her. Speak with her. Touch her.
A sense of pleasure filled his thoughts. But surely the feeling was mere passion. No, 'twas more than that. Anticipation surged through him. He drew his stallion to a halt in front of the castle entrance and shouted. "Ho, lads, 'tis Alexander McGregor! Open the gates and raise the portcullis."
As he rode into the courtyard, he scanned the scene before him. More than three weeks had passed, yet everything looked the same as the day he'd left. His wedding day. Remorse gnawed at him for his deceit. At the time, he'd felt compelled to remove himself from her, for fear of falling prey to her charms. Yet during his absence, her memory had never left him. Could this be what it felt like to love a woman? Perhaps now he and his wife could begin to enjoy their future together.
Wearily, he dismounted at the stable and walked into the castle. Servants scurried past him as they performed their morning chores. He noticed a few surprised looks cast his way, but didn't stop to speak as he made his way to his chamber. Although he was exhausted, the thought of Katherine renewed his energy.
Finally, he would have her all to himself. Could he really blame Devon for not understanding she was his wife when he had left her behind as he'd done? She might be cool to him at first. But he would coax her growing passion. Hadn't she shown a budding fondness for him by the day they had spoken their vows? Aye, there had been that misunderstanding about Fiona, but he would show Katherine he had forgiven her and she had naught to worry about. He had come home to her, no one else.
He hurried
into his chamber only to find it empty. He'd seen Katherine's mare in the stable and she hadn't been in the hall as he'd walked through. Alexander rubbed his unshaven jaw and remembered how she was wont to arise early each morn. But where should he look for her? He glanced out his chamber window at the empty garden and heard the chapel bell toll the hour for mass. Och, of course. She'd be there. He walked back outside and up the steps that led to the small chapel where they'd been wed. Alexander knelt and made the sign of the cross as he entered. Rising, he walked down the chapel aisle, searching for Katherine. There was no sign of her, only the priest preparing for mass.
"Father Micheil, 'tis glad I am to see you. Ah, but 'tis good to be home. I came here to escort my wife to the great hall to break my fast with her."
The priest gaped, open-mouthed. "God's welcome to ye m'lord, but Lady MacGregor isna here. Have ye brought her back so soon from Ironwood?"
"No, Father, I have just returned from court and haven't been to Ironwood. My wife and I will travel there after I have rested from my journey." He looked at the priest's bemused expression. With a growing sense of unease, he asked, "Where might I find my lady wife this morn?"
"But my son, Lady MacGregor left fer Castle Ironwood, escorted by yer brother and two of his men over a fortnight ago! We thought she left to meet ye there. None here has heard aught from them since they left."
"What? I sent no request for her to meet me at Ironwood. By whose authority did they leave?"
"Why, the Lady MacGregor, herself, bid the castle staff to prepare her belongings fer the journey. Yer brother and two of his men went to act as escort. They left but three days after ye were summoned to the king's court." The priest wrung his hands. "Did ye no get word of their journey to Castle Ironwood?"
"No. I have received no message."
"Fie, my lord, I fear somethin' is gravely amiss. I pray no harm has befallen them. I will light candles and say a special mass this morn fer their welfare." Already heading to the altar, the priest called over his shoulder. "My son, the laird left here but moments ago, to break his fast in the great hall. I pray God he can assure ye all is well with yer wife and brother and his men."
"Aye, Father, so do I!" Alexander whirled around and ran out of the chapel toward the great hall.
Before he could reach it, Ian met him, a look of obvious concern upon his face. "Och, Alexander, I didna believe it when I was told you'd returned alone. What say you of William and your wife? I have been vexed to hear naught from them."
"Why did no one send me word of their departure? I knew naught of this before Father Micheil told me just now."
"Damn it, lad, with Lady Katherine wishin' to leave almost on your heels and William insistin' he give her safe escort, all here thought 'twas at your command. None here felt need to send word."
Weary and in no mood for this turn of events, Alexander sighed and rubbed his eyes in irritation. "'Twould appear my wife has chosen not to wait, but gone ahead to establish her rights as lady of the keep." He shook his head in irritation at her refusal to wait as she had vowed to do. Did the lass's word mean naught to her? He looked back at his father. "Have you sent word to them at Ironwood?"
"Nay, son, I—"
"Laird Ian!" interrupted a man who ran to a halt before him. "The wool merchant from the village has stopped to tell of seeing signs of a bloody skirmish on the road not a day's ride from Ironwood."
Concern for Katherine's safety fed the fiery remorse already churning in Alexander's belly. "Da, send a messenger to all of the villages within a day's ride from here. Offer a reward for any word of Katherine and William. My men and I will search for them as soon as horses and food can be made ready."
He spun on his heel and headed for his chamber to don battle gear. Something about all of this was not right.
As he fastened the last strap on his iron studded hauberk, there was a knock at the door. Alexander jerked it open and stepped back. "Fiona?" What was she doing here? "I have no time to talk now, lass."
She smiled, stepped inside, and closed the door. "I didna come to talk. I came to comfort ye, as only I can, fer yer cold homecomin'." She slid the bolt in place on the chamber door and stepped toward him, unfastening her skirt and letting it fall as she walked.
Nearly naked, she sauntered up to him. "Ye and I were meant to be together." As she spoke, she pulled off her tunic, dropped it to the floor and wrapped her arms about his neck. Standing on tiptoe, she shoved her lips to his and pressed her body against him.
As if the hard metal on his hauberk biting into her flesh excited her, she rubbed her breasts over his chest. She grasped his hand, pulled it down to the junction between her thighs and then reached for the straps to unfasten his body armor. "Let me help ye shed this cold, stiff sheath that enfolds ye and give ye one of hot, willin' flesh instead."
He flung off her grip. "My God, Fiona! What are you doing? Have you gone mad? I have spoken vows of marriage with Lady Katherine. I will not be forsworn."
As he thrust her away, she tripped over her tunic and fell sprawled out before him. Struggling to stand, she raked her disheveled hair out of her eyes and her lips curled in an ugly snarl. "Ye are a great fool of a mon, Alexander. I offer ye my body and my love and ye refuse it fer a bitch who betrays ye with yer own brother!"
The words struck him like a mace's blow. He clenched his fists to his sides to keep from harming her. "How dare you accuse them of wrong doing? You are the one who stands before me like a wanton slut!"
Her laugh turned shrill. "Have ye not wondered why Lady MacGregor left ye in secret and took yer brother to escort her? Would a lovin' wife and brother leave together on such a journey and no tell ye the reason? A mon is easy to cuckold whilst he is away."
"You lie! If anyone else spoke those words, I would run him through with my sword. I warn you, never speak such blasphemous lies again or you will rue the day you were born. Now get out of my sight." He grabbed up her discarded clothing and threw it at her. Turning his back on her, he sloshed wine into a clay goblet with shaking hands, quickly swallowed its contents and filled it again. The uneasy feeling he'd felt in the chapel returned three-fold.
Her voice rose to a screech as she yanked her tunic over her head and threw on her skirt. "So, 'tis true. I heard Lady MacGregor brag to her maids of havin' yer heart on a chain alongside that of yer brother's. I didna believe it till I saw it, myself."
Alexander spun back to face her. "No! 'Tis not so! My wife has gone to take her place as lady of Castle Ironwood and William went only to ensure her safety on the journey there." The wool merchant's words echoed in his head. "That we haven't received word from them speaks of trouble along the way, not deceit. They may be in danger and in need of my help."
"Ha. And to think I offered myself to ye. Ye are even weaker than yer brother. Ye are daft if ye think they're in need of yer help. Yer high and mighty wife paid me well to keep ye from followin' them to their love nest. Ye wouldna be welcome to join in what they do with each other."
Her words cut him like a knife, leaving his emotions raw and bleeding. My God, this couldn't be true. Could it? No!
Her smile changed to a smirk. "Shall I tell ye of yer sweet wife and honorable brother? I found them writhin' about, kissin' and pawin' each other in this very chamber, only two nights after ye'd gone."
"No!"
"Aye. Yer loyal wife said she wouldna be left to pine fer ye, and in truth, preferred the younger, more virile brother. And as for him, he is so besotted with her all he could say was how much he loved her and they were meant fer each other."
"Damn you, wench. How dare you invent such lies?"
"'Tis no lie. Why yer own wife told me she'd made her choice before ye were wed. Yer leavin' only made it easier to be with yer brother to do as she wished." Fiona's smirk turned to a look of hatred. "Lady MacGregor bade me keep my silence fer fear of harm. When I told her I didna fear fer myself, yer lady laughed and said Elsa was old and could easily be harmed."
"No, I
won't believe it."
Fiona threw back her head and fisted her hands on her hips. "Fer days, yer fine lady enticed yer brother. When he pledged his devotion, she gave her body to him in this chamber. Aye, in yer very bed. Look, I saved the sheet she sinned upon that ye would know the truth."
Running over to a chest by the wall, she pulled it away and yanked out a soiled bed sheet. Small spattered drops of dried blood were smeared over its surface. The telltale proof ripped open Alexander's heart, shredding all hope and doubt. How could Katherine have done this? And with his own brother! God, she had betrayed him just as Beatrice had done. No, much worse. Beatrice had not pledged herself in marriage to him alone.
Fiona shook the sheet at him. "When they'd had their fill of each other, Lady MacGregor called me to yer chamber and told me of their plans to leave and bid me help her or know her wrath. Yer good lady paid me three pounds silver, to delay ye from goin' in search of them." She thrust the sheet at him and then tossed it at his feet. "Your wife laughed and said 'twas a small price to pay fer bein' free of yer cold ways. She would have yer name and yer brother in her bed to warm her whene'er she liked."
Alexander bellowed out in rage and threw his goblet against the wall. It smashed, sending a rivulet of red wine running down the chiseled stones as if even the wall bled from his torment. "You cursed witch. You have betrayed our clan and me by being in league with my— with Lady Katherine. You will leave this castle now and never enter it again!" The words burned in his throat. Fiona deserved a much harsher fate for her actions. No one could say him nay if he ordered worse, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
He yanked the bolt from his door, wrenched it open and shouted into the corridor. When a clansman came running, Alexander pointed at Fiona. "Cast this traitorous witch from the castle grounds with only the clothes on her back. Let her exist by her own vile, deceiving wits. She is no longer welcome within the gates and is not to be given shelter by anyone in our clan on fear of death to herself and anyone harboring her!"
Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) Page 16
