Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1)

by Gafford, Deborah

  Alexander nodded. "Aye, mistress, that we do. And I have a grievous debt to pay the man who left on Captain Jennert's ship this morn, for he has stolen my wife and killed one of my clan!" Alexander pulled several silver coins from the sporran below his waist. "Here, good woman. Will this pay the captain's debts to you?"

  Her eyes grew wide. "Oh, m'laird, 'tis more than the reiver owed but I have nay enough coin to repay ye the great difference."

  It was obvious the old woman existed on what meager business she got from the few travelers who came through the small village. He shook his head. "Good woman, you have more than earned the money for the knowledge you have given me. I now have a name and a place to look for the man who holds my wife. Truly, 'tis I who am in your debt." Leaning down, he gently kissed her cheek. Then he turned, walked out of the inn beside Malcolm, and called to his men. "Lads, I know the captain's name and the destination of his ship. We ride to Edinburgh to secure a ship to sail to France. The first man who finds a suitable ship will earn himself a gold crown!"

  The landscape flew by in a blur as the riders urged their mounts steadily southward. Alexander halted his men at the edge of the harbor when they reached the bustling port city. He scanned the sky as the sun began to set. "The gloamin' won't last long, lads. Go to the docks and ask of a ship to suit our needs and then meet back at the White Hart Inn by nightfall."

  It had taken an hour, but with the information his men had given him, he decided the ship, Eilidh, was the best one suited for their purpose.

  Unfortunately, her captain claimed the vessel couldn't sail for five more days, until necessary repairs were finished. Any ships leaving sooner were not stout enough for such a perilous voyage.

  Alexander took a foaming mug of ale that a barmaid offered him and lifted it in the air as he called out to his men. "Lads, I am going to the harbor to arrange with the captain for torches and tools." He dropped a handful of coins into the barmaid's hands. "The lass will pour you each one mug. Enjoy it. After that, we drink no more."

  He took a quick swallow and set down his mug. "I will not wait five days. No, by God. Tonight we bend our backs to hasten the repairs on the ship. And we won't stop until 'tis ready to sail to rescue Lady MacGregor. Aye, and strike the debt we owe to the reivin' murderers responsible!"

  One of his men lifted his mug and shouted. "Aye, here's to us!" Nodding and echoing their approval, his men lifted their mugs in earnest.

  Malcolm followed Alexander to the door. "Where do ye want me to start?"

  Alexander pointed back to his men. "See that they are at the docks by the time I have spoken with the captain and persuaded him to accept our help."

  "Aye, I'll see they do it right."

  Alexander nodded. "And which would that be, old friend? The drink or the repairs?"

  "Why, both of course."

  Alexander clapped the older man on the back and strode out of the inn.

  **

  They labored for three days, working until they dropped from exhaustion late each night. Alexander smiled grimly as he and his men filed onto the repaired ship at dawn, more than ready to begin the voyage. They had sped up their departure by two days. Still that wasn't enough.

  The sun rose bright and fiery red. As the deep crimson glow filled the sky, the Eilidh's crew darted wary glances heavenward and grumbled under their breath.

  The captain gazed at the sunrise and frowned. "Laird MacGregor, we sailors are a superstitious lot and dinna wish to anger the fates by goin' against nature. 'Tis sure I am, ye know 'A red sky at morn, sailors be warned.' 'Twould be best if we waited for the morrow to set sail."

  Alexander's eyes narrowed. "No, Captain, there will be no delay. This ship leaves with my men and me today. With or without you." He drew his broadsword, emphasizing his words.

  Bright color suffused the captain's face as he turned and barked out orders to the crew. "Prepare to heave anchor. Riggers hie up the main mast. Unfurl the topsail. Ye there, stow those casks below deck. Step lively mates. We sail for France." Bowing curtly to Alexander, he added, "I pray the sky soon loses its blood red hue or ye may have to convince my whole crew of yer intentions."

  Chapter Twenty-two

  The last of the afternoon sunlight filtered through the small porthole window. Katherine scratched another line on the wall beside her bed with the small nail she'd pried loose from the battered sea chest. She counted her marks. Sweet Mary, it had been nearly a sennight since she awoke, scared and alone, in this cabin. She looked back at the lines. Not until the third one had she scratched a diagonal mark through it.

  As Ja Bier had instructed, Jules hadn't brought food or water until the third day of her captivity. Wrapping her arms about herself, she thought of how her resolve had been broken, weakened with hunger, until she gave no further rebellious responses.

  Only by outwardly submitting to her captivity, had her treatment fared somewhat better. Twice each day, she received regular meals and drink in her cabin. The grumbling of her stomach reminded her it was near time for her evening meal. She must eat to keep up her strength. She would need it to escape. Her captors might think they had broken her spirit, but they were wrong. She would prove it. One day. Pushing grimy strands of hair from her face made her grateful there was no mirror in the cabin. Never had she felt so dirty.

  The familiar grating of the iron key in the lock drew her attention to the cabin door as Ja Bier unlocked it and entered, followed by the ship's young cabin boy. He carried the usual tray of food and watered wine but kept his gaze on the floorboards in front of him. She didn't blame the lad for not meeting her look. Two nights ago, the duke had nearly caught him bringing an extra ration of bread to her. He had not dared to do so again.

  The duke wore a rare smile as he motioned for the boy to set the tray on the bed. "Daughter, we will be arriving soon. After you have eaten, you will be allowed enough water to bathe. Jules will bring you what you need. See that you wash away the dirt of Scotland, and embrace your native land with proper respect. You will be remaining in France." Without waiting for a response, the duke ushered the boy out of the cabin ahead of him.

  The thought of soaking in a tub and being clean once again lightened her mood.

  Even though she ate her meager meal quickly, Jules had already entered, supervising a sailor as he brought in a wooden tub and returned with several buckets of water. The tinker motioned for the man to go. "That's enough. Wait outside the door."

  As the sailor left, Katherine held out her hand for the towel Jules held. But when he showed no intention of leaving her cabin, despair began to close in.

  Shaking his head, he sat down on the cabin's single bench. His voice no longer held any note of brogue when he spoke. "Duc Ja Bier ordered you be brought to him just as soon as you have bathed and dressed. I will wait here until you are done, then take you to him."

  Jules nodded to the tub of water with a depraved smile. "You had best hurry. The Duc does not like to be kept waiting." Leering at her, he added, "Do not let me stop you. Any wench who would marry a filthy Scot has no honor or modesty worthy of concern."

  She felt a sick dread crawl over her skin as she looked at his greasy smile and clenched her hands to her sides. She would not let him win. "How would someone like you know aught of honor? Get out. I won't bathe with you sitting there!"

  "Mayhap you'd rather I join you?" His oily expression deepened and he pulled at the neck of his grimy tunic.

  She flew to the door. As she pounded on it, she shouted for Ja Bier.

  Within moments, he appeared in the doorway, an impatient looking scowl set across his features. "What is the meaning of this shrewish display of temper? I see I will have to keep a tight rein on you until I have taught you to conduct yourself appropriately."

  She pointed to the vile creature behind her. "This… this… animal, says he won't leave here whilst I bathe. I am no strumpet to be watched!"

  The duke looked down his nose at her. "You, mon fille, are nothing but what I
choose for you to be. Since I have need of Jules, I will allow you your privacy. For now. But know this, you will do exactly as I say or I will gladly give you to him for an evening's pleasure!"

  Ja Bier jerked his head in the direction of the upper deck before he continued. "Jules, go make arrangements with Captain Jennert to have a carriage brought to the ship immediately after we arrive. I wish to leave for my estate as soon as possible. I have important matters to settle and do not wish to have them delayed."

  "Oui, Monsieur Duc." As the tinker walked past her, he glared and ran his fingers down the length of her arm.

  She jerked away from his touch, and shuddered at the thought of Ja Bier's threat. As soon as the cabin door shut, she pushed the bench up against it, more to calm her nerves, than to actually be of any barrier from the outside.

  Darting a worried glance at the door, she quickly shed her clothing and stepped into the wooden tub. As she bathed, she scrubbed her arm vigorously to rid it of Jules' touch. Fearful her privacy would be short lived, Katherine bathed quickly, then dressed in the same gown she'd worn for the last five days.

  Scanning the small room for the thousandth time, she wished for the small bundle of extra clothing she'd taken from Ironwood. The last time she had seen it was when she'd dropped it to go to Fiona's aid. Would she die as well?

  No. She mustn't think about that. 'Twould only make matters worse. She must think of something else. Watch the ocean. Listen to the sea birds. Think of anything but dying.

  She gently grasped the brooch her mother had given her. The smooth silver pin felt cool to her touch and brought a sense of hope and reassurance. Thank the saints she still had it. But would she ever see her parents again? Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Sweet Mary, she'd cried more in the last few days than she could ever remember. She shook her head and quickly brushed her tears away. Nay, she'd not let Ja Bier win. Somehow she would find a way to escape. Until then, she would hold on. Taking a deep breath, she sat on the edge of the bed and waited.

  **

  In less than an hour, the ship sailed into Wimereux harbor and dropped anchor. The sounds of sailors pulling in the rigging and unloading cargo filtered through the small porthole window. Katherine looked down at her white, clenched fingers and forced them to relax.

  Without warning, the cabin door thrust open. Jules smirked as he looked down at the upended bench. He shoved it roughly aside with his scuffed boot. "Come. Duc Ja Bier is ready to leave."

  Apprehension swept over her, leaving her chilled. Her hands began to tremble. No. She must be strong. She mustn't let them see her fear. Stilling her hands to her sides, and holding her head high, she refused to look at Jules as she passed him in the doorway. His heavy footsteps seemed to mock her slow progress from her cabin. She had no choice but to go. Frantically, she looked around as she stood on deck. Neither means of escape nor friendly face met her gaze. Panic, such as she had never felt before, welled in her throat. Once she left the confines of the ship would her hopes of rescue be forever lost?

  Night had fallen. For just a moment, the sparkle of starlight glittered on the water before being obliterated by the looming shadow of the ship, as it rose and fell on the dark tide. The jarring motion seemed to keep time with the desperate beating of her heart.

  Ja Bier looked at her and nodded curtly. "Do come along. This voyage has delayed my plans long enough. I mean to fulfill them from the comfort of my estate." His glance raked across her and he tapped a finger to his chin. "Yes. The next few days should prove to be most interesting."

  She didn't want to see his icy gaze and sardonic expression. But she dare not let him realize her terror. Mutely, she gripped her gown to her sides. She faced him and didn't move.

  As if amused by her rebellion, he smiled briefly. The contemptuous sneer in his voice was all too evident. "Ah, petite, do you think you can defy me with a crowd of people to lend you courage? I assure you no one here will come to your aid. It matters not to me whether you walk or are trussed and hauled off the ship with the baggage. Either way, you will join me in the carriage."

  Jules' cruel laugh behind her forced her feet into motion.

  The long, rough gangplank caught and grabbed at her skirt like clutching fingers. The wet sand on the dock clung to her hem, slapping against her ankles, making it more difficult to move. It was all she could do to force herself to climb into the carriage. Sliding as far away from Ja Bier as she could, she was relieved to see that Jules sat outside beside the driver. The click of the duke's snuff case drew her wary glance. Thank God, he didn't seem interested in her.

  He applied a bit of snuff with his long manicured fingers. The case snapped shut, almost echoing in the anxious silence.

  Gripping her hands together in her lap, she forced her gaze out the carriage window trying desperately to memorize some landmarks by which she might guide herself back to the docks, if she were able to escape. Despair almost overwhelmed her. It was too dark to see anything.

  The ride seemed to last forever, but even as weary as she was, she wouldn't allow herself to fall asleep. Afraid of what might happen if she relaxed her guard, she declined to lean back and rest in the obvious comfort of the thick cushions. Eventually, the carriage turned into a tree-lined cobbled drive that led up to a dark stone manor. She shivered as she looked at the foreboding dwelling. Seeing it, she recalled her mother's fearful expression when Da had spoken of Ja Bier.

  The conveyance pulled to a stop and Jules climbed down and opened the door. Ja Bier stepped out, then turned back to face Katherine. "Come along, mon fille. You will be taken to your chamber. In the morning, you will change into attire that is more presentable and be shown to my private suite. As I told you before, I have need of you."

  She gasped and cringed back deeper into the carriage.

  "Ah, petite, while your body is tempting, my need of you falls into a different category. You will be informed of this on the morrow. For now, go to your room."

  The duke took a few steps and stopped. Nonchalantly, he smoothed his wrinkled coat front and casually spoke over his shoulder. "Oh, and by the way, do not attempt to leave. Jules will watch the door to your room. If you should venture out of your chamber, I have told him he may enjoy himself with you before he brings you back." Ja Bier smiled his tight-lipped smile and then continued on to the manor house.

  Light from the carriage lantern lit Jules' leering face as he leaned forward. He resembled one of those horrid masks she'd once seen on All Hallows Eve. "Well now wench, are you going to come out of the carriage by yourself, or would you like me to come in and give you a hand?"

  Even though she was determined not to show her fear, she couldn't hold back a shudder of revulsion. Rising and brushing off her skirts, she attempted an assurance that she didn't feel. "Don't touch me. I will follow the duke's orders. You will have no cause to come near me. Stand back and let me pass."

  He snorted derisively, then turned and led her to the manor.

  Rows of vacant windows stared at her like the blind eyes of a beggar. Inside, a dark paneled corridor led up to a wide stairway. Candlelight gleamed on the polished wood balusters. A few silent servants went about their duties with down cast eyes. The lack of voices lent an eeriness to the room. Hampered by her clinging skirts, she clutched at the handrail and slowly followed Jules to the second floor.

  The glare from a blazing chandelier midway down the upper hallway pushed back the shadows lurking at each end. How many doors had they passed? She should have counted. Now 'twas too late. He was stopping.

  Jules opened a door with a flourish, bowed and grinned. "Your chamber, milady. Don't forget, I will not be far."

  She hurried past him, shut the door, and leaned against it. Her fingers searched for the familiar rungs to secure a bar against intruders. There were none. Her heart hammered in her chest as she surveyed her new prison. There were no windows to the outside and only an alcove off to one side of the room to function as the garderobe. Deep red drap
eries covered the walls.

  Candlelight shimmered across an ornate white and gilt carved bed and matching armoire at one end of the room. A gold velvet-covered chaise lounge reclined against the corner of the far wall. A gilt and brocade chair stood in front of a lady's lace-covered dressing table in the opposite corner.

  Hesitating for a moment to steady her thoughts, she gazed at the table. A sumptuous collection of various toiletry items, including a silver-backed hairbrush and hand mirror, arrayed its surface. The richness of the furnishings cloyed the air. She longed for the natural beauty of Ironwood.

  Taking a deep breath, she walked over and picked up the brush. Weighed down by its heavy gleaming handle, she sighed and placed it back on the table. Had Maman used it? Would she ever see her parents again? And Alexander. Sweet Mary, how she needed his smile and his arms about her. She'd been so wrong to leave him. He had said there had been reasons for his actions. She should have stayed and tried to work things out between them. It seemed they'd both learned too late whom to trust.

  Her shoulders drooped as she glanced back at the door. 'Twas the only way in or out of the chamber. And it was being watched. Tonight, she should be safe enough as long as she didn't try to leave the room. Tomorrow after she'd rested, she would think of a way out of there.

  Despite her worry, her tired mind and body cried out for rest. Wearily, she blew out all the candles except one near the lavish bed. A lacy sleeping gown lay at its foot. With a spark of determination, she brushed it to the floor, gathered her travel worn clothes closely about her and curled up on the bed. The down filled pillow was as soft as lamb's wool. She clutched it to her, visualized Alexander's face in her mind and prayed for sleep.

  **

  Sounds of someone moving about the room awakened Katherine the next morning. Startled, she clutched the pillow to her and stared at a young girl who stood in the middle of the room. "Pardon moi, mademoiselle. I have been sent to help you dress and bring you to le Duc."

  Katherine darted a quick glance at the closed door. Could she run out before the maid caught her? Was Jules still on guard? No. She mustn't take the chance. A time would come for her to escape. It had to. But she was not ready to face Ja Bier yet. What could she say? "I have no other clothes. I will not meet with the duke until I do. Please tell him so."