Highland Sanctuary

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

  "Lord, please be with me," she whispered before stepping across the threshold. The door hinges creaked. Both men stopped talking, looked up, and stood.

  She entered, forcing what she hoped was a pleasant smile. Serena resisted the habit of twisting her fingers. Instead, she bent into a curtsy.

  "Serena, I'd like to introduce ye to Vicar Kendrick of St. Gilbert's Cathedral of Braighwick," said Tomas, nodding to the gentleman to his right.

  The man bowed. Unlike Tomas, he had a full head of brown hair and wore a purple robe of higher quality. He straightened, meeting her gaze with inquisitive gray eyes as if seeing into her soul. His skin was quite pale compared to most men she'd seen.

  His mouth lifted into a smile, but his eyes remained the same. "Lass, thank ye for joining us," Father Kendrick said. His tone sounded neutral and ready for business. "Ye do realize why I'm here and we've called ye?" He raised a dark eyebrow.

  "Aye, because of the fainting incident at the market in Braighwick."

  "Serena, please sit down." Tomas gestured toward the wooden chair across from them. "We want ye to be comfortable while Father Kendrick asks ye some questions."

  "Aye, please relax," Father Kendrick agreed.

  She sat on the edge, keeping her back straight. Serena hoped she gave the impression that she was an honest Christian woman.

  Father Kendrick launched into a series of questions about the event and her spiritual beliefs. His manner didn't frighten her as she had expected. Tomas eased the discussion by clarifying things.

  The first hour passed. Serena's spine began to ache. She sat back in the chair trying to ease her discomfort. She had tried to be as truthful as possible, but she didn't want to reveal or say anything that could be misunderstood. Guarding each spoken word proved to be tiring.

  "Now that we've discussed what happened and yer Christian beliefs, do ye believe ye're possessed? A possession is the only answer that could explain yer strange behavior at the market and yet allow ye to be this calm now." Father Kendrick scratched his chin in thought. "Ye do understand that demonic possession takes over a person's goodwill, do ye not?"

  "Aye, but Father Kendrick, I'm not possessed. We believe this to be some unexplained condition in the body. Father Tomas has been studying the matter."

  "There does seem to be a connection as some individuals who experience the falling disease do so after a head wound," Tomas said.

  "Ye never mentioned a head wound. Have ye had an injury, lass?" Father Kendrick asked.

  "Aye, she did over a month or so ago. Gavin MacKenzie and his men came upon her. Serena's head struck a rock. Ye can ask them about it," Tomas said.

  Serena kept silent as she looked from Tomas to Father Kendrick as he considered this piece of news. Inspiration lifted in her chest as she realized what Tomas hoped to do for her. If they could prove the act was from an injury, then demon possession would be dismissed.

  "Lass, have ye ever had a similar thing happen before the accident?" Father Kendrick leaned forward as if willing her to say "nay."

  His gentle expression tempted Serena. She didn't want to ruin Tomas's story. She didn't want to die, but neither could she lie.

  14

  After the morning meal, Gavin followed Leith to the outside wall where the men worked. The clergymen had refused to let him or Iain attend Serena's inquisition. He couldn't pace outside the door in the hallway as he wanted. It would have drawn unwanted suspicion. If they learned of his deep feelings for her, it could ruin his word as a credible witness on her behalf.

  Handing over the leadership of the men and the castle repairs to Leith left Gavin with more free time. He crossed his arms and glared at his brother. "I promise to stay out of yer way and not resume command, but give me an occupation before I lose my senses."

  Leith rubbed his eyebrow in thought. "I could use yer help in starting the new floor in the servants' hall by the kitchen. Take a hammer and beat up the uneven bricks. 'Twill be just the thing to conquer yer frustration right now."

  "Aye." Gavin nodded, bending to pick up a discarded hammer and held it up. "This ought to do." He hauled the tool over his shoulder and stomped off in the direction of the kitchens.

  For the next hour Gavin beat the old brick floor in pieces. The brick crumbled as it had been doing with age. Some pieces proved to be more difficult, jarring his shoulder like a ship sailing into a rocky cliff. Blisters wore out his hands, and he finally dropped the tool and sat down to catch his breath. He wiped the beads of sweat from his brow.

  While he'd passed the time, he couldn't hold back his thoughts of Serena. She had risked her life by going into town to buy medicine for an elderly woman who was already dying— to make her last hours more comfortable. Serena had done this knowing she could have another fit. She had explained that sometimes the headaches were a warning sign. Tiredness, stress, or an illness could bring on a sudden fit. Gavin knew her heart. Serena was a caring lass who acted on principle just as she did the night Iain wanted to steal the first dance. All the signs were there, but in spite of the risk, her only concern had been for Gunna.

  The thought of anything happening to Serena was enough to send a fresh wave of anger through him. He swallowed and stood, dusting off his hands. This idle restlessness would do him no good, and neither would his worry. Mayhap the questioning was now over.

  Gavin abandoned his task and sought the well to wash off the grimy dirt and sweat from his body. The water felt cool and refreshing, easing his foul temper. He ran his fingers through his wet hair, hoping he now looked presentable and smelled better. To his relief, some lye soap had been left by the well for the working men and he made use of it.

  Afterward, he found Iain pacing in the great hall, his hands linked behind his back. His hazel eyes were drawn in a worried expression. The poor man looked as sorry as Gavin felt.

  "I take it they haven't come out and ye've heard naught?" Gavin asked.

  Iain shook his head. "I canna imagine them asking her that many questions. How many ways can they ask the same thing?" Iain paused and sighed. "They must be wearing her out. I'm tired simply waiting and thinking about it."

  "Aye, I thought they'd be through by now." Gavin kneaded the corded muscles at the back of his neck. "I'd imagine they all need a break by now."

  Silence fell between them.

  Iain took a deep breath. "Gavin, what do ye think of Serena?"

  The question took him by surprise, and Gavin had to brace his guarded heart and mask his expression. "Ye mean about this idea of her being possessed? Pure rubbish—that's what I think about it!"

  Gavin twisted his lips in anger. Iain could think his ire was over the inquisition if he wanted, but Gavin had been suspecting Iain's feelings toward Serena for quite some time. Right now such a thought writhed his gut so tightly, he feared he might spring like a bow thrusting an arrow. Instead, he clenched his jaw and watched Iain.

  "I agree." Iain waved a hand, a grin easing his pained expression. "Nay, I was referring to Serena as my wife. I'm not a titled gentleman, only a man who owns this estate. I'm aware she has no dowery or connections that could elevate my own status, but none of those things are important to me. She is. Mayhap her life could be one of ease and comfort with the protection of my name."

  Gavin wanted to throw up. His stomach swirled. His hands grew cold and clammy. The taste in his mouth soured, feeling dry and numb. He tried to swallow, but it felt like a grape had lodged in his throat.

  "I'm aware of Serena's strong attachment to her mither, and I thought to offer her a home here in the castle with us," Iain said. "What do ye think? I know my offer would be enticing to most lasses in her position, but Serena isn't any simple lass. She's special—different. And she seems to hold yer opinion in high regard."

  Gavin could feel Iain's gaze upon him, but he couldn't meet the man's eyes—not now when he was about to offer Serena all that Gavin had dreamed of offering her. Leith had been right. He'd fallen in love with Serena, but felt duty-bound to h
is family and clan. Iain didn't have family intentions burdening him or a clan chieftainship in his future. Yet, he had all the other comforts of a grand estate, a castle home, significant wealth, and he seemed to care for her. What right did Gavin have to take all that away? Even if he wed her, there was no promise she'd be happy if his family or clan refused to accept her. Would she want to leave Caithness?

  "Gavin?" Iain leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Ye're awfully quiet, and I'm not sure what to make of it, mon."

  "Sorry. I was merely considering what ye said." Gavin finally met his gaze. Everything within him ached, grieving for a future he could never have. "I wanted to give ye an honest answer. I think the man who weds Serena will be well blessed and favored by God."

  Relief gushed in Iain's face, a wide grin lit his whole countenance. "Good! I've come to trust Serena's opinion, and if she thinks so highly of ye, then so do I." Iain rubbed his hands. "I need something to do while we wait. I thought I'd go for a ride. Care to join me?"

  "Nay." Gavin shook his head, ignoring the pounding blood in his temples. "I've other issues to address." The first being how to reconcile himself with what he'd just discovered.

  Serena left the private inquisition feeling as if her mind were bruised. She worried she had told too much, but she had been honest about her condition and at least she could rest in that if nothing else.

  Father Tomas had tried to assure her that all would be well, but she wasn't fooled after hearing some of Father Kendrick's comments. She wanted to find Gavin, share her concerns with him, and see what he thought. Right now she didn't need people to shield her delicate feelings. Serena needed honesty.

  The whole time Father Kendrick had questioned her, Serena maintained her dignity while providing the same answers over and over. Her nerves were stretched beyond the limit and her entire body taut as if she had been in chains.

  As she walked on trembling legs, Serena feared she'd soon fall apart. She quickened her pace, hurrying to get away, as far away as possible from Father Kendrick. She disliked the quiet way he watched her, studying her every expression and move. It seemed as if he waited for her to make a mistake or say the wrong thing to confirm her guilt. Yet, his tone of voice had been gentle, his manners calm and respectful.

  She stumbled into the courtyard, the bright sun forcing her to blink. Serena shielded her eyes as they adjusted to the light. Following the sounds of hammering and construction, Serena found Leith discussing an issue with Craig. They both paused and greeted her.

  "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I was looking for Gavin and wondered if ye might have seen him?" She bit her bottom lip hoping they could send her in the right direction.

  "Earlier he was working on the floor in the servants' quarters by the kitchen," Leith said. "He'll be glad to see ye. He's been worrying. We're all concerned. Are ye all right, lass?"

  Serena dropped her gaze, determined to hold onto the rest of her control. The grass felt like it was rushing at her, but she closed her eyes to steady herself. Her silence must have been answer enough for Leith as he wiped his hands on his lein and turned away.

  "I think he took a break earlier," Craig said. "I saw him at the well."

  "He must be alone." Leith rubbed his chin. "All the men are accounted for at their assigned tasks. I know Iain isn't with him. He stopped to speak to me on his way out for a ride. Try the tower." Leith pointed up. "At home he'd often paced the tower if he was distressed about something—the one overlooking the sea. I think he likes the open, endless view of the ocean."

  "Thank ye." Serena dipped into a curtsy and hurried to the nearest tower with a spiral staircase. By the time she reached the top, she clutched her stomach, out of breath. After a few seconds of rest, Serena stepped from the shadows out onto the walkway where a light wind greeted her skin, brushing her dark hair from her face and shoulders.

  Gavin leaned over the wall, one foot braced in front of the other. His hands gripped the stone in tense silence. The wind blew a lock of red hair to the wrong side. It gave him the look of a lad and made her heart swell with affection. She'd always thought him handsome. This past week when he had witnessed her fit, defended her, and continued to treat her the same, he'd earned her trust and loyalty.

  He didn't hear her soft footsteps as she approached, for he remained wrapped in his thoughts. There was something compelling about him in such an exposed state, unaware of her presence. It gave her a chance to see the distress in his unguarded expression.

  A host of feelings overwhelmed her. Serena wanted to run to him for protection, seeking his comfort and understanding—all the things she knew he could and would give. But then he dropped his chin to his chest and her heart lurched as if reaching out to him.

  "Gavin?" She closed her hand around his forearm.

  He pulled her in his embrace. His arms tightened around her, keeping her close against him. He smelled of lye soap and the sea, a fresh combination that left her savoring the moment. His hand stroked her long hair down her back.

  "I've been worried," he said, resting his chin upon her head. "I know I should not hold ye like this, but I'm too selfish to let ye go." He sighed.

  "I came to tell ye what happened. It isn't my wish to burden ye, Gavin, but I trust no other." She spoke against the folds of his plaid draped over his chest. "Father Kendrick hasn't made up his mind about me. He says he's relieved and believes I'm not a witch, but he's still concerned I might be possessed. Tomas and I told him that it's a condition in the body, but he plans to stay and observe me further."

  "For how long?"

  "I know not." She clutched his plaid. "I'm afraid, Gavin."

  He leaned back and placed a gentle finger under her chin, tilting her face. "Ye've every right, but I'll be with ye." He gripped her face between his warm hands. His voice faded into silence and his blue eyes gathered moisture and reddened. He gulped. Beneath her hand on his chest, she could feel his heartbeat gallop.

  His concern for her was real. He thought she was in serious trouble. Gavin had not given her false hope nor had he tried to pretend all would be well. "Gavin, thank ye for not pretending things are better than they are or for making promises ye canna keep."

  He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. His warm breath fanned her face, and she smiled in spite of her situation.

  Moaning, he pulled her close, lifting his hands to cradle her head as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. His lips graced hers, tickling and making her yearn for more. Serena stood on her tiptoes leaning against him, hoping. She knew the moment he gave up the resistance. His entire body relaxed, and he buried his lips against hers. It was like an intense fever burned between them that left her breathless. Her heart pounded.

  He pulled away. "I'm sorry."

  She silenced him with a finger upon his lips. "Please, don't apologize for something that I'm thankful for. In the next fortnight I may have verra little to comfort me. Father Kendrick will document our inquisition, watch me, and send a recommendation to his superiors. From there, my fate is out of his hands."

  "But not out of God's hands," Gavin said.

  "True, never out of God's hands." She reached up and cupped his face in a loving way. "I'm reminded of something my mither once said. When she realized Da didn't want me, she knew she'd have to take care of me on her own without family, lest he find us. At first she prayed for God to deliver her, but then realized her problems wouldn't go away. There's no heaven on earth. God would have to guide her through the problems. He brought people in our lives who helped us and told her about the Village of Outcasts. God uses people to help others. I only pray my faith will be strong enough to get me through what I now have to face."

  "Serena, I hope that He'll show me a way to help ye, lass. I canna stand the thought of what could happen to ye."

  "Shush." She kissed Gavin, silencing him. "I'll endure what I must. Tomas says there is a verse in the Latin Bible. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentence. Each of us has
the gift of free will. We may use it for good or evil, but God will not take away the gift once He's given it. Tomas taught me this when I was a wee lass trying to understand why the Lord made me so different. I was angry at God until I came to understand that it isn't God's fault when people mistreat me. I still have my doubts at times, but I try to remember God has given them the same free will that He's given me. God can work through people like ye. I won't be forsaken by Him."