When a Laird Loves a Lady (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Book 1)

by Julie Johnstone

  Just the memory of it made her feel warm and tingly. But perhaps if she refused him until he at least gave her the respect she deserved, he’d treat her better. She could feel her brows pulling together. Would those actions make him treat her better or make him so angry he became a brute? Oh, how she wished her mother were still alive and she could ask her what to do. She needed advice, but she had no one with whom she could talk. Certainly not Angus. Just the thought of trying to tell him these particular problems burned her cheeks.

  When the horse suddenly stopped, she was surprised to realize they had arrived at the MacLean’s hold. She stared at the enormous castle, and her jaw dropped. A mountain rose in the sky behind a mammoth mound of stones, and the castle seemed to stretch into the blue with the mountains. To one side was a great cliff, and on the other a jagged rock covered in green moss seemed to grow toward the sea.

  Iain lifted her up and off the horse before she could protest that she could manage on her own.

  Archibald dismounted his own horse and stepped toward them. “Alex is down by the sea.” The man looked away from Iain and to her. “Do ye want to take her to meet him now, or will it just be us? It will determine the path we take to get to him.”

  Iain shook his head. “She can await me in my chamber.”

  Marion wanted to smack her husband—hard. She was going to need to pay another indulgence for that sinful thought, but really, how was she supposed to help it?

  “Laird.” Angus spoke up. “Perhaps ye should present Marion te—”

  “Nay,” Iain said, cutting off Angus’s words.

  Marion silently prayed he’d say nothing else. It was humiliating, and Iain clearly did not consider her worthy of meeting his friend.

  Iain took her by the elbow. “I’m sure ye want to clean up before meeting Alex.”

  She forced herself to nod, and she struggled not to narrow her eyes at him. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to shame you, my lord.”

  Iain frowned at her, then addressed Archibald. “Is there a clanswoman about who can show Marion to the bedchambers and bring her fresh water?”

  Archibald’s answer was a loud, long, shrill whistle.

  Within a minute, a young woman came stomping down the castle steps, her flaming-red hair flowing behind her in the wind. No one spoke as she progressed down the steep stairwell, but a few of the men whistled at her. When she got to the last step, she set her hands on her hips and gave the men an icy stare that silenced all of them. Marion was instantly envious. She wanted to learn that look.

  The woman tossed her long red hair over her shoulders as she walked toward them. “I’ve told ye a hundred times nae to whistle at me, Archibald. If ye want me, cart your arse up the stairs and fetch me. I’m nae a dog, but a woman.”

  Archibald grinned. “I ken well ye’re a woman, Bridgette. Shall I show ye?”

  She snorted. “Nae unless ye want to make yerself seem a fool.”

  Laughter erupted from the men, except a scowling Archibald, as Bridgette swept her gaze over Iain’s small party. She paused on Marion—who she acknowledged with a raised eyebrow—and then Iain, at whom she batted her eyelashes. “Well, well, if it is nae the MacLeod. Did I nae tell ye the last time I saw ye that one day ye would be begging me to marry ye. Have ye come to beg, then? I’m afraid the line is long.”

  “Aye,” said a man standing directly behind Marion. “I’m in it.”

  “As am I,” another man said.

  “Me as well,” replied a third man whom Marion couldn’t see, nor did she care if she could. The only person whose reaction she cared about was Iain’s. He’d told her he’d not been attracted to a woman since his wife had died, but maybe now that his lust had been awakened, he’d desire many other women. Her stomach twisted. The idea made her feel ill. If Iain was untrue to her, she’d leave, even though she had nowhere to go. She’d figure it out somehow.

  A smile tugged at Iain’s lips, and Marion’s heart jerked. Was that a flirtatious smile? He rubbed a hand across his stubble. “I see yer brother has nae made progress taming ye.”

  She snickered. “Did ye think he would?”

  “For his sake, I’d hoped. I ken well what a trouble-seeking sibling is like, as I have three of my own.”

  “Since ye mentioned yer siblings…” Bridgette batted her eyes. “How is Lachlan?”

  “Still nae the man for ye.”

  “Is that because ye want to be the man for me, Iain?” Bridgette stepped very close to Iain and drew her hand down his chest. Marion stiffened. She really didn’t want to act unladylike in front of a bunch of strangers, but her temper was rising, which truly was something that did not happen often. She didn’t even really have a temper. Except for when she was near Iain. He brought it out in her. And now Bridgette did, too. It must be full-blooded Scottish people in general. Marion quirked her mouth. But not Angus. He’d lived in England so long he acted more English than Scottish. And not Neil. And really not Rory Mac, either, though he did like to tease.

  Iain moved Bridgette’s hand from his chest and finally turned to acknowledge Marion. It was all she could do not to glare at him for ignoring her for so long. “This is my wife.”

  Marion stepped forward as Archibald said, “She’s called ‘the MacLeod’s wife.’”

  That did it!

  “My name is Marion,” she growled through gritted teeth.

  Iain gave her an amused look, but Bridgette’s gaze rounded in surprise before she frowned. “Truly I’m stunned ye married again, and a Sassenach at that. I dunnae understand men one bit.”

  Iain suddenly looked very uncomfortable. “She’s half-English, half-Scottish. She’s the MacDonald’s niece. And I married to gain David’s freedom.”

  His words were like a blow to Marion’s gut. It was one thing for her to know he would never love her, but did he really need to announce how he felt to everyone? Her cheeks heated with searing embarrassment.

  She straightened her spine, lifted her chin, and caught Bridgette’s eye. “And my only choice was to marry him or be forced to marry a malicious knight intent on overthrowing my king.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Iain frown at her, and she heard the men murmuring around her, but Bridgette’s hearty laughter and the woman linking her arm through Marion’s, captured her full attention.

  “I like her,” Bridgette announced to all the men standing there looking confounded. Bridgette stared at her. “I like ye. And I never like other women. Come, then.” Bridgette tugged on Marion’s arm. “I’ll get ye a bath drawn and a decent gown for supper.” The woman eyed Iain with a smirk. “Is she sharing yer chamber, per yer odd custom, or shall I give her one of her own?”

  “Give her a chamber next to mine if it’s nae too much trouble.”

  “It’s nae any trouble, but the castle is cold and the night will be long,” Bridgette said in a teasing voice.

  “I ken,” Iain said dully. His gaze flicked to Marion. “Stay in the chamber until I come to fetch ye for supper.”

  She curled her hands into fists. “Stay in the chamber?” she sputtered, disbelieving how he had ordered her so—and in front of others.

  “Aye,” he replied.

  She opened her mouth to tell him no, but Bridgette gave a sharp shake of her head. Marion frowned. Maybe Bridgette knew something Marion did not. She clamped her jaw shut and forced a nod as Bridgette guided her up the stairs.

  Marion had never been so humiliated or felt so unwanted in all her life, and that meant a great deal seeing as how her father had made it perfectly clear that he had only tolerated her because of the match she could one day make. As she picked her way carefully up the steep steps, she thought of all the foul curses she knew her husband deserved to have hurled upon his head, and then she determined how many indulgences she owed.

  She gasped when she realized her tally was ten. She needed more coin and she needed to learn more curses. The man was a heartless beast who deserved more than ten sinful thoughts, no matter h
ow poor it made her.

  Nine

  Iain followed Archibald, Angus, and Rory Mac down a long steep path toward the sea. Neil had gone with the MacLean men to see their healer and then find a place to rest. Iain had purposely slowed his pace as the men talked ahead of him. He listened to the steady sound of his feet against the steps, the hum of the water in the distance, and the underlying whistle of the wind blowing into his face.

  If the occasional sound of a man’s voice didn’t invade his thoughts, he would have forgotten they were there. All he could see in his mind were Marion’s hips gently swaying as she departed with Bridgette. She was going to drive him to madness with the seductive way her body moved. Did she mean to entice him? With the pinched look that had come over her when he’d told Bridgette to give Marion her own chamber, he half wondered if she had wanted to sleep with him in his bed.

  The very thought of holding her again made him throb with need. If she wanted to be in his bed tonight, and she wasn’t too sore, he certainly would oblige. He’d have to find time to get her alone and try to figure out how she felt, as well as to explain that he’d not meant to reveal that he’d only married her to secure David’s freedom. Bridgette’s comment about him marrying again had filled him with guilt, and he’d blurted it out, which was unforgivable and mindless. Marion had haunted his dreams last night instead of Catriona, and he woke today consumed by thoughts of his new bride. Her bright smile and quick wit. Her bravery in her desire to defend him and the strange way she thought to give coin to the church to reduce the consequences of his sins.

  He liked it, and her, very much. So much it bothered him. He’d sworn never to forget Catriona. He couldn’t allow Marion to do that, yet she was his wife now. Before he could think on the matter any further, they arrived at the water. Alex stood with his back to them, but he turned at their approach, his hearing sharp as ever.

  A broad smile spread over his face when he saw Iain. “MacLeod! Rory Mac!” Alex strode toward them and clasped Rory Mac on the shoulder and then did the same to Iain. “I was nae expecting ye but am glad ye’re here. I could use yer counsel.”

  Iain quickly presented Angus and then asked, “For what do ye need our counsel?”

  A distinctly wary look came over Alex, and he slanted his gaze toward Archibald and Angus, who had stepped aside when Alex had approached them. “We can talk about my problem in a minute. What brings ye to my home?”

  “I am coming back from England and needed to warn ye of something.”

  “England?” Alex said, his face pinching. “Why would ye want to go there?”

  “I did nae want to but was compelled to do so. David sent word that he needed my help.”

  Alex nodded. “In being returned to Scotland? I am guessing that’s why ye were summoned.”

  “It was. He asked me to take a wife to aid in the cause of getting King Edward to speak of David’s release.”

  “A wife? Ye took a wife?” Alex asked with a significant lifting of his brows.

  Iain nodded.

  “From which clan?”

  “She’s English. Well, partly. She’s the daughter of Baron de Lacy, but she’s the niece of the MacDonald.”

  Astonishment wiped the smile from Alex’s lips. “A devil’s bargain, then?”

  Iain heard Angus shifting behind him, as if readying to lunge for the MacLean. Iain didn’t like referring to Marion as part of a devil’s bargain, but neither did he want to discuss his wife in front of Archibald. “Something like that,” he replied.

  Alex turned abruptly toward Archibald. “Why are ye all still standing here? Do ye nae have training with the men that can be started without me? Must I be there to oversee ye, Archibald? If I must, then ye nay longer shall be on the council.”

  Iain had not expected the news of Archibald’s status, given the younger man’s troubles with taking orders in the past, but considering that Archibald was Alex’s only male relative, Iain understood that Alex wanted to ready Archibald to become laird if Alex died. Iain surveyed Archibald for his reaction. Typical of a reckless man, he was openly scowling rather than controlling his reaction.

  “Ye ken ye dunnae, Alex,” Archibald snapped. “I thought ye may have need of me here.”

  “I dunnae—”

  “Ye may,” Iain interrupted. “Who’s yer best tracker?”

  “Of man or beast?” Alex asked.

  “Man,” Iain replied, not bothering to hide the worry he felt.

  Alex tilted his head toward Archibald. “He is.”

  “Then send him out now with some men to verify that the area around yer castle is safe.”

  Alex cocked up an eyebrow. “And who would dare enter my lands who’s nae welcome?”

  “Froste,” Iain replied, knowing he need not explain who Froste was because Alex knew of the knight from tournaments, as well.

  “Froste? Why?” Alex inquired, his voice tight now.

  “I’ll explain it all to ye, but I’d feel better if ye sent out a scouting party presently.” Iain eyed Archibald, knowing he needed to at least explain exactly who might be coming and what they would want. “Froste and his men’s surcoats are adorned with snakes, and there may be other knights with them—Baron de Lacy’s. His men wear a fire-breathing dragon. They’ll be coming for my wife.”

  Archibald’s eyes widened. “I thought ye said ye married her to foster David’s freedom?”

  “I did. I married her by decree of King Edward.”

  Archibald scowled. “Then why—”

  “That’s enough questions,” Alex thundered. “It’s nae for ye to ken. Report to me about the scouting when ye’re finished.”

  “Aye, laird,” Archibald growled and stomped off.

  Iain caught Rory Mac’s eye. “Ye ken what to do?”

  “Mind Marion and keep her safe,” the Scot replied with a wink.

  “I’ll be doing that, as well,” Angus added, his voice daring Iain to argue.

  A smile tugged at Iain’s lips. In truth, he was pleased to have both men watching his wife. “I see ye’ve nae forgot the way of highland life, Angus.”

  Angus snorted. “That’s the way of life everywhere, laird. More so in England than here. There’s nae many men a body can trust in an English household. I barely slept some nights once my lady grew te be such a comely lass. I worried some foolish knight would nae control himself when faced with her beauty and take liberties.”

  The very idea of another man touching Marion made Iain’s blood heat. “Does the baron nae have control of his men?”

  Angus stared at Iain for a long moment and then gave him a look as if the answer was simple. “Can ye say for certain that no man in yer entire clan would dare te take liberties with Marion once they behold her?”

  Iain felt himself stiffen. “I would kill any man, including all three of my brothers, who dared to touch my wife in any way other than to defend her, greet her, or guide her,” Iain stated.

  “That did nae answer my question, but yer words make me happy,” Angus said with a small smile.

  “I trust all my men,” Iain added. “They are honorable and faithful to me.”

  “Aye.” Angus nodded. “I imagine ye earned their dedication by treating them fairly. Baron de Lacy kinnae claim the same.” Angus spit toward the ground. “Service through fear and greed is different from service through respect and a sense of family from a clan, ye ken?”

  “I do,” Iain replied, even more aware now of how lonely Marion’s life must have been in such a home. She’d been fortunate to have Angus. “Set yerself outside her door and go where she goes.” Iain looked between Angus and Rory Mac. “Ken?”

  Rory Mac gave Iain a smug look. “I ken ye so well that ye did nae even have to give the order.”

  “I ken, as well,” Angus interrupted. “I’ve been shadowing Marion long afore ye took her te wife, laird. No rudeness intended.”

  “Am I to take it,” Alex said from beside Iain, “that ye are nae displeased with having to marry the
Sassenach?”

  “I was,” Iain responded.

  Alex chuckled as Iain faced him. “And now?”

  “And now I’m nae,” he growled.

  Alex raised his eyebrows. “I can see ye dunnae wish to discuss it. All I shall say is that I’m glad ye are finally burying yer dead wife.”

  The words, similar to Rory Mac’s earlier ones, had Iain clenching his teeth against his sudden ire. He motioned for Rory Mac and Angus to leave, and the men exchanged a knowing look that Iain did not miss. They understood he was angry, which irritated him even more. He didn’t like people guessing his emotions.

  Once Iain and Alex were alone, Iain said, “I’ve nae forgotten Catriona. Marion kinnae take her place.”

  “No one said ye should forget her. Nor do I think yer new wife could take the place of yer old one. Now, enough on the subject. Tell me the whole tale of de Lacy, yer wife, Froste, King Edward, and David.”

  Iain quickly relayed how Edward thought Froste and de Lacy were plotting to overthrow him, and how Edward refused to even speak of releasing David until he acquired a Scottish laird with a powerful army to marry Marion. Iain relayed that he was certain King Edward also suspected nothing would stop the men from trying for the throne, but he had bought himself a distraction, time, and had effectively forced Iain to become his ally in the hope of finally getting David returned to Scotland where the King of Scots belonged.

  Alex nodded. “And so the distraction Edward created is working thus far.”

  “Aye,” Iain said grimly. “It appears so. Now that ye ken all, tell me of yer woes.”

  Alex blew out a frustrated breath. “Bridgette refused an offer of marriage from the Campbell’s son. I wanted her to accept as it would have helped bring peace, but she did nae feel compelled.”