Highland Redemption: A Duncurra Legacy Novel

by Ceci Giltenan

  Unfortunately, when a certain green-eyed lass captured his attention in the evening, all thoughts of Moyna fled. He vowed to make a point of seeing her very soon.

  “What’s made ye go quiet?” asked Ethan.

  Tomas shrugged. “Nothing really. I need to try to speak with Moyna alone. She clearly remembers me and hasn’t said anything. She is surrounded by servants and occupied until well after the evening meal.”

  Drew grinned. “And by that time, ye’re so enraptured with Lady Vida that ye forget the old cook even exists.”

  “I’m not enraptured with Vida.”

  “No?” asked Ethan. “Then do ye mind if I pay her court?”

  Tomas scowled. Yes, he minded. He minded quite a lot.

  “Cool yer temper, friend,” added Ethan. “I’m jesting. She only has eyes for ye anyway.”

  Tomas shook his head. “Nay, that’s not true. We’re just friends. She likes to play chess and no one else is willing to lose constantly.”

  Drew laughed. “Keep telling yerself that. But the truth is, she’s fallen hard and fast for ye.”

  Tomas’s scowl deepened. “Nay, she hasn’t. At least, she’d better not have.”

  “And why’s that?” Asked Ethan.

  “Because she’ll get hurt. I don’t love her. I can’t love her. We aren’t staying here, remember? We leave in February, if not sooner.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Tomas, ye care for her and ye’re deluding yerself if ye think ye don’t. There’s no question in my mind that she’s fond of ye. What’s more, her papa thinks ye hung the moon.”

  Tomas rolled his eyes. “He might, but that doesn’t mean he’d want me to marry his daughter. And I sure as hell don’t want that bastard for a father-in-law. Nay, we have a specific mission. Bring the Ruthven soldiers’ skills up to a satisfactory level to ensure the clan is protected. That’s it. And to that, our plan tonight was to discuss what our next steps are—not the Lady Vida’s romantic notions.”

  They did discuss their plans late into the night. They identified a handful of men who had been sufficiently talented to start with and who had already learned a great deal. These men had the potential to become the very best in the clan and Tomas believed it was most important to work closely with them to assure this. “When we leave, we must have a group of highly skilled men who can take over training and continue to build the other men’s skills.”

  They also identified a few men who needed intense, focused training, or they would be a liability forever. Most of the rest were doing well enough with the training they were currently being given. Only after they had their next steps completely mapped out did they retire for the night.

  When Tomas finally lay on his bed, he was exhausted and ready to sleep, and yet sleep eluded him. His mind kept replaying the things Drew and Ethan had said about Vida…she’s fallen hard and fast for ye…ye care for her and ye’re deluding yerself if ye think ye don’t. He couldn’t do this.

  He couldn’t have her.

  He didn’t want her.

  As he thought about her sweet personality, her breathtaking smile, her enchanting laughter, and her sheer beauty, he knew instantly that thought was blatantly false. His increasing hardness told him he absolutely wanted her. He had never desired any woman so completely. But his desires could not be allowed to cloud his judgement. Vida Ruthven was not a woman he could have.

  A very, very evil part of him whispered, what better revenge for the horrible things Ruthven had done than to steal his daughter’s innocence before returning to the Highlands? But he shut that down immediately. It probably would destroy Ruthven if he learned his former stable boy had despoiled his daughter. Nevertheless, the person most hurt would be Vida. Tomas could never allow that to happen. Why? Because Ethan was right, Tomas cared for her. More than that, he liked her. He enjoyed simply being with her. In fact, he looked forward to the time they spent together at meals, or playing chess in the evening.

  He also admired her. She lost her mother at a very young age, but she had apparently managed to rein in her father’s temper from early on. He realized she now played the exact same role his mother had played in the clan. Only where Katherine could only protect others from Ruthven’s anger by seeing it directed towards her, Vida had the ability to calm her father simply with her presence. His mother would completely adore her.

  But the fact remained he couldn’t have Vida Ruthven. As much as he desired her, he could not imagine staying here. Nay, it was out of the question. Still, perhaps he wouldn’t have to. Maybe he could talk her into returning to the Highlands with him. Laird Carr had even suggested that if the Ruthven garrison didn’t show sufficient improvement by February, Lady Vida should be removed to the Highlands for her own safety. Maybe, even if the Ruthven men had improved, Tomas could convince her father that they didn’t have sufficient skills yet and he would see the wisdom in sending her away. That could be the very sweetest revenge possible. By all indications, Ruthven had hated Katherine. He had no compunction about sending her to the Highlands in order to steal her lands and title. Maybe Tomas could take Ruthven’s beloved daughter away to the Highlands, leaving him with only the lands and title he so coveted.

  Even as he considered this, he knew she wouldn’t go willingly. Just as his mother hadn’t wanted to leave her people. But there was no sense worrying about it now. He’d cross that bridge when he came to it. Maybe this would be possible.

  ~ * ~

  Vida had been disappointed when Tomas and the other Carr men excused themselves from the hall right after supper. Playing chess with him in the evening had become the thing she looked most forward to every day. Tomas was funny and smart. He was an excellent chess player and he made the game truly a challenge. What he’d said about learning different things from different people was true. She had improved her own game by playing with him and he seemed to be learning from her. She had nearly lost several times, but she hadn’t been tempted again to throw the game. He liked that she challenged him. And she liked that she didn’t have to pretend with him.

  Vida was quickly coming to realize there was much more to it than simply enjoying the game. She could no longer deny her growing attraction. She’d never experienced this before. When she was with him, it felt as if a flock of twittering birds took flight in her belly.

  He didn’t treat her like any other man of her acquaintance.

  Of course, she didn’t have much experience with other men. When in the company of lowland nobility, her father was never more than an arm’s length away. Oh, she had met many noblemen and she had no doubt that any number of them would have jumped at the opportunity to negotiate a betrothal with her father. But very few of them ever spoke a word to her other than a polite greeting.

  Then there were her clansmen. To them she was always “Lady Vida.” They would never have spoken to her in anything less than a formal, respectful manner. She could at least have a conversation with Father Michael or her papa, but that was the extent of her experience with men.

  Tomas MacHenry was another story entirely. He talked with her and asked questions as if he truly wanted her opinion. He would laugh with her and tease her. He made subtle innuendos that could make her blush even as the yearning to discover the things he hinted at burned inside her. He looked at her in a way that suggested he might desire her too and that made her feel beautiful.

  She felt alive when she was with him in a way she never had before. To Tomas, she wasn’t a noblewoman to be treated with care, or a possible bride with whom a betrothal might be negotiated. She was a woman. A woman whose company he enjoyed and whom he found attractive.

  As Emma had helped her get ready for bed that night, Vida was still pre-occupied with thoughts of Tomas.

  “What on earth has you so distracted, my lady? You haven’t heard a thing I’ve said to you.”

  “I’m sorry, Emma, did you say something?”

  Emma laughed. “No, but that just goes to show how far away your head is. Or is it not so far aw
ay after all? Perhaps it’s upstairs with a certain handsome young Highlander.”

  Vida smiled, knowing her face had gone red. “He is rather attractive, isn’t he?”

  “Oh yes, Sir Ethan’s a fine specimen of a man.”

  “Ethan? I wasn’t thinking about Ethan.”

  Emma laughed harder. “I know you’re not thinking about Ethan. By the saints my lady, ’tis obviously Sir Tomas you’re pining for.”

  “I’m not pining.”

  “Nay? You’ve been down in the mouth all evening—ever since they retired early.”

  “Was I that obvious? Does everyone know?”

  “Everyone knows you like him. Except perhaps your father, and he’s too enamored with Sir Tomas himself to pay attention to what you think of our guest.”

  Vida grinned. “Papa does seem to be rather impressed with him.”

  Emma sobered. “Aye, he does. But Lady Vida, don’t get caught up in a fantasy. As much as your father likes him, he isn’t a nobleman and I suspect Laird Ruthven’s affection will fall short of allowing you to marry Sir Tomas. Besides which, the Carrs will only be here until February at the latest.”

  “They could stay longer…”

  “Nay, Lady Vida, don’t count on that. It’s fine to enjoy Sir Tomas’s company while he’s here, but don’t let it go further. In that way lies heart ache.”

  “You worry too much, Emma. I know everything you say is true. I’ll be careful with my heart. I swear I will.”

  Now Vida lay in bed, still thinking of her handsome Highlander, being anything but careful. She imagined what it would be like to be kissed by him, to be held close and loved. To marry him. She didn’t care what Emma had said, there wasn’t a man anywhere in Scotland who would be a better leader for this clan. If she could just get her papa to see that, she might have a hope. Surely, if Sir Tomas were offered a title and lands, he would consider staying here as her husband.

  Emma was right about Papa, though. Sir Tomas, the warrior who was helping to train the Ruthven garrison, was worthy of the adoration of men. But where her hand in marriage was concerned, her papa wouldn’t be as accepting.

  What was it Tomas had said about what his mother did when she wanted his da to see things her way? She makes him think it was his idea. She’s always called it ‘going around to the postern gate.’ That was it. Maybe Vida could find a postern gate and make Papa think it was his idea. She’d have to keep her eyes open.

  Chapter 8

  Vida had been looking forward to the feast of All Saints for days. It would be the first holy day celebration they’d had since the Carr warriors had arrived. She wanted everything to be perfect and for their guests to enjoy themselves. But most of all, she wanted to dance with Tomas.

  She loved to dance, but had only ever done so with her father, Father Michael, and a few of her father’s men who were careful not to overstep their bounds. But she’d always imagined what dancing with a man she desired would be like. Being so close, touching hands, gazing into each other’s eyes. She imagined feeling inextricably joined, if only for a few moments, by the music and the rhythmic flow of the dance. She closed her eyes and sighed. She reckoned dancing could be one of the most intimate things a couple could do in public.

  “Lady Vida?” The steward interrupted her musings.

  She opened her eyes. “Aye, Manus. Do you need something?”

  “We are nearly ready to start the feast, but your father went out to the courtyard with Sir Tomas some time ago. Since the other men were given the holiday off from training, the laird thought to have some time alone to improve his skills.”

  Vida smiled and shook her head. “Poor Sir Tomas wasn’t given the same courtesy as the other men. What do you wish me to do?”

  “About a half hour ago, I went out to tell the laird the feast was almost ready and he nearly chewed the face off of me for interrupting. I thought perhaps you might have better luck.”

  “Aye, of course. I’ll go get him.” She crossed to the front doors looking back once at the hall before leaving. It was perfect. Candles were being lit against the late afternoon gloom and everything seemed to glitter in the light. She smiled, walked through the entryway, and out of the keep. A gust of wind instantly chilled her and catching her sheer veil, caused it to fly out behind her. She wore a cream-colored linen kirtle under a burgundy brocade gown, which the biting cold penetrated instantly. She probably should have fetched a mantle, but there seemed little point now. She would only be out here for a few minutes.

  She hurried down the steps and across the courtyard to where her father was sparring with Tomas. “Papa,” she called but they didn’t hear her. She continued closer and called again. Still they didn’t hear. She was almost upon them when Tomas heard her call, and stopped the match.

  Her father looked up. “Good heavens, child, what are you doing out here?”

  “Papa, the feast is nearly ready. I didn’t think you would want our guests left waiting.”

  “Oh, right. Yes, we should get back to the keep.” He turned and headed across the courtyard.

  She shivered. “Aye, we should.”

  Tomas scowled. “Ye’re freezing. Ye should never have come out without a cloak. Here, I’ll wrap my plaid around ye ‘til we get back to the keep.” He held it out with one arm.

  She only hesitated a moment before stepping close and allowing him to wrap an arm and his blanket-like cloak around her. She was instantly enveloped in warmth. Holy Mother of God. Could anything on earth feel as wonderful as this?

  “Now, let’s get ye inside.”

  He walked with her at his side until they reached the doors. It was much too short a walk. A mile would have been too short a walk. Once inside, he stepped away from her and gone was the glorious connection between them forged as he shared his warmth with her.

  “There now, go on into the hall, near the fire. And don’t venture out so lightly dressed again.” He paused to look at her, and as if really seeing her for the first time, stared intently with an undeniable hunger in his gaze. He added, “Not that I minded having my arm around ye. I think I could get used to that.”

  What the things he said did to her. She must be crimson. How did one respond to that? Me too? “I…I…”

  He laughed. “Go on into the hall.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m just going to wash up. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” But he made no move to step away from her.

  “Don’t be long,” she said and then kissed him.

  She did it without thinking. It just seemed like the thing to do. She put a hand on his chest, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him. It was a quick, innocent kiss and it had even shocked her, so the stunned look on Tomas’s face should have come as no surprise.

  But she was horrified when she realized what she’d just done. Her hands flew to her mouth and she turned to flee. Before she had taken more than a step, he caught her upper arm in one hand and pulled her with him into the relative seclusion of the stairwell.

  “Let’s try that again, shall we?” He slipped his hand behind her neck, leaned down, and kissed her. There was absolutely nothing innocent about his kiss. He held her to him and nudged her mouth open, sucking on her lower lip before dipping his tongue into her mouth.

  When he was finished, she was breathless. And speechless. She just stared up at him.

  He grinned and kissed her again. Then he winked as said, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right. Wouldn’t ye agree?”

  “Oh…aye,” she said without thinking.

  He chuckled. “I’ll be down in a few minutes. I won’t be long. Trust me.” He turned and jogged up the stairs.

  She wasn’t sure how long she’d stood there gaping, but eventually she came to her senses, straightened her veil, and went into the great hall.

  The rest of the night could be a total disaster and she wouldn’t care. His kiss had been the single most exhilarating moment of her life and nothing would spoil that.


  But the rest of the night wasn’t a disaster. It was magical. He sat with her during the feast and then danced with her most of the evening. And dancing with him was everything she imagined it would be and more. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t focused on all of her responsibilities. She was vaguely aware that a messenger had arrived, and she should have made certain he was fed and had a place to sleep for the night. But then again, if she didn’t, someone else would. The only thing that mattered for her was the enchantment of the celebration. Oh, and the feel of his lips on hers as he stole another kiss before retiring for the night.

  ~ * ~

  Ambrose paced his solar. The feast of All Saints continued in his great hall, but he was no longer in the mood to celebrate. He had slipped away from the fete shortly after the messenger from Naughton Lindsay arrived.

  He should probably force a smile and go back down. Vida was bound to notice his absence and come looking for him. But he could not tell her about this. Nor could he return to the feast as if nothing had happened.

  He picked up the message and read it again.

  Ambrose, by the grace of God, Laird of Clan Ruthven,

  I hope this missive finds you well and hearty and that Clan Ruthven enjoyed a bountiful harvest this year.

  I fear it is unseemly for me to raise this issue, but alas, I must address your outstanding debt. You have remained silent on the matter thus far, but it has been brought to my attention that the Mermaid Queen has not yet returned. As the loan I graciously extended to you was guaranteed with that cargo, I am forced to consider the alternate form of payment we discussed, namely a betrothal to your daughter, Davida.

  I have taken the liberty of having a betrothal agreement drafted and it is enclosed. If you wish to negotiate the terms of the agreement, I would most happily meet with you in your Dundee shipping office before the end of the month on the date of your choosing.