Kenrick smirked, coming forward to assist her down. “I must insist.” Anna recoiled in horror before his arms went around her; he raised his brow and offered, “Or we can ride together?”
Half appalled that he would make such an offer, she swallowed hard and went into his arms in a slew of petticoats. He held her easily, and was pleased that his hands wrapped almost entirely around her waist. Anna stepped back quickly, not sure what to say to this stranger, the man who would father her children, and own her in the eyes of God. Unnerved, she pulled away just as she noticed the other horse approaching.
Darby came forward with Quince all saddled, and another saddle under his other arm.
“So, where are we going?” Kenrick asked inquisitively, knowing that most likely, she was trying to run. That was why she didn’t introduce herself at Marisol’s. Kenrick might be a new acquaintance, but he was far from stupid. When he remembered her odd behaviour at Marisol’s, upon hearing from her brother that he had seen her enter the barn, he pieced her rushed plan together. Examining her, he had to admit he was interested to see her response.
Lowering her eyes, she half lied. “I like to go riding to clear my head. The trails are all dusted with snow. I find that peaceful.” She did like to go riding, and found this time of year majestic, but she wasn’t going for that purpose. As she lifted her satchel, the flap flew open, showing her extra clothes and food. Kenrick raised his eyebrow at her, as she grabbed for it. She knew he knew, but stubbornly lifted her chin. If he wasn’t going to call her on it, she wasn’t going to admit it.
Darby finished with Exodus, and came forward. “Here you are, all set.” He felt the odd tension in the room. When he had taken the visitors’ horses, Kenrick had introduced himself. He even shook Darby’s hand, and treated him like an equal. Darby didn’t often feel that kind of respect, so he instantly liked Kenrick, even if he was the man who would be spending his life with Annalise.
Everyone in the town was happy that Lady Anna was getting married; the union would do a lot of good to ease tensions that had existed for many years between the clans. However, as he stood there watching the interaction, he couldn’t help but feel badly for Anna who still looked so young.
Kenrick lifted her up onto Quince and sat himself in the saddle of the stallion.
“Really, it is unnecessary to accompany me. You have been in a saddle for a while, and must need some rest,” Anna tried again. They started to trot out to the courtyard, Quince following the lead of Exodus.
Kenrick laughed as soon as Darby was out of earshot. Leaning over to her, he said, “Enough, Anna! We both know what you were doing, so you can drop the innocent act. You’re no more worried about my welfare, than you are about what abandoning this union would do to your clan.”
Her eyes went wide.
“Also, you will be wise to keep in mind, now, that I forbid you from leaving the grounds without my permission. Darby will be told not to saddle a horse for you, in case you feel like going on a little mind clearing adventure before our wedding.”
Anna felt her plans collapse. Here she was with her betrothed, and he knew she had tried to get away from him.
They approached a fork in the road. “Which is best for a leisurely amble?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm. “We can ride and talk.”
Anna veered her horse in the direction of the path that led them into the woods; he followed her lead.
“So, what brought you to Marisol’s today?” he asked, trying to make conversation.
“I was looking for some oils. I’m making candles and soap for Christmas presents,” Anna answered truthfully. “I suppose I can go back this afternoon.” As this earned her a glare from him, she added, “If you don’t mind?”
Kenrick was on a break from business until he arrived back to his own estate, so he offered to take her. “I would happily accompany you, whatever time you wish. Or if you prefer, you can make me a list of the oils you want and I will get them.”
Anna knew by his tone, he’d never let her leave without him. She had broken his trust, and he was wise enough to know that, if given an opportunity to run, she would take it. He didn’t seem like a man who was ill tempered, and as they rode, she admired his appearance. The only thing that she didn’t care for was the long beard. Shaking herself back to reality, she told herself that he didn’t get the name The Falcon, by being dimwitted. The animal was a fierce predator, with shrewd calculating moves. It was at least some insight to his personality. So far, the comparison was bang on.
“I suppose,” she replied, not really knowing what to say.
“Your father has the castle decorated festively, did ye assist in the process?’ Kenrick asked, hoping that she would know how to run a massive place. His own Castle Leod was a grand estate, but badly in need of a female’s touch. Since he was gifted with the property from his father, he had lived there with only his cooks and servants. His frequent travels made it virtually impossible to give it the homely feeling he wanted.
“A little. Mother enjoys decorating for the season. I did some of the bow work,” Anna replied, thinking of the limbs she’d tied together, to make grand draperies around their staircases and balconies.
“Oh, I admired the entryway. That’s as far as I got, when your brother Rhett said he thought he saw you going to the barn.” Kenrick’s smile was partly bathed in accusation. “I figured after our brief meeting at Marisol’s and ye not introducing yourself, it meant one thing.”
Anna didn’t feel guilty if that was what he was expecting.
“I’m glad I caught up with ye before ye set off.”
His words surprised her. She glanced at him, as his mischievous eyes met hers.
“I would prefer our first moments together to be pleasant, and if I had caught ye trying to escape our marriage, well they would have been far from.”
She shifted, suddenly reminded that she could not lower her guard or underestimate this man. He was observant, maybe too much so. “I do not know what you’re talking about, I was just coming for a ride. I’m not a prisoner in my home, and my parents allow me to come and go as I please, sir. I think it is not very gentlemanly to accuse me of any wrong doing when I have done nothing to earn your displeasure.”
Kenrick allowed his laugh to bellow out. “Very well, we can play this game if ye wish. Technically, ye did nothing wrong to be punished for, and technically I suppose I may have interpreted this meeting all wrong.”
Anna relaxed a little. “I did nothing wrong,” she reiterated. “There is no game.”
He nodded disbelievingly. “Perhaps I can allow room for error on my interpretation. However, Anna, this is your first and only warning. We are to be married in a few days, and nothing will prohibit me from doing so. If ye try to press your will to mine, ye will lose and suffer the consequences.”
“Consequences? What could be worse than being married to The Falcon?” she hissed, offended by his curt evaluation and threat.
All humor was lost to his face as he slowed the horses. “Anna, I know my reputation precedes me, and some of it is true. I’m fair, but I do not tolerate disobedience or disrespect. Ye will be wise to remember that.”
Anna felt her own ire stirring as she mistakenly thought to warn him as well. “We are not married yet, sir, you would also be wise to remember that.”
Kenrick didn’t like the comment, and swiftly turned them back in the opposite direction. Anna stiffened, but after a second, thought that it might be best. She couldn’t think with him here beside her.
Glancing at her, here and again, he couldn’t help but realize he was going to have his hands full, so the sooner they were married the better. In his mind, she was his already. They had been betrothed for years, and when he finally laid eyes on her, she was far beyond anything he had imagined. Her unease about their nuptials would settle. Many women fought an arranged marriage, more for the dreams of love and foolishness. “I think we should head back to the castle. I have yet to speak with your father, and w
ould hate to appear rude.”
Biting her tongue, she cheekily thought that he was rude and she was very doubtful that he often minded when people thought so of him. They rode in virtual silence, both trying to come to terms with their first meeting.
When they reached the barn, Anna thanked Darby, then Kenrick told the lad right in front of her that from now on Lady Annalise was only to be allowed to ride if he accompanied her. Darby’s eyes flew to Anna’s, before he nodded in understanding. She turned on her heel and stomped off, with her satchel swinging madly from her side.
Kenrick took larger strides to catch up. “Anna, we aren’t through,” he called, as she stopped and wound on him.
Pointing her finger at him in a fury of emotion, she yelled, “We are very though! You might be used to mousy women who cower in the corner when you raise your voice or issue warnings, but I am a Campbell. I grew up with four older brothers and I will not have another man try and make me bend to his will.”
“So we are done being polite I see!” he stated, walking right up beside her. He wanted her intimidated, and she was, as she had to tilt her head slightly backward to make eye contact. Staring down at her tiny frame, with her chin pointed defiantly outward, he could see that she was determined to stand her ground and not falter.
“I admire your spirit. I like women who aren’t mousy, so long as they are respectful and obedient.” He paused, to make sure that she was giving his words her full attention. “But let me make this perfectly clear, sweetheart. Ye will behave. Ye will do as I say, and ye will not make this harder than it must be. If ye attempt to stop this wedding or run away, I will find ye and ensure that ye regret it.”
He watched almost disbelievingly as she rolled her eyes. Gripping her chin firmly with his thumb and forefinger, he cautioned, “My patience has well defined limits. Anna, ye’d be wise to mind me. Ye would not be the first lady I took over my knee.”
Her eyes widened then. She wasn’t sure why the threat surprised her so much. Her father ran a strict house, and her brothers did as well. She just supposed she was used to the safety of familiarly. She knew what buttons to push with her father, or Rhett to make them react. Her older brothers were off on their own estates, and out of the castle so she didn’t even really need to consider them.
In fact, if she was honest, she couldn’t remember the last time her father had disciplined her. She was usually a good girl. All she could remember was a distant memory of it not being a very pleasant experience.
With her continued silence, he bowed. “Ye will join us in the hall for dinner this evening, and be gracious, or ye’ll end up the entertainment. The choice is yours.”
Anna never replied, as he stalked off to tend to the business he had planned on doing when he first arrived. Anna made her way to the kitchens, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible. How was she going to get to her grandmother without that man noticing? It was time to plan.
Chapter 3
Kenrick had an hour to clean up, before addressing the laird. He shaved carefully, thankful to have a few days in one place to do so. Examining his facial features in the tiny mirror, he had to admit he looked much more civilized when his whiskers were gone. He loved the smooth feel of his skin after a fresh shave and hoped Anna would like it too.
He and Aleck immersed themselves in the study for the afternoon, drinking drams of whiskey and chatting about business. Both men were similar in nature, and had developed a quick admiration for the other. They had gotten along well when they first met, but now was vastly different. They were about to become family.
Kenrick had told him about running into Lady Annalise, and going for a ride together. He left out the part that she’d tried to leave to escape marrying him, because he didn’t think that she’d be stupid enough to try it again. Just in case, however, he assigned one of his men to monitor the barns. He left specific instructions to be notified immediately if she appeared.
“She’s a kind girl, smart too, but stubborn,” Aleck described, refilling his glass. His thick brogue was getting worse the more he drank, typical for a Scot. Kenrick didn’t drink often, but it was quickly known that Aleck Campbell had a hollowed leg.
“Aye, well that’s the Scottish blood pumping through her veins,” Kenrick cheered. “I wanted to broach another topic with ye. I know that New Year’s Eve is a tradition, but waiting another seven days has me disgruntled. Is it possible to move up the wedding itself, and then have the celebrations as planned?”
Aleck chuckled. “Now that ye’ve seen her, ye want things rushed.” Spinning his glass, and contemplating the request, he answered, “I think ye both need a few days to spend getting to know each other. I’m big on tradition my boy, and Anna is my only daughter. The days will not be too long, I promise ye.”
Recalling his own marriage, Aleck chuckled. “My Rosa, she was a vicious lass. When we first met, she clocked me right in the chin and told me she’d never marry a Campbell, laird or no.”
Kenrick suddenly felt that he had lucked out better, Anna hadn’t struck him, yet. “What did ye do to charm her?” he asked somewhat interested.
Aleck let out a clap of laughter. “I tanned her arse in front of those present, and called it a draw. We fought the first three years we were married, and then suddenly couldn’t stay away from each other.”
“I don’t think I could take three years of fighting. I hope Anna settles faster.” Kenrick laughed, downing his drink.
“Annalise is a good girl, she’ll take a mile from an inch given, but that’s normal. Just remember that deep inside that stubborn head is a strong and loyal heart. She’s a Campbell to the bone.”
Her father’s appraisal was dead on, but Kenrick still had his doubts that the next few days would pass without issue.
“Let us go to the hall for some food, I think the cook roasted a pig in honour of your arrival.” Aleck slapped his soon to be son-in-law on the back and ushered them in the right direction. Kenrick hoped the little sprite wouldn’t fight his orders and not join him, but at this point he wasn’t sure what she would do next.
Surprisingly, Anna was dutifully seated next to her brother Rhett on the dais, as her parents and honoured guest arrived. She looked amazing, in an emerald green gown, with gold detail. Her hair was up, with a small rose. She was growing a small batch in her room that not everyone knew about.
Servants were carving the pig, and placing large plates on the dais first. Bread, and fresh butter also lined the main table. A buffet of other goodies were placed strategically around, and the smell was intoxicating.
Aleck offered Kenrick the other seat next to his daughter, and sat next to him on his opposite side.
“Lady Annalise,” Kenrick said in welcome, earning him a polite nod, but nothing else.
There were beautiful bows strung around the tables, with candle-lit centerpieces all dressed in festive fashion. The low light was very enjoyable, and every table was filled with people invited to share in what Aleck considered a celebratory occasion. Clanking his glass, he stood and offered a toast.
“To all those present who still are unaware, my soon to be son-in-law Kenrick, The Falcon, Mackenzie, has arrived with his men today. Join me in raising your glasses in a toast.” All the people raised their glasses as cheers went out. Anna lowered her eyes, managing a brief smile in the presence of her clansmen.
“To Kenrick and Annalise, may the best you’ve ever seen, be the worst you’ll ever see. May the mouse never leave your pantry, with a teardrop in his eye. May you always keep healthy and hearty, until you’re old enough to die. May you always be just as happy, as we wish you now to be. Happy Christmas!”
“Subhachas!”
The hall erupted, all excited to have the ‘happy couple’ there to celebrate. Kenrick reached for her hand, but she fumbled his grasp and took her goblet instead. Kenrick kept a smile on his face, leaning back in his seat to examine her. She refused to make eye contact, and pushed most of her meal around the plate
.
Kenrick attempted to make conversation a few times, but she thwarted his endeavors.
They were midway through their meal, when Anna stood and walked to the opposite side of her father’s chair. “I’m not feeling well, Father, may I retire?” she asked, appearing ill. Her father was completely unsuspecting, she’d never faked being sick before, that he knew of.
Kenrick had a hunch it was just her mundane attempt at escaping him. “I can walk Lady Anna to her chambers, with a chaperone, Laird Campbell. She looks tired from her busy day,” he offered, wiping his mouth on a napkin and rising.
“That is kind, sir, but unnecessary.” She emphasized the sir, and not his name. She didn’t want to say it. Desperately, Annalise was trying to do her best not to seem angry at the offer in front of everyone, but her words were pursed with the hidden meaning.
“Maybe you caught a chill walking to the village this morning. I should never forgive myself if I didn’t see you safely to bed,” Kenrick replied, looking overly concerned.
Her eyes narrowed, hatefully.
Just as he expected, the earl looked up, completely unaware that his daughter had gone to the village. “Anna, why were you in the village this morning?” he inquired, his brows showing his disapproval.
Anna glared at Kenrick quickly, then looked back at her father. “Papa, you were still sleeping. I’m making Christmas presents, and I needed to see Marisol.”
The older man still looked upset, wagging a stern finger at her. “Anna, there is no excuse. You know better than to go unaccompanied and unannounced to the village.”
Anna looked repentant, dropping her head and wanting to kill the bastard behind her. “Yes, sir.”
“Off with ya, and dunna let me hear of you taking off like that again,” he warned.
Kenrick quickly said, “I spoke with her already, and with Darby. I think she understands.”
A Spanking Good New Year: Short Story Collection Page 16
