“I can imagine she hasna, Laird. She was an active child, always running and doing something. When she was almost six years, Wynton told the child that she was a mistake and that her mother died because of her. He said that had it not been for her, Anne would be alive. He also told her that her mother was in a state of death suspended between Heaven and purgatory and that if she didna work hard, both she and her mother would go to purgatory for eternity.”
“That man is bastard,” Iain whispered. He looked over to Connor. Connor was quiet but his tense posture told Iain that he was thinking of a million ways to kill Wynton.
“Yes, he is. ‘Tis a wonder I stayed there for as long as I did. I wanted to step in many times and stop his abusive banter, but my hands were tied. Little Lady Madeleine was a fireball but once he told her that, she grew distant and quiet. She still had spurts when her old self would shine through, but for the most part, she kept herself busy. Wynton always wanted her cleaning and so she coupled saving herself and her mother with cleaning. It saved him expense, he’d said. Every time she would do something Wynton found annoying, he would tell her it was a sin.”
“So that explains her thinking, why she thinks everything is a sin,” Connor said.
“Yes, that’s where that came from.”
“What about Henry Binouix?”
“He is a vile and repulsive creature. The man has sick fantasies all involving young girls. He is twisted. Has a black heart and soul, he does. Binouix likes to deflower them and abuse them. It heightens his pleasure to torture the girls, you see. There are those kind of sick men. He would slap them around and in some cases use a stick or whip. Verra vile, indeed,” Arthur said, shaking his head and twisting his lips distastefully.
“What about the night Binouix came into her bed?” Connor asked.
“I remember that well. I heard the screams, poor soul. Wynton and his sons went over and left her there with him. He wanted her out of his hair and didna care how. If his good friend Binouix wanted her, then it would be better for Wynton.”
“Damn that ass!” Connor seethed.
Arthur nodded his head, “Aye, he was a horrible father to her.”
Connor and Iain explained what happened to Katie.
“We are uncertain whether it was a random incident or if he intended the harm. We also do not know which brother violated our Katie,” Iain said.
“It was intentional,” Arthur said without hesitation.
Connor and Iain both leaned forward.
“Explain,” Connor asked.
Arthur scratched his beard. “Wynton was always confused as to Douglas’ clan name, and always called him Ramsay instead of Menzies. I suppose because they rhyme a little. Wynton kept no secret from his sons. They knew about Anne’s affair and about their sister’s true father. Those boys were as bad as their father. Probably still are. Not an ounce of Anne was in them.”
“Ye are telling us that all of this happened due to a mistake of names?” Connor’s nose flared, and his eyes hardened.
Arthur nodded. “Aye, ‘twould nay surprise me. He always confused the names. Heard him meself. He felt it was beneath him to care about anything having to do with Scots. Learning clan names,” Arthur paused and snorted, “was nay something he thought important.”
Connor’s eyes lit with another thought.
“Wynton said that were I to have a bairn with Maddie, it would be a bastard child touched by the devil’s hands. He thinks that Maddie and I are half-siblings!” Connor said incredulously.
“Wouldna surprise me, Laird.”
Strengthened with new and helpful information, the brothers bid good-bye to Arthur, grateful for the explanations that shed light on so many questions.
“Wynton is worse than we thought,” Iain said.
“Aye, he is. That bastard. He’s tried so hard to break Maddie. ‘Tis a miracle that her spirit isna broken,” Connor said.
Iain looked over at his brother. “Are ye going to tell her?”
Connor shook his head, knowing what he was asking. Would he tell her the truth about her father? “I willna now, and I’m nay sure when, if, or ever. I need to think on it.”
They were silent for a moment before Iain spoke again. He gripped Connor’s shoulder and shook it.
“‘Tis not a time to think about this, Connor. In a few days, ye, my insufferable unattached brother who swore he’d never marry, will finally do so. Mother couldna be happier.”
Connor looked over to Iain. “Keep rubbing salt into my wounds, Iain. When the day comes that ye are shackled, I shall be equally as generous.”
*****
“Maddie, how are ye feeling today?” Miriam came in and asked.
It had been two days since she heard the guards speak. The only time she had stopped crying was when she was sleeping, and even then she was sure that she was crying because her dreams were riddled with images of Connor. She would plant a fake smile on her face or pretend sleep when anyone would enter her chamber. After they left, she would cry again.
Connor hadn’t even visited her once!
“I’m feeling better, Lady Miri-”
“Miriam, please.”
Maddie found her first smile in days.
“Miriam. Aye, I am feeling better but I’m sad,” Maddie said sighing.
Miriam just noticed how thick Maddie’s voice was and the redness in her eyes. Her eyes were puffy, too.
“What is wrong, Maddie? Ye’ve been crying, but why?”
Miriam looked into Maddie’s eyes. Such sadness was reflected there. What had this vibrant girl so miserable?
Maddie looked away and broke out into tears again. Miriam sat on the bed and hugged her.
“Tell me what’s wrong, Maddie. Certainly it canna be that bad.”
Maddie nodded her head and her voice was muffled when she said, “Yes, it is.”
Miriam pulled her back and wiped her tears away.
“What has ye crying like this?”
“Connor,” Maddie whispered.
Miriam grew suspicious.
“What about Connor?” Miriam hesitated.
“I know,” Maddie said in a whisper again.
“Know what, dear?”
Maddie looked up at Miriam. Her eyes were the clearest of yellows.
“That he’s getting married.”
Miriam didn’t try to deny the truth.
“How did ye find out?”
“I heard guards speaking below the window. I wasn’t eavesdropping, just merely getting some fresh air, I assure you. I heard commotion and when I went to see what it was, well I heard them talking,” Maddie said crying. “I’m sorry to be acting like this, Miriam. Truly, I am.”
Miriam ran her right hand through Maddie’s hair.
“Who is he marrying?”
Miriam shook her head and began to speak, but Maddie stopped her.
“No one I know, I presume. When is it?”
“Today.”
“Today! It can’t be! I thought he didn’t ever want to marry.”
Miriam looked down at Maddie and their eyes met.
“‘Twas that he never found the right woman, but he has now. It was all of a sudden, it seemed. Unusually fast, it was, but we are all verra pleased with his choice.”
That felt like a blow to Maddie. She found it difficult to breathe. She nodded her head sadly.
Maddie tried to smile. “I’m happy for him, Miriam.”
“What is it, Maddie?”
Maddie shook her head, blushing.
“Maddie, I want ye to think of me as a mother. I know that ye never knew yer mother, but I am here for ye nonetheless. I do love ye like a daughter.”
Maddie cried more.
“And I love you all so much, Miriam. All of you have shown me more love in these weeks, than my own family has my whole life. I feel so alone! And…and…”
“And what?”
Maddie looked straight into Miriam’s eyes.
“And I’m in love with Conno
r!” Maddie said and cried anew.
“I see,” Miriam said hiding her emotion under a veil. “Maddie, the woman Connor will be marry-”
Maddie shook her head. “Nay, I don’t want to know.”
“But Maddie, she-”
Maddie shook her head sadly. “It’s alright, Miriam. He doesn’t feel that way about me. ‘Tis obvious! He’s marrying another woman. He would have never been interested in me anyway.”
This caught Miriam’s curiosity.
“Why do ye say that?”
Maddie gave Miriam a frustrated look and sighed.
“Have you seen Maura? I’m not completely innocent to not know what goes on between Connor and Maura. She’s much prettier than I am and my opposite! Connor would have never been attracted to me. Besides, I annoy him.”
Miriam laughed.
“It’s not what goes on between them, Maddie, it’s what went on between them. And ye are beautiful.” Miriam gently tucked a lock of hair behind Maddie’s ear. “Ye are much more beautiful in every possible way than she is.”
Maddie gave her a sad smile. It faded when a thought struck her.
“He isn’t marrying Maura, is he?” Maddie asked aghast.
Miriam’s smile was gentle.
“Nay, he isna marrying her.”
Maddie relaxed some of her tension.
“Well, Maddie, I’ve come in here to ask that ye join the celebration. I had Mairi make ye a special dress days ago. It’s spectacular and I think ye’ll love it. D’ye think ye could join us?” Miriam asked patting Maddie’s hand.
Maddie slowly nodded her head and smiled tentatively.
“I’ll go, Miriam. I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Afterwards, I’ll go to the convent.”
“Convent?” Miriam asked confused.
Maddie nodded again. Her eyes were downcast. She looked up at Miriam after a minute.
“Aye, the convent. I cannot stay here. Nay, do not interrupt me, Miriam. You are all a family and I cannot intervene. I cannot go back home, either. My father would want to send me to that man, and I simply cannot abide by that. The convent is the only answer. Aye,” she said inhaling a quick breath, and smiling unconvincingly, “‘Tis the best decision. It would be the only place that would welcome me and that’s where I would belong.”
Miriam studied Maddie silently for a long minute and nodded her head.
“I understand, Maddie,” she paused before continuing. Her lips formed a thin line. “I’ll come in here later with Katie and we all shall prepare together.”
Maddie nodded and smiled.
“That sounds nice, Miriam. I’d enjoy that.”
At the door, Miriam turned around and spoke to Maddie. Maddie looked up from her hands.
“Just remember, Maddie. The Lord always has a bigger plan for us than what we see. His vision is far greater than our own.”
“That is a beautiful gown, but why make me such an ornate gown?” Maddie asked hours later when Miriam and Katie came in. They were both dressed already.
Miriam wore a beige-colored gown. The color of it brought out her eyes. Her hair was in a braid on the top of her head. Maddie thought she looked regal and told her so.
“Thank ye, Maddie,” Miriam said smiling.
Katie wore a deep blue velvet gown and her brown hair was also braided. Katie’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
“You look like a princess, Katie!” Maddie said in wonder. Katie smiled. “I still do not understand why I should be dressed so lavishly.”
“This is the tradition, Maddie,” Miriam said looking at Katie.
“Aye, ‘tis tradition! Everyone must dress the part and look beautiful for the laird’s wedding,” Katie answered.
Maddie held back the tears that stung in her eyes. She wouldn’t cry again. It had taken a long while to stop them and she wasn’t opening that gate again.
“It is absolutely the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. Mairi did a wonderful job!”
Miriam squeezed Maddie’s hand affectionately. Katie was giddy with excitement, and joined her hand with theirs. Maddie was sad that Connor was marrying but she would put her best foot forward. There was no other choice.
Maddie looked down again at her gown. It was the purest of white, like a cloud. Gold threads tangled to form embroideries, which decorated the edge of the scoop neck and the hem on the flared sleeves. The skirt puffed out some, making her waist look smaller. A golden, affixed rope separated the bodice from the skirt. The beautiful slippers were the same white with golden touches as the dress.
“‘Tis absolutely wonderful!”
“Mairi thought ye would like it. She wanted the golden touches to mirror yer beautiful eyes.”
Maddie smiled at Miriam.
“Maddie, what are those?” Katie pointed towards the door.
Maddie didn’t have to look to know what she was asking about. “A satchel with my clothes in it. I’ll be leaving after the ceremony.”
Miriam and Katie exchanged a look.
After doing Maddie’s hair, they stood back to marvel at the beauty before them. Maddie’s dark hair cascaded down the length of her back in soft, glossy curls. Thin white and gold ribbons ran down with the locks, some intertwining with her curls.
“Terrific! Ye look breathtaking, Maddie!” Miriam said, her clasped hands resting next to her cheek.
“I hope not too much so. ‘Tis improper for a guest to outshine the bride.” Maddie glanced down, a worried look coming across her face.
“Nay, Maddie. Nay worry there.” Miriam grinned. “Ye’ll be verra welcomed today.”
Maddie wondered if the bride would still feel the same way if she knew that Maddie was in love with her groom.
Or if she knew that Maddie wished the bride would take a spill.
Or both.
Chapter Nineteen
“Doona look so grim, Maddie. ‘Tis not the end of the world!” Katie said and Maddie planted a frozen smile on her face.
Maddie’s lips formed into an ‘O’ as decorations adorning the huge room captivated her. Numerous tables were, a sign that the family must have been expecting a great many guests. The tables were decorated with beautiful arrays and colors of flowers. Candles were lit down the center. Linen tablecloths were placed underneath the fine table settings, candles, and flowers. Draperies and rich colorful tapestries hung around the walls. The rushes were new and spread out. Maddie presumed that the area at the bottom of the stairs would be where the guests would dance with merriment and delight after the ceremony and supper. The dais was at the top of the stairs, where the vows would be exchanged. A rich burgundy material ran down the length of the stairs. Flower petals were scattered all over. Looking at the many steps, Maddie immediately felt contrite for wishing the bride to fall. The tables above the stairs were split so that two were on each side from where the couple would stand.
The tables at the top of the stairs were even more ornately decorated. Garlands dangled from the table sides and flowers were tucked here and there. Even petals were scattered on the tabletops. Golden goblets with inlaid jewels were waiting for their laird and lady’s lips.
Maddie turned her head again.
The columns were scrubbed clean so that they glimmered and gleamed. There was garland and flowers swirling around them, too, only these garlands were made from white and gold threads and white flowers. More hung from the ceiling and twirled around the columns. The number of candles amazed Maddie. On every table there were short and tall candles. Wall sconces were lit. Large candelabras held other candles in place and the flames danced. It looked so magical that it took her breath away.
“Do ye like it, Maddie?” Miriam asked eagerly, like a young girl.
Maddie slowly nodded her head. The ghost of the smile on her face and the light in her eyes slowly faded.
“Aye, ‘tis lovely. What a fortunate bride she is.”
“Why do ye say that?” Malcolm asked, joining the women.
“Because she not only marries
the finest man I’ve ever known, but she inherits his family who is worth more than their weight in gold,” she whispered absently, as she continued to look around.
Malcolm, Katie, and Miriam all smiled at Maddie’s compliment.
Guests were walking in and being seated. Those who were already seated were eagerly awaiting the ceremony where their beloved laird would finally take a wife.
Maddie looked around. Thinking of him then, where was Connor? She looked to the dais again and saw him standing there in the center where the tables split. When had he gotten there? It was hard to miss him, as massive as he was.
Father Dircan was also waiting. He was tall and thin like a reed. Gray hairs had taken over the color of his hair, but his green eyes were the purest she’d seen. They rivaled the vibrancy of grass. She had gotten to know him while at the castle. She had made it a point to remember to ask him about entering the convent and the vows she needed to take. She would ask him after the wedding.
Father Dircan was also richly dressed. He had on a kilt with the clan’s tartan. A heavy ornate cross hung from his waist. When a laird married, no detail was too small, Maddie supposed.
Maddie finally looked at Connor. His dress was immaculate. His red and black plaid was perfectly bunched at his waist, where a rich black shirt that covered his massive chest was tucked. A tartan hung from his left shoulder to the right of his waist. His hair was loose around his shoulders. His strong powerful legs were exposed and heat flushed her cheeks. She looked up to his face and found him staring at her with a raised eyebrow and grin.
Electricity crackled around them. A strong current passed between them as their eyes locked.
Connor took in her appearance. From the crown of her head to her slippered feet hidden beneath the gown, she looked beautiful. The gown was absolute perfection on her. Although he couldn’t see her irises from this distance, he knew that they would be sparkling as the gown reflected the light into her eyes. If his bride knew the way he was looking at her and thinking about her, she would certainly have his hide. He smiled at the thought.
Maddie tentatively smiled back but it faltered when she saw a woman touch his shoulder and talk to him.
The Highlander Who Saved Me (Heart of a Highlander Collection Book 2) Page 14
