Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Douglas, was I … was it all right?”

  He rolled to his side, and pulled her face to him. “Hell, aye, it was more than all right. If this continues, I’ll be a dead man by next week.”

  She smiled at his compliment. Hearing his approval made her feel better, because she wanted to please him. “We must ready for the evening meal. Hand me my gown.”

  “How do you do it? You recover within seconds, while I’m like a crag covered with moss.”

  She laughed at his jest and motioned for her gown.

  “Did you like your gift?”

  “What gift?”

  “The one in the box.” Douglas pointed at it.

  “Oh, I didn’t know it was for me. Truly, it’s for me?”

  “Aye, it’s my wedding present to you.”

  “Wedding present? But I didn’t give you anything.”

  “You’ve given me everything. Open it.”

  She pulled the box to her. It was flat, about four inches high and four feet long. Perhaps he’d given her another gown. She lifted the top of the box, and removed the cloth that covered the item inside. Her eyes watered when she viewed it. The most beautiful bow she’d ever seen lay inside. It was made of birch wood with a delicate flower pattern burned into the length on both sides. Her voice caught in her throat when she tried to thank him.

  Douglas stopped her with the tip of his finger. “I know you prefer daggers, but I thought you’d enjoy a challenge. There are thirty arrows for you to practice with. We’ve a quintain if you wish to use it, or I can construct an easier target.” He waited for her to say something, but she hugged him, and wept onto his freshly donned tunic.

  “Don’t weep, cat-eyes.”

  “I never received a gift so fine.” Her left over tear escaped. “I love you, Douglas.” She felt him stiffen. “Not because you gave me a gift, but because no one has ever cared for me as you do.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “I’m hungry, let’s eat.”

  While he waited for her to dress, she watched him. He didn’t seem affected by her words and he didn’t admit any feelings for her. Given the gift he gave her, he had to care a little. When she was ready, he took her hand and led her to the hall.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Douglas left Isabel at the steps and went to talk to Brendan, Gil, and Cedric. His face mimicked his dislike of his cousin’s news. It seemed the man that tried to hurt Isabel was named Phillip, and he’d gone missing. Gil had seen him sneak out of the barracks late the night before, and he had followed. He returned this afternoon and relayed his tale to Brendan. They went searching for him, and had only just returned.

  “What do you make of it?” Brendan asked.

  “I’m surprised, Phillip is a good warrior, but he’s also known as a complainer. He’s not acting alone. Obviously, he’s now with my foe. Why would he want to hurt Isabel? Do you deem he’s in alliance with another clan?”

  Brendan hunched his shoulders.

  “At least we know who our spy is,” Gil retorted.

  “Cedric, order the gates kept closed. I want to know the minute he returns.”

  Brendan set his cup down. “I have to check on Julianna before I continue my search for Bonnie. I probably won’t return for a while.”

  Douglas knew he wanted to get back to the search. “You’ll find her. Do you need any of my men?”

  “Nay, you need them for your family’s protection. Gil is staying here, you need him. He’ll catch up with me later. I’m glad you married her.” Brendan punched his arm.

  “I am, too. I’ll see you soon. Let me know when you find Bonnie.”

  “If—if I can find her,” Brendan said with woe.

  “You will find her, I feel it.”

  Brendan hurried out the door.

  Douglas realized supper was being held up, and he quickly took his place at the table. He took hold of Isabel’s hand and tightened his hold when he sat next to her. He was surprised to see Rachel sitting on the other side of the table. She smiled at him.

  “Thank you for allowing me to return, Laird Kerr. I wanted to be here to assist Milady with my dear friend Candace’s wedding.”

  “What a shame you didn’t return sooner, Rachel. You missed a fine feast celebrating Douglas’ wedding to Isabel,” his mother said sweetly.

  Rachel’s smile faltered. “You must be delighted, Lady Kerr, to have gained Isabel for your daughter-in-law.”

  “Aye, indeed I am. I’m delighted, more than you know.”

  “Douglas, I was telling Mother that Wills hasn’t returned yet, and I worry for him. He left after the wedding, and he told me that he would return this morn, but hasn’t.” Candace looked at him expectantly.

  He glanced at Cedric who joined them only a moment before. “I’m sure he’ll return soon. He probably was delayed by his father.”

  “I know I shouldn’t be concerned, but I’ve a terrible feeling.”

  “Give him a few days, and if he doesn’t return, Douglas will send a messenger. Won’t you?” Isabel asked.

  “Aye, cease worrying, Candace.” He cut a piece of meat from the venison on his tray, thinking it strange that Wills had come and gone so many times in the last few weeks. He wondered why, because it wasn’t like him to come only for a day or two then depart. Had he gone home? If so, he had to ride at least one day and then one back. He said he’d gone to see his father, but returned only one day later. It should have taken him much longer if indeed he’d travel home. Douglas became perplexed. Mayhap he should go to the MacIvers and ask him about it. He wanted to find out about his enemies, but he didn’t want to leave Isabel. He decided to wait a while before going on that trek.

  After supper, he and Isabel retired. The weather had cooled, and they hurried under the covers. During the night, he cuddled beside her, thankful for her warmth. In the morning, he rose early and went to find out if Cedric had found Phillip. He hadn’t, so Douglas went to the training field and directed some of his men. He sent the sentry on duty to man the walls. Later, he approached the keep and decided to check on Isabel. He noticed her standing in the courtyard and watched her while she practiced.

  The afternoon sun, high in the sky didn’t warm the air, and Isabel looked to be wearing many layers to ward off the cold. She used his gift today, and he wanted to see if she could actually do it. He knew she’d never used a bow before. The cold kept most inside, which was fortunate for them, since she’d likely miss the shots. She stood before the quintain, about a twenty-foot distance, holding the bow in what she thought was the proper position. Situating the arrow, she pulled back, her fingers tightly grasping the end, and she released it. The arrow landed on the ground two feet from her. He thought to tell her it was more difficult than it looked, but he didn’t want to embarrass her. After several attempts, she finally hit something. It, however, wasn’t the target. A cart attached to a palfrey jarred when the animal took off. She covered her mouth in disbelief.

  Cedric ran after the palfrey, pulling the animal to a stop when he’d caught up with it. He plucked the arrow from the wood and walked to her. “I believe this is yours.” He handed her the arrow. “Do you need help, Milady?”

  Douglas was about to intercede, but waited to see if she would accept his help.

  “I’m in dire need of it. I can’t seem to get the bow to go where I want.”

  “Let’s see how you’re setting up.” Cedric handed her an arrow.

  She placed the arrow and released it. It went about four feet before falling to the ground. Cedric handed her another arrow, and stood behind her. He leaned close, took her hand in his, and smiled. They released the arrow in unison, and it landed on its mark. She cheered, and turned to hug Cedric. He backed up a step when Douglas cleared his throat. They turned to see him bearing down on them.

  “Laird, I uh … was helping Milady with her bow.”

  Douglas’ cold eyes glared. “Cedric.”

  “Aye, Laird.”

  “Don�
�t ever touch my wife again.”

  Cedric nodded and strode away.

  “Douglas, why did you … he was only trying to help.” She frowned, and turned to pick up the bow that she’d dropped.

  He frowned after Cedric then turned back to her. “How goes the archery?”

  “I’m terrible at it. Cedric was a great help. You must thank him for me. It’s more difficult than throwing daggers or using the short sword.”

  “You use a short sword.” He hadn’t meant to sound surprised, but he was.

  “It’s effective, and not as heavy as a long sword. Why, I couldn’t even lift Nate’s. Perhaps you could show me how to …”

  “Aye, cat-eyes, I’ll show you many things. Are ye cold? Come inside and get warmed.”

  He pulled her to him. “I’m not cold, in fact, I’m rather hot at the moment.”

  “Aye, mayhap warm enough to remove some of those layers?”

  She smacked his hand when crept to her breast, and she laughed when his grin implied what he wanted to do.

  “It’s the middle of the day. Surely you can wait until this eve? I don’t want to keep you from your important duties.”

  “One of my duties is to see that you are well satisfied, and I haven’t done since the wee hours of this morn.”

  “You’ll have to wait, Douglas.”

  Cedric shouted for him. Douglas touched her cheek. “Until later, cat-eyes.” He walked to the steps where his commander-in-arms waited. As he walked along, he watched his wife.

  She giggled and bent to pick up an arrow from the ground.

  Rachel walked toward her. “Lady Isabel.”

  Isabel pulled back an arrow and released it. Douglas heard the swish, while watching it hit close to the center of the quintain.

  She jumped with glee. “I did it! It’s not so difficult.”

  Rachel looked baffled by her excitement. “Do you enjoy using manly tools?”

  Isabel frowned, and glanced at him. Douglas reached the steps and held his hand out at Cedric, trying to listen to their conversation.

  “It’s effective in releasing tension. You should try it.”

  Rachel stepped around his wife. “You would let me?”

  “Why not? Here, be sure to pull back as far as you can. It will make the arrow go farther.”

  Rachel held the bow. “It’s a finely crafted instrument. Wherever did you get it?”

  “From Douglas. It was a wedding gift.”

  She pulled the arrow back, and it landed on the lower part of the quintain. “This is fun.”

  “Aye, it is.” Isabel laughed.

  “Thank you for letting me try it. Mayhap we can be friends. I never had a friendship with someone like you.” Rachel lowered her eyes.

  Douglas almost shouted at Isabel for giving the woman an arrow, but then he didn’t know why he felt so apprehensive about Rachel. Mayhap she did want to be friends with Isabel.

  “I’d be glad to befriend you. I must ask, why were you so rude to me when I first arrived? Did you wish Douglas’ attention?”

  “Aye, but I realized that he didn’t want me, as he wanted you.”

  “Are you angry that we married?” Isabel kept her focus on the next shot.

  “Not anymore. I do hope you can forgive me. I was jealous, and admit my lack of manners. I would understand if you couldn’t forgive me.”

  “Of course, I forgive you. We ladies should support each other.” Isabel started to pack up her bow and arrows. The cold must have finally seeped through her layers, and she wanted to return to the warmth of the hearth. Rachel helped her retrieve her arrows and walked beside her. It was a start.

  Douglas turned back to his commander and focused on what Cedric told him. He related that Phillip returned, but hadn’t said where he’d been. Now that he was back, he could have him watched. Phillip would lead him to his enemy, perhaps to Bonnie, and then he could retaliate for the loss of Ellic’s property. Then he’d kill him for trying to hurt his wife.

  “You know what to do.”

  “I assigned someone to the task, Laird. He’ll let me know where he goes.”

  “I want to handle this delicately, be discrete. I don’t want my family to know, especially Isabel. She won’t like being followed, but it can’t be helped.”

  Cedric nodded. “Speaking of Milady, I didn’t mean to be brazen with her. I was only trying to show her how to use the bow. I would never be so forward with Milady.”

  “I was an arse. I know that you didn’t intend to be forward.” Douglas went to see if she was still at her practice, since she hadn’t come inside yet.

  He couldn’t stay away from her, and worried whenever she was out of sight. He was about to exit the keep when she came strolling in. Rachel followed her, but she stepped around them, and went to the fire. Isabel placed her box beside the entrance, and removed her cloak. He forced her back against the wall.

  “Douglas, what are you doing?”

  He didn’t answer, but instead nuzzled her neck and put his hands on her waist. She giggled at the touch of his mouth on her neck.

  “I see you won’t be appeased until I give in. Come.” She pulled his hand, and led him to the steps. As they walked along, she eyed his grin. “I should be angry with ye.”

  “Why, what’d I do?”

  “You shouldn’t have yelled at Cedric.”

  “I don’t like anyone touching you. I’m a possessive man, cat-eyes. You are mine and no other will ever hurt ye again.” He watched her cross the chamber, where she stood glaring at him with her hands on her hips. He sat on the bed.

  “Douglas, he wasn’t trying to hurt me.”

  “I know he wasn’t. Come here so I can make it up to you.”

  She approached and put her hands on his shoulders. He encircled her with his arms, pressing his face against her stomach. He stood, turned her abruptly, and placed her on the bed. He inched closer, all the while seductively contemplating his next move. She forgot her anger when he placed kisses along her bared thigh.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Candace’s wedding was a month away, and still no word came from Wills. Isabel couldn’t do anything to cheer her. Two months passed, and yet he hadn’t returned as promised. Douglas sent a messenger to the MacIver clan. Word was sent back that Wills went hunting with his father, but they hadn’t returned.

  Isabel saw Douglas holding the missive, and he approached the table where the ladies were having their morning fare. “Any news?” After relaying the missive, Douglas sat next to her and gave her a telling glance of concern.

  “Candace, I told ye not to worry. Wills went hunting with his father. He’ll be here soon.”

  Candace’s face turned white, and she wept. She wouldn’t listen to reason.

  “Are you crying because you’re relieved?” Douglas asked.

  “Nay, I know something is wrong. I feel it. Don’t ask me how I know, but I do.”

  Douglas grimaced. “If he doesn’t come within a fortnight, I’ll go to his clan. Will that make you feel better?”

  Isabel knew that he’d grown frustrated at her pleas to find him.

  Candace nodded. “Aye, but after a sennight.”

  Isabel suggested to him that Candace had premarital worries, and she’d dismissed her anxiety. She had to do something to get her mind off Wills. Candace had been quiet these last few weeks, and she worried for her.

  That reminded her. “Candace, I need to see your mother. Why don’t you come with me?”

  Candace nodded, and they went to her mother’s solar. Lady Kerr was cutting a warrior’s hair, and the man made such a fuss, she could hear his complaints through the door.

  “Lad, it won’t kill ye. Stay still.”

  When they sat on the window enclosure, the soldier took the opportunity to flee.

  “Come back here.” Lady Kerr yelled at the closed door. “That’s the second man to run from me this morn. Mayhap I’m not as good at this as I thought.”

  Isabel laughed, and C
andace quietly strode through the chamber.

  “Lady Kerr, I like the way you cut Gil’s hair. He looks much more handsome.”

  “Hah, he had to be tied down for me to even get an inch near his hair. I thought he’d cry when he saw the few hairs that littered the floor.”

  Candace smiled. “You know how warriors are, Mother. They like their hair long. I’ve no idea why.”

  Lady Kerr said, “They follow their ancestors, thinking they’ll lose their strength if their hair gets cut.”

  Isabel laughed. “That sounds like a story I’ve heard. Whatever you do, don’t cut Douglas’. I like his hair fine as it is.”

  “Well now, that’s good to hear. Stop calling me Lady Kerr. I want you to call me Shelagh.”

  “It sounds funny, calling you that. I’d rather call you mother.” Isabel moved closer to Candace, taking her hand. “You wouldn’t mind, would you, Candace?”

  “Not at all. I would love for you to call my mother, mother.”

  “Aye, that would be lovely. If I hear you call me Lady Kerr again, I’ll send you to your chamber.” She raised her eyebrows, and truly meant it.

  Both Isabel and Candace had a fit of laughter over that.

  “What are you doing here? I would think you would be off harassing the stable lads again.”

  “We said we were sorry for that, Mother. We didn’t mean to release the horses from the pen. They were sneaky devils. Isabel has something to ask ye.”

  “I said I wanted to see your mother.”

  “Are you and Douglas doing well?”

  Isabel blushed. “What do you mean?”

  “Have you told him you love him?”

  Isabel sighed. “Aye, but I don’t think he believed me.”

  “Why not?” Candace asked.

  “He dismissed it, and I haven’t repeated it since. There must be a way to prove it to him. I need to show him how much—”

  Shelagh gasped. “I know a way, but you might think it absurd.”

  “I’ll do anything you suggest, Mother.” A tear gathered in the corner of her eye, saying that name and Lady Kerr sighed.