by Sy Walker
"Don't get the wrong impression my dear. My brother has no feelings for ye. This is a marriage in name only; a marriage of convenience. The match has meant that now the two clans are at peace my brother will be able to open up trading routes to the South, he will become a rich man, or should I say an even richer man."
Shocked by the statement and the coldness of the delivery, Beatrice could feel the tears start to prick in her eyes. Seeing the girls’ unease the woman sat back in her chair to gloat.
"Poor Lady Ceri. You don't really think that a great man like Lord Selkirk could love you, do you? You are not of our kind and you are a fool if you think you can be, you, will be Lady Selkirk in name only and will see very little of Thomas. He is a busy and powerful man and after your alliance will become even more so."
Rising form the table Beatrice rushed from the room. She could not bear to spend a moment longer listening to such hurtful things from such a heartless woman.
Once back in her chamber Beatrice flung herself onto the bed, crying into her pillow. The little dog on seeing his mistress so upset jumped onto the pillows and nuzzled his wet nose into her ear.
"Oh Henry" she sobbed, pressing him close to her breast "You're the only friend I have in the whole world".
Hungry and overtired she slept fitfully that night –her dreams dark and full of bad omens. Crows and rooks watched her with blank, steely eyes as she walked down a long corridor until she could no longer stand it and started to run, setting the birds to the air in their pursuit of her; the wing beats thudding behind her to the rhythm of her own heart.
Waking suddenly she let out a small cry of anguish. The dream had been so real and her heart was still pounding from the chase. She was troubled that she did not see her brother in her nightly musings –he usually appeared in her time of need. Her window was open and the curtain was flapping in the breeze; a light tap tap against the glass like the sound of the flapping wings –the noise must have broken through into her dreams. Puzzled Beatrice crossed to the window, she was sure she hadn’t opened it last night and wondered if someone had entered her room whilst she was asleep. It was still dark and the moon now full was at its peak in the sky directly in front of her window. All was quiet except for the wind softly caressing the trees. As she turned to go back to bed she glimpsed a shadow out of the corner of her eye and turned back to look. The moonlight was almost as bright as the sunlight, and the whole countryside lit up with a soft glow; making the landscape almost magical.
There it was again, near a clump of Hawthorne bushes; a dark shape scurrying across the land. She thought back to that first night and the imagined man/beast she had seen in the hall. What if it hadn’t been imagined? She had seen similar images in the books in Gertrude’s chamber and the strange motto on the Selkirk Crest. Surely they couldn’t be totally unrelated? The shadow seemed to move again and this time it wasn’t a shadow but the outline of some beast, some animal prowling the walls and getting closer to the main door. The beast let out a low howl that pierced the night.
There was a noise from below and Beatrice pulled back from the window, not wanting to be seen. She could hear the main door being opened and a figure stepped out. It was Gertrude, and although she did not like the woman, she was Thomas’s sister and did not want to see her harmed. Before she could shout out Gertrude had moved towards the beast and seemed to be talking softly with it. Her words were too low and quiet for the girl to hear but the beast seemed to listen for very soon both had disappeared inside the house.
Feeling herself trembling she stepped away from the window. What sort of black magic was this that Gertrude was talking to wild animals? She thought of the strange and ancient books in her room but it still didn’t make sense. A loud growling sound came from below the stairs followed by a whispered “Hush” as two pairs of footsteps could be heard treading up the stone steps; one the light trip of Gertrude and the other a soft and lumbering shuffle. Beatrice was seized with fear; what if Gertrude should catch her awake? The little dog; already sensing something was wrong started cowering in the corner of the room.
Slipping quickly and quietly into bed Beatrice motioned for the dog to join her and just as it settled, she heard the latch turn on her door.
With her eyes closed she could sense the light of a candle shine above her face. Beatrice held her breath lest her beating heart give her away, trying to keep as still as possible.
At last the light dimmed and she heard the door close shut.
The next day she woke late. Having been disturbed so late in the night she had finally fallen into a deep sleep, hunger and fear having depleted all of her energy.
She was awoken by a brusque knock at the door as Gertrude entered without waiting for a reply and stood at the bottom of the bed. Beatrice sat up quickly, wondering what on earth could be the matter.
“I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Thomas was out hunting early this morning and was accidently shot in the chest with an arrow. I have tended to my brother-it is not too serious but the wedding tomorrow will have to be postponed until he is well enough to attend the Kirk. I’m afraid you will have to occupy yourself today. Do you ride or shoot? There is little else to do around here.”
Beatrice did neither and shook her head.
“Never mind. There is food in the scullery if you are hungry”
“Can I see him?”
Gertrude Selkirk “Lord Selkirk does not want to be disturbed.”
Before she could ask any questions she left the girl alone.
Poor Thomas! She had been told he was an excellent hunter and it seemed rather strange that he should have such an accident before the wedding. Her mind recalled the previous evening and the strange things she had seen and heard from her window. Surely she hadn’t been dreaming again?
She had soon dressed and found bread and cheese in the scullery to eat. All the time she was worried about Thomas and wondered if Gertrude was telling her the truth? There was only one way to find out and that was to try and see him. It was no use asking Gertrude, she seemed over protective of her brother and she needed to find out what had happened for herself, no matter how aloof Thomas might seem.
She had no idea which room belonged to Lord Selkirk but was sure it wouldn’t take long to find out, as long as she could keep out of the way of his sister. For most of the morning Gertrude was bustling about from one room to another and Beatrice waited until she had settled into her chamber for the afternoon and bolted the door behind her; a sure sign that she would be there for a while.
There were many rooms to explore upstairs and with a gentle knock, Beatrice carefully peered into every room. Each room was empty except for a few scant pieces of furniture and perhaps a rug; some rooms for sitting, some for sleeping and others for both. At the last door she hesitated, there was a noise down the hallway and the sound of footsteps approaching. It must be Gertrude. In a blind panic Beatrice stepped quickly into the room. The curtains were closed even though it was only the afternoon and the sun was high in the heavens. Someone was lying in the vast bed, it was Thomas Selkirk and he looked asleep, his face pale and waxen in the darkness. There was no time for a closer inspection, the footsteps were outside the door and she needed to hide. There was a screen pulled part way across the window and she rushed behind it just as the door opened and Gertrude Selkirk stepped into the room.
Beatrice watched as Gertrude looked over her brother; bathing his forehead with a cloth and water from a bowl kept by his bedside. The man stirred slightly and holding his head she brought a small draught of liquid to his lips; pouring a small amount of the liquid into his mouth and making him cough, before settling him back once again. Gertrude stood for a long time in the darkness looking at the face of her brother as if transfixed; then with a soft kiss to his forehead she left the room.
Beatrice gasped for air, she hadn’t realised that she had been holding her breath; not wanting to make a sound lest she be discovered. Stepping over to the bed she reached beside t
he bowl and picked up the small glass vial removing the stopper. The liquid smelled bitter and faintly of herbs. Pouring out a couple of drops she brought them to her lips.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
The voice made her jump and looking up she saw that Thomas was awake, his deep brown eyes slightly hazy and looking straight at her.
“The drug will be quite powerful if I know my sister and it probably won’t do you any good.”
Thomas smiled at her warmly, but immediately winced with pain.
“But how do you know that she’s not poisoning you?” the words were out before she could stop herself and her hand rushed to her mouth as if that would make them go away. She was his sister after all.
Thomas tried to smile. “I wouldn’t worry about that. Gertrude’s own fortune is tied up with mine, and if anything happens to me she would be left without a thing. It is in her interest to help me; believe me. Any medicines she gives me are all for the benefit of my health.”
Beatrice smiled with some relief, she was just being fanciful. She would have mentioned the strange sights of last night but it all seemed stupid right now and she didn’t want Thomas to think her stupid.
Lying there he looked so peaceful; not the gruff man people said he was, and her heart went out to him. His chest was heavily bandaged and he looked so pale yet his eyes sparkled and she felt easier for seeing him.
He was glad to see her. He had thought of little else since their last meeting, wondering if he was doing the right thing in marrying this young and beautiful creature. Gertrude had been against it all the while, and had poisoned his mind to the fact that the girl would never love him; but here she was with her beautiful blue eyes full of concern for him. That was a start and maybe there was hope after all?
He wished he could stay awake but he felt so tired. Gertrude’s potions were potent but would do him good. Sensing he needed to rest she turned to go.
“Beatrice?”
Her name was gentle on his lips.
“Come here so I can kiss you.”
Leaning over the bed she put her face to his and he kissed her deeply on the lips. She could feel her heart start to race. He let out a soft gentle moan, and then released himself back onto the pillow.
“I must rest, so I can be with you completely.”
It was time for her to go.
Stroking his face lightly she whispered in his ear, “I’ll come and see you tomorrow.”
Hurrying back to her own room she sat on the bed with a smile on her lips, the first one since arriving here. He did have feelings for her she was sure. The kiss had been unlike anything she had experienced before, filled with raw and tender passion. At least now she knew that she could love him.
She ate alone in her room that night, not wanting to encounter Gertrude, and for once she slept soundly.
The next day she tried to keep herself to herself and eagerly awaited the afternoon until Gertrude had checked on her brother and retired to her room, once again locking the door behind her.
Beatrice plaited her long hair and checked herself in the mirror before leaving her room and rushing quietly along the landing to Lord Selkirk’s chamber. Knocking gently she opened the door and was surprised to find him sitting up.
“I hoped you would come.”
She spent the next hour sat on the bed next to Thomas, telling him stories about herself; as a girl growing up in the Lowlands, and how hard the years had been since the fighting had started between the two clans. Lord Selkirk looked concerned. As a younger man fighting had been in his blood, encouraged by a bloody and brutal father. But he had seen too many men die, too many of his friends and kin lose their lives in senseless battle, and as soon as his father had died he had wanted peace across the lands. Marrying Lady Ceri had made perfect sense to act as both a symbol and bond between the Clans.
He had also wanted her for her beauty and now he was falling in love with her.
She stopped talking; he looked tired and had closed his eyes. He needed to rest and recover as soon as possible. Leaning over to kiss his forehead he opened his eyes and caught hold of her arm; his gaze steady on her. He kissed her fully on the lips. His soft yet firm lips pressed down onto hers with the act of a passionate lover. She felt a stirring inside and wanted more, to feel his firm body pressed against hers. He winced as her breasts pushed against his wound.
It was time for her to go once more.
She had only been in her room for a few minutes when the door opened and there stood Gertrude, two red spots high in her cheeks as if she were angry about something.
“Where have you been girl?”
Beatrice could feel her face flushing “I’ve been here all afternoon”.
Gertrude flashed back at her with eyes blazing. “Don’t lie to me girl. I have been looking all over for ye. I came into your room not 10 minutes ago but ye were not here. I thought ye might be wandering in the garden and have been calling everywhere”.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched the girl, reading her thoughts before striding out of the room.
Why was Gertrude so against her? Beatrice could not understand but soon she would be Lady Selkirk then surely Gertrude would have to accept her?
The next day Beatrice thought Gertrude would never go to her room. She seemed to be watching her every move and it was only when she pretended to fall asleep in the Great Hall did she ascend the stairs and go to her chamber.
Once again she rushed to be at the bedside of Thomas. She did not tell him that she was afraid of his sister, not wanting to trouble him and when he asked questions she told him that all was well; there would be enough time to explain when he was stronger and fully recovered.
Whatever was contained in the potions must be working for he was already looking better, the colour had come back to his cheeks and he didn’t seem as weary. As soon as she entered the room he sat up and smiled and her heart sang. She never thought she could have been so happy with him, and now the only fly on the ointment was Gertrude.
Beatrice started chattering away telling him more stories about her childhood when she stopped; he looked concerned and she wondered if he was in pain.
Grabbing her around the waist he pulled her to him.
“Beatrice, my dear sweet Beatrice, you are but a child and I must seem an old man in your eyes. You must think me very selfish bringing you out all this way in the name of peace to marry you. I have been thoughtless and unfeeling and if you want to leave I will understand. This is a barren place and you should have laughter and fun in your life; I fear you would be lonely if you stayed here.”
He had never loved her more than he had at that moment; her beautiful heart shaped face smiling up at him; innocent and full of life.
His eyes were saddened as she looked at him yet never had she loved him more. Her heart was his, and her eyes brimmed with tears.
“Oh my Dear, I could never leave you, I love you so much.”
She had spoken the magic word and he thought his heart would burst. This enchanting woman-child set before him loved him, something he had dared not believe, yet still a shadow hung across his heart. There was so much he had to tell her, so much she needed to know, but how could he and where would he start? There would be time enough.
“We will marry when you are well again yes?”
Her face pleaded up at him and he could not disappoint her and in answer he swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately.
At that moment the door opened and there stood Gertrude, her eyes wide and her mouth smiling as if discovering her husband in the arms of another woman.
Thomas seemed not to notice, his heart was so full of joy that he smiled at his sister.
“You see Gertrude, I will soon be well enough to marry do ye think?”
It was difficult for her to smile and her mouth twitched as if she didn’t know what to say, and bowing out of the room she closed the door giving Beatrice a sly glance as she left.
“I don’t think y
our sister likes me.”
Thomas laughed “I don’t think she likes many people. She is overly protective of her brother. Now both our parents are dead I’m all she has left. I think I’m well enough to join you both for dinner tonight. Leave me while I dress and I will see you later.”
Back in her bed chamber she thought she heard raised voices coming from Thomas’s room.
Opening her door she listened carefully, the voices shouting until she could hear the words clearly along the hallway.
“But I love her.”
They were Thomas’s words and after that, Gertrude fell silent.
Before long Thomas was well enough to set the date. His words must have worked for even Gertrude seemed to have given up the battle and resigned herself to the marriage.
Over the next few weeks Thomas spent time showing her around his lands and soon she began to love them as much as her own Lowlands. He took her into the great pine forests and pointed out the wildlife; he seemed to know the names of every plant, animal and bird that lived on his land. He gathered bunches of wild flowers for her, the blue sow-thistle and spotted orchids, the purple thrift and cheerful primrose; she loved them all.
