Highland Angels

by Ceci Giltenan

  Davy nodded. “Aye, she already is. But I was wondering something.”

  “What’s that lad?”

  “If Anna is going to be my mama, and ye’re her brother, does that make ye my uncle?”

  Eoin smiled resignedly and looked up at Anna for a moment. “Aye, lad, I suppose it does. Ye can call me Uncle Eoin.”

  If that small interaction greatly eased the tension between the clans, the feast broke down the final barriers. Andrew was very clearly a man deeply in love, and Anna basked in the glow of that love.

  It didn’t take long for all of her brothers to notice and make small comments, but Eoin finally addressed it head-on. “Anna, the last time we saw ye, ye clung to me, crying and begging for me to take ye home and, if anything, ye were more furious with the MacLeods than I was. What happened?”

  Anna shrugged. “The betrothals were signed, nothing would change that and going to Naomh-dùn was not an option. I had two choices. Stay here and be miserable or stay here and be happy. I decided to stay here and be happy. Everything just grew from there.”

  Laird MacLeod gave her a smile so filled with fatherly love it warmed her to her toes. “Aye, it did, because when Anna decides to be happy, she pulls everyone along with her.”

  Chapter 21

  After tensions had relaxed the previous day, Anna was thrilled to see both of her families begin to forge tentative friendships. Five weeks ago she had never imagined this was possible. But then she never imagined falling so much in love with Andrew MacLeod. Now she was in the great hall trying to oversee final preparations for the midday meal, but she couldn’t get her mind off the fact that she was going to marry him in two days and all she wanted to do was jump up and down, squealing like a wee lassie.

  Janet interrupted her daydreams. “Excuse me, Lady Anna, my mother said she will have yer arisaidh finished today. She was hoping ye’d stop by in the afternoon so she can see it on ye.”

  Anna had to suppress another urge to squeal with glee. “That’s wonderful, Janet, thank ye. I’ll take a walk down after the midday meal.”

  “Can I come with ye?” askedasked Mairi.

  Mairi was the one tiny problem that remained. She had been introduced to all of Anna’s family, but upon meeting Tasgall, she scowled. As much as Anna had been determined to be happy, Mairi seemed to be determined to be unhappy.

  It would be three years before Mairi would marry him and Anna knew there was plenty of time for her to get over her pique, but still, Anna wished the lass wasn’t so dead set against even being friendly. Well, Laird MacLeod had said it the day before, when Anna was determined to be happy, she pulled everyone along, and she would drag Mairi kicking and screaming to happiness if she had to.

  “Certainly ye can come, if ye don’t mind Tasgall coming too.”

  “That’s blackmail.”

  Anna laughed. “Mairi, ye’re hopeless. But I haven’t spent time with my brothers in months, so if ye want to do anything with me while they’re here, ye’ll have to put up with one of them.”

  Eoin’s wife, Fiona, tried to suppress her amusement. “Ye know, Mairi, my clan was feuding with the MacKays when I was…ah…a guest at Naomh-dùn.” She grinned at Anna. “The MacKays grow on ye.”

  Mairi didn’t look convinced. “Maybe.” Her expression brightened. “Do ye want to come with us?”

  Anna gave Fiona the slightest shake of the head. Having someone else along, someone with whom Mairi felt more comfortable, would give her someone other than Tasgall on whom to focus. She knew Andrew would insist on sending a MacLeod guard with them, so she even intended to ask for Barclay who was not particularly outgoing and always difficult to pull into conversation.

  Fiona smiled at Mairi. “Thank ye ever so much for asking me along, but this wee lad,” she bounced her son on her hip, “has been cutting a new tooth and kept me up last night. I think I shall take a rest when he does this afternoon.”

  ~ * ~

  Fearchar had arrived with Darach and his men in the wee hours of the morning. The rising smoke from fires told him visiting clans were encamped all around Curacridhe. It would be best to stay a bit farther afield until he had a plan.

  “But Fearchar, we should tell them we’re here.”

  “It’s late. Tomorrow will be soon enough for that. Let’s get some rest.”

  The next morning Darach had been even more insistent about riding up to the gates and announcing themselves.

  Finally, a little before midday, Fearchar agreed. “I’m going for a walk for a bit and when I return we will ride to the castle.” Privately, he gave his men orders to keep Darach away from Curacridhe, using any means necessary, until he had returned.

  Fearchar needed to think and he needed to be alone to do that. He had to figure out a way to rescue Anna from Curacridhe. It was probably best if they announced their arrival. He and Darach would be given lodging within the castle, and that would give him access to his betrothed. Perhaps it would only be necessary to offer his assistance and the poor lass would be thrilled for the chance to escape. But he had to have another plan too—just in case.

  As he walked, a faint whining drew his attention. He followed the sound and discovered a small dog, a puppy who had been caught in some dense undergrowth.

  “Here now, lad, what’ve ye done?”

  The puppy just whimpered. Fearchar chuckled. It looked as if the pup had managed to squeeze into a spot and didn’t know how to back out of it. “Let’s see if we can help ye.”

  He gently maneuvered the beastie’s head backwards and pulled him free of his trap. Fearchar held him for a moment, scratching behind his ears. The exuberant puppy wiggled and licked him in the face.

  “Well, ye’re free now, lad. Do ye know which direction yer home is?”

  Even as he said it, little voices drifted to him. “Shep. Sheeeh-ep.”

  He grinned. “Ye wouldn’t happen to be Shep, would ye?” He rubbed the dog’s head again. “I’m betting ye are. Let’s see if we can find yer owners.”

  He walked towards the sound of their voices until two lassies came into view. “Is this the wee beastie ye’re looking for?”

  “There he is, Bridget,” squealed the younger one.

  The lassies ran to him. “Oh, aye, it is. That’s our Shep. He wandered away,” said Bridget, who looked to be about ten.

  Fearchar continued to hold the puppy, cuddling and petting him. “He’s a lovely puppy. And where dodo ye fine lassies live?”

  “In the village, at the edge of the forest. Ye just walk that way until ye come to a glade. It’s not far beyond that,” answered the little one, who he figured was six or seven at most.

  “Does yer da know ye’re out here? I don’t think I’d want wee lassies of mine wandering off.”

  The little one’s lower lip began to tremble. Her sister put her arm around her. “Wheest, Molly. Our da died a few years ago,” Bridget offered by way of explanation.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, lass. So ye live with yer mother?”

  Bridget nodded. “Aye, and our older sister.”

  “She works at the keep,” offered Molly proudly.

  “Does she?” He had planned to walk them home, but this opened up new possibilities. “And does yer mama work at the keep too?”

  “Nay, she’s a weaver,” said Bridget. “She wove the arasaidh Lady Anna will wear for the wedding,” she added proudly.

  Molly nodded. “And Lady Anna is coming to our house to get it this afternoon.”

  Oh, this was even better.

  “And ye like Lady Anna?”

  Both girls nodded.

  “She’s nice,” said Molly.

  “Hmm. I think I’d like to meet her.”

  “Just go up to the keep,” said Molly. “There are lots of visitors right now.”

  “Aye, that there are. I think I would rather meet her alone. When she comes to yer house, would ye bring her here to meet me?”

  Bridget frowned. “I think if ye want to meet her, ye should
go up to the keep.”

  “But that isn’t what I want to do.”

  “Can we have our puppy back now?”

  Wee Bridget had clearly caught on. Bright lass.

  “Now Bridget, I think a trade is in order. Ye bring me Lady Anna, and ye can have Shep back.”

  She nodded. “I will. Come on, Molly.” She pulled Molly’s hand, stumbling backwards.

  Fearchar reached forward with his free hand, grabbing Molly’s arm. “Nay, now that I think on it, Lady Anna for a puppy isn’t a fair trade. I think, I’ll keep Molly here with me. Ye can have them both back when ye bring me Lady Anna.”

  “Please, sir, ye can keep Shep. Please let my sister go.”

  “I said I will.” His tone was sharper. “When ye bring me Lady Anna.”

  “What if she won’t come with me?”

  “A bright lass such as ye should be able to think of something. Tell her ye want her to see yer new puppy. I don’t care what you tell her.”

  Bridget nodded. “And ye’ll be here?”

  “Did ye say there is a glade close by?”

  Bridget nodded again.

  “That sounds like a lovely place to meet Lady Anna. Bring her there. But lass, pay close attention, because this is very important. Ye must bring her alone and ye mustn’t tell anyone I’m here. It’s our secret. If ye tell anyone, I’ll know and I’ll kill Molly.” He smiled at her. “Ye wouldn’t want that, would ye?”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “Nay. B-b-b-but she’ll have a guard. Lady Anna always h-has a g-guard.”

  “I see.” He considered her for a moment. “I suppose one guard will be fine. But if there is more than one, I’ll know ye told someone our secret.”

  The tears slipped down Bridget’s cheeks. She was terrified. That wouldn’t do. How could he fix this?

  “Now, Bridget lass, there’s no need to cry. Ye aren’t doing anything wrong. Do ye know why Lady Anna is marrying yer laird’s son?”

  “Sh-she saved D-davy.”

  “Aye, that’s right. Ye’re a smart one. That was very nice of her, and I’m glad she did that, but Lady Anna was supposed to marry me. It doesn’t seem fair that she did something so nice, and now she can’t marry me. Does it?”

  “N-nay.”

  “So ye understand and ye’ll bring Anna to the glade, with no more than one guard and then I’ll give ye back Shep and Molly.”

  She nodded.

  “Good lass. Run on now. I’ll see ye later in the glade.”

  Bridget turned and ran away, stumbling occasionally in her haste.

  He looked down at Mollie, who also had tears streaming down her face. “Wheesht, Molly. We’ll just take a stroll and meet Bridget again very soon. Would ye like to hold yer puppy?”

  Molly sniffed and nodded, taking Shep in her arms.

  Not knowing exactly how much time he had, Fearchar had to work fast to set his trap. He returned to the clearing in which they had camped for the night. He didn’t want Darach to see him so he stayed out of sight until he could catch the eye of one of his men. Kenneth finally saw him and sauntered over.

  “Get three other men to come with me. Tell the rest to wait until after midday then saddle the horses and be ready to leave when we return.”

  Kenneth glanced down at the wee lass holding the puppy but made no comment. “Aye, Laird.” He did as he was bid and within minutes they were following Fearchar towards the glade.

  Fearchar explained as they went. “I figure, if we tie this lassie to a tree on this side of the glade when Lady Anna and her guard see her, they’ll rush to save her.”

  “What if they suspect a trap, Fearchar?”

  “That’s why I brought all of ye. Several of us will hide on the village side of the glade. If they turn around, we’ll stop them there. If they don’t, we’ll close in behind them in the glade.”

  As they neared the glade, Molly started crying again. Fearchar had to gag her to avoid attracting attention.

  Just as planned he secured her to a tree at the edge of the glade. He took the puppy from her. “I’ll keep him safe. I promise. Ye can have him back when Lady Anna gets here.”

  “Laird, what if the other lass tells. What if she brings an army back?” asked Kenneth.

  “We’ll hear them coming. If there’s more than a guard or two with her we’ll cut this one’s throat and disappear into the forest.”

  “Ye’ll kill a bairn?” asked Iagan.

  “I’d be forced to, Iagan. I told her sister if she didn’t obey me I would kill Molly, and I’m a man of my word.”

  ~ * ~

  As soon as the midday meal was finished, Anna left the keep with Mairi, Tasgall and Barclay. She and Tasgall chatted while Mairi pouted. Ah, well at least she came with them. Anna supposed that was something.

  When they reached the cottage, Maeve welcomed them. If she was shocked that Tasgall MacKay was in her home, she didn’t show it. Things had certainly changed.

  “Bridget, love, give the table a quick wipe so I can show Lady Anna the arisaidh I made for her,” said Maeve to her middle daughter.

  “Aye, mama,” said Bridget before quickly wiping the table with a dry cloth.

  Then Maeve carefully spread out the plaid on the table. It was woven in shades of red and green on a cream background.

  “Maeve, it’s beautiful.”

  “Thank ye my lady. It was an honor to make it for ye. Can I see it on ye?”

  Anna grinned. “Of course.”

  Maeve helped her drape the garment and Anna turned to Tasgall and Mairi. “Do ye like it?”

  “Anna, it is perfect. It will look so pretty over the new dress,” said Mairi, stroking the soft wool.

  “It is lovely, Anna. It makes yer eyes sparkle,” said Tasgall. “Of course, something has them sparkling quite a bit already. I can’t imagine what that is.”

  Mairi huffed. “She’s in love.”

  Maeve laughed and winked, “Aye, sir, anyone can see that.”

  “Well, thank ye for clearing that up for me, ladies,” said Tasgall with mock seriousness. “I must pay better attention to these things.”

  Anna laughed. “Aye, Tasgall, understanding what makes a lass’s eyes sparkle is a skill ye should work on.” Turning to Maeve, she said, “I’ll just take this off and we’ll not take up any more of yer time today. Thank ye again for yer hard work.”

  “Ye’re very welcome, my lady.”

  Maeve helped Anna take it off and folded it before giving it back to her.

  “Lady Anna, before ye leave, do ye want to see our new puppy?” Bridget had been so quiet, Anna had forgotten she was there.

  “Oh, Bridget, sweetling, I have so very much to do, can I meet yer puppy on another day?”

  Bridget’s eyes filled with tears. “Please, Lady Anna, ye have to come see Shep.”

  “Bridget!” scolded her mother, “Lady Anna said not today.”

  “I like puppies,” said Mairi, “I’ll come with ye. Anna, Barclay can stay with me and ye can go back to the keep with yer brother.”

  Barclay, shook his head at Anna. His message was clear; she could not return to the keep without him.

  “Mairi, yer brother would not want us to do that.”

  Mairi pouted. “But I really want to see the puppy.”

  Bridget’s lower lip wobbled.

  Anna couldn’t bring herself to say nay. “All right. We can take a couple of minutes to see the puppy.”

  Bridget gave her a watery smile. “Molly was playing with him. Come with me.” She took Anna by the hand. Mairi, Tasgall and Barclay followed them.

  When Bridget realized they were all coming, she said, “Ye don’t have to come.”

  “I want to see the puppy,” said Mairi.

  “I meant them.” Bridget gestured towards the men.

  Barclay scowled. “We go where Lady Anna goes.”

  Perhaps it was his fearsome countenance, or maybe his low rumbling voice, but Bridget trembled and a tear slipped down her cheek. “We don�
��t have to go see the puppy.”

  Anna put an arm around her shoulder. “Nonsense, Bridget. Take us to see yer pet and don’t let Barclay scare ye. He loves puppies, don’t ye Barclay?”

  “Aye, my lady,” he said in all seriousness.

  Tasgall suppressed a grin. “So do I.”

  Bridget nodded and led them behind the cottage.

  Seven-year-old Molly was nowhere to be seen.

  “I thought ye said Molly was playing with him?”

  “She is. She’s in the glade with him. It’s not far.”

  Anna frowned. “Bridget, does yer mother know ye left Molly in the forest alone?”

  “We’re allowed to play in the glade,” answered Bridget.

  “Aye, but Molly is very little. Perhaps ye shouldn’t leave her alone in the future.”

  Bridget just nodded, still looking on the edge of tears.

  They had walked for nearly ten minutes when they finally could see through the trees to the glen. As they drew closer, Anna glimpsed little Molly, gagged and tied to a tree. She gasped, dropped the arisaidh and took one step towards the child when Barclay pulled her back, motioning for her to stay quiet. At the same moment Tasgall grabbed Mairi, clamping a hand over her mouth just as she started to scream.

  “It’s a trap,” hissed Barclay. He looked to Bridget, who stood silently, tears flowing down her cheeks. “What have ye done?” he whispered.

  “He said he’d kill Molly if I didn’t bring Lady Anna or if I told anyone or brought help.”

  “There’s no time,” whispered Tasgall. “Take these three back and bring more men. I’ll give ye a moment’s head start before I go to the wee lass.”

  “Ye’ll be ambushed,” whispered Anna.

  “Better me than the two of ye. Go!”

  Barclay silently drew his sword and scooped Bridget up with one arm. “Now, my lady.” His whispered command brooked no argument.

  Anna grabbed Mairi’s hand, pulling her along with them.

  It wasn’t long until the sounds of a sword fight reached her ears. Please God, keep Tasgall safe. The silent prayer had no sooner entered her thoughts than Barclay stopped.

  He thrust Bridget behind him. “My lady, stay back.”