by B. J. Scott
“She stopped by my table to bid us welcome, too.” Another laird she didn’t recognize stood and waved his hand in the air.
Recognizing the need to think fast and to appease Lord Grant, she lowered her gaze. “I meant no disrespect to you or Lord MacConnery.”
“That is no excuse. You have humiliated me before my guests.” Lord Grand raised his hand to strike her. “I warned you about that.”
Katherine cringed. The fact woman were treated with less respect than a horse or cattle and was considered a man’s property, was one of things she hated about life in 1304. That a man could strike a woman in public, or wherever else he pleased, and people would find it acceptable, was appalling as far as she was concerned.
“That willna be necessary, Rowland,” Lord MacConnery said smoothly and he stepped between them and rested his hand on Grant’s shoulder. “Your daughter is clearly a spirited lass. Very much like a wild horse, she is simply in need of breaking. I am sure once she settles down and learns her place, she will realize the error of her ways and become most complacent.”
Break me? Complacent? Katherine could not believe her ears. Catriona was right, he was a pompous arse. And while she wanted to say so, she held her tongue. She didn’t want to make things worse for Ayden or his family. And dream or not, she sensed she was in danger of being beaten for her actions if she said any more.
She caught a sidewise glimpse of Ayden — his father holding firmly onto both of his arms, thus hindering his interference.
Lord Grant lowered his fist and scowled at Katherine. “Get yourself to the dais and sit. We will discuss this later.” He turned to the crowd of onlookers. “What are you all gawking at? Sit, drink, and enjoy the feast.” He dismissed them with a curt wave of his hand, then stomped toward the head table, cursing under his breath the entire way.
“I suppose that I should say thank you, Lord MacConnery,” Katherine said, though it almost killed her to do so.
“No need, my dear,” MacConnery replied, his icy gaze penetrating. “I was merely looking out for my interests.” He cupped her chin and immediately tilted her head to one side and then the other. After looking her over from top to bottom and examining her face in the moonlight, he smirked in an impious way that bristled the hairs on the back of Katherine’s neck and made her blood run cold.
“It wouldna do for your father to damage such a comely face. It would devalue your worth considerably.”
She blinked several time and returned his stare, wondering if she’d actually heard him correctly. “Devalue my worth?” she managed to ask.
“Aye. It would be a shame to ruin perfection. You’ve grown up to be quite lovely,” he hissed, before releasing her face and offering his elbow. “Shall we, my dear? It’s time we got to know each other better.”
Panic squeezed Katherine’s chest. She hadn’t misunderstood MacConnery’s words. She wanted to bolt to Ayden, but had learned from her mistake. Instead, she smiled meekly and rested her fingertips on Lord MacConnery’s arm. But she couldn’t force herself to look him in the eye. To do so would betray her loathing. Nor could she bring herself to gaze at Ayden for fear he’d lose his head and try to intervene.
Chapter Fourteen
Ayden watched as MacConnery led Katherine toward the dais, then sank to his chair and cradled his head in his hands.
“It is over, son. Perhaps it would be best if we left.” His father slid a hand over Ayden’s shoulder and squeezed.
“Nay! I must speak with her father.” He slammed his fist on the trestle table with such force, a mug of ale toppled over, the amber liquid spilling to the ground.
“Temperance is a virtue,” his mother whispered and stroked Ayden’s arm.
Ayden glared at his mother. “Temperance be damned. I must speak to Grant and ask for Catriona’s hand, before he announces her betrothal to MacConnery.”
“Are you daft?” his father asked. “Rowland Grant willna speak with you. Na after what’s happened. It is clear he intends for the lass to marry Ewan MacConnery. Best you forget about her and find another. There are many willing ladies who would be pleased to wed you.”
“I want no other and will na settle. Na without trying to speak to her father first.” Ayden thumped his chest. “I willna give up on her. Na while there is a breath left in my body.”
“Aye, and if you do challenge Grant, he may see to it that you breathe your last,” his father cautioned.
“I’m na a quitter. I love Catriona, and we belong together.” He rose and headed in the direction of the dais, determined to convince Lord Grant to agree to a private audience, whether he wanted to or not.
His father tried to grab Ayden’s arm, but Mairi stopped her husband. “Let him go, Connor. He must do this or will never find happiness.”
As Ayden stormed toward the dais, Lord Grant stood. He tapped on his goblet with his dirk. “Silence. I want everyone’s attention.”
The hum of chatter filling the air ceased as all eyes focused on their host.
“I have invited you all here not only to celebrate St. John’s Eve and the dawning of the Summer Solstice, but I also have an important announcement to make.” He faced Katherine and Lord MacConnery, who were sitting beside each other at the dais. “As you know, I have been waiting for just the right man to come along to wed my daughter.”
Ayden froze in his tracks. Feeling as if he’d been gut-kicked, he teetered when his legs nearly buckled, and grabbed on to a nearby table for support. He knew what her father was about to say.
“It is with great pleasure I announce that Catriona and Earl Ewan MacConnery are to be married. May the Almighty bless their union.” He raised his goblet in the air. “Slàinte mhath!”
MacConnery rose and offered up his goblet in response, then drank deeply. The crowd joined in the toast before erupting into cheers. Everyone except Ayden.
He peered at Katherine. Her face was a ghostly white, her expression grim. He tried to get her attention, willing her to look at him, but she blankly stared straight ahead, until MacConnery dragged her to her feet and looped his arm around her sagging shoulders. She swayed as if she might faint, then leaned against his side, clinging to his tunic for support.
“You see, she canna keep her hands off me,” MacConnery said to the crowd as he clasped one of her hands and held it firmly against his chest. “It willna be long, my dear, and you can have me all to yourself and do with me as you will.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, but Katherine turned her head, and shrugged free of his grasp.
“I am in no hurry, sir, and remind you we are not yet wed.” She glared up at him. “I would appreciate it if you would remember that the next time you think to take such liberties.”
Lord Grant slammed his balled fist on the table, then took a step toward Katherine, his stare intent. “How dare you speak to—” he began, but stopped when MacConnery held up his hand.
“Patience, Rowland. Remember what I said. She’s like a spirited wild horse,” he said in a low growl so only those close to the dais could hear, including Ayden. He faced Katherine and pointed to her chair. “Sit, my dear.”
Ayden’s blood began to boil when he heard MacConnery’s remarks regarding Catriona and the way he ordered her around like she was trained dog. She was not his yet and if he had his way, she never would be. Hearing her referred to with such little respect only made him more determined to make her his wife. An arse like MacConnery didn’t deserve her.
A collaborative gasp amongst the guests was quickly followed by silence when Katherine slowly sat in her chair.
“Your meal is getting cold, a thasgaidh,” MacConnery said in a droll tone and took the seat beside her.
“I’m not your darling,” she muttered through clenched teeth. But MacConnery ignored her remark. She stared down at the trencher she shared with her betrothed and covered her mouth with her hand. “I don’t feel very well and I have lost my appetite. If you’d excuse me, I’d like to go to my chamber and rest.”
; “You will sit. And you will eat,” MacConnery said in a dry, matter-of-fact tone, then held his goblet in the air. “I am pleased you are all here to join me in celebrating my betrothal to the lovely Catriona Grant. Enjoy your meal and spirits provided by our most gracious host. This night of revelry has just begun and I intend to dance with my future wife until dawn.” He raised their joined hands in the air. “We will then ask you to join us as we welcome the Summer Solstice and rejoice in our future together.” He leaned in and kissed Katherine’s cheek, then glanced at Ayden, a wry grin tugging at his lips.
Knowing MacConnery’s toast and efforts to belittle Catriona were as much for his benefit as they were the crowd’s, fed the anger roiling in Ayden’s belly. He battled the urge to leap over the dais and pummel MacConnery senseless. But instead of falling for the bastard’s obvious ploy to draw him into a fight, Ayden tamped down the desire to respond and resumed his quest, more determined than ever to speak to her father. He’d not give up on Catriona that easily. He’d lay his heart and soul on the line and ask Lord Grant to reconsider. Beg if need be.
As Ayden approached their host, he cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. “Lord Grant, could I have a word with you please? In private.”
“Do you think me a fool? I know exactly what you plan to say and dinna wish to hear it.” Grant pinned him with an irate stare then pointed in the direction from which Ayden had come. “Be off with you, MacAndrews. I have naught to discuss with you this night.”
“Please, it will only take a moment of your time.” Being polite damned near gutted Ayden, but he had to remain calm and courteous if he had any hope of being granted an audience with the old fool.
“I told you I have naught to say to you. Either you leave my sight immediately, or I will have one of the guards escort you and your parents off my property forcefully. You have caused enough trouble, have you na?”
“It is obvious the lad has something he wishes to get off his chest, Rowland. Why na humor him, then send him on his way?” Lord MacConnery interjected. “He is right. What he has to say canna possibly take more than a minute of your time. And it will take even less for you to set him straight. If he doesna leave of his own accord after that, I will have my warriors escort him from the grounds.” He leaned close and whispered something in Lord Grant’s ear.
Ayden craned his neck, but MacConnery spoke so low, he couldn’t make out what he said. But his gut told him it wasn’t something good.
“Very well, but you will make it fast, then leave,” Rowland said to Ayden. He downed the rest of his mead and slammed the goblet on the table. “Let’s go.”
Ayden moved out of the way so Lord Grant could slink by him, then shot a glance in Katherine’s direction. Their gazes locked and he could see the desperation etched across her face, the longing in her eyes, and it broke his heart. He couldn’t bear the thought of her anguish and would do his utmost to convince her father to change his mind. Although he knew he had a daunting task ahead of him.
“Lead the way,” Ayden said, but hesitated when he noticed Ewan MacConnery had left the table and was speaking to two of his men in private.
“Are you coming or na,” Rowland growled. “I’m hungry and wish to eat.”
“Aye.” Ayden nodded, but warily watched from the corner of his eye as the two warriors trotted off and MacConnery resumed his place beside Katherine.
Chapter Fifteen
“Smile, Catriona. At least try to look like you are enjoying my company, MacConnery whispered. “People are staring at us. A woman betrothed is usually elated about her upcoming nuptials. Not looking like she has just eaten a bowl of sour fruit.”
His breath smelled of whisky, and judging by his flushed cheeks, the dark circles around his eyes, and slight slur when he spoke, he was well in his cups. She had no idea how long he and Lord Grant had been drinking before she arrived, but guessed it had been for a long time.
“Well?” His brow dipped and the tone of his voice deepened. “Are you going to smile or na?”
Despite a strong aversion to doing this man’s bidding, she forced a grin and spoke through pursed lips. “And what do women do if they are not happy about being promised to a man they don’t love?”
“Love?” Lord MacConnery glared at her. “What has that to do with marriage?” He reached beneath the table and clasped the hand she had resting on her lap. “A man like me marries for two reasons and a useless sentiment is na one of them.”
“Then why do you wish to marry me?”
He forcefully squeezed her hand until pain shot to her wrist and she let out a soft whimper. “I wasn’t aware I needed a reason. But if you must know, I admire and collect fine things. I find seeking out and acquiring items of great beauty, often objects I must work to obtain or that present a challenge to be quite exhilarating.”
“I’m a person, not an object,” she whispered.
“Women were put on this earth to please men and do their bidding, be it in bed or in public.” He leaned closer and nipped at her neck. “The other reason is purely business. I am a wealthy man, but to get there, I had to enter into arrangements with people that I might not normally associate with. Do some things people might deem unsavory. But it was all worth it in the end.”
His comments caused a shiver to run up her spine, and she could help wondering what arrangements he was referring to. Her suspicions about him being a ruthless, horrible man were true, as were the things recorded in Catriona’s journal.
“You and my father have been friends for years. And you are much richer than he. I am sure there are plenty of men with much larger estates and with daughters who are far more beautiful than I. Men that can offer you better business opportunities.” She tried to wrench free of his grasp, but he held her tighter.
“True, but our union makes the alliance between you father and me stronger. We both benefited, as did those I am associated with. I paid him a fair price for your hand, and in return, I get a bewitchingly beautiful, spirited woman to warm my bed and bear my heirs.”
“You think you can buy me like you would livestock?” Anger bubbled up from her belly and if he wasn’t holding on to her arm, she’d have likely slapped the bugger’s face. At no time did he refer to her as a wife or partner with whom he wished to share his life. Instead he spoke as if she were a prize brood mare to be tamed and used for breeding.
“I already have bought you, my dear. And if necessary, you will pretend you are happy about our betrothal,” he hissed and twisted her arm until she thought a bone might break. “Do you understand?”
She winced, tears springing to her eyes, but she refused to show weakness. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she glared back at him. “I do not wish to marry you and I am not happy.”
Furious, MacConnery’s face reddened and his eyes bore into hers with a deadly stare. “Insolent bitch. I told you to smile for the sake of appearances,” he ground out.
“Can I get you anything else to eat or drink, Lord MacConnery?” Lily asked as she approached the table, carrying a tray of cheese. “There is plenty to be had.”
When MacConnery released his grasp on her, Katherine wanted to kiss the lass for happening along when she did. “Thank you. We have plenty as you can see,” she said, then addressed MacConnery, smiling sweetly. “But I would like to hear some music. You did promise me a dance. Perhaps you would be so kind as to ask the minstrels when they intend to start, m’lord.”
All eyes were trained on MacConnery as he rose to his full height of around six feet and glared down at Katherine. “Of course. I will see to it immediately.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it before skirting around the end of the head table.
Her stomach turned when his lips touched her flesh. How could anyone be expected to marry a man who made their skin crawl with the simplest of gestures? Katherine released a heavy breath. “Maybe now I can get out of here,” she mumbled aloud. “I’m glad you came along when you did, Lily. I could not bear that man’s compa
ny another minute longer. I feared I might scream or vomit, whichever came first.”
“Och, Lady Catriona, you shouldna say such things,” Lily lowered her gaze, then softened her voice to a whisper. “My heart aches for you. Lord MacConnery is a horrible man, and I dinna blame you for being upset. Especially when you love Lord Ayden.”
“I do not plan to marry him, Lily.” Keeping her voice low, she stretched her neck, peering in the direction Ayden and Lord Grant had disappeared. “With luck, Ayden will be able to convince my father to change his mind and I willna be forced to marry that swine.”
“I certainly hope Lord Ayden can reason with his lordship, but what will you do if he is unable to sway him?” Lily shook her head and clucked her tongue. “It would be a sin if you and Lord Ayden canna marry.”
“If Ayden fails to reason with him, I’ll try speaking to him myself. If that doesn’t work, we may be forced to marry in secret and leave Glen Heather. But I willna marry that blowhard MacConnery, and Ayden and I will be together.”
“Och, do you think your da would listen to what you have to say?” Lily wrung her hands.
“I won’t know until I try. But I am not going to give in. No matter what the cost.”
“Lily,” Cora shouted. “Fetch another platter of cheese and bannock for Laird Blake and his men.” She stood near the kitchen door, waving her arms.
“I must go, Lady Catriona. But promise me you willna do anything to anger your betrothed or that might put you in danger,” Lily whispered. “I will be praying that things work out for you.”
“As will I.” Katherine watched Lily scamper off, then cupped her face with her hands. Her brain was on overload searching for a way out of this betrothal and she wasn’t sure how much more of his madness she could take. She found herself wishing for a long engagement and prayed that by the time the wedding rolled around, she’ll have figured out how to go home to her own time.
