Highland Love Song (DeWinter's Song 2)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Arrian would always cherish that time with her family. She would miss them dreadfully after the wedding when they returned to England. And how she would miss dear Aunt Mary.

  She thought of Ian, so tall and handsome, the very picture of what a Scottish chief should be. He would someday be an honorable heir to the Clan Maclvors, and she was determined to make him a worthy wife.

  2

  Edinburgh—Two Weeks Later

  The morning was overcast, and only pale sunlight strained through the high window of Edinburgh Castle, adding a dismal air to the council room.

  Ian Maclvors, future chief of Clan Maclvors, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, glancing across the volcanic cliffs on which Edinburgh Castle was built. His sandy-colored hair was swept off his wide forehead to expose an arresting face and deep brown eyes. His gaze moved to the three men who had accompanied him and his younger brother, Jamie. Ian nodded in approval when Jamie opened his coat to reveal a concealed pistol.

  "Keep that hidden," Ian said. "The king's representative sent word we were to come unarmed."

  Jamie quickly straightened his coat. "I don't trust Warrick Glencarin. He's too wild and unpredictable. And I refuse to present myself to him defenseless. Of all of us, he bears me the most ill will."

  Ian glanced at Jamie's wife, who was sitting in the shadows near the back of the room. Lady Helena had once been considered a beauty, but now she was not even pretty. Her once flawless complexion was blotched, and her belly was swollen with child. Her extra bulk made her clumsy and awkward.

  "I will take great satisfaction in flaunting your wife in Lord Warrick's face and tormenting him with the fact that she is heavy with a Maclvors's child. I want him to hear from her own lips that she preferred you to him."

  Lady Helena had been reluctant to come today, knowing she was being used as a pawn in some kind of game between Warrick Glencarin and her husband's family. She looked furtively around the room and twisted her hands anxiously in her lap. Lord Warrick had a fierce temper—would he direct that anger at her today?

  "Grandfather wouldn't approve of Helena being here. Unlike me, he is eager to settle the feud with the Drummonds." Ian's eyes narrowed, and he smiled in satisfaction. "When Warrick sees her, he'll become enraged and show himself for the devil he is."

  There was movement at the open doorway, and two men entered the room. One was the king's deputy, and the other, the Lord Mayor of Edinburgh.

  Ian leaned closer to his brother. "I intend to win the English deputy to our side so the judgment will go against the Drummonds. If we can't defeat Lord Warrick in battle, we'll defeat him with the deputy's ruling."

  Jamie's eyes filled with admiration for his older brother. "If anyone can do that, Ian, it'll be you."

  Ian watched Lord Thorndike and Sir Brodrick approach, and he whispered to his brother, "All Englishmen are fools. Watch and learn how easily they can be outsmarted by a Scot."

  "Gentlemen," Sir Brodrick said, plainly impressed with his role in the day's proceedings, "I'm pleased to present Lord Thorndike, deputy to the king and mediator between the House of Maclvors and the House of Drummond. Your lordship, may I present Lord Ian and Jamie Maclvors, grandsons of Lord Gille Maclvors."

  Lord Thorndike acknowledged the two men with a nod. "I have been informed that you will be representing your grandfather."

  "That is so," Ian replied.

  Lord Thorndike noticed the men Ian had brought with him. "And who are they?"

  "They're my men, who are here merely to make certain there will be no trouble," Ian answered.

  "They are not to be part of the proceedings. They can remain only if they keep separate from us."

  Ian nodded to his clansmen, indicating that they should move to the back of the room.

  Lord Thorndike's gaze now fell on Lady Helena. "Who is the female?" he asked, annoyed by all the uninvited visitors. "You were informed that this was to be a private session, were you not?"

  "Tis only my wife," Jamie said. "Since she is heavy with child, I wanted to keep her near me. She has promised to cause no interruption."

  Lord Thorndike bestowed a look of displeasure on the young man. "See that she does not," he said. "Am I to take it that Lord Warrick has not yet arrived?"

  "Just what you'd expect from a Highlander," Ian said. "They have no consideration for others. They have no manners and no liking for law and order."

  Lord Thorndike was a seasoned negotiator of great insight, which was why he had been chosen by the king to settle the feud between the two clans. He had been warned by King William not to become entangled in a dispute between Highlander opposing Lowlander.

  "It is not yet the appointed time for the meeting," Lord Thorndike stated, moving to a desk and placing his satchel on it. "I have papers to read. Perhaps the rest of you can make yourselves comfortable. We'll be in for a long day." His attention turned to Sir Brodrick. "You will no longer be needed. When Lord Warrick arrives, send him in at once."

  Ian watched the Lord Mayor's hurried withdrawal. "See how the man scurries to do the Englishman's bidding? It fairly sticks in my throat to witness a Scot taking orders from an English dog."

  "No one can force you to do anything against your will, Ian," Jamie said. "You'll have your way today."

  There was no time for Ian to reply, because at that moment the door was thrust open, and two men stood in the doorway.

  The older man, Ian dismissed as unimportant. The second man was not so easy to ignore. He was dressed all in black, save for the Drummond plaid across his shoulder, which proclaimed him to be the chief. His head was held at a proud tilt, and his gaze swept the room with indifference. Ian had last seen Lord Warrick at the battle of Kilmouris, when he had been only a lad. Now he exuded power and self-assurance. Ian was not a coward, but there was something in Warrick's eyes that sent a chill through his heart.

  "That is he?" Jamie asked. For years he had heard much of the chief of Drummond, but until now he'd never seen him.

  Warrick Glencarin's features were dark. From a distance it was impossible to tell the color of his eyes, but they were arresting, and there was a look of contempt in their depths. It was apparent that he had no liking for this day's encounter.

  "I once clubbed him with the hilt of my sword," Ian said. "It was the time when our father married his sister. I should have killed him when I had the chance. Now he's too powerful to kill. Perhaps I can one day give him a choice between death and dishonor—he'll choose death."

  "He has the savage, unkempt look of a Highlander," Jamie observed.

  Lord Thorndike moved forward to greet the newcomer just as the mantle clock chimed the appointed hour. "Lord Warrick, I am Lord Thorndike, the king's deputy," he said. "You're right on time."

  Warrick gave Ian a sharp glance but spoke to the king's man. "It is not my habit to be dilatory. I value my time as you must value yours." He turned to his companion. "This is my man, Mactavish." He glanced at the group of men who had accompanied Ian. "It would seem we are outnumbered."

  "Quite so, quite so," Lord Thorndike said. "Shall we get on with the proceedings? Are you acquainted with Ian Maclvors?"

  Warrick glared at Ian, his lips twisted into a grimace. "I know the man only by reputation, and by a fleeting encounter one night at a banquet." His eyes narrowed. "And, yes, he was present the day my father died."

  There was a feeling of intense animosity in the room as the two men stared at each other like two predatory animals. They were both remembering that Ian had killed Warrick's father.

  At last Ian spoke, pushing his brother forward. "You will have heard of my brother, Jamie? He is the husband of Lady Helena."

  Jamie flinched and stepped back a pace as Warrick's cruel gaze was turned on him. He sucked in his breath, unable to look away from the probing intensity of Warrick's slate-gray eyes.

  "Ah, yes, the bridegroom," Warrick said. "One can only hope you find happiness in wedded bliss, Jamie Maclvors. When one takes a bride by force, h
e can never be sure of the woman's true affection."

  "I . . ." Jamie's voice trailed off as fear sealed his lips.

  Ian stepped forward and spoke for his brother. "Lady Helena carries my brother's child. Theirs is a love match."

  "Ah, well," Warrick said, with a smile that did not soften his eyes. "No doubt you will breed many little— Maclvors to inhabit the Lowlands."

  Lord Thorndike, realizing that the animosity between the two men could quickly turn into a fray, intervened. "Be seated, gentleman. There is much we need to accomplish here today. The king's orders are that we are to remain sequestered in this room until all concerned have come to a satisfactory agreement."

  Warrick stared at the Englishman. "Why is Lord Gille not here? Can it be that he is late for the appointed meeting?"

  Lord Thorndike looked uncomfortable. "The Lord Mayor advised me that his lordship will be represented by his grandson and heir, Ian Maclvors. Is that acceptable to you?"

  Warrick's lip curled in disgust. "I came here today expecting to meet with Gille Maclvors. Surely you don't intend that I deal with an underling who has no power?"

  Ian's temper flared at the insult. He reached down where his sword should be, only to find the scabbard empty. "You'll pay for this affront. I'll not stay in the same room with a slovenly Highlander."

  Before Ian knew what was happening, Warrick grabbed him by the coat front and jerked him forward.

  Jamie rushed to help his brother, but a warning glare from Warrick made him reconsider. He felt the cold metal of the gun against his chest, but his hands trembled so, he dared not draw the weapon.

  "Ian Maclvors, return to your grandfather, and tell him not to send an unworthy to speak in his stead. I came on the king's orders, and I assumed your grandfather had received the same command. I had no inkling that a subordinate would be representing the Maclvors."

  Lord Thorndike was too wise to restrain physically the angered Lord Warrick, so he spoke quickly. "I was about to inform you of Lord Gille's request. Will you please hear what I have to say?"

  Warrick flung Ian away with a force that sent Ian stumbling against a table. "I'll listen, but if I don't like what you say, be warned, I'll not feel obligated to remain."

  "I was told that Lord Gille Maclvors is in ill health." Lord Thorndike glanced up at Warrick. "After all, he's a man of eighty-three years."

  "He is an old man," Warrick said. "But I also know he still has the faculties and strength of a much younger man." He glared at Ian and Jamie. "I can hardly credit that your grandfather would miss an opportunity to face me. There must be another reason he did not come."

  Ian started to speak but was interrupted by Lord Thorndike.

  "There is another reason Lord Gille could not attend today. He is making ready to welcome his great-granddaughter, who is Ian Maclvors's betrothed," Lord Thorndike said.

  Warrick wasn't placated. "I see no reason why that should have kept him away."

  "Lord lan's betrothed is the daughter of the duke of Ravenworth, and the king expects her to be shown every courtesy. His Majesty has also sent an envoy to welcome the duke's daughter on her arrival. I hope you will agree that Lord Gille's reasons for not being here are legitimate."

  Warrick looked quickly at Ian for confirmation and could tell from his self-satisfied smile that Lord Thorndike spoke the truth.

  "My felicitations," Warrick said. "I'm sure you and your English bride deserve each other."

  Lord Thorndike stepped forward. "I'll not have brawling and accusations. This meeting will be conducted in a manner befitting gentlemen of your stations. Don't force me to return to London and advise the king to send troops to quell this hostility between you."

  The Englishman now had both men's attention, and they fell silent. Neither wanted the king embroiled in their age-old feud.

  "Say what you will," Warrick agreed. "Just get on with it. I have important matters that require my attention."

  Lord Thorndike cleared his throat. "I'll cut right through the formalities and go straight to the charges— is that acceptable?"

  Warrick thought for a moment before he replied, watching Ian, who was straightening his coat. "Lord Thorndike, I'll only remain if I'm satisfied you are not a Maclvors man," he said.

  "I'm no one but the king's man," Lord Thorndike declared indignantly. "If anyone believes differently he's at liberty to leave. Otherwise, be seated and I'll begin."

  An uneasy peace settled over the room as Lord Warrick and Lord Ian sat down at the table. They both watched Lord Thorndike rifle through papers until he found the documents he needed.

  "Starting with the Maclvors's grievances," the king's deputy stated, "you, Lord Warrick, are accused of denying the Maclvors passage through your lands to visit their property, Kilmouris. It further states here that they are often attacked and harassed by your men."

  Warrick stared at Ian. "I will never allow them access to Kilmouris, because the Maclvors have no legal right to it. Kilmouris belongs to me."

  "Why say you this?" Lord Thorndike asked.

  Warrick drew in a deep breath. He was wasting his time talking to the Englishman, who he doubted would be impartial. "In the year 1818, the lands of Kilmouris were deeded to my sister, Gwendolyn, as part of her dowry. Even then my father did not trust a Maclvors well enough to deed the land directly to them." Warrick's eyes hardened. "At that time my sister was in good health. Even so, she died the night of her marriage to Gavin Maclvors under mysterious circumstances."

  "I had heard of this, but continue."

  "I was informed that my sister deliberately threw herself down the stairs to her death. Knowing how faithful Gwendolyn was to the Church, I realized she would never have taken her own life. She always had a horror of being buried in unconsecrated ground."

  "I fear the truth of what happened that night will remain a mystery, since your sister and her husband are both deceased," Lord Thorndike stated.

  "Then ponder this, my lord," Warrick continued. "Our land was never returned to us, nor was the body of my sister. For countless years we have petitioned your king—three of your kings, to be exact—but our charge has gone unheard and our claim ignored."

  "That's why I'm here today, to listen to all charges, weigh the evidence, and draw my own conclusions to present to His Majesty."

  "I wonder if you will be fair."

  "After this is finished, I'll allow you to judge that for yourself," Lord Thorndike answered.

  Warrick leaned forward, his eyes blazing with distrust. "How would you deal with a man who would forcibly abduct an innocent maid just before her wedding, spirit her away, and force her to marry her abductor? How would you rule in this instance?"

  Lord Thorndike had known he would face insurmountable problems in the meeting between the two hostile houses, but he had not come prepared to judge on such an unthinkable infraction. "If your charges are true, Lord Warrick, then the matter will be dealt with as I see fit."

  Warrick pointed at Jamie. "Then deal with him, for the charge is indeed true. Jamie Maclvors is the abductor, and the woman he took was to be my bride. Judge him if you want me to believe in your justice."

  Lord Thorndike turned on Jamie. "Tell me, is this charge true?"

  Jamie stood up quickly and rushed to the back of the room. Taking a reluctant Helena by the hand, he pulled her forward. "May I present my wife, Lord Thorndike. You can hear from her own lips if she was taken away by force or if she willingly became my wife."

  Jamie pushed Lady Helena forward, and she lowered her head, unable to meet the Englishman's eyes.

  "Speak, my lady, and have no fear of reprisal. I only want the truth," Lord Thorndike said kindly.

  Warrick's eyes burned with fury when he saw the woman who had been meant to be his bride, her belly swollen with the seed of a hated Maclvors.

  "I . . ." she licked her dry lips. "I . . . came to love my husband." She still could not raise her eyes.

  Warrick had to know if Helena was being held cap
tive. "Are you certain that you remain at Davinsham Castle of your own free will, my lady?"

  At last she looked at him. "I am content, Lord Warrick. And I have come to realize that you and I would never have . . . dealt well together. I think you frighten me a little. 'Twas not love that was to bind our union. Y—you know this."

  Warrick felt rage brewing within him. It did not matter that he did not love Lady Helena. She should have been his wife—it should be his child she was now carrying. "I am well rid of you, madam," he told her coldly. "A fickle heart is not what I look for in a woman who would bear the next earl of Glencarin."

  Warrick paused and looked at the king's emissary. "You can report what you will to your king, Lord Thorndike. I will no longer stay in the same room with a Maclvors."

  As Warrick walked to the door, Mactavish followed at his side. When the door slammed behind them, a satisfied smile curved Ian's lips. "You see how it is, Lord Thorndike. You can't talk reason to a Drummond. It is my grandfather's hope that you order Lord Warrick to open the road and award us uncontested deed to Kilmouris. Perhaps you would also recommend attaching a monetary penalty on Lord Warrick for his actions here today, and even post troops between the properties to make certain that we are not harassed when we go there."

  Lord Thorndike crammed papers in his satchel, his eyes snapping with anger. "Do not presume to dictate policy to me or his majesty. As I see it, you were the ones who committed the wrong, Lord Ian. I believe you and your brother deliberately brought Lady Helena here today to provoke an outburst from Lord Warrick. Had I been in his place, I would have acted no differently."

  Ian's face hardened. "You cannot take his part against the Maclvors. My grandfather will never allow that. You would be well advised—"

  Lord Thorndike cut him short. "Inform your grandfather that the king will make the decisions, not you, not he. As for you, Jamie Mclvors, return to your grandfather and tell him the Crown does not sanction abducting women, for whatever reason. If I were you, I'd thank your merciful stars that Lord Warrick was unarmed today. I doubt even I could have restrained him had he seen fit to punish you. You trifled with the man's honor, and he does not appear to be a man who would take an insult lightly."