“Aye, come now, Esmeralda, I mean, Emma. Let Meggie care for you and find you some decent clothing. Your da will see to his matters and be back by your side before your hair has had a chance to dry by the fire.” Meggie touched her disheveled braid. “My goodness. When released from this braid, it must be a sight to behold. Such a beauty, just like your sweet mother. Come now, with me.”
Emma allowed her body to be pulled from the scene and away from Cortland. Meggie talked the whole way down the corridor, down back stairs and into the bathing chamber.
Chapter 2
“I had hoped you would return sooner.” Declan greeted Cortland as he entered his chamber. Cortland knew he was likely the only living soul allowed to wait in the personal space. Declan stopped at the table before the fireplace and poured a cup of wine before turning to face Cortland.
“My journey led me to two other villages before I found my daughter at long last.” Cortland waved off the offer of a cup.
Taking his customary chair, Declan motioned for Cortland to sit. “When the men rode in ahead of you with your glad tidings, I kenned the reason. I share your grief, old man. What Esmeralda had to do to survive pains my heart.”
Cortland allowed himself an honest sigh of pain. He should have known the men would tell the worst of the tale like old women gabbing at the village well. There was also the thought that Emma should not have to bear the sins of Esmeralda’s life. “My daughter is innocent of what the men say. To make the tale short, the name is common, and my Esmeralda was nay the wench at the alehouse. It was an accident that we ran into each other.” He made a mental note to tell Emma his version of their meeting in the marketplace.
Declan grinned at the falsehood. “Then I am relieved beyond telling. You are a blessed man to have found her.”
Blessed wasn’t the word Cortland would have chosen given the events of the day. He had found his daughter, and they had disliked each other on sight. Only his stubbornness had made her journey with him and then had cost Esmeralda her life. His hands still bore the dirt of the grave he had dug, and his heart would carry the pain for years to come.
“I have brought a fine lass home to claim as my own.” Cortland told Declan even as he reminded himself. “She uses the name Emma now. Her mother changed it when they fled years ago. ‘Tis the one she prefers.”
“I will welcome her back to the clan in the hall during the evening meal.” Declan’s offer would give Emma respect and secure her place.
“It can wait until the morrow. For now, I would have her company to myself. We have much to learn of the other.” Cortland replied, knowing that there was no lie in that.
He knew it to be the perfect moment to tell Declan the truth of her arrival. His laird should ken the old legends were real and the fates had delivered a strong and honorable woman to the clan. Eyeing the man who had just left another man’s wife, Cortland held his tongue. His Emma was simply that, his. He decided that if the fates had meant for her to be for Declan, he would have found her.
“Then on the morrow we will welcome her home and let all ken she is your lost child. In time, talk of her will fade provided she behaves herself.”
Cortland had no doubt Emma would be a daughter to make him proud in all ways. “Aye, Declan. Now, let us speak of your poor behavior. I bring my child home, and we were greeted by the sounds of you and Glenda.”
Declan shook his head and indulged in a large sip of wine. “Glenda and Malcolm are leaving on the morrow.”
“Why?” Cortland asked though he remained quite certain he would not wish for the answer.
“For an old man, Malcolm carries the greed of one who has years to spend coin. He asks for a king’s ransom for his daughter’s hand and also asks for the price I refuse to pay.”
Cortland nodded. Malcolm was not the first to set a ridiculously high bride price and cruel demands. “So, you bed his wife?”
“I thought you heard enough to ken the bed was never used.” Declan teased and shook his head as if to clear away the frivolity. “She offered, and I needed to ken what they had heard. Women speak so freely once removed from their clothing.”
“An honest one will do the same if asked a question,” Cortland interjected.
“Since I have yet to meet one of those, I used my methods. Malcolm is aware my uncle has support at court to use the edict against me. His horrid daughter is also aware. The lass had the audacity to tell me how much her hand in marriage was worth and what type of finery she expected as my wife. Glenda has raised a foul child as greedy as she is.” Declan’s disgust rang loud in the chamber.
“Why are they leaving so soon? Negotiations are expected in the matter,” Cortland replied and waited for the real reason.
“Glenda and I had a slight disagreement before I left her chamber,” Declan replied, with a wince.
That would be the part Cortland did not wish to hear; Declan always disappointed him slowly.
“Glenda was attempting to encourage me to meet the bride price. Their clan is small and would greatly benefit from an alliance with ours for trade and such. In truth, she was making fine sense in her proposal. It was when she suggested we could continue our liaisons after I wed her daughter that I could nay even bear the sight of her. What type of mother would suggest such depravity?”
“You speak of depravity? You are the one bedding the woman who could be your mother by marriage. Tell me the rest. What dinna I wish to hear?” Cortland asked, feeling his temper begin to fray.
“There may have been a suggestion that involved mother and daughter that pushed even her lack of decency too far.” Declan’s shoulders shrugged away the reproach Cortland thought of offering. “She may have yelled a wee bit about how foul I am and how they needed to leave these lands before her husband was fool enough to agree to terms.”
Cortland sighed and turned his gaze to the empty fireplace; no flames burned to focus his attention in the late afternoon. It took all his mental strength to focus on the task at hand. “I visited several villages on my journey. Your uncle has done an amazing job spreading the news of the edict. It was the talk of every alehouse and market I visited. Your task of finding a wife has become that much more difficult. All speak of your need and how you bed everything in a skirt. Nay a fine combination.”
“I have no wish to marry for need again,” Declan said softly.
The admission tore at Cortland’s heart. One forced marriage for the clan should have been enough. He had hoped to see Declan settled with the right woman for the right reasons, just like his parents and ancestors. Unfortunately, the fates seemed to have other plans for the young laird.
“We still have almost two moons before the day of your birth. Are there any clans you wish to invite for a visit?” Cortland asked hopefully. If Declan had to marry to keep his title and lands, an alliance could be strengthened.
“We have visited or been visited by most of our neighbors within the last several moons. I can think of none with a daughter we have yet to meet.”
“The same thoughts plague me as well. Let us sleep on the matter. There must be a clan with a marriageable daughter whose mother or aunt you have nay bedded.” Cortland threw the barb at him.
Declan chuckled and finished his wine. “I doubt it, but we can hope for now.” Turning his wishful gaze to Cortland, Declan’s head nodded. “Mayhap there is a woman for me that I just have nay found yet. No mythical doors opened for me on my travels to deliver the lass I crave. By chance, did you find her for me?”
While meant as a jest, Cortland tensed as a chill crept down his spine. It was an odd and disturbing moment for Declan to recall ancient legends that spoke of travelers from the land of Arizona on the same day he had encountered such. In the past, women and a few men had arrived with strength and wisdom to share with the clan when needed most. Supposedly, more than one of Declan’s ancestors had
married such a woman and enjoyed a life full of love.
In that moment, Cortland remembered what it felt like to be a father with a daughter to protect. Instincts long buried surfaced in one heartbeat. “Sorry, Declan. You will have to find your own destiny. It would be greedy for me to ask the gods for more than I have this day.”
“Then we will be happy for your glad tidings. On the morrow, we will use clearer sight to try to find a way out of my predicament.” Rising from his seat, Declan walked to the door and unbolted the lock. “I have kept you too long from Esmeralda. No, wait, from Emma.”
Cortland stepped into the corridor and turned back to face Declan. “We will solve the matter, have no fear.”
“I ken this, old man. If you can find your daughter, all feats are possible. Mayhap I should speak with you about her hand in marriage.” Though the jest could be heard in Declan’s comment, ice filled Cortland’s veins. He had ignored Declan’s initial reaction to Emma on the trail and silently prayed he had not seen interest in his laird’s eyes.
Staring hard at Declan, Cortland spoke more harshly than he intended. “My daughter is nay for you.”
Holding up his hands in surrender, Declan laughed. “I jest, naught more. I had a peek at your daughter. While bonny enough, she is built tall and lean like her father. I prefer curves on my women. You ken this.”
“Dinna think to look for her curves, or you will deal with me,” Cortland growled. When Declan’s jaw fell open in shock, Cortland let out a heavy sigh. “Forgive me. ‘Twas a long journey home complete with thieves. My daughter was attacked, and there was little I could do. I speak from exhaustion and fear, nay my heart.” He knew Declan should hear of his grief and how he had buried his true child, but the words never left his lips.
“Be at peace.” Declan gripped his shoulder. “I will find a woman nay related to you by blood.”
Cortland forced a smile to his lips and strode down the corridor to the baths. The parting comment did little to diminish the dread in his soul.
~ ~ ~
“Enough, Meggie. You have told Emma of every moment from when she first drew breath in life. Should you nay be tending Mary?” Cortland suggested, lifting Meggie from her seat before the fire in Emma’s chamber.
The details of what was supposed to have been her life swirled in her head. Delusions of dreams and head traumas had faded as reality took hold. Her whirling mind could only grasp the simplest of concepts. The water in the bath left droplets on my skin. The shift I’m wearing under this massive robe feels soft against my skin. The hot meal tasted so good, and the fire is warming my toes. Any notion of fantasy evaporated, leaving her with the fact she was stuck in the past halfway around the world; the brought her no comfort.
“My chamber is across from you, Emma. Fetch me for anything you need. On the morrow, we will fit a gown for you and introduce you to all.” Emma noticed tears beginning to well up in Meggie’s eyes. “Oh, Emma. ‘Tis so fine you are here. Is it nay, Cortland? Such a fine day.”
“Thank you for everything, Meggie,” Emma said politely. It was the most she could manage with her world spinning out of control.
Cortland pushed the woman out of the room and closed the door with a heavy sigh. “The woman has a good heart, but she speaks all the day long.”
Emma nodded weakly and turned her gaze back to the fire.
“I see fear in your eyes, Emma.” Cortland sat beside her.
Grandma was right—I have a lousy poker face. “I’ve come to the conclusion this isn’t a dream or a head injury.” When Cortland’s pale blue eyes, that matched her own, questioned the revelation, she explained the idea of hitting herself on the head with her weapons.
“Nay, ‘tis no dream you are having, and I doubt you could injure yourself in such a manner. Your ability with your weapons was clear to my eyes.” Cortland smiled at her reassuringly. “You are here with me.”
Emma let her gaze finally wander the room she had been given. It was simple but lovely. Besides the fireplace and the chairs, there were fur rugs, a table, and a bed with several blankets. The stone chamber had a window overlooking the cliffs that fell to the sea.
It dawned on her that she was dressed for bed with Cortland by her side. The too-large robe suddenly seemed inappropriate. “I’m not supposed to have boys in my room,” she blurted out.
Cortland chuckled. “‘Tis a fine rule I would see you honor. Be at peace. I am the one who claims to be your father.”
“You don’t have to do that, you know. I mean, it all happened so quickly. If you want to change your mind, I’d understand.” Even Emma heard the pathetic whine in her voice.
“While I appreciate your offer, I think nay. I like the idea of having a daughter by my side again. Emma, every thought you have is written on your face. I am pleased to claim you.”
The notion delighted her more than she could say. Cortland had so far proven he kept his word. She had been cared for, fed, and provided a nice room. “Thank you for taking me with you today.”
“My pleasure, lass. It would have been poorly done after you joined my battle to leave you to fend for yourself. I may have quite a bit to remember about being a good da, but I think we are off to a fine start.” Emma was quickly learning that Cortland’s eyes twinkled when he seemed pleased.
“That reminds me. I have details to add to our story of meeting,” Cortland began.
Emma focused on his story of meeting in a marketplace by literally running into each other. The idea that she would have known her father and that he would have known her on sight seemed sweet and like the fantasies she’d had as a small child. “Okay. I can remember that.”
“As for the rest, my daughter has nay been here in almost a score of years. The place would seem new to her. Ask questions when you need to of myself or Meggie, though if you ask Meggie, be prepared for a long-winded answer.”
Emma laughed at the remark and let her body relax slightly. In her new land, it was early evening, and she had arrived in the morning. Her body knew it had been early evening at home when she jumped recklessly through the odd door in her garden. The day had seemed to last forever even though she had traveled six hundred years in the past. The complicated thought cramped her brain. I can’t even begin to comprehend all of this.
Finding a simpler line of thought, she questioned what life would hold. “What did you expect your daughter to do here?”
Cortland ran his hand over his cropped hair, a gesture she had already seen him make a handful of times. It was what he did when he was thinking, she assumed. “Mostly, I had hoped for us to find our way together, to rebuild our lives as a family.”
“But what would she do every day?” Emma wanted details but liked his big picture plan.
“Emma, you have only just arrived. Tasks will be found that suit you when you are ready.” Again, his hand swept over his hair. “Before I met Esmeralda, I had the thought she could aid in the care of wee Mary, Declan’s daughter. But after we met, the thought fled.”
“I don’t know if I’m the nanny-type.” While she loved teaching the kids at the dojo, full-time childcare wasn’t appealing, though the idea of a small child without supervision bothered her immensely. It reminded Emma of her own early childhood. “Who takes care of her now?”
“Meggie is in charge and assigns a lass to keep an eye on the child.” Cortland answered as if random caretakers were acceptable. “The child has only been at the keep for about a year.”
Emma remembered details from one of Meggie’s diatribes. Mary was six years old, and her mother had died giving birth to her. As an infant, she had been given to the care of a woman in the village who offered to nurse the child along with her own. Mary stayed in the village until she was more than five years old, which made her question Declan as a father. “Wait a minute. Are you saying that for a year no one
has taken care of her?”
“Nay, Emma. I said that Meggie assigns a lass to see to her needs,” Cortland corrected. “I had the thought it would be fine for Mary to have the same person every day. On the morrow, you will meet the child. Mayhap the task will suit you, mayhap nay. Given time, we will find a task you prefer.”
Emma mulled over the comment and let it pass. She wasn’t in a position to argue over parenting styles when she had no experience and had never met the child. If Cortland seems good with it, it must be okay.
“What happens if I don’t fit in here? I mean, this is so different from my home,” Emma said, not sure how anyone could answer that type of theoretical question.
“You will have the same offer I made Esmeralda. Should you nay prefer life here at the keep, I will take you to my lands. I hold a small piece of property, a gift from Declan. On it sits a fine cottage and several families who tend the lands. You could make a home there if you choose, though I would ask you give Draig lands a try. I need to be here to make certain Declan remains the laird.”
“The whole he-has-to-get-married thing, right?” Emma asked. Meggie had voiced her concern, several times, over the fate of the clan should Declan’s Uncle Glenn be made Laird of the Draig clan. Even that kind woman had nothing nice to say about the uncle.
“Aye, Emma. The edict stating Declan needs to be wed is now a threat to all I hold dear. We either need to find him a wife or find a way around the edict.”
“I’ve had some experience with legal documents. I could take a look at it.” Emma explained the estate paperwork that had been carefully written to prevent her mother from claiming a dime should she ever find out about Emma’s sole possession.
“A daughter who can read and handle affairs of great import, I am the most fortunate of men. I will speak with Declan about fresh eyes reading it over. Mayhap you can see what we have missed.”
The Draig's Wife Page 4
