Beauty and The Highlander

by McQueen, Hildie

  The maid swallowed visibly. Instead of a reply she turned on her heel and fled.

  Analise let out a breath. Her hand trembled when she lifted her cup again. Why would Carrick keep the woman around, especially now that she was here? If he chose to keep a mistress, it would not be under the same roof as his wife.

  She got up, no longer hungry. The cook turned from the side counter. "Milady, Lisbeth has been given too many liberties. Lord Carrick is a good master, but rarely gives a care about what goes on in the house. And Lisbeth...well, she took advantage."

  "And took to his bed."

  At her statement the cook nodded. "Lord Carrick was lonely here. I believe so, yes."

  Was he still lying with Lisbeth? Her chest constricted and Analise closed her eyes. The situation was beyond hurtful. His disregard for her feelings insulting.

  "Where is Lord Carrick now?"

  Chapter Nine

  Sweat trickled down his temples. A river of it dribbled along the center of his back as well. With a final heave he and his men finally downed the tree. A smile split Carrick's face at seeing the troublesome oak fall.

  The men lifted their axes and began the job of chopping it to smaller pieces. "Have care with the trunk. It will be used to make new tables, the other half for chairs." He lifted his arm to wipe away the perspiration.

  It was time to replace the three tables in the great room, it wasn't until he'd walked in with Analise and seen her reaction to the current furnishings that he realized how much in need of repair everything was. Analise instructed the house lads to drag the tables outside to be cleaned. But even after much scrubbing they remained in horrible shape.

  Movement caught his eye. His breath caught at the sight. Analise walked from the front of the house. She held her skirts up with one hand with the other she shaded her eyes and scanned around. Was she looking for him?

  If only she'd not requested to live separately from him, he would have thought they had a chance at a closer relationship. But her words cut him deeply. She was repulsed by him and did not wish to be in the same household. He'd considered having another bed made so he could sleep in a different chamber, but then changed his mind. As long as she remained under the same roof, they would share a bed.

  He'd yet to take her again. Not that he'd not been tempted. Especially in the middle of the night when she'd snuggled against him for warmth. He'd run his hands over her body while she slept appreciating the dips and curves of her waist and hips. But he remained too angry with her to make love.

  She spotted him and headed his way.

  Carrick put his ax down and met her half way. "You are out early, wife. Is there something you require?" He ensured to keep his tone even.

  Her bright eyes flashed at him. "Yes, there is."

  He took note that she blinked more than necessary, her posture rigid. Was she about to cry? "Would you like to sit?"

  She looked around to the flat ground and it was then he realized there was nowhere to sit. "No, Carrick, I would not like to sit." She took a calming breath. "But we can walk."

  They walked a few steps and she cleared her throat. "I am not sure how to speak to you about the household. You have not given me clear instructions. Nor have you explained to me what you expect from me." Her voice trembled. He could not tell if she was angry or sad. More than anything he wanted to take her in his arms, but refrained.

  Instead he walked alongside her, his hands behind his back. "As my wife, you are free to make whatever changes you see fit. I do not place any restrictions on your choices."

  She stopped and looked up at him, her eyes lingering on his lips before moving. He cursed inwardly at his disfigurement. How he wished the slight coloring of her cheeks came from interest and not disgust. "Carrick, does that include sending Lisbeth away?"

  "Why would you want to send her away?" He wondered if Analise suspected that in the past he'd lain with the woman. It had been months since he'd done so, finding the woman expected more from him than their agreement to keeping it purely physical. Analise had not liked Lisbeth on sight. Women had strong intuition.

  "She doesn't do anything. The house is in horrible shape and she seems to hold herself in the role of...er, I'm not sure what actually."

  "I see." He didn't but wasn't sure what else to say. "If you wish to send her away, it's your decision."

  "You are not upset?" She leaned forward looking into his eyes. "Isn't she more to you than just a servant?"

  Was she trying to upset him? Carrick frowned. "If you mean to ask if Lisbeth is my lover then ask."

  Her eyes widened at his blunt words. "Is she?"

  "She was at one time, but I have not lain with her in a long time. Months. I understand why you'd want her to leave. I should have sent her away before bringing you here. I will speak to her at once." He sidestepped his wife, not sure if her mouth agape and shiny eyes expressed disappointment at his lack of emotion or not.

  He entered the empty great room, the floors were scrubbed and white washed. There were no rushes on the floor and other than one small clean table and chairs the expanse remained without furnishings. Tapestries were pulled down from the windows allowing for fresh air. The lads, who currently scooped ashes from the fireplace, got to their feet at seeing him.

  "Where is Lisbeth?"

  One of the lads extended his skinny arm. "She just went downstairs, milord."

  He took the steps two at a time coming to the landing in a few seconds and went to Lisbeth's door. At his knock she opened the door, her lips curving. "Carrick. You come to me today? Please enter." She moved from the doorway clearly expecting him to walk inside.

  He remained at the doorway. "You must go. I will give you enough money to help you settle in town. My men will escort you once you have finished packing."

  "No!" Lisbeth threw herself against him, her fists pounding his chest. "That bitch is not worthy of you. You are mine."

  Carrick took her fists in his hands and held her still. "Stop. You were always aware I would marry and it would not be to you. That is why I have not been with you of last. It's time."

  She sniffed and yanked her hands from his hold. "How often do you fuck her, Carrick? Because from what I see you two are rarely in the same room. Does she touch or kiss your misshapen face? I bet not." Lisbeth turned on her heel. "I will be gone, but mark my words. You will wish for me back."

  "Do as I say. Be gone." Carrick took a step back and turned away.

  "Don't do this," Lisbeth wailed, but did not follow him. At least she was wise enough not to push her luck.

  Thankfully there was no one in his chamber. He closed the door behind him and sunk into a chair. Lisbeth was right in some respects. Analise did not kiss him, nor did she come near him except in her sleep. He did wish for something more from his marriage, love, acceptance and children. But it seemed his wishes were not to come true.

  Chapter Ten

  One of the lads came running into the great room just as Carrick finished eating. "Milord, a messenger arrives." Analise gave him a questioning look and he shrugged not expecting anyone. Just then two of his father's men entered the room. "Carrick, your father is very ill. Your presence is required immediately."

  Carrick motioned for the messengers and the second man to sit. "We will head to Gordon keep in the morning. Eat and rest, we leave at first light."

  "Shall I will go with you?" Analise asked him, her eyes on the messengers. "I think it would be most appropriate in case anything is needed. I am well versed in curing."

  Her request surprised him but he kept from showing any expression. "I would think you'd be glad to remain behind and away from me."

  Analise's gasp made him wish to retract the words. "I will remain then." Her bottom lip quivered and she pressed them together.

  "Analise, I..." Carrick began, but she stood and looked down her nose at him.

  "No, do not apologize. I will go to bed now. I find that I am suddenly very tired."

  Analise entered her cham
ber and threw the door shut behind her. She stormed to the window and looked over the expanse of the land toward the mountains. A tear escaped, trailing down her face and she did not bother to wipe it away. Why did she insist in attempting to please him? Every time she tried, he said the most hurtful things. There was no doubt in her mind that once he became laird he'd leave her behind and move to Gordon keep without her.

  Movement below caught her attention. Two men stood in the shadows speaking in a low voices. They did not look familiar. It was probably the messenger and the other clansman. She leaned and attempted to get a closer look, but they moved further into the shadows making it impossible.

  A deep voice reached her ears. "I don't know why she goes to all this trouble. All she has to do is order him killed. I would do it."

  The second man replied, "Aye but this way she can control when and how it happens."

  Who did they refer to? Did a woman plan to hurt Carrick? Analise moved back from the window when the men circled out and continued their walk.

  She sighed. What could she do, there wasn't much in the way of helping as Carrick saw her more as a nuisance than a wife. Erin entered followed by the two lads who carried in a large wooden tub. "I thought you'd enjoy a bath tonight, milady."

  Ever thoughtful, the maid continued to briskly order the lads to bring buckets of water while she urged Analise to a stool and began to loosen her hair. The maid's eyes met hers in the looking glass. "You seem sad, milady. Is there anything you wish to talk about?"

  Analise did not take her request as taking too much liberty. As she was without friends, she'd confided more and more in the gentle Erin. "I am sad. It seems no matter how hard I try to please him, he finds me bothersome. I don't believe he cares one way or the other what I do."

  "Oh, but Lord Carrick is not indifferent to you, milady. I believe he does care. He watches you wherever you are in a room. He is just not used to women and our sensibilities."

  "No, I think you are mistaken. I am not a whimpering simpleton to be set aside and treated like glass. He doesn't like me."

  "I say you wait for him to come to bed and speak to him, milady. In the darkness sometimes it’s easier to speak without having to school one's expressions." She met Erin's sensible face in the mirror and nodded.

  She lowered into the hot water and closed her eyes while Erin washed her hair. The heat soothed her rigid limbs. "I will try, Erin. At the same time I won't expect much."

  An hour later Analise settled into the bed and once again straightened the blankets. Her eyes flew to the door when she heard heavy footsteps. Unlike other nights, the lamps still burned, bathing the room with soft lights. Carrick entered and looked to her. By the dampness of his hair, he too had bathed. But not in their shared chamber.

  "Are you unwell?" His eyes scanned the room before leveling on her. "Why are you still awake?"

  "I am waiting for you. Thought perhaps we could speak."

  The muscle at his jawline jumped and he shoulders lifted. "What do you wish to speak of?"

  Damnation, she was doing it all wrong. Erin had said to speak in the darkness. Unfortunately now she could see how much he didn't wish to speak with her by his body language alone. "It nothing serious really. I just hoped to convey that I wish to accompany you to see your father. To be of help."

  Carrick's shoulders fell, he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his boots off. "If you want to come, then I have no objection. I will go ahead on horseback and not take any breaks. You and your maid can follow in the wagon." He turned to face her, his breathtaking eyes locking to hers. "Is that all?"

  If only she'd waited until they lay together in darkness. A heated response of her cheeks coloring made her unable to speak.

  Her eyes traveled from his face to his bare chest. "No, nothing else."

  Moments later he blew out the candles and slid into the bed to lie next to her. It cut like a knife into her chest when he took care to keep a distance between them. Analise reached to his arm. "Sleep well."

  "Aye. Ye as well."

  Soon his soft snores gave her freedom to move closer to him. By the moonlight she studied him. Her finger just above his skin, she traced along the scar that went from the corner of his right eye to his lip. What could have caused such a scar? Asleep his features softened and he seemed much younger, almost carefree. A total contrast to the stern quiet man. Was he always that way? Had he been different once?

  She gave in and leaned over him and pressed her lips to his. A soft mumble made her jerk away. Thankfully he'd not woken.

  Two days later, Analise and Erin arrived at Gordon keep. They were escorted into the courtyard. This time was so different. She now knew what to expect and prepared herself to greet her husband's brother and stepmother. She made her way into the great room and was immediately taken by the sheer size of it and the many people who mingled about. How different to her home it was. And yet if the laird died, this would be where she and Carrick would live.

  No one greeted her, so she directed the lads to take her trunks upstairs and went directly to the opposite stairwell to see about Carrick and his father. She turned a sharp corner at the first landing and ran right into Declan. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you. It's quite dim in here, isn't it?"

  His shrewd eyes narrowed and looked her up and down. "I didn't know you were coming. My brother didn't say."

  When he didn't move out of her path, she took a step back. "Where is Carrick?"

  "So you are well then? I am surprised to find you wish to be near him."

  "Why would I not?" No matter her relationship with Carrick, she didn't wish to discuss it with Declan.

  His lips curved up, but the smile did not change the narrowing of his eyes. "Why not indeed. I suppose being the new laird's wife has allure." He reached for her face, his fingers tracing down the side. "You are much too beautiful to be tied to him. If things change, I may take you for myself."

  She knew her eyes widened, but she did not say anything. Instead she pushed his hand away and looked past him. "Allow me to pass, please."

  "Of course. It's the door at the end of the hall." He gave her a short bow and went around her and down the stairs.

  "What in heavens did he speak of?" Her heartbeat quickening, she went to the door and pushed it open. Carrick stood next to a window and didn't turn to see who entered. The laird lay on the bed, his once ruddy complexion now pale. The ill man watched her enter but did not move to speak. Analise went to the edge of the bed and studied him lifting his eyelids then pulled out his upper lip. She leaned over him and sniffed.

  "What are you doing?" Carrick was at once next to the bed, his brows drawn together.

  "Leave her be," the laird's words sounded weak. He would not live much longer if it continued.

  "He is being poisoned," Analise stated and went to the side table. She picked up the pitcher of water and poured it out the window. "Do not allow anyone but Erin to oversee his food and water."

  "How can you be so sure?" Carrick took her arm. "Why do you suspect poison?"

  Analise moved back toward the laird, Carrick at her side. She pointed to the ill man's mouth. "The purpling around his lips and eyes are clear signs of poisoning. Also his breath, it smells sweet. I've seen it before."

  Carrick leaned over the laird and sniffed. "Aye, ‘tis true."

  The laird's wide eyes looked to his son and then to her. "Do not speak to anyone of this. No one outside this room. If I live, whoever is responsible will be dealt with." Exhausted from talking, his eyes began to droop. "Post one of your men at my door. Someone you trust." His head loped to the side.

  "Who would do this?" Carrick lowered his voice. Analise considered telling him what she'd overheard, but at the same time what if she'd heard wrong. What would a woman have to gain from killing the laird? It was Carrick who would gain Lairdship.

  She went toward the doorway. "I will find Erin and explain that we wish her to oversee the preparation of your father's meals. Say that he's requeste
d her stew and only she can cook it. As far as water and such, the lads can bring it."

  Carrick nodded, his expression hard to read. "I thank ye."

  Chapter Eleven

  Analise made her way down the corridor and a stairwell. Going past several doors she became disoriented, as she'd never been in this part of the house. Upon hearing voices she went in the direction of where two people held conversation.

  "There is nothing they can do," a woman hissed. "Distract them so I can go back in and see about administering more."

  "If you're caught, I will not help you," a male whispered back. "I say we give it a few days."

  "He may get better," the woman said.

  Analise stumbled back and ran the way she came ensuring to not make any noise. Her breath came in rasps when she bolted into the bedroom and Carrick's eyebrows rose. She went to him and took his hand. "I can't find my way to the kitchens."

  "I will go with you."

  "No. We must not leave him alone. You have to get someone to guard him every instant."

  Carrick who remained by his father's bed scowled but nodded in response. Just then the door opened and Moraine, the laird's wife entered. "If you would like to rest, I will keep watch over my husband." She lowered her eyes not meeting theirs. "He mostly sleeps now."

  Analise replied, "On the contrary, I came to help so you can rest. I will stay here tonight. Why don't you lay down, you must be exhausted."

  Unable to form a response, Moraine looked past her to where the laird slept and nodded. "Very well. But I will be here early in the morning to see about him." She lingered a few moments, never nearing the bed and finally moved to the doorway. Analise took advantage of the opportunity. "I will go with you while Carrick remains. I must speak to Cook. You see I am well versed in curing and have some ideas of certain herbs that may help." She continued chatting as they made their way to the first level. All the while Moraine remained rigid, replying in noncommittal grunts and nods. They'd made it down a second corridor when Moraine stopped and pushed Analise against the wall holding her by the shoulders.