A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1)

by Taylor, Brenda B.

  Gavin quickly dismounted, helped her upon the mare, then lifted Sven to sit behind her. The tanist smiled. “Madam Munro. We are well pleased to be in your company this day.” He mounted and led his horse next to Maidie’s mare.

  “Greetings, Maidie,” Davina said, moving closer. “I’m so verra happy you are going with us.”

  Andrew cast a hard eye toward his siblings then remounted Scara. He intended the lass to ride next to him, but Gavin and Davina surrounded her. His brother looked too pleased.

  “Madam Munro, would you please pay me the honor of riding next to me?” Andrew turned in the saddle to ask the question.

  “Nae, M’Laird. I will remain beside your sister.”

  Andrew’s anger shot through him like a flash of fire. The woman refused to ride beside him when he requested it. He shouldn’t make a scene in front of the villagers, his men and family, so he ground his teeth, moving his horse forward with a jerk as the heat of ire scorched his face. A more exasperating woman he had never met. He noticed the eyes of the villagers following Maidie as she passed. Most fell in behind the party, some turned and went inside their cottages.

  The chief’s entourage reached the kirk. Gavin rushed to help Maidie and Sven down from their horse while Tavish assisted Davina. Trying to remain clam and not show the rage boiling within, Andrew entered with the others following. After the required formality before entering the sanctuary, he made his way to the bench reserved for his family.

  Davina took her place beside Andrew, while Gavin sat next to her. Maidie and Sven moved to another row. Gavin turned, motioning for her to sit beside him. She took the seat then pulled Sven down by her. Gavin and Davina pressed toward Andrew almost pushing him off the bench.

  Andrew whispered to his sister through clinched teeth, “Would you like to sit in my lap, lass? Seems you’re trying to knock me off this bench.”

  Davina turned, giving him a hard look. “Don’t be cheeky, Brother. Gavin’s crowding me.”

  Andrew looked over the shoulders of his sister and brother. He could see only the back of the healer’s head. She pulled her arisaid closer in the frigid atmosphere of the kirk. Sunlight streaming from the cut-glass windows brought strands of wheat and burnished gold to the locks of her hair. Her slender neck gleamed white beneath the thick braid. She sat still and stared ahead. Gavin caught his eye, smiled, and taunted Andrew by placing his arm around Maidie’s waist. She moved forward slightly without looking in his direction. Her lips moved in silent prayer. He shouldn’t care, but for some reason his brother’s attention toward the lass heightened his irritation.

  Although still seething, Andrew directed his attention to the matter at hand. The women found seats behind the members of the chief’s household. The men stood in the back. Anne knelt between Nellie and Alan at the coffin of Randal. He hated burying his best fighting men. He tried to save Randal and took the blow from the Cameron’s ax meant for the warrior, but a plunge dealt by a MacKenzie sword to Randall’s gut was quick and sure. The gentle healer of the Cameron clan saved Andrew’s life with her stitching, potions and salves. Maybe she did have a magic touch. If such were true, it would not be one of black magic, but white—loving and kind.

  Nellie and Alan helped Anne to rise. She had difficulty since her bairn was due soon. Maidie should tend Anne during the birthing, which was another reason for her to reside in the castle. He would make arrangements this very day to bring the lass and her son to Fàrdach, and would not be refused. After all, he was her chief, and she must abide by his wishes.

  Andrew leaned close to Davina’s ear. “I intend to ask Madam Munro to reside in the castle. I need your help in convincing her.”

  Davina turned to look at him. His heart grew tender toward this younger sister. She so favored their deceased mother. “Are you sure ‘tis your wish, Brother?”

  “Aye, Davina, ‘tis my wish. Why do you ask?” He puzzled at his sister’s response, thinking Davina and Maidie were good friends.

  Davina didn’t answer, only turned back to stare ahead. Andrew placed a large arm around the slender shoulders and patted her arm. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze in return. Her pretty olive skin glowed with promise and youth. The brown hair now woven into the fashionable large braid at the nape of a white neck shone in the filtered sunlight of the kirk. She was indeed a beautiful young girl—about the age of Tara Fraser when he, at age twenty-five, first married her. Gavin would have Davina married to the MacKenzie’s youngest son, but Andrew could hardly abide the thought. He wanted a steady, honorable man for this young lass, and the MacKenzie lad was known to be reveler; however, he would think on the possibility. The marriage would bring peace between the clans and was the same reason his father gave Kenneth permission to wed Maidie Cameron.

  The funeral liturgy called for kneeling, so Andrew knelt with difficulty. The wound healed nicely, but still hampered some movements. He glanced at those kneeling on the same bench. Maidie’s forehead rested on her folded hands. Her finely etched profile could be seen past Gavin’s who leaned back on his heels. Her full pink lips moved as she joined in the prayers of the priest. Andrew stared at the sweet scene for a moment, until Gavin noticed and moved forward to block his view. Andrew gave his brother a hard look with an arched brow, but Gavin only smiled and then turned his head toward Maidie.

  Andrew remained silent because of anger seething within and from not remembering the prayers. Most of the litanies he had learned in childhood had been forgotten in the neglect of his spiritual life. Gavin likewise did not participate.

  With the final liturgy recited, the congregation rose to leave. Andrew left the bench at the end to go to Anne. He took both her hands in his. “Anne, my heart breaks for you. Randal was one of my best warriors, loyal, and kind.”

  “Thank you, M’Laird. I miss him so.” Anne’s voice quivered.

  “You’ll have a wee bairn for company soon.” He squeezed the lady’s cold hands.

  “Yes, M’Laird. Verra soon.” She lowered her eyes and sniffed.

  “Alan and Nellie will see you safely back to Fàrdach.” Andrew then spoke a name he had not used in a very long time. “God bless you, Anne.”

  Anne looked into his eyes with moist blue ones. “And God bless you, Laird Munro, for being so kind.”

  Little did Andrew know then, the extent of the blessing Anne had called upon God to bestow. He smiled at the good woman, patted her hand, and turned to join his party, who had made their way out of the sanctuary and were mounting their horses.

  ***

  The chief’s party reached Maidie’s cottage. She caught Andrew’s gaze when his men helped Sven and her dismount. His face looked drawn and pale. Deep dark rings lay beneath his eyes. The wound must be causing him great pain. Maidie turned to Davina while Sven went with Tavish to the byre.

  “Come with us to Fàrdach.” Davina took Maidie’s hand when she extended it in farewell. Her request sounded cold and distant.

  “I canna live in the castle. I’ll come tend to Anne and visit with you then.” She took her hand from Davina’s.

  The lass turned away from the chief and bent close to Maidie. “Andrew requested I ask, but don’t feel obligated to come. Mayhap you should think on returning to your family.”

  Maidie’s heart felt like a stone in the cottage wall at Davina’s words. She thought the young Munro sister liked her and enjoyed her friendship. Before Maidie could reply, Davina turned her horse and rode away, accompanied by the chief and his entourage. Gavin turned back, dismounted, and escorted Maidie into the cottage. Maidie’s hand immediately went to her mouth when she entered the small dwelling.

  Gavin entered behind her. “Saints in Heaven who could have done this?”

  The room lay in shambles. The legs of the table and chairs were broken. Foodstuffs from the castle were strewn around with the sacks of flour and grain cut open, spilling their contents. Pieces of broken dishes lay about. Ashes covered the floor. Bundles of scorched and burned herbs lay in the ashes.
Bedding from the box beds and the new blankets had been cut to shreds.

  Sven came running through the back door. “Mam, someone cut up Tavish’s blankets and pulled up the herbs in your garden.”

  Maidie took her distraught son into her arms. Gavin looked around to gather any clue to the responsible person or persons. He went outside to the garden and then the byre, soon to return with Tavish.

  “Madam, you must come with us to Fàrdach. You canna stay here under these conditions,” Gavin said with dark eyes and his mouth drawn into a tight line.

  “Aye, I canna have my son stay here.” Maidie felt on the verge of collapse, but could not find a chair or place to sit. “We’ve naught left. All is gone.” Tears filled her eyes as she took in the destruction of her home.

  She began walking around the cottage, trying to straighten a chair, but it would not stand on broken legs. Sven ran to her and wrapped his small arms around her waist.

  “Mam, leave things be. Leave them be. You canna fix them now. We must go with Sir Gavin to Fàrdach Castle.” He pulled on Maidie’s cape. “Come, we must go.”

  “The lad’s right, Madam. You must come with me.”

  “I have nae clothes to take or medicinal supplies. Everything is lost.” Maidie’s throat constricted, and she could barely speak above a whisper.

  “You and the lad will be given whatever you need at the castle. Come, let us go.” Gavin took her by the arm and led her away from the home she held so dearly in her heart. The cottage she had shared with Kenneth—where Sven was born.

  Tavish went to the byre to fetch Thunder while Gavin helped Maidie and Sven on their mare. The tanist mounted with a swift swing of his leg over the saddle. As the small party rode toward the castle, Maidie turned to look back at the cottage. She could not control the shaking of her body now, or the tears streaming from her face. Who would do such a thing? Someone hated her so much, they dared to destroy her home. She caught sight of Flora and Phillip standing in the doorway of her cottage. Gavin saw them also, and nodded toward Flora. She did not acknowledge his greeting. Her face seemed etched in stone. Surely Flora would not destroy her home. Flora had been a good friend. Maidie and she shared many good and sad times as they mourned for lost husbands, raised sons, and lived as close neighbors.

  Lord, help Sven and me through this. I dinna understand, but know You are in control.

  The group reached the castle, and Gavin called to the guard on the barbican. The large iron-studded doors slowly opened. He led the way into the inner bailey. Tavish dismounted to help Maidie and Sven to the ground. Gavin dismounted then handed the reins to a servant.

  He turned to the young warrior, “Tavish, come with us to see the chief. He may want to ask questions of you.”

  Tavish gave the reins of his horse to the servant who took all three away to the stable. The warrior led the way to the door of the keep and held it open for the others to pass through, then walked behind the group. Servants worked at making the great hall ready for the evening meal. The aroma of cooking food permeated the air. Maidie’s stomach churned. There would be no way she could eat now.

  Gavin led the party up the spiral stone steps to the second floor. He knocked on a door adjacent to the chief’s bedchamber. Maidie remembered that bedchamber all too well. Young Colin opened the door for the group to enter. Maidie looked around the tastefully furnished library. A large, beautiful tapestry graced one wall, while bookshelves lined two others. The third wall held a large fireplace where a blazing fire burned and a door leading to the chief’s bedchamber. Andrew sat at a desk made of gleaming oak wood. Two leather-backed chairs sat before the fire and a third in front of the desk. Lamps and sconces provided light. The library was a fine one for a Highland chief.

  Andrew rose, came around his desk, and took Maidie’s hand. His lips brushed the back of it, making her stomach churn more. “Madam.” He looked into her eyes, “What troubles you, Madam?”

  “Brother,” Gavin said, “Madam Munro’s dwelling has been wrecked. Someone entered her cottage while we were burying Randal and destroyed all of her belongings, including the food you sent from the castle.”

  “What!” Andrew led Maidie to a chair beside the fire then took the one opposite her. “I’m verra sorry to hear of such a thing happening in Drumainn. The villagers are good people, desiring to help each other, not destroy one’s property.” His grey eyes flashed like lightning through a summer sky. He asked Gavin, “Do you have an idea who did the deed?”

  “I have nae idea.” Gavin shook his head.

  Andrew turned to Maidie, leaned forward, and took her hands. “Would you care for a toddy, Madam? Your face is white and your hands tremble.”

  “No thank you, M’Laird. I canna hold anything on my stomach now.”

  “Aye, you need rest, you and your son.” He released her hands and looked at Sven. “The lad is pale too. Both of you have been through much of late.” He stood and helped Maidie to rise. “You are under my care and protection now. I’ll see naught else happens.” The chief led Maidie to the door and then turned to Tavish. “I’ll talk to you later of the incident. For now, stay close to the lass. I want Ullas with the lad. They’ll be a good match.”

  Maidie turned to Andrew before she left the chamber. “Is that necessary? Tavish has more important things to attend than play my nursemaid.”

  Sparks flew from the chief’s eyes again. “Madam, I kindly ask you not to question my orders to my men. Please rest now. I hope to see you at the head table for the evening meal.” He spoke to Tavish, “Take Madam Munro to the bedchamber she used last. I’ll send Nellie to her.”

  Tavish nodded and led the way down the dimly lit passage to the bedchamber Maidie and Sven slept in while she tended the chief. She had no choice. An image of her childhood home flashed through her mind. Mayhap her father would welcome her return. She felt certain he would welcome Sven, his grandson. But would his wife welcome them? While remaining single for several years when her mother died from the fever, her da remarried after Maidie left home. She felt his new wife was one reason she had not heard from her da in a long time, and then the feud began.

  Tavish opened the door to the bedchamber. “I’ll be outside your door, Madam.” He seemed hesitant to move from the doorway.

  “Thank you, Tavish.” She smiled at the young warrior. He was loyal and now a true friend. “I appreciate all you’ve done for Sven and me.”

  “I’m happy to be of service.” His face brightened in a smile, yet he stood without moving.

  Maidie didn’t know what to say. She turned away to find Sven staring out of the window. Moving to stand beside him, she placed her arm around his shoulder. The warriors were training in the meadow outside of the bailey once again.

  Turning quickly to Tavish, who had not moved from the doorway, she asked, “Shouldn’t you be training with the fighting men?”

  “Aye, Madam, except I’ve been assigned to guard you and the lad.” His face beamed.

  Turning the warrior from his assignment was an impossible task. Maidie took Sven by the hand and led him away from the window. Warriors, weapons, and fighting surrounded them. She went to Tavish, put a hand on his chest, pushed him out of the doorway, then closed the heavy door.

  Chapter Nine

  Andrew sat at the head table on the dais, eating in silence and keeping one eye on the stairwell. Davina sat on one side with Gavin, who conversed with Erskin, on the other. Maidie had not yet made an appearance at the evening meal. The distraught lass must intend to take food in her chamber. Gavin brought her to the castle just the day before when her home was wrecked. After searching through the rubble of her cottage and byre, Gavin said he had no idea as to the identity of the culprit.

  Andrew touched Gavin’s arm, so his brother turned to face him. “I want to speak to you and Davina in the library after the meal. Too much noise and too many ears to discuss the MacKenzie matter here,” Andrew said while taking a bite of broiled trout.

  Gavin nodded
then quickly turned away. Maidie came down the stairwell with Sven in front of her and Tavish close behind. The young warrior sported a beaming countenance. Andrew noticed the gleam in his brother’s eye while he watched the healer descend the stairs. The man could not take his eyes from her.

  Gavin turned back to Andrew but kept his eye on Maidie while her wee group found a place to sit at one of the lower tables. She glanced toward the head table, but quickly turned her eyes away and spoke to Sven. Tavish took his place beside Maidie and passed a dish of haggis to her. The warrior took his job seriously and seemed to enjoy it too much.

  “Brother, we may need to change Madam Munro’s bodyguard. Tavish seems to be taken with the lass,” Gavin spoke in Andrew’s ear.

  Andrew looked in Maidie’s direction. He continued to stare at her until Davina touched his arm for attention. He answered her question then turned back to watch Maidie. He couldn’t blame his brother for being taken with the lass. The woman had a way about her, different from most. She seemed gentle, kind, although strong-willed, and her beauty a natural wholesome sort. She sat now with the grace and look of nobility—golden hair piled in a stylish coiffeur, a simple blue linen frock dipping in the front with lace over her breasts, and covered with a quilted darker blue vest. Nellie did a good job finding suitable clothes. She looked his way. He smiled. She returned the smile. His heart beat faster. Gad! The lass had three men giddy over her.

  Andrew watched Gavin finger the large ruby hanging from his neck on a heavy silver chain. He told Andrew the old peddler who sold him the stone in Stirling, said it came with the Crusaders from the Holy Land and would bring good luck to the owner. Andrew knew all too well his brother called upon the stone’s power to give him good luck with women he desired. Now the rogue turned his desires to Maidie. Andrew determined to thwart his brother’s amorous intentions toward the healer. She was no ordinary wench Gavin could twist around his little finger at a whim.