by Aubrey Wynne
“I had rooms prepared for ye after word was received of yer arrival.” She stopped at the first door on the right and beckoned to a maid at the end of the hall. “Mr. Craigg, I hope ye will find these quarters suitable during yer stay. Please inform Colleen if there is anything ye need. The meal will be served in an hour if that is to yer liking.”
Her father bowed. “Thank ye kindly, Madam, yer hospitality is generous and appreciated.” He gave Peigi a questioning look, and she returned it with a reassuring smile.
“Now, my dear, ye are just at the end of the hall. Again, Colleen will take care of anything ye need.”
The young girl hurried toward her mistress and gave a quick curtsy. “I just brought up a pitcher of water. Will ye be needing any help dressing, miss?”
Peigi shook her head. “No, I thank ye. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
“Weel, then. Colleen please fetch our guests in an hour and show them to the dining room.” Ailish smiled, her brown eyes a dark cognac in the dim hall. “I look forward to getting better acquainted.”
She watched the older lady retreat down the steps, thinking of her father’s reason for bringing her here. After meeting the lady, Peigi decided she wanted to make a good impression regardless of her uncle’s orders. She felt comfortable with the chieftain’s wife and was thankful for that small comfort. But when her mind strayed to Calum MacNaughton, the fluttering in her belly began again.
Stepping inside the room, she gasped. The furnishings were rich and tasteful and nicer than any room of her own home. And this was just for sleeping. A large, dark, four-poster bed with a forest green and gold brocade bed cover took the far corner. Heavy, deep green curtains were drawn on two sides. Looking down at her dirty boots, she pulled them off and placed them on a stool. Then she said a quick prayer to her mother, hoping for the ability to speak to the man without stuttering or turning the shade of a ripe raspberry. Sweet Mary, if Lord Fulton had the stomach-tumbling braw looks of Calum, Peigi might have given in with pleasure.
*
Calum hadn’t expected Malachi to bring his daughter, nor had he expected her to be so lovely. When she pushed back her hood, thick auburn hair fell down her back in waves, the firelight highlighting browns and golds and reds. Unruly curls framed her face where the snow had dampened the tendrils. He couldn’t see her figure from beneath the cloak, but when she’d chewed on that full bottom lip and stared at the floor, his body had responded with alacrity. Then she’d peeked up at him with those big, green eyes, and he’d been unable to look away.
Some of Malachi’s description came back to him. A bit overbearing. He hadn’t noticed but then she’d barely spoken. What else had he said?
She can charm the crankiest of men if they only sit down to our table. Ah, yes, but he had a suspicion there was more to her allure than cooking. A grin spread across his face. This visit just got much more interesting.
Why had Malachi brought her? Did he intend to put her forward as a wife for one of his brothers? A flicker of irritation stabbed at his chest as he thought of Finley or Hamish kissing that delicious mouth.
“Calum!” Angus poked at his chest. “Have ye heard a word I’ve said?”
“Och, my mind was wandering, Da.” He grinned. “She’s a bonnie little thing, isna she?”
His brothers walked through the door. “Who?” asked Fin. “What did I miss?”
“The Craiggs have sent an envoy to end the feud. Seems that now they are starving, they want to be our friend and ally.” Angus snorted and poured some Scotch whisky into a crystal glass and held it out, waiting for one of his boys to take it.
Finley stepped up to take it. “So who is the bonnie little thing?”
“Calum seems to have a taken a fancy to the envoy’s daughter.”
“Dinna put words in my mouth. It was only an observation.” Calum hated the indignant tone in his own voice. “Where’s our little brother?”
“Here, plotting how to steal yer woman from ye. What does she look like?” Hamish entered the study with a smirk. “Soft and willing? I like a female I can dig my fingers into without a shriek.”
“Nay, this one would be too skinny for ye,” countered Angus. “She’s a tiny thing but does have a look about her. Pretty red-brown waves and clear, green eyes.”
“I prefer thin and willowy,” offered Finley. “Will they be staying for supper?”
Calum tamped down the unexplainable anger that poked his gut as his brothers spoke of a woman they’d never met. “Ye’ll both keep a civil tongue in yer head if ye ken what’s good for ye. Malachi is here on business and to settle a debt.”
“Ah, the infamous Malachi of the Loch, is it? How will he pay up, I wonder?” Fin gave a low whistle. “He has no money, no lands or livestock to give away. Perhaps an old family heirloom? A jewel-encrusted, silver broadsword, perhaps?”
“What is a man’s life worth?” asked Ham. “Maybe a coveted ring or belt buckle from generations past.”
“Anything coveted by the Craiggs wouldna be of any value to us,” mused Angus. “Ye both have me curious now.”
“It doesna matter what it is, ye blethering oafs,” scolded Calum. “Whatever it is, trinket or treasure, I shall accept it with grace and no’ embarrass the man. And none of ye will either.”
His brothers chuckled and nodded in mock gravity, but Angus seemed thoughtful. “Are ye sure about that, Son? Ye’ll accept with grace?”
“Certain as a saint standing before heaven’s gate.”
Chapter Four
Heartache and Hunger
Calum leaned against the oak panels of the fireplace, arriving in the dining room ahead of his brothers. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust them. He did. As long as he was in the same room to supervise their every move. His mother arrived and kissed him on the cheek.
“It’s so nice to have visitors this time of year, isna it?” she asked in a light tone. “Once the snows begin, most folks avoid traveling. Let us pray it is worth their effort.”
“Aye. Da’s attitude has surprised me. I thought getting him to listen would take a great deal more coaxing.”
“Yer father is no’ an unreasonable man. He listens to yer words more than ye realize. It’s a new generation of Craiggs, and he isna one to hold a father’s sins against the sons.” She turned as Angus joined them. “Hello, my love.”
“Mo chridhe.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Ye look ever so lovely tonight. I do believe ye get bonnier with each year.” His arm slid around her waist as her cheeks turned pink with pleasure.
“Ye must be up to something with those fine words. I’ll figure out what ye’re after before the night is through.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair from his forehead. He leaned down, whispered something in her ear, and she gave a husky laugh.
They were the reason Calum had not married yet. He saw no reason to rush into a union unless it would be as happy as his parents’. His father’s affection had only grown over the years. His mother adored this stubborn and often gruff old Scot. Angus would do anything for this woman—lay down his life, give up his wealth, jeopardize his honor—as long as he could be with her and keep her safe. In return, Ailish gave him her unconditional love, softened his rough edges, and was the only human being on earth who could make him admit he was wrong.
This is what he wanted when he chose a wife. A friend, a companion, and a lover. A woman who knew her own strengths and weaknesses and didn’t pretend to be something she was not. A woman who would see his own faults, understand his misgivings, and offer him comfort and support despite his imperfections. A woman who could stir his blood and bring out the best in him. His parents had set high standards for their sons when it came to matrimony. Calum would wait as long as he must to find that woman. He would settle for no less and doubted his siblings would either. In the meantime, there were plenty of willing lasses to keep him occupied.
Voices from the hall announced the rest of the party. He heard Finley mumble something
, followed by a silvery laugh that sent his pulse hammering. Peigi entered the room on his brother’s arm with Hamish and her father behind them.
Ailish went to meet her guests and took Peigi’s hands. “Ye look fetching and refreshed. I hope the room is agreeable.”
“Aye, I must admit I’m no’ used to such finery. I feel like a duchess for a day.” Peigi smoothed her deep orange wool dress, looking wistfully at Ailish’s deep green silk skirts with dark flaxen stripes.
Calum’s heart softened when she looked at his mother with a genuine smile, no sign of envy in her eyes or tone. “Ye are stunning, Madam. That color turns yer eyes to molten gold.”
“And may I say, ye are no less lovely, Miss Peigi.” Calum bowed and enjoyed the blush that crept into her cheeks. Offering his arm, he added, “Would ye do me the honor of sitting next to me?”
She only nodded and placed her fingers on his forearm. A jolt shot through his arm to his belly and then lower. The reaction surprised him, for it was only a touch. Looking up, he caught his mother’s narrowed gaze upon them both. He gave her a wink and turned her thoughts. “What is on the table tonight, dear Mother?”
“I’m afraid nothing exciting. Mutton pie, some roasted venison, boiled turnips and tatties,” replied Ailish. “However, I did convince Enid to bake an almond cake in honor of our guests and my sons’ homecoming.”
“That alone might make this trip worth making,” exclaimed Malachi. “I canna remember the last time we were treated to such a fine sweet.”
Angus took his place at the head of the long table, flanked by his wife and their guest of honor. Calum sat between his mother and Peigi and gave a warning glare to both his brothers facing them. This young woman was quiet, almost shy, and his instinct was to protect her, even from his own kin. He still hadn’t seen the overbearing, independent nature Malachi had mentioned.
*
Peigi placed her hands in her lap to hide her nervousness. For a brief moment, when her fingers lay on Calum’s arm, she had been at ease. It was strange how his closeness both unsettled her and made her feel safe. The talk turned to the colonies and war and the price of tobacco. Her father’s animated tone told her how much he enjoyed speaking about something other than the downfall of the Craiggs. It also gave her the opportunity to study the rest of the family.
They were a handsome clan to be sure. Their interaction revealed a close family bond and camaraderie that came from deep affection. They laughed and teased each other, touched one another with a familiarity indicating that intimacy was no stranger between them. Oh, how she longed for this kind of closeness with a family of her own someday. What would it be like to enjoy the company of loved ones without worrying about food for the next winter or which neighbor needs tending first? Not to fear that knock at the door reporting a little one has a fever or a father fell dead from apoplexy. To have the ability to pay a physician or purchase one basic necessity without giving up another.
The English earl’s wan face came into mind, but she pushed thoughts of him away and studied the handsome MacNaughtons. The siblings all had their father’s intense blue eyes, but only Calum had inherited his mother’s dark hair. He was easily the most handsome of the brothers with his large muscular frame, easy grace, and breathtaking smile.
The young female who had answered the door on their arrival served a steaming golden soup in deep Delft Blue plates. Peigi closed her eyes as she sipped the savory broth and chewed on the small bits of leeks, carrots, and kale. Oh, how the spices played havoc on her tongue. It brought back memories of her childhood, of her mother instructing the cook on a new recipe.
“Madam, this is the best broth I’ve ever tasted.” Malachi nodded to Ailish. “If this is any indication of the rest of the meal, it will take all my resolve to avoid the sin of gluttony.”
“Ye can thank Hamish and Finley for replenishing my stock of herbs and spices. They made a stop in Edinburgh and made some purchases for me.” She smiled at her sons. “We are so thankful to have them home again, if only for a short time.”
Wine was served just before the mutton pie arrived. A golden-brown crust covered great chunks of meat with turnips and potatoes. Peigi’s mouth watered in anticipation. It had been so long. In the summer, fish was abundant, but hunting on the earl’s land was forbidden so venison and smaller game were limited. In the past, livestock had been butchered and salted or smoked for the winter, but now the Craiggs had only a few goats and cows kept for milking. It had been at least two years since she’d tasted mutton or beef. Her father let out a moan with his first bite then turned bright red. Peigi tried unsuccessfully to stifle a snicker.
Calum bent his head toward her and whispered, “Ye’re a woman after my heart if ye are as easily pleased as yer father.”
His warm breath feathered her temple and the wings in her stomach flapped wildly. The wine and good food had gone to her head, and she took a bite of the pie, chewing slowly. “Mmmm, ’tis heavenly.” She licked her lips and stole a glance from under her lashes. His eyes darkened to indigo. Her heart raced and she tried to still it with her hand. The barest smile turned up the corners of his full lips, but it was those pools of the darkest blue that kept her mesmerized. She couldn’t have looked away if her skirts had been on fire. Which is exactly how she felt right now. On fire.
“So Malachi, why dinna ye tell us yer version of how ye met our brother?” Finley broke the spell and her pulse slowed when Calum turned his attention to her father. “To hear his version, he merely assisted Black Angus in pulling ye from the loch.”
“Nay,” said Malachi. “A braver man I’ve yet to meet. I dinna ken if I’d have ventured out onto the ice to save another. Though, I will admit the hound was impressive. As I’ve said, I owe my life to this man and plan to settle that debt before I leave.”
Hamish grinned and ignored Calum when he tried to interrupt. “And may I ask what ye have brought to repay him?”
“I thought the men would discuss matters after we have eaten,” intervened Ailish, sending a warning glance to her son. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our meal.”
“This has nothing to do with clan politics. Or does it?” At Finley’s question, all eyes turned to Malachi.
“Weel, it depends on how ye look at it.” He shot Peigi an apologetic look and dread lodged in her chest. “I’m offering Calum my most precious possession.”
“And that would be?” asked Angus in a low voice.
“My daughter.” At the collected gasp, he added, “A betrothal between our clans.”
Peigi couldn’t breathe. The knife she held in her hand clattered atop her plate. To her horror, Angus gripped his belly and laughed so heartily that tears came to his eyes. The rigid and silent man next to her only added to the nightmare. She was a joke to the chieftain and an unwanted gift to his son. Standing on weak legs, the chair toppled behind her. Peigi picked up her skirts with as much dignity as possible, addressed her father with a vehement, “Go to the devil, ye piece of cow dung,” and fled the room.
She’d made it halfway up the narrow stairs when she tripped on her skirt. Her knee slammed into the hard stone, and she gripped it with a sharp cry, sinking onto the step. How could her own father betray her like this? Why didn’t he tell her, warn her of his plans?
Humiliation and despair had her cursing at herself, the Craiggs, the MacNaughtons, and life in general. Words she’d only heard uttered from the men in the family spilled out of her mouth. Angry tears streamed down her face. She was no better than a piece of property to be bartered off for something more valuable. The thought of facing any of them twisted her stomach into a tight knot.
The tears subsided. Peigi took several deep breaths, wiped her face and nose with her sleeve, and tried to stand. Pain shot from her knee up her thigh, sending her back down on her bum.
“I’m sorry for that scene in the dining room. It wasna fair to ambush ye like that.”
Her eyes stung again at the sound of Calum’s voice, the gentleness and em
pathy it held. She could easier withstand his disgust than his pity.
“I’m naught but a woman. I should be used to such treatment.” The resentment was building again, stinging her eyes with unshed tears.
“It’s no’ customary in my family. We cherish our womenfolk.” He laid a warm hand on her shoulder. “May I help ye up?”
She shook her head. “I appreciate yer kindness, but I need to be alone. And dinna act as if ye were no’ ambushed alongside me. I saw the look of panic on yer face.” Peigi stood, balancing on one leg. If he’d just turn around and leave, he wouldn’t see her limp away. She still had a wee bit of pride left. “Now if ye’ll excuse me, I’d like to retire to my room.”
He didn’t leave. Well, she’d wait him out.
“Go on then, my stubborn beauty. Make yer way up those stairs. Two flights, mind ye. That leg will be swelled up like a cow at calving by the time ye reach the top.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest and leaned against the wall. “But I’m a firm believer in letting a person choose their own way.”
Peigi grit her teeth. She leaned against the wall with one hand, taking the weight off her bad leg and put her good foot on the next step. With a silent prayer, she hoisted her injured leg up. She gave the irritating man behind her a smug smile over her shoulder. The smile faded when her eyes followed the number of steps before her. Sweet Mary, she was so tired.
Strong arms scooped her up. “No argument, my bonnie little lambie.” He carefully lifted her off the steps, settling her against his hard chest, his breath fanning her face as he spoke. “I willna allow ye to be hurt in my home by stone steps or ignorant men. Ye are indeed a most precious thing, and I’m sorry ye had to go through that.”
And with those compassionate words, the dam broke and she sobbed against his chest. His lips brushed against the top of her hair, and he spoke soothing words to her in a low tone as he carried her up the stairs. Her fingers clutched at his waistcoat, drenching it with her tears. He rocked her gently until she began to hiccup. It was then she realized they had reached her room and they sat on the bed.
