She smiled a drowsy smile. “Good morning.”
He brushed the hair from her face, cupped her cheek, and gave her a deep, languorous kiss. She stretched her long lithe body like a cat, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him back. When he broke the kiss, she sighed heavily and nuzzled her face against his chest, closing her eyes again. Aye she was even more beautiful when worry lines didn’t mar her face. Fingal only had a moment to admire her however, because as she woke more fully she stiffened suddenly, bumping her head into his chin. “Dear God, the day is already bright and we are still abed. What will people think?”
Fingal laughed. “Don’t worry so, love. It isn’t that late and ye have been working yerself ragged. Everyone will think ye needed a bit of extra rest.” He gently rubbed her back. When she relaxed into his embrace he winked at her. “Either that or ye decided to stay locked away for the day to do wicked things with yer husband.”
She chuckled. “Fingal, stop teasing. We can’t stay abed any longer. There is too much to do.”
Even as she said the words, he heard the longing in her voice. But as much as he would like to stay closeted away with her today, he knew she might be sorry later. “Aye, my precious lass, ye are right, there is work to be done. However, I promise ye, someday we will stay locked away and spend a day, maybe a week, in each other’s arms. Someday soon.” He kissed her again.
“Someday soon,” she echoed when he broke the kiss. Then she popped out of bed. “But not today.” She dressed quickly and as much as he would have liked to simply watch her, he too rose and dressed. Once dressed, she dug through the contents of a chest, clearly having trouble finding something.
“What are ye looking for?”
“I had a small packet of herbs that Rhiannon gave me the day after the wedding.”
“What do ye need them for?”
She sat back on her heel to look up at him. “She says it is a marvelous tonic to help with all manner of things.” She gave him a saucy grin. “It is apparently especially good at helping one conceive fine strong sons.”
Fingal laughed and pulled her to her feet, kissing her again. “I’d like that very much.”
~ * ~
As Fingal began another day of exhausting physical labor it was with renewed purpose. In spite of his misgivings about the marriage forced on him over a month ago he was happier than he ever imagined possible. He also was beginning to see the fruits of all the clan’s hard work. There had been no more raids on their land. The weakest portions of the wall had been torn down and rebuilt. Only minor repairs were left. He had already received word from Niall. Rowan MacKenzie’s wedding was to be held several days after Roodmas. If everything continued to go well, he and Gillian would attend the wedding and return afterward with Turcuil and several other men. Then the real work of training his men could begin. He had also received word from Laird MacBain, telling him Bran and his family would also come to Brathanead in a few weeks.
That afternoon during the midday meal a messenger arrived from Laird MacKay. Fingal’s brow furrowed as he read it.
“What is the matter? Is he opposed to sending his nephew to us?” Gillian asked.
“Not exactly. He is just cautious. He is concerned about the stability of clan MacLennan and therefore the safety of his nephew. He doesn’t wish to send Dougal to me to train as a squire just yet.”
Eadoin too looked troubled by that news.
Gillian looked confused. “I don’t understand why ye both seem so upset. Can ye not seek a squire from another clan? Doesn’t Laird Sutherland have several young sons?”
Fingal clarified, “It isn’t just that I need a squire. I do, and one of Laird Sutherland’s sons would also be a good choice. What worries me is exactly what worried King David in the first place. Other clans see us as weak and vulnerable.”
“But we aren’t. Not really. We are rebuilding and much stronger than we were before ye arrived.”
“Aye, we are, sweetling, but while things are getting better, we have quite a way to go yet. The fact that other clans see us as potentially weak is a problem.”
Eadoin nodded and spoke softly, “It means that anyone who might want to attack is likely to try. Even if we were as strong as ever the fact that others think we aren’t makes us a target. That is probably what emboldened the Grants.”
“We need other clans to see not only are we strong, but that we have strong allies so they will think twice about attacking,” Diarmad added.
“What can we do?”
Fingal hated the concern he saw reflected now in Gillian’s expression. “We are doing much of what we need to do. Bran MacBain will be here in a few weeks and several of Niall’s men will come after Roodmas. I have never prayed for bitter weather, but as long as April stays blustery and cold it may afford us some protection. After that we will have the clear support of Clan MacIan, MacBain, and perhaps even Clan MacKenzie.”
“And ye don’t think that is enough?”
“It is a start. But honestly, if Laird MacKay will send his nephew here, other clan leaders will see that as a good sign.”
“How can we convince him?”
“Dougal’s father is Laird MacKay’s brother. Perhaps if we invite Tasgall and his wife for a visit at midsummer, they can see for themselves that we have both rebuilt our clan and reestablished strong allies.”
“Aye, Laird,” agreed Diarmad, “The MacKay’s are well connected in the northern Highlands. If they believe it is safe for Dougal to train here, that will go a long way to convincing other clans that the MacLennans are strong and stable.”
“But what if they won’t come?”
Although generally seated at the laird’s table, the normally quiet Father Stephen rarely joined in the table conversation. However this afternoon he cleared his throat, before saying, “My Lady, I may be able to help there. Lady MacKay is my cousin, more like a sister really. We grew up together. I will send her a letter and assure her that things are well here.”
Fingal was dumbfounded. “Father Stephen, if ye are a cousin to Lady Mackay, that makes ye either a MacDonnell or a MacNicol.”
“A MacNicol, aye. Bhaltair MacNicol was my father, God rest his soul. I am Laird MacNicol’s cousin too.”
“That surprises me,” Fingal said.
“That I’m a MacNicol?” Father Stephen asked.
“Nay, that ye are Bhaltair MacNicol’s son and yet ye became a priest. He had a fearsome reputation.”
Father Stephen gave a rare laugh. “I’m sure my father wanted me to be a warrior, but I was hopeless. Still he mellowed a bit in his later years. As he grew older, it became clear that he loved my mother and would deny her nothing. She knew I was never meant to be a warrior. Eventually he saw the wisdom in letting me study and pursue the priesthood. Still, I am not uneducated in what is required to keep a clan safe and whole. Ye are accomplishing that here. I wouldn’t ask for Laird MacKay’s support if I felt otherwise.”
“Thank ye, Father. I appreciate hearing that.”
Fingal knew Father Stephen’s letter might go a long way toward helping convince Tasgall MacKay and his wife to come for a visit but he still worried.
As if the news from Laird MacKay wasn’t enough, Lana finally cornered him immediately after the meal to raise the issue of a betrothal for Fallon. “Laird, I have wanted to talk to ye about something for days and haven’t had the opportunity.”
“Lana, this isn’t a good time.”
“It never seems to be a good time for ye,” she snapped, “but this is important and it cannot wait any longer.”
Fingal had trouble not showing his frustration. “What is more important than seeing to our clan’s defenses?” Fingal hoped his question would shame her into silence for a bit longer, but that hope was in vain.
“A betrothal for Fallon.”
“Ye can’t be serious.”
“Of course I’m serious. She will be eighteen in a few weeks. This can wait no longer.”
Just as h
e had promised Gillian he would, Fingal replied, “Lana, with all of the recent changes, I think it’s better to wait a few months before discussing this.”
“That isn’t acceptable, and there is really nothing to discuss anyway. I know who Fallon should marry and simply need yer blessing. I think yer guardsman Coby would be perfect for her. We can post the banns and have the wedding in a few weeks.”
“Coby? Is this a marriage that Fallon wants?”
“What Fallon wants is not the issue. She will do as she is told. It is a good match and good for the clan.”
Fingal had intended to be more sympathetic for Gillian’s sake, but his patience was sorely tested. “Good for the clan? I’m sorry, Lana, I disagree. Even if it were Fallon’s fondest wish to marry Coby, I would not agree to it. Not now. We need to do everything we can to rebuild strong ties with other clans. Forging an alliance through marriage is one of the best ways to do that.”
“Ye can’t mean to use Fallon as a pawn.”
“Not immediately, nay. However, when things have truly settled down and Fallon has had time to adjust to all of the recent changes, I will consider a political marriage for her. That is truly in the best interest of the clan.”
“But Laird—”
“Lana, ye have my decision. I will hear no more discussion of Fallon marrying Coby or anyone else.” Lana was dumbstruck, which pleased Fingal more than it should have. Although he had no intention of forcing Fallon into a marriage that she didn’t want, perhaps if Lana believed he would, she would stop pushing the issue.
~ * ~
If the news that arrived at the midday meal was distressing, the discussion with his mother-in-law that followed was more so. However, to Fingal’s pleasure and relief, Quinn MacKenzie arrived with six other MacKenzie warriors and ten Matheson men just before dark.
Fingal met them in the courtyard after the watch announced their approach. “Ye are a welcome sight indeed, Quinn, and so are the men ye brought. Join me in the great hall. The evening meal will be served soon. Afterwards, I will have my steward see to quarters for ye and yer men. Frankly, I’m a little surprised to see ye before yer brother’s wedding.”
“I’m glad ye asked me to join yer guard, Fingal, but I can’t say the same for Da. He’s still angry about Niall luring Rowan away, but he realizes that peace is best maintained with a show of strength. I thought it better to leave while he was open to the idea. However, I will need to go to Duncurra for the wedding in a few weeks.”
Fingal laughed. “I understand. If possible, Gillian and I will go too.”
“I’ll warn ye, Da will make certain ye know once the MacLennans are strong and stable. There will be no reason for me to stay any longer.”
Fingal’s brows drew together as they walked toward the head table. “I had hoped ye’d stay on for good. I need a strong guard.”
Quinn laughed. “Ye know that, and I know that, but I haven’t quite broken that to Da yet.”
Fingal shook his head. “Yer Da may declare war on me himself when he finds out.”
“Nay, he won’t. He’ll bluster over it every time he sees ye for the next decade or so, but he’ll come around.”
“Has he found ye a bride yet?”
“Thankfully, nay. Right now he is focused on Rowan’s wedding to Eara Fraser. It is good that ye’re planning to go. Ye may have the opportunity to solidify ties with some of the clans in attendance.”
“Aye, that is an opportunity I wouldn’t like to miss.” As they entered the hall, Fingal spotted Gillian, with Bodie at her heels. “Ah, here is my bride now. Gillian, I would like for ye to meet our newest guardsman, Quinn MacKenzie. Quinn, my wife, Lady Gillian MacLennan.”
Gillian smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet ye, sir. We are most grateful that ye have come.”
Quinn took her hand, bowing low. “My lady, the pleasure is mine. Please, call me Quinn.” Quinn offered his hand to Bodie to sniff before scratching him behind the ears. “And who is this beastie?”
Gillian grinned and crouched beside the dog to rub him and give him a cuddle. “This is Bodie, although ‘Shadow’ might have been a better name as he is never farther away from me than that.” Standing again she said, “The evening meal is ready. Please join us at the head table.
If Fingal had been worried about Quinn, an outsider, being accepted by the clan, his worries were laid to rest during the meal. Quinn was outgoing and friendly, but had an unassuming manner that naturally drew people to him. Fingal wasn’t surprised by the attention paid to Quinn by Brathanead’s serving maids. Tall, blond, and muscular, with crystal blue eyes and a charming smile, he was extremely attractive and had always turned the head of any lass in his vicinity. Gillian’s sisters practically fell over themselves when they met him. Not even Ailsa, at two and ten, was immune to his charms. She drew his attention and peppered him with questions at every opportunity.
When Fingal and Gillian retired for the night he couldn’t help commenting, “Ailsa seems quite taken with Quinn MacKenzie.”
Gillian snorted. “Why should she be different than any other skirt-clad person in the room? I’ve never seen Fallon blush so much. Even Jeanne was smitten. By all that’s holy, I think a maid was at his elbow to refill his cup after every swallow.”
Fingal laughed until tears ran down his cheeks. “And ye, my lovely bride, were ye not equally captivated?”
“Well, I won’t lie, he is a fine looking man. But I am rather partial to dark hair, green eyes, and roguish smile.”
He pulled her close. “Are ye now?”
She gave him a saucy grin. “Oh, aye, I am. Do ye suppose he has any brothers like that?”
“Cheeky lass. Nay, he has five brothers and not a single one with green eyes.”
“Then I suppose it is a good thing I have ye.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“Aye, a very good thing,” he said when she broke the kiss. “Gillian, love, now that ye mention Quinn’s brothers, I need to ask ye something. His brother Rowan is one of Niall’s guardsmen. He is to be married at Duncurra a few days after Roodmas. We are invited to attend the wedding.” She looked pensive. He was worried that a visit to Duncurra would be painful for her. Although it wasn’t where her father was killed, it was certainly Malcolm’s ill-fated siege of Duncurra that ultimately resulted in her father’s death. “It is an opportunity for us to reestablish ties with other clans.”
She sighed heavily. “Aye, we should go to the wedding. I’m sure it will be nice for ye to go home for a bit.”
“It will be nice to see my family, but Gillian, love, I am home.”
~ * ~
That night, Gillian lay in Fingal’s arms as he slept. She remembered the lie she had told her mother about possibly being with child. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too long before it would be true. She would like to have children with Fingal. After the persistent kindness and tolerance he had shown her, she knew he would be a good father. She had been taking Rhiannon’s herb tonic. It was supposed to help her conceive fine strong sons and she prayed it would soon.
Bodie padded quietly across the floor and climbed up on the bed, settling himself at her feet. She reached down and scratched his ears. “Are ye cold, lad? Is the fire dying too low for yer tastes?
His only response was a sigh as he drifted off to sleep.
Perhaps she shouldn’t let him stay on the bed. He was large already but perhaps when he was fully grown he would be too big to be on the bed. Still, she didn’t care. Held in her husband’s warm embrace with her devoted pet warming her feet, she had never been happier.
Chapter 18
In just a few days Quinn MacKenzie had already proven himself an excellent addition to the MacLennan guard as the training of the MacLennan men began in earnest. Once a few more skilled warriors joined them, with any luck by the end of summer the MacLennan warriors would be significantly better prepared to defend the clan.
Now that Lent was over, they needed to replenish their stores of meat
. During the evening meal, Fingal discussed plans to send out a hunting party the next day.
Coby said, “Laird, we have had reports of boar sightings by some of the crofters to our east. They are worried about the damage the beasts can cause to newly planted fields. Perhaps that is the prey we should aim for.”
“Aye, that is a good plan. One boar can be a farmer’s nightmare. Do we have any idea where to start hunting?”
Coby nodded. “We have found fresh signs of a wild boar foraging not far from here, just inside the forest, not too far from my mother’s cottage.”
Eadoin grinned in anticipation. “If it is feeding that close, it is likely we could bring the beast down within a day, perhaps two. Laird, ye haven’t been on a hunt since arriving. Ye should join us on this one.”
The idea was tempting. With everything that needed to be taken care of at Brathanead, Fingal had been working himself to exhaustion alongside his new clansmen. The opportunity to escape for a while and go on a hunt was hard to pass up. Still, having just recently won Gillian’s trust and affection he wasn’t anxious to leave her. “Nay, I should stay and attend to things here.”
Gillian cocked her head to one side. “Fingal, there is nothing here that can’t wait a few days. Go on the boar hunt. I can tell ye want to.”
“Aye, Laird, it’ll do ye good. I’d go if I were a few years younger,” Nolan said.
“As would I,” added Daniel.
“It has been too long since I went hunting. And ye’re right, Gillian, a day or two should not be a problem.”
“Then it is decided ye will ride with us in the morning,” Eadoin said.
“Ah, but I don’t want to risk leaving Brathanead undermanned.”
“I don’t think ye have anything to fear, Laird. I will stay behind with a sufficient number of men to see to our defenses,” Diarmad assured him.
“I will stay behind too,” offered Quinn.
Fingal grinned. “Well then, with Brathanead in good hands, I will go.”
~ * ~
Rising well before dawn the next morning, Fingal was surprised when Gillian too arose. “Sweetling, go back to sleep, it is still early.”
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