The Highlander’s Stolen Bride_Book Two_The Sutherland Legacy

by Eliza Knight

  He trudged up the stairs, his foot hitting the seventh step when a voice stopped him from below.

  “Sir Strath.” It was her, Lady Northwyck.

  He came down the steps to face her. “My lady?”

  “Will you show me where my daughter’s chamber is? I would like to see her. To speak with her.” Though her face appeared calm, the lady clenched her fingers tightly in front of her waist.

  “She is to be my wife.” Strath offered, letting her know that he would protect Eva, even from her

  “Ah, very good news.” She looked sad though, but he didn’t take it personally. She was probably more upset at all the time she’d lost. “I have missed her so much. Will you take me?”

  “Aye.” Strath offered her his arm and they walked together up the stairs. “I know it is bold of me to ask, my lady”—without the king present, how could he resist—“but I must know what kept ye from saving her yourself?”

  “That is a question I ask myself every day.” She shook her head. “When my cousin found out that I’d been abducted, he sent men to bring me north. I begged them to get my daughters, but the men would not deter from their plan. When I asked the Bruce to bring Eva to me, he agreed, but every attempt made was thwarted. And my husband… Well, I think he was compromised enough to steal me away for a ransom. He stole me once, at the border when I was just a lass of sixteen. Soon after Jacqueline came and I couldn’t possibly leave either of my daughters.” She stopped walking, squeezed his arm. “Ironic isn’t it? That I should be taken away from them? You were our last hope to put an end to it. There is only so much a foreign king can do on foreign soil. I will be forever grateful to you, sir, for what you’ve done for my daughter.”

  Though he hated all that she said, he understood it. “I would do anything for her.” They continued walking up the stairs. “Why do ye think Northwyck claimed ye were alive when he spoke with Eva?”

  “Belfinch could have told him, I suppose.” She shrugged. “He did not try to find me.”

  “Do ye think he’s truly gone addle-brained?”

  “Nay,” she said softly, her eyes cast toward the floor. “Northwyck is clever. He was weak when I met him, but he also has a mean streak. I used to escape into the woods with the girls when he was in a temper. I made a game out of it. I prayed every day when I was gone that he would keep his temper in check.”

  “He did not raise a hand to her himself, but he didn’t stop Belfinch from doing just that.”

  “Oh,” she let out a little whimper. “I will never be able to make it up to her.”

  “My lady, ye’re coming back from the grave. I think begging her forgiveness will be enough. She’s missed ye greatly.”

  Lady Northwyck patted his arm. “Thank you.”

  “Do ye want to speak to him? I’ll hold him if ye wish to thrash the bastard?”

  The lady smiled and patted him on the arm. “You’ll make my daughter a good husband. I can tell. While the offer is strong, I’d rather not see him again. To give him an audience would only feed his power.”

  “If ye change your mind…”

  “I won’t.”

  Eva’s door was closed with Tomaidh standing sentry. “My laird.” He nodded to Lady Northwyck. “She’s not yet woken.”

  Strath nodded. “Thank ye for watching over her. Will ye let my uncle know I need to speak to him?”

  “Aye, my laird.”

  “He is still with Lord Northwyck.”

  Tomaidh gave a slight bow to Lady Northwyck and then disappeared down the corridor.

  “Are ye ready, my lady?”

  She looked paler than she had in the great hall, and her hand trembled slightly on his elbow. “Aye, I’ve been ready.”

  Strath opened the door to find Eva standing by the window, her eyes closed as she sucked in the fresh spring air. When she turned and saw him, her eyes brightened, but she paled when she saw who was beside him. He feared she’d swoon once more, but a resolute expression came over her.

  The fighter he knew her to be came out, standing tall. She narrowed her gaze on her mother. “Mama, how are you here?”

  “I’ll leave ye two alone.” Strath started to back toward the door, but Eva stopped him.

  “Nay, you can stay. You are to be my husband.”

  Strath strode forward, pressed his lips to her cheek, and whispered in her ear, “I love ye, lass, but ye must speak to your mother alone.”

  She started to shake her head but then stopped, a resigned sigh escaping her. “You’re right.”

  Strath bowed to Lady Northwyck and left the room. He met his uncle in the passageway and relayed his conversation with Lady Northwyck on the stairs regarding her husband.

  “Ye think he’s faking being of addled mind?” Jamie asked.

  “Almost certainly. If we go to him now and tell him what we know, and give just one tiny falsehood that the king has ordered his execution tomorrow along with Belfinch’s, I think we’ll see a different side. If we don’t, then we know he is ill, and for that reason alone it would be cruel to execute him.”

  Jamie agreed, and they hurried down the next flight of stairs to Lord Northwyck’s chamber.

  They found the older man sitting by the window, rocking back and forth.

  “He’s been like that since I came in,” Tomaidh offered.

  “Thank ye.” Strath patted his mate on the back and gave his uncle a glance. Jamie nodded, giving Strath permission to speak first. “Lord Northwyck, your wife has arrived with King Robert the Bruce.”

  The rocking stalled a breath and then picked up faster.

  “She is upstairs with your daughter. Naturally, Lady Eva was surprised to find out her mother is alive. It’s a miracle. We shall celebrate tonight.”

  And still he rocked.

  “In other sad news, I’m afraid ye’ll not be joining us in the celebration. Ye see, the king has decreed that ye and Lord Belfinch be charged for your crimes against Scotland, and he has ordered your deaths.”

  At this, the man ceased moving once more.

  “Ye’ll be hanged tomorrow morning.”

  The rocking stopped completely. Northwyck turned slowly toward them, his gaze more lucid now than when Strath had first laid eyes on him. “You lie.”

  “I never lie.” Strath’s voice was hard. The bastard had tried to trick them all, including his own daughter, all for the sake of saving his sorry arse.

  Northwyck stood in a flurry of rage and rushed at Strath, but Tomaidh stepped in, easily subduing the man with a hard grip on the back of his neck, lifting him far enough off the ground that he had to stand on his tiptoes. The English lord was not very tall. In fact, Strath would wager to guess he was shorter than his wife. At least this was the only thing that Eva had inherited from him.

  “Are ye ready to tell the truth, Lord Northwyck?”

  “What difference does it make if I’m to be executed?” the older man snarled.

  Strath shrugged. “None, I guess.” He didn’t want to tell the man what punishment he would actually receive yet. Best to let him stew. His fate would likely be a lashing, and then imprisonment until an arrangement could be made with the English king to pay for his release. That would be years. Enough time to ponder all the wrongs he’d done and hopefully come out of it a better person. Strath directed Tomaidh to take him to the dungeon. With one last look at the man who would be his father by marriage, Strath said, “Say hello to your good friend, Belfinch. He’ll be happy to see ye’re feeling well once more.”

  Northwyck’s screams of fury followed Strath into the corridor and down the stairs. While Strath wanted desperately to go see Eva and make certain she was all right, he knew she would need this time to heal and speak with her mother. Besides, he needed to go speak with his king, and let him know Northwyck’s madness had been a ruse.

  With the king here to collect the English traitors, there would be no more reason for the Dornochs to remain in Glasgow.

  Home.

  Strath longed
to go home. He couldn’t wait to start his life there with Eva.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Just over one week later…

  Eva stared across the hall of Dornoch Castle to where her mother sat talking with Lorna, Isobel, and her new relations by marriage, Lady Arbella and Lady Greer, and several aunts. In the short time since she had met Strath’s sister Greer, she’d come to know her as quite a headstrong lass. Strath remarked on how much trouble his sister often got into. The youngest of his sisters was also there, Lady Blair, but she’d gone upstairs with the oldest sister, Lady Bella, who’d needed to change her dress after she’d turned abruptly and her large pregnant belly had bumped someone’s elbow, causing a full cup of wine to spill down the front.

  On the opposite end of the hall were the men, Jamie, Strath’s father, his cousins, uncles, his brother Liam and Bella’s husband, Niall.

  Everyone had been happy to meet her, and she likewise. Of course, she’d been nervous, but they’d all welcomed her with open arms. When they’d arrived the day before, everyone had been gathered, and just that morning, Eva and Strath had said I do.

  Her new husband sat beside her. They’d sequestered themselves near the hearth for a few moments, hoping for just the tiniest bit of privacy, for there was no way anyone would let them sneak away from the great hall or even duck into one of the window alcoves.

  The servants bustled around them now, putting the finishing touches on the wedding feast. When they’d arrived the night before, Lorna and Eva’s mother had worked together in the kitchens on getting the preparations just right, and Eva was glad, because she’d been so nervous she was certain to make a mess of it.

  Great vases of wildflowers filled the hall, and the rushes had recently been replaced, herbs strewn in for a refreshing and soothing aroma.

  “How do ye feel?” Strath asked.

  Eva smiled, sat forward, and grabbed hold of his hand. “I feel wonderful. I am the happiest bride in all the world.”

  He grinned and kissed her hand. “I meant about your reunion with your mother.”

  “Ah.” She watched her mother conversing pleasantly with all the other women. They looked like they’d known each other for years. Strath’s family was so easygoing and kind. Just like him. They could be hard and brutal if need be, but when they were with family, they were all heart. Her mother and Lorna had grown close during their journey here, and Eva was glad of that.

  Her mother had explained what had happened, and while it had been hard at first for Eva to accept, giving that she felt her mother should have tried harder to protect her, she’d forgiven her anyway. She was also grateful her mother had divulged to her the nature of the relationship she’d had with her husband. That the nature visits had been because of his temper. That they’d not fallen in love at the border, but that she’d been abducted. Eva would have never guessed those things.

  When speaking with her mother, she remembered and held on to Lorna’s words “It is easier to forgive than to foster resentment.” Eva agreed wholeheartedly. “I am happy. I missed my mother so much, and to know that she is alive and thriving is all I could ever want.”

  “And your father?”

  Eva pressed her lips together. That was another story. “I’m glad the king pardoned him, though I will never forgive him for keeping the truth from me, or for the way he treated my mother. I’m glad he’s gone back to England.”

  Strath nodded, kissing her hand again. “I understand that, love. I would find it hard, too. Know that I will always support ye in whatever choice ye make. What do ye think your sister will say?”

  Oh, her poor sister… She wanted to run to her and gather her up in her arms. “I think Jacqueline will be just as angry. She really needed our mother during the days leading up to her marriage and after the loss of her child. But she will do good things with the key and coin that you sent her.” Eva’s heart had melted even more, if possible, when her husband had told her his plans for the treasury Belfinch kept full of Northwyck coin and property.

  “Aye. Perhaps ye can write her about coming for a visit.”

  “I don’t think her husband would allow that.”

  Strath pursed his lips. “That is a shame. If ye like, I’d be willing to take ye to England to visit her.”

  “That is too dangerous. Strath, nay. I love that you offered, but I could never ask it of you.”

  “Ah, my lady,” he said in an impressive English accent with not even a trace of a Scots brogue, “but it would be my pleasure, and a lovely honeymoon for us both.”

  Eva’s mouth fell open. “You’d not be able to wear your plaid.”

  “An easy enough task.”

  She sighed wistfully. “But I may miss it. What will I do not being able to see your bare knees?” she teased.

  “Och, lass, ye’ll be seeing my bare knees, aplenty. Dinna fash about that.”

  Eva giggled behind her hand, hoping not to draw attention from anyone in the great hall, for she was certain the way her husband was looking at her like he wanted to eat her alive would give away their conversation.

  “All jesting aside, love, I’d be happy to figure out arrangements for ye to see your sister.”

  “Are you certain?” Her heart was pounding, and she chewed the inside of her cheek, trying not to get her hopes up.

  “I am. As long as your sister and her husband will have us. And as long as the king gives me leave.”

  “Perhaps I can convince her to travel north, so we will not have to go so far south. Besides, I’m not certain her husband will have us. He was not thrilled with the idea of having me visit before.”

  “I have an ally on the border, we could meet her there. I could arrange to make a delivery or some such for the king.”

  “Oh, Strath!” She leaned forward and pulled him into a hug. “That would be the very best of gifts.”

  “My laird.” Maxwell, the castle’s steward, approached. “We are ready to serve the feast.”

  Strath nodded, stood, and held out his hand to her. She took his hand, overcome by a fluttering in her belly. He was her husband. This strong, incredible man.

  It was no lie that she really did feel like the luckiest woman. A month ago, if he’d not come into her life, everything would be completely different. She might not even be alive.

  Strath let out a whistle, drawing the attention of everyone in the great hall. “If ye all would join us, my lovely bride and I would like to welcome ye to our castle, and to the celebration of our marriage.”

  A loud cheer went up, echoing in the rafters. Strath led her to a grand table, sat at the head, and scooted her chair beside him. At first, she was going to tell him not to, that she should sit in her proper place, but truth be told, she wanted to sit right beside him and never leave.

  The aromas of the food made her mouth water. When they’d been on the road from Glasgow, she’d attended the cooking again, this time with her mother’s help. It had been like old times, and Eva was pretty certain that had it not been for their weeklong trek to the Highlands, she might not have been able to forgive her mother as quickly.

  Before their food was served, Strath’s father presented them with a beautiful silver two-handled cup. The priest at their wedding ceremony had called it a quaich. The handles were carved with symbols, one of which was two hands gripping a crowned heart. Etched on the side, it said, “With these hands, I give you my heart, and with this crown, my love.”

  Strath’s father held up his cup, and the rest of the tables did the same. “A toast to the new bride and groom. My son, I am so proud of ye, and to ye, my dear, the one who stole his heart, I thank ye. Sláinte!”

  “Sláinte!” everyone called out.

  Eva and Strath sipped from the shared cup, their gazes connecting over the rim. Strath winked, and Eva returned the gesture, a shiver of anticipation racing along her spine.

  “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” their guests called out.

  Eva’s face flamed red. The Scots were certainly much more
comfortable with displays of affection in front of one another than the English were. And she liked that. So she grabbed the back of Strath’s neck, tugged him close, and kissed him hard on the mouth, with the sounds of their guests cheering, laughing and a few bawdy jokes surrounding them.

  When they pulled away, the blush had gone from Eva’s face, and all she could do was smile at her husband.

  “Let us eat,” Strath called out, and then with a mischievous grin, he said, “lest my wife decide to take advantage of me early.”

  And just like that, the heat returned to her face. But she couldn’t help but laugh, and she poked her husband in the ribs as he poured them each a cup of wine.

  Placed in front of them were platters of fresh poached salmon topped with herbed cream, venison with currant gravy, mutton and pork pies, honey-glazed root vegetables, a selection of aged cheeses, honey-mustard eggs, sugared almonds, delicious smelling fresh baked bread with mounds of freshly made herbed butter and enough spiced wine for the entire country.

  They dined until Eva thought she’d burst, and then Strath placed his hand on her knee, leaned over, and whispered in her ear, “I’ve been waiting for this moment since ye laid down on the soft rug in my chamber at Glasgow. Let’s sneak upstairs so we can continue the path pleasure showed us before.”

  A tremor raced over her skin. Oh, how very much she wanted to do just that.

  “Oh, aye,” she murmured.

  Strath stood abruptly, gripping her hand in his. “We bid ye goodnight.”

  “Not so fast!” called out his mother, followed by the agreement of the other women present. “We need to dress her.”

  “And we need to torment ye,” Strath’s brother Liam said to him.

  “So much for a quick escape,” Strath said with a wink in Eva’s direction.

  She flashed him a saucy grin. “I will try to hurry them.”

  “Same.”

  Eva allowed herself to be swept away by the women, their voices singsong as they talked of love and men and their own wedding nights. In her chamber, they replaced her gown with a sheer chemise with light pink ribbons that tied near her throat—which they of course left loosely tied. They tugged her hair out of her plait and brushed it until it crackled.