by Tarah Scott
He stood and gave a slight bow. “My lady. Thank you for coming to welcome Lady Alison home.”
“Of course, I had to come. I am so pleased.” She returned her attention to Linnae.
“I hope they treated ye well at the abbey.”
Abbey? Her heart skipped a beat. She knew.
Lady Innis frowned. “Is something amiss?”
Jacob grasped her hand and gently squeezed. Of course, Lady Innis referred to Clovina Abbey where Lady Alison had lived until she was thirteen, not Glenwood Abbey where Linnae had lived.
“Aye,” she said. “The sisters were very kind.”
“What did they teach ye?”
“Oh, well, philosophy and Latin.”
“Philosophy?” she repeated in surprise and Linnae realized her mistake. What woman studied philosophy? She’d studied a bit with her one real friend at the abbey, Helena.
“Alison, I am surprised you didnae wear your grandmother’s ruby necklace,” Lady Innis said. “Or are you waiting to wear it for your wedding? Of course,” she added, “that’s it. I cannae wait to see it.”
Linnae glimpsed Jacob’s frown an instant before another woman began climbing the steps to the dais.
“Of course, Sophie would come,” Lady Innis said under her breath. She leaned close to Linnae and said, “The moment she heard I was coming to welcome you home, she had to come, as well.”
Sophie approached them.
“Sophie,” Lady Innis said in a sickeningly sweet voice. “What a surprise to see you here.”
Sophie shot her a haughty look. “Of course, I would come.”
Linnae cast Jacob a pleading look, but he shrugged. She caught the laughter in his eyes and gave him a narrow-eyed look that conveyed her wish to box his ears.
Sophie grasped Linnae’s shoulders and pulled her into a hug. She hadn’t been hugged so much in her life. “I hope I am the first to congratulate you on your upcoming marriage.”
Linnae jerked back as Lady Innis squealed with delight.
“Alison, you must have a thousand things to do,” Lady Innis said. “Sophie, you and I must help her prepare.”
Linnae’s head spun. “If ye will excuse me, I am tired. Thank ye for coming.” She brushed past the women.
“What—but wait,” Innis called.
“Alison,” Sophie cried. “See what you have done, Innis?”
“Forgive her, ladies,” Jacob said. “Her carriage was attacked on the way here and she lost friends.”
“Holy Mother,” Lady Innis cried, and Linnae heard no more as she reached the steps and hurried down
Chapter 4
Linnae pushed through the postern door and rushed into the courtyard. She hurried past two maids, turned left, and entered a small grove of trees as tears pressed against the backs of her eyes. She slowed to a walk until the grove opened upon a cobblestone path, and drew a breath at sight of the sea of bluebells spread out before her. The need to cry proved too much, and by the time she reached the wooden bench in the center of the garden, tears streamed down her cheeks.
She dropped onto the wooden bench facing a tall standing stone that bore no markings, bowed her head, and cried. At last, the sobs turned to sniffles, and her head cleared enough for her to wonder if they’d brought Lady Alison, Dina and Rebecca’s bodies to the castle. It was her duty to take part in the burial preparation. Lady Alison would have wanted that. Tears threatened again. Lady Alison—
“I see ye found Lyel’s private garden,” came a deep voice behind her.
Linnae jumped to her feet and whirled to face Jacob MacKinnon.
A corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I did no’ mean to frighten you.”
She wiped her cheeks. “What are ye doing here?”
“I just wanted to talk with you. May I sit?” he asked.
“Oh—aye.” Linnae waited until he’d settled on the right side, then she sat back down on the far side of the bench.
He gazed at the horizon. Dark clouds eased across the streaks of red and yellow in the sky. “You can see the entire Mackenzie border from this hill. All the way from the rolling hills in the east” –he drew an imaginary line with his finger across the horizon— “to the waters of Loch Alsh.”
“‘Tis beautiful. And the sunset is brilliant.”
“Like a golden apple. Are ye familiar with that story?”
Linnae shook her head.
“I traveled to Greece. They’re a wild lot, but their stories are among the most beautiful. There is one about the goddess of the sun. According to legend, she was entrusted with the care of a special tree that grew apples as bright and brilliant as the golden sun that shines in the sky. The tree became a symbol of the unity of love between the king of the heavens and his queen.”
Love. Had he hoped to love Lady Alison? She gave him a sideways look. “I am sorry your betrothed died in the crash.”
He didn’t look at her, just gave a slight nod. “She was young. It is sad.”
“Have their bodies been retrieved?” she asked.
“Aye.”
Her heart constricted. “I must take part in the burial preparations. Lady Alison would have wanted it.”
He looked at her. “You were her friend?”
“And she was my friend.” Linnae turned her gaze to the bluebells. “She would have loved this garden. She loved bluebells. Tell me, the stone—” Linnae nodded at the stone “—it bears no markings, but it must be significant to be placed in front of the bench and surrounded by a sea of bluebells.”
Jacob plucked one of the flowers. “The bluebells remind Laird MacKenzie of past battles. The stone signifies the memory of those he has killed in battle.” He handed her the weeping flower.
“Why would he mourn his enemies?”
“Men are honor bound to fight in battle. Though they are our enemies, most are no’ so different from us.”
She regarded him. “Rumor says ye have been in many battles. Is that true?”
“More than I care to admit,” he said with a sigh, then went silent.
She floundered for something to say. “Did I upset Lady Innis? I made a complete fool of myself.”
“You nearly died today, Linnae. Ye lost people you cared about. It is only natural you wouldnae be yourself. She understood.”
Linnae studied him. “You are no’ angry, then?”
“Nae, lass. I am no’ angry.” He paused, then said, “How long did you serve Lady Alison?”
“Nearly two years. I entered her brother’s household in anticipation of her return from the convent.”
“That was just two years ago, if I recall.”
Linnae nodded. “Aye. She became so unmanageable, the sisters insisted she be sent home.”
Jacob grimaced. “Her brother couldn’t have been pleased.”
Linnae shrugged. “He wasn’t. But, in truth, it mattered little. He was seldom home.”
“Aye.” Jacob gave a slow nod. “David likes warring.”
“And whoring,” Linnae added.
Jacob looked sharply at her. “Ye are a cheeky wench, I see.”
She gave him a sheepish look. “I suppose it is uncharitable for me to point out his faults. It’s just…”
Jacob lifted a brow in question.
“Well, he has so many—faults, that is. He cared nothing for his sister. She was alone most of the time. And when he was home, he gave feasts for his friends—who were oftentimes very rude to Lady Alison.”
“A brother should care for his sister,” Jacob said. “Lady Alison was fortunate to have such a brave friend such as you.”
“Brave?” she repeated.
“My lady, a woman who threatens to kill me with a knife is brave.”
She grimaced. “I am sorry. I didnae know who ye were.”
“You were right to protect yourself, lass. For my part, I find it much more impressive that ye faced Sophie and Lady Innis.”
Linnae couldn’t prevent a laugh. “I must admit, they frightened me
even more than you did.”
His expression sobered. “I am sorry I frightened ye, love.”
Her stomach did a somersault. Love? She shook her head. “There was no way to avoid it.” Thankfully, her voice remained level.
He regarded her. “Tell me about yourself.”
She shrugged. “I am an orphan. I have vague memories that come to me in my dreams sometimes, but I never knew my parents. When I was five, a woman who called herself my aunt sent me to Glenwood Abbey.”
His brow furrowed. “That is a refuge for homeless girls, aye? Under the protection of the Donalds.”
She stiffened. “I am a Donald, and grew up in Donald territory, but, as I told ye before, that doesnae mean I had anything to do with the attack on the carriage. Are ye sure it was the Donalds who attacked?”
“Aye, lass. I recognized their colors.”
Had the men worn Donald colors? She thought back, but couldn’t remember. They’d been too far away to distinguish between the MacKinnon plaid, which had more green, and the Donald, which had more red.
“How did they know Lady Alison was traveling home?” But as soon as the words left her mouth, she knew. Malcolm Donald had spies all over Skye. Guilt stabbed. Should she tell him about Malcolm? If she did, he was sure to think she was involved. If she didn’t, might something else happen?
“I dinnae know,” he replied. “But I plan to find out.
A long silence drew out between them. Stars began to twinkle in the twilight sky and the air chilled.
“What ruby necklace was Lady Innis asking about?” Jacob finally asked.
“In Lady Alison’s satchel is the ruby necklace Lady Alison’s grandmother gave her, and the wedding band she was going to give ye on your wedding day.” She regarded him. “Why were you betrothed to Lady Alison?”
A fond light entered his eyes. “Lyel fought at my father’s side during the Battle of Southaven. My father sent me to Inverness to take refuge with my uncle. I was only nine summers. Our camp was attacked and Laird Mackenzie protected us. My father was killed in the attack.
“So young to lose a father. I am sorry,” she said.
“Lyel raised me after that,” he said. “They are both good men. I was very fortunate.”
She’d often wondered what it would be like to have parents who loved and cared for her. “Why would Michael want to stop your marriage to Lady Alison?” she asked.
He regarded her. “How did ye manage to overhear our conversation above the noise in the great hall?”
Linnae shrugged.
Jacob released a breath. “Michael is Lyel’s brother’s son. He doesnae want to be allied with my clan. Instead, he’d rather ally with the Donalds.”
She drew a sharp breath. “That would change the balance of power and…”
“…could mean all-out war on Skye,” he ended for her.
Linnae nodded slowly. “But why worry about Lady Alison’s marriage to ye? Michael can simply ignore the connection.”
Jacob shook his head. “Michael has supporters on the council, but many would fight him if the MacKenzies are allied with me, and his warriors would consider his change of alliance a betrayal.”
“But ye are no’ certain he was behind the attack?”
“Nae. Nonetheless, he will take advantage of Lady Alison’s death.”
Guilt tightened her belly. “It would have been better for everyone if she had lived and I had died.”
To her surprise, he leaned across the bench, grasped her hand, and gently squeezed. “Dinnae fear, lass. I will deal with Michael.” He released her. “For now, I am concerned about Lyel.”
“How is your laird?” she asked.
“I was with him before I came to you.” He sighed. “His death won’t be long in coming.”
She didn’t know what to say, so said the first thing that came to mind. “Lady Innis and Sophie think they are going to help me plan my wedding.”
Something flickered in his eyes.
“What is it?”
His gaze sharpened. “You have a sharp mind yourself, do ye no’, lass?”
“Sharp enough to know you have something on your mind.”
“I suppose there is no way to avid telling you.”
She tensed.
“Lyel wants us to marry tomorrow.”
“What?” She stared. “I pretended to be Laird MacKenzie’s granddaughter to give him peace. But this—” She jumped to her feet. “Because I’m a servant doesnae mean ye can force me to marry ye just so that you do no’ upset your laird.”
He rose. “Linnae.”
She took a step back. “If you think you can marry me, then toss me aside after Laird MacKenzie passes on, you are sadly mistaken.”
“Lass—”
She shook her head. “I am only a maid, but I have my honor.”
He stared.
She waited.
“You are right,” he said. “If Laird MacKenzie lives through tomorrow and, if ye will have me, we will marry.”
“Have you gone daft? You cannae marry a servant girl.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “I dinnae believe you.”
He dropped to one knee and her heart pounded when he looked up at her and said, “As God is my witness, if we marry, ours will be a true marriage as long as we both live.”
“But why?” she whispered.
“Lyel deserves to leave this world in peace.”
Linnae shook her head. “There must be another way.”
He gave a low laugh. “Even at death’s door, Lyel is a determined man.”
“This cannae be happening,” she whispered.
Jacob rose. “Say nothing tonight. There is time.”
She frowned. “Time to hope that an old man dies?”
“Everyone dies. He has lived a good life.”
She started to reply, then nodded.
“I imagine today has been the strangest day of your life,” he said.
She’d seen some strange days, but today was the strangest. “Aye.”
“Perhaps you should rest,” he said.
Linnae nodded gratefully. “I will think more clearly after I rest a bit.”
“Come.” He stepped to her and pulled her hand into the crook of his arm, then started back toward the keep.
Jacob held her close to his side as they walked the path. Linnae thanked God for the dark, for she knew her cheeks must be flaming. She was also thankful that he didn’t engage her in conversation. Her head whirled. If not for the warmth of the muscled arm beneath her fingers, she might have dreamt this day.
They reached the courtyard, which was mostly deserted and lit with torches. They were halfway across the courtyard when half a dozen warriors rode through the gate. The riders halted and the three men in the center of their ranks came into view.
Linnae gasped.
Jacob looked sharply at her. “Lass?”
“I know that man—the one in the center of the three who are bound. He was our driver.”
Chapter 5
“That man was driving your carriage?” Jacob demanded.
Linnae nodded.
Anger whipped through him. “They call him The Weasel. He is one of Laird Donald’s henchmen.”
“A Donald?” she said. “I thought he was a MacKenzie. Did they intend to capture Lady Alison and ransom her?”
“If that were the case, The Weasel would no’ have driven the carriage off the road.”
“Perhaps he was a bad driver,” she said. “The road runs along a steep cliff.”
“I wager he jumped off and let the carriage careen off the road.”
Jacob’s chest tightened at the thought of Linnae being buried in the cold ground alongside Lady Alison and the other two maids. Nothing more than blind luck had brought him to the site of the crash just after it happened. If only they’d come upon the carriage before The Weasel had the chance to wreck it, then—then Lady Alison would still be alive and he would have married her without so much as a glance at Linnae. Somet
hing—was it gratitude?—swept through him. He’d been saved from marrying a vain, spoiled woman.
Jacob started. Did he have Linnae? Did he want Linnae?
“I want to know why Donalds attacked our carriage.”
He realized Linnae had spoken. She started forward.
Jacob took two quick steps and seized her arm. “Linnae.” He stopped short at the crunch of boots on the ground behind them.
Two warriors passed, then Jacob said in a low voice, “Lady Alison wouldnae want to be in the same room with men who had attacked her entourage.”
Linnae arched a brow. “How do ye know what Lady Alison would do? She was a strong woman.”
“You told me she was so unmanageable that the sisters sent her away from the convent,” he said.
Linnae narrowed her eyes. “That doesnae mean she was weak.”
He nodded. “I know, lass. I meant no disrespect. You must admit that it’s more likely she would command me to deal with the men.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Aye, ‘tis just—” Tears shimmered in her eyes. “She should no’ have died. She was so young and beautiful. And there was Rebecca and Dina.”
“Love--” he began.
She ducked her head and he found himself pulling her into his arms. She stiffened, then gave into tears and melted into his embrace. When she fisted his shirt, he wanted nothing more than to sweep her into his arms and take her upstairs to his bed and kiss away her sorrow. But the warriors who had brought the men had dismounted and were coming their way.
Linnae must have heard them, for she pulled back and looked over her shoulder, then pulled free. She swiped at her tears, then straightened and met his gaze. “Forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” he whispered, then looked up as his men reached them.
Of the three captives, the short, skinny man’s eyes darted to Linnae and Jacob realized he’d recognized her. God’s Teeth, if the man told anyone that a maid was posing as Lyel’s granddaughter, Lyel would order her hanged with his dying breath.
“The lass is alive and well. We didnae do anything,” the man shouted.
“Shut up, ye fool,” the taller of the men snapped.
