Her Accidental Highlander Husband (MacKinlay Clan)

by Allison B Hanson

“Aye, but there’s being fierce and there’s being foolish. I’ve been something far worse than foolish.”

  “What’s that?” Liam asked.

  “Desperate.”

  Liam nodded, not needing any explanation. “You want to protect Lady Mari.”

  “Yes. Very much so.”

  “I understand. I’m in love, as well. And I’d do anything to keep her safe.”

  Cam gave him an indulgent smile. “I’m not in love, but Mari is my wife, and it’s my duty to protect her.”

  Liam’s brows pulled together. “Ye don’t love her? I was sure you did. The way the two of you are always sneaking off to your room and the woods…”

  Cam chuckled. “That’s lust. I’ve got that aplenty. But I also have a responsibility to keep her safe. I don’t want anything to happen to her.”

  Liam nodded. “I understand. I feel the same. Even if I only met her after she’d already been injured.”

  “The Stewart lass?”

  “Aye. Evelyn.” Liam’s eyes got all dreamy in that way love made men lose their wits.

  Cam wouldn’t fall into that trap. “I want to protect my wife. But I’ll not lose ye to do it. That was wrong. I won’t let it happen again.”

  “I’d give my life to protect her, and be glad for the honor,” the boy said, causing Cam’s guts to turn.

  He should have been pleased to hear the young warrior’s vow of fealty. He should have clapped the lad on the shoulder and told him he was a brave man. But it didn’t ring true. Giving one’s life for another was an honorable thing. But what was one life saved if another was lost?

  What made Mari’s life more valuable than Liam’s, or the rest of his men? For it was clear it would not be just one man to fall in protection of Mari when they faced the English, but many. Could he ask a warrior with a wife and children at home to give his life so that Cam could save his own wife?

  “Go to the kitchens and tell Millie I said to give you some salted meat. It helps. And don’t let any of the men shame you for falling over. Go on.”

  Liam nodded and headed for the castle. Cam watched him to make sure he was well enough to walk, then turned to watch the water lap against the rocks. He didn’t need to look toward the sound of footsteps to know who soon approached him.

  “If you’ve come to scold me for being too harsh on my men, I already know what an arse I am.”

  Lach sat next to him. “Your men? I thought they were my men.”

  Cam smiled and nodded, acknowledging the slip. “Whoever’s men they are, they’ll be far more impressive if I don’t wear them down to naught but bones.”

  “I don’t think fighting is going to get her out of this.” Lach kept his gaze on the water, too.

  Cam knew his cousin well enough to understand he did not mean they should surrender.

  “You think Mari and I should run, then.”

  Lach nodded. “We have ties to the Campbell clan through our mothers. Bryce is also a Campbell. Or perhaps it would be safer to leave Scotland altogether. Mayhap France?”

  Cam swallowed back a refusal to leave his homeland. While it wasn’t the best option, he knew he would do it if it meant protecting Mari as well as his clan.

  “Wherever ye decide to go, you’ll not speak of it with any of us. Afterward, there should be no letters or contact at all. Nothing that can tie you back to the clan. Don’t even tell Mari until you’re on your way. She’ll tell Kenna, and Kenna will want to check on her sister.”

  Cam nodded, already feeling the chill of the self-imposed exile. “I agree. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Mari’s nightmares continued and grew even worse. Cam hated feeling helpless and wanted to help. But he didn’t think she’d shared all her fears. She was still holding something back.

  When Lach gave orders for him to take his men to Skye to try to negotiate access to the sea through the McInnis lands, Cam asked the laird to send someone else.

  “It is because of you we have no access to the sea through a McCurdy alliance. I need you to find us another viable port,” Lach said with his brows creased. “Why do you fret? Your wife is safe here. We’ll not let anything happen to her. Besides, you may find a way to board a ship easier if you make the connections beforehand.”

  “I know. It’s just that she’s been having nightmares of late. I’m afraid my leaving will cause her more stress.”

  “She’s married to the war chief. She’s going to have to face it sooner or later. Now seems to be the right time. And I have heard rumors that the McCurdy may try to take the McInnis clan. If we help them hold their lands against our common enemy, they may warrant an alliance. I’ll ask Kenna to keep Mari busy, distract her from your absence, but I need ye to do this.”

  Cam let out a breath, knowing a protest would be in vain. He had a responsibility to his laird and clan. He had a responsibility to his wife as well, but his duty came first, whether his heart agreed or not.

  Not wanting to upset her, Cam left the news of his departure until the night before he was to leave.

  To his surprise, she only nodded. “I understand. I’ll look forward to your return.”

  “That’s it?”

  “I said I’d not beg a promise from you in the future. I know you have little say in what awaits you on the road, so I’ll not add to your burdens.”

  “Thank you. But just because you haven’t asked for a promise doesn’t mean I won’t give you one.” He kissed her. “I promise you, wife, I will do all in my power to come home to you. And if the Almighty calls me home, I will be waiting for you at the gates.”

  She kissed him again. “Thank you. I trust you to do what needs doing.”

  And as easy as that, his farewell was accomplished.

  Or so he thought.

  Later that night just after he’d drifted off, Mari began to mutter and toss. Another nightmare. He gave her a small shake to wake her from the horror.

  She gasped in air, struggling to breathe.

  “Are ye all right?” he asked worriedly.

  She cried into his chest, and he felt her body tremble with sobs.

  “Shh. Please just tell me what has you so upset. Please, Mari, I beg of you. Let me help in whatever way I might.”

  She looked at him, her eyes bright with tears in the dim light, and blurted out, “I think I should turn myself in to the English.”

  Of all the words that could be strung together to form a thought, he’d never expected those to come out in that order.

  “What?” he said, thinking maybe he’d misheard. Praying he had.

  “The fear of them coming for me and hurting everyone here has me tied into knots. If I turned myself in, it would all be over.”

  “Aye. It would. So would your life. We would be over, too, and I’ll not have it. It’s been months since you came to me. They have bigger things to worry about in London than a wee lass who stood up for herself against her bugger of a husband.”

  “But Lucy—”

  “I know what Lucy’s letter said. But even if Ridley badgers someone into saying you planned to come here, it might not get him an order from the crown.”

  She nodded, but without real agreement, so he decided to tell her of his other plan.

  “If we get word that they are coming for ye, I have some things stashed away. Money and the like, to take us far away from here.”

  “Away? Where?”

  “I’ll not say, for it canna be shared with anyone here. It’s safer if they don’t have answers, should they be questioned.”

  She let out a breath but still didn’t say anything to make him believe she’d given up on her plan to turn herself in.

  “Mari, I’ll have your promise you will be here when I return,” he said sternly.

  “Of course,” she said, tho
ugh he couldn’t help but see how she’d worded it so she hadn’t actually promised anything. Before he could press her into saying the actual words, she yawned and fell asleep.

  He woke before dawn the next morning and kissed her forehead before leaving their room to start his journey. Lach was waiting in the hall to see him off.

  “Mari is entertaining the daft idea of turning herself in to the English,” Cam muttered. “You’ll please make sure that doesn’t happen while I’m gone?”

  Lach’s brows hiked. “Aye. I will. Why would she say such a preposterous thing?”

  “I think it was no more than a desperate thought after a nightmare, but keep an eye on her. Don’t let her leave on her own.”

  “We already have men with her at all times. She’ll be safe. I’ll make sure of it.”

  …

  Rather than go down to break her fast, Mari went to the solar to sit by the window to watch for a line of soldiers wearing red coats to crest the hill. It hadn’t happened yet, but it would. Someday.

  Just as she’d seen in her dream.

  Cam had tried to reassure her by telling her he had plans for them to escape, but how would that help the people here? They might not have answers to supply the soldiers regarding her whereabouts, but they’d certainly be questioned relentlessly if Ridley thought they knew something.

  That would be just as bad as if she were found here. Perhaps worse. Soldiers given permission to do whatever it took to extract information would not stop until they had something to report back.

  Kenna rushed into the room, then stopped and smacked Mari in the back of the head.

  “Ow. What was that for?” Years of being the second-eldest sibling hadn’t prepared Mari for such things from her baby sister.

  “You told Cam you want to turn yourself over to the English.”

  “He told you?”

  “Nay. I don’t get up to see the men off when the bairns are sleeping. But Cam told Lach, and he told me. So what are you thinking? Have you gone mad?”

  “I’ve grown weary of living in fear of what is coming.”

  “That letter. I knew I should never have given it to you. I tell you true, the MacKinlays will protect you, sister. You are one of us now. You have nothing to fear. Now here, I brought you a tart. Even though you speak like a muttonhead, you’re my only sister and I love ye.”

  “I love you as well.” And it was because of that love Mari would make sure her sister and the rest of the clan were never put in danger because of her past.

  Kenna settled into the chair next to her and picked up her embroidery. She let out a sigh. “Thanks for fixing this.”

  Mari smiled. “It’s not a problem. Go ahead and make another bunch of knots for me to fix tomorrow. At this rate, we’ll have a fine linen in a year or two.” Mari expected Kenna to offer a snappy retort, but instead she sat staring at the hoop in her hand. Mari placed a hand on her sister’s. “I was only jesting, Ken. It’s beautiful.”

  “It’s not the embroidery—which is a far cry from beautiful—it’s…” Kenna turned her head to one side as if listening for something. “I think I need to lie down. I feel a little off.” With that, Kenna’s face went even paler, and she melted onto the settee.

  Acting quickly, Mari went to fetch a pitcher of water and some linens. She wetted one and placed it on Kenna’s forehead.

  “Sister?” She patted Kenna’s clammy cheek. “Kenna?”

  Kenna’s eyes opened and she blinked. “Oh my. I’m sorry. I—”

  “I’ll get Lachlan.”

  “No. I’m—”

  But Mari was already out of the room. She nearly fell down the stairs and was out of breath when she burst into the hall. Rather than shout across the room, she walked as fast as could still be called walking and focused on the head table at the dais.

  She must have looked like the devil was chasing her, for Lachlan jumped down to come meet her. She leaned up to whisper in his ear that Kenna had fainted.

  His face went white, and he gave her upper arm a squeeze before rushing past her to go see his wife. With that task completed, she hurried to find Abagail, who was naturally not in her cottage. Her neighbor said she’d gone to another village to help a man who’d lost his leg.

  As Mari headed back to the castle, she noticed one of the men staring at her as if she were a tasty ham. It was then she realized she’d left the safety of the castle without a guard. And she remembered she wasn’t just a tasty morsel. She was a walking hundred pounds sterling.

  Back in the safety of the castle, she rushed upstairs.

  Kenna glared at her over Lachlan’s shoulder as he knelt in front of her.

  “I’m sorry. Abagail is not available at the moment. What can I do to help?”

  “You could have kept your mouth shut until I’d had the chance to explain that I hadn’t had the chance to eat yet, and that I often get light-headed if I don’t eat early enough.”

  Mari winced. “Oh.”

  Lachlan took charge despite still looking shaky. “I am having a meal brought up for you. In the meantime, I think it best you stay away from the children. Just in case.”

  “I am fine. You’ll see, once I’ve eaten.”

  “I’ll check on the food.” Lachlan paused when he passed her. “Could she be with child again so soon?” he asked.

  Mari smiled. “I’m afraid you would know that better than me.”

  “Good God, what have I done?” he murmured. “I hope she just needs to eat.”

  He left them alone, and Mari apologized again.

  “You’ve done it now,” Kenna said with a laugh. “He’ll be hovering and watching over me for days to make sure I’m not ill or increasing. Lord, I hope I’m not increasing already.” She gave a good-natured groan.

  “Is it so bad to have a husband who cares about you and sees to your every need?” Mari asked.

  “You tell me. You don’t seem to be enjoying it from Cam.”

  Mari let out a breath. She hadn’t been fair to him. He’d only wanted to share in her worries. She wasn’t used to such a thing from a husband.

  Unfortunately, what worried her was something she needed to take care of on her own.

  …

  Cam arrived at the McInnis castle on a bright, sunny day. The salty smell of the sea put a smile on his face as he greeted the laird and explained the reason for his visit.

  While he was greeted warmly, the McInnis laird made no promises that they’d be able to strike an accord. In fact, during the evening meal, the McInnis laird began to explain the predicament of their small port.

  “I fear we’ve not an easy access, despite being so close to the water.” He went on to tell how a large portion of a cliff had fallen into the sea and cut off the small beach. They’d not yet found a way to navigate around the new obstacle and he was doubtful it would ever be feasible for more than small vessels.

  Cam was almost glad for the news, for it meant he’d be able to start his return to Dunardry the next morning. But he knew Lach would be disappointed if he didn’t try to come up with another way to make it work. So, the next morning they went down to the water to see the devastation. As the laird had said, large boulders and rocks filled what once had been a modest harbor.

  The McInnis shook his head in despair as Cam studied the line of rocks. None were of the same height, but the shortest one was of fair size. He reckoned the others could be cut down to match, then the stone that was cut away could be used to fill the gaps.

  Before he realized it, he’d opened his mouth and started talking.

  “It would be similar to a curtain wall,” he clarified. “You’d need to pile up the rock in the crevices so it would provide support against the force of the sea even during storms. You’re protected here, but you’ll want to plan for the worst nature has to offer.”

  An hou
r later, Cam had requested paper and had drawn out formal plans for their path to the sea.

  “With a taper here toward the shore, you’d be able to ride carriages and wagons right up on the wall to aid in loading cargo.” Cam walked the laird to the best place to start the structure.

  The McInnis followed, making comments and pointing out things as they went. When Cam was done explaining his plan, the man looked a bit overwhelmed.

  “This will not be an easy feat,” the laird said. “Especially with the reduction to our coffers because we’ve been unable to trade. We also lost ships and some good men.” The man grimaced. “But it sounds like it can be done, and doing so will give us back our freedom. When we’re on solid ground again, I’ll be sure to reach out to the MacKinlay to see if we can come to an agreement. Thank you for your help.”

  Cam and McInnis clasped arms to solidify the future possibilities. They were leaving the coast for the village when they were approached by a half dozen British soldiers.

  “What may we do for you?” McInnis asked with a slight edge to show his displeasure with their intrusion on his lands.

  “We’re looking for this woman. It’s thought she might try to board a ship. There’s a reward of one hundred pounds sterling for her capture.”

  McInnis smiled. “That would certainly help us pay for our repairs.” He laughed and took the notice.

  Cam remained calm despite being able to see Mari’s likeness from where he stood. This was worse than he’d ever imagined.

  “My, a duchess wanted for murder,” the McInnis murmured. “You sure do breed your women to be malicious in London.”

  “She is a Scot, sir,” the sergeant pointed out, which drew a scowl from the laird.

  “Are you traveling all the coast of Scotland?” Cam asked the sergeant.

  “Yes, three squads have been dispatched to visit all ports. We’ll find her soon enough.”

  Cam hoped desperately that wasn’t true.

  Chapter Thirty

  “Might I have a word with you, my lord?” Mari hovered by Lachlan’s door. “Kenna is well, that’s not why I’m here,” she added when his face went pale. The poor man had watched over Kenna for days, only to see she was fine and had only needed to eat when she’d fainted.