by B. J. Scott
Uncertain of the time, he decided it was best to get up. His relatives were not the only guests spending the night in the castle, and leaving this day. Those invited here to vie for Mareal’s hand also milled about, and Andrew felt obligated to make certain everyone had what they needed. Determined to get on with his day, he scooted to the edge of the bed and sat, shivering when his feet hit the cold plank floor. But when he stood and the room began to spin, and relentless waves of dizziness washed over him, he quickly regretted his decision to get up so quickly. He sat on the edge of the mattress and squeezed his eyes shut, cradling his face in his hands. The pounding in his head and nausea tugging at his belly also proved a punishing reminder that overindulging in spirits before bed is not wise.
His dry mouth tasted like wood, so he reached for the jug of ale that sat on the table beside the empty flagon of mead. After quenching his thirst and splashing some water on his face, he dressed, and headed for the door. The idea of breaking his fast did not sound appealing, but as acting laird, he needed to make an appearance at the morning meal. He also wanted to be sure Mareal was in the castle, and to commence his quest for her husband as soon as possible.
Several of the men who attended the funeral mentioned Lorne’s search for a suitable replacement, and that he had invited them to compete for Mareal’s hand. Not that Andrew considered any of them a good match, or that she appeared to take an interest in them either.
She did mention meeting a mysterious young man named Callum Forbes right after the funeral. He claimed to have ties to her family, but he had yet to make himself known to anyone but Mareal. Troubled by Forbes’ evasiveness, Andrew wondered why he was here. Did he merely come to pay his respects to Lorne, or consider himself a prospective groom? Their encounter with Kayden crossed his mind, along with the idea that Forbes was a spy sent by Mareal’s cousin. All were strong possibilities and Andrew was anxious to meet this man if he was still lurking around the keep.
Andrew entered the great hall, relieved to see Mareal sitting at the dais, with Elise at her side. After their near intimate encounter, he wasn’t sure she’d be there. As he crossed the hall and neared his seat, the loud drone of conversation lessened to a dull roar. Given his head pounded like a hammer set to anvil, he offered up a silent prayer, thanking the Lord for small favors. Uncertain what to expect from Mareal, Andrew refrained from looking at her as he rounded the head table and took his seat.
“Good morning, cousin,” Elise said cheerfully.
Having no choice but to reply, Andrew glanced at Elise. “Good morning. I hope you slept well.”
“I did, thank you,” Elise said. “I had hoped to get up early and see my da and Uncle Connor off, but I dinna awaken in time. Good thing we spoke last night afore bed.”
“I also missed their departure. But I spoke with my da before retiring.” Andrew offered Mareal a quick nod of acknowledgement. “Good morning, Mareal.”
“M’lord.” Mareal replied simply.
The coolness in her tone of voice, and the solemn way she stared at her trencher, rather than looking up at him, told Andrew she was still upset. To her credit, she did not rant or chastise him in front of the clan and his cousin, but that did not mean she had refrained from telling Elise what happened between them. “Did you sleep well?” He knew he was pushing things by asking, but did not want to appear rude or draw attention to the discord between them.
“I guess if you consider all that has happened, I slept as well as can be expected.” Mareal shoved her still full trencher away and rose.
Her response vague, Andrew couldn’t be certain if she referred to her father’s death, the run in with Kayden, or the kiss they shared, so he refrained from asking any more questions. He respected her too much to ask her to air her personal thoughts and feelings before the entire clan.
Mareal spoke to Elise. “I find I have suddenly lost my appetite, so am going to return to my chamber.”
“I could go with you if you wish.” Elise began to rise, but returned to her seat when Mareal raised her hand. “You havena touched your food.”
“Dinna fash over me, Elise. I can always have Cook send something up to my chamber should I get hungry.” Mareal patted her friend’s arm. “Please feel free to stay here, finish your meal, and chat with your cousin. We can visit later.”
Andrew clasped Mareal’s wrist. He felt terrible about his momentary lack of restraint, and hated to think she would starve, rather than remain in his presence. “Please dinna go because of me. I promise to let you finish your meal in peace,” he whispered.
She tugged her arm free and glared down at him. “You flatter yourself, m’lord. I decide when and if I eat, where, and with whom I dine.” She kept her voice low, but Elise was close enough to hear every word. Without further comment, she turned and left the great hall before Andrew could comment further.
Elise glowered at Andrew. “It is obvious something is amiss between the two of you. What have you done to anger her so?”
“I did naught,” Andrew snapped, then pointed at Elise’s trencher. “Eat your meal and dinna fash over Mareal.”
“You must have done something terrible to upset her so,” Elise whispered and clucked her tongue. “She ate naught, and scarcely uttered two words after you arrived.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Andrew said. “Mareal is a difficult woman to read and doesna make friends easily. Mayhap she was na in the mood to chat.”
“Odd, I found her quite charming and friendly. She and I had a lengthy conversation last night before bed.”
“Then, I am sure she just misses her father,” Andrew muttered. “Eat your meal. I promised your father I would look after you, and Aunt Fallon would never forgive me if you get ill.” She never mentioned what happened on the parapets and appeared genuinely concerned about what riled his charge, so he assumed Mareal did not share their secret encounter with his cousin.
Elise leaned in close to Andrew and kept her voice low, so only he could hear what she had to say. “Might I remind you, cousin, that you asked me to come here, na the other way around. Despite what my parents believe, I dinna need you to watch over me like a hawk, nor do I need you telling me what to do. In case you havena noticed, I too am a woman grown.”
For a moment, Andrew regretted asking Elise to come. There was enough to worry about when it came to Mareal’s safety and finding her a suitable husband. He did not need the added burden of watching over his frail cousin as well. He brought her here in hopes that her sweet gentle way would prompt his charge to be less assertive, more accommodating, and demurer, not the other way around. But upon giving it more consideration, he had to admit what she claimed was true. He did ask her to come, and had no reason to treat her with anything but kindness.
“Forgive me, Elise. I dinna mean to sound cross with you. I know you are capable of looking out for yourself.” He exhaled sharply, then sucked in a slow deep breath before continuing. “I have a lot on my mind, but that is no excuse to take it out on you.”
“I know you have a lot going on right now and I am here to help in any way that I can. Even if it is just to listen.” Elise rested her hand on Andrew’s forearm. “I know you will someday be laird of Clan Fraser, but you werena expecting to have the responsibility of running a clan thrust upon you so suddenly. If it is any consolation, I think you are doing an outstanding job.”
Andrew covered Elise’s hand with his own, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. She always had a way of pulling him out of a bad mood and making things look brighter. “Thank you. It means a lot to me to know you think so. I just hope I dinna let Lorne down. He trusted me to watch over Mareal and to find her a husband. So far, I have not done either. All I have managed to do is make her angry with me, and I dinna know where to start when it comes to finding her a suitable mate.”
“You are too hard on yourself, Andrew,” Elise said. “So much has happened, there hasna been time to honor your promises, but you will. The laird just died,
and I am sure you are right when you say that part of Mareal’s mood has to do with missing her da. I know if it were my father who died, I would be inconsolable.” She peered at Andrew, a grin curling her lips. “As for finding her a husband, I dinna think you have to look too far.”
Andrew yanked his arm free. “What do you mean by that last remark?” He again wondered if Mareal told her about the kiss on the parapets, or if his rapidly growing feelings for her were so noticeable that everyone knew.
“It is obvious she finds you appealing.” Elise’s grin broadened. “And I have no doubt you feel the same about her.”
“I feel naught for Mareal, and she certainly feels naught for me. When we were bairns, we couldna stand each other.” He was exaggerating, but wanted to make his point.
“I wouldna be so certain.” Elise challenged. “Besides, you are no longer bairns.”
“Grown or na, you know there is a lot more to this union than two people who find themselves attracted to each other,” Andrew reminded her. “In addition to marrying her, the man must take the MacCurtry name, and be willing to stay here and replace Lorne as laird. I have no intention of doing either.”
“She is a lovely, intelligent lass, and most men would jump at the chance to marry her,” Elise said.
“Selecting a suitor who Lorne would approve of is going to be the challenge. If you havena noticed, cousin, Mareal is also a spirited lass who willna be easily tamed.”
Elise glowered. “You make her sound like a horse to be broken, na a woman to be loved and cherished.”
“You misunderstand me,” Andrew explained. “Anyone who knows the lass is aware that Lorne gave her free rein, and she doesna take orders well. She acts more like a lad than a lass, doesna hesitate to speak her mind, and she now refuses to follow Highland tradition and have a husband chosen for her. Most men wouldna be interested in such a challenge.”
“Listen to yourself, Andrew. Your mother would be furious to hear you speak like this about a woman.” Elise rose and clucked her tongue. “Neither your mother or mine were what most considered compliant and demure, nor are Aunt Sheena or Aunt Edina. They are all spirited, intelligent women with minds of their own. And their husbands adore and admire them for it.”
Although Andrew found the scolding from his cousin annoying and embarrassing, Elise spoke the truth. But as she ranted on, he wondered what happened to the shy, reserved lass who never said a cross word to or about anyone.
“What about Aunt Arya?” She continued her tirade. “Everyone called her a hellion, and claimed no one could tame her, but that wasna true. It just took the right man to realize she was a woman and na a beast, his equal and na his property, a man who appreciated her unique qualities and dinna expect her to change.”
Andrew sank back in his chair. None of the Fraser men fell for weak-willed women, and they were all happily married. They each chose strong, independent lasses who not only stole their hearts, but kept them on their toes.
“You are right as usual,” he conceded, quickly remembering why he had always liked and respected his cousin. “Let us just say finding the right man who will make her happy and appreciates her qualities will prove challenging.” Acknowledging that Mareal was a special woman did not make his chore any easier, nor did it diminish his own fascination with the beguiling lass.
“Her father thought a tournament, followed by a masked ball would be a clever way to select a husband for her,” Andrew said. “Before he died, Lorne invited men he thought might be suitable. Several of them attended the funeral.”
“I have never heard of such a thing?” Elise’s brow furrowed. “And Mareal agreed to this?”
“She dinna learn of her father’s plan until just afore he died.” Andrew was still trying to understand the whole thing himself. While he was aware this was not the typical way of finding a husband, there was nothing typical about Mareal or this situation.
“Her father thought a tournament would aid in the selection of his replacement. The winner would most likely be a man who was strong and powerful, someone able to take charge and lead the clan,” Andrew explained. “But he knew of her reluctance to marry, and wanted Mareal to have some say in the final decision.”
A bewildered expression crossed Elise’s face. “I can understand the tournament might aid in finding a strong leader, but am confused about a ball where people hide their faces?”
It was the first time Andrew had ever heard of the idea either, but knew Lorne was trying to accommodate his daughter’s wish to have a say in who she would marry. “Her father decided to invite those deemed most suitable during the tournament to a masked ball after the events concluded. It was his intent that Mareal get to know each prospective husband for who they are and not what they looked like. After the ball, she would pick the man she found most appealing.”
“I still think it odd, and dinna see how he could expect Mareal to select a husband this way and so quickly.” Elise returned to her seat. “However, if several of the men Laird MacCurtry already invited have shown an interest, it should make your search easier.”
“They may be willing to compete for her hand, but that doesna mean they are good choices for Mareal’s husband, or that their intentions are honorable,” Andrew replied curtly.
“And of the men who answered the invitations, you dinna think any were the right match? Mayhap you are being too picky.” Elise grinned. “Or mayhap you will not think any man worthy.”
“They were either too old or too controlling,” Andrew said. “There must be one man out there who is right for her. I just need to find him, then convince Mareal to marry him.”
“I noticed one young man at the funeral who appeared to take an interest, and she seemed quite attentive as they spoke.” Elise smiled at the mention of him. “They were talking right after the internment. I certainly wouldna call him too old, and he was quite dashing. I think I overheard him say his name was Callum Forbes.”
His interest piqued, Andrew sat up straight and stared at his cousin. “Have you seen him since the burial?” He was certain this was the same young man Mareal had told him about.
Elise bobbed her head. “Aye. I noticed him at the feast.”
“Did he appear to be sitting with anyone?” Andrew inquired. The more he could learn about this stranger, the better.
“Nay. He sat alone at the back of the great hall. He is quite a braw warrior, and I remember thinking what a fine husband he would make for some lucky woman,” she declared, then covered her mouth with her hand and turned away.
Her comment and the blush that reddened Elise’s cheeks sparked Andrew’s protective nature. His cousin appeared taken by the man, even though a proper introduction had yet to take place. For all he knew, Forbes could be dangerous. After his encounter with Kayden, he wasn’t sure who he should trust.
“If you see him again, tell me at once. I forbid you to go anywhere near him, or anyone else that you dinna know.” He spoke a little sterner than he intended, but he wanted to be certain she was careful. He promised his uncle to keep a close eye on Elise, and was determined to honor his word.
“He never approached me at any time.” Elise lowered her gaze, and twisted a lock of her hair around her finger. “Besides, why would a man like that be interested in a woman like me?”
Andrew hated to see her belittle herself. He cupped her chin and raised it until she met his gaze. “You are a beautiful, interesting, desirable woman, and any man would be lucky to know you. Even more fortunate to call you his wife. You are a Fraser after all.” He wiggled a brow.
A grin curled Elise’s lip. “Thank you. But you are my cousin and love me, so you have to say kind things about me.”
“We may be cousins, but I speak the truth.” Andrew stroked her cheek. “But that doesna mean you should let down your guard around men you dinna know. This isna Fraser Castle, and there are many people here that I have met for the first time as well. As your temporary guardian, I ask that you dinna speak with him alon
e until I can find out a little more about him. I am na sure why he is here, but intend to find out.” The more he thought about the man’s evasiveness, the more determined he was to seek him out.
“I appreciate your concern for my safety, and will keep my distance,” Elise promised. “My guess is that in addition to paying his respects to Mareal’s late father, he came for the tournament. Callum Forbes may just turn out to be the suitable husband and replacement for Laird MacCurtry you search for.”
“You may be right. But until I know for certain that his intentions are honorable, I would appreciate it if you stayed clear of him.” This time when he spoke, he softened his tone. “I wish it was over and done, so we could go home. But I gave Lorne my word, and am honor bound to keep it.”
“Given Mareal’s reluctance to marry, you do have a chore ahead of you,” Elise chuckled, then frowned. “Or mayhap it will all be for naught and she willna have to marry anyone. Na if her cousin Kayden decides to challenge for the position of laird.”
Andrew stiffened at the mention of his name. Elise was obviously privy to more than he thought. “What do you know about Kayden?”
“Mareal mentioned him to me last night. She said he was the son of her father’s older brother, and that until a little over a year ago, he was the man chosen to replace her da as laird when the time came,” Elise explained. “She dinna seem too fond of him, and told me that after Kayden and her father had a serious falling out, the laird banished him from the clan.”
“She has good reason na to like him, and hopefully, he willna show his face around here,” Andrew snapped.
Elise clasped her throat and caught Andrew’s gaze. “I asked Mareal if he posed a threat to you or her, and she said no. But judging by the look of disdain on your face, and the hostile tone in your voice, she dinna tell me the truth.”
