Highland Challenge (Highland Generations Book 1)

by B. J. Scott

  Mareal’s heart sank at Andrew’s announcement—the painful thought of him leaving so soon, cutting through her like a knife.

  Elise glanced at Callum, then spoke to Andrew. “I have missed everyone at Fraser Castle terribly, but am willing to remain as long as I am needed. Do you na have to stay here and honor Laird MacCurtry’s wishes?”

  Andrew stepped forward and brushed Elise’s cheek with his hand. “You need na fash, everything will be taken care of to Lorne’s satisfaction, his wishes honored. I just wanted to let you know we were leaving, so you had plenty of time to prepare for the journey and to say goodbye to everyone you met here.”

  All but bursting to ask what he meant when he spoke about satisfying her father’s wishes, Mareal managed to hold her tongue.

  “Now, if you dinna mind, I would like to speak with Callum and Mareal,” Andrew said to his cousin. “This might be a perfect time to start packing.”

  Elise bobbed a curtsy, then glanced at Mareal. “I will be in my chamber if you need me for anything at all.”

  “Thank you.” Mareal waited for Elise to leave the hall, then faced Andrew. “I dinna understand your sudden departure. A new laird has yet to be selected.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth, but needed saying. She looked at Callum, wondering why he was here and privy to what should be a conversation between her an Andrew alone. But she assumed Andrew must have his reasons.

  “A husband has been chosen,” Andrew said simply.

  Aghast by his declaration, Mareal fought to keep her mouth from gaping open. She stiffened, then planted her hands on her hips, glaring daggers at Andrew. “You have selected a husband for me without at least having the decency to tell me first? How dare you?”

  “I am well within my rights,” Andrew replied. “I promised your father you would marry a man he would approve of. That Clan MacCurtry would have a new laird to lead them, a man who was fierce, yet honorable.”

  “And you think you found such a man?” Mareal shrieked. Unable to contain her fury, she glowered at Andrew. “What if I dinna fancy him, or I find him appalling?” She cringed inwardly as the faces of the numerous men who answered her father’s invitation to the tournament, along with that of Lord Billingsworth, swam before her eyes. “I saw those who answered my da’s request, and not one of them was a man I could see myself married to.”

  “I have to agree, but—”

  “But what, Andrew?” she spat, cutting him off before he could finish. “If you dinna feel any were suitable, why would you pick one to marry me?”

  “I gave each man careful consideration, and in the end, I selected the man I felt made the best husband for you. I promised your da, I would see it done, and to be honest, you have na been overly cooperative, and I doubt you would find anyone acceptable,” Andrew retorted.

  “What about the tournament? That has yet to take place, Mayhap, someone more suitable might come along.” She didn’t want Andrew and Elise to leave, and she certainly did not want to marry one of the men who answered her father’s invitation.

  “That is no longer necessary.” Andrew informed her. “We have tarried long enough, and the clan needs stability, a laird. I must also return to Fraser Castle. I have been away long enough, and have shirked my duties there.”

  “Why must it all be at my expense?” Mareal knew the reason she had to marry, and should have been more prepared to accept her fate, but she had hoped for a little more time, prayed Andrew might realize he loved her and decide to stay. He was her father’s first choice, and it just so happened, he was the only man she would ever find suitable. She could never marry another, not when her heart belonged to Andrew.

  “This may na seem fair from your perspective, but you are the daughter of a laird, and Highland tradition dictates a husband be selected for you. You have known this from the time you were a wee lass,” Andrew answered bluntly. “It would be nice if you loved the man you marry, but we canna always get what we want.”

  “What could you possibly know about it?” Mareal snapped.

  “As the oldest son of a laird, I too have duties I must complete, and expectations to meet for the good of the clan. As a future laird, I must someday marry, and the Lord willing, produce heirs to take my place when the time comes.”

  “But you are a man and can select the woman you want and love, I dinna have that same luxury,” she countered. “You are also na being forced to marry afore you are ready to do so.” She was beginning to rant, and she could hear the tremor of frustration in her voice when she spoke. She hated to appear like a hysterical female, but right now, that is exactly what she was.

  “True, I can select a wife I love and admire, and will when the time is right.” He closed the gap between them. “But you are quick to pass judgement. You dinna even know who I chose to be your husband, yet you are certain you dinna and willna ever love the man.”

  “It doesna matter who you picked. My heart belongs to one man and I will never love another,” she sobbed.

  Andrew hooked his arm around her waist and hauled her against his chest, holding her so tightly she could scarcely draw a breath. “Not even if the man I selected to marry you is me?” He dipped his head and captured her lips.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  After kissing her soundly, Andrew raised his head, and gazed down at Mareal. “What say you, leannan, will you marry me?”

  At a loss for words, Mareal’s eyes widened as she silently stared up at him when he called her sweetheart.

  Obviously dumbfounded by his request, instead of answering with the enthusiastic response he anticipated, she remained silent. He chuckled to himself. Until this moment, he didn’t think anything could render her speechless. “Well?” he prompted.

  “Things are na as easy as you make them sound.” She broke free of his embrace and backed away. “You said you are going back to Fraser Castle, and I canna desert the clan. I promised my father.” Mareal looked from Andrew to Callum and back. “If the man I marry must agree to stay here and become the next laird of Clan MacCurtry, I dinna see how a union between us is possible. That is if I agreed to marry you, and might point out, I have yet to do,” she quickly added.

  “You will na break your word to Lorne, and are free to leave if the next laird isna your husband?” Andrew moved closer, then brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “You only need say aye to my proposal.”

  Mareal’s brows knit together and her voice took on a notable hint of frustration. “How can I say aye to marriage when you speak in riddles that make no sense to me?”

  “I will do my best to explain.” Aware of the promises she made to her father, and her determination to honor her word, he gestured with his hand toward Callum. “Lorne’s dying wish was that a man of honor, one who would meet with his approval replaced him. I believe Callum is that man. If he knew you were happy, and the clan’s needs for a laird met, I have no doubt your father would be pleased.”

  “My da might approve, but does the king na have to agree when a—” she began, then nipped at her bottom lip and lowered her gaze.

  “When a bastard son wishes to be recognized as laird?” Callum completed her sentence, then rested his hand on Mareal’s shoulder.

  “I dinna think of you that way, Callum,” she blurted. “Had Uncle Donnal lived and married your mother, you would be the rightful heir.” She slid her hand over Callum’s and gave it a squeeze. “Regardless if you called another man father, you are my cousin, my blood, and I see no reason you canna take da’s place. But there are rules and staunch traditions governing who may sit as laird, and King David II is but a wee lad.”

  “Things would be different if Kayden was alive to contest Callum’s claim, or if you wished to remain here as Lorne’s sole and rightful heir.” Andrew interjected before Callum could respond. “If you forgo that right, Callum is the only other blood relative prepared to take the seat, so I am certain the king’s regent will agree on King David’s behalf.” Andrew tried to reassure her, but judging by th
e skeptical expression on her face, he wasn’t sure she was convinced.

  Perplexed by her hesitation to accept his offer of marriage, Andrew dragged his fingers through his hair. After Mareal professed her love for him when she thought he might die, and vowed to await his return, he was certain the prospect of becoming his wife would thrill her. Yet now he’d made the offer of marriage, she appeared reluctant when it came to answering his request, even though he’d come up with the perfect way to see her father’s final wishes granted.

  Uncertain if he would ever understand the complicated mind of a woman, Andrew believed she was worth the effort, and was determined to try. “If you agree to become my wife and move to Fraser Castle, I see no reason for the king’s regent, Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, to refuse Callum’s unchallenged bid to be laird,” Andrew continued. “Appointed Guardian of Scotland following the death of King Robert the Bruce, he acts on behalf of David II.”

  “That may be, but does he na have to agree before we leave? What if he refuses Callum’s bid? Were that to happen, the man I marry must be laird, and that is na something you are willing to do,” Mareal countered. “Besides if you wish to leave on the morrow, there is no time to make the request.”

  “When Callum agreed to take your da’s place, I sent a missive to Lord Randolph. He and my da have a close friendship, so I am confident he will agree to the request.” Andrew wrapped his arms around her, and tried to pull her close, but she shoved him away.

  Still frowning, she glowered up at Andrew. “You were taking a lot for granted by doing so. How did you know I would agree to marry you? Mayhap I dinna wish to leave my home.”

  Andrew shrugged. “I dinna think I took anything for granted. You told me you loved me that day at Billingsworth Castle and begged me to come with you. When I refused, you were willing to stay by my side, and to die if necessary.”

  “I dinna deny it, but at no time did you tell me you felt the same about me.” Mareal faced Callum. “Are you certain this is what you wish to do? You are still new here, so are unfamiliar with the clan, and they with you. What about your ties to Clan Forbes?” She paused for a moment, tears welling in her eyes. “With Seamus gone, there is no one who can rally the men behind you.”

  “Ayrshire is where I was born, and my home for many summers. I will cherish the bond I have with Clan Forbes, but this is where my roots are, where I belong,” he declared. “MacCurtry blood flows through my veins, and I will proudly take the name and sit as laird if you wish me to do so. As for being new, I have decided to ask William to take Seamus’s place, and am confident Amos and James are willing to do their part in seeing me settled in the castle.” Callum took Mareal’s hand. “But if you wish to marry another, and have your husband sit as laird, I willna contest your decision.”

  Determined to put an end to her doubts about the depth of his feelings, and her decision accept his proposal, Andrew turned her around to face him, then pressed both her hands between his own, before dropping to one knee. “I love you, Mareal MacCurtry. More than I could ever have imagined was possible. Your lovely face haunts my dreams, and you are all I think about when awake. I tried to resist you, but I was beguiled the first time you entered your father’s chamber.” He brushed his lips across one of her wrists, kissed her palm, then peered up at her, grinning. “Dirt smudged face and all.”

  He could tell by her wistful smile, she was softening to his heartfelt words, and prayed she would agree to marry him. “You are the most headstrong, opinionated woman I have ever met, and I have no doubt we will butt heads many times. You are also the warmest, sweetest, kindest, most exciting woman I know. You are beautiful inside and out, and I can think of no one I would rather spend the rest of my days arguing with,” he laughed. “What say you, Mareal, will you be my wife, my friend, my lover, and God willing, the mother of my bairns?”

  She dragged her lower lip between her teeth, then smiled up at him. “Aye, Andrew. I love you more than anything in this world, and would be honored to call you husband.”

  Elated by her answer, Andrew rose, picked her up, and spun her around in a circle, before setting her feet back on the ground. “You have made me the happiest man in all the Highlands.”

  “What is going on?” Elise entered the great hall. “I had a question to ask Andrew, but knew you had something of importance to discuss and dinna want to intrude. I was waiting in the hallway for you to finish, but it appears there is reason to celebrate.”

  Andrew snaked his arm around Mareal, then answered Elise. “You could never intrude, cousin, and you are right. There is cause for a celebration. Mareal has agreed to marry me.”

  “She what?” Elise did not wait for an answer. Instead she raced toward them, threw her arms around Mareal, and embraced her. “I am so happy for you both. I knew the first time I saw you together, you were a perfect match.” She released Mareal and hugged Andrew. “About time you came to your senses, cousin. I was worried you might be too stubborn to tell her how you feel, and let her get away.”

  “I figured you would be pleased, Elise,” Andrew chuckled. “You have hounded me about this since your arrival at MacCurtry Castle.”

  “I only stated the obvious. I admit it is what I hoped for, but now I am na so sure.” Her joyful expression faded, replaced by one of misgivings. “If you marry, does this mean you are staying here to be laird, and willna return to Fraser Castle as planned?”

  Andrew shook his head. “Nay. Mareal will accompany us to Fraser Castle, and we will live there.”

  “If you both leave, who will be the chieftain here? Did her da not say she was to marry the next laird, and that he had to take the MacCurtry name?” She scratched her head, then caught Andrew’s gaze. “I must confess, I am baffled by all of this.”

  Andrew could understand Elise’s confusion and her concerns. When they touched on the possibility of marriage before, and he accused Elise of matchmaking, he’d adamantly refused to remain at MacCurtry Castle, to give up his name, or his chance to someday be laird of Clan Fraser. But things had changed since last they spoke of it. “Callum is going to be laird. So, you need na fash.” He quickly filled her in on the details of Callum’s true parentage, and his right to sit as laird.”

  Elise flashed Callum a winsome smile. “I can think of no better choice.” She took Mareal’s hand. “Are you fine with leaving your home and allowing your cousin to be laird?”

  “More than pleased.” Mareal slid her arm around Andrew’s waist and rested her cheek on his chest. “Just think, once we marry, you and I will be cousins. Until now, Kayden and my father were my only family. Now I have Callum, and will soon have you as well.”

  Andrew laughed. “You are going to have a lot more than just two new relatives. In fact, you will have more cousins, sisters, and brothers by marriage than you can count. Na to mention, my mam and da, uncles and aunts. You may regret your wish for a large family.”

  “I will never regret it.” Mareal hugged him tighter. “When you were a lad and oft spoke of your large family, I envied you. I look forward to meeting every one of them.”

  “When will you be married?” Elise asked. “Here with Clan MacCurtry afore we leave, or will you wait until we go back to Fraser Castle? I dinna think your mam would forgive you if she dinna get to hold a proper ceilidh in your honor, Andrew. Yet, I can understand if Mareal wishes to be wed in the only home she has ever known.”

  Mareal gazed up at Andrew. “I never thought about that. I would love to be married at Fraser Castle, but part of me wants to wed where my mam and da exchanged their vows. It would be my last time as a MacCurtry.”

  “Why not do both?” Callum stepped forward. “As your cousin and soon to be laird, it would honor and please me greatly if you married here. We can arrange something small and intimate. You could then repeat the ceremony when you return home to Fraser Castle, and Andrew’s family can throw you a huge celebration.”

  “I dinna see why not, if that is what my bride wishes,” Andrew pres
sed a kiss to her cheek.

  “I would like that verra much,” Mareal replied. “My father kept my mam’s wedding gown. I could wear that. But what about the bans?”

  “In unusual circumstances such as this, I believe a wedding can take place without the bans being read. A priest need only give his consent,” Callum pointed out.

  “I think it is a fine idea,” Elise said, a broad smile brightening her face. “This way, you make everyone happy. And I get to attend two weddings and na just one.” She clasped Mareal’s hand and tugged. “I canna wait to see your mother’s gown.”

  Mareal didn’t move in response to Elise’s prompt. “Before we go, there is something I wish to ask of you.”

  “Certainly. What is it?” Elise released her hand and tilted her head.

  “It would please me greatly if you would stand beside me when Andrew and I say our vows afore Clan MacCurtry,” Mareal said. “I am sure Andrew would like to have a family member as witness. And while we have only known each other a brief time, we have become friends. I think of you like a sister.”

  Elise bobbed her head enthusiastically, and squeezed Mareal’s hand. “I would be most honored.”

  “I asked Callum to do the same, and he agreed,” Andrew announced.

  Mareal thumped him on the chest. “You asked Callum afore you told me?”

  “He is your only blood relative, and is soon to be laird, so I thought it only fitting I ask him for your hand. But there is still one thing I need to do.” Andrew approached Callum, then presented him with the MacCurtry sword. “Lorne gave this to me on his deathbed and bid me give it to the next laird. I give it to you, Callum MacCurtry, and trust you will carry it proudly, and someday, pass it on to your own son.”

  Callum accepted the blade and lightly traced the clan crest with his fingertips. “I am honored and will carry it with pride.”