The Age of Knights and Highlanders: A Series Starter Collection

by Kathryn Le Veque

  Just then Ceilidh entered, her face red and eyes swollen. “Tis just now I was allowed to come see about ye,” she explained, rushing to the bed only to stop when Malcolm looked to her.

  He stood and nodded. After one last look at Elspeth, a hard expression on his face, he walked out.

  By the way Ceilidh’s face transformed at taking her in, she must have looked a fright. Her friend’s eyes widened and her mouth opened and closed. “Poor dear, what did they do to ye?”

  Tears spilled down Ceilidh’s cheeks. “Ye must have been scared to death.”

  “Aye,” Elspeth agreed and sniffed. “I didn’t expect to live to see morning.”

  Ceilidh looked over her shoulder to the door, which remained opened just a bit. “Who did this?” she whispered.

  Elspeth motioned for her to come closer until the woman was merely inches away. “Lady Ross paid two men to take me and leave me somewhere. She did tell them not to harm me, but I think she cared little what happened to me.”

  When Ceilidh gasped, Elspeth motioned for her to quiet. “I cannot go home like this. Not only will Father do something irrational, but grandmother is very ill.”

  “My mother came this morning for me,” Ceilidh said. “Fortunately, she knows several of the guards’ wives and they’ve convinced her to remain a few days. I will tell her she cannot come up here because the Ross’ won’t allow it.”

  Elspeth nodded. “They barely tolerate me. So that is not a stretch of the truth.”

  A maid entered with a tray, upon it a bowl of steaming stew and a cup. “Lady Ross instructed a meal be brought to ye, Miss.”

  “Is it poisoned?” Ceilidh blurted.

  “Thank ye,” Elspeth replied to the girl who looked at her with mouth agape. “Would ye like me to fetch the healer, Miss?”

  Elspeth shook her head. “He has already been here.”

  The girl hurried out of the room.

  “Does she think Malcolm beat me?” Elspeth asked her friend. “The servants will all know about this momentarily.”

  Murmurs sounded from the hallway; the guard had stopped the girl. “No word of what ye have seen, or else I will beat ye myself.” The guard’s deep voice left no doubt he meant every word.

  “Yes, of course,” the maid replied in a trembling voice.

  Ceilidh shook her head. “Seems not right away, although this kind of thing does not stay quiet long.”

  “What should I do?” Elspeth asked her friend. “Malcolm is speaking about marriage. How can I marry him? It will be a huge disaster.”

  By the way Ceilidh scrunched her face in confusion, the answer was not clear to her either. “Everyone is talking about the marriage. They think ye have done something to force him into it.”

  “Would anyone truly believe Malcolm can be made to do anything against his will?”

  “That is what Moira said this morning,” Ceilidh giggled and took Elspeth’s hand in both of her own. “All will be well. I am thankful ye were rescued. If ye’d been lost, I would have died.”

  Elspeth shook her head. “There has to be a way to convince Malcolm to return me home.”

  “Ye dislike him?”

  It was hard to put how she felt into words. “Malcolm is quite different than I thought. Tis like when we are alone, he is a different person.”

  Ceilidh’s eyebrows lifted.

  “I do like him and, given time, I could grow to care for him. However, a marriage between a laird and a simple village girl can only make for trouble.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Paige snuck through the side door of the keep and ended up in the corridor just outside the kitchens. She listened for anyone about, but could barely hear over the thudding of her own heartbeats.

  What was Alec thinking by bringing her here and announcing he would marry her? If he persisted on the idea of marriage, she’d have to find a way to dissuade him.

  Her bundles had been left just inside the door, she hoped they remained. Of course, it would be impossible to get away, but she could hide. After all, the keep was huge and there had to be plenty of places to squirrel away.

  With a sigh of relief, she found her bundles, hoisted the humble parcels and tiptoed to where she hoped were the servants’ quarters. People she’d met who worked at a keep always referred to their quarters being “downstairs”.

  “What are ye doing?” The familiar voice startled Paige so badly she dropped one of the bundles. Paige whirled.

  Just behind her, Lady McLeod studied her with curiosity. “Who are ye hiding from?” The woman was slight, with a welcoming softness in her expression and kind eyes. Although she’d only spoken to Lady McLeod once, it seemed the woman could be quite stern and to the point.

  Best to tell the truth. After all, if anyone would help, it would be Alec’s parents. “I hide from yer son, Lady McLeod. I do not wish to be the cause of any problems in yer family, Lady McLeod.”

  The woman’s face softened. “Tis nothing against ye personally. My son is impulsive.” She waved her hand as if it explained away any further speaking.

  “I was thinking,” Paige began. “I could perhaps hide in the servants’ quarters. At least until tis safe to go.”

  Lady McLeod considered her for a long moment. “That is the first place my son would search.” She let out a breath. “He will not change his mind. The McLeods come from a long line of stubborn men.”

  “And yet ye tried to make him reconsider,” Paige blurted, instantly regretting it. “I overheard,” she finished weakly.

  The woman shrugged. “His father asked me to.” Her lips curved. “Come along, ye may stay in my drawing room. He will not think to look for ye there.”

  They walked side-by-side. All the time, Paige wondered why the woman didn’t just make her stay in the stables or perhaps with some of the refugees. Then again, it was probably to keep Alec from becoming angry with anyone.

  “Why are ye helping me?” Paige asked Lady McLeod.

  The woman chuckled softly. “Tis better than allowing ye to run off or be harmed in some way. My son cares for ye, so I will ensure yer safety.”

  The arrived at Lady McLeod’s drawing room. It was small, but nicely furnished. There was a writing table and chaise. Thick rugs under her feet were like walking on plush grass. From the window hung plush curtains that kept the chill out.

  “Ye can start a fire in the hearth. There are blankets and a washbasin,” Lady McLeod pointed out.

  Paige looked around the room. It was much too grand a chamber for her to be in. “Why does yer son want me?”

  The woman paused and considered. Her gaze took Paige in. “Ye are a lovely lass and from the way ye are acting, a sensible one. My Alec, although impulsive, is not daft.”

  Lady McLeod looked to the door to the drawing room. “Remain here, ye will be safe, warm and well hidden.”

  “What about Al…yer son?”

  “Leave him to me. I shall inform him that ye are safe and in my care. Once he decides to act responsibly, he and I will discuss further what should be done.”

  Lady McLeod swept from the room, not seeming to have a care in the world. Paige couldn’t help but frown at the doorway. This had been much easier than she expected.

  What would Alec do? Although she had to agree that he did seem impulsive, the thought of hurting him in any way was not her intention.

  Alec had given up trying to find Paige. His horse was now returned to the stables and he sat in the great room at one of the long trestle tables across from his mother. For what seemed like hours, she’d explained to him the error of his ways and how Paige had asked for help in hiding her.

  He had an idea now where she was and as soon as his mother went to bed, he’d go in search of the girl and ensure she was well and that, indeed, it was her idea to hide. Other than that, he wondered if perhaps he had been impulsive.

  Amidst war, a man could become confused. However, in his case, the possible lack of a future made him ponder more about what he might never h
ave or experience.

  A wife, children and one day becoming laird of his clan was not guaranteed when he was faced with constant battles and possible death.

  He studied his mother for a moment, not hearing what she said. Although seeming calm, he knew she constantly worried. Not just about him and Ethan, but about their people. The many who now sought refuge within the keep’s walls. There were also the farmers and surrounding villagers who remained steadfast trying their best to defend against the Ross warriors.

  “Mother, it is not that I do not agree with ye, but I wish to be married. What would ye have me do?”

  She leaned forward. “Do as yer father asks. Travel east, ask to speak to the Campbell and ask for one of his daughters’ hands to marry.”

  “Why would they agree? They are powerful and have nothing to gain from joining with us. We are not only smaller, but are embroiled in this clash with the Ross’.” Alec shook his head. “The Campbell will see right through it.”

  “Of course he will. He is an astute man. However, he and yer father are friends. The Campbell respects yer da.”

  He bowed his head and considered what she said. The Campbells would not just even the field between them and Ross Clan. With their huge army, they would bring the war to an immediate end. That was if the Campbell agreed, which Alec had major doubts.

  “What if Da meets with him and asks for his help? Or perhaps marry Merida to his younger son. He seemed interested the last time we visited,” Alec pointed out.

  Merida, his sister, looked up from where she’d been sewing with two servants, her mouth wide open.

  There would be a much more spirited conversation now, as his feisty sister rarely kept her opinions to herself. The garment she worked on dropped to the floor as she stormed to where he sat.

  “I will marry whom I please. I refused to be yer pawn, Brother,” she said, her eyes like arrows into his. “Tis yer duty to marry for the clan’s sake.”

  His mother motioned to Merida. “Tis each of yer duties. I have to agree that the idea has merit. The Campbell’s daughters are not quite of age yet.”

  “I refuse. Roald Campbell is a toad.”

  Their mother laughed. “Oh, Merida. Roald is fair of face and has always paid ye attention.”

  Merida whirled and stormed toward their father’s study. “I will tell Da I would rather toss myself from the parapets than marry a Campbell.”

  “I am ready for this to end.” Alec’s chest constricted. “Very well, Mother. I will not seek marriage to the lass.”

  “She is a kind and lovely girl,” his mother replied. “I can see why she appeals to ye. Her thoughts are level and there is a certain calmness about her. Perhaps Ethan…”

  “No!” Alec growled. “My brother would not treat her well.”

  “He needs something! I am only suggesting she could perhaps bring peace to his troubled heart.”

  It was as if cold loch water were poured over him. A chill filled his entire being and Alec fought not to shiver in front of his mother. As first-born, it was true that his first duty was to the clan. If there were a chance to bring peace to this clan, then it would be well worth it.

  His father had brought up the idea of marrying him to a larger clan as an alternative if the request for a truce was not received well. When Paige’s brother’s body appeared, it didn’t leave them any other option, but to ask for help.

  Every part of him rebelled against the idea of Ethan taking Paige for a wife. Although not cruel to women, his younger brother was restless and without patience. Ethan lived for battle, seeming to relish bloodshed and violence. It was troubling.

  “I will go speak to Father. If not Clan Campbell, perhaps the Murrays. Their daughters are of marriageable age.”

  Lady McLeod let out a long sigh and reached for his hand and took it in both of hers. “This is for the best, Son.”

  When he walked up the stairs much later, he looked in the direction of his mother’s drawing room. Paige was there, he sensed it. The beautiful woman who’d come undone in his arms was probably fast asleep. Her arousal had overcome his senses and every inch of him now demanded to take her.

  It would never be. Of course, he could. Alec was sure that if he went to her, it would not be hard to seduce the beauty. However, what good would that bring? It would be a constant torture upon seeing her daily if she married Ethan and knowing his brother had every right over her body.

  As hard as he tried, Alec could not picture the Murrays’ daughters. There were three, or was it four? All blonde and, from what he remembered, very attractive.

  His manservant stood from a chair when he entered the room. “Would ye like something to eat or drink?”

  “No, thank ye, Liam. I will wash up and go to bed. Please do the same. I have told ye not to wait up if I linger.” He placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Tomorrow or the next day, we will travel north. Would ye like to come with me?”

  Liam nodded. “I would.” The young man hobbled away, his body swaying side to side as he forced the uncooperative right leg forward with each step.

  Alec focused on the injured leg. Liam had been much too young to go to battle and, because of it, he’d been immediately overtaken. Although barely escaping with his life, the younger man would never walk without a horrible limp.

  This was the reason the war between them and the Ross’ had to end.

  Ethan’s lack of control and killing Laird Ross was, indeed, reason for revenge. However, it did not justify the continuous maiming and killing of innocent people who had nothing to do with it.

  In a way, Alec had considered asking Ethan to give himself up, to accept the consequences of his actions. As much as he loved his brother, there was a time when one should realize how much damage he had caused and want to stop it. On the contrary, Ethan continued on as if enjoying the consequences and not one bit repentant.

  “I almost forgot,” Liam said, bringing Alec out of his musings. “The woman, Paige, asked me to tell ye she was sorry for causing ye any hurt. And to thank ye for the protection offered.”

  Alec nodded. “Sleep well, Liam.”

  Paige woke with a start, not quite sure where she was. Taking in the luxurious surroundings, the fog subsided and what had occurred the night before came to mind. It had been a long time since she’d slept so soundly. It didn’t hurt that the chaise she laid upon was soft, enveloping her like a warm hug.

  Shivering, she went to the corner behind the screen and relieved herself. After, she quickly went about rinsing her hands, arms and face. Feeling self-conscious, she dipped a cloth in the chilly water, lifted her chemise and washed her body. She kept an eye on the doorway, hoping no one would enter and find her exposed. And yet, she needed to clean. So she did quick work of washing between her legs and once that was completed, she rinsed the cloth and wiped down each calf and foot.

  Feeling refreshed, she untied a bundle, pulled out a clean frock and donned it. Then she brushed out her hair, braided it and allowed it to hang down her back.

  Her stomach growled and she let out a sigh. With only having had a small meal the night before, she was ravenous. Perhaps she could offer to help in the kitchen in exchange for a meal.

  With that thought in mind, she grabbed her soiled clothing to wash later and headed down the stairs.

  “Tis something that must be done, Son. We must have peace. Our people are dying and there isn’t anything else to be done.”

  There wasn’t a way not to overhear the laird’s deep voice and Paige worried about walking past the doorway of what was obviously Alec’s chambers and being seen. She hesitated upon seeing a guard’s back. The man stood in the doorway facing in and blocking some of the view. It was possible she could scurry by and not be considered as spying.

  “It may be a sacrifice, Son, but ye must go. Tis the only way I can see our clan ever having peace. Tis not possible to leave until later this day. The scouts will return then. I must hear what is happening. We do not want to be attacked
while we are away.”

  Her heart sank. Was Alec going to attempt to speak to the Ross’? Surely they’d kill him just as they had her brother.

  When would the madness stop? Did men not think before formulating such idiotic plans?

  When several men began speaking, Paige took advantage and hurried past the doorway.

  The kitchen was bustling with activity. She went to Rhona, who smiled at her. “I am hungry. May I eat and then offer to help in some way?”

  The cook pushed her into a chair. “No, ye cannot help. Alec will have my hide.”

  A bowl of boiled grains and bread were shoved in front of her and she ate without tasting any of it. It was best to have a full stomach for what she was about to do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Another day passed and Elspeth felt minimally better. Fortunately, she could open both eyes now. Malcolm stood at the window, peering out. He probably thought her to be asleep which gave her an opportunity to study him.

  With a proud stance, wearing the Ross colors, he was every bit a laird. The stern set of his jaw and blank expression told of a lack of emotion. The man was both handsome and terrifying. How many men had he slaughtered in battle? How was it possible for someone to live with the fact they’d taken a life?

  And yet he stood there, seeming to consider the day ahead, plans for another battle or confrontation that would lead to more death and violence.

  He leaned forward, seeming to find something interesting in the distance and she wondered if scouts returned with reports. An excuse for them to fight again.

  The sunlight made the strands of his hair a reddish tone and his long eyelashes fell and lifted as he studied the landscape before him.

  She let out a long sigh and he turned to her. For an instant, his face softened, but it was gone before she could be sure it wasn’t a figment of her imagination.

  “How do ye feel?”

  Pushing up, she sat and raked the tangles back from her face. “Like I was slapped multiple times.”

  Malcolm scowled. “If they were not already dead, I would hunt them down and ensure it.”