Her father cleared his throat. "Well, we may have an alternative.”
“Which will be announced tonight.” Beiste interrupted.
***
Chapter 8
New beginnings
Beiste watched as Amelia made her way into the Great Hall. She was about to sit below on the trestle tables when her father and grandmother ushered her forward to sit at the dais. She looked beautiful, in a red ankle length kirtle and a woollen shawl she also looked a little confused. He fixed his gaze on her and studied her some more. He did not dare analyse the strange feeling of possessiveness that came over him when he looked at her. All he knew was she had no idea her fate was sealed. He only hoped she would not hate him for what was about to transpire.
As the Hall filled, the crowds gathered waiting for the announcement of a Betrothal.
Maldred stood in all his finery to address his subjects, “Good people of Dunbar, today it is my pleasure to announce the betrothal of my daughter to Chieftain MacGregor.”
Amelia looked around. Had Mary returned? What was happening? She looked at her grandmother Agnes, who just smiled at Amelia.
Then a voice boomed over the Great Hall, “I Beiste MacGregor Chieftain of the MacGregors of Glenorchy have signed and formalized the betrothal between myself and my future wife Amelia Dunbar daughter of your good Earl, Maldred.”
Amelia’s face drained of all colour. The villagers murmured and looked shocked. Amelia couldn’t believe her ears. What the hell just happened? He could not be serious. What on earth was happening?
Staring straight into Amelia’s eyes, Beiste spoke the three words that would change her life forever, “I... choose... you.” She looked about the room as people stood and started cheering and clapping.
“Go on Amelia go stand with your Betrothed.” her grandmother urged her to walk towards Beiste, she blindly followed still too shocked to process what was happening.
Beiste held out his hand to her, and she hesitated, then ambled towards him. She put her hand in his and he closed his hand around hers, pulling her into his side, one arm around her back. Amelia looked about the room and at his War band and then at Beiste and for the first time in her entire life Amelia fainted.
***
When Amelia came to, she was ensconced in warm arms. She looked up to see Beiste studying her with concern. She sat up and faced the crowd, feeling embarrassed. She smiled at everyone and then they all calmed. Her father announced that the festivities could begin. Immediately the minstrels started playing music with lyre and lutes and drums and a procession of serving women from the kitchens began bringing out enormous silver platters filled with succulent roasted venison, partridge and boar, there were also platters of bread and cheese and decadent pastries, fresh fruit and nuts.
Beiste could see Amelia wanted to talk, but he cut her off “We will talk of this later, for now you must smile and enjoy the festivities.”
“I cannot marry you. You must understand this is not what I want.”
Beiste was angry at her refusal, “You will, it is already decided.”
Frustrated, Amelia kicked Beiste hard in the shin under the table. Brodie who sat on the other side of Amelia chortled so she kicked him too. “Ouch, what did I do?” He asked.
“That was for not giving me any warning in the forest.” Amelia was seething, they all knew, and no one thought to tell her or warn her, not her grandmother, or her father or her stupid betrothed they had all just decided for her.
She turned back to Beiste to give him a stern talking to, but when she opened her mouth, he stuffed some meat and cheese from his platter in it. “Come now my love you need to eat, I’m sure you must be famished after a big day.”
Amelia tasted the food and realised she was starving seeing as the big oaf had interrupted her breakfast and she had not eaten for hours. Never one to turn down excellent food in a crisis, she huffed and then kept chewing and ignored both the men sitting beside her. She then pulled Beiste’s platter of food away from him, placing it in front of herself and started to just enjoy the meal. When Beiste tried to pick some food off it she slapped his hand away and glared at him. Beiste wanted to laugh, but he was afraid she might stab him with her sgian-dubh. She already had it out and was stabbing at some meat and fruit off the platter. Brodie poured some cider and placed it in front of her, then dashed his hand away when she snarled at him. She took the cider and drank a little and kept eating. Brodie and Beiste were looking across her at each other and both trying hard not to laugh. Beiste had never met a woman like her. She really was not frightened of him or any of his men, and he found that appealing.
After the festivities were over. Beiste and Brodie had moved to talk to their men, most likely to get away from her snarling. Amelia saw her grandmother approach her and sit beside her. She poured some ale and addressed Amelia. “Child, I am sorry we sprang this on you with no warning.”
Amelia just shrugged. She really did not know what to say anymore.
“Please believe me if there was any other way we would have taken it but with Mary’s leaving it was the only option for all of us.”
“Then why do I feel like I am the one being punished for her actions?”
“Amelia, I hope someday you see this as a gift to create your own future and map your own destiny.”
“I do not ken how when it seems you have all mapped it out for me.”
“We women are always the ones caught in the decisions of men, but tis a wise woman who learns how to see an opportunity to thrive in every situation.”
“I cannot see how one can thrive married to that overbearing man.”
“Och you are so headstrong and stubborn like your ma.”
“Tell me about her Grandma we rarely speak of her.”
Agnes took a deep breath and recanted her tale.
“When your mother came here she was running away from something, half beaten and bruised she came with the storm and your father was smitten. He wanted her, but he was already betrothed to Ealdgyth, so he kept Iona as his leman. I tried to discourage it, but then you were born and their bond grew stronger. When Ealdgyth arrived everything changed.”
“What of my mother’s kin, did they never come to find her?”
“We never knew of your ma’s past nor of her kin for she would not speak of it. I urge you granddaughter to look to the future now and let nothing hold you back.”
Amelia hugged her grandmother. It was the first time in her entire life she had referred to her as her granddaughter. Amelia took this as their farewell.
Soon after Maldred approached “Lia love I am sorry for everything. I know I have not been an exemplary father to you, but I hope this union will provide you with a wonderful future.”
Amelia did not understand what to say. She sat quietly and said nothing.
“You remind me so much of your mother Lia, much of Iona’s spirit lives in you. Tis hard for me to part with you, it is like I am saying goodbye to her all over again.”
Amelia looked up and saw her father for the first time. He really was a shell of a man still mourning the loss of a love he could never have. They rarely talked over the years, only when he needed something done for the Estate did he seek her out, or if he was trying to marry her off but seeing as she would leave tomorrow this was her opportunity to ask what she had always wanted to ask.
“Why did you never look for my mother’s kin?”
The Earl stopped and stared at her. What do you mean?
“My mathair she must have had a family before she came here, why did you not search for them?”
“She would not tell me anything, refused to talk, and so I did not ask.”
“Without a family it was easier to keep her as your Leman.”
“Lia, no, that is not how it was. We loved each other, I sacrificed everything for her.”
“What exactly did you sacrifice, athair? You always had your title and your family and your leman. You sacrificed nothing.”
He
looked stricken at her words and Amelia felt guilty for causing him any more pain. “I am sorry Da. I did not mean it. We all have our own paths to follow. I love you and I will miss you.” And for the first time in her life, the Earl reached across and hugged her. “I love you too mo nighean and I hope this marriage brings you peace.”
Amelia feigned tiredness, stating she needed to go back to the cottage. Beiste sent Kieran and Rory with her. Amelia calmly hiked her dress above her ankles and bolted towards the cottage. She knew she would need to make her escape now, or she would be chained to one mountain of an arrogant ox for the rest of her life.
Beiste knew his betrothed was up to something. She had gone silent and acted almost calm, like she had resolved something in her mind. After she had eaten and seemed more relaxed, she had agreed to all his commands, almost demurely. He knew there was no way she would be that calm unless she had something planned.
Amelia hustled about the cottage packing her bare provisions and belongings and had just climbed out her back window when she heard Beiste’s voice behind her. “Where do you think you’re going minx?” She turned to see him arms folded legs crossed, leaning on the back wall of her cottage just waiting for her. Damn, that man was far too astute for his own good!
Amelia picked up her sack and casually said to Beiste “Where I go is none of your concern. I have plans for my life and I won’t let you ruin it.” She was desperate, she needed to go find her mother's kin. She needed to freedom, and she needed to escape now.
“And what plans might they be? The law requires you to obey me.”
“Damn your laws! I don’t want to be shackled to a man because of some stupid law.”
Beiste casually took her knapsack from her, “Amelia, I am not just any man. I am a Chieftain with land and wealth, and I offer you an honourable position as my wife, as the mother of my heirs and the mistress of my clan.” The earnestness of his comment had Amelia stopping to think on the wisdom of his words, and then he had to ruin it.
Beiste paused then with a bored expression “And trust me, this is most likely one of the best offers you’ll get for no man would abide your harsh tongue.” Beiste immediately regretted his words when he saw the flicker of hurt flash across Amelia’s face. But he was annoyed by her rejection.
“You are such a stupid brute. If it’s a wife and heirs you want, I’m sure there are many women willing to spread their legs to oblige you if you only took time to work on your manners.”
Beiste grimaced at her words. She was right; he was being a brute, but enough was enough. His patience was at an end. She was his, and they bound. He began pacing towards her, like a predator stalking its prey. Amelia started backing away from him. As his eyes raked her body, Beiste’s voice deepened into an inaudible whisper. “Let me assure you, Amie, there is only one woman I want spreading her legs beneath me to beget my heirs and that woman is you. You... are... mine!”
Amelia blushed crimson red from the shocking imagery. She took another step backwards only to come up hard against the wall. She was trapped. Beiste’s words had flustered her, stirring strange feelings within. She felt hot and breathless and angry. How could this infuriating man have such a strange effect on her? Beiste was standing far too close now. She couldn’t think with all that virile masculinity towering over her. Before she could utter another protest, Beiste pulled her into his arms and as his mouth came down on hers, all rational thought scattered to the four winds.
Beiste had no idea what came over him. All he knew was he had to kiss Amelia’s sweet lips. The more she challenged, the more the predator within came to the fore. Gads, he was a beast. Like a siren calling to sailors before death upon the rocks - something snapped at the thought she would reject him. The moment his lips touched hers, he knew he was gone. He had been with many women in his life but nothing, none of them compared to this sweet, delectable vixen, a temptress in his arms. He closed his eyes and his senses were overloaded with her. He shuddered as his body parts became hard and aroused; it was almost painful. No woman had made him feel this level of passion before. From her tentative response he knew she was innocent and yet there lay a dormant passion within like a firecracker ready to burst forth. He coaxed her lips apart so he could taste her with his tongue, gently encouraging her, guiding her until he felt her respond. Pure bliss. If he felt this much from only a kiss how much more would it feel to be inside and have her writhing beneath him as he pumped his essence into her body. His hands explored her body, surprised by abundant breasts to curvaceous bottom concealed by her attire. When they returned to the keep, he would burn that dress as a sacrifice to the Gods of plain apparel and he would make sure she wore nothing but finery to enhance her assets. As he deepened the kiss he heard her moan, she was just affected he felt her arms go around his neck and pull him closer clinging to his arms gripping him with such force as Amelia moved to deepen the kiss. He knew he was losing control. He had to stop. It would not do to have this vixen overrun his senses so. He was a seasoned warrior. There was no place for uncontrolled action. With that, he tore his lips away from her. Her eyes were closed, her lips glistening, and she looked dazed. He steadied her feet. Set her away from him. All he wanted was to pull her back into his arms and do more than kiss her, but not now. Not here. Not yet. As if to snap him out of his idleness he heard footsteps behind him, a reminder they were not alone.
Beiste stepped away from Amelia, caught his breath and not meaning to sound harsher his voice commanded “Now get back in that cottage and stay there we leave in the morning.” Amelia blushed bright red at her wanton behaviour.
Beiste moved to speak to Kieran who had come round the back of the cottage, “We leave first thing in the morning and do not let her out of your sight.” With that he stormed back towards his horse with nary a look in her direction. Amelia felt a slow dull ache in her chest at the loss of his presence as the two guardsmen, Kieran and Rory flanked her on both sides
“Mistress, please come with us.” They ushered her back into her cottage then stood guard outside one at the door the other outside the window. There would be no chance of escape now.
***
Farewell
The next morning Amelia awoke to find a lengthy line of villagers, crofters and farmers at her door. Some said goodbye, others sought treatment, having heard she would be leaving. Amelia got busy preparing for each person a package of remedies to see them through the winter. She also arranged for her livestock to be cared for by the neighbours and her garden to be tended. There were also two midwives she gave instruction to and some bottles of herbal mixes to assist them in their work. Finally, she readied herself and packed the last lot of seedlings and pots and pouches she would need to take with her as she was not sure they would have them there. Once all was done, she had one more thing to retrieve from her mother's box, she had placed it in a secret door under the floor of her room.
Beiste and his men were ready to leave, but he was still waiting for his betrothed. By the time he made his way to her cottage, his guards told him she was inside gathering the last of her things. His men told him she had been treating people since dawn. They had helped her pack, but she wanted to be alone for the last items. Beiste was angry that so many people sought her help when they knew she needed to leave, for when he saw her, she looked exhausted and it was still early in the morning.
“Amelia, come tis, time to go love,”
She looked up, and he saw the shadows under her eyes. He instantly wanted to take the tiredness away and beat the entire village for tiring her out before a lengthy journey. She was his to protect and he would make sure people treated her better.
“Aye I will be out shortly I need to get a few things.”
“Then I will help you.”
“No tis ok I can do it. I just want to say goodbye to my home once last time.”
He saw the sadness in her eyes. And nodded. He stood in the open doorway and let her have her time. “We can always come back to visit if you need?”<
br />
“She smiled and shook her head. No, once I leave, I do not plan on ever returning.”
She held the box with such reverence, someday he would ask her what was in it, but not today.
Amelia gathered the rest of her things she looked back around the room that had been her home for so many years she remembered her mother’s arms reaching out to her when she was a child and all the times she had found solace in that cottage and she bid farewell to the memories and to her past. With unshed tears glistening in her eyes, she turned towards her future. Beiste stood in the doorway, reaching his hand out towards her. She took it and they walked out together to embrace the new day.
Chapter 9
Dunbar to Glenorchy
Amelia sat upon her horse surrounded by Beiste and his men. They rode in tight formation, protecting her within. They had now been riding for several hours with only limited breaks along the way and as darkness was approaching, they would set up camp soon. They had distributed all her belongings among the men, so there was no need for a cart. Her book and box was strapped to her horse and wrapped in cloth. It was a sennight’s hard ride to their destination, and they set a relentless pace. She still felt the effects on her backside and her thighs and legs. But she refused to show any sign of weakness, keeping pace with the men. She would not cause any delay.
Beiste had remained distant towards her since they left the cottage and had scarcely spoken for most of their ride. His expressionless mask returned, and his eyes were cold and assessing every-time he looked at her. It did not bother her because no matter how distant he could be towards her; he was not callous. He still saw to her needs, made sure she rode protected, and now and then she noticed he would look back just to make sure she was safe.
At one time the weather had become chilly and her cloak although thick was no match for the icy winds that cut her skin as she rode. She gritted her teeth to endure it when they were called to a stop. Beiste rode back towards her and without a word pulled out a thick woollen plaid, he wrapped it around her covering her head and then they continued. She felt the warmth instantly. He yelled out orders like a tyrant and they were off again. The man commanded significant power. But as much as he scowled, Amelia still could not bring herself to fear him. He rode ahead, leaving her with the two retainers, Kieran and Lachlan, who flanked her constantly.
Betrothed to the Beast Page 6
