Beiste became extra vigilant and careful of Amelia’s safety. He did not like an attacker on the loose somewhere out there. After their midday meal they set off for the last leg of their journey. It was time to go home.
***
Chapter 10
MacGregor Keep
The Welcome
Amelia had seen nothing as ethereal as MacGregor Keep. As their horses came over the rise, she had to catch her breath at the stunning view. The colossal stone structure was well situated beside a magnificent loch and deep within her soul she felt like she was finally home.
As they entered through the main gates and into the interior bailey, the area was filled with men and women waving and cheering, providing a fitting welcome for their Chieftain. Amelia noticed some friendly faces, and some eyed her with open suspicion. She would not cower. She also observed several women ogling the men, especially her husband. She did not like that at all. She instinctively moved further back into Beiste’s embrace. Beiste in return tightened his arm around her. Brodie even had women running through the streets vying for his attention. Some were trying to push others out of the way. But there was a woman who gave her an openly hostile glare. She was pretty, tall and slim with long blonde silken locks. She beamed at Beiste and waved, trying to garner his attention. Amelia knew that look and she did not like it. How many women was she going to have to beat off with a stick, she wondered.
Amelia felt a tingling in her the back of her neck she looked around, she felt goose pimples across her skin someone was watching her she shuddered; she looked around the crowd and saw a hooded figure in grey; it was a man she could tell by his physic he was staring directly at her and she sensed pure hatred. Amelia clutched Beiste’s arm. The fear was so strong. She felt Beiste stiffen behind her. “Are you all right?”
“Aye just that man.” She looked around, but he had disappeared.
Beiste was looking into the crowd. “Who?”
“No one, no one, it was nothing.”
Eventually the horses stopped in front of steep steps which led into the Keep and standing on the platform above was one of the handsomest men she had ever seen. He wore a wolfs fur-lined coat with a leine underneath. He stood next to an older woman and a younger girl. Was that Beiste’s brother she wondered? There did not seem to be a family resemblance, although he looked serious. So taken by his attire she kept staring when Beiste’s arms tightened around her and his lips touched her ear then he said ‘That is Dalziel my second and I’ll ask you to stop undressing him with your eyes.” He glared at her.
“I was not undressing him.”
Beiste ignored her and was already getting off the horse and reaching up to lift her down. Amelia huffed. Insufferable man. Always jumping to conclusions.
Beiste took a firm hold of her hand and walked up the steps, expecting her to follow. He stopped at Dalziel, shook his hand and growled, “This is Amelia, she is mine.” Then he turned to Amelia, “This is Dalziel you will not be seeing much of him.” Amelia just stared in shock at such rudeness.
Dalziel just nodded at her “Welcome Mistress.” He spoke with a smooth brogue, but she caught a slight Angles accent.
Amelia smiled, “Thank you. I am so glad to meet you.” She was extending her hand to shake his, but Beiste pulled her away before she could make contact.
“Come meet my màthair and sister, we haven’t got time to stand and chat.” He commanded.
Amelia gave Dalziel an apologetic look when she saw him look down at the ground and smirk. Amelia could not believe the rudeness of the lummox dragging her about like a goat. “Stop rushing me.” She whispered in anger.
“Then stop flirting.” Beiste retorted. He knew he was being unreasonable, but he felt slightly wanting compared to the smooth faced handsome bastard Dalziel who was smirking at him. Asshole. Why did he even keep him around? He should send him to the North.
“You are an imbecile.” the termagant beside him spat out. But he ignored her and instead kept walking, dragging his reluctant betrothed in tow.
Soon Amelia came face to face with Beiste’s mother, Jonet. She knew straight away where Beiste inherited his features from, for she was the same colouring as him. Bronzed complexion with long raven black hair.
Beiste gentled his voice when they reached her, “Ma tis good to see you. He bent low and kissed her on the cheek. I want you to meet my betrothed, Amelia.”
Jonet stared at Amelia, as if trying to remember something. Then she smiled widely and became so animated it even surprised Beiste. “Tis so good to see you again. I can’t believe it you look so young. How are your brothers? Come, we must speak and catchup tis many a year I have not heard from you, where have you been?”
“Ma,” Beiste gently spoke, “this is my Amelia, you have never met her before.”
His mother looked confused, “Amelia? No, tis not her name, her name is… oh what is her name?” Jonet kept flicking her fingers, trying to remember “I cannot remember.” she shook her head, “Why can’t I remember your name when I know you so well? What are your brothers’ names again?”
“I have no brothers, Lady MacGregor,” Amelia spoke gently, taking her hand in hers. “I am a Dunbar and I have but one sister.”
Beiste interjected, “She is a MacGregor now.”
Amelia Ignored him “Tis wonderful to meet you.” Jonet clutched her hands in return as if her eyes cleared “I’m sorry lass for a moment there I thought you were someone else, your eyes they are so familiar to me. I am easily confused these days.” Jonet stared off into the distance in stony silence, but she remained holding Amelia’s hand as if it she found comfort in it.
Amelia looked at Beiste his face was one of deep concern for his mother, when his eyes met Amelia’s she smiled back at him a silent gesture to him she understood. His eyes softened. He leaned across and kissed Amelia on the lips. Then gently took his mother’s other hand, “Come Ma let us make our way to Sorcha.”
Within minutes of meeting Sorcha, Amelia discovered two things. The first was that Sorcha had very striking features, long blonde hair and very fair skin with deep blue eyes. Nothing like her brother and mother, which could mean she resembled her father. The second was she was shy. A predicament that made her blush and stare at the floor a great deal. Amelia resolved to do her best to communicate with her new sister. Sorcha came forward and hugged Beiste, and he kissed her hair. There was genuine affection between them and that gave Amelia more of an insight into her betrothed. Beiste was openly affectionate with his mother and sister and very protective.
Soon their entourage made its way inside to the Great Hall, all the while they were greeted along the way as people followed beside them amidst a buzz of excitement. Amelia still felt dusty and road worn, she longed to freshen up she knew she must look a fright, but Beiste insisted he introduce her properly to the clan before they retire.
Once inside the Great Hall Amelia was glad to observe it was clean with fresh rushes on the floor. The large high wooden beams were intricately carved with heraldic designs. The raised dais was large enough to fit many nobles, and the table was laden with food and beverages. The minstrels were already playing softly, providing a fitting ambience for an evening meal.
The family made their way to the dais where Beiste seated Jonet and Sorcha; a woman in a long black outfit with stern features soon attended them, she looked to be only a little older than Amelia and her name was Deidre. She started serving Jonet a warm tea and a grey looking broth.
Beiste walked around to Amelia and together they stayed standing. When the Hall filled, he addressed his people, “I present you to my betrothed Amelia of Dunbar!” The crowd erupted in cheers. “Tomorrow we wed, and she becomes a MacGregor.” Men started banging their fists on the table in welcome. “There will be great feasting and celebrations here in the Great Hall afterwards. But for now, enjoy a light repast, for I do not want you all drunk and stinking of debauchery at me wedding!” The crowd erupted with guffaws and immediately women
began appearing with trenchers of food and ale.
Beiste then turned to Amelia, “Go with Orla she will see you to your chambers where you can rest for the night.” Amelia nodded, very much relieved she would get some quiet reprieve from everyone’s company. No sooner had he said it and a woman appeared beside her.
Amelia had to take a moment to look at her, she had never seen someone who looked like her before. She was exotic, as if from another world. Orla had light brown skin and chestnut coloured hair, but her eyes were a startling blue green colour. She had high cheekbones and tiny freckles and her body well it was spectacular it was toned and curved with just the right proportions in contrast to Amelia’s short pale and curvy physique.
Not realizing she had been openly staring for so long, Orla looked uncomfortable “Is there something wrong mistress.” She said in a defensive voice.
“I am so sorry.” Amelia started walking, “It’s just well I have never seen your likeness before, are all highland women so well proportioned?”
Orla blushed. “What do you mean, mistress?”
“I just want to know how many women I will have to fight off if they’re all as pretty as you. “
Orla just grinned.
“Did I say that out loud? Sorry, ignore me, I’m a lowlander we are by nature very short, insecure people.”
That had Orla giggling.
Beiste watched his betrothed leave the Hall and saw her chatting animatedly with Orla. He also noticed Orla was laughing at something she said. Beiste gave instructions for a platter of food to be taken up to her chambers. In the meantime, he sat down with Dalziel to go over what he had missed while he was away.
***
Amelia groaned as she sank into the warm bath that had been delivered to her room. She closed her eyes and felt pure bliss after days of hard riding she had endured. It was such a luxury to have a warm bath. She made a habit of bathing regularly; it was a habit her mother imparted on her; it was good to stay clean while treating others with sicknesses. But heated baths were a luxury.
She picked up the soap she had brought with her, not liking the crude version of lye that had been left and scrubbed her entire body from head to toe and rinsed the soap thoroughly. She stood and got out dried off in front of the roaring fire wore the clean chemise left on the bed for her; it was a bit of a tight squeeze around her breast and bottom but it was better than wearing a dirty chemise again. She washed her face and scrubbed her teeth with the fresh mint and charcoal. Rinsing until her mouth felt fresh. There was a long woollen plaid also on the bed, which she wrapped around herself like a shawl and began brushing her hair by the fire. Pure bliss. Quiet time just for herself.
A knock came at the door. When she answered another woman brought in a large platter of food and drink. Behind them two retainers appeared to carry out her bath and basins. Then a guard Donald introduced himself, telling her he would be nearby should she need anything. Beiste had ordered guards to stand watch over her chamber. Amelia was not sure whether that was to stop her from leaving or to keep her safe, but she was too famished to bother. For tonight she would enjoy her freedom.
Amelia could not believe the luxury there was fresh fruit and fresh meat and bread and cheese. She made her way to the small table and began piling things straight from the plate. The food was tasty, although she noted it could do with certain herbs and salt to make it even more delicious. Either way, the cook was talented. Amelia looked around the room, which was larger than her old cottage, and she was in awe still coming to terms with what it would mean to be a Mistress of a large Keep.
Still chewing and drinking mead, she gingerly walked over to her chest of things which had been delivered early and took out the oak box. She carefully began pulling out the belongings again. Loving stroking the brightly coloured airisaidh within. Rubbing the crest badge across her fingers and the brooch. Over the years she had pulled out the silver brooch to just hold it when she missed her Ma the most. It comforted her. She wondered if she should wear it tomorrow for her wedding. But her mother said she was to keep it secret until she found her kin. Maybe after the wedding she would ask her husband if he recognized the plaid and insignia. She looked at the MacGregor plaid that had been left out for her wedding on the morrow and decided she would need to stick with their traditions for now. There was no point ruffling feathers until she knew more information about who her kin might be.
She carefully replaced the items and locked the box, grabbed a handful of berries wrapped in meat and cheese and bread, then wandered about the sizeable chamber looking for a hiding place for her box while she ate her fare. She found the perfect hiding place in a loose floorboard under the chamber rug once it was secured and put the rug back in its place. She whispered to the room, “Ma, tis my wedding day tomorrow. I hope your luck shines down on me.”
An hour later Amelia was safely ensconced in the huge warm bed, she had added more wood to the fire for it got colder in the highlands, removed her plaid and snuggled underneath the soft warm bedding. She had felt more settled since the time she first discovered she was to marry and was just drifting off to sleep when the sound of the door opening alerted her. She opened her eyes to see Beiste walking in freshly bathed, hair slightly wet, bare chested with nothing but his plaid folded around the belt. He moved straight to the table, poured himself some ale then moved to the fire sipping it and warming himself.
Amelia instantly sat up covering her modesty, “What are you doing here?”
“What does it look like? I’ve come to sleep.”
“You can’t sleep here?”
“Why not? Tis my chambers.”
“Your chambers? But I’m here?”
“So?”
“We are not married yet!”
“Don’t fash yourself, I will not ravish you, but I will share that bed.”
“But this is my time for reflection.”
Beiste stared at her and chuckled.
“What’s so funny, you big oaf?” She sat up straighter, glaring daggers at him. Her blanket slipped, revealing a see thru chemise practically wrapped tightly around her ample breasts.
Beiste immediately looked down there and cursed as lust engulfed his senses, but he just gritted his teeth.
“Woman you can reflect all you like as long as I get to sleep in that comfortable bed.”
Beiste then moved towards the bed and began unwrapping his plaid.
“What are you doing?” Amelia shrieked.
“I’m undressing to go to sleep, what does it look like?”
“Naked? You will sleep naked?” There went her voice in high pitched again.
“Aye I am, I’ll not wear soiled travel clothes to bed.”
By this time, the panic was genuine.
“Do you mean to tell me that in all the rooms in this huge Keep you could not find any clean clothes to sleep in?” Almost shouting.
“No, I could not. Now sheath your claws she-cat, I’m getting a headache.”
Before Amelia could protest any further, Beiste dropped his plaid onto the floor, threw the bedcovers back and climbed into bed.
Amelia covered her eyes, “I cannot believe you. This is sacrilegious.”
“Quiet. Some of us are trying to sleep.” He grumbled and turned his back to her, fluffing up the pillow exaggeratedly. He could hear her huffing and Beiste just bit back a laugh. Lord, how he loved to raise her ire. He just relaxed and feigned sleep while Amelia kept fuming.
Her peaceful night of reflection shattered. Amelia sat up staring at Beiste’s back imagining all kinds of ways to murder him, stabbing him in the arm, smothering him with her pillow, burning him with the fire poker. Then an idea came to her. Find another room, yes that’s what she would do, she would get her plaid and go out and ask Donald to direct her to another room. Donald was her guard, and it was his duty to see to things like this.
Her mind resolved, Amelia flung her legs over the side of the bed ready to stand then yelped in surprise when an enormous arm
grabbed her around her middle and hauled her back into bed. A very naked Beiste had her tucked into his very naked side, one arm draped over her body to keep in place and his thigh entwined with hers. He pulled the covers back over them, “Stop overthinking everything and go to sleep wench.”
“I don’t want to sleep with you.”
“Me thinks the lady protests too much.”
“I do not protest.”
“Good, then it’s settled, go to sleep.”
“Humf,”
Beiste quietly chuckled. It felt good having her in his arms again.
He had every intention of sleeping elsewhere tonight but truth be told he had gotten used to sharing a pallet with her so against his better judgement he decided to just continue as he meant to go on. With that Beiste settled again, he drank in the scent of her clean scent and drifted off to sleep. Amelia was part outraged but mostly exhausted. Besides, it felt nice and warm, tucked up against Beiste even if he was naked and before long, she too drifted off into slumber’s warm embrace.
***
The cloaked figure continued to move in the shadows, contemplating his next move. He was struck by how comely the new wife was and even more so at how she handled the Beast. He would have to tread carefully, Caitrin was weak and easily frightened, this one had backbone. Still, he would enjoy breaking her. He licked his lips and adjusted his pants. No doubt he would be sure to sample her before she died.
***
Chapter 11
MacGregor Keep
The Wedding
Amelia awoke to an empty bed on her Wedding day. It relieved her to have the morning to herself. She had slept so well during the night she was feeling well rested. She carried out her morning routine, washing her face, using the privy which it pleased her was clean and only for the family and partaking of a light breakfast. Before long there was a line of women entering her chambers to get her ready for her wedding. She was bathed and scrubbed within an inch of her life, her hair was brushed and styled.
Betrothed to the Beast Page 8
