Her head throbbed with pain and she let out a painful gasp.
At the sound of her cry, a woman rushed over to her and said, “Off! Mollie, get out of here!”
The dog scampered back at her command and went over to a rug while Bridget looked at the woman uncertainly. Her face was kind, and she glanced back at Bridget with a smile when she realized she’d awoken. Bridget, however, had no idea who the woman was, or how she came to be there. For all she knew, this is where the captors had taken her, and the faint memory of being rescued was a dream.
“Calm yerself,” the woman told her. “Nae one is going tae harm ye.”
That reassurance at least, brought her a little comfort. Her eyes focused, and she looked around discovering she was in the living area of a stone cottage. There was a large central room with kitchens and a hearth. The walls on either side of her each had a door that Bridget guessed lead into sleeping quarters. However, the mattress she was using had been set up in the living area along with the kitchen and a dining table. After the initial shock, Bridget realized she was in new clothes and a plate of food sat on a chair beside her.
Where am I? she wondered frantically.
“Who are ye?” Bridget asked her. “And what am I doing here?”
A woman held out her hands to calm her, saying, “Hush now, dearie. Ye’re in Castlebay Village on the isle of Barra. Lay down until ye’re feeling well enough tae stand.”
Bridget exhaled nervously, still looking around the cottage as if it were a trap. Her head throbbed with pain, so she laid back down on the mattress and stared up at the woman curiously. She had wavy, light brown hair that had been tied back with a scarf and crinkles around her eyes. There was a streak of silver around her temples and laugh lines from a well lived life. She looked kind and wise, though it did not comfort Bridget in the slightest.
“There now,” the woman soothed. “That’s better isn’t it?”
She nodded weakly. “Who are ye?”
“Ailsa MacNeil,” the woman told her. “My son found ye wounded on one of his raids and brought ye back here tae recuperate. It’s a fine thing he did, otherwise ye may nae have survived. Ye were badly drugged by the look of things.”
Bridget groaned. “Where is my da?”
“Yer da?” the woman asked in confusion. “I’m nae sure what ye’re talking about.”
As the realization struck her Bridget felt as though she’d been punched in the chest. Her breathing labored and she asked, “H-he dinnae make it?”
Ailsa shook her head. “I’m afraid nae. Ye’re the only one he found there, dearie.”
The room was spinning again, and Bridget grasped the mattress desperately to keep from falling. Her entire world felt like it was falling apart between her fingers.
“I’m sure this must all come as quite a shock,” Ailsa murmured. “How are ye feeling?”
“Tired,” she confessed.
Ailsa nodded and took a seat beside her on the mattress. “I’m nae surprised. As I said before, ye were in a terrible state when they brought ye here. Elspeth and I were nae sure if ye would make it.”
“Elspeth?”
“The village healer,” the woman explained. “She’s been teaching me the healing arts, and truthfully I was grateful tae use them. Now, if ye dinnae mind my asking, what is yer name. lass? I would very much like tae ken who we’ve the pleasure of taking after the last few days.”
Bridget looked away from her uncertainly and pursed her lips. She still didn’t trust the woman, and knew that revealing her noble status could be dangerous. In a rushed decision, she decided to allow her first name alone rather than her full title. “Bridget,” she told her simply.
“Well, ’tis nice tae meet ye, Bridget. Take all the rest ye need. I’m afraid my son is nae home presently, but ye’ll meet him soon enough.”
Bridget shifted on the bed uncomfortably and felt her heartbeat quicken. All she could think about was the men who hurt her and wondered if her life would ever be the same. “Ye said yer son is the one who…found me?”
“Aye. He said ye were tied up in the below decks of another vessel.” Ailsa must have sensed her hesitation because she gave a reassuring smile, telling her, “There’s nae reason tae be frightened. Nae one here will harm ye. We only wish tae make sure ye’re treated properly.”
“Thank ye,” Bridget mumbled.
Just then, a knock on the door caught their attention and Ailsa glanced over to it reflexively. “Enter.”
Bridget glanced over to see a blonde, pregnant woman come inside. Her long, golden hair was plaited into a braid across her shoulder and her skin was a sun-kissed tan. On the edge of her lip was a beauty mark that became a charming accent to her smile. Over the woman’s shoulder was a leather satchel that rested neatly on her hip. The dog stood up from its place on the rug and wagged its tail excitedly.
“Hello, Elspeth. Ye’re just in time,” Ailsa told her. “Bridget has just woken up.” She said the name with emphasis and glanced over with a little smile.
Elspeth nodded and came to sit on the bed beside her after giving the dog, Mollie, a scratch behind the ears. “’Tis nice tae put a name with the face. It’s a pleasure tae meet ye, Bridget. I’m glad tae see ye’re doing better.”
“This is the healer I was telling ye about,” Ailsa explained. “She’s married tae one of the captains, Graeme. They’re expecting their first child in the coming weeks.”
Elspeth snorted with a laugh as she placed a hand against her belly. “Aye, first and last if I have anything tae say about it.”
Ailsa chuckled and Bridget watched them in fascination. It became clear the two of them had a fondness for each other. As they spoke, Mollie laid her head in Elspeth’s lap and looked up at her with big brown eyes and her tongue lopped over to the side.
“I brought ye some clothes,” Elspeth announced. “It occurred tae me last night that with yer dress in tatters, there was nothing else fer ye tae wear. Bess, a few other lasses in the village and myself all contributed a little something. It isn’t much, but it should get ye through.”
It was then that Bridget realized she was in nothing but her kirtle and pulled up the blankets to conceal her modesty.
“There was nothing except what they brought ye in,” Ailsa reminded her. “And the gown will take time tae repair.”
Embarrassed and confused, Bridget nodded. “Of course…it just comes as a bit of a shock. Thank ye, Elspeth.”
Ailsa smiled at the two of them. “I’m sure I can donate something as well.”
The healer nodded and turned back to Bridget and said, “Well, I think ye’re going tae be fine. The Valerian should continue tae pass over the next few days, and ye’ll make a full recovery. In the meantime, be sure tae take it easy and get plenty of rest.”
Bridget nodded.
The women both looked at one another curiously before Elspeth asked, “So…if ye dinnae mind my asking, what happened tae ye on that ship? The bruises on yer arms and feet…”
“I-I’m nae sure exactly. The last thing I remember is being struck over the head.”
Elspeth cleared her throat uncomfortably and said, “I hate tae bring up such a painful memory. But…yer skirts were ripped, and there was blood on the fabric. I’m nae sure what happened on that ship, but it’s possible they took advantage. If that is the case, we need tae discuss what happens.”
Bridget’s eyes bulged wide with fear. “A-are ye saying I’m nae longer a maid? That I’m…”
She nodded. “Aye. That’s what I’m trying to determine.”
Grief and horror struck her simultaneously in a wave of powerful emotion. “Nae! Nae…nae! This cannae be happening!”
“Shhh! Hush now,” Ailsa calmed her. “It’s going tae be fine. Elspeth and I just want tae help ye.”
Her tears came hard and fast as she gasped for breath, reeling from everything that had happened. The future she had dreamed of shattered in an instant—no respectable man would want her now. If Rod
rick found out…
Rodrick!
Suddenly, Bridget felt as though she would be sick. She leaned over the side of the bed as a wave of nausea struck her and vomited into an empty basin. Ailsa rubbed soothing circles over her back in an attempt to settle her. “Calm down, lass. Ye have nothing tae fear.”
“I’m ruined,” Bridget blubbered hopelessly. “Those men took everything from me. Everything…”
She vomited again and Elspeth handed her a linen napkin to wipe her face.
“Whatever happened on that ship, ye’re safe now. Elspeth and I will take care of ye.”
Bridget sniffed as she accepted their help in climbing back into bed. “It would have been better if those men had killed me. Then at least I would nae have tae live in shame.”
Ailsa frowned when she pulled the blanket over Bridget’s shoulders. “I am sorry fer yer loss, fer what those men did tae ye, and the grief this experience caused. But ye should count yer blessings also. Be grateful ye’re alive, and that Valan found ye when he did. Grief comes tae us all, its how we cope with it that defines our character.”
The woman turned to walk away, and Bridget called after her, saying, “Alisa!”
She stopped and turned to face her. “Aye?”
“Thank ye,” Bridget blurted. “Fer taking care of me.”
Ailsa smiled and gave her a gentle nod before going back into the kitchens.
“She’s right,” Elspeth told her. “Valan took a risk in bringing ye back with him. Ye should thank him when he gets here.”
“Is that her son?” Bridget asked.
“Aye. And he’s a good man. I think ye’ll like him.”
Bridget pursed her lips together. “So, when will he return? I would like tae thank him fer his kindness.”
Ailsa glanced over to the window where the waves of the sea were visible on the skyline. “I’m afraid he’s already set off on another expedition. We have a rather…unusual line of work here in the Barra. He’ll be at least another day or so.”
She swallowed the lump rising in her throat and nodded. “I guess I’ll have tae wait then.”
T he next day Bridget felt a little better.
She could get out of bed, and even walk around the cottage if circumstances called for it—though it caused her a frightful headache. The clothes Elspeth and the other woman provided for her were nothing like the finery she was used to, but they were comfortable, and she was grateful for their kindness.
She wore her hair in a braided crown and chose a plain, grey tunic that was trimmed with green embroidery. It came almost to her knees, so she belted it around the waist and added a pair of woolen leggings.
From time to time she would feel unsteady on her feet or have a wave of nausea. Elspeth said it was the Valerian, and that she’d be back to her old self soon—but Bridget didn’t feel like she was the same person she was before. After what she’d been through, how could she ever be the same? She couldn’t believe after everything she’d been through, her father did not survive. More than that, her virginity had likely been taken by her captors, and she feared what that could mean for her pending marriage. Ailsa kept her company by engaging in conversation and tried to distract her from the awful circumstances of her arrival. Yet, she still hadn’t met the woman’s son, who Bridget was informed had been her rescuer—Valan.
Little by little, her fear subsided, trusting that they didn’t mean her harm. However, she kept the secret of her noble status and chose not to reveal that information unless it became absolutely necessary. After what happened on the ship, she feared the truth of her identity would put her life in danger.
Even if Ailsa and Elspeth did not mean her harm, others in the village might. They could try to ransom her or even marry her off themselves. The safest course was to hold her tongue, at least until she knew they could be trusted.
After their mid-day meal, Bridget heard some commotion outside and went to the window to see what was happening. Ailsa and Elspeth glanced over in the direction of the noise and smiled, pointing down toward the docks “It sounds like one of the ships has returned! Shall, we go out and greet them?”
Mollie yipped enthusiastically and reached up with her paw to scratch lightly at the edge of the door. Ailsa scoffed at her saying, “Nae ye, Mollie. Ye’re staying here.”
Elspeth chuckled, pulling herself to her feet with her enormous belly. “Aye, it could be one of ours. Bridget, would ye like tae come?”
She didn’t like the idea of venturing out into the village, but her fear of leaving the cottage was surpassed by one thing, the fear of being alone, so she nodded in agreement. “I suppose.”
Ailsa smiled and offered Bridget a shawl, which she accepted gratefully and put around her shoulders. “Perfect. Now come along, and ye’ll see how it is when the men are home! Life can be far more exiting in the Barra than what ye’ve seen thus far.”
Bridget watched them head off down the winding path and followed carefully behind. She kept a wide berth, not wanting to stray far from the cottage, and cast her gaze to the bay below.
She followed Elspeth and Ailsa in a daze, somehow managing to walk down the path and make it out onto the dock. Bridget’s entire body stiffened as they approached a crowd of strangers and she held back where it felt safe and comfortable. Elspeth continued toward the loading dock and waved to them as the men climbed out. One of them walked over to Elspeth with a smile and kissed her on the lips. Bridget could only assume he was the husband she’d been told about. The man’s eyes flickered in her direction and raised an eyebrow quizzically.
Bridget couldn’t hear their conversation but saw him whisper in Elspeth’s ear as they came toward her slowly. She smiled timidly as Elspeth came walking back with him.
“Bridget, I’d like ye tae meet my husband, Graeme,” Elspeth told her.
The pirate captain stood a full foot taller than her and had long black hair. He smiled, looking over her with cool, grey eyes and saying, “It’s nice tae meet ye, Bridget. I understand Valan brought her back on one of his excursions?”
“Aye. That’s what I’ve been told as well.”
Ailsa interjected, “She’s been recovering from an injury. Elspeth help me care fer her in yer absence.”
“Of course.”
“I’m most grateful fer her kindness in looking after me,” Bridget told him.
Graeme nodded slowly, still fixing her in his steely gaze. “Elspeth has a gentle heart, it’s in her nature tae serve. I’m glad she could be of assistance. Now, sadly, I had best go see tae the laird and tell him of our journey. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”
Elspeth laughed, shoving him playfully on the shoulder. “Go! We’ll still be at Ailsa’s when ye get back.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Castlebay Village, The Barra
T wo days later, Bridget waved goodbye to Elspeth and released a tired sigh. She was grateful to the kind, golden-haired, healer for all she’d done for her. Elspeth had come by the cottage daily to check on her, and they were quickly becoming friends.
Mollie, the affectionate wolfhound, sat at Bridget’s feet wagging its tail. Bridget smiled at her and scratched the dog gently behind the ears before looking back toward the village from her seat at the window. As she stared out over the hills, Bridget’s attention drifted down toward the docks and took in the men unloading their supplies.
Bridget swallowed hard at the sight of them and clasped the shawl around her shoulders. They reminded her of the men who attacked her ship. No matter how hard she tried to forget, the vision was burned into her memory. She knew it wasn’t fair to judge them on appearance, but it would take time before she would ever trust a man again.
The red-haired one Elspeth referred to as Alistair was so large, Bridget was certain he could squash her in an instant.
Being trapped in the small village with a group of dangerous men was not what Bridget expected to be doing. She was supposed to be getting married, living as a proper lady in Castle Stro
me. Her betrothed, Rodrick, still expected her to arrive, and she had no way of letting him know what happened. Her fate was in the hands of Captain Valan, whoever that was—a man she’d never met before.
What if he was cruel? Demanding? What if he was worse than any of the men she’d seen? What if he was as bad as the men who abducted her?
Even the possibility of that sent a shiver down her spine. Bridget’s thoughts went back to the awful night on her father’s ship and her chest felt tight.
Just then, a pair of horns blared loudly in the distance and Ailsa walked up beside her. Mollie stood up immediately and barked with excitement. Ailsa placed her hand against the doorframe and said, “Would ye look at that? It’s another ship. Come with me tae the docks and let’s go meet them.”
Bridget nodded stiffly and walked outside with her, and the dog ran past before they could close the door and managed to escape. “Ack! Mollie!!”
“Mollie!” Ailsa called after her.
The dog ran straight toward the docks and did not heed their cries. Bridget watched in dismay as she disappeared into the crowd of villagers.
“Ooh, that beast!”
“Will she return?” Bridget asked her.
Ailsa grumbled, “Aye, she always does. I dinnae have the energy tae go chasing after her, but she comes back in time fer supper.”
Bridget smiled and followed her down the steps to the dock. She wore the same woolen leggings as the day before and a red tunic, though it was far too big for her slight frame and wore almost like a dress. To make use of the material, Bridget belted it around the waist and left her hair down around her shoulders. Ailsa provided a shawl that pinned neatly across her shoulders, and a pair of leather shoes.
Bridget could hardly believe that change in her appearance and knew if Fionn saw her he would raise an awful fit. She chuckled dryly to herself and continued on the path next to Ailsa. On the bay in front of them, Bridget saw the approaching ship drop anchor off the castle landing at Kisimul. The ‘castle island’ was the oddest structure Bridget had ever seen, and she found it somewhat fascinating.
Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) Page 6
