“Please tell me.” I was glad when Mercy finally entered carrying a full tray with a teapot, two cups and a plate of sandwiches. It wasn’t the elegant fare I might have served one of the ladies who had come to call recently, but Gertrude’s eyes lit up when she saw it. Mercy rushed out and closed the door as fast as she could.
“Eat and drink first. Then I must know why you’re here.” I tried to read the witch’s mind. It was a swirl of mist and darkness. Now I knew a witch could block her thoughts as well. Too bad. When Gertrude drained her first cup and I finished mine, she took a few moments to study the leaves in the bottom of each cup before nodding her head. I was going mad waiting. Obviously the witch was not to be rushed. After a long trip in a cart over bad roads, I guess I couldn’t blame her for lingering in front of a fire in a comfortable chair.
She set down the cup and looked me in the eyes. “Many think a witch has no honor.”
I leaned back. Of course Jeremiah had said that very thing. So I stayed silent. Waiting yet again.
“There are those who expect us to do anything for gold.” She sighed and pulled her shawl closer around her plump middle. “I admit I owe the Campbells much for the years of peace I have had in their village. But I have my limits, Madame, that I do.” She leaned closer, the part of her face I could see hard. “While I was still sick abed and Master Jeremiah off searching for you, himself sick at heart, Lady Campbell came to my door.”
I gripped my knees through my skirt. “What did she want?”
“What didn’t she want?” Gertrude stood, though it obviously cost her. “She had hair from your brush.” She frowned. “Tell that silly maid of yours to always burn any hair from your comb or brush. It can be used against you in the wrong hands.”
I couldn’t breathe. “I will. Now what did Lady Campbell ask you to do with mine?” The list of possibilities was long and cruel.
“First, she asked to see the future, Madame.” Gertrude held her hands toward the fire then smiled at me over her shoulder. When her shawl slipped, I could see that her skin was dark red and pulled with scars. “You and your Jeremiah will have a long future together. You will be apart from time to time but end together. It was clear that yours is a forever love.” Her chuckle sounded rusty from disuse. “You can imagine the lady did not like hearing that.”
I stood beside the witch. “Truly? Jeremiah and I will be together forever?” Oh, I wanted to believe that!
“Now, Madame, I cannot see to the end of time. I did see that you and Master Jeremiah will have much happiness and very little of it at Castle Campbell.” She laid her hand on my sleeve. It was also badly wounded from Alyse’s attack. “That is what I told the lady.”
“Oh!” I had nothing else to say. Not at the castle? Then where?
“At that news, Lady Campbell, in her rage, went too far.” Gertrude sat again, shaking. “She offered me gold to put a dark spell on you, Madame. To make you sicken, even die.”
“She dared!” Didn’t she care how that would hurt Jeremiah? Of course not. All Mag wanted was to have her way. She needed to make sure her son was with a woman she considered worthy of him. I gripped the witch’s arm.
“And what did you say to that, Gertrude?” Oh, how I wished I could read her mind!
“I took her gold, told her I would do as she wished, then I packed my kit and left.” Gertrude raised her chin and met my gaze. “As I said to you before, Madame, I will not delve into dark magic.”
“Thank you, Gertrude!” Tears sprang to my eyes. This woman had given up her home for me. I could not believe it. Yet I didn’t doubt her as I saw the truth in a brief glimpse into her mind.
“I must warn you, Madame.” Gertrude firmed her lips. “I have no truck with the dark arts, but there are those who do. When Lady Campbell realizes I have not done as she asked, she can try someone like Red Mary to do her worst.” A mist suddenly filled the room. It was as strong as a fog, enveloping us both.
My eyes stung and I grabbed Gertrude, then realized I couldn’t let go of her, even though I tried. What was happening?
“I heard my name.” The voice was a whisper from the mist—harsh, yet compelling. “Do you call for me, Sister Gertrude?”
“No, I would never—” Gertrude swayed as she stood. “Take your black magic and go. I am not your sister.”
“You helped Alyse, beloved daughter of my true sister. I would help you.” Now we could see Red Mary, a vision standing mere feet away.
Gertrude murmured words and made a sign. She let go of my hand to put all of her own magic into repelling Red Mary. It did no good. The other witch merely smiled.
“You don’t understand, Gertrude. Gloriana also helped me gain revenge on that devil who killed Alyse. We cannot let dark magic hurt her.” Red Mary seemed to fly above us, a trail following her like a tattered skirt made of mist.
“Protect her then, but don’t come near me. I want nothing to do with you.” Gertrude clutched an amulet at her neck.
“Hah! You think you are safe in these times? Witches even now sit in the dungeon beneath Castle Rock. They are waiting for the hangman or to be burned at the stake. I would open the gates and save all of them if I could!” Red Mary settled in front of us, her eyes blazing with a wild light. “If anyone needs protection, it is you, Gertrude. Disappoint your Lady Campbell and see what happens. She’ll turn you in herself, see if she doesn’t.” Red Mary cackled and the hair on my arms stood up. “You think you can ward the soldiers away by yourself with your good spells, foolish witch?”
Gertrude was shaking. “You are evil! I will not listen to you. She wouldn’t—” She looked at the fire, pulled something out of her pocket and tossed it in. Flames danced blue, green and pink while Gertrude’s chants grew louder and more insistent.
The room was almost unbearable as magic filled it. I wanted to cover my eyes and ears yet couldn’t dare miss a thing. Red Mary had something of her own to add to the flames and the witches battled it out, chanting and making the firelight into a conflagration that I feared would set the chairs, rug and walls on fire.
“Please! Mag is not to be trusted. Protect us all! I don’t care how you do it.” I finally ripped my hand away from Gertrude’s grip and backed away from them, the heat from the fireplace unbearable.
The witches turned to look at me. As if hearing my voice was all they had needed to stop and think, they each suddenly nodded. Then, as one, they spoke in a voice that sent shivers down my spine. I felt the cold of magic race over me from head to toe. Was I being protected only from Mag? Or from any magic cast toward me? I didn’t know or care. All I wanted was to be rid of it and them. To get out of the room and feel free to breathe fresh air.
“Others will try to pull you away from your Jeremiah, Gloriana St. Clair.” Red Mary had obviously done some of her own scrying. “You will be with him and without him for many days and years. Your happiness may be with him, but first you must be happy with yourself.” Then she seemed to gather the mist together, rise to the ceiling and vanish.
Gertrude staggered to her chair and collapsed. She shivered in her shawl, her face pale. I realized I could see all of it and it was undamaged.
“Gertrude, Red Mary healed you.”
“What?” She touched her cheek, rubbing it in wonder. “Why would she do that?”
“She loved Alyse and, like you said, witches have honor. She repaid you for trying to help her niece. I wouldn’t be surprised if she protected you from Mag as well.” I was glad to sit again myself. What had I just witnessed? And what had Red Mary meant? I’d be with or without Jeremiah. I couldn’t imagine the without. But clearly there was no witch stronger than the witch with red hair and the ability to travel through air and appear wherever she wanted to go.
“She must have good in her after all.” Gertrude reached for the teapot, her hand shaking.
“It is my hope that we all do.” I said it but wondered if it was true. Mag Campbell wanted me dead. What did that say about her character? Any good
there? I doubted it. Would I tell Jeremiah about any of this? Not if I wanted to keep our Yuletide happy.
“Red Mary asked me one thing in my head before she left.” Gertrude filled her cup, then mine. “She will hear your answer and heed it.”
“What is it?” I cradled my cup for warmth but did not drink. My head was still spinning from the mist and the chanting. Foolish to be chilled when the fire had heated the room so unbearably.
“Do you want Lady Campbell gone? Say the word and Mag Campbell will be no more. Red Mary will see to it.” Gertrude stared at me. For a witch who didn’t like black magic, she seemed almost eager for me to agree to such a spell.
I sat there. Mag Campbell gone. Tempting. Say the word. I set down my cup and smiled.
18
Of course I couldn’t do it. I might hate Mag Campbell and the feeling was certainly mutual, but Jeremiah loved his mother. I had to trust that the witches had seen the future and they were right. I wouldn’t have to spend much time at Castle Campbell. Jeremiah had told me his mother liked to travel. If I did have to go back there, perhaps Mag would be off visiting one of her daughters in Europe. To look at her wardrobe, it was obvious she loved to buy her clothes in London or some other fashionable city. I might despise her controlling ways, but the woman had exquisite taste.
I didn’t do so badly myself. I loved beautiful clothes. I’d recovered enough from my encounter with Red Mary and Gertrude to actually enjoy donning the beautiful blue gown that I’d bought in London. Jeremiah had been generous and I would look a treat in one of his favorite colors. Tonight we were attending the wedding of Fiona’s young son, the Duke of Argyll, to a pretty girl who was from a rich clan. The king was in high spirits, convinced he’d made the match himself. Of course Fiona had told us it was a love match. A Royal Stuart Clan wedding. It was bound to be a fine affair. I couldn’t wait.
“You are blooming, lass.” Jeremiah pushed Mercy out the door just as she was finishing my hair. The diamond hair pins gleamed.
“Did you notice what Fiona sent?” I pointed them out.
“Very pretty. They will go well with your next Yuletide gift.” He snapped open a velvet box.
I gasped. “A diamond chain? Jeremiah, it is too much!” At the end of the chain, which I could wind around my throat twice, was a sapphire the size of my thumbnail.
“Nothing is too much for you, my love.” He laughed as he dropped it over my head. “Don’t let the blue stone disappear between your breasts.” He ran a bold finger there while I adjusted the beautiful necklace to my liking. “I knew it would match your eyes.”
I jumped up from my chair to throw my arms around him. “You are amazing. Thank you.” I kissed him. Was this all part of the mistress role? Was he making sure I had jewels to sell when he turned me off? I had to quit thinking that way. He loved me. The witches had seen us together forever. Except when there would be breaks. That worried me. But I had to put that out of my mind and enjoy the days we had now. The way his eyes gleamed when he stared down at me and his hands roamed over my back … Then his lips trailed down my neck to my jugular. Ah. If only we had more time.
“You look beautiful. I am very proud to have you by my side when we are surrounded by the men from other clans. The jewels let them know that you are mine and that I can afford to treat you well.” He dragged a fang along where my blood raced. It had been too long since we’d exchanged blood. Surely he was rid of the poison now. Tonight we would take each other the way we wanted, sharing everything.
“I am happy to show off your wealth.” I sighed when his hand touched my breast but stopped him when he tried to push down my bodice. “Hold, sir. It is bad enough I have had to give up corsets. Mercy had to stitch up my dress to keep it from falling to my waist without one. Even so, it is barely hanging on.”
“I know. I am intrigued. Will it give up the fight, do you think, if you choose to take a breath or laugh?” He grinned. “I know you are ticklish.” He slid a finger along my waist. “Shall I test it in the Great Hall after the wedding?”
“Don’t you dare! And make me look like a bare-breasted doxy in fine clothing and jewels?” I backed away from him.
“Didn’t you see Lady MacLaren with her rouged nipples yestereve?” Jeremiah stayed with me. “No one would dare call her a doxy. Not with her seven castles and land aplenty.”
“She looked like a doxy.” I was gasping when he found that spot again, making me giggle. “Don’t make me laugh. Please. If I were well past forty and on my third husband, I could show my nipples and no one would care.” I gave up, laughing uncontrollably when he grabbed me and held me against him. I did so love him in a playful mood. “Jeremiah!”
“Look in my sporran.” He pulled up my skirt.
“In your sporran or under your sporran, you wicked man?” I sighed as his hand wandered up my thigh to above my garters.
“In my sporran first. Then, only if you wish, you may look under my kilt for what’s waiting for you there.” He found the slit in my drawers and smiled. Of course I was damp. I am always eager for his loveplay.
He had come into my dressing room ready to go to the castle. He looked so handsome in his kilt, his gold doublet bejeweled in sapphires to match my dress, his coat a dark blue. His sporran had his coat of arms on it and was fastened with a simple leather tie. I managed to open it even though I was breathless from his busy fingers touching me.
I pulled out a small velvet bag. “What’s this?”
“Open it.” He moved closer. “Hurry.”
I grinned and slowly pulled on the string. “Hmm. What could it be?” Then I spilled the contents into my palm. “Oh, Jeremiah!” They were small diamond chains with sapphires dangling from them, the most beautiful earrings I had ever seen. “You are too generous.” I could not imagine how rich the Campbells must be for the heir to afford such things for a mistress. I pushed that thought aside and quickly put them into my ears. “How do they look?”
“Perfect. I knew they would suit you.” He kissed me then. Deeply. Then sent me a message from his mind. He loved to see me happy.
I reached beneath his kilt and found him eager. Backing against the wall, I pulled up my skirts so I could wrap my legs around him. Was I crushing my dress? I could not care about that. I had to have him. He was my love, my everything. He pushed inside me and I swear I could feel him in my soul. Our loving was over quickly, a rushed, hurried thing that became a breathless celebration of Yuletide joy. I kept laughing as he teased me, then pleased me. I told him in my mind that it wasn’t the value of the gifts he’d given me, it was the thoughtfulness. Matching my eyes indeed. I would cherish the jewels forever. Then I promised we would have a slower, more vampire loving later.
“You are right about that, Gloriana. Later.” Jeremiah brought us both a wet cloth from the basin in the dressing room to refresh ourselves. “Now we must hurry or we will be late for the wedding.”
I took his arm and we headed downstairs to the waiting carriage. A wedding. Would I ever have one of my own? The witches had not mentioned that and I had not thought to ask. Oh, foolish me. But then perhaps it was best not to know. It might spoil my happiness now. I would take this one night at a time. Jeremiah helped me into that fancy coach and I just concentrated on feeling how lucky I was.
A ragged man lay slumped next to the gutter near our doorway. I called to our footman still standing in front of our townhouse and ordered him to feed the man and give him a place next to the fire in the kitchen. Then I waited to make sure the order was followed. Our servants were proud to be serving a rich clan. The footman, dressed in fine Campbell livery, looked reluctant, but finally kicked the man awake and helped him to the alley toward our back door.
“You were kind to do that.” Jeremiah made sure I had the hot brick under my feet before he sat next to me.
“I remember how it is to be hungry.” I smiled at him. “I thank the gods for you every night, saving me from that.”
“And I thank God that I found
you.” He slipped his arm around me. “The king claims he has a surprise for me this night.” He squeezed my shoulders. “You know how I feel about the king’s surprises. Let us pray it is something I can live with.”
“Yes. You have been to a lot of meetings this past week. No hints about what it could be?” I laid my hand on his knee.
“Only that Jamie is determined to see his clans unite to support him.” Jeremiah growled. “He will allow no petty border disputes. Those were his words. Petty! I will not call stealing cattle or taking land petty.”
“So he’s really determined that the Campbells and the MacDonalds get along.” I realized the coach was already stopping. Such a short trip!
“Not just us. There are several other clans that have longstanding feuds. The king thinks he can wave his hand and put a stop to all of them.” Jeremiah moved his arm when the door opened. “I will have to pretend calm when I am boiling inside. At least I don’t expect Fiona and MacDonald to be here tonight. It is her son marrying but Fi has taken to her bed and dare not appear. I know it hurts her to miss the wedding but she and MacDonald have already spread news of a difficult pregnancy.” He helped me down from the carriage and we walked up the steps into the castle.
A footman took my fur-lined cloak. I hoped Jeremiah’s mood improved because I felt wonderful in my diamonds and sapphires. My dress was the latest fashion and several of the ladies who had come to call recently were cordial. I had learned that they were mistresses to some of the heirs, not wives. Fine. I didn’t expect the lofty wives to embrace me. I’m sure Mag Campbell would have rallied all of them to cut me if she were here. But I did have a few women to talk with when Jeremiah huddled with some of the other men.
The wedding would be in the chapel. It was the day after Christmas Day. No one seemed to care that the king had arranged it so. The bishop was out in public again, performing the ceremony. It was an elegant affair, with a blushing bride and a handsome young groom who seemed in love with the girl. He put his sash of plaid over her shoulder, a ring on her finger and they were married. Afterwards, we were treated to a banquet that gave me the opportunity to push food around on my plate. The king’s favorite hounds were invited to the party and had luck under my seat at the long table.
Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas (The Real Vampires series Book 14) Page 23
