Heroes of Honor: Historical Romance Collection

by Laurel O'Donnell

  “Do ye suppose he’s checking on his men, or did he have a wench to tup?”

  “Yer intended seems to have quite a relationship with many of the women in this clan. There were at least two in the keep that he kens intimately. I noticed at least five more in various parts of the bailey who looked at him either with desire or revulsion. Both looks lead me to believe that he kens them well.”

  They found a bench next to a rose bush and took a seat. Mairghread turned her face towards the sun. Mairghread had never cared that too much sun brought out freckles. She believed feeling sun on her skin was one of the best she knew. She would soak up as much as she dared in the spring and summer months before losing the sun’s rays for most of autumn and almost all of winter.

  “I dinna suppose he will give up his women once we marry.” This caused Mairghread a great deal of sadness. While she did not believe she had to have a love match, she believed she should have a faithful husband. Even though she was aware many men were unfaithful to their wives, especially noblemen, the men within her clan did not do that. A man who did not keep the vow he made before God, his bride, and his clan was a man without honor. A man without honor was no real Highlander.

  “Perhaps ye will win him over with yer beauty and knowledge.” Magnus smirked down at her. While she had no firsthand carnal knowledge, she and Magnus had had several conversations beyond the one in the village after the incident at the alehouse. Magnus had been open with her as he wanted to prepare her for whatever might be in store for her. He did not want anyone to take advantage of his sister, and he wished her a happy marriage. A happy marriage bed was part of a happy marriage or, so the married guardsman had told him.

  “I dinna think that will be enough for him to change his ways. I would hazard a guess that he dinna he realizes that his ways could use a change. And if he does, I dinna think he wants to change.”

  “Ye may very well be right aboot that. Can ye come to live with that?”

  “Do I have any choice?”

  “Nay, I suppose ye dinna. Do ye imagine ye will find happiness here anyway?”

  Magnus wrapped his arm around Mairghread’s shoulder, and she leaned into him. She always found great comfort in hugs from her father and brothers. Perhaps it was because they were so much larger than her. It always gave her a great sense of security and belonging when they wrapped their strong arms around her. This time was no different. She realized with a pang how she would miss this once she married and they left. What comfort would she find in her new home?

  “I can imagine aught, but I couldnae say at this point. I might find contentment, but I dinna ken whether I can be happy with a philandering husband. It’s nae that I would marry a man I believe to be without honor. It’s the humiliation of kenning everyone in the clan kens of his faithlessness. It’s the humiliation of having to be near his women, of them kenning they are enough to make him stray from me. That I amnae enough to keep him in ma bed and ma bed alone.”

  “It is nae too late to speak to Da. Ye ken he loves ye dearly and would never wish ye a miserable life. It’s possible for him to decline the offer, and we all return home.”

  “Ye ken I canna ask that. The whole point of this marriage is to end the strife between our clans. Turning away now would just be an insult. I doubt Laird Mackay or Sir Alan would stand for it. I am as stuck here as I am in a bog.” Mairghread heaved a heavy sigh and stood.

  With that they exited the garden. They were just in time to watch Alan duck into the stables, pushing a giggling woman ahead of him.

  Chapter Three

  T

  ristan could not get Mairghread out of his mind. Sitting at his desk in his solar with her father and three other brothers did little to lessen the distraction she posed. The five men had settled in to draft the betrothal contract. Tristan believed Alan should be present for this as it would be his marriage, but since he was showing Mairghread the gardens, it seemed fine to begin without him.

  The men worked through the details for almost three hours before there was any agreement. At times, the conversation became tense, but Laird Sinclair was adamant that the dower lands he offered would remain in trust for any daughters Mairghread and Alan might have. The Mackays were not use them other than for farming or grazing. They were not permitted to place any crofters or keeps on the land if the Mackays were building them. The Sinclairs, without coming out and saying it, did not want any Mackays making their home that close to the Sinclairs’ land. The Sinclairs might be willing to form an alliance, but they did not entirely trust the Mackays. Once again, the notion that Mairghread was the sacrificial lamb came floating into Tristan’s mind. Laird Sinclair might trust the Mackays with his daughter’s future, but he did not trust them with the future of his land. Tristan would have been insulted on Mairghread’s behalf if he had not already seen how much the man loved his daughter. He understood the man was also doing this to safeguard Mairghread’s future. If she were to die and Alan remarried, any daughters they had might be at risk of being sent off to a convent or given in a hurried marriage, so they would not interfere with the new marriage. While he did not foresee that happening in his lifetime, he was a laird and a warrior. He was not certain just how long that life might be. This land would be a safe dowry for those daughters. It would also be a place where Mairghread or her future daughters might go if they needed a different home. Tristan did not foresee that eventuality either, but it made her father feel better. He would not begrudge the man that. He imagined he might do the same if he had a daughter one day.

  A daughter? Sons? I’ve been careful thus far to make sure I havenae had any. But one day. Will I find a woman as fair as Mairghread for maself? I will have to watch her marry ma arse of a stepbrother and grow round with his bairns. I will have to watch as he breaks her heart repeatedly with his cheating and drinking. God only kens how she’ll be able to get along with Beatris. Maybe she’ll have the patience that I dinna. I’m torturing maself already. Mayhap she isnae as great as she seems. Mayhap I willna covet ma brother’s wife once I ken the real Mairghread. This might all be for show, and a different side will come out once she settles here. Mayhap I will be the lucky one not to have married her.

  Even as these last thoughts ran through his head, his mind and heart screamed they were false. He was trying to talk himself out of the infatuation he was developing. Tristan had bedded his fair share and then some of women. He was not some green lad chasing after his first skirt. At eight and twenty, he had almost half a lifetime of experience with women. Even with this experience, he was unable shake how strongly he was drawn to his brother’s intended. Instinct told him that Mairghread was as good and pure of heart and character as he had seen so far. If anything, he was certain he would find her even better as he got to know her.

  Perhaps I ought to build a manor house for them somewhere beyond the crofts. Then they’d move there and I wouldnae have to watch them together. I wouldnae need to see her everyday if I provide them with servants. They’d live, sleep, and eat there. Alan would come up to the lists every day, and I would have to suffer through his bragging, but I wouldnae have to see her. Nae only would that solve the issue of seeing Mairghread, but I ken Beatris would follow them to the house. That alone would make this worthwhile.

  Once again, he understood these thoughts to be false. He could not relegate Mairghread to some manor house where it would force her to live in such a small space with her mother-by-marriage, her husband, and all the women he was bedding at the time. At least the large keep might make it a little less obvious how many affairs his stepbrother would have over the years. That idea brought bile to the back of his throat and he wanted to gag. Mairghread did not deserve the husband they were about to stick her with.

  “Laird Mackay? Didna ye hear what I said? I’ve said it thrice already,” Laird Sinclair said with impatience.

  “Nay. Ma apologies but ma mind wandered there for a moment. I’m sorry, but could ye repeat yerself? Again.” Tristan cringed a bit
at that.

  “I said I would like to wait a fortnight before we sign this and a moon before the wedding takes place. I would be sure this arrangement satisfies ma daughter before we make it permanent, and I leave her here in yer keeping.” Tristan recognized the stress on the word “your” meant the man had little faith in his stepbrother, and he would hold Tristan responsible for anything bad that might happen to Mairghread. He also understood that once she was wedded and bedded, there would be little authority for him to do anything as she would become Alan’s property. Unless he beat her, there was nothing guarantee a happy marriage. He did not want to be his brother’s keeper, and he did not think he would be successful banning Alan from sleeping with other women. Alan’s deviousness would find a way around it.

  “Laird Sinclair, I will do ma vera best to ensure that Mairghread is well taken care of here at Castle Verrich.” That was the best that he offer to make. He noticed the fact his pledge stated she would be taken care of at the keep while not mentioning his stepbrother did not go undetected by Laird Sinclair.

  “Call me Liam. We are to be kin and allies soon.” No mention of being friends. Tristan sighed.

  “And ye can call me Tristan.” What the bluidy hell have I gotten maself into?

  ~~~

  The men exited the solar in time to watch Magnus and Mairghread enter the Great Hall. Tristan scanned the hall to figure out if Alan was already inside or following behind them. He was nowhere in sight. It had been several hours since he entered his solar for the negotiations and Alan had taken Mairghread to the garden. He had expected Alan to join them in the solar once they returned from the garden, but he never showed up.

  Mairghread and Magnus walked up to their family and Laird Mackay. Tristan saw she had gotten a few new freckles today. The realization that he noticed that was a bit unsettling to him, but he was sure of it. She smelled of lavender and heather and now fresh air. Her cheeks were pink and her open-mouthed smiled showed two rows of perfectly shaped white teeth.

  “Da, Firelight and Tavish found two mares they’re rather fond of! Laird Mackay, ye might have two new foals on the way before ma kin leaves!” She laughed, and Tristan was certain it was the sound of a faerie’s bell. He also did not miss the use of the term of affection for her father.

  Tristan paused though. Something she said struck him as odd. “Tavish?” He looked at the brother who had been with him for the past three hours.

  She laughed once again. “Aye. Tavish, the stallion.” She looked at her brother and laughed even harder. “I mean Tavish, the horse, is rather taken with yer dappled mare, and ma horse rather fancies yer fawn colored mare.”

  Tristan looked at the family still in some confusion. “Ye have a horse and a brother named Tavish? I dinna ken how that is.”

  It was Magnus’s turn to laugh now as Tavish, the brother, glared at him. It was a long running family joke and cause of annoyance for Tavish, the brother.

  “Tavish is ma horse. Da gave me the horse when I was seven. At the time, Tavish over here was ma favorite brother. A week later ma favorite changed, and I tried to change the horse’s name to Callum, but it would only respond to Tavish. So, it stuck.”

  Tristan tried hard not to laugh as he did not want to do it at the other man’s expense. It took a great deal of effort, and he almost choked.

  Tears twinkled in Mairghread’s eyes as she looked over at Tristan. “Go ahead and laugh. Ye ken ye’re bursting to do it. The only one who never laughs is Tavish. Ma brother, nae the horse, that is.” With that she laughed again.

  Tristan could no longer contain it after hearing her infectious giggle. He chuckled, too.

  “Laird Mackay, ye have a wonderful stable. Ye have some of the best horses I’ve ever seen. Do ye breed many here? Or have ye found them elsewhere?”

  “Lady Mairghread, are ye fond of horses?” Tristan was taken aback that a lady would mention such a topic as horse breeding.

  “Ma sister has been riding since she was old enough to hold her head up. Da would take her out wrapped in his plaid against his chest. She would look out and coo at everything and everyone. Once she sat up, she moved to riding in front of Da but still with his plaid wrapped around her to keep her close. She’s been in the saddle since she was a bairn.” This was the most Alexander had said since they arrived. Tristan had not been sure he talked at all.

  “Alex, the laird was talking to me. I can answer for maself.” She raised an eyebrow at her brother, but the corner of her mouth twitched.

  “Laird Mackay--”

  “Please, ye should all call me Tristan as we are soon-to-be kin.”

  “A-all right. Tristan, I do love horses. I love to ride, but I also like to take care of ma horse. And that includes where he is sent to stud. I ken it is nae a normal topic for a woman to ken aboot, but with four older brothers, I couldnae nae learn aboot it.”

  Mairghread caught herself stammering when Tristan told her to call him by his Christian name. She was unprepared for that or the sensations it caused. The name slid off her tongue as though she had been using it for years. It felt right. More so than the name “Alan.” That was a name she was rapidly beginning to dislike with a passion.

  I’d rather ma passion go to Tristan. Jesu, Mary, and Joseph! Where did that come from? Bluidy bleeding hell! Argh! Now that’s three times I’ve cursed and will have to confess. I must find out if they have a priest here sharpish. Willna that be nice? ‘Hello, Father. I’ve nae yet been here a day and havenae even joined the clan yet, but I need to make a lengthy confession. Have ye time?’ Wonderful.”

  Tristan’s voice brought her back to the present. She forced herself to focus on what he was saying rather than what she dreamed he might say to her—in private.

  “So, Alan showed ye the stables after the garden? Did ye three go anywhere else? I admit we left ye with quite a lot of time to fill on yer own.”

  Mairghread and Magnus shared a glance between them. It was not one that reassured Tristan. Mairghread spoke up.

  “Nay. Alan wasna the one to show us the stables. He walked there from the gardens, but we were nae the ones who with him. I suspect he had some, er, something else to see to. Magnus and I wandered around the bailey meeting yer clansmen and women until the stables were available for us to visit.”

  Tristan’s heart sank with this. Mairghread did not have to be any clearer to let everyone know Alan had a rendezvous with some woman in the stables when he was supposed to be getting to know Mairghread. Magnus now glared at Tristan as he was the only Mackay available at present to receive his disdain.

  Laird Sinclair and his other three sons stared at Mairghread in disbelief. Callum finally spoke up.

  “Just how long did ye spend with yer intended? Ye were gone the three hours we were meeting.”

  “Magnus, what say ye? Alan was there aboot twenty minutes.” Mairghread shrugged and plowed on ahead, hoping to change the subject. “Tristan, yer people were vera kind to me. Many stopped to talk with us, and I played catch with a few of the lads. I dinna imagine they have ever seen a lass throw as far as I can. It thrilled the lasses to watch me beat the lads. I admit I encouraged the lasses to give it a go and gave them some pointers on how to surely trounce the lads. I may have only befriended the younger females of yer clan so far. Magnus had several of the aulder females wanting to make friends with him.” She smirked at her brother as he reached out to pinch her side. She swatted at his hand.

  Callum was not as eager to move on from Alan abandoning them on their walk. He was known for his tenacity, and he was not ready to give up on this topic.

  “Mairghread, are ye telling us that out of three hours, ye spent only twenty minutes with Sir Alan? Ye watched him go into the stables. I take it ye hinted it was with a woman other than yerself.”

  “Callum, of course, it was with someone else. I canna be in two places at once. I told ye Magnus and I toured the bailey. Tristan, I should like to ride in the morning. Is it safe to ride in the meadow outside the
gate? What aboot near the loch? Are there any bogs I should worry aboot?” Mairghread did her best to steer the conversation back around. She gave Callum a pointed look. One he returned but let the subject drop.

  Tristan was unsure what to say at this point. He was so embarrassed by his stepbrother’s behavior. He wanted it to be unconceivable that Alan would be so blatant in his dalliances, but he knew in his heart that he was not surprised. Tristan looked down at Mairghread, seeing the hurt she was trying to hide. He recognized how she begged he would keep the conversation away from something that humiliated her.

  “Aye. Ye can ride out to the meadow and yon. I’m sure ye would like the loch. Yer horse can have a drink, and ye can sit on the rocks for a spell. Do ye ken how to skip rocks?”

  “Are ye seriously asking me that? Once again, I have four older brothers. How couldnae I ken how to skip rocks.”

  “Perhaps yer brothers and da would like to join ye for yer ride, and I’ll show ye all aboot.”

  Alexander had to put his two cents in. “Do ye think Sir Alan might make himself available for such a tour? As laird, I’m sure ye have more pressing matters. I’d think Sir Alan would like another opportunity to get to ken his bride and her kin.”

  “Right ye are. I will ask him at the evening meal. Lady Mairghread, I believe Lady Beatris is trying to get yer attention. I’d venture to say she would like for ye to join her at the hearth. Do ye sew? I’d guess that is what she is doing now.”

  Mairghread looked to her father and noticed his scowl seemed to have become permanently etched on his face since arriving at the Mackays’. She gave an almost imperceptible nod before looking at Tristan.

  “Aye. I sew. I shall gather ma current piece of embroidery and join her in a moment.” Mairghread dipped a curtsy and moved to the stairs.

  “I think a dram of whisky might be in order,” Tristan muttered as he motioned towards his solar.