Highland Fortitude (The Band of Cousins Book 5)

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Highland Fortitude (The Band of Cousins Book 5) Page 3

by Keira Montclair


  He stopped, folded his hands in front of him and said, “Greetings, my lady, and welcome to Muir Castle.” He paused for a moment before he continued on in a typical childlike ramble of saying everything that popped into his mind. “We never had to do this when my real da was here, Mama. Why now?”

  “You know why, laddie. Please do not be rude to our guest.”

  He dropped his gaze to the floor. “My apologies, Mama. I like it better now, too. ’Tis a most happy place, unlike before.” He rushed over and squeezed his mother. “I love you, Mama. Greetings to your friend. May I go see Paddy and Corc again? He needs help with the new horses.”

  Cairstine said, “Off with you. Pay attention to Corc.”

  By then, Steenie was already barreling down the staircase, but he replied with a shout, “I will, Mama.”

  Constance couldn’t help but giggle. “He’s a sweet laddie.”

  “Poor Steenie has had quite an adjustment to make, though ’tis all for the best. ’Tis a long story, but we were blessed the day Braden Grant walked into our lives. My clan was Clan Muir.”

  Constance nodded, deciding to set her questions aside. Cairstine was a lovely woman, and their castle was very nice. “Braden was involved with the issue at the sea loch?”

  “Aye, he was. What a terrible situation. You were not on the boat, were you? Poor Rose. What a fright it must have been.” Cairstine kneaded her hands and fussed with the furs on the bed.

  “I was not on the boat, but I was there. I’d never been so frightened in all my life.”

  Cairstine patted her hands. “You need not be frightened any longer. I hope you enjoy your stay here. We are small, but Steenie keeps everything lively, and we have two wonderful cooks. Mayhap you can help me prepare the garden for next spring, if you’d like.” She headed over to the door. “I’ll send an urn of water up for you. Take your time, and if there is anything you need, I’d be glad to help.” Then she left, closing the door behind her.

  Constance flopped onto the bed, worried now. She’d been so excited to leave the abbey, but it struck her that she’d need to lie about her past. Convincingly. To a lot of people.

  She would not go back downstairs until she had a story completely formed in her mind. She’d have to create a new life, then go over it and over it lest she forget it.

  That was the only way she’d get away with her lie.

  Chapter Four

  Daniel wandered outside toward the stables early the next morn. Constance hadn’t come back down to the great hall last eve. Cairstine had said she’d seemed exhausted, and his cousins Braden and Connor had agreed—and after all she’d been through, she deserved the chance to sleep as long as she needed.

  Daniel couldn’t argue with that, but he’d hated to lose even one night. He wished to get to know her better. “Corc,” he said to the stablemaster, “I think I’m in need of a horse, just a quick ride to clear my head this morn. I’ll get him saddled.”

  “No worry, lad. I’ll saddle the beast for you. He’s a fine piece of horse flesh. Are you riding alone, Ghost?” Corc asked, lifting the saddle onto the back of the horse.

  Daniel grinned at the man’s use of his moniker. The name his cousins had given him never failed to amuse him. He really did have the ability to get in and out of places without being seen, so maybe he deserved it.

  He was about to reply to Corc but didn’t because he heard the happy lilt of a young lass’s voice coming from the keep, followed by a small laugh. Constance. Loud enough for anyone nearby to hear, he cleared his throat and said, “Mayhap not. I’d love the company of a flame-haired beauty. I can hope she’s looking for me, can I not, Corc?”

  Corc snorted. “If you know the lass’s mind, you’re smarter than the rest of us.”

  Daniel stepped outside and nearly ran into Constance. “Good morn to you, lassie. Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

  Steenie came directly behind her. “I brought her out here to meet Paddy the Pony. Follow me, Constance.”

  Constance shrugged her shoulders and grinned at Daniel, reaching for his hand as they moved through the stables.

  Daniel glanced back over his shoulder at the now-smiling Corc, then followed Steenie. “May I meet your pony, also?”

  “Aye,” Steenie yelled. “He’s my best friend. What’s your name again?” The lad stopped to peer up at Daniel.

  “My name is Daniel.”

  “What happened to your other hand?” Steenie stared at his missing left hand.

  “Steenie,” Corc said, following them to the stall. “Be polite.” The sparkle in his eyes did not match his admonishing tone.

  “May I not ask him?”

  Corc cleared his throat, glancing at Daniel for guidance in the matter.

  Daniel let go of Constance’s hand and crouched down so they were on the same level. “Aye, you may ask me. I lost it in a swordfight when I was six years old. So promise me you’ll be careful when you play with real swords?”

  Steenie’s eyes widened at his revelation. “But I’m only five. You were in a swordfight when you were six?”

  “I shouldn’t have been. I went somewhere I wasn’t supposed to and a bad man swung his sword at me.”

  Corc said, “See why you must listen to us and not wander outside the gates when we tell you, laddie?”

  “Were you outside the gates?” Steenie asked, still unable to take his eyes from the stump that was Daniel’s left appendage.

  “Aye, I was indeed,” he said, standing back up. “My Papa forbid me to go, but I did anyway.”

  Corc let out a low whistle. “Sorry, lad.” He clasped Daniel’s shoulder. “’Tis a tough way to learn your lesson.”

  Constance tousled Steenie’s hair. “It won’t happen to you if you listen to Corc and your parents. You must stay where you are safe. There are some bad people outside castles that hide.”

  Daniel changed the subject quickly after seeing the look in Steenie’s eyes. No need to frighten the poor lad. “Where is that special pony I’ve heard so much about?”

  Steenie hurried down to the last stall and proudly pointed to his pony. “See him? Isn’t he beautiful?” He petted Paddy’s nose as soon as the wee beast came over to the gate. Then Paddy looked at Daniel and shoved his muzzle at him. When Daniel didn’t respond, he pushed him again.

  Daniel glanced at Steenie for guidance. “Does he do this often, lad?” Paddy pushed him again.

  Steenie giggled. “He wants something to eat.”

  Daniel searched the stable and found a small bucket of apples nearby. He’d not yet seen a horse that didn’t love apples. He strode back to the pony and offered him the treat, and he took it with a whinny.

  “’Tis what he wanted, Steenie. You know him well.”

  Paddy nudged him again, but this time the pony was pushing him toward Constance. Daniel allowed the animal his game, pleased to be closer to Constance in any case, and moved slowly toward her.

  Steenie giggled. “He says you like Constance. Paddy can tell you belong together.”

  Corc waved a hand dismissively. “Pay the beast no mind. He is a bit unusual.”

  Then Paddy edged over to where Constance stood, nudging her hand that had a grip on the gate. She opened her palm and the small Highland pony nuzzled it.

  “He likes you, Constance. See? I told you he would. He’s magical.” Steenie was quite proud of his pet, and Constance’s face had lit up with a look of sheer delight that made Daniel wish to kiss her.

  Corc chuckled and mussed the lad’s hair. “Lad, we have work to do. Saddle up that mare for Constance while I saddle up Daniel’s horse. They wish to go riding.”

  Constance’s eyes widened and she whispered to Daniel, “We do?”

  Daniel returned the whisper. “I would love to if you’d join me.”

  Her smile lit up the stables.

  “Can I go with them, Corc?” the wee lad asked, jumping up and down.

  “Nay, you have your chores to do, and sometimes lads and lass
ies like to be alone. Another time, mayhap.”

  Steenie took Constance’s hand and led her over to the stall of a pretty chestnut-colored mare. He glanced at Constance and said, “This mare is the best one. She’s my mama’s.”

  “Then she must be quite special.” She leaned down to the lad to make her request. “Do you mind if I borrow her?”

  “Nay, she does not ride much. She’ll be happy to gallop for a change.” The lad took off in a different direction before returning with his mama’s saddle. His mood had not been the least bit affected by Corc’s request that he stay home.

  Once Daniel and Constance were both mounted, they rode into the beautiful meadow beyond the gate. He glanced at Constance, pleased to see the smile on her face. He had feared she’d be uncomfortable outside the closed quarters of the abbey, but she looked happy to be free and in his company. What a beautiful sight she made—long locks dancing in the wind, hips bouncing and swaying with the movements of her horse. She was a graceful rider.

  Constance tugged on the reins and sent her horse galloping across the meadow, pulling the mare in front of Daniel with a gleeful laugh. They raced until they reached the other side of the meadow and Daniel pulled his horse up next to Constance’s, shouting, “I concede, I concede. You are a fine horsewoman, my lady.”

  The color drained from Constance’s face in an instant, making Daniel wonder what he’d said wrong. “What is it?”

  “Naught. I just…why did you say ‘my lady’?”

  “’Tis a respectful term, my lady.”

  “But I’m not of noble blood.”

  He softened his tone. “Mayhap not, but you are quite regal to me.”

  “Please do not call me something I’m not.”

  Daniel decided to tuck this odd conversation into the back of his mind to analyze later. For now, he’d agree with her. “All right. Would you like to explore the path down into the valley? ’Tis quite beautiful, especially now that the leaves have changed color.”

  “I would love that.”

  “If we find any fruit trees, we’ll bring some back for our hosts.”

  “Agreed,” she said.

  They continued on a path where they could ride abreast, albeit at a much slower pace, which pleased Daniel. “Tell me about your clan.”

  ***

  Constance took a deep breath and swallowed. “There’s not much to tell. We are not part of a clan. We have our own home in the forest. There are three cottages because my sire’s two brothers live next to us to help fight off reivers. We do not have much, but my sire’s sister married well, and they live in a wonderful castle. We are not far from them, but my sire prefers to keep away from her clan.”

  “Names? What clan is your aunt’s?”

  Constance cut him off quickly before he went any further. She didn’t want to give him any information he could double check. “I have three sisters: Sybil, Joan, and Denise. Four brothers: Neville, Gareth, Gilbert, and Noah. Noah and I are the youngest, so we were the two they sent away. The others are helpers to my parents. Sybil, Neville, Gareth, and Joan are already married.”

  “Do they live near you?”

  She stuttered—this was a question she hadn’t considered—and then answered, “Aye. They all built huts near us.”

  “’Tis more than three cottages,” he commented, but if he thought her response odd, it didn’t show on his face.

  “Aye,” she mumbled. “I meant there were originally three.” Hell, but she was already starting to get caught in her lies. Rather than allow him any more questions, she continued to ramble. “I miss my sisters, dearly.” Finally, something that was not a lie.

  “Which sister are you closest with? I’ve always thought it might be nice to have a large family, though I have many cousins to love.”

  “Denise. We shared everything.” She couldn’t help but become pensive at the thought of her dear sister. She adored her so.

  “Do you all have red hair?”

  She laughed. “Nay. Denise and I are so much alike, but her hair is golden with just a bit of red. Sybil’s hair is light brown, and Joan’s is so fair ’tis nearly white. Denise and I are the only two lasses with freckles.”

  “Why are they all English names? I thought you were Scottish.”

  “We are, but my mother was English.”

  A large bird called out to them, causing Daniel to slow. “I know that sound.”

  Constance glanced around, suddenly afraid of what was about to happen. That call hadn’t come from a bird at all. “I see someone.” She went into panic mode and turned her horse around, almost knocking into Daniel in her haste. The fear of recognition was powerful, even though she was far into the Highlands that it was nearly impossible anyone would know her. Her sweet mare snorted, picking up on her change in temperament. “I’m going back,” she announced, her voice high and thready.

  Daniel followed her, and as he did so, he answered the bird call with one of his own. Sure enough, Constance heard the same sound again, speeding her heart up so much she thought it might explode out of her chest.

  Daniel came up next to her. “You’ve no need to worry, Constance.”

  Only she was worried. She pushed her horse to continue on the path until they were nearly at the meadow. There, she finally slowed her horse. “I’m going to cross the meadow as fast as I can.”

  Daniel caught up with her and grabbed the reins of her horse. “Nay, slow down. ’Tis only my brother, David. I can see them coming up the path through the trees. I think his wife Anna is with him, also. Please, I must wait for him.”

  Constance let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “All right. I’ll wait.” Surely Daniel had noticed her peculiar reaction, but he didn’t seem intent on pressing her. With any luck, his brother’s arrival would distract him.

  She waited alongside Daniel, watching his face light up as his brother rode ever closer. How wonderful that the two brothers were so close. It reminded her of Denise, which reminded her again of the situation at home… But as David Drummond rode closer, she banished those thoughts and anchored herself in the present moment. She was to meet Daniel’s brother, and she was glad for it.

  As the riders came closer, she was struck by the resemblance between Daniel and David. The green eyes that smiled at her were nearly the same as the ones she loved peering into—only they didn’t sparkle with quite as much humor. Daniel’s brother was taller than him, but not by much, and his hair was a rich shade of brown. Anna’s eyes were also green, but her hair was a lovely shade of auburn, as if brown were dancing with red.

  “Greetings, David,” Daniel shouted as soon as they were within hearing distance. “What brings you so far into the Highlands?” Then he turned serious. “Mama and Papa are hale?”

  “Aye, they are both fine. I promised Anna we would take a small journey to visit some of my cousins. We thought Braden’s new home would be perfect. Are any of our other cousins still here? We heard you had another successful mission.”

  “Aye. Greetings to you, Anna.” David’s wife brought her horse up next to her husband’s. “This is Constance. Someone I met at the abbey. She is considering taking her vows—” he shot her a glance, “—although I hope to convince her otherwise. We’ll explain later.”

  They began riding in the direction of Muir Castle, followed by five guards who traveled with David and his wife, as Daniel answered his brother’s other questions. “Connor is still here, but Roddy and Rose went back to Grant land. Uncle Brodie and Aunt Celestina will be thrilled to see you.” Even though the Grant siblings were technically their cousins through the Drummond side, both boys referred to the older generation as aunts and uncles.

  The two brothers chatted on the way back about the latest mission of the Band of Cousins and the mission that had brought Daniel and Constance together. Constance breathed a sigh of relief. Though it was difficult to think about everything they’d gone through, it was preferable to facing questions about her background.

>   They’d almost made it back to the castle when David asked her a question she hadn’t anticipated.

  “Constance, what’s your sire’s name?”

  Drat. It was such a simple question, but she hadn’t thought that through. She’d come up with a story about her father but hadn’t thought to give him a fictional name. She couldn’t risk using her real name or her sire’s. Daniel was crafty, and she didn’t doubt he’d be able to find them. She chewed her bottom lip as she frantically searched for a name that would fool them. It had to be someone they didn’t know.

  Attempting first to distract them again, she said, “’Tis a most lovely day. Do you not agree?” She would be forced to lie, but she wished she’d taken the time to think more carefully about this. It had to be just the right name so as not to arouse suspicion.

  “A fabulous autumn day,” Anna agreed. “The views have been spectacular. I love the autumn hues of green, gold, and red.”

  “Constance?” Daniel persisted. “What is your sire’s name?”

  Hell, a hundred names bounced about in her head. Without taking the time to think it through, she blurted out one of them, although as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized she’d made a mistake. While her sire made a point of not including the lasses in discussions of battles and clans, she thought she’d heard rumblings about this particular clan.

  But it was too late to retract. She’d already said the name loud enough for all to hear.

  “Buchan. My sire’s name is Glenn Buchan.”

  Chapter Five

  Daniel did his best to hide his surprise at Constance’s answer. He and most of his cousins had been involved in the battle that had caused Glenn of Buchan’s death. She was not Glenn’s daughter—of that much he was certain. What he didn’t know was why she had felt the need to lie.

  He’d already sensed there was something she was hiding. Constance was not a natural liar, and it showed. How much of what she’d said was true? Did she have seven brothers and sisters? He wished to ask, but he needed to tread carefully. Something had frightened her, he knew, and it was likely the reason she’d refused to accompany Rose to Clan Grant.

 

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