Highland Fortitude (The Band of Cousins Book 5)

by Keira Montclair

  He shot a glance at his brother, motioning for him to let it go, since David would also know she’d shared a falsehood. David agreed and changed the subject. “I’m here to help the cousins if I can, even if ’tis a small way.” Though he was part of the Band of Cousins, he hadn’t traveled with them for a while.

  “We were so happy to hear Braden’s news, but we haven’t met his wife yet. I’m anxious to visit with Cairstine,” Anna said. “It sounds as though we’ve shared similar misfortunes.”

  Once they made it back to Muir Castle, warm greetings were shared with the newcomers, and everyone settled in around the large hearth in the great hall, chatting about the last mission. David was anxious to hear all the details, and Connor and Braden filled him in with a vigor they all seemed to possess about the Band of Cousins.

  But Daniel was distracted, unable to focus on anything beyond Constance. He’d thought he was losing his heart to the lass, but could he trust someone who would lie about something so simple as her sire’s name? He wanted David and his wife to like Constance, but he knew his brother would question him about the obvious falsehood as soon as he found a chance.

  Something told him there was more to her story, that she was in some sort of danger, but it still bothered him that she’d seen fit to lie. It implied a lack of trust. He sat in a chair next to her, at the outer edge of the circle. His disability aggravated him—he wished to hold her hand, but she was on his left side. If only he could offer her that simple comfort.

  Constance said, “Anna, you made mention of your misfortunes. Rose was nearly captured and sold by this horrific group. Did you go through something similar?”

  Anna reached for her husband’s hand, as if to draw strength from the man seated beside her. “My sire, Lorne MacGruder, tried to keep me prisoner because he did not wish for me to wed David. He was so intent on preventing our wedding, he drugged me, hid me, and attempted to marry me to an old man. When his attempts to keep me away from David failed, my brother sold me to men who work in the Channel of Dubh. I could have easily been sent across the seas. ’Tis why I’m especially eager for David to help his cousins.”

  Daniel could actually see the fear in Constance’s eyes. Her eyes jerked from person to person, her hands twisting her gown in her lap. Every now and then she’d try to stop herself from fidgeting, but it would start again moments later. Aye, something had put a fright in her. Fortunately, Braden stood, reached for his wife’s hand and said, “Come, David and Anna, we’ll show you to a chamber abovestairs. Then, once you’re settled, we’d be happy to give you a tour of our land.”

  In the ensuing flurry of activity, Constance managed to duck out into the kitchens without anyone taking notice.

  Except him. Daniel followed her.

  She headed straight out the back door, then launched herself at a dead run for the back curtain wall.

  Daniel trailed along, watching as she burst into tears and threw herself onto a bench at the back of the property. She dropped her head into her hands, bawling for all she was worth.

  Daniel hesitated, but her cries nearly broke his heart. Mayhap she wished to be alone, but he couldn’t find it in his heart to walk away. He tiptoed over to the bench and clasped her shoulder lightly so as not to startle her, but his touch jarred her badly enough for her to jump. She lifted her head and then threw her arms around his neck once she recognized him.

  “Lass, what has you so troubled?” He sat with a flop, then managed to tug her onto his lap and enveloped her with his arms, his right hand grabbing his left forearm.

  Constance lifted her head long enough to say, “Oh, Daniel. I know not where to start.” Her head fell back onto his shoulder and she sobbed more, her entire body twitching and heaving every so often with a ragged breathing pattern that made him wish to go in search of the person who’d caused her to feel so wretched.

  “Constance, you’re trembling. It cannot be all that bad.”

  Her response was to lift her head, peer up at him and nod, then drop her head back down, her grip on his biceps tightening as though she’d never let go.

  He rested his head on the top of hers, a position that allowed him the luxury of taking in her flowery scent, the silky strands of her hair teasing his cheek. “Does this have anything to do with your sire?”

  She nodded, not lifting her head.

  “Your sire isn’t Glenn of Buchan, is he?”

  She stiffened in his arms, then pushed against his chest to separate herself from him, moving to the end of the bench. He reached for her, but she pushed him away again, her breath still hitching, and she began that infernal twiddling of her fingers again. Now he knew how upset she was.

  “Just your hand?” he whispered. “May I hold your hand, Constance? You’re still my sweet bluebell, no matter what happens.”

  She stared at him for close to an eternity before she gave a slow nod, followed by a hiccup.

  He took her hand when she offered it, set it on his lap and began to lightly trace his fingers over hers. He started at her thumb and brushed each of her fingers slowly, rhythmically. Her gaze followed his path up and down each one, and neither one of them spoke until he’d covered her entire hand.

  He hoped he’d calmed her down enough for them to have a serious conversation. “Constance, you need not tell me who your true sire is, but Glenn of Buchan died in battle, and he had only two sons and a daughter. I know his daughter Davina.”

  She tore her gaze from his fingers, looking up at him, her face red and swollen from all the tears. “’Twas the only name I could think of.”

  “You need not tell me,” he said. “Just answer me one question, if you will. Is your true sire the reason you’re at the abbey?”

  She pulled out a linen square from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. When she finished, she gave a deep sigh and whispered, “Aye, but ’tis all I’ll say.”

  “Fair enough, and I’ll thank you for that.” His fingers traveled up her arm, continuing the light caress up her shoulder, her neck, and her cheek. She shivered, still not pushing him away, so he leaned forward, his lips touching hers in a soft caress. He pulled back and gazed into her eyes, hoping she would allow him to continue. “I care verra much for you, and I’d like to help you. ’Tis the only reason I’m here.”

  She whimpered and cupped his face, tugging him toward her. He kissed her again, and she parted her lips with another whimper. He teased her tongue and she matched him, tasting and touching each other until he feared he’d lose himself just from the sounds she made.

  But he did not wish to take advantage of her, so he ended the kiss. She fell toward him, and he grinned, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “I want more of you, too, lass, but not here, not now.” He chuckled, kissing her forehead as she rested her head on his shoulder.

  “Daniel, I know not what to do.”

  “If you share something about your confusion, I may be able to help you, but I cannot if you don’t let me in.”

  She sighed, a sound filled with so much discontent and frustration that he wished to beat to a pulp whoever had made her feel such pain. Was it her sire or someone else?

  “I ran away from home. Listening to Anna talk about her family upset me. I don’t want to talk about my sire.” She pulled something out of the folds of her gown, rubbing her fingers over the surface while she stared down at it.

  “What is that you hold?” Daniel asked.

  She held it out for him to see. A dark red amulet with an odd shape to it. “I took it from home. Do you see how ’tis nearly in the shape of a heart? I had to have something to remind me of my dear mother. I consider it my lucky stone.”

  “The gem is quite beautiful. I would advise you not to allow anyone to know you carry it. It could be quite valuable.” Daniel took her hand in his again, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. “You are old enough to make your own decisions. You need not see him again if you do not wish to. Tell me this. Are you happy at the abbey? Do you have the calling to become a nun?�
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  She sat up again, her chin quivering as soon as her gaze found his. “I’m not sure, but my sire hates me, so I have nowhere else to go.”

  Daniel had no answer at the moment. He wished to protect his wee bluebell, but would she let him? And could he offer such a thing when he’d made a commitment to seek out the wicked men who ran the Channel of Dubh?

  He couldn’t help but stare at the red gemstone still in her hand. Its beauty was mesmerizing, and the more he looked at it, the more certain he was of its value. He’d have to convince her to keep it hidden.

  “Constance, how many people at the abbey have seen this stone?”

  “I’m not sure. I keep it well hidden. ’Tis always in my pocket. Why?” She looked up at him, and the trust in her soulful green eyes humbled him.

  “I would show as few people as possible. Unsavory characters lurk where you least expect them. Be verra careful with it.”

  They both stared at the large object, the light reflecting off the different facets of the blood-red stone.

  Whoever Constance was, he knew one thing for certain.

  Her family was far from poor.

  Chapter Six

  Constance rubbed the sleep out of her eyes the next morning. She’d dreamt of Daniel holding her, talking sweetly to her, so vivid she’d thought it was real. The dream had almost chased away memories of her other dream, in which her sire locked her up just as Anna’s sire had done to her.

  Sweet Daniel had helped her forget everything.

  She couldn’t help but sigh at the memory of the dream and, even better, the memory of her real experience with Daniel. Daniel nuzzling her, mesmerizing her, kissing her senseless. She closed her eyes to savor the thoughts. He was nothing like any of the other lads she’d known.

  Especially the one she’d fancied herself in love with.

  She dashed that thought from her mind. Much as she would like to stay here, she’d decided it was impossible. Her sire’s men would catch up to her eventually. They could steal her away before she was able to scream. She’d seen them in action many times before.

  She would not give them that chance. There was no choice but for her to ultimately return to the abbey, though she thought she could steal a few more days of happiness. She made a bargain with God. Three more days, Lord, and I’ll return to do Your work, whatever You wish of me.

  Three more days with Daniel, please!

  Then she would return to her safe haven, to the place her sire’s men could never hurt her or steal her away.

  She finished her ablutions with haste because she would not waste this precious time with Daniel, nor would she spend any more tears on her situation. Today was her day to enjoy this gift she had been given. She searched for something to wear, and finally knew it had to be the green gown, so she slid into it, then slowed her pace to wrangle with all the ribbons.

  A knock on the door interrupted her as she ran her fingers through her long locks. She had no one to plait it for her so she’d decided to leave it unbound for the day.

  “Enter,” she called out, smoothing her quickly donned gown and tying up the last ribbon.

  Cairstine opened the door slowly. “My apologies we have no maid to tend to your needs, but is there anything I can do to assist you? Do you need help with ribbons or plaiting your hair?”

  “Nay, I have a gown with the bindings in the front.”

  “Oh my,” Cairstine crooned. “’Tis a most lovely gown, my dear.”

  Constance smoothed the wrinkles out of the skirt, one of the few she’d managed to bring with her from home. Her mother had chosen the fabric and she’d worn it to a wedding. It was made of a forest green velvet with ribbons that matched the color of her hair. “Many thanks. ’Tis my best gown.”

  Cairstine fluffed at the folds, helping her to smooth it out. “I adore the fabric.”

  Steenie came barreling into the room, brimming with excitement. “Mama, Daniel plans to take Constance for a ride to the waterfall. May I go with him?”

  “Did you ask Daniel?” Cairstine pivoted to speak to her excited son.

  “I did. He said I could go along. He’s bringing a picnic basket, too. May I go, please?”

  “Steenie, remember your manners. Did you greet the lady yet?”

  The laddie hopped from one foot to the other, his golden hair bouncing with each movement, though he kept his hands folded in front of him in an attempt to contain his excitement. “Greetings to you, my lady.”

  “You may call me Constance, Steenie. My, but you look exactly like your mama. He has the most beautiful green eyes.” Constance glanced from mother to son again, enjoying the similarities.

  “I’m not beautiful. I’m a lad and I’m handsome. Lasses are beautiful, not lads. I will be a warrior someday when I’m bigger. A Grant warrior.”

  His answer reminded her so of her brothers. How they’d hated the thought of ever being compared to a lassie. She recalled their younger days when they’d talked of going to England to be knighted. Regret seeped through her, but she shook the feeling away and smiled at her visitors. “I’m sure you’ll be a mighty warrior for Clan Grant, lad, and my apologies. You most definitely are a lad and not a lass. I would love for you to join us.”

  Cairstine said, “Aye, you may go along, Steenie. Please go to your chamber and find some warm wool hose to wear.”

  “Aye, Mama.” He flew back out the door with a bang, almost barging into another person outside the door. Daniel.

  “They said I could go,” the wee lad exclaimed. “Don’t leave without me, please. I must put some hose on.”

  Daniel chuckled, glancing down at Steenie’s bare feet. “Aye, you better get some hose and your best boots, or you’ll get nettles all over and you won’t be able to walk by morn.”

  “But will you wait?” he asked, still hopping up and down.

  “Aye, I promise to wait for you, lad.”

  Steenie disappeared in a flash, and Daniel turned to Constance, his brilliant smile taking her breath away. How handsome he was. How had she managed to snag the attention of such a fine lad?

  “I think the lad has spoiled my surprise,” he said with a grin, “but could I beg you to go along with the two of us, Constance? There’s a fine burn and waterfall not far from here. I’ll take some nice furs to use on the rocks since there’s a chill in the air.”

  Constance stopped herself from clapping due to her own excitement. Was Steenie’s joy catching or was she just this excited from being around Daniel? “I would love to join you, Daniel.”

  Cairstine stepped around the two of them and said, “I’ll go check on my son.”

  Daniel’s gaze traveled from her face down to her toes. “My, but you are lovely today, lass. ’Tis a beautiful gown and it sets off your hair just right. You might think it odd I would notice such a thing, but my mother has a dash of red in her hair and she’s always fussed over colors matching or clashing with her hair. She would love your gown. Believe it or not, my sire, Micheil, has always helped my mother pick out the fabric for her gowns. He had an eye for it, and he’d approve of this one for certes.”

  Constance blushed, “My thanks. I would love to meet your parents someday.” The sentiment was true, though she knew it was not to be.

  He held his hand out to her and said, “May I escort you down the stairway?”

  She placed her hand in his, the warmth from his touch traveling up her arm, so inviting that she found herself leaning toward him as they walked down the wide passageway.

  They were halfway down the staircase, Daniel next to the railing with his left arm now at her back, when Steenie burst around the corner and bolted down the steps, only to trip as soon as he set eyes on them. They both reached for him just as Cairstine screeched from the top of the stairs. Daniel caught him with his right hand and righted him, but not before Steenie plowed into Constance, throwing her off balance and knocking her down the stairs.

  She screamed and flailed for something to grab onto, reaching for
Daniel’s free left arm, but there was nothing to grasp onto because his one hand still held Steenie. Daniel did his best to stop her fall, but he had nothing to grasp her with, and lost her. Losing her balance completely, she tumbled down the rest of the stairs, skirts flying everywhere, until she landed in a heap at the base of the stairs, her head hitting the stone floor.

  Lying flat on her back, she didn’t move, still stunned at what had happened. Pain shot through her body from her hip to her head, from her left foot to her elbow. Tears threatened to flood her cheeks, but she refused to cry. Surely she’d shed enough tears.

  Before she knew it, Steenie and Daniel were kneeling at her side.

  She could hear Cairstine’s voice from a distance, hitching with panic. “Steenie, see why I tell you to slow down on the staircase?”

  “Mama, I’m sorry. Forgive me, Constance, I didn’t mean it,” he said, bursting into hot tears that splashed onto her gown. “Are you dead?”

  “Nay, Steenie. I’m fine. I’ll be fine in a moment, I just cannot move yet.” She focused on the rafters above, trying to set her vision to rights, but she couldn’t.

  “God’s bones, Constance.” Daniel grasped her hand with his, as gentle as if she were a babe. “I’m so sorry. I tried to stop you, but I reached for Steenie first…”

  The look in his eyes told her how much he cared, how sorry he was for failing to break her fall. She patted his forearm. “Daniel, you did the right thing. You needed to save the laddie first.”

  A big pair of arms lifted Steenie away. “Papa, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.” He clutched Braden, who whisked him away after mumbling another quick though heartfelt apology for the accident.

  Daniel continued, “What hurts? Can you sit up? Here, I’ll help you.”

  A woman knelt on her other side. The lady was lovely, and her aura was quite unlike anything she’d ever seen. She must have hit her head quite badly because now she was seeing heavenly auras. She recognized the woman as Braden’s mother only when her gaze landed on Brodie, Braden’s sire. “Lass, stay still until you know what hurts. You don’t want to make it worse. My name is Celestina.”