Highland Fortitude (The Band of Cousins Book 5)

by Keira Montclair

  “But I think I can sit up with Daniel’s assistance.” She clung to Daniel’s forearm as though he would keep her from falling again.

  “What hurts the most?” the lovely woman asked.

  She did her best to slow her racing heart, paying attention to her body so she could answer the question. Gulping, she finally focused on what hurt most. “My head, my left ankle…it twisted, I think. I also have smaller pains, in my elbow and my hip.”

  “Those will probably be naught but bruises by the morrow, but let’s sit you up and see if we can get you to a chair.” The woman even had the calming voice of an angel.

  Constance nodded her agreement, though even that small movement pained her, while Connor brought over a chair and Daniel helped her into it, his cheeks flaring red when he struggled with his one hand.

  The angel pulled up a stool and sat next to her. “May I look at the back of your head? There’s a bit of blood on the floor.”

  “Aye,” Constance managed to get out, fighting the pain that called to her from so many places. “Thank you for your assistance. You look like an angel.”

  Celestina smiled. “I’ve been called that before, but it was many years ago.”

  Celestina’s hands palpated the back of her head, her touch quite tender. “Aye, you have a cut back there and a big bump. I’m sure you’ll have quite a headache. I have a potion I can give you to ease your pain.”

  “Please do not put me to sleep.”

  “All right, my dear. I’ll prepare a light mixture for you once I finish dressing your wounds.”

  Cairstine brought over linen strips and a basin of water, setting them on a nearby table. “Constance, I’m so sorry,” she said, her lips twisting with worry. “Steenie acts before he thinks. He was so excited about going with you and Daniel.”

  “He was just being a little boy. ’Twas no one’s fault.”

  Everyone else hovered around trying to help, but her vision remained blurry so she closed her eyes while Celestina cleaned her wound. Once the older woman finished her ministrations, Constance whispered, “My thanks to you. Daniel, will you help me stand, please? I wish to see how bad my ankle is.”

  Daniel said, “Of course. David,” he said to his brother, who stood outside her field of vision, “grab her other elbow please?”

  The two helped her to stand, but excruciating pain shot through her left ankle as soon as she put weight on it. She fell back into the chair. “I think I broke my ankle.”

  Celestina lifted her foot and set it on a nearby chair, arranging it so Constance could see her ankle. She motioned to all the men surrounding them. “Go away and allow me the chance to examine her. I’ve spent enough time with our family healers to judge broken bones.”

  The men all turned their backs and moved toward the hearth while Celestina lifted Constance’s skirt and set it above her knee. “I’m afraid it is quite swollen, Constance,” she said softly. “I’ll just push on it a bit to see if I can feel a broken bone.”

  Constance hissed when she touched one spot, and then another and another. They all hurt.

  “I think you turned your ankle,” Celestina said. “You must not walk on it much. I also suggest you sit as you are for a bit, with your foot up on a stool. It may help the swelling go down. I recall Brodie’s sister Brenna saying ’twas important, and she’s one of the finest healers in all the land.”

  “Please do not worry yourself about me,” Constance said, feeling guilty for all the fuss she’d caused. “I’ll manage.”

  The beautiful woman said, “I do care about you, we all do, even though we’ve just met.” She reached up and brushed back some stray hairs that had fallen into Constance’s face.

  “Have you always lived here?” Constance felt compelled to ask. “You sound like you have an English accent.” Her mother had the same musical lilt to her voice.

  “We lived at Clan Grant for a long time. But the man who raised me was a baron brought from England to Scotland. I didn’t speak Scots for a while. Much as I try to eliminate the accent from my speech, it still remains. My heart is Scottish.”

  Constance felt a bolt of panic, and bile rose in the back of her throat. “What barony was that man? And was he not your father?”

  “It’s a long story, but I was raised by Baron Lunde, though he’s now passed on. He was not my true sire.” Celestina reached for the linen strips and began her work. “I’ll place a small bandage on your head, then I’ll wrap your ankle to see if that helps ease your pain.”

  Constance’s fear increased fourfold. Barons were always aware of other barons. Even though Baron Lunde had passed on, it was still possible…

  Could this woman know her father?

  Chapter Seven

  The next day, Daniel carried Constance outside, determined to have their picnic as planned. Steenie followed them, carrying the basket, babbling as he often did.

  Daniel found a nice spot under a shade tree and gave Steenie instructions. Reaching into the top of the basket, the lad retrieved the furs and set them on the ground. Daniel settled Constance on the soft furs, immediately afraid he’d hurt her when she winced.

  “Is it your head? Your ankle?”

  “My headache. But do not worry, Celestina mixed another potion for me. I would still like to have our picnic. I’m hoping this will make me forget all about my head.”

  Steenie set the basket down, then his eyes darted toward the stables. Brodie was heading inside. “Grandpapa, wait for me,” he cried out. Then he took off without another thought.

  Daniel called out to the running lad, “No picnic, Steenie?”

  “Nay, ’tis no waterfall.”

  Constance smiled at the boy’s logic. “He is a sweet lad, and he felt awful about the accident.”

  Daniel couldn’t help but chastise himself over the accident. If he’d only had two hands, he could have grabbed both of them. His insufficiency had caused her pain.

  “My apologies again for not grabbing you. I should have grabbed you first.”

  Daniel emptied the basket contents onto the clean plaid he’d set down near the furs, then settled near Constance with a frustrated sigh.

  She set her hand on his forearm. “Nay, you should not have. The lad was more important.”

  “I disagree. The lad is flexible. He would have rolled to the bottom and gotten up and run out the door two seconds later, as quickly as he just left us.” He glanced toward the stable. “Young lads are resilient.”

  “Unless he hit his head. I agree that lad’s bones are more flexible. When I think of all the…” she froze, but then continued, “…tumbles my brothers took without injury to their bones, I’d have to agree with you, but a head injury could have been serious. Daniel, you did the right thing. I have a couple of bruises, but everything will heal.”

  Daniel wished to tell her that he would have moved heaven and earth to save her, and that his lack of two hands shamed and encumbered him, but he could not find the words. He settled for something close to the truth. “Bluebell, you know I would have done anything to save you. I feel as though I failed you.” His gaze caught hers, and he saw nothing there but pain and sympathy.

  Or was it pity? He hated pity.

  She reached up and set her fingers to his lips. “Daniel, nay. If I’ve learned anything in my short life, it’s that we cannot undo something that happened. We must deal with it. I’m so sorry you lost your hand, but it doesn’t change who you are. I care verra deeply for you, but it has to do with your heart, not your hand. And we cannot undo my fall. Please stop worrying yourself about it.”

  But he couldn’t. It was that simple. He’d never get that image out of his mind. Constance flailing, reaching for him when he wasn’t there for her, her eyes flooding with fear.

  What if he let her down again?

  She reached for his chin, lifting his gaze to hers. “Daniel? Promise me you’ll stop blaming yourself?”

  “I cannot promise, but I’ll try.”

  She leane
d forward and pressed her lips against his, a soft, tender kiss that ripped at his insides because of how genuine he knew it to be. She meant what she’d said.

  Now, why couldn’t he do as she asked?

  Hellfire, but he feared he really was in love with the lass.

  Unfortunately, he didn’t deserve her.

  ***

  About an hour later, they’d finished their food. Constance couldn’t stop giggling at a tale Daniel had told her about Clan Ramsay, his sire’s clan. They sounded so warm and loving, but full of trickery and teasing at the same time.

  “I cannot wait to meet your uncle Logan.”

  “And don’t forget Aunt Gwyneth.”

  Constance blushed and whispered, “She has quite a reputation, does she not?”

  A call echoed out from the stables, though she didn’t recognize the voice.

  “Guards! All men at the front gates!”

  Fear shot through her as Daniel bolted to his feet. “Stay here,” he said. “I know you cannot move, but as soon as I find out what transpires, I’ll return to do what’s best for you. Trust me.”

  He leaned over and kissed her forehead before he took off flying toward the gates. She had no idea what it meant, so she stayed where she was and listened.

  And prayed. Please do not let it be my sire’s men.

  Horses were saddled and mounted, men were shouting and yanking swords out of their sheaths. What was happening?

  Constance managed to shimmy her way over to the tree, then used it to pull herself up so she could see better, but she still couldn’t see past the gates.

  Cairstine and Anna flew out of the keep and down the steps, both shouting for Steenie, who came running. “Mama! I’m helping with the horses. Paddy wants to go outside. Should I ride him out?”

  “Nay. Paddy does not belong with destriers. Over here, Steenie, until we find out what’s happening.”

  Steenie noticed Constance and said to his mother, “We must help her.”

  With their assistance, she managed to hobble between Steenie and Anna. They moved her back toward the castle, and she caught sight of the gates, which had now been opened. As soon as Cairstine noticed a line of horses out front, she suggested they take cover behind the stables. The others agreed, anxious to know what was afoot.

  One particular guard seemed to take charge of the others while Braden headed out of the gates. Cairstine whispered, “Thank goodness Moray finally came to assist Braden. He brought three others with him. We need guards.”

  Constance said, “You didn’t have any before?”

  “This all happened so quickly, but Braden knew Moray would be his second once he was able to bring his mother along. She stays in her cottage, but she and Aunt Fina are getting along well. She promised to help cook and she’s wonderful.”

  Steenie burst out, “She puts honey in my porridge.”

  Cairstine patted his head with a smile, but her gaze returned to the activity outside their gates. They watched in silence, anxious to see what the visitors were about.

  “What do they want?” Anna asked.

  Steenie snuck out and said, “I’ll find out.” But his mother grabbed him by the collar and tugged him back.

  “Nay, you will not. Your da will be furious if you go out there.”

  “But I wish to help,” he whined.

  Constance broke out into a sweat even though the temperature was quite cool. She listened as best she could, but she only caught bits and pieces.

  “…looking for a lass who is lost…”

  “…we’ll pay good money for any lasses you don’t want…”

  She gasped at that comment. That meant they couldn’t be searching for her. They were looking for any lass they could find.

  Apparently, Cairstine had also overheard them. Her hand flew to her mouth and she whispered, “The Channel of Dubh…”

  Steenie squealed and hugged his mother, burying his face in her skirts. “Don’t let them take me, Mama. I’ll be good. I promise!”

  “No one will ever take you away from me again, Steenie,” she said firmly. “We’re part of Clan Grant and they will protect us. Come, we’ll go inside.”

  They struggled a wee bit but managed to assist Constance up the steps and into the great hall. Celestina stood in front of the hearth, staring into the flames.

  Steenie ran straight to her, “Grandmama, ’tis the men from the Channel of Dubh. I hope Papa kills them all.”

  Celestina calmed Steenie down, rubbing his back and saying, “I think we need to find a repast for the men when they come in. Will you help me in the kitchen, Steenie? Hilda will need our assistance. Mayhap Anna will join us, too.”

  Steenie took off toward the kitchen door at a run, followed by Anna, while Celestina turned to Constance and Cairstine and said, “’Tis not a good time to be an unmarried lass. God help all the lassies out there.”

  Constance kneaded her hands in her lap, doing her best not to twiddle her fingers the way she often did, while they waited for the men to return. Less than an hour later, several filed back in.

  “I say we follow them,” Connor said.

  Brodie said, “For what? You cannot demand justice if they’ve not done anything yet. They’ll come up with some excuse for asking after the lasses. Besides, we don’t have enough men to fight them all. There were a dozen men, mayhap more elsewhere. My guess is they’re headed out to search more castles and manor homes.”

  Moray said, “The three guards I brought with me are strong swordsman. We could assist.”

  Connor shook his head. “We need more men. We need Roddy, Gavin, and Gregor. Mayhap Will and Maggie. All the cousins.”

  As soon as Daniel came inside, he hurried over to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You did not hurt yourself coming inside? Forgive me for leaving you alone.”

  “Nay, I’m fine, but I’m worried about those men. Do they know I’m here? Have they seen me? Did they say anything about seeking a lass with red hair?” Her voice rose with each word.

  “Nay,” Daniel said. “They did not ask about you.”

  “But they could. Daniel, I need to go back to the abbey.” No matter how she tried, she couldn’t stop glancing at the doorway every few seconds, knowing at any time someone could come inside looking for her.

  Men paid by her sire. Or perhaps the men who’d just left, another group who’d put her on a galley ship much like the one in which Rose and Euphemie and Ada had been held captive, full of sweating and spitting, bullying beasts. Rutting bastards. Wasn’t that a term she’d heard once?

  How was she to survive this impending doom ready to drop down on her at any moment? She had to go back where it was safe.

  “Daniel? Please?”

  “Now? I’ll not take you out there while there’s a dozen men on horseback looking for lasses. ’Twould be foolish.”

  She wiped the sweat from her brow, knowing he was right. “On the morrow. Promise me you’ll take me back on the morrow.” She chewed on her bottom lip as she awaited his answer. “Please?”

  Daniel gave her an odd look, but then said, “We’ll take you back at first light. Then the rest of us will head south.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. She refused to bring harm to these people, who’d shown her naught but kindness. Though part of her wished to unburden herself to Daniel, she must keep her secret.

  Chapter Eight

  Daniel didn’t know what to think. Constance had managed to grab a piece of his heart, but now she wished to return to the abbey. She wished to leave him.

  The lasses had all gone to bed and he sat in a chair by the hearth, drinking an ale with Connor and Braden. Neither of them asked him about Constance, but he knew his respite was over when David came down the stairs, grabbed an ale, and joined them. He did not wait long before he went after Daniel.

  “I’ve not seen you have any kind of relationship with a lass before, Daniel. Do you wish to tell me more?”

  Braden grinned. “How many summe
rs are you, Ghost?”

  “I’m nearly ten and eight. Old enough to like lasses. Plenty old enough to marry should I choose to do so.”

  His brother just quirked his brow at him before he took another swig of his ale. “Have you found out who she really is?”

  Daniel rested his elbows on his knees, staring into the fire. “Nay. She admitted to lying about Buchan but said that she couldn’t tell me what her real name was.”

  Connor gave a low whistle. “She told you her sire was Glenn of Buchan? She surely is hiding from something.”

  “Or someone,” Braden said. “Is that why she panicked when the men came today?”

  “’Tis probably the reason she wishes to head back to the abbey on the morrow,” David said.

  Daniel sat back and looked at them. “I cannot answer everything. I don’t know why she lied, but I can tell you that she fears her sire, whomever he is. I had hoped she’d have the chance to relax here, enough to tell me more, but instead, her fears appear to have worsened. Between the fall, the pain she’s in, and the men at the gates looking for lasses, she’s on edge. If we wish to go after those men, mayhap ’tis best if I honor her wishes and return to the abbey right away. I do think we ought to follow the bastards.”

  “Daniel,” David said. “’Twasn’t your fault she fell down the stairs. I know your mind.”

  “I agree,” Braden said. And Connor nodded.

  “Nay?” He bolted out of his chair. “I grabbed for her with my left arm. She tried to grab onto me, but there was naught for her to clasp. It was my fault. True, Steenie lost his balance, but I should have been able to stop her fall. You all think she’s heading back to the abbey because of the men on horseback? I don’t. ’Tis an easy excuse, but I believe she’s thought better of accepting my suit.”

  Connor shook his head. “She clearly has feelings for you. She came here because of you. Why else would she have accepted your invitation but not Rose’s?”