Highland Fortitude (The Band of Cousins Book 5)

by Keira Montclair

Constance found her slippers and stepped into the passageway, pausing a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the bright torches. The Drummond keep was quite majestic. Every detail had been carefully tended to. She couldn’t wait until Daniel was hale enough to show her around the castle, especially the gardens because she’d heard so much about them. It was only a bit larger than Lee Castle, but it was much more regal, with curved woodwork and beautiful tapestries set against dark wood. The bed chambers had a new type of woven covering on the floors that was lovely to walk on.

  Lee Castle was kept clean because her dear mother insisted on it, but the chambers were all filled by her brothers and sisters. In fact, the lads had always shared one chamber and the lassies another, because space was limited. They had no room for overnight guests. The few times they’d had guests, the lads had been forced to sleep in the hall. But her mother had worked hard to make their home cozy, and indeed it was. She still missed the fragrance of pine in the great hall from the garlands and baskets full of greenery her mother often used as decorations.

  They were all part of her past.

  She took a deep breath and headed to the stairs, overjoyed to see her dearest sister standing at the base.

  “Constance? ’Tis truly you?”

  “Oh, Denise, I’ve missed you so.” She hurried down the stairs and threw herself at her sister, wrapping her arms around her with a glee she’d not felt in a long time. Her mother appeared behind her sister, tears in her eyes.

  “Daughter, I feared we’d never see you again.” Tears slid down her cheeks. Her mother did nothing to chase them away, instead staring at Constance with a look she didn’t understand. “You’ve grown into a woman, lass.”

  She stepped away from her sister and embraced her mother. “Mama, I’m so sorry for everything. I wanted to tell you, but…”

  Her mother stepped back and shushed her. “Never mind. I just need to take you in, convince myself that naught is wrong with you.” Her fingers moved up to brush a tear away from her cheek. “You’ve had a challenging time, so Lady Drummond has said.”

  “Mama, I’m fine. I’m married. I love my husband, but he was hurt in a battle. But what about Papa? Diana told me he came with you.”

  The door from the outside opened and her sire stood on the threshold. She’d expected him to shout at her, or simply give her a withering look, but she couldn’t read the expression on his face. Micheil Ramsay was behind him. He ushered them over to the cushioned chairs in front of the hearth.

  “We’ve plenty of ale. I’m sure I can find a small repast. Sit down. Talk with your daughter, but I’ll tell you, Douglas, you’ll not be taking that lass away from us. We’re all quite fond of her.” He smiled and headed toward the kitchen to find a serving lass.

  Constance sat in a chair in the middle and folded her hands in her lap, awaiting the inevitable chastisement from her sire. But something had changed inside her.

  She no longer feared the man.

  True, he was her sire and she would always respect him. She had many fond memories of her childhood with both of her parents. Her sire could be harsh, but he’d always treated his family with love—until the day he forsook her. What would he say to her now? Had he truly forgiven her?

  She lifted her gaze to his and waited.

  “Och, lass, my apologies to you. I know we’ve had some difficult times. I told you ’twas all about the necklace, but ’twas a lie. I chased you because your mother and siblings would not let up until I found you.” He took a deep breath and sat down opposite her. “I missed you, too, and we were all worried. We had no idea where you went. Why did you run away, lass? We could have worked this out.”

  Her mother coughed and glared at her father. Denise slid her chair closer to Constance’s and reached for her hand to give her support. She squeezed her sister’s hand in return to let her know how much she had missed her.

  “Papa, that day we met in the solar, you made so many threats, I did not know what to believe. Lashings, islands, sending Denise away. I did not know what to think or do next. I know I made a mistake, but I didn’t wish to live alone forever on an island, nor did I wish to be whipped in front of all or tied to a post. And I could not bear the thought of Denise suffering for my mistake.”

  Her sister gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “Papa!” Denise apparently hadn’t heard the full story.

  She patted her sister’s hand. “Do not fash yourself, sister. I’m verra happy now.” Tears brimmed in her eyes. Her sire opened his mouth to say something, but she held her hand up. “Papa, I’ll tell you the same. I’m verra happy where I am. I love Daniel and I wish to stay here.”

  She glanced at her mother, who was looking at her with such a look of pride that it humbled her.

  “Constance, I was angry,” her sire said, “and my wee temper got the best of me.”

  “Wee temper?” her mother sputtered.

  “I was verra upset. It does not often happen that I travel to the village stables and hear snipes gossiping about my sweet daughter. I wanted to grab him by the neck and choke him until his eyes popped out of his head.”

  “Papa, I made a mistake, but I was also naïve. He used trickery on me.”

  “I understand that now. The bastard finally came to the keep and confessed that he’d tricked you into it. His sire had him by the neck, or he never would have admitted it. I’m glad to see you are not carrying, but I cannot believe you truly thought I would leave you on a deserted island.”

  “’Tis what you threatened, among other things,” she leaned toward him, her own anger building inside her. How could he have made such a threat if had no intention of carrying it out? What was she to think? He had never been the sort to make empty threats.

  “I know what I said, but I was trying to scare you. And I wished to scare Denise too, so she’d not be so foolish.”

  “But I heard you tell our steward to ready the boat. I had no choice but to run away.”

  “I was only taunting you. I never would have done it.” He pointed to her mother. “She would have sliced me into pieces and thrown me to the wolves if I ever tried to do such a thing.”

  Her mother chuckled, something she didn’t often hear. She had a look of profound relief.

  Rising from his chair, her sire came to stand in front of her. After a moment, he reached for her hand and pulled her to standing. The gesture put a knot in her throat. Back home, he used to lecture her from on high, while she sat in a chair, but he had just lifted her to his level, or near enough given the difference in their heights.

  “I made a mistake,” he said. “and for that I apologize. I also must say that while you nearly scared every hair on my head into the wind, you did make me proud, and I think you’ve wed a fine man. I could not have chosen better for you. I’ve asked many of my acquaintances about your husband, and everything I’ve heard indicates he’s a man worthy of our pride. His sire and mother are also fine people.”

  “Truly, Papa?”

  “Truly.” He kissed the top of her head and she fell into her sire’s arms.

  “You frightened me, Papa.”

  “You’ve matured in a verra short time, lassie. Forgive me?”

  “Aye, you’re forgiven, Papa. As long as you never threaten Denise.”

  Her father chuckled. “I won’t. But you did surprise me. You’ve given me the honor of being able to brag about how my daughter held Logan and Micheil Ramsay back with naught but a threat and her dagger.”

  Micheil returned with several goblets of ale and a hunk of cheese and three apples. “’Tis the best I can do at this hour. My wife is at Daniel’s side.”

  “You’ll stay a few days?” Constance asked. “I’d like you all to meet Daniel.”

  “Or course, we will. I cannot wait to hear all about your adventures. I hear you’ve had quite a few,” her mother said, gratefully accepting the goblet.

  Denise stood and hugged her again. “You must tell me everything,” she said, pulling back to look at
her with glittering eyes. “You’ve done things none of us have. Running away, being kidnapped, and taking part in a battle…and now you’re married! ’Tis most exciting, Constance!”

  Constance hugged her sister back. “I’m so happy to see you, but it has been trying. If you don’t mind, let’s save the tale for another day. I’m tired, and I’d like to go back to my husband.”

  Micheil said to her family, “Diana will be back momentarily. Once you finish your repast, she’ll show you to your chambers.”

  “’Tis not inconvenient?” her mother asked, standing next to Constance.

  “Nay, we’re happy to have you join us for a few days. We have plenty of room for you, and I’m sure your daughter has much to share with you. I’d also be happy to have you meet our son, Daniel. He is a fine man and we are quite proud of him.”

  Constance turned to leave, but her mother stopped her with a hand on her arm.

  “Just one question before you go, my dear. Your sister and I are most curious about something.”

  Denise nodded and whispered, “Please?”

  “What is it?” Constance asked, stopping to turn back to them.

  “Where did you go when you first left? We searched everywhere for you.”

  “To Sona Abbey in the Highlands.”

  Her parents’ eyes widened.

  “All the way to the Highlands by yourself?” her sire whispered. “You’re more resilient than I thought.”

  She lifted her chin a notch. “I ran into a family going to visit their daughter there. They were kind to me and invited me to travel with them. I was going to take my vows and become a nun.”

  Her sister choked.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Constance climbed into bed, weary but satisfied. Her sire didn’t hate her. Her mother and sister had been overjoyed to see her. And, most importantly, Daniel was healing and she’d been accepted by his clan. It was hard to believe it had been nearly a sennight since they’d married, but much of their days had been spent fighting his fever.

  Daniel had won his battle, with Blair Lamont and his wound. While he slept often, he’d finally awakened enough to eat and get out of bed, though he hadn’t yet traveled down the stairs. Still weak, he hadn’t even attempted to leave their chamber. He slept on his side, his breathing telling her the fever had indeed dissipated. She’d bathed him earlier, and she’d been grateful his parents had not been in the chamber as his randiness had caused her to blush, but she’d refused him. She was a wee bit randy herself, in truth, but she feared getting caught.

  She turned on her side and backed up to his front, hoping to absorb some of his heat. Sleeping next to him was nearly the same as sleeping next to a hearth, even when he didn’t have a fever. She missed his arm around her, but she didn’t wish to awaken him.

  Some time later, she was nearly asleep when his arm wrapped around her and tugged her back against him—only for her to brush up against something distinctly hard and hot.

  And distinctly Daniel.

  She heard a husky groan as his hand fell to her bottom before it snaked around to her front, finding one of her breasts without the need of any guidance.

  “Daniel?”

  “Hmmm?”

  He continued to caress her breast until she could feel her body thrum from his soft touch, his thumb brushing her nipple until she moaned. Horrified, she clapped her own hand over her mouth. She couldn’t let anyone else hear her or she’d be mortified.

  His breath warmed her neck. “I just couldn’t recall how beautiful you are, so since ’tis still dark, I have to feel my way to your beauty. Nay, you know that’s a lie. I could never forget how beautiful you are. Are you well?”

  “Aye, even better now,” she whispered. It struck her that her parents were in the great hall with his parents. Mayhap this was a good time. Who knew when they’d have their next opportunity to be together.

  “Oh, Daniel, that feels so good.” She could feel his warm breath on her shoulder as he expertly kissed and nibbled her skin. She tipped her head to give him better access to her neck, but then his hand moved down to the vee between her legs. As soon as he touched the right spot, her legs parted to give him better access. She moaned as he thrust a finger into her.

  He chuckled softly, a sweet sound. “You’re as randy as I am, lass.”

  She rolled onto her back and gazed up at him as he continued to tease her, stroking her until she was ready to beg for more, but there was a slight problem. “Daniel, I want you, but how can we do this? Your leg will pain you, and I don’t wish to answer to your aunts if you tear any of your stitches. What can we do?” Her breathing had already turned into frantic pants because she needed him inside her. “Daniel, please?”

  He ravished her mouth, showing her with his tongue exactly what he wished to do to her elsewhere, stoking her until she was in a frenzy. Then he abruptly stopped, rolled onto his back, and said, “Get on top of me.”

  She stared at him, confused as to what exactly he wanted her to do.

  His breathing was as frenzied as her own as he took her hand and settled it on his shaft. “Guide me inside you.”

  He was so hot and hard that the feel of him sent her closer to the edge. Stroking him up and down with her hand, she managed to lift one leg over him until she straddled him.

  “Now, lass. Take me inside.” His hand gripped her hip and guided her, helping her approach him from the right angle.

  “Now what?”

  “Lift up and guide me in.”

  Hell, but she needed him inside her so badly that she did what he asked. She found she quite liked the tease of his tip at her entrance so she played with that a bit until she got him exactly where she wanted him. A moan escaped her as she seated herself completely on him, and he set a quick pace that sent her careening into a climax. He grasped her hip and surged inside of her until they were both spent.

  She collapsed to the side of him with the silliest grin she’d ever worn, she was certain of it.

  ***

  Three days later, the family was happily settled in the Drummond great hall. Constance’s mother, sister, and sire had all gone home. Daniel had enjoyed meeting them, especially Denise, who reminded him so much of Constance.

  He knew it had troubled Constance to disappoint her parents, but the heart-shaped red gemstone had not turned up anywhere. She remembered using it on Daniel’s wound and placing it in her pocket, but it must have fallen out somewhere between the kirk and the keep.

  No one had found it. Or if someone had, they hadn’t reported it.

  Constance had cried and apologized profusely to her mother, explaining that she’d only taken the necklace so she had something to remember her mother by.

  Her mother hadn’t seemed to be bothered by it at all. “I have you back. ’Tis all that matters.”

  They took their leave, and Constance and Daniel promised to visit the barony in another moon or two.

  Daniel’s leg had improved greatly. Though the wound was not overly large, he’d still felt weak for a few days. Even so, he’d tried to convince the others he could get out of bed and go to the lists with his new hand, but Aunt Brenna had taken to hanging Constance’s blood-drenched gown over the window to remind him why he couldn’t go.

  The family was gathered by the hearth, each with a goblet in hand, when the door banged open with the same memorable force the lads had heard many times over the years.

  “Greetings, Logan,” Micheil said, without turning to see who’d arrived. “Someday I’m quite certain the door will fall off thanks to your delicate ways.” He couldn’t help but grin at his brother. Daniel knew how much his sire loved Uncle Logan, and how proud he was of the work Logan and Gwyneth did for the Scottish Crown.

  Aunt Gwyneth came in behind him, shaking her head at her husband’s brash entrance. Daniel’s mother and father both liked to say that she was still as lithe and striking as the day they’d first met her at Edinburgh, and indeed, she still looked quite young. According t
o Daniel’s sire, she was the best thing that had ever happened to Uncle Logan.

  They all exchanged greetings, and Logan announced, “Maggie and Will are right behind us. He moved over to the table to grab an ale, but Diana called out, “There’s wine for you, if you’d prefer.”

  Gwyneth said, “Ooooh. Wine, Logan. Please?”

  Daniel was impatient to hear the news, but Constance squeezed his hand and gave him a look he could easily interpret. Be patient, you lout.

  Finally, once they were all settled with their drinks, he asked, “So is there any news?”

  “I’ll let Maggie tell you what she’s uncovered,” Logan replied. The amused smile on his lips indicated he had also picked up on Daniel’s impatience.

  Maggie and Will arrived moments later. It would have been a much more subdued entrance if not for Will’s falcons. One of them tried to swoop inside after him, though they were able to usher him back out.

  They all laughed over the incident as Micheil prepared them drinks. Finally, the time Daniel had been waiting for arrived.

  “We have news,” Maggie said.

  David said, “Go ahead. We’ve all been waiting. Especially this one.” He nodded to Daniel, who rolled his eyes.

  Maggie said, “Jean MacDole somehow convinced the sheriff that she was a weak old lady who wouldn’t survive being locked up, so they put her in a cellar where she was free to come and go as she pleased, although she was not allowed outside. She found some questionable characters and convinced them to go after you, Constance, with promises of bestowing great riches upon them. In her eyes, her downfall was entirely your fault because you taught Rose to stand up for herself.” Maggie paused for a moment as everyone broke into applause for Constance.

  “I cannot think of anything better to teach your friend, Constance,” Diana said, nodding in approval. “Well done.”

  “She wished to repay you for all the trouble you’ve caused her. She was going to collect on your sale through the Channel of Dubh, and she would have received double because of your hair color. Apparently redheaded lasses are in demand.”