The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton Legacy)

by Ruth A. Casie

  “I was a man possessed. My only thought was to stop Harmon. No, I had to kill him, and the only weapons I had were my fists,” Jamie said.

  “Yes, Richard and I had some time pulling you both apart,” Herbert said.

  “I poured that concoction he gave Laura, the entire bottle, down his throat,” Jamie said.

  “Thank the saints Lisbeth knew what to do for Laura. She has no memory of the incident. You wouldn’t leave Laura’s side. I had Richard take Harmon to his room.” Herbert rubbed the back of his neck. “We never told Darla or Wesley.”

  “Harmon went to sleep and never woke up. I killed him. Not only that.” Jamie turned to Herbert. “Richard took the blame.”

  “He did it gladly to—”

  “Protect me. Yes. Harmon could die at the hands of another Englishman and it was considered an unfortunate accident, but at the hands of a Scotsman, my life was at stake.”

  “You didn’t kill the boy,” Herbert said. “She can’t marry Reeve.”

  “I can’t marry Laura. She’s better off with someone else.”

  “Dammit, Jamie. Not Reeve. She’s meant for you. She always has been. Reeve doesn’t want her. He wants Glen Kirk to swell his coffers. Reeve will use her until there is nothing else for him to gain, just like he’s done with others. Don’t you understand?”

  He did understand, but now she was beyond his reach.

  “She thinks she’s doing something noble. She’s sacrificing herself. We can’t let her marry Reeve,” Herbert said.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I didn’t realize how much your company means to me. Not seeing you yesterday was... difficult.”

  Laura was with Reeve near the hearth in the solar. “Oh. I hardly noticed.” In truth, she searched for him all over the castle and grounds yesterday. He was nowhere to be found.

  He clutched his hand to his heart. “I am wounded. I must make you notice me.” He nudged her against the wall. She didn’t protest. He braced his arms on either side of her head, trapping her. His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes.

  Her heart pounded in her chest. She closed her eyes as he lowered his lips onto hers. Anticipating a rush of heat, when she realized his lips were on hers and there wasn’t any tingle her eyes sprang open.

  She gave him the most passionate gaze she could muster, then ducked under his arm to gain distance.

  “You made your point. One day without my attention and your passion runs cold. I shall take note of you from now on.” He moved away from the wall.

  “The last few weeks have been wonderful, but marriage is a lifetime. Do you really think we’re well suited?”

  “What you want for a husband and who you marry may be two different things. You and I are not free like the villagers to marry who we want. We marry for other reasons. To strengthen our family.”

  She still found it difficult to believe Glen Kirk, tucked away as it was, held any strategic advantage.

  “With Richard gone, every knight is vying to secure Glen Kirk. I see you haven’t thought about it.” He laid her hand on top of his arm and walked her to the windows that overlooked the formal garden.

  “Glen Kirk is idyllic, and Herbert has created a beautiful sanctuary at Caerlaverock, but don’t be fooled. Both castles are fortresses for war. And war is eminent. We must protect ourselves.”

  “You give Glen Kirk much too much importance,” Laura said.

  He swung her around to face him. “Look and see what a warrior sees. Glen Kirk is strategically placed on the England Scotland border. Whoever rules Glen Kirk, rules a way into Scotland. Who do you think would be best owning that space? An Englishman who hates the Scots, or an Englishman who sympathizes with them. You certainly can’t put a Scot in charge, can you? That alone would start a war.”

  Her mind turned over what Reeve said. A Scot in charge of Glen Kirk. Jamie. Reeve knew where her sympathies were, if not her heart.

  “King Edward wouldn’t let anything happen to Glen Kirk or my family.”

  Reeve let out a deep breath. “You are naive and I blame your family for that. Politics outweigh personal feelings. Edward needs a strong hand. Edinburgh is a two-day ride from Glen Kirk. One day, if you press hard.”

  “Are you saying we are just pawns in the king’s chess game?” she asked.

  “Ah, think of me more as your knight that comes to his queen’s rescue.” He said it with such flourish, she burst out laughing.

  “We are suited and will deal well with each other. To allay your fears, I received a report that the troops I sent to Glen Kirk arrived. My captain assures me your family is well and the castle is secure.”

  “Father and Gareth can protect Glen Kirk.” She resented his insinuation that her father lacked the ability.

  “Of course they can. My men are in Glen Kirk to augment Wesley’s soldiers. Nothing more. Besides, it was Edward’s suggestion. I assure you I took no liberties. Will you defend me as adamantly when we’re married?”

  “I can’t give you an answer.” For several heartbeats, his eyes were cold and hurtful before they softened with understanding.

  “I had hoped the answer would be easy for you. Your struggle is unfortunate and useless, and in the end, won’t matter. We will be married. I can only be generous until Edward makes his demand. I must know by tomorrow if you go willingly to the alter. If not, other arrangements will have to be made.”

  “Other arrangements?” What would he do if she said no?

  “Instead of a joyous celebration and our intimate moments private, we would marry with your father’s consent instead of yours.” He hesitated and gave her a hard stare. “For your sake, I would rather not have a witness at our marriage bed.”

  She paled at the alternative. He started to say something, but instead turned and left her standing by the window. All her life, with guidance and nudges from her family, she was free to choose her own way. She gazed down at the garden. The wind pushed the fallen leaves across the flowerbeds. Now, the wind at her back was the King of England.

  From her vantage point in the solar, she could see merchants filling the market area. In the distance, she spotted the jeweler, a welcome distraction. She had waited for him since her agate necklace broke. Her chain was beyond repair, a new one needed.

  She left the solar and crossed the courtyard. The chilled breeze caught her unawares. It would storm later in the day. She wasn’t the only one who felt the weather changing. Merchants hawked their wares, eager to sell their goods before the rain. She hurried along and made her way through the stalls.

  “Lady Laura, how can I help you?” the jeweler asked.

  “I broke my chain and need it repaired.” She took out the beads and remains of the chain and laid them on a black velvet cloth.

  “These are old stones,” the jeweler said as he examined each one closely. “They’re all from the same large stone. See here,” he showed her the inside of the hole where the chain had been threaded. “A fine gold has been applied.”

  He looked up at her. “It’s an ancient technique. I haven’t seen it often.”

  The jeweler put down the beads and picked up the chain.

  “I can’t fix the chain. These beads are heavy and need a special chain. I have exactly what you need, but I don’t have one with me. I’ll have one for you tomorrow.”

  She took the beads and broken chain. She was headed to the spice merchant when she spotted Jamie three stalls away. He bargained with a seamstress for a lovely shawl.

  He was tall and broad. She licked her lips and realized it was his lips she wanted on her mouth, his arms around her, his... For a heartbeat, she imagined the exhilaration when she and Jamie jumped the hedgerow with his strong arms holding her, protecting her. The idea of never being close to him again was almost as painful as losing Richard. No, God forgive her, worse. Richard had no choice. Jamie walked away.

  She took a step and a flash of skirt came into view. Rhona flew to him. He held her and wrapped the shawl arou
nd her.

  Laura couldn’t move. Large drops started to pelt her. Within minutes, people around her closed their stalls as the drops became a torrent. The crowd thinned. She hurried to the gatehouse and up the stairs into her room.

  Leaning against the door, she breathed hard. Moments later, his door opened. She moved into her room, the bottom of her skirt soaked and dripping. She was startled by a knock on her door.

  “Laura?” Jamie. She froze. What would she say?

  “Laura, are you there? Open the door.”

  Her chin quivered. She couldn’t speak to him. What would she say? I love you? He would laugh and think nothing of it.

  “Laura, I know you’re in there. Open the door.” Go away, please. At last, his footsteps retreated. The final click of his door was the sound of her heart breaking.

  The rain had let up by the time the evening meal was over. Mrs. Turner had servants clear the trestles and benches. Conversations during the meal were low. Everyone focused on the warm food. At least that’s what Laura did. She didn’t hear the minstrels soft singing, nor much of the conversation around her.

  Jamie’s chair remained empty, although he walked the hall and sat at a table with Mara. She searched the room for Rhona, but she wasn’t there.

  All this was a distraction from the real issue at hand. She was caught in a trap, but it was tolerable. She glanced at Reeve’s profile. More than tolerable. If the king thought Reeve was the man for Glen Kirk she would abide.

  Reeve’s hand appeared in front of her. Startled, she gaped at him.

  “You seem pre-occupied this evening. I’m sorry to have caused you discomfort. That was not my intent.”

  She placed her hand in his and walked down the dais. “It is not your doing.”

  Reeve brought her next to Herbert and went to speak to one of his men.

  She fought against the constraint of having her life directed. If Reeve was going to command Glen Kirk in the name of the king then she should go with him, in a position of power. Richard served the king as warrior. She would serve the king as a wife.

  “Laura?” Herbert bent toward her. “Reeve told me you’re hesitant. I leave for Scone in the morning. Don’t make your decision until I return.”

  His concern touched her heart. “I appreciate your concern, but I see no other way.”

  Reeve returned to her side. He gave her a wide smile.

  “You’ve been very understanding with me concerning your proposal. I’m sorry I wasn’t more gracious in my...acceptance.”

  Reeve drew in a quick breath and squeezed her hand. “You won’t regret this.”

  Herbert stepped close. “Are you sure, Laura?”

  Laura nodded. How could she tell Herbert she was anything but sure? Her decision was good for the family and that’s what mattered. Would he do any less?

  She could never have what her heart wanted, and Reeve didn’t speak of love, only responsibility and friendship. She should be happy and excited.

  Then why did she want to run away and cry? She plastered on a smile and faced the room.

  “Everyone,” Reeve said, not giving Herbert the opportunity to address his guests. The room quieted.

  In the corner, Laura spotted Jamie leaning against the doorway to the kitchen.

  “I have asked Lady Laura Reynolds to be my wife.” A flurry of excitement and noise rolled through the hall. “She has,” he said and waited for the noise to die down. Her eyes were fixed on Jamie, and his on hers.

  “Said yes.” The crowd moved toward them, but she kept him in her sight. He dipped his head and smiled. Out of nowhere, Rhona appeared next to him in her new shawl and they left the hall.

  Jamie truly had no affection for her. How many times would she look for a different answer before she accepted there was none? What had she expected him to do? Rush through the crowd and declare her as his own? Silly notion. Silly girl. But that’s what she wanted. She wanted him to love her.

  Reeve drew her close and she responded to the good wishes from those crowded around her.

  Jamie watched her all during the meal. Her gaze gravitated to his empty chair as if commanding he move next to her. He should commend himself for fooling her so completely. But his heart ached when she scanned the room, for her rival he suspected.

  He gave her what support he could when Reeve made the announcement, but he couldn’t stay and watch the rest. Instead, he put Rhona and Mara in their cart for the short ride to the village.

  While the celebrations continued in the great hall, Jamie went up to Herbert’s solar. He lit the candle and removed a volume of papers from Herbert’s leather case. He carefully copied the map and indicated the position of the armies. How ironic that he played the traitor, the thing he found most vile. There was a lesson to be learned. One man’s traitor is another man’s hero. Much like one man’s love was soon to be another man’s wife.

  He folded the paper and stuffed it into his shirt. Best to get this deed over with. He hoped this map would be the last. More than anything, he wanted to capture the traitor and return to Cumgour, where he belonged. He wanted to be far away from Laura.

  He left the solar and headed toward his room. He didn’t need a candle. He had an uncanny ability in the dark, learned after years of exploring tunnels with Richard. He stopped when a slow glowing light move up the stairs.

  “Laura?” He waited at the top of the staircase.

  She jumped, letting out a small yelp and dropped the candle. “Jamie, you scared me half to death.”

  Jamie retrieved her light and walked her to her door.

  “You didn’t answer your door earlier. Were you hiding from me?” He teased her, afraid if he were honest, he would tell her all.

  “You knocked? I must not have been in my room. I’ve been... that doesn’t matter.”

  “Laura, it’s me. You know you were in your room and that it was me at the door.”

  “And why are you so sure?” She tilted up her chin in defiance. He loved that pose, so arrogant, so dramatic, and so not like her. One year, Laura practiced the technique for months, asking him to critique her stance.

  “Because you were drenched in the courtyard and your skirts created a puddle down the hall to your door.” He tried not to smirk. It made her crazy when he did.

  “I didn’t hear you knock. I must have been getting out of my wet clothes. Why are you here?”

  “To extend my congratulations. I hope you and Reeve will be happy.” He tried to be sincere, but even he heard the emptiness of his words.

  “Thank you.” She opened her door.

  Before she shut him out, he moved inside the room, and closed the door behind them.

  “What do you think—” she asked, surprised by his action.

  “I thought I could be quiet and let it be, but you with Reeve makes my blood boil. You’re only doing this because you thought I loved you.” Rage seeped into his voice. He did love her, with all his heart.

  “So, you’re not congratulating me. And you think I’m marrying Reeve because you hurt my feelings. You think very highly of yourself.” Her cool tone didn’t put him off. He had no intention of speaking to her, let her be, he told himself. But he couldn’t.

  “You can’t be serious. You’re not some silly girl taken in by his soft words. Or has he done more than that on your daily rides together?”

  A surprised expression washed over her face, followed by shock and anger. She fisted her hand and caught him on the jaw unaware.

  “How dare you say such things to me? And if I did do something on my daily rides, what business is it of yours? You are nothing to me but a poor distant Scots cousin.” Her voice was cruel.

  He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her. “You’re a spoiled girl with no idea of the game she plays or with whom she’s playing.” He pushed her away, then went to her dressing table and took the black gem.

  “Give that back to me. The pin is not yours.” She reached for it and pulled him around, tearing his shirt open.
Papers fell to the floor. She whisked them up and stared at the map.

  He grabbed them out of her hand.

  “What are you doing with Herbert’s papers?”

  He crowded her, intent on intimidating her as he stowed the map and pin away. “Stay away from this, Laura. Far away. This is none of your affair.”

  “And who I marry isn’t any of yours.” She glanced up at him, her eyes glowing with an inner fire.

  He delighted in her warm breath against his cheek. He stared into her eyes, recognizing he was lost. Gently, he pulled her close. She didn’t resist. He lowered his mouth and softly kissed her. She parted her lips and sighed. He took full advantage, slipped in his tongue. Her answer was to step closer to him. He rewarded them both by deepening the kiss. Her low soft moan made him stop. She was his. He closed his eyes and ached for her, for him, for them both.

  He broke the kiss and held her head to his chest. He let the feeling linger. It wouldn’t last long.

  “You can’t tell me that Reeve’s kisses make you moan like that?”

  Laura pulled away. A look of resolve colored her face as she pushed him to the door.

  “How my fiancé makes me feel is not your concern. I’m not your concern. I assure you, I will marry Reeve.” He knew her better than she knew herself. Her voice didn’t match the expression on her face.

  Laura opened the door. He walked out, waiting for the door to slam behind him. Instead, there was only a soft click of the lock.

  He entered his room and put the brooch away. He was about to stashed the map, when someone tapped on his door. Laura.

  He threw the door wide and immediately controlled his face. Rhona stood at his door.

  “You appear surprised. Who were you expecting?” She slipped under his arm and entered. He glanced up and down the hall, then closed the door.

  “I put you and Mara in a cart to the village.”

  “Yes, but I returned with a message for you.” She walked around his room, touching things on his bureau, running her hand along the counterpane. She came up in front of him, then stepped closer.