His Bonnie Bride

by Hannah Howell

  When her father glanced up she waved. Although he waved back, she could tell he was cursing, complaining about her foolishness, and she grinned. Lord Foster smiled sweetly and waved, apparently oblivious to his friend's anger. Impulsively, she threw him a kiss and saw him laugh.

  She continued to watch her father until he was out of sight. As always, she would worry about him until he was safely back at Hagaleah. The trouble he went to sort out was only a small annoyance, but danger lurked at nearly every turn, from accident to murder. Nevertheless, she was relieved that he would be gone for a while. Turning, she met her brother Andrew's scowl with a sweet smile and demurely asked him to help her down. There was planning that needed to be done and, she expected, a great deal of convincing needed before she could put her plans into action.

  * * * * *

  "That child will be the death of me yet," Lord Eldon grumbled as he rode.

  "I sometimes think she is the life of you, Roden."

  "Do not go cryptic on me, Hastings." He scowled at Lord Foster. "Do I not have enough woe on my plate?"

  "You know well what I mean. Children such as we have, though mine are of a milder nature, keep a man alert, keep his mind sharp and his blood flowing. Few do that as well as little Storm Pipere."

  "These last weeks she has become nearly tedious, battering away at me night and day."

  "So why do you not give in?"

  "Hastings, she asks to wed a MacLagan."

  "She asks to wed the father of her child."

  "I should have cut him down. Curse tolerance. Curse debts owed. He dishonored her."

  "He seduced her, and your own daughter told you that he met no challenge in doing so. Do not look so choleric, old friend. At least she speaks the truth to you. I think, deep in your heart, you are glad that she does, that she did not have you bloody your sword with an innocent man's blood. Aye, innocent. Do not act as if he did aught that not one of us would do or has done. You seduced her mother and left her, though I know you would have gone back for her. She simply acted first."

  "Is there a purpose to this rattling of old bones?"

  "Since the MacLagan boy is mostly innocent and because of all else that went on, the lives owed and the goodness done by both sides, why do you so adamantly refuse her request to wed Tavis MacLagan?"

  "Because I believe that 'tis a thing he will need to be forced to and that will cut her deeply," he admitted reluctantly. "I gave them a chance to speak with me, for him to approach me, but there was naught done. I kept my mind open, was even ready to ignore the fact that he was a Scot, a MacLagan, but he stood there like a cursed post and said naught, let me take Storm away from him, from his bed, without a word. Unlike me, mayhaps he was not willing to set aside that she was English and Eldon, mayhaps his family or clan could not. Or," he said curtly, "mayhaps he but enjoyed himself with a comely lass, caring naught for her. I will not bind her to that. Better she faces the trouble of bearing a bastard child than the pain of an uncaring husband."

  "But Storm feels she would rather bind herself to such a man, feels it is more important to give her child a name. Is that not her choice to make? She is no longer a child but a woman grown, soon to be a mother."

  The logic of that stung Roden and he growled, "Leave it be, Hastings. I want a rest from it."

  "As you wish, Roden, but do not slip too deeply into a rest from it. Storm will not leave it be."

  * * * * *

  Andrew scowled at his sister, then began to angrily pace her chambers, although the freedom to pace was severely hampered by the presence of the Verner twins, Phelan and the Fosters. He should have guessed the reasons for her calling a meeting, especially when she insisted that they keep it secret from Elaine. It had been foolish to think the matter of the quarrel would leave Hagaleah with his father. He wished now that he had gone with his father, but then admonished himself for being cowardly. It was going to be hard to talk her out of her plans, especially when he was sympathetic to her plight as well as her desire to gain a name for her child, even though he had staunchly backed her father in his stand against the marriage.

  Inwardly, he grimaced. Clever words would be needed to forestall her long enough for their father to return. He knew he was not lacking in wit and glibness, but all that seemed to fail him now. No clever arguments or persuasive words came to mind. It was suddenly very easy to understand what drove his father to rant and rave. A good bout of cursing and swearing, of seemingly aimless fury, might clear his head, allow him to think with sharp accuracy.

  "Our father has made his displeasure on this matter very clear," he finally ventured to say.

  "Oh, aye, very clear." Storm mused that Andrew was looking very much like their father at the moment. "Do not think I feel he is wrong or do not understand him. I do understand, and in many ways feel he is right. Howbeit, so am I. There is no compromise to be made here, Andrew. There can never be. Equal amounts of right and wrong exist on both sides. I fear my only choice is to disobey him."

  "If ye feel there is so much right behind ye, why do ye hide all this from Elaine?"

  "Ye know why. She is our father's wife. Better she be kept in ignorance, mayhaps feel that she did not watch close enough, than be caught between Father and me, forced to stand with one against the other. In a way, I do her a kindness, for I will end this too old quarrel that has kept her torn."

  "She would ne'er go against our father."

  "There is a chance she would, though 'twould sorely grieve her. She is his wife, but she is also a woman and a mother. Her children are bastards, still face the trouble that mark can bring though Father has claimed them, made them legally his in the eyes of the church and the law. She understands too well what I fear."

  Her hand rested over the nesting place of her child. "I crave a name for my child. Each time he stirs within me I hear the scornful whispers aimed at a bastard. It tears at me to think I will bring that woe to my child. I ask naught else. Just the name. Do I truly ask for such a great thing?"

  "Nay," said Hadden, moving to sit by her upon the bed and placing his arm around her. "Haig and I are with you, Storm. 'Tis wrong to fault a child for what he had naught to do with, but faulted he is. We have seen it. I cannot bear to think on the pain that will bring you, for I know you will feel the sting of each cruel word, mayhaps more than your child."

  "He truly speaks for you, Haig?" Andrew asked.

  "Aye, and I mean no disrespect to your father, nor do I savor the idea of disobeying him. In truth, doing so pains me deeply, for he has been more than good to us. Howbeit, I go with Storm. What matter the name of the man so long as it rests, by church blessing, upon the child he bred?"

  "But 'twill be an empty marriage. Is that not so, Storm?"

  "Aye, I fear 'tis so, Andrew."

  "Do you speak from your pain, cousin?" Phelan asked quietly.

  "Mayhaps in part. I will not deny that he near tore the heart from my body when he stayed silent that day. Nevertheless, he ne'er spoke of future or love. I foolishly held hopes, though I tried not to. Still, when I can look past the hurt, past the foolish hopes so cruelly dashed to the ground, I can see that he is not a man who craves marriage and all it entails. There are many such men."

  "If that is so, do you not fear he will refuse to give ye the name ye seek so avidly?"

  "Not really, Andrew. He is an honorable man, and I do not believe he would wish the product of his seed to suffer from the taint of a bastard. In truth, I may offer an arrangement that pleases him mightily. He will have a wife and an heir, yet not need to play the husband, will still hold all a bachelor's freedoms."

  "And what if ye do not give him a son but a daughter?"

  " 'Tis a boy child I carry. I am certain of it." She smiled faintly. "I have chosen a girl's name, though, despite what my feelings tell me. It troubled me some to place such complete confidence in but a feeling. Nay, Tavis MacLagan will have his heir. I but hope that he will not try to hold the boy at Caraidland."

  "We wou
ld tear the keep down stone by stone to gain back the child."

  "I know ye would, Haig, which is one reason I hope he will not try such a thing. I should not care to see it come to that. In truth, I hope ne'er to see Eldon fight MacLagan again. Too much that I value lies on both sides of the border now. Aye, e'en Tavis, though I oft curse him most viciously." She sighed, shook her head and looked at Andrew. "If ye decide ye cannot go, I will understand, but recall that ye swore that all we talked of here would be kept secret."

  "Aye," he growled, feeling she had tricked him in a way. "How go ye, Matilda?"

  "With Storm."

  "And ye, Phelan?"

  "With Storm."

  "I guessed it so. 'Twas a waste of breath to ask." He sighed and prayed that his father would understand as he said, "I am with ye, Storm, curse ye and myself for a fool. When and how do we go?"

  * * * * *

  "I feel ridiculous," Andrew hissed as they crept into the stables the next night at an hour close to dawn.

  Glancing at Andrew, Storm had to stifle a giggle. The monks' robes had been difficult to gain, and there was one very nervous young man praying fervently that they would be returned before the monks discovered they were gone. They all looked a bit silly, but it would not be wise to let a bad-tempered Andrew know that.

  "Hush, Drew. I do not wish to chance discovery when we are so close to victory."

  It was relatively easy for them to creep away from Hagaleah, horses and all. The watch was for an enemy trying to creep in, not for anyone leaving. They also knew their home as few others did and could find the best way out unseen and unheard. If the need arose, they could find their way back inside with as little notice being taken.

  Progress was slow until dawn's light was strong enough for them to ride safely. Looking at the small group as they mounted, Storm had to smile. It would not only be Tavis who was surprised.

  The thought of Tavis made her heart contract. She did not know what she would face when she confronted him. She was almost afraid to do so. He could be wed. He most certainly had not remained celibate. Would she have to face his new lover or wife? Would it be, God forbid, Katerine MacBroth? Would he deny their child? Would he refuse to wed her and mayhaps need to be prodded to the altar at sword-point, if his kin and clan would ever allow such a thing? Just how much pain was she riding to collect?

  Seeing the confusion upon his sister's face, Andrew asked, "Do ye change your mind, Storm?"

  "Nay," she answered softly. "I suddenly feared at what cost I would gain what I seek."

  "Cousin," Phelan ventured, "what if he not only agrees to wed ye but asks that it be a real marriage?"

  "I have tried not to think on that. I have had enough of shattered hopes."

  "Would ye not e'en consider it?"

  "Aye. I do not want to think upon it now when 'tis naught but a chance, a small chance."

  Phelan said no more. He did not understand why the pair was separated at all. Those at Caraidland had accepted Storm. There would have been no trouble within the clan if the future laird had taken her as his wife. Phelan had felt sure that there had been a lot of them who wished that Tavis would marry Storm. He also felt certain that Tavis had deeper feelings for Storm than the lust of a man for a pretty girl. He shrugged to himself. It was a mystery to him, but adults held a lot of mystery about them. They did seem to make the simplest things complicated.

  The ride to Caraidland went slowly. Several times they had to stop so that Storm could walk off her discomfort or relieve herself, her body seeming to have lost all ability to hold water. She held no joy in riding at the moment, the heavy weight of pregnancy making it difficult and uncomfortable. Her companions began to eye her swollen belly, not completely hidden by the flowing monk's robe, with easily read wariness. She did little to try and ease that, for she was not all that free of worry herself. Babies had been known to arrive early, and her calculations could be wrong. What arguments and soothing words she had were needed to still her own fears. Nevertheless, she began to feel an urge to reach Caraidland for more than a name for her child. At least there she would have a soft bed and a midwife if the need arose.

  "There squats our destination," said Andrew quietly.

  Feeling almost homesick, and quelling a sudden urge to bolt back to Hagaleah as she viewed Caraidland, Storm nodded. Despite all that had happened to her while she had been there, the tower house held a lot of sweet memories. For a brief moment those memories overwhelmed her, and she desperately fought the need to weep. Caraidland and Tavis had dealt her the bitter as well as the sweet. She should not allow herself to forget that.

  Fighting an increasing tension and trying to look casual, they rode to the gates of Caraidland. She knew they would be safe, but also knew that nothing she said would stop her brother, cousins and Robin from growing more tense, their hands hovering near their swords, concealed by their robes. They had been well trained to fight Scots, not to ride into their hold as if they were trusted friends.

  She was dismayed when Sholto and Angus arrived just as they were dismounting within the bailey. As she tried to keep her voice low and disguised, she watched recognition flicker uncertainly in their eyes. It did not really surprise her when Sholto finally bent slightly to stare full into her hood-shaded face, and she smiled slightly as she saw full recognition widen his eyes.

  "God's tears, 'tis really ye, Storm."

  "Aye, 'tis really me."

  "Lass, what brings ye here?"

  "I plan a surprise for Tavis," she answered with a crooked smile.

  "Are ye armed?" Sholto asked as he eyed the others warily.

  "Of course we are. Only a fool would ride from Hagaleah to Caraidland unarmed. Thieves and rogues abound. I mean no harm to any person here."

  "Do ye swear that, lassie?"

  "Aye, Sholto, I swear it, and they would, too, if ye but ask."

  "Nay, I will take your word for it, little one. 'Tis enough for me."

  "Thank ye. Is Tavis here?"

  "Aye, lassie," answered Angus, wondering if he should tell her who else was here, only to decide that he really did not want to be the one to be the bearer of such news. "Do ye wish me tae take ye tae him?"

  "Aye, my surprise will be short and direct. I mean to take as little time as possible here. I must needs return to Hagaleah ere my father does. Or before Elaine discovers what I have done," Storm added silently, then squared her shoulders, braced as if for battle, and started into the keep.

  * * * * *

  Elaine stared at the nervous young maid before her. She knew her mouth was hanging open but could not seem to get it to close. The news the girl had given her was a complete surprise. As if to compound her difficulties, Eldon's page had arrived but moments before to say that her husband would arrive in a few hours. Her initial joy had been turned into total dismay by but a few words.

  "Are you very certain?"

  "Very, m'lady. The pack of seven's gone."

  "The pack of seven?"

  "Aye. 'Tis what they be called for they always, well, most always, act together. They used to be called the pack of six, but then that Irish lad came."

  "Of course. Gone?"

  "Aye, m'lady. 'Tis felt they left near or just afore dawn. Old Matthew did not track them down, but he did say that their trail wended to the north, m'lady."

  "To Caraidland," she groaned.

  Her mind whirled as she tried to decide what to do. The only clear thought she had for a long while was that Eldon would be furious. She then decided to take the coward's way out. Hastily, she penned a note to her husband, then sent his page off to deliver it. Eldon would head straight for the MacLagans. She would be left out of what she had begun to term the great battle. Part of her hoped that matters would work out to her husband's satisfaction, but another part of her hoped Storm was successful. She also hoped that, whatever happened, the great battle would finally come to an end.

  * * * * *

  When the page from Hagaleah arrived at the El
don camp and handed Lord Eldon a message from Lady Elaine, the first reaction of the men was one of worry. A moment later Foster's eyes widened as he listened to Eldon rage. The man possessed a hair-raising turn of phrase. Instinct told him that the note from Elaine concerned Storm. He was very curious but waited patiently to be informed. Mayhaps, he mused, the girl was already wed. He shook away his musings, feeling that they might muddle the facts he would soon be given. It was clear from Eldon's manner that the news was not of a tragic nature, and that was enough for the moment.

  Clenching the missive in his hand, Eldon turned blazing eyes upon Lord Foster. "We do not ride for home just yet."

  "Ah. Where do we ride to?"

  "Caraidland."

  "God's teeth, ne'er say the lad has come and stolen Storm away again?"

  "Nay. She rides to him to get his cursed name for her child."

  "Mayhaps I had best withdraw. 'Tis a private matter."

  "Not so private. The pack of seven went. Your two eldest. I suppose I should be grateful she did not tow the wee ones along."

  Sighing, Lord Foster prepared himself for the long, hard and undoubtedly fast ride ahead.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The great hall of Caraidland was not wholly winning its battle against the encroaching winter's damp. The man seated at the table, a constantly full tankard making numerous trips to his mouth, took little notice. In fact, the gray dismal weather blended nicely with the mood Tavis had been in for far too long. That he was more than halfway drunk had become far too common an occurrence as well.

  Katerine hid her annoyance as she sat at his side. For two long weeks she had forced herself to be the most amiable of companions. Although when she had arrived she had felt enough time had passed both for him to forget their differences and work up a sizable appetite for a woman, she had not yet found her way into his bed. She decided it was time to grow a little bolder.

  Ever since Storm had left, Tavis had wavered from loving her and wanting her back to hating her and thinking himself well rid of her. Neither attitude helped to ease the hollow ache that seemed to be a permanent part of him. Even when he was hating her he was missing her.