Highland Belle

by Patricia Grasso

  Come, the queen said, turning to her brother. Let us assure the court that all is well.

  Iain entered the privy chamber. The queens ladies left, but not without a few arch looks and knowing smirks. He sat on the edge of the couch and smiled at Brigette.

  Ive made a spectacle of myself, she moaned.

  That isna so. Iain reached out and caressed her cheek. Im the one whos made a spectacle of himself.

  I dont understand.

  Iain grinned. From the moment ye swooned until just now, Ive been rantin like a madman that this was Menziess doin. A horrified giggle bubbled up from Brigettes throat.

  Leaning over, Iain pressed a kiss on her forehead. When he would have drawn back, she touched his cheek with the palm of her hand. Anxiously, her eyes searched his. Are you happy about this, Iain?

  What kind of a question is that? he asked. I want a lassie as bonnie as her mother. Brigette smiled, reassured. Then he added, Of course, I dinna want the lassie until yeve given me several sons to help control her.

  Brigette flew into his arms. I love you.

  And I love ye, Iain whispered as his lips met hers.

  Anticipating the announcement of marriage between Queen Mary and Lord Darnley, the MacArthurs and their Campbell kinsman became regular visitors at the court. Brigette pitied Percys hopeless attraction for their enemys sister and made it a point to seek out Sheena Menzies. Opposites in appearance and temperament, the two became fast friends. Sheena replaced Brigettes absent sisters and cousin; Brigette became the sister Sheena had never had.

  One rainy afternoon Brigette walked through the Campbell great hall and discovered Percy. He sat alone, staring dejectedly into the fireless hearth. How now, Percy? she called. What are you doing?

  Nothin, he answered, without looking up.

  Her lips quirked. Claymore or dirk?

  What?

  You appear suicidal. Shall I fetch a claymore or would you prefer a dirk? Poison might be pleasant.

  Percys head snapped up. Why is life so verra difficult?

  Life is simple, Brigette disagreed, until we make it otherwise.

  Breedin women are always content. He dismissed her with a casual wave of his hand.

  What an outrageous lie!

  Its easy for ye to speak of lifes simplicity, Percy snorted. Ye arena in love wi Sheena Menzies.

  Iain would be terribly jealous, Brigette quipped, and Percy chuckled in spite of himself. I wasnt going to tell you this, she added. I dislike breaking a friends confidence.

  What is it?

  Brigette hesitated, then took pity on him. Sheena admitted she has a certain fondness for you.

  Percy leaped out of his chair and lifted his startled sister-in-law off the floor, then whirled her around and around. Finally, he set her down and planted a smacking kiss on each cheek. Yeve renewed my hope. Ill have Sheena, even if I must resort to one of the Highlands most ancient customs.

  Ancient custom?

  Abduction! Percy fairly danced out of the hall and, in his glee, almost knocked his brother down.

  What the hell was that aboot? Iain asked.

  Brigette glanced at the empty doorway and then at her husband. Percys in love.

  Iain rolled his eyes. Whos the puir lady?

  Sheena Menzies.

  That certainly wiped the smile off his face. Iains expression was thoughtful, almost calculating.

  That look bodes ill, Brigette thought. But ill for whom?

  On the twenty-ninth of July, Queen Mary married Lord Darnley in a sunrise ceremony. Following the service, the MacArthurs left Edinburgh for Dunridge Castle. With his brothers blessing, Percy stayed behind to continue his pursuit of Sheena Menzies.

  13

  The garden at Dunridge Castle was lush with summer. Amid the vibrant colors and greenery, two blond heads were close together. Lady Antonia and her brother, Finlay, were speaking in hushed tones.

  So Iain wed the Sassenach, Antonia was complaining. I tried comin between them, but it didna work. When she ran away, he went after her. Theyre together now in Edinburgh.

  Ill luck, to be sure, her brother sympathized. Finlay MacKinnon was weak, both inside and out. Smaller than his sister, he was almost delicate looking. He had inherited the same blond hair and blue eyes, but his skin was bloodlessly white. Ambitious, sneaky, and cruel, Finlay was devoted to his older sister.

  I was to be the countess, Antonia burst out. What can we do aboot it?

  Give me a moment to think.

  Out for his daily stroll with Glenda and Sly, Black Jack walked into the garden. Finlay MacKinnon, he called. Its been a verra long time. When did ye arrive?

  This mornin. Finlay shook Black Jacks hand. Yer lookin hale and hearty, my lord.

  I feel good too, Black Jack replied. For an old mon, that is. He looked at Glenda and said, Greet yer Uncle Finlay, lass.

  Studying her mothers brother, Glenda decided she didnt like him, and stayed close by her grandfathers side. Good day to ye, Uncle Finlay.

  Yer as bonnie as yer mother. Finlay smiled at the image of his beloved sister as a child, then held out his hand to her. Would ye care to walk aboot and become reacquainted?

  Glenda stared at the hand, then up at him. No.

  Antonia gasped at her daughters rudeness, and Finlay lost his smile. Black Jack chuckled, pleased to be loved above all.

  Shes a bit shy, he explained.

  Well, I suppose shyness is appropriate in a female, Finlay remarked. Whats this wild beastie doin here?

  Sly isna a wild beast, Glenda corrected tartly.

  Hes Lady Brigettes pet, Antonia added in a disapproving voice.

  A messenger arrived earlier, Black Jack told them. Iain and Brie will be home before the weeks gone.

  What wonderful news! Antonia exclaimed.

  That isna the best part. Lady Brigette is wi child. Black Jack turned to Finlay. How long will ye be stayin?

  Only for the night.

  Its grand seein ye again. With Glenda and Sly in tow, Black Jack walked away.

  Curse and rot her, Antonia spat. Ill never become the countess now.

  That isna necessarily true, Finlay disagreed.

  What do ye mean?

  He smiled coldly. If a terrible fate befell the Sassenach, yer path to Iain would be clear.

  And if she drops a lad, Antonia said, returning her brothers smile, I willna be obligated to fatten wi child. What are ye plannin?

  I believe, Finlay replied, the Sassenach has a fateful appointment wi the Ladys Rock.

  Ladys Rock?

  Remember the old tale of what the MacLean did to his Campbell wife when he tired of her?

  No, I dinna recall the story.

  Located in the Sound of Mull is a large rock that becomes submerged when the tide is high.

  Verra creative and efficient of ye, Antonia grinned. There willna be a body to bury.

  Finlay preened at his sisters praise. Of course, he added, his expression clouding, the Campbell wench had a happy endin. A couple of passin fishermen rescued her, and the Campbells revenged themselves by killin MacLean. Do ye think such fantastic luck could happen twice?

  Why tempt the fates? Antonia returned. Grow a beard and wear the Menzies plaid. If Bries somehow saved, the blame will fall on them.

  Finlay nodded. Send word to me after shes whelped the brat. Now, tell me what she looks like.

  Well . . .

  Speak honestly, sister. I dinna want to snatch the wrong woman.

  Bries much shorter than I, Antonia told him. She has red hair and green eyes —

  Green eyes! Finlay made the sign of the cross. Its surely the mark of a witch.

  Dinna be absurd. Theres nae such thin as witches.

  There are, he insisted. Yed have me snatch a witch? Whats to prevent her from dispatchin me before I dispatch her?

  Finlay! Antonia exclaimed, exasperated. Her voice softened. Do ye actually believe Id send ye to yer death?

  No.

  Theres nothin m
agical aboot the Sassenach, she assured him. Trust me.

  The guards who patrolled Dunridges walls cheered and waved as the MacArthur entourage approached the castles outer curtain. The troop passed through the outer gate and proceeded to the inner courtyard. Family and retainers waited there to greet them.

  In their enthusiasm, Glenda and Sly rushed forward, heedless of being trampled by the horses. Black Jack grabbed his squealing granddaughter while Spring restrained the excited fox.

  Iain dismounted and turned to assist Brigette, who made his task difficult by waving and calling out to Glenda and Sly. Deeming the courtyard safe, Black Jack and Spring released their struggling captives.

  With a whoop of joy, Glenda leaped into Brigettes open arms. All eyes in the courtyard riveted on the heart-tugging picture of the woman and the child clinging to each other while the pampered pet gamboled around and around, whining to be included. Kneeling in the dirt to accommodate her two favorites, Brigette held them close; the girl and the fox nuzzled her neck. Brigettes eyes filled with tears and an unexpected sob caught in her throat.

  Ye left me, Glenda accused, and I missed ye terribly.

  And I missed you. Brigette gulped back her throbbing emotion. Ive brought you a special gift. Will you forgive me?

  Do ye promise never to leave me again?

  I promise.

  Glendas gaze drifted to the fox. Slys been feelin puirly too.

  Brigettes lips twitched. Ive also brought Sly a gift. Do you think hell forgive me?

  I believe so.

  Brigette laughed and gave her a resounding kiss on each cheek. Sly whined for his share of attention. Astonishing everyone but Glenda, Brigette planted a smacking kiss on the wet tip of the foxs muzzle.

  Brigette rose finally and greeted Spring, whose face was damp with tears of relief. The cousins hugged and kissed.

  I was beside myself with worry, Spring admitted.

  Im sorry for that, Brigette apologized, glancing sidelong at Antonia, who was just walking into the courtyard. It was a horrible misunderstanding. Will you forgive me?

  I havent decided, Spring teased. Did you bring me a bribe?

  That I have, Brigette said, laughing. I purchased fabrics in Edinburgh and thought we could share them.

  I forgive you, then.

  Turning away, Brigette approached Black Jack, who was speaking with Iain. Im sorry, she offered hesitantly, uncertain of her father-in-laws welcome.

  Well have none of that, Black Jack chided gently, then drew her close and kissed her cheek. The babe yer carryin more than adequately makes up for yer foolishness. He patted her hand, then scanned the crowded courtyard. I dinna see Percy. Where is he?

  Percy remained in Edinburgh, Iain told his father.

  Why? Black Jack asked. My spies tell me Menzies returned to Weem Castle.

  Hes in love, Brigette blurted out.

  In love? Black Jack threw back his head and shouted with laughter. Whos the puir lady?

  Sheena Menzies, Iain mumbled, hoping his father wouldnt catch the surname. She serves the queen.

  Sheena Menzies? Black Jack echoed.

  Shes a sweet girl, Brigette added. Youll be proud to call her your daughter.

  Charmin though he may be, Percys a numbskull who never travels the high road. Black Jack shrugged fatalistically, knowing some things were beyond his control.

  Hinny, Iain said to Brigette, will ye do me a favor?

  Anything.

  Wash out yer mouth before I kiss ye. I dinna relish the taste of fox.

  Refreshment is waitin in the hall, Antonia called cheerfully, determined to behave as if she werent the reason her sister-in-law had fled Dunridge.

  Brigette went into the great hall with the others. Glenda refused to relinquish her hand, and Sly insisted on brushing himself against her legs as a cat would. Brigette could hardly walk, but neither child nor fox was willing to chance losing her again.

  Everyone sat at the high table, except Spring, who preferred to sit with Jamie. As soon as Brigette sat down, Glenda scrambled onto her lap.

  Get down, Iain snapped at his niece. Bewildered and hurt, Glendas bottom lip trembled.

  Whats wrong? Brigette asked Iain, her arm encircling the little girl.

  Shell hurt the babe.

  Black Jack, seated beside his daughter-in-law, chuckled at his sons zealous concern. He recalled an earlier time when he had faced impending fatherhood, and knew his sons anxiety would intensify with the advancing months.

  Glenda is fine where she is, Brigette assured her husband. Im not as delicate as you believe, and neither is the baby.

  What baby? Glenda asked.

  Brigette guided Glendas hand to her gently swelling stomach. Ive a baby — your new cousin — growing inside me. The little girls expression was sheer delight. Soon hell be strong enough to live outside my belly, and all of us will play in the garden — you, Sly, the baby, and me. Do you think youll enjoy that?

  Yes, but where was he before?

  With the angels in heaven.

  Glenda frowned. How did he get from heaven into yer belly? Black Jack and Iain chortled loudly.

  It was Uncle Iains doing, Brigette answered, blushing. She smiled at him, adding, Tell her, Uncle Iain, how your son got inside my belly.

  Iain frowned. It happened, Glenda, when I showed her my love.

  I ken, Glenda said. Iain smiled smugly, but nearly toppled off his chair at his nieces next words. Ive got nae babe in my belly, she said loudly. Dinna ye love me, Uncle Iain?

  Brigette giggled, then explained, Its a different kind of love, angel, that an uncle has for his niece.

  Oh. That seemed to satisfy Glenda, but then she peered curiously at Brigette. But how will the baby get out of yer belly?

  Iain, I think we should present our gifts now, Brigette suggested, ignoring the question.

  I agree wi ye. Iain bestowed the gifts theyd brought from Edinburgh. Glenda shrieked with joy over her new doll, promptly named Lady Autumn. When questioned about the unusual name, Glenda explained that Brigette had come to Dunridge in the autumn, and she wanted to forever remember that happy day. No one noticed Antonias lips curl in a silent snarl.

  Spring admired the beautiful fabrics. When she left the hall a few minutes later to order Brigettes bath, she carried them away almost reverently.

  Iain lifted Sly onto the table and removed the old yellow collar, then fastened the new one around the foxs neck. There now, he said. What do ye — ?

  Slys tongue darted out and landed in his open mouth. Yuck! Iain wiped his mouth on his shirt-sleeve and took a swig of ale, then set Sly on the floor.

  Dinna forget to wash out yer mouth, lovey, Brigette mimicked her husbands burr. I dinna relish the taste of fox.

  The family gathering soon dispersed. Glenda went reluctantly to her lessons with Father Kaplan, and Brigette went upstairs to bathe and rest. When Black Jack retired to his study, Iain took a draft of ale and sat in front of the hearth. Relaxing, he stretched his legs out, then closed his eyes and fantasized about the son that he was certain Brigette carried.

  Yer wife is a whore. A voice sneered.

  Iains eyes flew open and focused on Antonia, who stood before him. Dinna speak such vile lies to me or anyone else hereaboots, Iain warned. If ye do, yell regret it.

  Regret speakin the truth? Antonia countered.

  No, meddlin in my life, Iain said, his voice deceptively calm. Yeve caused enough problems between my wife and me. If it happens again, Ill have ye returned to the MacKinnons.

  And lose Malcolms daughter?

  Glenda is a MacArthur and remains at Dunridge.

  Ye bastard!

  I can assure ye, dear sister-in-law, Iain said, Black Jack and my mother were well and truly married.

  Can ye also vouch for the brat yer wife is carryin? Antonia asked, ignoring the murderous expression on his face. Bries traveled the road, and I warrant a few men traveled hers.

  Shut yer mouth, Iain snapped. Brie was well
protected by Magnus Campbell.

  Antonia arched a brow at him. Was she now? And who, might I ask, protected her from Magnus Campbell? With that, she walked away.

  Shocked, Iain sagged in his chair. What had Brigettes accommodations been along the road to London? he thought for the thousandth time. Would he ever be certain his firstborn was really his?

  After shed bathed and napped, Brigette dressed for supper. For the first time since leaving Edinburgh, she felt clean and pretty, but her gown was uncomfortably snug across her bosom and waist. None of her garments fit properly, and Brigette made a mental note to start letting out the seams.

  Hoping to speak privately with the earl, Brigette went directly to the great hall, but Black Jack was nowhere in sight. Next she tried the study. Relaxing in his chair in front of the hearth, Black Jack seemed to be expecting her.

  Ive been daydreamin of seein my first grandson, he told her. How are ye feelin?

  Well enough, now the sickness has passed. You wont be upset if I deliver a girl, will you?

  No, but I dinna think Iain will let ye give birth to a lassie first.

  Brigette smiled. Youre probably correct, she agreed, then stammered, I — Im sorry for leaving Dunridge. I realize —

  Theres nae need, Black Jack insisted, waving her apology aside. Will ye tell me why ye ran away? Had ye quarreled wi Iain?

  No, I — I . . . Antonia —

  Dinna go on, Black Jack interrupted. That one word says it all. Perhaps I should return her to the MacKinnons.

  No! Brigette cried, surprising the earl, who knew his daughters-in-law could never be friends. Id be unhappy without Glenda.

  Glendas a MacArthur and would remain at Dunridge.

  You cannot separate a mother from her child, Brigette said, her hands wandering instinctively to her stomach.

  Yer more of a mother to Glenda than her own has been.

  Antonia would not see it that way. Shed claim we stole her daughter, and thered be hostilities between the clans.

  Black Jack nodded. Yer wise for one so young.

  Im a peahead, Brigette confessed. Why else would I have run away?

  If ye recognize yer folly, then yer nae longer a peahead, Black Jack disagreed. Magnus Campbell escorted ye to London?

  Yes, hes a good friend and an honorable man.