by B. J. Scott
“I spoke the truth. When I came upon her, she was unconscious. I dinna have any idea who she was or how long she’d been there. At first I thought her dead, but when I realized she was still breathing, my only concern was tae get her out of the frigid water and tae find somewhere warm and dry, so I could tend her injuries. Who she was mattered naught.”
Jayden’s posture stiffened and he took a menacing step forward. “She wasna unconscious for a whole sennight. When she awakened, you should have come for me, or brought her home? Mayhap, you were more interested in sating your needs.”
The words of his childhood companion cut through him like a blade. “What are you suggesting?” Alastair clenched his teeth, fighting hard not to lose his temper. Jayden and his father were understandably shocked to learn that Edina was alive, but he never dreamed his friends would question his honor.
“I asked her name, but she couldna remember. Nor did she recall how she came tae be on the beach. She took a nasty bump tae the head, so I figured her memory would return in time.”
“You spent a sennight alone together and you told me you had no intent on marrying the lass you found. She’s my sister. Damnation, man! Did you think you could defile her then cast her aside and no one would be the wiser?”
Momentarily at a loss for words, Alasdair raked his fingers through his hair. Given the circumstances, and if he were Jayden, he’d likely think the worst as well. But he’d not acted on his desires and refused to stand there and be accused of deeds he did not commit.
“Many summers have passed since I saw her last, and even you must admit her appearance has changed immensely. Edina is no longer a bairn of seven summers. She’s a woman grown and looks nothing like she did when we were lads.” Alasdair scrubbed his hand across his beard-stubbled chin. “Had I known her identity, I would have brought her home immediately.”
“Instead, you took her tae my father’s hunt camp, had your way with her, and damned the consequences?” Jayden growled. “For that, you will pay.” He took another step in Alasdair’s direction with his blade raised.
“Jayden, please, naught happened between us. If anyone offered tae speak up on Alasdair’s behalf, I thought you would. He is your friend, as well as your guest. You canna possibly think he would do anything tae disgrace me or the clan.” Edina stepped between the two men, glared at her brother, then focused on her father. “Da, things are not as they appear.”
“Hold your wheest, daughter, and mind your place! I will speak tae you on this matter later. Right now, I want to hear what happened in the croft,” her father growled and drew his own sword. “Only a coward hides behind a lassie’s skirts.”
Alasdair held his hand in the air. “Hush, lass, listen to your father, and mind your tongue. I dinna need anyone tae speak on my behalf. If your da and brother wish tae accuse me of something, let them speak their mind. I have naught to hide.”
“Do you think me a damned fool?” her father bellowed. “You appeared at my keep, with my daughter in tow. She is barefooted and wearing men’s clothing. According to what you told my son, the lass you found has been with you more than a sennight, yet she was nowhere tae be seen when he discovered you were staying at the hunting croft. If she had done naught to disgrace herself and dinna remember who she was, there was no need for her to hide from her brother.”
“Father, you’re mistaken. I swear it on my mother’s grave, things are not what you think,” she cut in. “Alasdair is the son of one of your dearest friends. He—”
“Silence! I’ve had enough of your insolence,” Laird Sinclair shouted. “Andrew Fraser’s character is not in question. He was an honorable man and a brave patriot. However, that doesna mean the son follows in his father’s path. I’ve a mind tae flog the truth out of him, then see him drawn and quartered for his actions.” Laird Sinclair’s face reddened and contorted with anger as he searched the bailey. “Helen.” He summoned a young woman standing a few feet away.
“Aye, m’lord.” The lass scurried over and bobbed a curtsy.
“Take Edina tae her chamber. See she bathes, dons some proper clothing, then lock her door. I will speak with her when I am finished dealing with this swine.” He pointed his finger at Alasdair.
“Come, m’lady. I would be happy tae assist you,” Helen said.
“Nay! I’ll not go anywhere until my father listens tae reason. There is something verra important that I must say.”
“You will go tae your chamber. Your presence here and constant nattering only reinforces what I already believe tae be true,” her father growled.
She raced to Alasdair’s side and placed her hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry this has happened, but you must speak up in your own defense and make him understand.”
“I order you tae obey me this minute, Edina. Go with Helen tae your chamber and wait for me there,” Laird Sinclair insisted.
“But, Father, I need tae—”
“You need tae heed what I say. I summoned you home tae marry the soon-tae-be laird of the Sutherland Clan, not for a dalliance with the first scoundrel you came across. You have disgraced me and the clan with your actions.” Her father gestured with a sweep of his hand toward the castle. “Do as you are told and leave me tae settle this unsavory matter. I’ll not hear another word from you.”
“You arena helping me, lass. Do as your da asks,” Alasdair whispered as he lifted her hand and placed it in Helen’s.
“Please, m’lady, leave this for the men tae handle. I will pour you a hot bath. Once you’ve changed intae your own clothing and have had a wee bite tae eat, you’ll feel much better.”
“Why won’t anyone listen tae me?” Edina protested.
“You’ll have your chance tae speak with da when he is finished here. Go with Helen. You have caused enough of a palver for one day.” Jayden clasped her by the wrist and dragged her towards the keep. “Alasdair is right. You are not helping, only making him look guilty of the charges.”
Alasdair battled the urge to intervene as Edina was led away. He did not approve of the callous way her brother and father treated her upon her return, and under normal circumstances would not stand by and allow her to be forcefully taken against her will. But with armed guards surrounding him, and her irate sire to deal with, he was in no position to stop them.
After Edina and Helen entered the keep and slammed the door behind them, Jayden turned to face Alasdair. “Does what we shared as lads mean naught? I canna believe you would betray me in this manner,” he spat. “I’ve heard tales of your younger brother, Bryce, and his way with the women, but thought you were different.”
“My brother’s reputation, while grossly exaggerated, is not up for discussion,” Alasdair responded sharply. “I will say this only once. I dinna treat your sister with the utmost respect. At no time did anything of an improper, intimate nature happen between us. If she was a maiden when I found her, she remains so. I willna be accused of something I dinna do. Fate brought me tae her on the beach, I tended her injuries, and no more.”
“Are you saying you dinna find Edina appealing or worthy of your attention? Are you questioning her virtue?” Jayden asked, anger resonating in his voice.
“You are twisting my words. There is no denying that your sister is a comely lass. Tae say I wasna tempted by her beauty would be a lie. But aside from women who lift their skirts for coin, I dinna bed a lass unless I am prepared tae make her my bride. Since I never intend tae marry, I wouldna dishonor Edina or any maiden in this way. I take great offense that you would think so little of me.”
“I’ve heard quite enough from you, Fraser!” Laird Sinclair moved forward. “Either you confess the truth or spend the night in the pit while I decide your punishment.”
“I have already told you what happened. If you see fit tae reprimand an innocent man, so be it. But I will not grovel at your feet or beg mercy for acts I dinna do.” Alasdair crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the chief of the Sinclair clan to respond.
�
��Take him tae the pit!” Laird Sinclair ordered. “Put him in irons and post a guard. After I have spoken with my daughter, I will decide what is to become of him. Mayhap after spending the night with the rats, he will rethink his lies.”
Alasdair offered no resistance when two guards grabbed his arms. “That willna be necessary,” he stated calmly while pulling free of their grasp. “I will come with you. Lead the way.”
He accompanied the guards across the bailey to an opening in the ground surrounded by a pile of stones. One of the men lit a torch and guided Alasdair down a steep, narrow tunnel. The other followed behind.
“This place isna fit for man nor beast. But it will serve the likes of you,” the first guard said as they entered a narrow underground cavern.
“Chain him up and let us take our leave. The rancid smell is making my stomach turn.” The second guard gagged and covered his mouth with his hand.
“Aye. I agree,” the first guard replied. He led Alasdair to the back of the pit, fastened iron bands around his wrists, then rattled the chains attached to the mud wall. “That should hold you until Laird Sinclair decides what tae do with you. I’d be praying for a fast decision and a quick end if I were you.”
During his years as a warrior, Alasdair had found himself in many undesirable situations. He’d suffered hardship, inclement weather, starvation, illness, and had even seen several pits in his day, but he had never been the one imprisoned. The dojon at Fraser castle was a palace compared to this dark, dingy cesspit.
The air was heavy and he tried to suck in a deep breath, but the disgusting stench of damp earth, decaying rushes, and human excrement caused his stomach to revolt. He choked down the bile as he watched the guards make a hasty retreat down the tunnel and the light fade to nil. The squeal of rats and a tug on his boot, reminded him he was not alone. This was not how he had envisioned spending the night, and suddenly imagined what it would be like to be buried alive.
He shook his head, unable to fathom how he ended up in this predicament. He’d been on his way to visit friends and a much-needed rest from war. He happened upon the lass and couldn’t in good conscience leave her to die on the beach, so offered his assistance. He’d tended her injuries, denied the strong attraction and desire to bed her on more than one occasion, and returned her to her family as soon as he realized her identity. Yet here he sat, awaiting his fate and sharing his last hours on this earth with what could be disease-ridden vermin.
He yanked on the chains, but they were firmly secured to the wall. Unable to see his surrounding and somewhat grateful for small mercies, he sank to the ground and tucked his knees up close to his chest. This was going to be a long night, one during which he did not plan to sleep.
His mind wandered to the castle, to Edina, and his heart sank. While he was still furious with the lass for deceiving him, and would not ask for her hand, he’d become quite fond of her and admittedly a bit possessive. He wondered how her father would deal with her, and if he would believe her story. She’d already suffered enough humiliation and he hoped her da would listen. Somehow, he doubted that. To make matters worse, she was to marry a man she didn’t even know. If he would still have her.
A brief bout of pity gave way to a surge of anger. “She lied tae me and will get what she deserves. Edina is just like the other women I’ve met in my life. I swear if I can find a way out of this mess, I will leave, and forget about her,” he vowed aloud. He could not allow himself to fall prey to her beauty and whiles again. It was because of her deception he was imprisoned in the first place. He cursed and dropped his head, resting it on his knees.
Who was he trying to fool? While there was no hope of a future with the beguiling lass, getting her out of his mind was not going to be an easy task. Figuring out a way to avoid execution even harder.
Chapter 13
A click of the lock caused Edina to spin around. Her heart pounded in anticipation. Had her father finally come to speak with her and give her a chance to explain?
The door swung opened and Helen entered the chamber carrying a wooden tray laden with an assortment of vegetables, a wedge of cheese, a pot of honey, a loaf of bannock, and a tankard of mead. “You arrived after the evening meal, but Cook put together a few things tae tide you over until morning. The drink will warm you and help you sleep,” she said cheerfully.
“I’m not hungry and I dinna wish tae sleep.” Edina paced the room. “Why has my father not come tae see me? Have you any word of Alasdair?”
Helen shook her head. “I know naught what keeps your da and havena heard anything about Lord Fraser, m’lady.”
“I canna believe my father treated Alasdair so disgracefully and gave you orders to lock me in my chamber.”
“I’m truly sorry the laird dinna herald your return in a more joyous manner. I am sure he will come anon, realize he has made a mistake, and have a change of heart.” Helen placed the tray on a table in the corner the chamber, then faced Edina. “I’ve missed you verra much and am pleased tae have you home. Even if it is only until you are wed.”
“I dinna wish to marry. Especially a man I have never met. I would rather take the vows and spend my life in prayer. I will tell my father so when he comes to see me. If he ever arrives.” Edina blew out a heavy sigh, then sat hard on a stool by the hearth.
“I’m told the young Laird Sutherland is a guid man and according tae some, quite handsome. His father is one of the most powerful chiefs in all the Highlands and his son will soon take his place.” Helen arranged some food on a trencher, then faced Edina. “In the least, he is not as auld as most of the suitors who have asked for your hand.”
“I dinna understand why Duncan Sutherland asked for my hand. He has never laid eyes on me.”
“You are considered quite a prize, m’lady. News of your beauty has spread across the Highlands and an alliance with your father is coveted by many of the local lairds. There have been many offers.”
“If Duncan Sutherland is as handsome as you claim and his father so powerful, why is he not already married?” Edina asked.
Helen shrugged. “Rumor has it that he was betrothed tae his cousin, a lass from the Clan Mackenzie. But that ended when his father took ill and announced his son would take his place as head of the clan. The old laird met with your da and offered him an alliance, cattle, and a chest of gold if he consented tae the union. Once a betrothal was agreed upon, your da sent a missive tae King Robert. Since he is trying tae unite the clans, the Bruce sanctioned the nuptials.”
“I’ve always known that my fate would be dictated by my status as the laird’s only daughter. Just as I know being bartered for with less regard than livestock is common, but hoped I would be spared the anguish.” Edina dropped her head into her hands.
“I wish there was something I could do tae help,” Helen said as she placed her hand on Edina’s shoulder.
“Mayhap there is.” Edina raised her head and clasped the maid’s hand. “We have been friends since we were bairns. I begged my da tae let you accompany me tae the Orkneys, but he refused. If you could leave the door unlocked, mayhap I could depart afore my father arrives.”
“Och, nay, m’lady. Please dinna ask me tae defy the laird. William, son of the village cobbler, and I were handfasted last fall. He has already spoken tae my father and had planed tae ask your da for permission to marry me this verra night. I canna risk your father’s wrath.” Helen lowered her head and glanced away. “We are verra much in love and hope tae be wed on the summer solstice.”
Edina rose and tugged Helen into a tight embrace. “Dinna give my request another thought. I willna ask you tae do anything that might jeopardize your wedding plans. But if you could find out what has become of Alasdair, I would be truly grateful. I am about tae go out of my mind with worry.”
“Are you in love with Lord Fraser?” Helen asked bluntly.
Edina’s spine stiffened and she took a step back. “Nay. Why would you ask such a thing?”
“I dinna mean tae s
peak out of turn, but your face does light up when you say his name and he is dashing in a rugged sort of way. You did spend a sennight together and I only thought—”
“You thought the accusations my father made were true,” Edina snapped. “I told my da that naught happened between Alasdair and me, and spoke the truth.”
“I meant no disrespect and would never question your word, m’lady. Please forgive me.” Helen dropped to her knees and bowed her head.
“Alasdair saved my life and cared for me when I was ill. I am indebted tae him for his kindness and if he is wrongfully punished because of me, I couldna live with myself. I only wish tae know he is well and unharmed.”
“Best you be thinking about your betrothed and not another man,” a deep voice bellowed from the doorway.
Laird Sinclair strode across the room and paused a few feet from where Edina stood. “Well? Are you ready to tell me what happened while you were in Fraser’s company?”
“Where is he?” Edina squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “I demand you tell me at once.” The words left her lips before she could stop them.
Her father’s brow creased and his face twisted in anger. “You demand? I am your father and your laird, best you remember your place. Is this obstinacy the reward I get for sending you tae foster with your aunt?”
“You expect a reward for sending me away when I needed my family the most?” Edina replied curtly. “I was still a bairn, had just lost three of my older brothers in the war with England, and my mam died a few weeks later. You and Jayden were all I had left.” Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she held her head high.
“I suffered the same losses,” he replied coldly. “You were a lass of fourteen summers and I did what I thought was in your best interest. I would have sent you tae a priory had I known you’d be ruined by your mother’s sister.”