by B. J. Scott
“I was fifteen. My aunt is a kind and loving woman. She saw in me strengths and abilities you are too blind tae see. It isna too late tae send me tae a priory. I would rather take the vows than be sold in marriage tae a man I dinna love.”
Laird Sinclair spat on the floor. “Love? There is no need for useless emotions in a marriage. Your mother and I were not in love and we managed tae have four fine sons.”
“And a daughter,” she muttered under her breath before speaking up. “My mother . . . may the Almighty rest her soul.” She paused and said a brief prayer. “Was a fine lady, in good standing when she met you. Aye, she did her duty, married you without love, tolerated your touch, and bore your sons, but she was never content. A happy woman doesna die of a broken heart.”
Laird Sinclair slammed his balled fist on a nearby table. “Enough! You will not speak tae me with such disrespect. I am your sire and you will honor me as such. You know naught about our union. It was arranged tae benefit the clan, and your mother never complained about her lot in life.”
“She was a saint and wouldna find fault in anything or anyone. But that doesna mean she was happy. I am not my mother and dinna wish tae marry Laird Sutherland.”
“You will do as you’re told. Duncan was on his way tae fetch you when word came that you’d been lost at sea. I—”
“So he believes I am dead. Then I dinna see a problem,” Edina cut in.
“This union has been sanctioned by the king and will benefit the clan immensely. I sent a missive as soon as you arrived, informed Duncan that you are alive, asking him tae honor our agreement and come for you as soon as possible.”
“I canna believe you did that without at least telling me first. Why—”
“So I see the rumors are true.” A man sauntered across the chamber and stood at her father’s side.
She sucked in a gulp of air and steeled herself against the fear and loathing bubbling up from the pit of her stomach. “Callum,” she said on a strangled breath.
Before her stood her father’s advisor and dearest friend, the man he’d entrusted with her safety and charged with bringing her home to be wed. The same man who stole into her chamber and tried to rape her.
“Is it true Alasdair Fraser found her on the beach and they consorted in sin for over a sennight?” Callum blurted out. “I am shocked and appalled by the news. I trust you will see them both punished accordingly.”
“I was equally shocked,” Laird Sinclair growled. “Both deny the tryst, but I dinna believe them. Laird Sutherland will be here soon and I dinna know how tae tell him she has been ruined. I wouldna blame him if he doesna wish tae marry a wanton woman.”
“I am not ruined. I told you naught happened between Alasdair and me.”
“There are ways tae tell. Shall I summon your physician, m’lord, or call for the village midwife? Either can determine if her maidenhead remains intact,” Callum said with an evil grin.
“Helen, fetch my physician.” Laird Sinclair dismissed her with a sweep of his hand.
“Right away, m’lord.” The lass bobbed a quick curtsy and hurried from the room, but not before offering Edina a sympathetic glance.
“I willna be subjected to this humiliation,” Edina protested. “My word should be enough.”
“I see that in addition to picking up the morals of a stray cat, the lass has developed a viperous tongue. Something a good lashing would quickly resolve,” Callum said smugly. “If she were my daughter, I wouldna tolerate her insolence.”
“I can imagine you’d do many unspeakable things were you my father. Thank the Almighty you are not.” Edina raised her chin in challenge. She’d not back down from this blackguard. She had to tell her father what happened on the ship, but feared he’d not believe her. The conversation she’d had with Callum on the night he attacked her, along with his threats to ruin her reputation if she crossed him, flooded her mind, but she refused to back down.
“You’ll not speak tae Callum in that manner. Mayhap he was right about the need for a firmer hand,” her father interjected.
“It doesna surprise me that she took up with Fraser. If I dinna know better, I’d say the whole thing was arranged. He will rue the day he got trapped in her web. A night in the pit afore he hangs will give him time tae think about his actions.” His sinister smirk broadened. “He has her tae thank for his demise.”
“The pit! Father you canna be serious. How could you put Alasdair in such a horrible place? He saved my life and despite what you think, he is a decent, innocent man.”
“He should have thought of the consequences afore he stole your virtue,” Callum remarked snidely.
“If anyone is tae be punished, it should be you,” Edina reiterated sharply.
Callum’s eyes narrowed and his expression darkened. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
She swallowed hard and summoned her courage. If what Callum predicted was true, her father would side with his friend, but Alasdair’s life depended on her proving that his trusted advisor was the liar and a scoundrel.
“Well?” Her father crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. “Dinna draw this out. What have you tae say?”
“The night I fell overboard, Callum entered my cabin after I’d retired and took intimate liberties. He tried tae bed me against my will.” She finally forced out the words.
“Is this true?” Her father spun around to face his friend.
“She lies! Will you take her word above that of your advisor and longtime friend? She is trying tae divert the attention and guilt from Fraser by telling a grave falsehood.”
“I’m not making this up, Father. He came intae my chamber. He was well in his cups at the time and told me he’d admired me for some time and wanted to bed me. He called you a fool for promising me tae Laird Sutherland and threatened tae kill me if I told anyone what he’d done.”
Callum began to pace. He threw his hands in the air and approached her father. “I have no idea why she has concocted this story, but may she be damned in Hell for her lies.”
“We struggled and I cut him with his dirk. I tried tae get away but he chased me ontae the deck and he—”
“You canna believe I would do such a thing,” Callum protested. “Mayhap she was dreaming and imagined the entire thing. That would explain how she ended up on deck rather than in her cabin where she belonged.”
“Let her finish.” Laird Sinclair raised his hand in the air, silencing his friend.
“I wasna dreaming. Callum tried tae rape me and when I resisted, he threatened to cut my throat. I managed to get away and ran to the deck. There was a storm and then when he came at me again, I lost my footing and fell overboard.”
“Did anyone witness this?” Her father dragged his hand across his bearded chin.
“She has no witnesses because it dinna happen. I have served you faithfully for many summers. Both as your confidant and your friend. I admit that I saw her on the deck, but swear I never laid a hand on her. When I went to tell her it wasna safe tae be out in the storm she acted like I was the devil himself. She started shouting, told me if I came any closer, she would jump intae the water and her death would be on my head. The ship pitched and when she fell over the rail, I dove in and tried to save her.” Callum glared at Edina as he spoke.
“That isna how it happened. If what I say is a lie, he willna mind removing his tunic. He will have a gash on his left side, just below his ribs.”
“I have naught to prove and willna do it,” Callum replied.
“Why was I not told about your confrontation aboard ship when you returned. You told me Edina fell overboard in the storm and you tried to rescue her, but you never mentioned her strange behavior.”
“I-I dinna think it important. She was dead and you were so distraught. I dinna see any point in adding to your anguish,” Callum stammered.
“Take off your tunic,” Laird Sinclair ordered.
“But m’lord, I—” Callum protested.
“Remove it now!”
Callum grumbled a curse, grasped the hem of his shirt, and tugged it over his head.
Laird Sinclair’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened at the site of recent wound on Callum’s left side. He summoned the guard standing by the door. “Arrest him.”
“I can explain. This isna what it appears,” Callum pleaded as the guard grabbed his arm. “I cut myself on the rail when I tried to save her. You must listen to me.”
Laird Sinclair shook his head. “You’ve said quite enough. Take him to the pit.”
“I canna believe you would take the word of a whore above mine. She is a wicked temptress. If truth be told, she came to my cabin and offered to lay with me, not the other way around,” Callum shouted when the guard grabbed his arm. He broke free and stumbled toward his friend. “Is this how you repay me for my service?”
“Is this how you prove your loyalty and maintain my trust?” Laird Sinclair replied. “I canna stand the sight of you. Take him away.”
“You’ll see. She is evil.” Callum continued to call out as the guard dragged him down the hall.
“I am so glad you listened tae the truth, father. Will you now release Alasdair?”
“This doesna change anything in regard to the charges against Fraser. Callum may have attacked you and will be punished, however, the fact remains, you spent the last sennight in the company of a man who wasna your husband.”
“You summoned me, m’lord?” The door opened and the clan physician entered. Helen followed.
“Aye. It appears my wayward daughter has seen fit tae offer her innocence tae a man who is not her husband. She denies the act and claims she is still a maiden.” Laird Sinclair took Edina’s wrist and ushered her toward the physician. “I want you to examine her and settle this once and for all. A man’s life depends on the outcome.”
“Father, please dinna do this. I swear on my mother’s grave. I speak the truth.” Edina choked back a sob.
“If you have naught tae hide, then you have no reason tae object,” her father growled.
Edina drew in a slow deep breath to steady her nerves and faced the physician. If allowing this man to examine her would prove her innocence and save Alasdair, so be it. “Verra well. If this it the only way I can prove what I say is true, I will do as you request. I have naught tae hid.” She followed the physician as he moved toward her pallet.
“Lay down and raise your skirt,” the man ordered then turned to face her father. “Would you like tae be present while I do this, m’lord?”
“That willna be necessary.” Laird Sinclair strode toward the door. “Neither will the examination.”
“M’lord?” the physician asked.
“I have changed my mind. Your services will not be needed.” Laird Sinclair summoned the guard standing in the hallway with a wave of his arm. “Go to the pit and bring Alasdair Fraser tae my chamber. I am ready tae pass judgment.” After issuing the orders, he stormed down the hall.
Chapter 14
“Get up. Laird Sinclair wishes tae see you,” the shadowy figure towering over Alasdair growled, then kicked his boot.
Alasdair raised his head and narrowed his eyes in an attempt to focus in the dim light of the man’s torch. “Why does he wish tae see me at this hour? I expected tae have until morning afore he stretched my neck.”
“I am only following orders. He summoned me and told me tae bring you tae his chamber right away. Best you not keep him waiting.”
Alasdair unfurled his legs and slowly rose to his feet. He groaned and stretched, the cold and dampness from the ground having stiffened his joints. “Lead the way. I’d just as soon get this over with quickly. I dinna fancy spending my last night on earth curled up on the ground in this dark, dank hole, with rats for company.”
The man grunted. “If I were you, I’d be happy for any time I had left.” He spun around and headed down the twisting tunnel.
Alasdair followed a few steps behind, but paused to draw in a deep breath as they emerged from the pit and into the crisp night air. He glanced skyward, wondering for a moment if mayhap his parents and brothers were watching over him, if they were awaiting his arrival in Heaven.
Without saying a word, the guard led him across the bailey, into the castle, up a steep staircase, then down a long hallway, halting when they came to a large oak door at the end of the corridor.
“Wait here. I will make the laird aware of your presence.” The guard knocked on the door then entered, leaving Alasdair alone in the hallway.
Alasdair’s gut knotted with uncertainty. Prepared for the worst, he could only surmise that his fate had been decided. The question was when would he be executed and how. He could try to escape, but was certain the castle guards would be upon him before he reached the curtain wall, if he even made it out of the keep.
The guard returned a few minutes later and pointed toward the door. “Laird Sinclair will see you,” he announced then trotted down the hall.
Puzzled by the man’s hasty departure and at being left unguarded, Alasdair sucked in another fortifying breath, and entered the chamber. “You wanted tae see me, Laird Sinclair?” he asked, then waited for a reply.
Sinclair’s head jerked around. “Aye. Please come in, lad,” he said and waved him in with a sweep of his arm.
More confused than ever by the laird’s change in demeanor and jovial tone of voice, Alasdair stepped forward, then halted just inside the room.
“It appears I’ve made a grave mistake and I wish tae apologize for the way you’ve been misjudged.” Laird Sinclair moved in Alasdair’s direction with his hand outstretched.
Alasdair crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. Uncertain he wanted to hear the laird’s apology after the way his honor had been questioned or the shameful way Edina had been treated, he said nothing.
“Och, I dinna blame you for being angry.” Laird Sinclair lowered his head and gave it a shake. “I know you were treated poorly upon your arrival and some serious accusations were made. I was wrong. If only you could find it in you tae forgive this old man’s mistakes.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“After speaking with my daughter, I realized you were both telling the truth.” Laird Sutherland raked his fingers through his hair and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“And what brought you tae that conclusion? You were so convinced she had brazenly surrendered her innocence and that I had eagerly taken advantage of her.”
“Err . . . um . . .” Sinclair mumbled and dragged a shaky hand across his bearded chin. “It appears Edina was attacked on the ship as she claimed and fell overboard trying to fend off the culprit. By the mercy of the Almighty she dinna drown and was washed ashore, where you found her and tended tae her needs. For that I am eternally grateful.”
“Did she say who it was who accosted her?” Alasdair asked. He fisted his hands at his side. “Tell me his name. I will find the swine and see him flayed.”
“That willna be necessary. The man has already been arrested and awaits his punishment.”
“Tell me his name.”
My advisor, Callum, the man I charged with Edina’s safety, is the blackguard responsible.”
Anger twisted Alasdair’s gut. It was bad enough she’d been attacked, but the thought of someone Edina knew and trusted committing the heinous offence infuriated him. Would that he had a few minutes alone with the man. He’d never harm another lass as long as he lived. Which, if Alasdair his way, would only be only enough time for him to draw his sword and run the bugger through.
“The man just came forth and confessed? I find that hard tae believe given the consequences,” Alasdair replied.
“Nay. He tried to plant more seeds of doubt by insisting that Edina was a wanton woman. He claimed she entered his cabin, offered him her virtue, then became enraged when he declined. He also did his best to convince me that you violated her, and suggested she be examined by my physician.”
&n
bsp; “You believed Callum’s word held more credence than that of your own daughter and would have allowed her tae suffer the humiliation?” Alasdair did not bother to hide the shock or disgust in his voice. “What kind of father would do such a thing?”
“One who believed his bairn was dead and was not thinking clearly when she returned after spending a sennight alone in a man’s company. A man who wasna her husband.”
“Most men would be thrilled tae learn their bairn was alive. Yet you chose tae think the worst, despite what we told you. You treated her like a whore, and me, like a rapacious fiend whose only thought was sating my carnal needs.” He was not about to make this easy on the laird. While he could understand how it must have looked, there was no excuse for the way Edina had been unfairly accused by her own kin.
Then again, how was his own reaction when he discovered Edina’s true identity or the assumptions he’d made any different from those of her father and brother? He, too, had condemned her without giving her a chance to explain, and assumed like all the other women he’d trusted, she had deliberately gone out of her way to deceive him for her own gain. Mayhap, he’d been wrong as well.
“I was elated tae see Edina, but furious tae learn she had been alive all this time and living in sin. Or so I thought. Put yourself in my position and tell me you wouldna think the same things,” Laird Sinclair responded with his hands outstretched at his sides, the palms facing skyward in question. “My daughter is a comely lass and you are a braw, virile warrior.”
“That doesna mean anything happened between us. You could have taken my word, rather than making accusations without first hearing what I had tae say.” Edina entered the chamber with her brother in tow. “There is more than one Sinclair who owes Alasdair an apology.” She placed her hand on Jayden’s shoulder and shoved him forward.
Alasdair coughed to clear his throat. His chest tightened and his palms began to sweat the minute Edina entered the room. He longed to hold her, to sweep her up into his arms and apologize for being a fool, for doubting her. But with her father and brother present, he was forced to stifle the urge.