by B. J. Scott
“I bring word from Duncan Sutherland,” the man announced.
Laird Sinclair ushered him in with a sweep of his arm. “Tell us and make haste.”
The messenger bowed, then plucked a piece of vellum from his sporran, and handed it to her father. Edina waited with baited breath while he read the note.
A broad smile crossed her father’s face as he read the missive. “Duncan has been delayed, but will be here first thing in the morning. It appears you have another day tae prepare for your husband-tae-be’s arrival.”
Chapter 17
Edina now understood the angst and desperation a condemned man must feel as he awaits execution. Duncan’s delay gave her a brief reprieve, but an extra day didn’t change the fact that she would be forced to marry upon his arrival. Unless her plan to reunite him with his true love succeeded, she’d have no options but to follow through with her father’s arrangement.
An attempt to busy herself with needlework failed, as did walking about the parapets and castle grounds until she was exhausted. She hid out in her chamber for hours, brooding about her fate, wishing she could find the answer to her dilemma. She refused to join the clan for the evening meal, opting to eat in her chamber, then retired early. But she was unable to sleep.
Despite being angry with Alasdair for the way he’d abandoned her and showed no concern for her plight, she could not get him off her mind. An unsavory mix of antagonism and desire churned in her belly. The voice in her head told her that she should curse the ground he walked upon, and be thankful he would soon be out of her life forever, but her heart told her otherwise.
He’d managed to keep his distance. Since their confrontation prior to the morning meal, she’d not seen a sign of Alasdair. Mayhap he’d spent the entire day sleeping off the effects of too much whisky? Nay, her gut told her the man was deliberately avoiding her.
The possibility that he may have left to rejoin the Bruce without saying goodbye crossed her mind, causing her heart to plummet. But surely Jayden would have told her if he’d departed.
Fretting over things she could not change was a fruitless task, so she closed her eyes and prayed for sleep.
Morning came far too quickly. Edina arose before the sun, still toying with the idea of running away before Duncan arrived. But her sense of duty and honor would not allow her to humiliate her father in that way. At least by facing the situation head on, she’d have a chance to reason with Duncan.
A commotion in the bailey prompted Edina to move to the window. She threw open the shutters and peered into the inner courtyard. Her stomach clenched and her breath caught as she beheld the elaborate entourage proceeding through the iron gates.
Bright colored flags flapped in the breeze. A tall, handsome man on a white destrier led the group of warriors. He sat proud in the saddle, his back straight, and his head held high. He wore a saffron tunic that stretched across a broad muscular chest and a sash of Sutherland plaid. His shoulder length, blond hair hung loose and was tousled by a gust of wind. Helen was correct. Duncan was a striking man and an impressive sight.
But it mattered not. Edina did not wish to marry this man and hoped he would feel the same way once she’d had a chance to speak with him in private.
As she drew in her head, the patter of feet approaching from behind caused her to spin around.
“I hope I dinna startle you, m’lady. Since you were looking out the window, I guess you’re already aware of your betrothed’s grand entrance. Your da sent me tae help you get ready tae meet the young laird and bid you join them in the great hall as soon as possible.”
“Aye. I saw him enter the bailey.” Edina moved toward the bed and sat.
“From what I’ve observed, he is a braw warrior. You are verra lucky tae have such a dashing man ask for your hand,” Helen said cheerfully. She selected two gowns from the shelf and held them up for Edina’s perusal. “Do you fancy the blue or the green? Both would look lovely.”
“I have no desire tae impress the man. There is a grey, wool servant’s frock hanging on a hook in the kitchen, mayhap that would be my best choice,” Edina replied.
“Och, you dinna mean tae wear that old rag.” Helen chose the green gown, then returned the blue one to the shelf. “I think this will complement your bonny eyes and beautiful flaxen locks.” She placed the garment on the bed beside Edina, before retrieving a pair of matching slippers.
“I canna believe your lighthearted attitude. I thought you were my friend.” Edina rose, threw her hands in the air, and began to pace. “You know I am opposed tae this union.”
“Aye, I am your friend. But until William returns with the Mackenzie lass or you come up with another plan tae get your father tae reconsider this arrangement, best you approach the arrival of Laird Sutherland with an open mind. Defying your da and insulting your betrothed will only make a bad situation worse.”
Edina offered a hesitant nod. “You are verra wise, Helen, for a lass so young. If I anger my father, he will be even more intent on seeing me wed as soon as possible. I must stall until William returns.” She reached for the hem of her nightrail and tugged it over her head. “I will meet with Duncan as Da commands and be as cordial as possible. Hopefully he is a reasonable man and will listen tae what I have tae say.”
Edina donned the gown and allowed Helen to assist her with her hair, but as she readied herself to meet the man she was to marry, she was revisited by thoughts of Alasdair. Despite his strong aversion to marriage, she held out a glimmer of hope he might have a change of heart.
“Have you seen Lord Fraser this morn?” Edina had to know if he was still at the castle.
“Nay. I havena seen him since yesterday when you spoke with him in the hallway.” The young maid’s face flushed red. “That is a conversation I willna forget.”
“Do you know if he is still in the keep?”
“I heard rumors that he spent the entire day in his chamber, drinking.” Helen shook her head and clucked her tongue. “Cook told me that when the maid went tae change his bed clothes, she dinna return for some time. When she did, her hair was a mess, her cheeks flushed, and her gown rumpled. She refused tae say what, if anything, happened. But then again, the knave is only living up tae his reputation.”
“What do you mean by that?” A mix of anger and jealousy tormented Edina’s stomach. How could he humiliate her so and take a maid into his bed when he knew how she felt about him? Mayhap Jayden was right about Alasdair’s morals or lack there of.
“My brother was with him at Methven and Loudon Hill. While Darius says Lord Alasdair is a brave, fierce warrior, he also told me the man likes his whisky, carouses with tavern wenches, is crude, and certainly not known for his manners. I am surprised you found him tolerable.”
“I heard similar things about Alasdair, but once you get tae know him, and if given a chance, he can be quite charming.” Again she found herself defending his character and actions.
“Do you plan tae stay holed up in here for another full day?” Jayden asked as he stomped across the room and threw open the shutters. “High time you got up.”
“What does a man have tae do around here tae get some sleep? First there was a ruckus in the bailey and now you barge in.” He threw his arm over his eyes, shielding them from the unwelcome sunlight. “Leave me be,” Alasdair growled.”
“I’ve left you be too long by the sorry look of you. Not tae mention the chamber smells like some sort of animal lives in here,” Jayden commented, then whacked the bottom of Alasdair’s foot with flat of his hand. “You need tae get up and take a bath.”
Alasdair glared at his friend. “I dinna need you tae tell me what tae do.”
“Obviously someone has tae point you in the right direction, afore you drink yourself tae death.” He picked up an empty jug from the floor and then another. “I see you managed tae find Da’s supply of whisky. No wonder you dinna come out of your cave.”
Alasdair grunted, then rolled over, turning his back to Jayden. Desp
ite what people thought, he did not usually drink to excess unless he had a very good reason. “I said leave me alone.”
“Nay. I insist you get out of bed and wash up. Now.” He yanked the pelt from the bed, leaving Alasdair naked and shivering. “Da will be expecting you tae join him in the great hall tae break your fast and tae greet Duncan Sutherland.”
A rock-sized knot formed in Alasdair’s stomach at the sound of the man’s name. So Edina’s betrothed had arrived. “That would explain the noise in the bailey. The bride’s future husband has finally come tae claim his prize. I am sure your sister will be pleased.” He was unable to curtail the cynicism in his voice.
“I canna speak for Edina. She may not agree with Da’s decision, but I know she willna do anything tae embarrass him. I suggest you honor him in the same manner . . . with your presence.”
Jayden retrieved a large bowl from the shelf, then filled it with water. “I would suggest you wash and mayhap shave afore you come down. You look like a bear and smell like one as well.” He threw back his head and laughed.
“As far as hosts go, you are sorely lacking.” Alasdair groaned when he sat up, quickly dropping his throbbing head into his hands. He spied the jug on the table beside the bed and reached for it. Just as Jayden snatched it away, marched over the window, and dumped the remaining content.
“No more whisky. Get up and ready for the day,” Jayden snapped. “And for God sake, put on some clothes.” He tossed the pelt over Alasdair’s lap.
Alasdair licked his parched lips and coughed to clear his throat. “Then we are in agreement. The time has come for me tae leave. I will clean up, pay my respects tae your da, and be on my way. Robert will be engaging the MacDougalls soon, so I shall be returning tae camp and will prepare for battle.”
“There is no need for you tae go. We have had verra little opportunity tae catch up on old times. Besides, my father has invited the chiefs of several prominent Highland clans tae the wedding and is expecting you tae represent Clan Fraser.”
“I am not the Laird of my clan, Connor is,” Alasdair snapped. “I need to rejoin the Bruce.”
“That may be, but you are still the eldest son of my father’s dear friend. If you depart after the wedding, I will join you in the fight against the MacDougall’s. The time has come I had my chance at the buggers.”
The more Alasdair thought about Edina’s upcoming nuptials, the more eager he was to depart. He could not offer her a future, but he sure as hell did not have to stick around and torture himself. Seeing her wed to Duncan Sutherland, knowing she’d warm his bed, and grow round with his bairns, was more than he could handle. While Laird Sinclair might find his abrupt departure offensive, it was a risk he was willing to take.
“I canna make any promises. My brothers were expecting me tae visit afore the confrontation. I have not seen them in over a year and dinna want tae disappoint them.”
“Are Connor and Bryce not joining Robert in the fight? You mentioned they were.” Jayden cocked his head to the side and waited for an answer.
“Aye, but I’d hoped to see my nephew and Bryce’s daughter as well. Andrew was a babe, only a fortnight old, when last I saw him and he has now seen two summers. I have yet tae see Bryce and Fallon’s wee lassie and according to his last missive, Connor and Cailin were expecting another tae be born any day.” Alasdair was making excuses, looking for reasons to justify his hasty departure. Anything but the truth.
After rising to a wobbly stance, he trudged across the chamber to the washbasin. “Once I’ve cleaned up, I’ll meet you in the great hall.” He dipped both hands into the bowl, then splashed water on his face.
“I’ll hold you tae your word. Dinna take too long,” Jayden replied, then left the chamber.
Alasdair washed his face several times before picking up the pitcher and pouring the remaining liquid over his head. Rivulets of cold water running down his back made him shiver, but it felt refreshing. After rinsing his teeth and scraping two days worth of stubble from his chin, he was ready to don his clothes and face Edina and her father for the last time.
Chapter 18
Edina ran her sweaty palms down the front of her gown. Her heart raced and she found it hard to breathe. Preparing to meet Duncan for the first time proved to be more difficult than she’d ever imagined. “You can do this. You have no choice,” she muttered to herself.
After taking a minute to steady her nerves, she reached for the latch then shoved the door to the great hall open. The din of conversation ceased when she stepped into the room, and as she proceeded to the laird’s dais all eyes were upon her.
What are they staring at? Have they never seen a lamb led to slaughter afore? That is exactly how she felt at the moment.
Her father, deep in discussion with his guests, stopped mid-sentence and rose to his feet. “Duncan. May I present my daughter, Edina, your betrothed?”
His statement caused her chest to tighten and she found it hard to breathe. She wanted to turn tail and run while she still had the chance, but managed to stifle the urge.
“It is a pleasure tae finally meet you, m’lady.” Duncan stood, then bowed.
“And you, m’lord.” She had to force the words. Edina responded to his gesture with a curtsy, but could not bring herself to look him in the eye.
“Your da has told me so much about you and I feel as though we are already acquainted. However, I must say his description dinna do you justice. You are far lovelier than I anticipated.” Duncan stepped around the end of the dais and took Edina’s hand.
Her stomach knotted and her breath caught when he brought her palm to his lips. How dare he be so bold? But then again, she would soon be his wife and he’d be at liberty to do with her as he pleased.
“I look forward tae getting tae know you a lot better, Edina. Your father said he plans to see us wed in the next few days. I hope it will be sooner.”
Edina withdrew her hand and tucked it in her skirts. While she had to admit Duncan Sutherland was charismatic and dashing—mayhap the handsomest man she’d ever laid eyes upon—his touch did not ignite the same unbridled passion as Alasdair’s. Despite his good looks and charm, she still had no desire to marry this man.
“If my da told you all about me, I am surprised you still wish tae go through with the nuptials,” she said for lack of a better reply.
“On the contrary, my dear, I am quite taken by your beauty and intrigued by your father’s tales. This should prove to be an interesting union.”
“We can talk about that later. First we must break our fast,” Laird Sinclair announced. “Be seated next tae Duncan, Edina, I am sure he would share his trencher with you.”
“Aye.” Duncan held out her chair and waited for her to sit.
“Och, I’m glad you decided to join us, lad. Come in,” her father called out across the room and waved.
Edina’s heart leapt when she saw Alasdair standing in the doorway with freshly washed hair, clean shaven, and looking every bit the gentleman. If not for the scowl on his face, she’d almost think he was pleased to join them.
Alasdair strode across the room with purpose, stopping a few feet from the dais. “I’ve come tae thank you for your hospitality, Laird Sinclair, and tae bid you farewell.”
Edina almost choked on the piece of oatcake she had just popped into her mouth. Was he really leaving? Alasdair spoke directly to her father and never once looked in her direction.
“You canna leave.” Jayden sprang to his feet. “I thought we agreed you would remain at the castle until after the wedding.”
“You agreed, my friend. I told you Robert is expecting me to join him in battle, and I want tae stop by Fraser Castle on the way.”
“And I said I’d be happy tae accompany you and join in the fight if you could wait a few days,” Jayden replied sharply.
“You’ve obviously made up your mind. Can you not at least stay long enough tae break your fast?” Laird Sinclair pointed to an empty chair between Edina and her brother
. “Have a seat beside Jayden, lad. Cook has prepared a feast.”
A tidal wave of emotions hit Edina. She didn’t want Alasdair to leave, but she was also angry he was not prepared to fight for her hand. She was falling in love with him, of that she was certain, but reality hit when she looked at the man sitting beside her. Duncan was her betrothed, not Alasdair, and she’d soon be married to man she neither knew or loved.
“Again, I thank you for your kindness, but I’m not hungry. I have a three-day ride ahead of me and need tae be on my way. I hope tae cover many miles afore making camp for the night,” Alasdair replied.
Not hungry? Edina fought to keep her mouth from dropping open. If she knew anything about Alasdair Fraser, it was that he had a healthy appetite. She stood. “Father is right. You canna leave before you’ve had something tae eat.”
Laird Sinclair continued to speak as if he’d not heard what either Edina or Alasdair had said. “Forgive me for being remiss. This is Duncan Sutherland, the man Edina is tae marry. And this is Alasdair Fraser, the man who saved my daughter’s life, and is responsible for her safe return.”
Duncan rose and offered his hand. “I owe you a debt of gratitude, Fraser.” He slid his arm around Edina’s waist and drew her to his side. “I’d been told Edina had died at sea and was pleased to hear the rumor wasna true. I would be honored if you could attend our wedding.”
Alasdair bowed, but kept his hands at his sides. “Laird Sinclair has chosen well. I hope you and Edina will be verra happy together, but I must depart.”
“Well, if you insist on leaving, may the Almighty guide your way and watch your back,” Laird Sinclair said and raised his tankard.
Speechless, Edina moved from Duncan’s side and returned to her chair. She could not believe Alasdair was leaving. By the time she found her tongue, he’d already departed.