Marti Talbott's Highlander Series 1 (Anna, Rachel & Charlet)

by Marti Talbott

  “Is this our new home?”

  “Go to sleep, Charlet.”

  “Bridget.”

  “Go to sleep, Bridget.”

  She sighed. “'Tis not easy having three names.”

  “Three?”

  “Aye. My real father must have given me one when I was born, but who knows what that is. I do not know his name either, or my real mother’s name. All I know is that the king gave me to Kevin when I was a baby. He said my mother was dead, but he did not mention my father. I wonder what she was like, my real mother, I mean. What color was her hair, was she tall like me or...”

  He smiled when she finally yawned and drifted off to sleep. With no sleep for most of two days, he was tired enough to drop in his tracks, but he couldn’t seem to relax and close his eyes. His question was the same one Kevin and Thomas were sure to ask -- who told the English where to find them? He wanted to break every bone in the man’s body. A traitor always wants something in return, but what? Land, jewels, gold and power were the only things he could think of.

  “Blair?”

  “What?”

  “I should not have done that and I am sorry. I did not believe I was in danger and I meant to run away from you.”

  “I know. That makes you the most stubborn, mule-headed, horse’s rear end I have ever met.”

  She grinned and went to sleep.

  The next day, Laird Thomas Cameron and his two man guard quickly rode down the hillside, through the trees, across the meadow, and then over the drawbridge. Thomas jumped down and hurried up the steps of the keep. When he yanked open the door, Kevin was surrounded by women with red hair.

  Kevin smiled. “Welcome...” As soon as he noticed the look on his old friend’s face, he knew something was wrong. “You will leave me,” he commanded. The women quickly obeyed and soon the two men were alone in the great hall.

  “I have a traitor.” Thomas was furious and could hardly contain himself. “Three Englishmen found Charlet and shot her in the arm. Blair killed two but the third got away. Blair thought only of getting her to safety and did not give chase.”

  “Will she die?”

  “I hope not. He has taken her to a new place and even I do not know where she is.”

  “How have you heard this?”

  “Blair took her to his brother’s home and I agreed it was a good place to hide her. It was my mistake, Kevin. After they fled, his brother came to tell me.”

  Kevin poured both of them a goblet of wine. “Who among your people knows the English?”

  “Some have taken English wives, but I do not know who would betray me. The question is who knew Blair had Charlet? I have searched my mind and I can think of no one.”

  “The mistake is not yours, 'Tis mine. I took Charlet out through one of the hidden door and gave her to Blair. No one saw me, I am sure of it. But then we had to explain her absence to the clan. Several hours later, we made it look like Charlet was sent away in the opposite direction. I suspect when Blair was gone too, the traitor guessed he had her.” Kevin took a swallow of wine and sat down at the table. “I made a greater mistake when I first brought her here.”

  “I remember, but we had to ask the other clans if they were missing a baby. The MacGreagors would have been suspicious had we not made inquiries.”

  “Aye, but we made it easy for the Englishman to inquire about a baby found sixteen years ago. I should choke the King of England. This is his mess, not ours.” Kevin finally smiled at his old friend. “Some of it has been quiet entertaining, I must admit. Sit and share my wine. I have much to tell you and you can not guess how complicated this has become.”

  The rain stopped by the time Blair woke up and he quickly glanced around to make sure they were not in any danger. Then he noticed Bridget was on her side with her back to him and was using his arm for a pillow. He remembered when she did it and loved having her so close. She trusted him and she was not afraid of him, but it didn‘t mean she had any feelings for him. She was probably just cold and wasn’t aware of what she was doing. He warned himself one more time not to fall in love with her, but he feared it was becoming too late.

  She was cold, her arm hurt and her eyes were wide open. But she liked being close to him. His body was warm and strong, and her strength, she felt, was dwindling by the minute. Somebody actually wanted to kill her and she was upset enough to cry. She was tired of being on a horse, she needed a real bath and it didn’t look like they would eat much that day.

  He felt wetness on his arm and realized it was a tear. He was afraid she was still asleep, so he softly whispered, “You are crying?”

  She nodded. “I am a woman; we are supposed to cry sometimes.”

  “I did not know that.”

  She scooted closer to him still. “There is a lot you do not know.”

  He put his cheek against the back of her head. “Such as?”

  “I do not want three names, I do not want to be English and most of all, I do not want to be bonnie. I want to be plain. 'Tis the only way to know if a man loves me and does not just want a bonnie lass in his bed.”

  “A lad who loves you will also want you in his bed.”

  “And there in lies the problem. How will I know if he truly loves me?”

  “Perhaps he will tell you.”

  She sat up, wiped her tears and moved around until she faced him. “Duff says it constantly, it means nothing.”

  He was suddenly riled and sat up as well. “Who is Duff?”

  “He is a stupid lad who walks into walls gawking at me. I hate him!”

  He was pleased to hear that. Blair dismissed his jealousy and got to his feet. “Was he badly injured?”

  She took his hand when he offered it and got up as well. “Duff broke his nose and I hope 'Tis crooked when it heals. Are you married?”

  “Nay.”

  “Do the lasses walk into walls gawking at you?”

  “Not that I am aware of.”

  “Why not, you are as handsome as any other lad.”

  He was amazed she thought he was handsome. He’d never heard that before from any woman. But this conversation was going to get him in big trouble, so he picked up the plaid and began to fold it. “We will have ample time to resolve your problem once we arrive.”

  “When will that be?”

  “Before dark.”

  Word spread quickly; Charlet MacGreagor was indeed pleasing on the eyes and Kevin MacGreagor would help plead the marriage case of the man who brought him the Englishman. Even Laird MacDonald, whom Kenna already rejected, found the idea intriguing. Days ago, he decided to forgive the woman her insult and give her another change. After all, she was very young. To give her that second chance he needed to find the Englishman. Where had he heard about the Englishman’s marriage proposal? The answer was not coming, his men didn’t remember and it was enough to drive an old man up a wall.

  Kenna was thrilled with Laird Ferguson’s proposal, but she had two problems. First, she wanted very much to do all she could to save Charlet. Her opinion of Charlet had turned from jealousy to admiration in a few short days. She could not possibly marry Ferguson until the danger was over.

  Her second problem baffled her mind. The Fergusons did not always bathe often enough and she couldn’t imagine living with them. Laird Ferguson did not smell, but everyone knew others did. Who could help her with that problem? She would ask Kevin, he would know what to do.

  When Laird Ferguson entered the keep to ask Kevin’s permission to take Kenna for a walk, the great hall was filled with people. He saw Kevin motion for him to come forward and take a seat at the table.

  Kevin turned to the twelve-year-old standing before him. “What is your crime, Joshua?”

  The boy hung his head. “I stole a sweet cake.”

  “I see. What is the punishment for stealing?”

  “But Kevin, I had to clean the stables just a fortnight ago and I didn’t do anything wrong that time.”

  “'Tis truly the worst of the pun
ishments, but if I do not punish you, I can not punish the next child who steals. You will clean up after the horses for one week.”

  “Yes Kevin.”

  Laird Ferguson listened with great interest as Kevin decided the punishments for the children and realized each got a cleaning duty. That was how Kevin kept his home so spotless. He was especially interested in the last lad of ten whose mother had him by the ear.

  “What have you done, Ronan?” The boy refused to answer, so his mother twisted his ear. Kevin gave her a look and she let go. “Ronan, what have you done?”

  “I do not like to bathe. I would sooner go without my evening meal.”

  Kevin thought about that for a moment. “I was once your age and not fond of bathing either, but do you know what my father said?” The boy shook his head. “My father said if an enemy can smell you, 'Tis easier for him to find and kill you. A MacGreagor warrior must keep himself clean. All MacGreagors bathe nearly every day.”

  The boy swelled his chest. “I will do it. I will be a find warrior someday.” He turned around and ran out the door. His mother curtseyed to both lairds, nodded her appreciation to Kevin and followed him out.

  Kevin laughed and turned to Laird Ferguson, “And you, young man, what have you done?” He hoped the Ferguson had gotten the message for Kenna’s sake. If not, he would have to be more blunt.

  Ferguson held up his hands as if to surrender, “I have done nothing, I swear it.”

  “Good, I have run out of punishments.”

  “I see I can learn a lot from you. However, today I promised Kenna I would take her for a walk. I ask your permission.”

  Suddenly, Connor burst through the door. “Laird MacNab is here and following Kenna across the courtyard. She is bringing him inside.

  The color started to drain out of Kevin’s face. Now what should he do? Kenna liked this man and Ferguson was not going to understand. He couldn’t ask him to leave, not at this tender time of their new friendship, but if he stayed and watched Kenna’s ability to lie so easily, Ferguson might never speak to her again. More importantly, could Kenna pull it off with Ferguson there?

  “Ferguson, do not believe what you are about to see. I will explain it later.” Kevin didn’t even have time to wait for his nod. Instead, he quickly stood up. Connor moved to his right and to his surprise, Ferguson took a position to his left.

  Kenna walked in, spotted Ferguson and froze. But when Kevin slightly nodded, she took a deep breath and walked forward. She curtseyed to Kevin and then turned to curtsey to Laird MacNab.

  “I will have Charlet,” MacNab announce.

  Kenna put her hands behind her back and walked all the way around MacNab. “You are not the first and you will not be the last. Why should I choose you?”

  Ferguson’s mind was churning but his expression remained nondescript. Who was Charlet, he wondered.

  Laird MacNab smiled when Kenna came around to face him exposing two missing front teeth. “I offer all I have.”

  “Why? Do you want me for my beauty, for my young age, or to keep me from marrying an Englishman?”

  Just like all the other lairds, he was taken aback by her questioning. “You are ill-mannered.”

  Her ire was rising and she wasn’t acting. “I am not ill-mannered, I am exhausted. Everyone wants to marry me and none care what I want. I am not a cow you can give away, barter, or kill when you tire of me. I am a woman and I demand to be treated well.”

  Laird MacNab blinked twice and looked at Kevin. “This is Charlet, is it not?”

  “Aye,” Kevin answered.

  “She is not worth a war, is she? She is not even as bonnie as I have heard. I deny her!” He stormed out the door and slammed it behind him.

  Kenna was ready to collapse. “He is wrong; I am daft or soon will be. Kevin, I do not think I can do this much longer.”

  Kevin took her hand and urged her to sit down. “Kenna, Charlet has been shot. Three Englishman found her hiding place.”

  Tears instantly welled up in Kenna’s eyes. “Is she dead?” She didn’t notice when Ferguson sat down beside her.

  “We hope not. Her injury is to her arm and she is being moved. I know you feel put upon by our need to constantly use you, but what you do helps keep her safe. If I did not believe that, I would not ask it of you. 'Tis important to let the clans think Charlet is here.”

  Kenna was confused. “But the English know she is not and they are the ones trying to kill her.”

  “Aye, but at least she only has to hide from the English. We do not want her also plagued by every laird in the Highlands wanting to marry her.”

  Kenna took a deep breath and brushed away her tears. “You are right. I am sorry for my weakness and I will be strong again, I promise.”

  Ferguson finally spoke up. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I believe Kenna has agreed to take a walk with me. Perhaps it will do her good.”

  Kevin smiled and nodded his approval. “Take her toward the loch and keep her out of sight. We worry someone will try to take her.”

  “I would never let that happen.”

  She was upset and Shaw Ferguson just let her walk it out. He moved tree limbs out of her way and watched to be sure she wouldn’t fall, but he never said a word.

  Finally, Kenna felt like talking, “I am glad you were there. I was wondering how I would tell you. Charlet has red hair, but mine is yellow, that is if this red ever washes out.”

  “I will prefer you no matter what color your hair is. How many marriage proposals have you turned down?”

  “First there was an old lad, then a young one, a terribly thin lad, six more I hardly remembered and today, one with no teeth. I am beginning to see why they do not have wives. And they all say the same thing. She lowered her voice and tried to sound like a man, “I will have Charlet. They say it as though they demand their evening meal -- I will have mutton.”

  He chuckle, offered his hand and helped her step over a log. “You look tired, would you like to sit down for a while.”

  Kenna glanced at his face and remembered why she wanted to avoid his magnificent eyes. “I did not realize I was tired until just then. I should not have raised my voice to him.”

  “I think you were being very brave.”

  “I am not brave, I am terrified. If I offend one of them, as I nearly did today, I could start a war.”

  “Few men are stupid enough to go to war with the MacGreagor. Only my ill-tempered brother was that stupid. Why do the English want to kill Charlet?”

  “I do not know. I do hope she is alive. I once wanted all the attention lads pay her, but now I will be happy to tell her how miserable I am being her.”

  “Perhaps she will enjoy having someone who understands, but I would rather talk about our future. Did you know your uncle is my second in command? He is a good man, I think.”

  “He is a good lad.”

  “My people need a mistress and...”

  “Good heavens, I had not thought of that. I do not know how to be a mistress.” She started to pace. “I do not even know what one does. Anna smiles a lot, I know that much and she appreciates everything people do for her. She visits the lasses and loves the children, but...”

  He got up, walked around a tree and started to pace in the opposite direction, “I hardly know what a laird does. If I am too kind, people will not admire me, but if I am too harsh, they will hate me.”

  She stopped to stare at him. But when he smiled, she burst out laughing. “You are as daft as I am.”

  “We will make a good match.”

  They had ridden through the trees for a little more than an hour when Blair noticed something was wrong. Just as before, her legs were across one of his and his arm was around her waist. But the heat from her body was becoming alarming. When she slumped against him and started to shake, he halted his horse. “Are you cold?” He felt her nod. She was sitting on the extra plaid and he needed to move her, but he didn‘t want to waste any more time than necessary. Getting th
em both down and then up again would not help. He made her sit up straight. “Put your arms around my neck.”

  She hesitated to move her injured arm, but she did as he asked anyway. She felt weak, freezing cold and almost mournful; yet being so close to him gave her comfort. It was as though, for the first time in her life, she was right where she was supposed to be.

  Blair lifted her, pulled the plaid out, unfolded it and started to wrap it around her. But her cheek was next to his, she hadn’t released his neck and he couldn’t help himself. He put both his arms around her and held her tight. “We must go faster.” She nodded, but still didn’t let go. He closed his eyes and basked in the feel of her in his arms. He could have stayed like that forever, but he had to do something about her fever. Reluctantly, he wrapped her in the plaid, forced her to sit down and laid her head in the fold of his arm.

  Blair leaned down and softly kissed her lips. “Do not die, Charlet.”

  She softly mumbled, “Bridget.”

  Blair was frantic. He left the trees and rode his horse hard across clearings and up and down hillsides with Bridget practically lifeless in his arms. It was more than two hours before he finally saw what he was looking for and raced across a meadow toward a loch. As soon as he got close enough, he pulled the horse to a stop, put Bridget over his shoulder, and slid down. He took her to the shore, softly laid her down and then pulled off all her clothing. She was awake, he knew, but she was totally limp and didn’t resist. Next, he stripped himself down, lifted her back into his arms and hurried into the icy cold water.

  It was a shock to his body and he shivered, but she didn’t seem to notice. Her eyes were open, but she wasn’t looking at him and he wasn’t sure she was looking at anything at all. He waited for a full minute and then put his cheek to hers. She was still hot, so he kept her in the water longer, let her hair get wet up to her scalp and then put his cheek to hers again. She seemed to be cooling down a little. He noticed that her wound was bright red and swollen above the bandage, so he lowered her body deeper into the water so her arm would cool. When he let the water come up to her lower lip, she opened her mouth a little and drank. At least she could do that.