by Deb Kemper
She said a short prayer and counted the kindnesses of this dear old one who helped her birth her children. “Who could ever replace you, Granny? Your knowledge has hardly been passed on and you had years left to birth and keep life in our world.” She smoothed her hand over the raggedy grey hair and closed her eyes. “Ah, but you’re a beauty now, and you dance with angels.”
Garth returned and checked the wagon. The mules’ harness was tangled, but once righted, all was well. The men loaded trunks onto the bed of the wagon. Next, Garth set about designing a stretcher. In less than an hour they were prepared to transport Mr. Douglas and Granny Mae’s body to the castle.
Everyone spent a few moments on the ground. Mallow nearly fainted, at the sight of Granny’s body.
Amalie held her shoulders. “Be strong, Mallow, the young ones are very sensitive to your feelings.”
Mallow looked up, tears in her eyes. “But, Mam, she helped me save Isaac. She was gonna teach me how to….”
Amalie turned her daughter’s face toward hers. “Shush, there’ll be time for mourning, but it is not this moment.”
Lady Mackintosh glanced up, at the sudden commotion. A dozen men road upon them and the fight for their lives began.
Chapter 44
Amalie released Mallow and they each made for the coach, sweeping Jessie and Seth inside. Amalie pushed Ewan and Jessie under a seat. The toddler wailed and struggled.
Mallow snagged Isaac and stuffed him under the opposite seat with Seth. She grabbed Imogen, from nurse and lay the infant beside her brother. Ceidra screamed Seth’s name. He attempted to roll from under the seat.
Mallow stopped him. “Stay there! I’ll fetch yer mam.” She opened the door opposite of Amalie.
Her mam shrieked. “Mallow, no!”
She called without turning. “I’ll be back.” She rounded the coach and grasped Ceidra’s shoulders. “Into the coach, quickly.” She spun Ceidra toward the door, ran to the back of the caravan, and slipped into the carriage.
She looked up at Gerty, pale as a ghost. “It’s alright, Gerty. I can protect us both.”
The carriage door flung open, to a hooded man. He reached inside and made a grab at Gerty. Mallow kicked him squarely in the jaw and unsheathed her dirk. The man made another try, grabbing at her. She drove the dirk into his throat, removed it, and kicked him clear of the carriage.
Before she could close the door, another man grabbed her arm and pulled her to the ground. She clung to her dirk with all her strength, until he forced her hand down and stepped on it. She passed out from the pain.
Garth and Collin fought on either side of the coach.
Amalie and Ceidra kept the children sheltered with their bodies.
Gerty screamed when she saw the hooded man sling Mallow over his shoulder and head for the forest.
A pause fell over the combatants. Garth looked that way in time to see Mallow, hanging limply over a hooded man’s shoulder, her arms dangling to his knees. He glanced back, in time to stop a blade with his claymore. He dispatched the attacker and spun to another. That man fell to The Mackintosh’ sword. He scanned the battlefield to see the remainder flee into the forest.
He yelled, “Collin?”
“Aye!” The champion hollered.
“They have Mallow. I have to go fetch her.” Garth leaned forward, hands on his knees.
The coach door opened to Amalie. She stepped down, scouting for adversaries. Collin rounded the rear of the coach, with a long stride. He inhaled deeply to catch his breath.
“I’m the champion, sire. I shall rescue Mallow.” He peered into the coach and saw his wife. He heaved a sigh of relief when Seth’s head popped up, beside his mam. Young Jeremy, a year old, wailed, joining the chorus led by Ewan and Imogen. “My family’s safe. Give me a moment to fetch weapons and I’ll be right behind them.”
Garth nodded. “Are ye sure?”
“Aye, I’m far better than ye, at this. Look at all the practice I’ve had rescuin’ ye.” Collin trotted to the carriage and opened the door to face Gerty, armed with her dirk. His hands were in the air. “Nay, lass, I’m wi’ ye.”
Gerty dropped her weapon and began to cry.
Collin patted her knee, before reaching underneath the seat opposite for his bow and arrows. He took a moment to reload his pistols and replaced them in his belt. He checked his claymore, dirk, and two sghian dubhs before returning to Garth. “Do I bring back anyone else?”
Garth grimaced and roared. “I’ll have MacGregor’s head!”
“Aye, tha’s what I was askin’.” Collin whistled for Coot. He tied a rifle to his saddle.
“Be cautious, Collin. They’ll not likely let ye walk up on them again.”
Collin turned an amused glance to his laird. “I’m always cautious. I’ll bring back yer lass, but I may have to make another trip fer The MacGregor’s head.” He swung into the saddle. “Guard the love of my life with all ye have, sir.” He bent low over Coot’s neck and tapped his sides.
Garth surveyed the damage. Millie lay over her husband’s body. He thought they were both dead until she looked up. She glanced down at Mr. Douglas, his head still in her lap.
She dabbed her weathered face, with her aparan, and mumbled. “He’s gone, sir.”
Amalie dashed to her side and lowered herself to the ground. “I’m so sorry, Millie.” She gently moved Millie’s hands from her beloved and shifted his head to a kertch she laid beneath him.
Millie wept. She rocked and keened until her voice was gone.
Amalie held her, weeping with her, as she recalled the night she thought Garth dead and Millie’s care of her. “Oh, sweet Mother, I’m so sorry.”
****
Jeremy Collin followed tracks, left by the attackers. Mallow wouldn’t slow them much, but it was evident which horse carried her and the man who grabbed her. Collin continued on that trail.
He can turn off anytime and take advantage of her innocence. I’ll have more than MacGregor’s head, if the heathen lays a hand below her skirt. He’ll not make sport of The future Mackintosh. He kept his mind clear and his gaze fixed. After dark, a campfire would lead him directly to their position. God, give them brash confidence they’ve eluded us.
A thicket ahead trembled with life. Coot snorted and shook his great head, sidestepping the hedge. Collin patted his flanks and urged him on. As they neared the east side of the brambles, a covey of more than two dozen Red-legged Partridge flew from their hiding place in a great cloud, shrieking. Coot shied and reversed at a trot. Collin held on and spoke gently to calm the beast’s fear and his own racing heart.
He pressed Coot forward again, picking up the trail of the man who held Mallow captive. They moved at a steady pace, to the edge of a glen. Before the duo lay miles of hills and vales covered with grass and wildflowers. Collin studied the lay of the land through his spyglass, for a moment, and picked out a line of riders moving south, away from him. That’d be them.
It began to rain.
Chapter 45
Garth paced the floor of his study, a tankard of mead in hand. Amalie tapped at the door and entered before he summoned her.
She waited just inside. “Supper is ready, sir. The children await you.”
“I don’t think I can eat a thing, my heart.”
“Still, you must try. Mallow is well, in Collin’s care, as she surely must nearly be, at this time.” She glanced at the grandfather clock as it sounded seven chimes. “Daniel and Larena join us to dine. Please make the effort.” She turned and left, without a sound.
Garth heaved a sigh and knocked back the mead. “Mi’ as well go to table. Doing her no damn good here.” He left for the dining room.
All rose at his entry, but his wife. When he sat, everyone retook their seats and Amalie patted his arm. Millie sat on her right, so Amalie could keep a hand on her.
Rose, who governed the kitchen during Millie’s absence, retained the position. She entered the room, bearing the soup and made rounds.
The children, Ceidra, and the Macgillivrays struggled to make small talk, while no sound came from the leading end of table.
Finally, Jessie ventured to voice her worry. “Mam, do ye think Collin’s reached Mallow yet?”
Amalie nodded. “I imagine so.” She smiled and took another spoonful of soup. To swallow was agony.
Jessie turned to Ceidra. “Do ye worry when Collin’s away like this, even though he’s…well, an expert?”
Ceidra turned a quiet smile on Jessie. “Aye, but I ken he’s verra good at saving those we love from harm.”
Jessie nodded and took a spoon of soup. “Lady Larena, how do ye find our home as a place to rest and recovery?”
Amalie glanced at Jessica, waiting for Larena’s answer. She’s practicing decorum. I’ve been sorely remiss in teaching her a lady’s ways. I must amend my errors.
Larena recognized Jessie’s ploy and participated. “I find it peaceful and lovely, Jessica. How do ye find Moy Hall, pet? Was it grand?”
“Aye, verra grand and a bit cold. I love the castle all the more fer our visit, though. I think I shan’t be anxious to return.” She took a spoonful of the soup.
Daniel addressed the laird. “Garth, we can send men out, if it’ll relieve yer mind.”
Garth looked up at his old friend. “Collin may not take the road, especially if he has,” he glanced round the table at the children, “company. He’ll pick his way back through the countryside. It’s impossible to figger his route.”
“Do ye think he shan’t need assistance then?” Daniel persisted.
“He has Coot. The two of ’em are as good as a ten man posse.” Garth lifted the soup bowl and drained it, replacing it on the table.
Daniel chuckled. “True, that.”
****
Garth paced his study, while Amalie and Millie sat quietly, before the fire.
“I sent a message to Matilda straight away. The courier should arrive at The Campbell’s within the hour if he hasn’t been detained.” Amalie kept a soft touch on her chatelaine’s arm.
Millie met her eyes. “Ye think Campbell’s mixin’ with The MacGregor will make it hard fer her to come?”
Amalie gripped Millie’s hand. “I think not. This battle by proxy should not extend to the entire house.”
Millie managed a smile. “Ye mean the servants. She’d slip away withou’ askin’, if it’s a problem. Mayhap she’ll bring the family.”
Garth stopped to listen to the exchange. “If so, they’re welcome to stay. Don’t worry, Millie. Quentin’s cottage lies empty. I’ll send Glenn, with help, to clean and prepare it fer yer family.” He opened the heavy oak door and proceeded to search out the young man.
Millie looked up at Amalie. “I’m weary, lass. I think I’ll go to bed, in our room here. I haven’t the heart to go home.”
Amalie nodded. “I’ll walk up with you. I need to check on the twins. It’s almost time to feed them again.”
Millie smiled sadly. “I’m glad ye’re of hearty stock and take care of yer bairns. Too many of these lairds marry high ladies who die in childbirth or can’t bear the thought of their tits, in a babe’s mouth.” She stood, taking a moment to get her bearings. “God made us the way He did fer a reason. Did I tell ye how much I enjoyed yer mam?”
Amalie stood with Millie. “A time or two.”
“She’s a darlin’, that one.” Millie reached for Amalie’s hand. Together they headed for the stairs. “I see where ye got all yer fine learnin’. Aye, ye hail from good stock, milady.”
“Thank you, Millie. It was so good to see them, even though we had to be at Moy Hall.”
“Aye, it’s a grand house but….”
“I prefer the castle too.” Amalie smiled until they passed the nursery. Her heart twisted. Adonai, bring our girl home safely, please!
Millie paused. “I ken what yer thinkin’.” She glanced at Amalie. “Our girl shou’ be in there readin’ stories to Ewan.”
“I’ll come up and let ye know when Collin arrives. You rest.” Amalie left Millie for the nursery, feeling a cold shadow move over her, as she walked through the door.
Imogen wailed.
Chapter 46
Mallow watched sparks from the campfire float straight up, into the treetops, and recalled a late picnic her family took to the glen. They built a bonfire and marveled at a shower of shooting stars. Collin and Ceidra were there. Jessie and Seth danced around the fire, hand-in-hand, like sprites or fairies. The stars flashed through the sky quicker than she could make a wish on one.
“Have ye any idea who I am?” Mallow cradled her broken fingers and glared across the fire at the man who took her from the carriage. Hemp bound her wrists.
“Aye, ye’re the Mackintosh brat.” The man sipped coffee from a tin cup.
“Nay, ye’re mistaken there, man. I’m but a maid servant. Ye got the wrong girl, the other in the buggy, wi’ the blonde ’air. Tha’s the one ye want.”
He grinned ruefully. “Ye were pointed out by MacGregor himself, lass.”
She studied her surroundings. Her hand throbbed. She watched the kidnapper pour liquid into his coffee. “Might I have a bit o’ tha’?”
Brows raised, he hoisted the bottle. “Ye wan’ whisky?”
“Aye, are ye deaf?”
“Nay, but ye’ll have to ask nicely.” He left his seat on a rock and approached her.
“Might I have a bit of whisky, please sir?” She watched him approach and knew there was nothing she could do to stop him, should he decide to have his way with her. She spotted a blanket behind him, when he stood. “Might I also have a blanket for my shoulders, please sir?”
He turned back for the blanket, away from the fire.
Wssht. An arrow protruded from his ear. He fell behind the rock he’d been sitting upon. Movement in the wood mixed with shadows, as the wind gusted. A blanket covered the guard’s body and he lay on his side. In a moment, the shadow was out of sight.
Mallow looked away from the direction the arrow originated. “Sir, oh, sir!” She called loudly.
Another man appeared. “Wha’?” He acted half drunk.
“Sir, coul’ ye please fetch me a drink of water?”
The man glanced round, then back at her. “Where’s Willie?”
“Asleep already, the lazy oaf.” She strove to keep from turning towards Collin’s position.
“Ah, alright.” He started her way, with a dipper from a nearby bucket. She reached for the dipper.
Wssht. The bodkin-spiked arrow lodged in his forehead. He stood tall for a full minute, before he fell face forward, driving the arrow out the back of his head.
She looked away and gagged.
Collin eased up behind her, whispering so as not to startle her. “Mallow, ’tis Collin, are there more?” He grasped the dead man’s shoulders and pulled him into the edge of the brush.
She turned her face from the camp and nodded. She whispered, “Three, mayhap four.”
“Stay calm, lass.” He melted into the dark shadows of the woods.
She waited.
****
Jessica lay awake listening to the children in the next room. She’d moved into the larger separate room, a few days before they left for Moy Hall. The wind whistled through the cracks around her windows, covered with heavy velvet curtains. She shivered.
Please, God, take care of Mallow. Tears flowed. Take care of Collin. Give him a steady hand and a strong heart to do wha’ he must to bring my sister home.
Her door opened, the light from the hall casting a sliver of gold across her bed. She smiled. “Come in, Mam. I’m not asleep.”
Amalie eased in and sat on the side of Jessie’s bed. “Will you be alright here, Jessie?” She smoothed her quilt over her torso and pulled it closer to Jessie’s chin.
“Aye, Mam.”
“Thank y
ou for carrying the conversation tonight, at supper. You’re becoming such a young lady. We’ll get to Mrs. Grant’s and get you fitted for more proper dress. I’ve been preoccupied with all the goings on and failed to take notice of how quickly you’ve grown.” Amalie brushed Jessie’s silky blonde hair away from her face.
“I have, ye ken. Nurse says I’m almost out of my underwear.” Jessie smiled for a moment then remembered Mallow. “Mam, is Da verra sad?”
“He’s concerned, darlin’. We all are. Have you prayed for Mallow tonight?”
“Aye. I wish I could do more.”
Amalie sighed and smiled. “The greatest power belongs to our God and our greatest power comes from praying to Him for His will to be done. May it be so in all our lives.” She kissed Jessie’s forehead. “Are you plenty warm?”
“Aye. Thank ye fer comin’ to see abou’ me. I missed ye.” She turned over.
****
Garth, propped in his chair, drained another tankard of mead, staring into the fire. Amalie crept in and placed both hands on his shoulders. She massaged the tense muscles. She kissed the top of his head and took her seat beside him.
“Get Millie to bed?” He glanced toward her.
“Aye, came to work on you.”
“Nay, my heart. I’ll wait here fer Collin.” He sighed. “Ye go on up and rest.”
“Nay, husband. I’ll wait with you.” She pulled a short stool around and propped her feet, lay her head back on the chair, and dozed.
****
Collin crept along the outside of the camp, cautious of guards. He found two at the outer edge of the glen. He stopped to observe three men in camp. None were The MacGregor. He retreated a short way out and circled back to Mallow.
She conversed, as though talking to her guard. The fire burned down, leaving her at the edge of darkness. When she heard movement behind her, she froze.
Collin whispered, “I’ll cut ye loose now, lass. Turn a bit this way.”
She complied, without a word. He sliced through the binding on her wrists.