“Do not tire me with your lack of manners, Breena.” Her mother studied her face. “What can you possibly be crying about? You are to marry a young laird. You will be the mistress of his home. They are powerful.”
“Is that how you felt when you were sent here to marry? What about my father? Did you make the choice to leave him?”
Her mother paled. “I accepted my father’s decision. Your father was dead.”
“He died?” This was the first time her mother spoke of him. “What happened to him?”
She watched her mother straighten and look down at her. Something flickered in her normally cold gaze. “He died trying to come for me. Stupid of him. I would never go against my father’s wishes, even if I carried his child.”
“So you married Laird McGalen knowing you were pregnant with me?”
The fate of her brave father made her already burning eyes well up again. “How could you be so cruel? You must have cared for him to…”
“No, Breena. I did not care for him…I loved him. But I also understood I could never be a guardsman’s wife. To live in a hut somewhere would have been worse than death. I was young and impulsive and was lucky that McGalen, your stepfather, accepted me.”
Her mother went to the door. “Enough of this. Ensure you prepare to leave once again. You will be hand fasted to the young Douglas the day after he arrives.”
“What was his name?”
Her mother looked past her and Breena could see the inner struggle. How hard it was to speak his name. “Brenan.”
Breena gasped and covered her face with both hands. When she looked up, her mother was gone.
The next day, she stood atop the keep and looked across the land. It was a sunny day and she lifted her face to the sun. Just one more day and, once again, she’d be tied to a man. Funny how she’d probably not find herself in such a predicament if she were plain of face. Many had asked for her hand in marriage over the years since she came of age. Most were turned down as her father refused to give her a dowry.
Robertson had accepted a small dowry in exchange for her clan’s loyalty. The man didn’t need her small clan. She never understood why he’d wanted to marry her, other than the possibility of one day taking her father’s position. But unless the man planned to kill both her brothers, that was far-fetched. The man had been wealthy and her father was probably taken with that. No, he’d wanted her for his own demented reasons. To torture and punish.
In her heart, she was glad to have known love. To have lain with Aiden Stuart and to have felt the wonderful sensations that came from joining with someone she loved. If she never felt anything more than contentment with Douglas, she’d be grateful.
The acceptance made her feel lighter. It was best to accept that Aiden was in the past. A part of her to cherish. She would not be bitter and angry at the man for not standing up to Eoghan. No, she understood the need to keep peace. Her clan knew little else than clashes and war. It was a sad life.
The peace in Moriag was a treasure.
Horsemen approached from the west and she bowed her head and prayed. Seemed the Douglas came early.
An hour later, Breena entered the great hall to dine. She made her way to the high board, eyes downcast. Her father spoke. “This is Breena, who you come to inquire about.”
Two men were seated to her father’s left. Neither was familiar and she wondered which one of the two she was to marry. A male servant assisted her to sit next to the one closest to the end.
The man stood and helped her settle. He was about the same age as Aiden and she was astounded that his hair color was the same shade of red. She didn’t need that reminder. Quickly she looked around him to the other man. This one was older, with the same shade of hair color.
Her father met her gaze and his eyes narrowed. “Breena, these men are our neighbors to the west. They are from a neighboring clan. Laird Stuart comes to inquire as to whether I’d accept his nephew’s offer for marriage. It seems you are quite in demand these days.”
She felt her eyes round and she looked to the older man who smiled at her. “My nephew, Aiden, awaits your father’s reply. He cannot be here today.”
“As I said earlier, the Douglas has already asked,” her father interceded.
The Stuart did not lose his smile when he looked to her father. “Our clan is on friendly terms with Douglas. I am sure they will not stand in the way of a love match.”
“Love?” her father barked out in laughter. “This is ridiculous. My daughter, up until a few days ago, was hand fasted to Creag Robertson. I will not accept your request, Laird. But if you wish, I have another daughter for your nephew. I have a younger one who is without prospect at the moment.”
“I ask that you reconsider.”
“The Douglases are a large clan. They have power and can protect my smaller one. I cannot forgo such an alliance for the sake of love.” Her father’s words dripped with disdain.
Breena was not sure how to feel. Aiden loved her. The Stuart had said “love match”. But why was Aiden not there? She dared not ask for fear her father would anger. At the same time, she needed to know.
She leaned closer to the man beside her. “Are you a Stuart as well?”
“Aye. I am Innis Stuart, Laird Stuart’s son.” He motioned to the man beside him.
“Why could Aiden not come?” she whispered.
Innis turned to her. “He was injured on his journey here. Barely made it to our keep before falling from his horse.”
“What happened?” She could barely swallow from fear he could die.
“Robbers.” He must have seen the anxiety on her face. “He will recover. Will be prepared to come for you.” He let out a breath. “If your father accepts.”
“He won’t.” She lifted her cup to her lips, but then realizing she could not possibly swallow, put it back down. “Tell Aiden I love him as well and wish things were different.”
“You give up too easily.”
She looked into his eyes and was astounded to see they did not match in color. “You have his eyes.”
“I am older than he, therefore, he has mine.” The man chuckled and her father glared at them.
After the meal, Breena did her best to fight the ache in her heart. Could it be true that Aiden fought for her? For them?
She walked into her chamber and closed her eyes. God, what if she was with child? Would the babe suffer the same fate she did? To live with a father who hated the reminder that his wife had lain with another prior to him? She could not do it.
Rushing to her wardrobe, she grabbed a bag and shoved a dress and two shifts into it. Once that was completed, she added a pair of shoes and her jewelry, which wasn’t much.
After donning her heavy cloak, she went out and down the hallway toward the back of the keep. The back stairs were mainly used for the servants. She hoped not to run in to anyone who would ask questions.
The maids should be busy cleaning; the lads, the same. She hoped to make it as far as the side of the keep and to the stables to her horse. Guards would not expect anyone to be about, it was not dark yet. She stowed her bag under her cloak and moved slowly as if out for an evening stroll.
When she turned a corner, she let out a breath and eyed the distance to the stables. She looked to the sky. “Please, help me.”
Just as she took a step, a hand grabbed her arm. Breena gasped and turned. “Mother, what are you doing out here?”
“The better question is where do you think to go?”
Chapter Ten
Aiden sat tall in his saddle. His side still ached from the beating he’d taken. Damn robbers had gone off with his favorite sword. He was lucky to be alive as they’d only wanted money and upon hearing his cousin’s horses nearing, had left in a hurry.
When he neared the unfamiliar small cottage on the edge of the village, he braced, hoping it wasn’t a trap. He lowered to the ground and looked at his uncle and cousin. “Wait for me here.”
They both dismounted and stood beside th
eir steeds.
The door was not locked and he stepped into the dark interior. The small space was neat. Every item in its place. An older woman started and jumped to her feet. “Are you Aiden Stuart?”
“Aye.”
“You must go immediately. Make haste.” She looked over her shoulder and back to him. “Go.”
“Where is she?”
“I’m here, Aiden.” Breena came from a small adjoining room and rushed into his arms. His large palms cupped her face and Aiden kissed her. Her eyes shined with unshed tears. “You came for me.”
The days since he’d last seen her were like years. It was impossible to imagine a life without Breena. “I can’t live without you.”
“Even if it brings war to your land?”
“It will not.”
He brought her against him and lifted her face. “The Douglas has withdrawn his offer.”
He pulled her back outside and to the awaiting horses. “Come, we have much to discuss. Tonight, we will stay at my uncle’s home. Then we leave for Moriag in the morning.”
“I don’t understand.” Breena walked around the bedchamber that night, too nervous to relax. Having a hard time believing she was there with Aiden and that he’d come for her. “My mother helped me get to the cottage. She said someone would come for me there. I thought she meant the Douglas.”
“She sent a messenger to me.” Aiden wrapped his arms around her and held her against him. “The messenger said he’d already stopped at the Douglas keep and told them you were carrying my child and asked him to withdraw his offer of marriage.”
“She did that?” Breena pushed back. Why would her mother do all this behind her own husband’s back?
Aiden kissed her temple. “The Douglas wrote a missive withdrawing his offer of marriage and recommending your father accept mine.”
By the time my uncle arrived at your family’s keep, your father was furious, but he agreed. “I didn’t get a dowry for you, I’m afraid.” He kissed her again. “Which means you’ll have to repay me in other ways.”
“Such as?” She looked into the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen. They were full of love for her and darkening quickly with passion.
“By becoming my wife, giving me many children and loving me always.”
“That, my laird, will be easy to do.”
She rose to her toes and kissed his lips. “I love you, Aiden Stuart.”
He lifted her and walked toward the bed. “And tonight, I intend to show you how much I love you, too.”
Epilogue
Moriag three months later
“Come in.” Breena put down her sewing at the sound of knocking on the sitting room door. She gasped in surprise when her mother entered. “Mother? You came.”
Her new maid, Bess, entered behind. “May I bring something to drink?”
“Yes, please.” Breena stood and went to her mother. “Come, sit, please. I didn’t know you were coming, else I would have asked Aiden to send guardsmen to escort you.”
“He did.” Her mother sat and looked at her. It surprised Breena when her mother’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I came at your betrothed’s request. He sent for me.”
“I am a lucky woman.”
“Aye, you are.” Her mother cupped her face. “You look so much like him.”
“My father?”
Her face softened. “Yes. He was so very handsome.”
“A good man?”
Her mother nodded. “And brave, like you.”
“The wedding is in two days,” Breena said. “Is that why you are here?”
“Yes, and because I wanted to speak to you and try to explain many things.”
It was obvious her mother was tired, but Breena knew that unless she said what bothered her, she would refuse to lie down. “I understood much when you helped me escape and managed to find a way to get me out of marrying Douglas.”
“I do care for you, Breena. I know I never expressed it. When I realized how my husband lashed out at you when I paid you attention, I learned to keep my feelings hidden. He hates how much you look like your father. Brenan was bonnie, like you.”
“I wish to have met him.”
“You would have made him proud.” Her mother studied her. “Very proud.”
“I am glad you are here for the wedding.”
“As am I.” Her mother smiled and, for the first time in a long time, Breena imagined how beautiful she’d been as a young lass. “I wish you much happiness, Breena.”
“Thank you, Mother.” They embraced and tears slid down Breena’s cheeks. Even if her mother never said she loved her, in that moment, she felt treasured.
When they separated, she looked to the door. Aiden stood there, his warm gaze on them. His lips curved and her heart was lost to him forever. Someday, when they had a son or daughter, she’d ensure the child married for love. Because the feeling that flowed between them was beyond words, one she would ensure their children experienced.
He came to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. He turned and looked at Breena’s mother. “Lady McGalen, thank you for coming.”
“I appreciate your summons.” Her mother stood. “Now, I must seek my chamber. I am very tired. I wish to rest so that tomorrow I can help with any needed preparations for the wedding.”
Bess escorted her mother away and Aiden helped Breena to her feet. “I like to see you happy.”
“I am sure my life with you will bring me much happiness.” She leaned into him and laid her head on his chest. The steady beat of his heart assured her all was well.
They went to the balcony and watched the sun’s descent. Aiden lifted her face to him. “I cannot wait to be together tonight. Will you come to our bed?”
Breena laughed at his constant request. She’d moved into the adjoining chamber a week earlier. She planned to remain there until their wedding night.
He let out a long sigh. “It’s a silly custom, don’t you think?”
“A bit, yes.” Breena slid her hand down from his stomach to cover the bulge beneath his kilt. “A horrible custom.”
Aiden swallowed and inhaled sharply when her fingers wrapped around his hardness. “What are you doing?”
“I’m taking you here.” She lowered and watched his eyes widen with realization.
He lifted a brow. “Is this to be a new custom then?”
Instead of a reply, she ran the tip of her tongue around the tip of his cock and slid him into her mouth.
“I—I take that as a yes…”
The Laird’s Daughter
Chapter One
“I want you to be my first,” the pretty lass said, batting her eyelashes at Ian McRainey and leaning forward so he could look down her bodice. Her breasts already halfway spilling forth, just a bit of the pink circles peeked. “Come with me, just over behind the shed. It’s private there.” With amazing strength, she wrapped her arms about his waist and yanked him against her. “Ye are the most handsome man, I’ve ever seen. That you would be my first would be a dream come true.” Her breathless words set him into a panic and he searched for the right words.
How he got into the situation evaded him. On his way to the stables, he’d been deep in thought and meandered for a bit toward a nearby creek. He’d stood but a few moments watching the rippling clear water when the lass, Gertrude, if he remembered correctly, appeared. He’d noticed her plenty of times as she’d always served him when he and Laird Gordon came to visit the McNeils. He’d always been cordial when she flirted and had never led her to believe he was romantically interested as far as he knew.
The lass peered up at him. “Ian? Why do you hesitate? Is something amiss?”
“You are a beautiful lass, but I cannot accept your generous offer. I am not one to deflower a virgin, even one so sweet and tempting.” He attempted to disengage from her hold, but the girl did not budge. She blinked rapidly as if to keep from crying and he cringed. One thing he could not be indifferent to was a crying woman.
“Gertrude, release Mister McRainey and see to your duties.” A smooth voice snapped the maid’s attention from him and she quickly released him. Ian let out a breath of relief when the lass took a step back and sulked before walking away. Gertrude was gracious enough to nod her head to her lady when passing by the young mistress.
“I thank you,” Ian said, brushing at his tunic. “She was quite amorous I’m afraid.”
Elsbeth McNeil’s expression was impassive. “You must have done something to garner her attention. I do not believe a woman would be so adamant in her pursuit unless feeling sure of the outcome.”
It was probably useless to argue the fact. Although Elsbeth’s opinion of him mattered, he doubted she’d believe he’d never encouraged Gertrude’s advances. “Would you believe me if I told you I have not, in fact, done anything to give her such ideas?”
Elsbeth let out a sigh without comment. Her clear blue eyes took him in for a few moments before moving toward the creek. Dressed in a gown that matched her eyes with her hair swept up with the same color ribbons, she was a beautiful sight. Her elegant neck took his attention as she looked away, seeming to ponder her words before speaking. Finally, when she looked to him, her lips quivered with mirth. “You looked quite uncomfortable. I find it interesting as I am sure many a willing wench approach you regularly.” It was true, but Gertrude’s request was something new.
She slipped her arm through his and they walked toward the water’s edge. Ian sensed it was not coincidence she’d come to seek him.
He shook his head. “A man is allowed his secrets, but I will say the tales that I am a willing participant in many a tryst are greatly exaggerated.”
That she looked pleased at his remark lightened his chest though he pushed the feeling away. Elsbeth McNeil was out of reach for him romantically. She was the laird’s daughter and her father, although a kind and fair man, had made it abundantly clear that only a titled man could aspire for Elsbeth’s hand.
Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series Page 21