Three hours later they were wed. Connall proudly announced her to his men who all swore fealty to her without hesitation. She saw no condemnation in their faces as she had in her own clan. They openly welcomed her.
Their wedding feast was measly compared to most. Connall was irate with her uncle over the fare. Considering the gold coin, he could have provided better. He leaned toward his bride offering her a morsel of meat. She shook her head.
He frowned. “Ye should eat, Brighde. We depart at the nooning.”
Her brows shot up. “This day? I thought ye wished to let Amy rest before traveling on.”
“I have changed my mind. We are half a day’s ride from Inverness. We will rest there. Twill give me a chance to find proper clothing for ye both before we travel north.” He could not tell her that he wanted distance from the stench of the place.
She studied her new husband for a moment. She could not deny that she found him desirable…what woman would not? But the way that he had acquired her hand did not sit well. Why had he not just asked for her hand? She might have said yes…after they became better acquainted. Her ire rose as she glimpsed her uncle smirking at her. Why was he acting so strange?
“My lord, the hour grows late. I will prepare Amy for the ride if ye will excuse me.”
“Aye. We will depart within the hour, wife.”
* * *
Stephen scowled at Angus from across the hall, gulping down several mugs of ale. His eye darted to the newlyweds. It should have been him sitting beside her. Her uncle had promised! He observed Brighde keenly as she rose and left the hall. He started to rise, then caught Blacksword’s attention on him. The look was one of severe retribution if he approached the lady. He sat heavily. He was in no condition to do anything at the moment. But later…
By gloaming, Stephen had sobered considerably. Hands fisted, he approached Angus in his study.
“Ye said she was to be mine!” he roared inches from her uncle’s face. “Tell me why I should let ye live after ye played me for a fool!”
The stench of fear oozed from his sweaty pores as his mind raced for a way to placate the young laird. Mayhap, involving Stephen had been a mistake. Angus cleared his throat uneasily.
“Let us nae be hasty, Ross. Ye will still have my niece if ye wish it.”
Suspicion crept into his eyes as they narrowed on the portly man. “What do ye have in mind, Fraser?”
“Only that if ye want her…take her. Ye appear capable of killing the Earl and wedding her yourself. Or make her your leman. Makes nae difference to me. All ye need do is pay the two hundred gold coins upon which we originally agreed.”
His head whipped around, black with rage. “Why should I pay ye any gold? She is damaged goods now!”
Angus stood his ground as his eyes narrowed shrewdly. “Damaged or nae, she is still Brighde Fraser, heir to these lands through her child. That makes her valuable.” He shrugged. “If ye do nae pay, then I will cry foul to the king and welcome her home. I am sure to find someone else to purchase her.”
Stephen scowled. He knew he would do what he said. The man had no scruples. With a curt nod he growled, “Draw up the papers. I will have my man give ye fifty gold coins for now. I will pay the balance when the deed is done.” Aye…I will pay him alright. I will lop off his head and retrieve my fifty gold coins plus the four hundred that Blacksword paid. The lands and the wench will be but a bonus. Smiling, Ross departed to issue orders to his men.
* * *
Brighde had remained silent on the short trek to Inverness while she attempted to sort out the events of the last day. Was it just yester morn that she had informed Angus that she would not wed Stephen? How is it that the same eve she slept with this stranger? Her face flushed with mortification as she began recalling the events of the prior eve. Was she so fickle? She had not believed so. She sighed deeply. Mayhap I am simply wanton. Her eyes widened as another possibility crossed her thoughts. Was I drugged? The wine had tasted a bit off last eve. Her aqua eyes hardened as they darted to the dark Earl ahead of her. If it be true, then, Canmore has nae honor at all! Would he go so far just to get what he desires? Aye, mayhap. She would need to give this more thought before condemning the man. Brighde pulled her cloak more tightly about her in an attempt to cut off the cold bite of the winds whipping about them.
Amy slept in Connall’s arms, wrapped snugly in the cocoon of his plaid. He gazed softly at her angelic face. Who would have thought that he would gain a family in one day’s time? Not him, for certain. He glanced back at his silent wife. She had not spoken a single word since they departed. He was curious of her thoughts. Did she suspect that her wine had been drugged? They would need to speak of this soon. Connall did not approve of deceit. He silently vowed to explain all when they docked in Wick.
The grey sky began to spit snow in sparse flurries just as they entered Inverness. Connall’s man, Ian, met him at the entrance to the small inn as they halted just outside.
Ian was a bit surprised to see Brighde in the entourage and glanced at the Earl.
“My Lord, I have nae made arrangements for the lady. I was nae informed that she would be traveling with ye.”
Eyes showing signs of weariness turned to him. His wound had been fretting him all the way there. He gestured dismissively.
“Do nae fash yourself, Ian. I was nae certain of it till this morn myself. Introduce yourself to your new Countess and assist her dismount, if ye please. Did ye acquire a suitable vessel?”
Ian’s mouth fell open for a moment, then snapped shut. The Earl was a fortunate man, indeed. He bobbed his head before answering. “Aye, my lord. We leave on the morning tide two days hence.”
“Good. The sooner we are quit of this place…the better. Locate a seamstress to come to my room on the morrow. Find one who may have attire for the lass and lady that is already made. My lady needs a warmer cloak for the journey. Ask the same of a cobbler.”
“Aye, my lord.” Fergus strode up as Ian went to assist Brighde and relinquished Connall of his ward. He dismounted stiffly, wincing briefly in pain. The young squire caught a glimpse of his side as he did so.
“My Lord Earl, your wound still weeps. This travel is nae good. Twill nae heal if ye do nae rest.”
Connall swore under his breath. He knew that his squire was right. Damn the man who thought to shoot him in the back with his crossbow! Twas the only thing that could pierce his armor. He had survived two years of the king’s service to be wounded a day before they departed. His eyes appeared feverish as he peered at Fergus.
“Very well. Send Robbie to attend me after we are settled.”
Pleased, Fergus gave a lop-sided grin. “Aye, my lord.”
* * *
Chapter V
* * *
By the time Amy had been washed and fed, Connall’s entire left side was inflamed. Brighde was awaiting his departure before she prepared for bed. She was adamant that he would not touch her again.
“Tis a nice room, my lord. I thank ye for seeing to my comfort. Do ye have your own bed or do ye sleep with your men?”
He smiled wickedly. “Aye…I have my own bed, wife.” He looked pointedly at the large bed dominating the chamber.
“Nay! I will nae share a bed with a dishonorable man! Ye will have to sleep elsewhere.”
Connall shook his head in denial. “My wife sleeps with me.”
She clamped her mouth shut as Amy crawled into his lap. She did not wish to argue in front of the bairn.. She heard him gasp sharply in pain as the child accidently bumped his side. Brighde’s head jerked up He is injured! Robbie arrived a moment later with healing tools.
Brighde took charge of the lass, coaxing her to lie down on the pallet. Meanwhile, Robbie had stripped off Connall’s shirt, exposing his swollen red side.
Robbie glared at him in anger. “Damn it, Connall! Why did ye nae tell me it was this bad?”
“It was nae until this day.”
Brighde gasped in horror as she peered
at the angry wound. “Lie down on your stomach, husband. The wound needs to be cleaned.”
He gave her a speculative look. “Ye have tended such wounds before?”
She nodded. “Aye. My father was injured from time to time. It has reddened because there is something still in there. Twill be painful but it must be removed…if ye trust me with a dirk.”
He rolled over to allow her ministrations. She had Robbie heat the blade to purify it while she prodded the injured area, searching for foreign objects.
“Aha! There it be.” Robbie handed her the cooled-down blade. Connall grit his teeth as the blade sliced open his wound, releasing a small torrent of blood and pus. With the tip of the dirk she worked out a small sliver of metal then rinsed the wound with uisge beatha. Connall hissed at the burn.
“Are ye done torturing me, wife?” His voice was hoarse. She smiled.
“Almost, Husband. The wound needs to be closed now.” She handed the dirk back to Robbie to reheat.
After what he had just endured, a few stitches would be a breeze. He felt Robbie put his hands on his shoulders to hold him still as Brighde cauterized the wound. He swore an oath and passed out.
His captain gave her an appreciative smile. She had spunk. That was good, she would need it in the days to come. She applied the salve he handed to her on the closed wound to ease the burning. Once it was bandaged, she asked Robbie what happened.
“Some vile low-life shot him in the back with a bolt! We never discovered who it was. Connall just wished to go home. He has had enough of killing.”
“I see. Thank ye for your aide, Robbie. Good eve.”
He bowed and gathering the medical supplies, departed for his own bed.
Brighde examined her options for bed. She glanced at Amy sleeping soundly on the pallet. Bedding down with her was certainly an alternative, but she was confident that Connall would remove her if he discovered her there. Shaking her head with a sigh, Brighde stripped down to her chemise and crawled under the covers. At least he is too injured to demand his rights this eve. Besides, I do nae believe he would do so in front of the bairn. Slowly, her body relaxed as her breathing evened out until she finally slept.
Connall rolled on his side, gently pulling her into his arms so as not to wake her. Brighde sighed softly, snuggling deeper into the warmth of his embrace. A hint of heather teased his senses as thoughts of the previous eve crossed his mind. His shaft stirred. There would not be a repeat this eve. He was too sore and was certain that she would be, as well. Never mind the fact that she probably hates him. It was worth it. At least she is safe now. Connall kissed her brow tenderly then drifted off to sleep.
“Da,” came a whisper in his ear. Thinking it a dream, he ignored it. “Da?” There it was again, a bit louder. Pressure from a tiny hand pushed at his shoulder. “Da, are ye asleep?”
As his eyes blinked open slowly, he was startled to discover blue eyes staring into his from less than a foot from his face. He smiled at his ward warmly. “Why are ye about so early this morn, Poppit?”
She grinned widely at the endearment and hopped on the bed. Brighde stirred at the movement, coming slowly awake.
“I got powerful hungry waiting for ye to wake. Can we eat now, Da?” Connall glanced toward the window noting that the sun had already risen. He never slept this late! It must be the result of his injury. Peering at his wife’s sleeping face, his heart warmed. This is what he had missed all these years…family. A sense of peace settled on his heart as he turned to the waif. Giving her a hug, he nodded.
“Let us be quiet though, lass, so we do nae wake my lady. She be very tired.” Amy giggled into her hand, nodding.
A short time later, after he had dressed, he attempted to clothe the wriggling lass. Twas not an easy task. Her arms became tangled in the long sleeves of the over-sized gown as they struggled together. Attempting to locate her head, he pulled back the collar and peeked in. “Are ye in there, Poppit? Or has the gown devoured ye while I was nae looking?”
Amy looked up with shining eyes as she laughed. “Do nae be silly, Da. Clothing does nae eat people…does it?” An uncertain glance crossed her face.
He righted the dress, grinning back at her. “Do nae fret, lass. I only tease ye.” He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Now let us find out if I can manage your hair.” As he gently worked the tangles from her fiery red hair he heard a scratching at the door. His eyes darted to the bed to assure that Brighde was covered, then he gave entrance to Fergus and the innkeeper that was laden with food.
Amy became quite animated as the delicious aromas attacked her senses. She bounced over to the table to see what they had brought. “Look, Da…real meat!” She clapped her hands excitedly.
A look of pity appeared on Fergus’ countenance. To think what that poor child has endured. Connall caught his eye giving him a warning look to say naught. Amy was happy this day. He would not have it spoiled. Nodding his thanks, they departed.
“Perhaps we should wake my lady before the fare grows cold. What think ye, Poppit?”
Eyes big as saucers, she nodded. “Da?”
“Hmmm?”
“Do ye think she would care if I call her Mama? Since ye are Da, and she is your lady, that makes her Mama…does nae it?” She plopped her thumb in her mouth. A habit he had noticed when she was uncertain.
Placing a large hand on her shoulder, he glanced at Brighde. Misty aqua eyes stared back as she nodded agreement. She had been awake for some time but did not let on so that she could observe their interaction. She was pleased with what she had seen and heard so far. The man puzzled her. How could he dishonor her, and yet, be honorable in all other matters? It made no sense.
Connall leaned over and murmured in Amy’s ear. “I have my suspicions, Poppit, that my lady would be honored to have ye call her Mama.” She gave him a big hug, then ran to the bed shouting, “Mama!”
Brighde received her embrace good-naturedly as a single tear escaped. She swiftly swiped it away. “I smell something delicious in the room. What ever could it be?” Her eyes twinkled.
Amy puffed up as the bearer of important news. “Tis meat, Mama! Real meat! Hurry afore it grows cold.” She tugged on her hand with urgency.
“Come, Amy, and I shall prepare ye a trencher while your mama dresses.” She instantly released her, hurrying to her seat at the table. Brighde dressed quickly and soon joined them.
After the meal, a parade of tradesmen and seamstresses visited their chambers until they had acquired warmer clothing and boots for traveling. That eve they ate in the main room so Amy could show off her new attire, darting from man to man, twirling about for them to admire her. She received scores of compliments and chuckles at her bubbling enthusiasm.
Brighde finally called a halt to her antics as the hour grew late. “Do I have to, Mama…Da?”
“Aye, Poppit. Listen to your mama. We rise early on the morrow for a sea voyage. Would ye like that?”
Her mouth dropped open. “Truly, Da? Oh, I would like that ever so much!” She bounced over and lay a big wet kiss on his bristled cheek.
Connall patted her back gently. “Good eve, then, lass. Ye will need your rest. I will be up soon.”
“Good eve, Da.” She took Brighde’s hand as they went toward their chamber. She waved to the warriors shouting, “Good eve, everybody!” There were many smiles and good cheer as she reminded the men of what they had to look forward to when they reach their destination.
Robbie sat down next to Connall. “She is a ray of sunshine after a long cold winter, that child. Ye are well blessed, my lord.”
“Aye. She gladdens my heart very much.”
* * *
The short voyage to Wick was uneventful. After settling his family at the inn, he supervised the unloading of the horses and equipment. Connall was anxious to get home before the snow flies and they would still need to go overland for the next six days. Raising his head he smelled the cold air for any hint of snow. There was naught yet…but six day
s was a long time.
“Do ye think the weather will hold?” Robbie brushed a brown lock of hair from his face. He worried for Brighde and Amy. It would not do for them to be caught in a storm.
Blacksword shook his head. They were already overdue for the first heavy snow. “If the good Lord be willing. We can only pray that it be so.” He faced Robbie, handing him a purse. “Replace the supplies that the men relinquished to the villagers. They will need them for the last leg of our journey.”
“Aye, Connall. I will see to it. Go now and spend some time with your bride. We can distract the wee lass for a time…if ye wish it.” He leered at him.
His cock stirred at the suggestion. Smiling, he replied, “I just might take ye up on your offer, Robbie.” His captain slapped him on the back and walked off laughing.
Brighde was uncommonly nervous this eve. She knew that her husband was healed enough to demand his rights. The thought sent heat in a rush through her veins. She desired him. There was no denying it. If only he had shown more integrity in acquiring her hand. Why had she been drugged? And who did it? Connall? She shook her head in confusion. From what she had learned of him, she had trouble believing it. But who else could it be?
Her eyes darted to the door as his muscular frame filled the opening. Emerald eyes smoldered with desire as he gazed at her sitting in the bed wearing a thin chemise. Her breasts rose and fell heavily as breathing became difficult. She clutched the covers tightly to her chest.
“Where is Amy, my lord?” Her voice trembled.
“She is playing warrior this eve and bunks with Robbie below.” Connall turned and bolted the door.
“Oh.” She swallowed nervously, mesmerized as he revealed muscle and sinew with each piece of clothing he removed. When he had only his trews left to remove, her eyes fixed on the large bulge concealed there. Her mind raced back to their first time together. “Will it hurt again?”
Tarnished Honor Page 3