Tarnished Honor

by J. Lee Coulter

  Connall paused mid-stride…his eyes softening. “Nay, wife. That only occurs the first time. This time will be all pleasure.”

  She glanced up to his face. “Is that why ye drugged me the first time? Because of the pain? Or was it because ye will nae be refused by anyone?”

  Connall was stunned at the accusation. Brighde thought that he drugged her? His spine stiffened in outrage! She had the audacity to accuse him of being so base-born…that he had no honor at all? His eyes turned black with fury.

  “I do nae need to use drugs to bed a woman!”

  “Ye did with me!” Her voice grew louder as her temper flared. “I tasted it in my wine that eve!”

  “This is what ye believe of me? That I deceived ye into becoming my Countess? Ye think that I have nae integrity? Most ladies would be thrilled at the prospect…the title…the wealth!” He bellowed in rage.

  “Oh! Ye think like every other man! Well, let me tell ye something, my lord! I am not most ladies! Titles and wealth mean naught to me! What are ye doing?” She asked as he retrieved his clothes.

  He turned cold eyes on her. “I am going somewhere else where my honor is nae besmirched so vilely! Ye are too perfect to be sullied by my unworthy touch!” The bed shook from the force of the slamming door.

  “Honor? What honor?” she screamed at the closed door before she broke down in tears.

  Connall stalked into the common room, where his men pretended to sleep. The entire inn had heard their argument. It was a small building. He sat on the floor before the hearth seething with rage when he felt a small pat on his back.

  “Are ye going to play warrior this eve, as well, Da?”

  Connall could not help but chuckle. “Aye, Poppit, it would appear so. I have fought the battle…now tis time to lick my wounds.” She squealed as he scooped her into his arms then stretched out beside her. “Time for sleep, lass.”

  “Aye, Da.”

  * * *

  Chapter VI

  * * *

  They began the final leg of their journey before dawn. Amy barely woke long enough to dress snuggly in her new clothing. Connall cocooned her in his plaid once he was mounted while Robbie assisted Brighde. They traveled at a steady pace till dawn, then sped up once there was enough light.

  Brighde was cold and heartsick. She knew that she should not have accused him of the drugging. It would have been wiser to ask if he knew of it. Insulting him at the start did not bode well for a congenial marriage. I will have to apologize to Connall. Whoever did the deed makes nae difference now. We be wed and that is that.

  Blacksword scowled. He was not pleased at how the eve had progressed. Instead of bedding his bride, he had slept with his men…when he slept. He had deliberately kept the argument short. It was not a discussion to have where so many ears could not help but overhear. He had meant to tell her all last eve, till she broached the subject in such an accusing manner. Let her think the worst! What do I care? But there lay the problem…he did care what she thought of him.

  They stopped to rest the horses, and eat, around midday. Brighde took Amy by the hand, leading her into the woods to relieve themselves. Connall followed at a distance to give them some privacy. Foolish wench! She should nae go traipsing off in the wood without escort! There are many dangerous beasts here. He snorted. His wife would probably scare them off with her temper. A grin touched his lips. Aye…he did admire her temper.

  His head shot up as he realized that the forest had gone quiet…too quiet. The stillness was deafening. Connall unsheathed his sword as he crept closer to the place where they had entered. He heard a deep growl and a small whimper from Amy. Peeking through the brush, he was surprised at the scene before him.

  The bairn was hiding behind Brighde’s skirts clinging to a squirming grey ball of fur while his wife faced down an angry wolf with nothing more than a tree limb in her grasp. He quickly assessed the situation, realizing what the child was holding.

  Stepping out slowly so he did not startle the beast into an attack, he murmured softly to them. “Do nae move, wife. She will attack if ye do. Poppit, put the pup down gently and release him.”

  Big blue eyes turned on him. “But Da, I saved him. He was all alone…like I was when ye saved me.”

  His heart melted. “And that is a good thing, lass. But he was merely lost from his mother, nae orphaned, and she wishes him back. If that had been what happened with ye, I would have returned ye to your mother. Tis the honorable thing to do.”

  She considered his words for a moment then released the pup. It ran straight to its mother and they slunk off into the woods. Connall breathed a sigh of relief, then ran to catch his bride as she fainted. He carried her back to their dry camp with Amy close on his heels.

  His men came to instant attention at the sight as he strode in. He barked a few orders then settled beneath a tree to tend her. “Fergus! See that Amy eats something. Robbie! Bring the uisge beatha!” He knelt in front of his ward. “Do nae fash yourself, Poppit. Your mama is fine. She merely fainted with fright. Dry your tears now and have Fergus feed ye. We must move on soon.”

  “Are ye certain, Da? Her face is all white.”

  He smiled. “Aye…I be certain. Run along now.” It occurred to him that Amy may fear that she would die like her parents. They had been pale, as well. A surge of anger at Angus flashed over him.

  Amy left with Fergus as Robbie arrived with the wineskin. “What happened, my lord?”

  Connall chuckled as he brought the skin to her lips. “Amy desired to save an orphaned wolf pup…its mother had other ideas. My fool wife stood between the two with naught more than a branch to fend her off! She swooned after I convinced the waif to release it and they left.”

  Robbie whistled low in amazement. “That took great courage!”

  “Aye. There are nae coward’s bones in this lass.” Brighde coughed as the liquid burned a path down her throat. Her eyes fluttered open. Her body began to tremble as shock settled in. Clinging to Connall’s cloak, a torrent of tears spilled over. “Shhh. Hush, love, ye are safe now. Twas a very foolish thing ye did but…twas very brave as well. Ye make me proud to call ye wife.” He stroked her sable tresses as she calmed.

  As he held her close in his arms she relished the sense of security that encompassed her senses. She was safe here. Regardless of the circumstances of their wedding, Brighde was certain that she could trust him. That this is where she belonged. Taking a deep breath, she absorbed his scent into memory. He smelled of the forest, earthy…solid.

  “Connall…please forgive me for the insult last eve. I was wrong to accuse ye of such a despicable act.” She gazed up at him. “I should have asked ye if ye kenned who had done it, instead.” Studying his face for guilt, she was satisfied to see none.

  His eyes softened to jade as her words touched his heart. “Aye, ye are forgiven, Brighde. I would be pleased if ye forgive my temper as well. I am nae accustomed to having my integrity questioned. I will try to curtail future outbursts.” He lifted her chin as he captured her lips with his own. Her arms wound around his neck as it deepened, scorching her with desire.

  “Da? Is mama all better now?” The Earl released her mouth with a look of vexation on his countenance. He sighed.

  “Aye, Poppit. She is much improved.” With remorse, he swiped Brighde’s lower pouty lip with his thumb. “Come wife. We must eat and be on our way.”

  * * *

  The weather had held for five days and they had made good time. We will be at Halkirk this eve. Finally, I will have some time alone with my bride. Connall had sent a rider ahead to alert the castle of their arrival. He glanced back at Brighde. Although she had not complained, it was clear that she was exhausted. He could not blame her. He had pushed hard to get home swiftly. His nostrils flared as he scented snow on the gusty wind assaulting them. This last day was certain to be difficult if the weather did not hold.

  Their good fortune gave out around midday. The blustery winds turned into a steady gale as th
e grey sky released thousands of white flakes mixed with ice. He swore an oath as he swung his steed about and handed Amy off to Robbie. He pulled up as he came astride his shivering wife.

  “Fergus, take my lady’s mount.” He had to shout to be heard over the forceful wind. His hands wrapped around her tiny waist, then lifted her to sit before him. Connall pulled her cloak snugly about her and then wrapped his plaid securely to cover both Brighde and himself. Black locks of hair slapped his face as he assured himself that she was covered properly. “Warmer, wife?” She nodded. Her chattering teeth would not allow speech. He grunted…satisfied, and continued westward into the wind.

  Within an hour they had lost sight of the path completely. The snow fell so hard that the men barely saw the horse before them. Robbie had two men go the length of their entourage, tying the horses to the tail of the one in front of them as a precaution. Many a man had gotten lost, never to be seen again until spring during such storms. The gale increased creating large drifts of snow in their path.

  Blacksword considered stopping and waiting it out, but one glance at his bride shivering in her sleep, dashed the thought. They must persevere until they reach shelter.

  It was growing dark when a guard on the castle walk perceived a long white snake approaching the gates. He rubbed his snow-blind eyes and looked again. Surely he was hallucinating! No…it was real. He called down to the gatekeeper.

  “Something approaches, Liam! I can nae swear as to what it be.”

  Liam shielded his tired eyes as he peered in the direction the guard indicated. Blinking his grey eyes several times to rid them of flakes, a broad grin spread over his lips.

  “My Lord Blacksword!” He bellowed for all to hear.

  Connall’s head jerked up from his frozen stupor. Had someone called his name? Through narrowed eyes he began to make out the walls of his fortress emerging from the white onslaught. Finally, we are home.

  “Look alive, men, afore your womenfolk think ye are naught more than specters!”

  One by one, the men straightened their spines and shook off the white mantles that had gathered on their backs. They entered the bailey in high spirits as the few clansmen who would chance the frigid weather greeted them.

  Liam hurried to Connall’s side after seeing to the closing of the gate. He was spry for his age, nearing three score, and would have ridden with them if not for his crippled knee.

  “My Lord. I did nae believe ye would make it through this storm.” He gasped as Connall unwrapped Brighde to his view. He handed her down to him before he dismounted stiffly. Seeing that Robbie had his ward in hand, he retrieved Brighde and strode into the great hall.

  He went straight to the hearth’s roaring fire barking orders along the way.

  “Bring blankets, lots of them, and uisge beatha…for the men as well! Prepare hot baths for my lady and the little mistress. Make haste!”

  He did not look to see if anyone listened. He knew they would obey. Connall settled on the bench near the fire, soaking in the welcome warmth. He quickly removed Brighde’s mantle along with her boots, stockings and gloves, as he inspected her carefully for signs of frostbite. Robbie followed suit with his charge.

  Brighde’s aqua eyes fluttered open as he tucked the dry blankets about her. She yawned as her eyes began focusing on the surroundings. Connall brushed sable hair from her face, smiling when she leapt up at the realization that there was a roof above her.

  “Aye. We are home, wife. Are ye warm enough?”

  “I am getting there. Oh! I must look a fright!”

  His face softened as he studied her dishabille. “Ye look beautiful, Brighde. Especially with mussed hair.” He picked up a goblet and ordered her to drink.

  “Nay, Connall, I do nae care for your uisge beatha.” She shook her head vehemenently.

  “Ye will drink it this time, wife. Twill take away the chill and ward off the ague. Now drink.”

  Seeing the stubborn determination in his eye, she swallowed the foul liquid…and choked as it burned a path downward. He patted her back to aide her. Soon, gentle warmth began seeping throughout her body. She drank more, without choking this time, giving him a lop-sided grin as the alcohol reached her empty stomach. She swayed in his arms, then drained the cup and held it out to be refilled.

  Blacksword’s brow arched in surprise. I thought she did nae care for the uisge beatha. Her stomach rumbled. Ah! Now I ken why. Tis going from her empty gullet straight to her ravishing head. Connall chuckled as he shook his head in response.

  “Come, Brighde. Ye and Amy need to eat afore ye have anymore.” As he carried her to the table he felt a gentle touch stroke his bristled cheek. Startled, he glanced at her. She had never initiated tenderness betwixt them before. Her overture pleased him greatly. His shaft stirred in his trews, anticipating the eve ahead.

  “I like your beard in this fashion, husband. Tis soft and nae over-long.” Passion flared in her eyes as she, too, looked forward to this eve. Connall nearly dropped her as she raked her teeth lightly down his earlobe. Chills shot through him.

  “We are nae alone, wife.” He growled in her ear. She was driving him to distraction. Brighde swung her head around to find a large group of strangers staring at them. She blushed at her forwardness in front of them.

  “Who are they?” she whispered in his ear.

  “They are my clansmen, lass. They be yours now, as well.” He could not hide his amusement over her discomfort.

  “Oh dear. I fear that I am nae making a good first impression. They must think me to be a wanton.”

  Connall’s lips brushed her delicate ear. “Nay, wife. They think ye are a tipsy lass who is smitten with her husband.” Brighde’s face flushed deeper. He gave her a resounding kiss then proceeded to feed her.

  * * *

  Brighde was drying her sable tresses near the fire by the time Connall was able to escape the well-wishes of his clansmen. She had not heard him enter, focusing intently on removing the snarls in her hair. He observed her from the shadows while removing his clothing for his bath.

  Connall never tired of beholding her beauty. She was a stunning woman. Her straight nose and pouty lips complimented her oval face. And her body! His shaft stirred as his eyes memorized the contours of her voluptuous curves.

  He tore his gaze away, stepping into the tub. The warm liquid was refreshing to his tired frame as it eased the tension that had been building since they left Urquhart. There was an uneasiness lurking in the back of his mind. Try as he might, he had been unable to shake it. Blacksword attributed it to his warrior instincts…trying to dismiss it. Still it lingered.

  As he dunked his head to remove the soap he recognized what it was that bothered him. Ross gave in too easily! He said nae a word during the bedding, the wedding…nor our departure. Tis nae likely that he would give up so readily after offering two hundred gold coins for the lass. The storm may delay him…but Blacksword was certain that they had not seen the last of him.

  Connall felt the heat of her perusal boring into his backside before glancing her way. Her blue-green eyes had grown dark with desire as she observed her husband toweling himself dry.

  Brazenly, her eyes traveled across his wide shoulders past biceps too large for her to wrap her small hands about. His broad bronzed chest was supported by well-defined ribs and a flat stomach. From that point, she followed a path of black hair that ended at the juncture of his increasing shaft. Brighde’s tongue flicked her dry lips, her attention riveted to that spot. Liquid heat pooled in her groin as passion flared.

  The Earl reached her in three strides…locking his eyes with hers. Neither spoke as he swept her into his embrace, lips fused together with desire. Tongues dancing to a timeless mating ritual as frenzied hands explored each other’s form. Connall groaned. He must slow down for her sake. He broke the kiss, inhaling deeply to get himself under control. Hands shaking with passion, he lifted her chemise over her head and tossed it to the floor.

  His eyes flared at the
goddess before him. “Ye are beauteous, indeed, Brighde!” His deep voice rumbled with desire. He palmed her breasts in his hands, kneading them gently.

  She moaned at his possessive touch, arching her back as his lips captured one and suckled. Her senses burst into flames as Brighde’s knees buckled beneath her. Her husband swept her into his arms hastening to the bed. He fanned the flames of her desire into an inferno with his hands and lips.

  When she could stand it no more…she cried out. “Now Connall! Take me now!”

  He was near mindless as he entered her molten sheath. His body urged deep hard thrusts but his thoughts told him different. This was only their second time making love. Her body was not ready for the rougher sex. Connall entered slowly as he gauged her face for discomfort. When fully seated without causing pain, he began driving his swollen shaft, rhythmically, in and out of her body. Brighde writhed beneath him thrusting her hips in an ever demanding fashion.

  Her mind soon went blank as she keened in her bliss. Connall felt her hot sheath milking his shaft spasmodically. He roared gutturally as his seed shot forth, filling her womb.

  He nearly collapsed on top of her from the force of his orgasm. No woman had ever drained him so completely before. He rolled to the side, drawing her close, and kissed her.

  “Ye are a passionate woman, Brighde. I am much pleased with our union.” His thumb absently stroked the nub of her breast as his lids grew heavy.

  She smiled in the darkened chamber. “Ye are a very lusty man, as well, husband. I ken we are well suited.” Her objections to the wedding were rapidly thawing, replaced with the first stirrings of affection for the Earl of Caithness. She snuggled into his embrace.

  They both leapt up as the chamber door slammed against the wall. There stood a red-headed sprite…armed with a wooden sword, ready to do battle. They exchanged looks and burst out laughing.

  “Da? Mama? Ye were screaming! Is there a monster about? I will help ye kill it Da! We must protect Mama!” Her blue eyes widened with trepidation as she bravely crept into the chamber.