'Where is he?'
'Just outside the hall, in the gallery.'
Alexander nodded. 'Tell him I will be with him in a moment.'
He turned to drain his tankard, and then, after a few comments to his neighbour, rose and excused himself. Slipping quietly from the hall he found John half concealed in a window embrasure, and raised quizzical eyebrows at him.
'Well, why the mystery?'
'Lady Fiona wishes to talk with us both in secret. We are to meet in my sister's room when everyone else is abed.'
Alexander opened his lips and then, deciding to remain silent, closed them grimly, staring at John.
'The chieftain commands,' John added softly.
'An odd place of assignation,' Alexander sneered, and John flushed angrily.
'You overrate yourself, my lord!' he snapped contemptuously, and Alexander suddenly chuckled.
'Then you had best meet me to direct me, else I could not find my way,' he replied silkily.
When the rest of the castle had retired, the four of them congregated in Blanche's room. Fiona began.
*
'I dare not risk Lord Iain seeing me consult you out of the ordinary way,' she said apologetically, 'but there are several matters I need advice on.'
'I understood you to wish to rule alone,' Alexander grinned at her.
'Peace, Alex. I still need advice, though the decision must be mine alone. First, Lord Iain has said he is proposing to collect an army to march into England and release the King, and wants to know how many fighting men I could spare. He suggested he reviewed them himself tomorrow. Would it be wisest to tell him only a few, to lull Duncan's suspicions, to mislead him?'
'You surely do not suspect him of planning an attack on you?' Blanche asked, horrified.
Fiona laughed bitterly. 'I have been given a strong enough warning!'
'Was that all he came for?' Alexander queried in surprise.
'Not ostensibly. He brought a very flattering offer for my hand, or so he told me! He spared himself no pains to point out his kinsman could have selected any number of more eligible brides, but his personal feelings entered into this, and he was determined to wed me. He left me in no doubt of that determination, implying that if force would be necessary, force would be used.'
'This is monstrous!' John exclaimed.
'Aye, but not unusual in the alliances of Highland clans, where lands and power are at stake, and everyone else is so taken up with their own affairs they would not object, and most decidedly would not interfere,' Alexander informed him.
'That is another question,' Fiona continued. 'Shall I make my rejection clear, for nothing would ever induce me to wed such a one, or shall I prevaricate? Which would be best?'
'If you give him hope and say you have few men, you will encourage him to attack,' Alexander commented.
'A firm refusal might enrage him,' John said slowly, 'but I agree about the soldiers. Show him a strong force, as strong as we have, and that might give him pause. How many men has he?'
'A band of ruffians,' Alexander said caustically. 'Unfortunately no one can be sure of his strength. He has a small troop which he normally keeps with him, but there are also, I hear, bands of men stationed all around his lands. Many of these are hardened soldiers and I strongly suspect one of these groups was responsible for Patrick's murder.'
'Then we need to discover more.'
'How can we do that?' Fiona asked.
'By sending someone to discover it.'
'That is an idea. I will dye my hair and go myself,' Alexander suggested, smiling at the thought of such an adventure.
'No, Alex, that would be folly!' Fiona said sharply. 'You are far too well known in all of Scotland.'
'With disguise, and if I kept out of the way of the better folk, I would not be recognised,' Alexander protested.
'Your height and looks could not be disguised, however you dyed your hair. John, is there anyone suitable to be trusted with such a mission?'
'One or two who might achieve success, but I would prefer to go myself.'
'No! You cannot leave us unprotected!' Fiona exclaimed, and Blanche, who had been sitting back quietly, taking no part in the discussion, saw Alexander glance swiftly at his cousin and frown at this show of agitation.
He cannot be jealous of John, she thought in dismay, when there was no possibility of Fiona and John marrying.
But Fiona did sound unduly perturbed, so was it at all possible that she loved John? Blanche did not think it likely, but as these thoughts flashed through her mind John was replying.
'Your cousin is a soldier and well able to protect you if he will remain here. He cannot go, I agree, for he would be certain to be recognised. But I am not well known, and with the present situation in England what could be more natural than an Englishman who is travelling through Scotland – on the way to friends?'
'We could send one of the men,' Fiona said urgently, but John shook his head.
'Though it is a task another man could do, I think I would stand more hope of succeeding. This is a matter in which we cannot afford errors.'
'I do not like it,' Fiona said worriedly.
'But I fear he is possibly right,' Alexander said suddenly. 'I will remain here, Sir John. If Fiona sends an answer that it is too early for her to be thinking of another husband so soon after Patrick's death – mayhap we had best lull Duncan's suspicions regarding what we suspect of that too – he might consider it better strategy to wait rather than use force. That would give us time to learn more about his strength.'
'It is our best ploy,' John urged.
'Unless you marry another at once, before Duncan can move,' Alexander suggested, laughter in his eyes as Fiona turned angrily towards him.
'And whom do you suggest?' she cried wrathfully. 'Young Donald? That imbecile!'
'I could suggest a worthier mate for you,' he answered with aggravating calm.
'Yourself, no doubt!'
'Do you then accept me, dear cousin? Somehow I had thought you as averse to me as to poor Duncan!'
'I am indeed! You are quite as ruthless as he in obtaining your wishes regardless of others!'
'You wrong me. I sometimes help others to realise what their true wishes are, those they conceal out of some misguided notions!'
Fiona turned away from him, breathing deeply, and began to question John about his plans. Alexander sat back watching them in amusement, and when he caught Blanche looking at him, smiled and winked at her. Hastily she looked away, drawing a low chuckle from him.
'Then you will go as soon as Lord Iain has left,' Fiona said to John. 'I will send a reply as Alex suggested. How long will your preparations take? Shall I contrive to detain Lord Iain?'
'I can leave tomorrow,' John assured her. 'There is no reason to keep the fellow here for longer than you wish.'
Fiona sighed. 'I fear he will not go tomorrow, but I will attempt to send him away as soon as possible. His very presence angers me as much as it perturbs me!'
'No need, with me to protect you, and Sir John busy with his work,' Alexander said softly.
Fiona looked at him silently for a moment, then turned apologetically to Blanche.
'I am sorry to have used you and your room so, my dear, but there was nowhere else I could think of where we might converse secretly.'
'I wish I could help in some other way,' Blanche returned, smiling sympathetically at her friend.
'Just by being with me.'
*
The following day, while Fiona was again closeted with Lord Iain, Blanche walked on the terrace, admiring the brilliant display of the autumn leaves, and the softer, endless vista of heather and broom-covered moorland stretching away into the distance as far as she could see. The loch twisted away below her around the foot of the castle, and she leaned on the parapet gazing down into the still, deep water and thinking of the undercurrents there had been the previous evening. She was afraid that John might have shown his feelings for Fiona too plainly, whi
ch could be dangerous for him if Alexander recognised them. Fiona herself did not appear entirely indifferent to John, but seemed as determined as ever against marriage with her cousin, despite what Blanche thought was his obvious intention on the matter.
'Are you wishing yourself back in England?' a voice close to her ear said, and Blanche whirled round to find that Alexander had approached silently to stand close beside her.
'You startled me, my lord,' she exclaimed, taking a step backwards. 'No, I have no particular desire to return there, for Scotland now seems like home.'
He smiled. 'I know you are my cousin's very dear friend and companion. Will you not be lonely when she weds?'
Blanche looked at him closely, attempting to read the look in his eyes.
'I expect I will,' she said at last.
'You must marry then also. Has Fiona a husband in mind for you?'
'Lady Fiona has been most kind,' Blanche said a little stiffly.
'You are truly fond of her. You would not wish her to be in danger?'
'Danger?' Blanche stared at him. 'In what way is she in danger apart from Duncan Campbell?'
'Not from him alone, though I suspect he is the most urgent danger we have to deal with. There are others who might attempt to force Fiona's hand in the matter of her marriage, or even murder her.'
Blanche breathed deeply. 'Who is it you suspect?' she demanded.
Alexander shrugged. 'All who stand to gain by her death or marriage. Bruce and Duncan hope to win more land for themselves, so for them marriage is the only way. But Colin would benefit only by her death.'
'Surely he would not kill her!' Blanche was horrified.
'He may have killed Patrick,' Alexander reminded her. 'With that clause in my uncle's will he would gain from killing Patrick only if Fiona remains unwed for three more years, and that I do not expect.'
'So you do know about that!'
He raised his eyebrows mockingly.
'Would you expect me to neglect to discover all I could about such a matter?' he asked lazily. 'I am also in line for the chieftainship, or had you forgot?'
'You are not very close!' Blanche retorted, allowing her annoyance with him to show in her voice.
'True, by birth,' he murmured, and she shot an angry glance at him to find him eyeing her in amusement. 'Peace, my little one! We both have Fiona's welfare at heart – '
'Do you indeed?' Blanche interrupted, and he laughed.
'Naturally. She is in danger. She recognises this, I think, but if we, her friends, can impress on her the seriousness of it while she delays in choosing a husband, we will be aiding her.'
'And just whom do you suggest, her cousin Donald? I assume you would not advocate Duncan's suit!'
'Oh no, and not Donald, either, I think. It would be a stupid waste to give so lovely a bride to a sot incapable of appreciating his good fortune. Do you not think Fiona lovely?' he added unexpectedly.
'Yes, and worthy of a good husband who will protect her!' Blanche snapped.
'I do agree. She is one made for love, not for the tedious business of managing an estate.'
'But she intends to control her inheritance.'
'Unwise. 'Tis no task for a woman.'
'I disagree. What of Elizabeth of England? She was a most successful ruler.'
'But not a successful woman too. Those Queens that allow love to enter their lives always fail. What of Mary of Scotland, and Mary Tudor?'
Blanche stared at him, unable to think of any other successful women rulers, and he laughed gently.
'It is not the same, the chieftainship,' she said weakly. 'Many women must have successfully managed estates.'
'In any event, if Fiona would remain chieftain she must marry. And a woman must be obedient to her husband, do you not agree, Mistress Blanche?'
'Fiona's position is not the same as that of any other woman, though,' Blanche argued.
'I would not envy any husband who accepted that. He would be in an intolerable position himself.'
'You would not allow it, I think you mean to say!' Blanche flung at him.
He shook his head, smiling at her, and she fumed.
'As Fiona's friend, pray urge her to hasten in her choice of a husband,' he repeated, smiling down at her. 'I rely on your friendship.'
'To urge your suit, my lord?' Blanche was scornful. 'You can scarce expect my good offices when I know your intentions vary so greatly from those of my friend. I will be no traitor to her, of that you can be sure.'
He looked down at her for a long moment in silence, his expression inscrutable, but she could not decide whether he was angry or amused. Somehow the thought of his amusement made Blanche more furious than the thought of his possible anger. She stared back defiantly.
'You know my intentions?' he asked at length, holding her gaze steadily.
'You make them very plain, sir! But there are many other possible alliances for Fiona than any you have suggested. She does not need to look only to her relations or the Campbells.'
'Agreed, but somehow I think she will find what she needs close by.'
Unsmiling, he turned and left her, and Blanche found herself trembling. It was the cold, she hastily assured herself, for the autumn wind could be very chill in the Highlands. Suddenly the forests and mountains before her seemed less friendly than hitherto. The sense of danger, for herself as well as Fiona, was strong at that moment, and with some haste Blanche almost ran along the terrace towards her own apartments.
*
Chapter 5
John was busy making his secret preparations to visit the Campbell lands, and Blanche, occupying herself with some embroidery in her room, was surprised when he came to see her.
'Do you need some help?' she asked.
'No, I thank you. All this talk of marriage for Fiona has put me in mind of the plans I was hoping to make for you, before Lord Hugh's death caused me to delay.'
Blanche was startled. This was the first time John had indicated he was making any plans for her.
'What manner of plans?' she asked quickly, her voice a little tight with an emotion she realised was fear.
'Why, marriage, naturally. I ought to have settled the matter years since, but our coming here to Scotland and the completely new life we have led stayed my hand. I will admit that in part I waited in order to see how the King's fortunes changed. I have been corresponding, as you know, with the good Rector at home. He tells me of what is done to the Manor, and he writes to tell me he has found a possible husband for you.'
She was surprised. 'There was no one suitable when we lived there. Yet I suppose, since I now have no dowry, what was once suitable is so no longer. Who is it?'
'It is the son of the new owner of the Manor.'
'A Parliamentarian?' Blanche exclaimed in horror, staring at her brother wide eyed.
'As to his politics, all men must outwardly support the King's vanquishers.'
'He is one of them!'
John shrugged unhappily. 'I realise that. Mr Henderson writes, however, to say he has spoken of you to them, and the man feels some qualms of remorse for having dispossessed us. He suggested a marriage with his son as a form of recompense. It would bring the Manor back to the family.'
Blanche did not reply, and John continued.
'I have no wish to over-persuade you. Mr Henderson tells me he is the elder son, twenty-five years of age, well set up and with a handsome fortune to come from his father in addition to the Emrey lands.'
'As ill gotten, no doubt!'
'We cannot tell. He must have some proper feeling, though, to consider you. That is why I have entertained the notion. I would not have done so had he appeared utterly heartless.'
'Is he the wretch that turned us out that day?' she asked bitterly.
'No. Mr Henderson stressed that he came only much later. His was not the original outrage.'
'But I would have to return to England,' Blanche said almost to herself.
'You must have thought that a possibilit
y some day?' John asked.
'Do you ever intend to return?' she responded quickly, and John looked dubious.
'I hoped to be able to take you to England if the King's affairs had prospered,' he said evasively. 'I have not given much thought to it.'
Blanche was silent, attempting to understand her varied emotions. She had realised a marriage must soon be arranged for her, but her life was so contented she had been pleased not to know of any plans her mother and brother might make. Now it seemed she must leave Scotland and Fiona, and the prospect was far from pleasing.
'What is his – this man's name?' she asked at length. 'And will I be able to meet him before – before – '
'We shall not force you into any match against your will,' John reassured her quickly. 'I wrote to our friend asking him if he knew of anyone suitable, and he has been making enquiries. He showed the miniature I had painted of you to this man and his family, and they were interested in the match. I will confess I have sometimes hoped you might meet a suitable man here, and then if I do not, or am unable to return to England, we could still be together. There is no one, I think?'
He considered the young men Blanche knew, friends of the Macdonalds, men from the town, visitors from other clans, and though he was well aware that Blanche received some flattering attention from many of them, she did not appear to have any preference for one more than another.
'There is no one,' Blanche said hurriedly. 'What is his name?'
'Roger Grant. If you are agreeable I will write and suggest the young man journeys here to meet you.'
'I would prefer to stay with Fiona,' Blanche said suddenly. 'I do not wish for marriage, and to have to leave you and mother and go back to England!'
'Fiona will soon be married herself, and will become so taken up with her husband and the affairs of her estates she can do without your company,' John said abruptly, a harsh note in his voice. 'It would indeed be better for you to leave rather than suffer through any change in her.'
'Fiona would never change!' Blanche declared in defence of her friend, but she had a faint suspicion he might be right, that once Fiona were married her interests would inevitably be separate from those of Blanche.
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