Highland Faith

by Hill, Madelyn

  He straightened his shoulders and glared down at her. “I’ll watch from the battlements, if you please.”

  Fine. She ignored him and strode to the precipice jutting out over the sound. Wind swept by her, trying to pull her gown with it. She shook her hair free of its tether and let the breeze tangle within her tresses.

  After a quick sigh, she tipped her head up and let the wind blow away all of the frustration from her body.

  Within a few moments, she finally felt as if she could breathe.

  Waves crashed below, pounding the jagged rocks at the base of the cliff. The swirl of the cresting surf ebbed and flowed. The sounds, harsh and unrelenting, brought equally harsh memories to the surface.

  The night, the blasted night her father died. She gripped her hands. Tears rimmed her eyes and she nearly succumbed to melancholy.

  The haunting cries of gulls pulled her attention to a large rock jutting out of the water. Seals lay in the sun eating fish. Once in a while, a gull would be brave and thieve a few morsels. The seals barked at them, then went back to eating.

  She missed her father. Such a kind man, jovial and willing to do any chore about the keep. No matter how much she tried, the image of him dying remained lodged in her memory. Even though happier memories resided in her brain, that tragic day pushed them aside. Why couldn’t she remember her parents dancing the reel or her father telling a story transfixing the entire clan?

  She rubbed the back of her neck, aching to see the Blue Boy sail into the sound, an impossible wish. Even if the missive reached Graeme, he could decide not to respond.

  The wind kicked up and nearly knocked her on her backside. But her feet remained rooted as if her body had pledged to stay, even when her mind screamed he’d never return for her.

  “M’lady?”

  “Aye?”

  “’Tis nasty weather about. Mayhap you should return to the keep.”

  She peeked up at the sky. Swirls of dark clouds hovered over the area, indicating a wretched storm was about to beat upon the keep. “You’re right, Matthew.”

  “Pardon, m’lady?” the young guard said with a wide grin.

  She chuckled. “Dinnae vex me.”

  He indicated for her to walk before him. “I dinnae mean to vex you, m’lady, but ’tis the first time I’ve heard those words from your mouth.”

  While she walked before him, she pulled a face. The man tried to tease her. But no matter, he was right about the impending storm.

  How could she escape the notice of Hope or Aidan as she tried to get to her chamber? The last thing she wanted to do was see them and have more discussion over Graeme and her time on the Blue Boy.

  “M’lady?”

  Faith closed her eyes and sighed. “Aye, Nora.”

  The elderly woman pulled her into a hug, leaned up, and kissed her cheek. “I’m happy ye are home, lass.”

  Faith smiled despite her mood and hugged Nora back. She’d been a steady presence in her life and she didn’t know how they’d have survived without her.

  Her mother’s maid slipped her arm through the crook of Faith’s elbow and guided her to her chamber. “’Twas horrid when you were gone. Aidan and Hope were besides themselves.”

  She stilled and cocked her brow. “Why did they refuse the ransom?”

  Nora chuckled. “Ahh, a trick thought up by our lairds. They planned to refuse and then attack at night.”

  Well, their plan had worked and now look at the mess. She’d hurt Graeme. And she may have ruined her chance at love.

  For she knew she’d never find the type of love she felt for Captain Graeme Ross with another. ’Twas all she could think about. His touch, the gentle way he led his men, the way he treated her. The way he called her darling.

  “M’lady?”

  She refocused on Nora. “Let’s have tea.”

  The maid stopped. “Oh, I nearly forgot, your sister would like to see you.”

  She rolled her eyes heavenward. “Later.”

  Nora stopped walking and the stout maid tried to turn her toward the Laird’s chamber. “You have to see her. She has some questions and Aidan is with her.”

  Pressure built behind her eyes. “I dinnae want to answer her questions. Let’s have tea and then we’ll see.”

  The maid sighed, then resignedly nodded her head. “’Twill be quick and your sister will never be the wiser.”

  She doubted that, but followed Nora to her chamber.

  After Nora asked a serving girl for tea and had settled her in a chair with a blanket set upon her lap, she watched her as if waiting for her to start spilling all of her secrets.

  The tea arrived and she remained silent, then took a long draw of tea.

  “Come on, lass. Tell me your troubles.”

  She hid a smile at the frustration on Nora’s face. “Troubles?”

  Nora tossed her hands up. “Dinnae play with me, m’lady, I ken you have troubles.”

  “My sister won’t let me hunt.”

  A wry grin curled the maid’s mouth. “Aye, with good reason. Canna have you wandering about if men are going to take you from us.”

  She pulled the blanket tight around her lap. She was so tired. Bone weary of the situation and her lack of control over her life. She glanced out the window, toward the bailey. People bustled about gathering children and bringing in linens before the storm unleashed its fury on the keep.

  She wanted to join them, return things to the way they were before her time on the ship. Yet, something, mayhap someone held her back.

  Nora gripped her hands within her own. “Tell me,” she said softly.

  She swallowed and nodded. “I miss him so.”

  “This Captain Ross?”

  Aye, her Graeme. “He was kind to me, Nora. Never once did I feel fear . . . except for the storm.”

  Nora shook her head as she poured some more tea. “’Tis a miracle you didnae faint dead away when the man dragged you to sea.”

  ’Twas the truth of it; she had always loathed the sea. “The storm nearly did me in,” she admitted.

  Nora hooted with laughter. “A storm? Luck was on your side, m’lady.”

  The roar of the wind pounded on the window. The storm had arrived as did her worry. Was Graeme safe? Had he reached his home? What if he was still at sea?

  “Nora, ’twas wretched. The waves nearly swallowed us alive.” She sniffled and swiped away a tear. “But Graeme, och, he was so brave. He tied me to him in case a wave swept us overboard. And the man steered the ship through the night as the storm beat upon us, trying to drive us to hell.”

  She shrugged. “And in the morning, ’twas as if the storm never happened.”

  “M’lady, ’tis glad I am you are safe and with us, where you belong.”

  Did she? Did she truly belong with Clan MacAlister? She loved her sisters and the clan. And she wanted to fulfill her father’s pledge, but how? Now others were providing and her sister admitted they were able to fell enough to feed the clan.

  Having a purpose was necessary. And without her purpose, what good was she to her clan? She wouldn’t be the type of lady who stitched or rested in the solar every day. Life at sea would be an adventure, each voyage something new she and Graeme could explore together.

  “Your mother would be so proud, of you, m’lady.” Nora poured once again. Soon they’d be floating in tea. “All of you, so strong and kind. And your father, och, he’d love that you choose to hunt for the clan. He kenned ’twas your skill to share.”

  She furrowed her brow and leaned forward. “What you do mean, Nora?”

  “Och, m’lady,” the maid said as she waved her hand. “I shouldn’t have said a word.”

  “But you did,” she pressed as she leaned forward. “Tell me what you
meant.”

  Nora rose and moved to clean up tea. She puttered for a few more moments, driving Faith crazy.

  “Nora.”

  “Fine, but dinnae be fashed when I tell you the story.”

  She nodded and pointed to the chair across from her. “Sit and speak.”

  “I need to move about, m’lady. Helps me think.” She paced before the table, the storm outside the windows the only sound in the chamber.

  Nora held up her finger, then tapped her lip. “Your father was a great man. Strong and wise, to be sure. He had plans for his lasses. And his plan for you was to teach you how to hunt and provide. Not just for the clan, you ken. But also for yourself.” She gave Faith an intense look, fierce and probing. “He saw your restless spirit.”

  She shook her head. “But his pledge.”

  Nora paced forward and gripped her shoulders. “The blasted pledge made by a man ready to draw his last breath. Don’t you see? He wanted you to stand together, be loyal to each other. I canna believe he’d want you to forsake happiness.”

  She ripped from the maid’s grasp as she stood. “He wanted us to rule together, he said as much. How can you think differently?”

  Nora paled and her eyes sheened with unspent tears. “Because he told your mother many a time. And after his death, your mother worried about the weight upon all of your shoulders. The pledge was an impossible task.”

  She crossed her arms before her chest. “Not impossible for Hope.”

  The maid gave a curt nod. “Aye, Hope and Aidan. He wasn’t mentioned in your father’s pledge. Yet, your sister wed him. ’Tis impossible for all of you to lead.”

  ’Twas the truth of it. With Hope and Aidan married, ’twould be impossible for Faith and Honor to lead along with Hope. Especially now that Hope and Aidan had bairns. Och, her head ached. She glanced at Nora, tried to think of the right questions to ask so she’d receive the right answers. Frankly, answers she’d been searching for.

  “I want you to think about this, m’lady. If the man loved you, would he have left? Would he have taken the ransom no matter the reason?”

  Damn. The stark truth of the situation and the very question which had tumbled about in her mind, ready to drive her mad with doubt. “You know nothing of Graeme. If he needed the ransom, ’twas for a good reason.”

  Nora shrugged. “If you say, m’lady. But think upon what I have said.”

  Suddenly the chamber seemed too small, airless and stifling hot.

  “I need to breath.” She escaped the room and headed toward the battlements. There she’d be able to think.

  “M’lady,” Nora called.

  “Not to worry,” she said over her shoulder. “I’ll only be a few moments.” With the raging storm, she’d have precious few minutes, but enough just to clear her mind.

  As she stepped upon the stairs leading to the battlements, rain pelted her. Even keeping close to the walls, she found the storm too strong. She gripped the stone wall and closed her eyes before she could breathe. The image of the raging storm so many years ago flashed before her. Bolts of lightning, clashes of thunder, the roiling sea.

  And her father’s parting words.

  Her heart ached. Aye, she missed her father and mother. Aye, she missed Graeme. And if he came back? How would she forsake her parents, her heritage for the man she loved?

  The matter would be pointless if Graeme never came for her. Then she’d have to survive somehow without him, without his love.

  The rain continued to drench her, soak through her clothing.

  “Faith!”

  She glanced to her left, and there stood Aidan with a frown on his face and the rain washing over his brawn.

  “Come inside.”

  She sighed and pushed from the wall, regardless of wanting to be alone; she followed Aidan back into the keep.

  He promptly gripped her shoulders and glared at her. “Are you mad? You’ll catch your death.”

  She rolled her eyes heavenward. Then a chill ran down her back. The man did have a point. “How did you know where I was?” she asked as she pulled from his grip.

  He smirked. “Nora was worried.”

  Damn.

  “A warm bath is being readied for you.”

  She glanced at Hope’s husband. Certainly a good man. One who’d been wronged and together they’d righted the wrong. He’d been kind to Honor and herself, more than kind, he’d been like a brother to them. Fierce one moment and grinning the next, the clan had accepted him after revelation of the Council’s treachery.

  What would he think of her love for Graeme? Much like Hope, she assumed. But they didn’t know the man and how he’d been sweet and gentle with her. How he’d made her feel alive as they traveled on his ship. Alive with adventure.

  “Your chamber, m’lady.” He bowed and turned to walk away.

  “Aidan,” she called. He looked at her and cocked his brow. “Never mind.”

  He’d never understand how she felt. And he’d never forgive Graeme as Hope forgave him.

  “You will forget him. In time, you will see remaining with your family was the right decision. Sleep well, Faith, and we’ll talk more on the morrow.” He gave a mock salute. “And let Honor give you a draught.”

  She frowned as she entered her chamber, knowing his words were false. The steaming bath waited for her. To depend on the draught would make her weak. At some point, sleep would come and if needed, dreams of her love would slowly fade.

  If only, she thought, if only he received her letter.

  And his love would bring him back to her.

  Chapter 17

  The wind had stalled.

  He swore and pulled the rigging taut. Bollocks. They’d been drifting for days with no sign of reprieve.

  They sat on deck, waiting for the slightest indication God had heard their prayers and a huge gust of wind would bellow by soon.

  “Tell me about your lass,” his father said as he kicked up his heels on a bag of wheat. The voyage tired the man. The mere rocking of the ship had sent his stomach to roiling, just as it had Lady Faith’s.

  “Not a lass, a lady.”

  “Whoo-hoo. A lady, you say. Didnae ken you had it in you, me boy,” he said with a cackle.

  He cocked his brow as a bit of his old father appeared in the sly comment. “I aim to pleased, m’laird.”

  His father slapped his knee. “I’ve never heard those words from your mouth before.” He looked up with sincerity shining in his eyes. “Tell me about her.”

  He gazed at the man before him. His father had put on a little weight, some color had returned to his cheeks, and a bit of his wry humor had returned. “Lady Faith MacAlister.”

  “Ah, Clan MacAlister.” He nodded his head. “Go on.”

  He grinned. “She has a spirit like no woman I’ve ever met.”

  His father waved his hand. “And you kenned a lot of women.”

  He fisted his hands at his waist. “Cease your havering, Father.”

  A mite chagrinned, his father nodded. “Aye, aye, go on with you then.”

  “Lady Faith is a braw lass. The men love her. Do you know she talked to them as if they’d known each other since they were bairns? The very men who kidnapped her?” ’Twas amazing to him, how she’d become one of their own.

  “How’d you let her go?”

  ’Twas the question he’d asked himself a thousand times. “She deserved better.”

  “Better than a Ross?” his father roared as he stood. “I’ll tell you, m’lad, there is no one better than a Ross.” He then sat and gripped his stomach.

  Graeme sat back and chuckled. “Even me?” he said in jest and mayhap a bit of seriousness.

  His father patted his shoulder. “Lad, if I could . . . I’d�
��I’d do it different, you ken. ’Tis sorry I am to have been such an arse to my son.” His father pulled him into a rough sort of hug. “’Tis sorry I am.”

  The emotional outburst was unfamiliar, strange, but not unwelcome. After an awkward pat on his father’s back, he pulled away.

  His father released a pent-up breath. “We have to get to her, lad. If she’s the braw lass you believe she is, another may be waiting in the wings to snatch her from you.”

  The idea another man would woo Faith had never occurred to him. He looked toward land, which seemed an impossible distance away. If another man dared to touch her, he’d kill him.

  Kill him.

  “Keep that fierceness in mind, lad. Let it help you reach her side. If I’d been separated from your mother, God rest her soul, I’d fight like the Devil to get back to her.”

  Mayhap ’twas the pride in his father’s eyes or the equally fierce demeanor, but his nerves settled a bit—felt as if he could reach Faith’s side in time.

  Time to tell her how much he loved her.

  “Did I tell you how my Lady Faith can wield a bow and arrow?”

  Surprise lit Laird Ross’ eyes. “Nay, m’lad.”

  He glanced around and saw the men had gathered nearby. He’d wager they missed her nearly as much as he did.

  Dougal inched closer. “Laird Ross, the lady was a wonder with a bow. Caught two fish at a time, she did.”

  “Lovely lady,” Amit added. “Kind, and a beauty, to be sure.”

  Bram removed his tam and said, “One of the sweetest ladies in Scotland. Why, she helped me filet the fish and cook without grousing about it. And she laughed about me adventures.”

  As he looked about his crew, saw the smiles and chuckles, the loyalty struck him with intense need and longing. And if he didn’t bring Lady Faith back, the men would stage a coup and toss him overboard.

  Laird Ross nodded at the men. “If we’re going to find the lady, we must get this ship moving.”

  “Aye, m’laird,” the men yelled.