by Amy Jarecki
* * *
Once Vane was in chains below, Kennan gathered his men. “I have an announcement to make.” He grasped Divana’s hand and pulled her beside him. “I’d like you all to formally meet my wife, Lady Cameron.”
There was an immediate uproar of gasps and laughter, and most every man on deck held forth, blurting out congratulations—except Ethan, of course. Interestingly, the man was standing off by himself. Perhaps the allies he’d claimed stood by him no longer.
Kennan returned his attention to the crowd and held up his hands for silence. “I’ve asked Cuthbert MacDonald to take command of the Silver Mermaid on the voyage home. Baltazar MacGee will act as his quartermaster, and I need at least ten volunteers to man the ship.”
A few hands went up, and with a bit of coaxing, Kennan had nine willing seamen. “Come, lads, I need one more.”
Of course, Ethan Crowder was the only tar who raised his hand. In fact, the lout appeared rather eager to join the crew of an untried captain. Kennan had planned to deal with the varlet next, but since he was so anxious to draw attention to himself, it was time to face him. “Sailor, I have a special position in mind for you.”
The man stepped forward, thumping his chest. “Ye hear that, fellas? Ole Ethan’s going to be promoted.”
“I’d save your enthusiasm if I were you.” Kennan said, beckoning Divana beside him, the act making Ethan’s grin disappear.
Before he said another word, he gestured to two trusted Cameron sailors with whom he’d had a wee chat before he’d begun his address. They moved into position behind the scourge.
Kennan grasped Divana’s hand. “Lady Divana, did not this man threaten you?”
“Lies!” Ethan shouted as the two men seized his arms.
“Her Ladyship never lies!” shouted Baltazar, bless him.
“Agreed,” said Kennan. “Now, dear, as you were saying…”
Divana eyed her accuser. “Aye, Ethan threatened me and ye as well, Captain. Told me if I did not give him me share of the takings, he’d expose me secret.”
“And what secret would that be?”
“That I’m a lass and not a lad.” She batted her eyelashes and fanned her face. “Now me secret has been revealed, I would be remiss if I did not say this man also threatened to incite a mutiny against ye.”
Ethan struggled against his captors. “More lies! The pox on ye, wench! How dare ye smear me good name.”
Kennan shifted his fists to his hips. “How many aboard have not heard this man spew bile? I ken he’s whispered in your ears about mutiny and he’s cheated a few of you at dice as well.”
“Aye,” came the rumbles from the crowd.
“Ethan Crowder, I deem you guilty as charged. And no longer a member of this crew.” Kennan turned to Divana. “Shall I put him in irons and let him keep company with Mr. Vane until the pair of them swing from the gallows?”
“Nay.” She looked across to the isle. “Give him a barrel filled with stores and utensils, a few good blankets, and a shove. Then let him ponder his misdeeds in Hades for a time.”
The man’s eyes grew enormous with fear. “Ye cannot abandon me on a deserted isle. I’ll starve!”
“Would you rather swing from Fort William’s gallows?” asked Cuthbert.
“’Tisn’t so bad especially if ye have a shovel to dig for clams.” Divana brushed her fingers on the rail. “After all, I survived on Hyskeir for two years, and there the winters are fierce and summer lasts but a sennight. Hades would be an improvement over that.”
Kennan took her fingers and kissed them. “I reckon you’re right, m’lady. Cuthbert, I’ll leave it to you to sink the wherry—after all, we cannot make it easy for him to escape.”
Would Ethan survive his punishment? Most likely. Eventually a ship would drop anchor off this isle, but whether they saw fit to take him aboard would depend on how well the scoundrel had learned his lesson.
Chapter Thirty-Three
It took three weeks of days with excellent wind to sail back to Scotland. Three weeks of utter bliss. Kennan treated Divana like a queen throughout the entire journey, her every need catered to. She laughed as he balked when she set out to dust the cabin. God forbid she try to pick up a mop or set foot in the galley, lest the captain accuse her of anarchy. After all, she was a lady now—a member of the gentry.
Her trepidation grew after they disembarked at Loch Eil and worsened throughout the hour’s ride to Achnacarry. It didn’t help that Kennan had grown quiet as well.
“Are ye certain I look presentable?” Divana asked when they rode through the gateway into Achnacarry’s courtyard. She smoothed her trembling hands over the skirts of the blue gown Kennan had purchased at the shop in Nassau.
He helped her down from her mount. “You’re the bonniest woman within a hundred miles.”
She tucked an errant lock of hair beneath her new bonnet and gave him a nervous smile. “Only a hundred?”
Tweaking her nose, he took her hand. “Bonniest in all my travels, I’ll say.”
Together they climbed the stairs toward the keep. “Let me speak to my father.”
“I hope he doesn’t cast me out.”
“He won’t. But if he tries, he’ll be casting me out as well.”
She gripped his hand as the butler opened the door. “But—”
“Kennan!” bellowed Lochiel, his arms stretched wide. “Och, son, I thought you’d be away for another year at least.”
The captain squared his shoulders and faced his father. “We made good time of it for certain, sir.”
“And what of Vane?”
“Handed him over to the queen’s dragoons after we disembarked.”
“Imagine that. My son captured the greatest scourge of the high seas.”
“And claimed his fortune.” Divana peeked around from behind her husband. “Grand enough to build an empire.”
After they’d left Ethan on Hades, they found no fewer than fifteen chests filled with priceless jewels, gold, and silver. They’d given the men generous shares, but only Divana and Kennan knew the extent of the fortune they now possessed. Kennan said he wouldn’t be surprised if they were the richest people in Scotland.
Lady Jean came below stairs carrying Adam, her wee son, on her hip. “Och, Divana, we thought you’d gone back to your kin. Cook will be ever so happy to see you. She said the kitchen had fallen into disorder after you left.”
Biting her lip, she looked at Kennan. “Ye’d best tell them, else I’ll be donning an apron.”
“Forgive me.” He grasped her hand and clutched it over his heart. “There’s so much to say all at once. Most importantly, Divana is my wife.”
Everyone in the hall gaped. “What—?” asked Lochiel.
“Before you go off asking questions, allow me to say that we married the Highland way. But for the family, we want a proper wedding just as soon—”
Lochiel raised his palm. “You mean to say you haven’t been married in a church?”
“Nay,” said Kennan.
“Then the marriage can easily be annulled.”
Divana’s breath froze in her chest. The backs of her eyes stung. Blast it all, she knew the laird wouldn’t want her.
But Kennan gripped her hand tighter. “There will be no annulment. I’ve a fortune in my coffers, and I’ve chosen this bonny, smart, and fascinating woman to be my bride. And if you do not accept her, we’ll be on our way forthwith.”
Lochiel gripped the banister rail. “Just a moment, son. Let us retire to the library and discuss this man-to-man.”
“I fail to see what there is to discuss.”
“Humor me.”
Lady Lochiel gestured to the drawing room. “Divana, perhaps we can chat over a cup of tea.”
Rather than follow, she wanted to turn and run, but the determination in her husband’s eyes made her stay. “Thank you, m’lady. Tea would be lovely.”
Adam stretched out his chubby arms to Divana. “Hug!” His adorable smile helped ea
se the tension in the hall, and suddenly the happy bundle was in her arms.
And the kiss Kennan applied to her cheek helped as well. “Go with my stepmother. I’ll attend you anon.”
Divana followed Her Ladyship and carried the bairn through to the drawing room.
“Please do have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Divana held the lad out to his mother, but he wrapped his arms around her neck. “Hug!”
“It seems you’ve won the heart of more than one of Lochiel’s sons.”
Taking a seat on the settee, Divana propped the lad on her lap. The fireplace where she’d once cleaned on hands and knees shoveling out the ash caught her eye. To be honest, it would be a great deal easier if she were shoveling ash or doing anything aside from worrying about what Kennan’s father might be ranting about above stairs.
Mistress Barton brought in the tea service and set it on the low table. “Shall I pour, m’lady?”
“No, thank you. I’ll do the honors.”
“Very well.” The housekeeper curtsied to Divana. “’Tis good to see you again, m’lady.”
Adam clapped his hands. “M’lady, m’lady.”
Mistress Barton had just acknowledged her title? Saint Columba. Divana hadn’t expected a soul at Achnacarry to pay a mind to the fact that she was married to a knight. “Thank ye, mistress. ’Tis lovely to be here.”
Lady Lochiel poured. “You must have been on a fantastic adventure. I am so utterly amazed. You simply must tell me everything. How on earth did you convince Kennan to allow you on his ship?”
Divana took the tea, but with Adam toying with the ribbons on her bodice, she didn’t dare drink. She set the cup on the table. “I stowed away.”
“A stowaway?” Her Ladyship’s expression went from utter shock to keen interest. “Mercy, the plot thickens. Go on, dear. I’m on the edge of my seat. Tell me all.”
Starting with being discovered in the galley by Lachie Mor, she felt a great relief in reciting the details of their grand adventure. Though Adam didn’t seem to think so. By the time she’d finished, the bairn was asleep in her arms and Her Ladyship had consumed the entire pot of tea.
Fiona came in and lit the lamps. “Good evening.”
Divana looked at the lad. “Och, Fiona, if it weren’t for the bairn in me arms, I’d embrace ye. Tell me, are ye wed?”
“Wed and expecting a bairn of my own come spring.”
“I’m happy to hear it.”
“And ye married Sir Kennan—I kent ye liked him, m’lady.”
“Very much.”
No sooner had Fiona excused herself than Kennan stepped into the drawing room.
Her Ladyship took the sleeping babe. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take this laddie up to the nursery.” As she passed, she gave Divana’s shoulder a pat. “I’ll speak to Lochiel. He doesn’t take to change easily, but I’m certain everything will be fine. Have nary a fear, all will be well.”
Once they were alone, Divana braced herself on the back of the settee. “Your father hates me.”
“He hardly knows you.”
“But he sees me as a kitchen maid, nay your wife.”
“He kens where I stand, and he has naught to accept it.”
“Or what? He’ll disown ye.”
“Who cares if he does?” Kennan wrapped her in his arms. “You are my world now. Aye, I’m the heir, but there are three sons behind me. Besides, Da settled a wee bit after I told him of our fortune—told him to think on it as your dowry.”
“Och, did ye now, ye crafty Highlander?”
“I did, and after, I sent a messenger to my sister, Janet. Told her I needed her help straightaway.”
“But why?”
“’Cause if anyone can influence my father, ’tis her.”
“So, will there be a sealing of the vows or nay?”
“Where Janet is involved, there won’t just be a church wedding, there will be a celebration of all the clans in the Highlands.”
Divana rested her head on Kennan’s chest. “But we’re already married in the eyes of God. I’m happy with that.”
“I am as well, but we’ll make it proper for clan and kin, and then no one in all the world will question our bond.”
“Not even Lochiel?”
“Especially not him.”
* * *
And Kennan was right. Janet Cameron arrived three days later with her husband, Laird Robert Grant. Kennan’s beautiful sister was well-bred and proper, and Divana adored her after the first day. Janet knew the vicar and the dressmaker and ordered everyone about as if she’d been born the princess of Achnacarry, which she had been.
Her husband, Robert, was nearly as handsome as Kennan, and the two of them hunted and sparred while the women made arrangements. But the most special person of all was Emma Grant, Robert’s sister. She had been afflicted with blindness since birth, but she didn’t let her disadvantage hinder her in the least. She chatted endlessly about the most amusing things while her hands stayed busy with knitting. Every once in a while, Janet would inspect her work, but the lass rarely ever dropped a stitch.
Emma played the harp as well and serenaded the family after the evening meals, except Divana didn’t attend. She had decided not to partake in family meals or anything that included her father-in-law until he accepted her as Kennan’s wife. Sadly, when the day of their wedding arrived, the great laird of Clan Cameron was still keeping his distance.
Divana stood in front of the looking glass and pressed her fingers to her stomach. “He told Her Ladyship he wouldn’t attend.”
Janet stepped behind and placed her hands on Divana’s shoulders. “If he doesn’t, he’s nothing but an old fool.”
“But it would mean ever so much if he did.”
“Do not let my stubborn father ruin your happiness. You are the woman with whom my brother has chosen to spend the rest of his days, and that is all that matters.”
“Not to worry, m’lady,” said Emma from the chair by the hearth. “If Lochiel becomes unbearable, you are more than welcome to visit us in Glenmoriston as long as you wish.”
“Thank you. I truly hope it will not come to that.”
“If it should, the pair of you are welcome always.” Janet kissed her cheek. “But enough talk. You are radiant, my dear, and ’tis nearly time to walk down the aisle.”
Emma set aside her knitting and moved toward the mirror. “I want to see the gown.” She held out her hands. “May I?”
Divana took her hands and placed them on her shoulders. “The bodice is the color of primroses, and the lace is like the foaming edges of the sea.”
“I do love primroses—they have such a lovely fragrance.” Emma skimmed her fingers along the lace at the neckline. “Goodness, your descriptions are so thorough, I can see everything in my mind’s eye. Tell me, Janet, is she not the bonniest lass in the Highlands?”
“Today she definitely is. Our lady has hair the color of fire, and it is laced atop her head with a yellow ribbon. And remember the sea she mentioned?”
“Aye.”
“Her eyes are blue like the shallows right before the water begins to foam.”
“Och, all the lads will be jealous of Sir Kennan this day.”
“I reckon they will.” Janet turned to the mantel clock. “But now ’tis time to go.”
“Already?” Divana’s stomach fluttered. “I’m so nervous.”
Janet took Emma’s hand and started for the door. “But you’re already married, sweeting. This is simply a formality.”
“And the service will only last a wee hour,” said Emma. “And then there will be dancing.”
Divana didn’t budge. “But there are so many people here.”
“Aye.” Janet beckoned. “Isn’t it fun?”
* * *
At the front of the church, Kennan stood by Ciar MacDougall, both clad in full Highland garb. The Chieftain of Dunollie, Ciar had been his closest ally since childhood and was the right choice to stand as his best m
an. The pipe organ in the kirk began to play, and he still hadn’t seen his father—blast his bullheaded nature. Lady Lochiel had been good enough to attend, and she sat in the front pew, with baby Adam on her lap. Kennan’s brothers, John and Alan, sat beside her. And he gave a nod as Janet and Emma slipped into the seat beside Grant.
Ciar leaned in. “’Tis good to see Miss Emma.”
“Is it?” Kennan eyed his friend. “Have you a fondness for the lass?”
“She has been an acquaintance of mine for years, though with the current unrest in Scotland, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Glenmoriston as of late.”
“Then you’d best make good use of your time here.”
“Perhaps I will, my friend.”
As the rear doors opened, had Ciar uttered something else, Kennan would have heard it if he weren’t dumbstruck. He stood spellbound, gazing down the aisle at the most stunningly beautiful woman he’d ever seen. But what made the moment exquisitely special was that the man who offered his arm and walked the lass down the aisle was none other than the Great Lochiel himself.
As Kennan smiled, not only did a lump grow in his throat, but he found himself blinking away the moisture in his eyes. Of course a braw sea captain would never shed a tear when standing in front of two hundred guests, nor would he admit he’d had any difficulty keeping the tears at bay.
When Divana joined him, radiantly smiling like his queen of the high seas, Da took her hand and placed it in Kennan’s palm. “You have chosen the woman who will preside alongside you when you become clan chief. I’ll admit I had my misgivings at first. But then I recalled a time when she tended you without sleep, fiercely protecting you from all ills, trusting no one else to mind your bedside. I do believe this lass would have gladly given her life for you. And her spirit embodies the essence of what it means to be a Cameron.”
Da squeezed their joined hands tightly. “I approve of this union and welcome my new daughter into the clan.”
Kennan blinked, forcing himself not to shed a tear, but his throat choked up on his next words. “Thank you, Father.”
As the service proceeded, Kennan saw nothing but the kind, generous, and remarkable woman standing before him. She’d conquered the gravest of adversities and come out stronger and wiser than anyone he knew. And his father was right. Divana would be unmatchable as the next Lady Lochiel.