Highland Trails of Love

by Barbara Bard

  Deirdre was so taken aback by his words that she remained silent for a few moments. Declan took this as an opportunity to leave, and hoped that he would never have to deal with her again. Behind him, he heard her mutter and grumble about something being wrong with the McCall boys in their heads, but Declan knew that she was the one in the wrong. Once upon a time she had tried to poison his mind and turn him against his cousins, but now Deirdre was alone, and he was confident that she would cause no more trouble for them.

  Declan continued to get the wagon ready, and once he'd done that he went back into the castle to fetch some breakfast and take it up to his room. He and Catherine shared food, and shared smiles. She was looking more relaxed.

  After they finished breakfast the two of them walked downstairs. Catherine had a strange expression on her face as they did so.

  “What is on yer mind?” Declan asked.

  “I was thinking about how different this is to the estate I called home, and how I once saw this place as a prison. It is going to take some adjustment for me to settle here.”

  “There is plenty I can show ye though, and soon ye will be seeing the place where I grew up.”

  They took the wagon away from the castle and made their way through the valley. Catherine looked in amazement at the view as Declan pointed out some of the wildlife around. They laughed at the sight of cute rabbits, and their eyes widened at the majestic sight of deer galloping past. The natural world out here was filled with wonders, but even its beauty and splendor paled in comparison with Catherine.

  The wagon trundled along the well-worn path, and the closer Declan grew to his home the more eagerly he began to anticipate seeing his father again. In time their home came into view over the hill, and his father was there, tending to the ground outside, resting on his cane. He looked up and squinted at the wagon. As soon as he was in range Declan leaped off and ran to his father, embracing him tightly, before his father even had a clue about what was going on.

  “Declan!” he exclaimed, a wide smile upon his face. “Blair and Drew told me ye had a lick of trouble.”

  “Aye, and it is all on account of her,” Declan said with a smile as he went to fetch Catherine from the wagon. He beamed with pride as he took her to his father and introduced them to each other.

  “She is a pretty lass,” his father said, looking upon them with pride. “Well, come in. I am happy tae see ye. When Blair and Drew told me what happened I feared for yer life. I was afraid that I would never see ye again,” he said, leading them into the hut where he offered them some food and water.

  “Ye almost didnae. Catherine helped me escape,” Declan said.

  “Then I owe ye a great debt,” Declan's father said.

  “It is I who owe the debt, for Declan never would have been in such danger had it not been for me,” Catherine said.

  “Sometimes in life I think we all owe a debt tae each other,” his father said, smiling warmly. “Tell me of everything ye hae been through, Declan. I hae missed ye, my boy,” he said.

  Declan was a little subdued as he answered. “I was a part of the battle, Father. I hope I did ye proud, although I did nae get through it unharmed,” he said, and showed off his scar. “But after that I was troubled. I acted dishonorably. I thought that Blair and Drew were wrong tae fall in love with the Sassenach lasses, that they had been blinded by their feelings and were leading us tae ruin. I had many arguments with them. I shirked my duty, and I did nae act as I should.”

  “Did ye see the error of yer ways? Did ye make amends with them?”

  “Aye, I did, and as ye see now I hae a different perspective on the Sassenach.”

  “Ye are turning into a man my son, and learning that nae everything is as simple as we believe. Men are men, no matter which clan or land they belong tae. Some are good, some are bad, and it is up tae us tae choose which one we are gaeing tae be.”

  “Speaking of which, Father, there is a matter I would like tae discuss with ye. Hae ye heard of the Blue Thistle?”

  Declan's father arched his eyebrow in surprise.

  “I hae nae heard that name for a long time,” he said.

  “Can ye tell me anything about him? I shared a dungeon with him.”

  “A dungeon? Nay, that cannae be possible. He died a long time ago.”

  “Who was he?”

  “A grand fighter. Nobody knew his name, for he always covered his face with blue dye. He was the finest swordsman in the land, and there would hae been more deaths if it weren't for him. He was a one-man army, riding behind the enemy, raiding them, and causing havoc. All of us were trying tae figure out who he was, but we never did. I met him once, and was surprised to find that he was just a man, for sometimes the tales about him would make ye think he was one of the gods themselves. But he would nae be alive now.”

  “Did he hae a son?”

  “I dinnae know about that. I suppose it is possible,” his father said, stroking his chin. “If sae then the Blue Thistle lives again, and the son is trying tae follow in the footsteps of his father.”

  “Just like me,” Declan said.

  “I appreciate that, lad, but ye should aim tae dae a little better than I did,” his father said.

  “I could never-” Declan began, but his father shook his head.

  “Ye hae already proven yerself, Declan. After everything ye hae been through ye hae naething else tae prove. Ye should be able tae enjoy life now, as best ye can. Ye hae learned many of the lessons ye need tae get far in this life. Ye are kind, selfless, and strong. Ye are everything I could hae hoped for and more. I am proud of ye, Declan, and I cannae wait tae see the man ye grow intae.”

  Declan was filled with pride and tears welled up in his eyes.

  “Ye hae nae idea what that means tae me,” he said. Both men breathed deeply. Declan felt Catherine's hand in his. She had remained quiet, letting the father and son have their moment of reunion, but there still seemed so much that Declan wished to say to him.

  They stayed there for the better part of the day. Declan and Catherine helped him out with some chores, and Declan encouraged his father and Catherine to get to know each other a little better. He was pleased to see that they got on well, although a little too well for his liking, when his father began to share stories of Declan's childhood.

  “I think that means it is time tae gae,” Declan said, pulling Catherine up.

  “I'm not sure I'm ready yet. There are still more stories to be told,” she said.

  His father laughed. “Ye are welcome back any time ye want, lass. I can use all the company I can get,” he said. The mood was good, and Declan was happy. He shared another embrace with his father and promised that he would return soon, then he and Catherine were back on the wagon, making their way back to the castle.

  “I wish my father was like that. He's a lovely man,” Catherine said.

  “Aye, I am glad the two of ye are in good terms. I hope that he can take care of ye just as he hae taken care of me my whole life. I would like us tae be one family,” Declan said.

  “I would be honored,” Catherine replied.

  “I was actually thinking, for some time, it would be nice tae live with him, just until ye get settled here, if that would be pleasing tae ye? I hae been away from him for a long time, and before the fighting starts again I would like tae spend time with him.”

  “Of course, Declan, I think I'd prefer that. It would help me adjust to this new life without having to feel like everyone is watching me with suspicion. And I can get all the secrets from your childhood,” she said teasingly, nuzzling into him.

  “We are going to have a good life, aren't we?” she asked.

  “Aye, that we are,” Declan said, although he wasn't sure how long that life was going to last, not with the threat of the Sassenach so near, and so potent. However, he knew that he would do everything in his power to love Catherine for as long as he was able. For the first time in his life he knew his true purpose, his true duty, and it was all than
ks to Catherine. She made him into the man he had been destined to be. For that, for loving him, and for so much more he would be eternally grateful, no matter what happened.

  Epilogue

  Catherine felt refreshed after she had spent the day with Declan and his father. At first, she had been worried about the impression she would make, because it was quite clear that not all the Highlanders were willing to see past her Sassenach roots. However, Declan's father seemed wise. His time at war seemed to have made him mellow, and more accepting of the people he once saw as an enemy. He lived a simple yet fulfilling life, tending to the ground, never taking more than he needed.

  He provided quite the contrast to Catherine's own father, who was never content with himself, and could only feel better about his own station when he dragged others down and trod on them. She wondered how differently she would have acted had she had a loving father like Declan did, and it struck her that perhaps the best thing that could have happened to her was to be separated from her family.

  A new life beckoned for her. With it would come new challenges, ones she hoped she was equipped to deal with. There was plenty for her to learn, and new skills for her to master, for her old life had not prepared her well for living here. But if Rosemary and Sarah could adapt, then she was sure that she could as well.

  With Declan by her side she felt as though anything was possible.

  When they were in the middle of the valley Catherine asked Declan to stop for a few moments. She alighted from the wagon and stepped onto the soft grass. Birds tweeted, and a soft breeze washed through the valley, cool and calm. Catherine planted her feet on the ground and looked around. This was her home now. This grass and these trees were a part of her, and she was a part of them.

  No longer would she have the luxurious comfort of a soft bed with pillows, nor would she have her dinner served to her by handmaidens. She would not be able to have fragrant baths, or treat herself to trying on new dresses.

  She smiled.

  “What is on yer mind?” Declan asked.

  “I was just thinking about how foolish I was for thinking that everything in my old life mattered. I was so consumed with the thought of losing everything I was used to that I gave them more importance than they were due. I did not depend on any of them for life. They were not necessities, and yet they became such a huge part of my lifestyle I did not think I could live without them. But now, after all I have been through, I can see that I was mistaken. They were a plague upon my mind, creating a strong dependence when I did not need them at all. The only thing I need now is you.”

  She opened her arms and wrapped them around his neck, kissing him deeply. Catherine was the happiest she had ever been, and was looking forward to a simple life.

  They stayed in the valley for some time, enjoying the pleasure that they had to offer each other. They explored each other’s bodies again, and it was so exciting to think that they were on new soil, in a new land, beginning their lives together.

  Catherine lost herself in the kisses he bestowed upon her. Through their acts of sharing love and intimacy her confidence grew. At the same time they became more used to their bodies, more attuned to what brought them pleasure. They soon learned the hidden sweet spots that drove them to ecstasy, and became experts in each other.

  When they dove into their love it was as though they were diving into an ocean, and neither of them wanted to emerge to the surface. They stayed there for a long while, before eventually gathering their clothes and returning to the castle of the McCall clan.

  Catherine barely let go of Declan's arm as they went back, but then he said he was going to go to Drew and Blair to talk to them before they left to stay with his father. Catherine took the opportunity to visit with Rosemary and Sarah, taking a deep breath as she did so for she was still uneasy with them. After all, she had been dismissive of their way of life.

  She found them by the stream, enjoying the evening. She and Declan had spent most of the day with his father, and when she returned the clan was beginning to settle down for the night. Rosemary and Sarah looked calm.

  “Good evening,” Catherine said, smoothing down her skirt as she joined them.

  “Good evening to you,” Rosemary said.

  “Did you have a good time visiting with Declan's father?” Sarah asked.

  “I did, it was very pleasant, and made me realize how different he is to my own father. In fact, we have decided that we are going to live with him for a little while. I think Declan has missed him terribly, and he wants to spend time with his family. In truth, I am quite glad, as it will give me an opportunity to adjust,” Catherine said.

  “That's wonderful. It sounds as though he has been through a lot, well, both of you have,” Sarah said.

  “I have, and I am sorry for my behavior. I should never have been so rash as to escape as I did. I have only brought more difficulty upon you, and I almost got Declan hurt as well. I was too narrow-minded and could not see what you were trying to do for me,” Catherine admitted.

  “I was surprised in truth, for you seemed to be enjoying yourself at the feast,” Rosemary said.

  “Indeed I was, and my heart was in conflict when I first noticed the door was open. The prevailing thought in my mind ever since I was taken to these Highlands has been to escape though, and I did not think I could live with myself if I let that opportunity slip, for I did not know if another would present itself. However, I have been through a lot and I feel I know my own mind. I returned to England and found that it was not as welcoming as it once was.”

  “I am sorry to hear that,” Sarah said. “The only thing I ever wanted for you was happiness.”

  “Thank you, Sarah. But yes, my father did not seem to care about me at all. The only thing he cared about was going to war with the Highlanders. It was as though I was seeing him for the first time, with fresh eyes, and I did not like what I saw. He tried to send me away to London with a husband who only had a few years left to him. I knew that if I chose that path it would only lead to misery, and before I left I had to save Declan. He changed my mind and convinced me to come back here, even though it would only increase my father's ire towards the Highlanders,” Catherine said.

  “From the sound of it he would come here no matter what, whether you are here or not, so I think it is much better that you are safe and happy here with Declan rather than living a life of misery. But it must have been difficult for you to come to that conclusion. I know you must have been brought up as I was, thinking that family was the most important thing, and that the blood ties you had trumped everything else,” Rosemary said.

  “Indeed, but actually it was you, Sarah, who helped me change my mind,” Catherine said, glancing towards Sarah.

  “Me?” Sarah said, a surprised expression on her face.

  “Indeed. I found myself thinking about all we had been through, and I realized that my impressions were not as important as the reality of the matter. For example, when we first met I was under the impression that you were a noble lady of good breeding, and I assumed that was why you were so kind and gentle. Then I learned that you were a simple handmaid.

  The more I thought about it, the more I started to consider that it wasn't one's family or standing that decided if someone was good or bad, honorable or dishonorable, but rather the person themselves. I knew then that I had to think about my family differently. The distance between us gave me a new perspective on my father, and I was forced to admit that neither he nor the rest of my family were as noble as I thought. In the end, it wasn't a difficult decision to choose to come here over remaining with my father. I am quite confident that if I had remained I would have been sent away, and I doubt my father would ever have paid me any attention again, unless I had a son.”

  “I am sorry that you had to face this truth,” Sarah said. “It is always a sad thing to hear that a parent is neglectful of their child. You can be assured that you have a home here, and that we can be your family. I know I have made mistakes in
the past, and I hope to make up for them.”

  “Mistakes, Sarah?” Catherine asked, chuckling softly. “You have only ever had my best interests at heart. I am the one who made things difficult for you. Perhaps if I was not so concerned with my own well-being when we first met you would have felt more confident to confide in me, or I would have seen that something was amiss and come to your aid. You tried to help me when you thought I was in need. Instead of thanking you and trying to understand why you did what you did, I acted petulantly and only saw the darkness.”

  “I am glad you see the light now,” Sarah said, smiling widely.