by Katy Baker
Okay. She could do that. "Like I said, I was in my car when I got out to find a deer I hit. I'm a vet, I wanted to help it. Then suddenly everything was...different. I couldn't find my car. I stumbled into those men and thought they might have a phone I could use." She shivered at the memory of the violence she saw in their eyes. "I never expected them to be such assholes."
"By this word 'assholes' I ken ye mean malefactors, and aye, they were certainly that. Twas' bad luck that you ran into them in the first place. I hope ye dinna think all of us highlanders are like that."
Darcy didn't reply. She was so confused she didn't know what to think. In the space of an hour she'd been attacked, imprisoned, freed, and rescued. It was like something out of a bad B-movie.
"Well," she said at last. "I guess I'll find out when we reach your house, won't I?"
As they traveled steadily north, the wildness began to be replaced by small crofts dotted with sheep and Highland cattle with their distinctive long hair. Cottages started to appear, most with walled off gardens at the front that housed coops of chickens and herds of honking geese. Guard dogs pricked up their ears and watched them pass and a few times the crofters waved to Quinn and called out greetings.
The sun was starting to sink when Quinn pulled Silver to a halt at the top of a rise. Darcy stretched her neck, looking over Quinn's shoulder.
She gasped at the sight that greeted her.
Below, on the shores of the loch lay a village. It was bordered on one side by the loch itself which sparkled in the evening sunlight and on the other side by undulating purple hills covered in heather. On the other side of the loch Darcy could see the hills rising up to snow-capped mountains in the distance. An island rose from the center of the loch and on this island perched a castle with high walls and turrets where a flag flew in the breeze. The castle was connected to the mainland by a causeway and Darcy could see a steady stream of people and horses moving along that causeway. It was a stunning vista and Darcy stared, transfixed, taking it all in.
Quinn seemed pleased by her reaction. "Welcome to Dunbreggan," he said. "Seat of clan MacFarlane." He nudged Silver into a walk. "If we've timed it right, we should have arrived just in time for the evening meal. I don't know about ye, lass, but I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
"Maybe not a horse," Darcy replied. "But a hamburger and fries would be very welcome."
As they rode down the hillside, the people stopped what they were doing and shouted greetings to Quinn. Many were dressed in warrior's garb, wearing long plaid wrapped around their tall frames and carrying huge swords strapped to their back. These greeted Quinn with good-hearted banter, asking what was this treasure he'd found on his travels.
Darcy blushed but Quinn seemed unperturbed, answering them with banter of his own which amounted to telling them to mind their own business. Still others, dressed as common villagers seemed excited at Quinn's return and shouted respectful greetings and blessings for his good health. Quinn answered them all by name and tossed a few coins to the excited children who gathered to follow the horse.
Darcy watched it all in silence. She felt an odd mix of emotions. She was relieved to be amongst people again - people who appeared friendly and welcoming, but at the same time was keenly aware of the curiosity with which everyone regarded her. Nobody said anything but she could see from their stares that they had many questions. Who was she? Why had Quinn brought her back here? Why was she dressed so strangely?
Darcy had never liked being the center of attention and she cringed, trying to hide behind Quinn's broad back.
They made their way through the village and onto the causeway. At last they reached the gates to the castle. The walls were high and thick, a defensive measure, but to Darcy it made the whole thing look like some beast that was about to swallow her up.
A teenage lad came running to take the horse as they pulled up inside the gates. Quinn swung effortlessly out of the saddle and then reached up to help Darcy down. She all but fell into his arms, stiff from the ride and shaky from the day's experiences. His arms went around her, catching her easily and setting her on her feet. He held her a moment longer than was necessary and she found herself looking up at his shockingly handsome face. She was trapped in the circle of his arms but she didn't feel trapped. She felt...safe. Quinn's eyes were intense as he watched her and she couldn't tell what he was thinking.
Then he seemed to remember where he was. He cleared his throat and released her, stepping back.
"Colm, see that Silver is rubbed down well, he's had a hard day. Give him an extra bag of oats tonight."
The lad nodded and sketched an awkward bow. "Aye, Quinn. I'll see it done." He hovered, flicking a glance at Darcy, obviously full of questions.
"Well?" Quinn said. "Hop to it, lad. Has nobody ever told ye tis rude to stare at a lady?”
Colm jumped. "Aye. Sorry." He took Silver's reins and led him away.
Quinn watched him go with a frown on his face. "That lad will be a heart-breaker before long, I've nae doubt," he said. "Perhaps it's time we thought about finding him a wife."
A wife? Darcy thought. What the hell? That boy couldn't be more than sixteen!
"Come, lass, let's go introduce ye to my family."
Darcy nodded, little butterflies swirling in her stomach. How would they receive her? Would they be as kind as Quinn? Or would they resent this stranger coming into their midst?
She took the arm that Quinn held out to her and allowed him to lead her to the main doors of the keep.
A woman waited for them on the steps. She looked to be around Darcy's age, with long red hair failing in a braid to her waist and a belly swollen with the later stages of pregnancy.
"Och, Quinn!" she cried as they approached. "There ye are! We were expecting ye back hours ago. Where have ye been?"
Quinn folded the woman into an embrace and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Darcy was shocked by the sudden stab of jealousy that assailed her. Was this his wife?
"Rebecca, ye always worry, nae matter how long we might be away."
"That's because I know how ye men like to get yerselves into trouble!" she said, scowling. "Perhaps if ye took more care I'd not have to worry so much, ye ken?"
"Aye. Point taken but ye know I have to do these patrols, especially with the raids we've been having."
The woman sighed. "I ken it, I do. So what did ye find on yer patrol, Quinn? More than ye bargained for by the looks of things."
Quinn nodded. "Aye, ye could say that." He turned to Darcy. "This is Lady Darcy Greenway, a visitor to our lands from across the ocean. Lady Greenway, I'd like ye to meet Rebecca MacFarlane, wife to my brother, Laird Robert."
She was his sister-in-law? A strange wave of relief washed through Darcy. What was she doing? She'd only known Quinn for a few hours!
"Lady Greenway was set upon by three brigands down near the border. She managed to free herself mind, so I thought it best to bring her here till we can figure out how to get her back to her kin."
Rebecca's hands flew to her mouth and she looked at Darcy with an expression of horror. Then, to Darcy's surprise, she pulled her into a tight embrace, hampered somewhat by Rebecca's bump.
"Och! Ye poor dear. Whatever must ye think of my countrymen? Yer first visit to our bonny land and ye stumble upon the worst of men!"
She seemed to take it as a personal affront. Darcy returned the hug a little awkwardly until Rebecca stepped back and looked her over critically.
Rebecca was pretty with large eyes and a dusting of freckles over her nose. "Are ye well?" she asked Darcy. "Did they hurt ye?"
"No," Darcy replied. "In fact, I think I hurt them more than they hurt me in the end."
Rebecca's eyes widened and she glanced at Quinn. "Ye mean ye fought them off?"
Darcy shrugged. "I drugged them actually, but it had much the same effect."
The look that crossed Rebecca's face suggested she was as puzzled by Darcy's words as Quinn had been. A moment later though, Rebecc
a's smile returned.
"Well, ye dinna need to worry. Yer safe now. Won't ye come inside? The evening meal is about to be served."
"Rebecca," Quinn said, catching her by the wrist. "Is Robert back yet? We need to talk about these raids. They're getting bolder."
Rebecca looked troubled. "Nay, he's not back yet. He and Dougal rode over to the northern holdings this morning after reports came in of more cattle raids. I'm sure he won't be long and then ye men can sit down and plan strategy while us women talk of more pleasant things." She tried to sound light-hearted but Darcy heard the tension in her voice.
Rebecca took Darcy's arm and led her through the doors. Beyond lay a huge hall with a beamed ceiling, flagstone floor covered by thick rugs and tapestries covering the walls. A huge fireplace sat against one wall although there was no fire burning in it now.
Darcy snapped her mouth shut when she realized she was staring. Long benches filled the room with a grand table at the far end. People of all ages sat at the benches, many already eating but others waiting to be served. The hum of conversation echoed through the room along with raucous laughter coming from a table populated by men dressed in warrior garb.
Quinn saw the men and scowled. "It doesnae take long for discipline to slip does it?"
Rebecca waved a hand at him. "Och, let them have their fun. They brought down a stag today over by the brook and so deserve to be in high spirits. We'll have venison for the next few days."
"Quinn!" one of the warriors shouted, standing up and saluting Quinn with his cup. "Come join us! Looks like yer day's hunting was as profitable as ours." He nodded meaningfully at Darcy.
"I'll thank ye to remember yer manners, Andrew MacFarlane," Quinn growled. "Especially when there are ladies present."
Andrew sobered abruptly. He bobbed a short bow to Rebecca and Darcy. "Of course. My apologies, my ladies."
Darcy shrank back behind Quinn. Many of the people in the hall had marked Quinn's entrance and now they were turning to look at the commotion.
Oh god, she thought. They're all looking at me! I need to get out of here!
She didn't realize she'd staggered until Quinn caught her by the elbow.
"What's wrong, lass? Ye look as pale as milk."
"I...er...um..." Darcy mumbled.
"Wouldn't ye feel a bit weakened if ye'd had the sort of day she's had?" Rebecca said, coming to Darcy's rescue. "Come on, my dear, we'll draw ye a bath, get ye some fresh clothing and then ye can come down to dinner when yer ready. Ye'll be right in no time, I'm sure."
Darcy nodded dumbly. Rebecca led her towards a staircase at the back of the room. Darcy realized Quinn wasn't following and looked back anxiously. Was he just going to leave her with strangers?
What are you talking about? she thought. He's a stranger too. You've only known him a few hours! And yet she'd grown reliant on him in that short time. She felt vulnerable without him by her side. She glanced over her shoulder, searching for him but he'd already turned away, dismissing her, and going over to speak to his men.
Darcy followed Rebecca up the stairs. At the top she found a long hallway with ornately carved doors along each side. Rebecca opened one of them and led Darcy into an opulent bedroom that wouldn't look out of place in some five star hotel. There was wood paneling on the wall, thick red and gold rugs covering the floor and a huge canopied bed dominating the space. An ornate fireplace sat against one wall.
"Oh my," Darcy said, looking around in wonder.
"Are ye all right, my dear?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes. It's this room. It's beautiful."
Rebecca fairly beamed at the compliment. "It's kind of ye to say so. Clan MacFarlane prides itself on treating our guests well. Ye'll want for nothing while yer here and ye'll be perfectly safe so try to nae worry about those brigands who beset ye."
"Thank you, Rebecca," Darcy said and meant it. She felt a sudden wave of gratitude for this woman who'd shown her such kindness. She nodded to Rebecca's swollen belly. "When are you due?"
Rebecca smiled, rubbing her stomach gently. "Another month or so the midwife reckons. I wish it would come sooner, tis starting to get mighty uncomfortable!"
Darcy laughed. "Are you having a boy or a girl?" As soon as the words left her lips, she regretted them. She really needed to learn to watch her tongue.
Rebecca looked at her, puzzled, then shrugged. "How would I know? Malcolm would dearly love a boy, I know, although he hasn't said as much. Me? I dinna care. As long as the bairn is healthy that's all that matters."
There was a knock at the door and a straw-haired girl stuck a head in. She bobbed a curtsy to Rebecca. "Begging yer pardon, but Quinn sent me up to bring the lady some clothes and water for bathing."
"Come in, Alice," Rebecca said, taking the girl by the hand.
She looked to be in her late teens and was a pretty little thing with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. She smiled at Darcy.
"If it please ye, Lady Darcy, I'll help ye to bathe and change."
"Call me Darcy, please," Darcy said. Where had they all gotten the idea that she was a lady?
Alice nodded then turned to the door and called instructions into the corridor outside. Four young lads bustled into the room carrying a copper tub which they set before the fireplace and filled with hot water from buckets they'd brought with them.
After they'd left Rebecca took Darcy's hand. "Alice will take good care of ye. Come down to the hall when ye are ready. The weaver will be coming soon to show me some new material. You can help me pick out what I want for my gowns." She patted her belly. "Seems like I need a new gown every other week!"
She gave Darcy a quick kiss on the cheek and then left, closing the door softly behind her. Alice stuck her hand into the bathtub to test the water then tossed some powder in from a little box tied to her waist. The scent of lavender filled the room.
"Would ye like me to help ye undress?" Alice asked.
"Um, no," Darcy replied. "I've got it. Thanks."
Alice nodded and Darcy expected her to leave, allowing her to bathe in privacy, but Alice just stood there, hands clasped in front of her, watching Darcy expectantly.
Darcy swallowed. The bath really did look inviting. She walked over to the tub and undressed as quickly as she could, tossing her clothes onto the bed and then hopping into the bathtub and sinking gratefully into the hot water. She laid back, allowing the warmth of the water and the scent of lavender to unknot her tired muscles. Slowly, the tension left her.
She closed her eyes. It had been a crazy day. Crazy. Perhaps she was dreaming. Perhaps when she woke she'd be back in Edinburgh, or better, back in her apartment.
"It was a dream," she said aloud. "I've fallen asleep in the bath back home but I'm about to wake up."
"What was a dream, my lady?" Alice asked.
Startled, Darcy opened her eyes. Alice was kneeling by the side of the tub, sleeves of her gown rolled up, holding a bar of soap.
"Oh, nothing," Darcy muttered. "Ignore me. It's been a trying day."
"Would ye like me to scrub yer back?"
Darcy leaned forward, submitting herself to Alice's ministrations. She was glad she did. The girl had a deft touch which left Darcy feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Alice dried Darcy off and then presented her with a beautiful gown. It was a gorgeous thing in deep red velvet with gold scroll work around the bodice and the arms. Alice helped Darcy into it and once again she was glad of her help – she would never have been able to do up the hooks at the back by herself.
Alice led her over to the mirror where she brushed out Darcy's hair then pinned it up around her face, leaving several wisps framing her face and brushing her shoulder.
Standing back, Alice sighed. "Ye are a beauty my lady."
Darcy looked at herself in the mirror. She hardly recognized the person staring back. This wasn't Darcy Greenway, the jeans-and-t-shirt girl. This was a medieval princess, all grace and poise.
She giggled nervously. "What have you
done to me, Alice? I barely recognize myself!"
Alice blushed. "I'm glad ye like it, my lady."
Darcy fixed her with a frown.
"Sorry. I mean, I'm glad ye like it, Darcy. Will ye go down to dinner now? I know Lady Rebecca will be waiting for ye."
Darcy pulled in a deep breath and let it out slowly, steeling her courage. Then she stood.
"Yes, thank you, Alice."
With as much confidence as she could muster she walked out the door and then along the corridor to the stairs. At the top she paused. The sounds of conversation had gotten louder and somebody was playing a fiddle.
Grabbing the railing with one hand, Darcy made her way down the steps. It was awkward walking in a gown and she feared she'd trip and go tumbling into the hall to land on her backside. She smiled at the thought. Wouldn't that be a way to introduce herself to the clan?
As she stepped into the hall she immediately looked for Quinn. There he was, sitting with his men at a table on the far side of the room. He looked up and she raised her hand to wave but halted as his eyes flicked over her and then away, dismissing her completely.
Darcy faltered, unsure of herself. What was she supposed to do? She needn't have worried. Rebecca, seated at the main table by the hearth, waved in Darcy's direction.
"Come join us, Lady Darcy," she called. "Ye can help me choose cloth for the bairn’s swaddling."
Another woman sat with Rebecca. She had shiny black hair in a braid over her shoulder and looked to be only a few years older than Darcy. The woman smiled at Darcy encouragingly.
Feeling a little self-conscious, Darcy picked her way around the outside of the hall to Rebecca's table and sank gratefully into the seat she was offered.
"How are ye now, dear?" Rebecca asked. "Was the bath to yer liking?"
Darcy nodded. "I feel much better, thanks. It's amazing how a bath and a change of clothes can work wonders."
Rebecca laughed lightly. "Aye, it is that. And the gown? Ye look lovely as I'm sure the males in this room have noticed."
Darcy glanced around and noticed more than a few looks in her direction. She looked down, blushing. "It's a gorgeous dress, Rebecca. Thank you."