by Kara Griffin
“I am sorry the MacHeth clan caused you such grief. I feel it is my fault.”
“Oh lass, it were not your fault. You were just a wee lass. Had we known of MacHeth’s intent, we would not have allowed him on our land. Ian was leery of him, but he never suspected he would do something so foul as to abduct a child.”
“Abduct and send me away from all those who loved me. I didn’t remember you and could not return. If it were not for MacHeth sending for me, I would never have known about you or the Gunns.” Bree sighed, feeling heavy from all the strain of the happenings.
“Will you wed my daughter, Laird Gunn?”
Grey took Bree’s hand and smiled. He nodded to Lady Mackay. “Aye, in fact we are to wed on the morrow. You are welcome to stay and join the festivities. Bree would have it no other way.”
“I should like that. And Bree, no matter what has happened, in my heart I have always felt like your mother. I hope in time you can come to understand that.”
“I would like to get to know you.” Bree felt the peacefulness of her words and tried not to weep with the joy of finally knowing her mother.
“Do you still cook?”
All those around the table laughed. Lady Mackay grinned and folded her hands atop the table. “Did I say something humorous?”
“I do love to cook or be in the kitchens. How did you know?”
“I couldn’t keep you from the kitchens. As soon as you could walk, that’s where you always wanted to be. If anyone wanted to spend time with you, they’d have to spend time with cook too.”
“I’ll have chambers prepared,” Grey said and then called forth Bea. “And someone help Branford off the floor. I suspect he’ll need the healer.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
At long last, the day of their wedding arrived. Bree stood looking out the window casement and gazed beyond the walls. Many tents had been erected and all of Mackay’s soldiers camped on the hills outside the walls awaiting their lady. The day dawned a fair day with a bright sun and very little clouds. It would be warm enough to go without a cloak until the eve.
She sat on the bedding and sighed, knowing Grey would make a fine husband. No worries came about that. But she did hope she would make him a fair wife. Though they were compatible in the bedroom, she wasn’t sure if he would allow her interference in the household. She’d never asked if he cared.
Bree wanted to be a good wife and knew she had yet to perform such duties. Since Lady Mackay was here, she would have to ask her just what some of those duties were. As all her time had been spent in kitchens, she didn’t know what the lady of the household did.
She’d lied when she had told the Gunn guard about her time spent as a young girl. Bree had not talent for sewing, weaving fabrics, nor of music or dancing. If Grey expected her to be such a woman, she was sure to disappoint him.
A knock came and Cait strolled in to the chamber. She smiled wide. “A good morn, Bree. I have something for you. Lady Mackay asked me to bring it to you.”
Bree took the cloth from Cait and held it up to see it was a gown of white lace. It was beautiful. The gown was slightly long for her, but she could make do.
“Lady Mackay said she was married in it so long ago. She had always hoped her daughters would be wed in it.”
“Had she carried it with her?”
Cait laughed. “I wondered that too. The woman has a trunk to be envied. Apparently so.”
Bree could cry at the wonderful gesture. “Do give her my gratitude, Cait. It was very kind of her. I think it will fit.”
Another knock came and Cait went to answer it. “’Tis just the bath I ordered for you. I thought you could bathe here instead of down in the buttery. We can talk.” Cait often sat with her when she had her bath, and she would tell her of her loves and stories of how she’d came to the Champlains. It wasn’t so miraculous, but Baron Thomas found her in Londontown, bedraggled, bereaved, and in need of care. She’d been about ten summers.
A few soldiers came inside carrying the tub and buckets of water. After they left, Bree thought of the time when Baron Thomas told her of the betrothal. In truth, she was gladdened of all that had happened since for she would not have met the Gunns and had asked for their protection.
As she slipped into the warm water, Bree laughed. “Did you ever think this day would come?”
“Aye, I knew. You were fond of the Gunn laird. You looked at him as if he were a pot of pottage just waiting to be stirred.”
Bree laughed at her friend’s jest. “I fear as soon as we are wed, Grey will leave.”
“Why would he do that, Bree?”
“To go after MacHeth.”
“But MacHeth is busy fighting the king’s army. I doubt Grey would leave ye to go after him now. He will wait to hear of his death from the king. Surely he or Laird Ross will send a message.”
Bree had to have that hope.
“Has Duff made progress in his proposal?”
Cait snorted. “Proposal, the man hasn’t had time to bed me let alone propose anything.”
“That’s too bad. I see the way he watches you. I deem there will be another wedding and soon.” Bree, with all her heart, hoped Duff would make Cait happy. Her friend deserved such. She finished bathing and stood drying herself when Cait, started to comb her hair.
“You will look so lovely this day. The clan is very happy you are marrying their laird.”
“As am I.”
“I wish I knew ye as a wee girl. There are stories.”
“Do not believe everything ye hear, Cait. I was but a child.”
“A child who was adored by many. A wee one who definitely needed looking after.”
She laughed, for that’s what everyone kept telling her. Bree continued getting ready and once she had flowers affixed in her hair, she slipped her feet into a pair of shoes given to her by Elaina. When she had been allowed out of bed after her ordeal at the MacHeth holding, she went to visit the Gunn soldier’s wife. She’d been so kind to give her garments.
Bree had taken sweet bread she’d made herself and had learned that Elaina had given birth to a son. Before she had left the endeared woman’s cottage, she’d been given more attire and a pair of shoes. One day soon, she would have to repay her kindness.
Bree left her chamber and went outside where many clans people had gathered. Father Geoffrey stood by a makeshift alter, and he bade her to come forward. Without hesitation, Bree walked to where he stood. Grey had not arrived, yet she didn’t worry. Lady Mackay stood next to her as did Cait.
She turned to see the Gunn guard striding forward as if they were about to set upon some unfortunate soul. Their faces all set in a fierce gaze. If she didn’t know them, she might be afeared. They reached her and all their ferocity turned to grins, then they moved aside and let Grey reach the alter. Laughter bubbled inside her. Wasn’t the bride supposed to come to the groom?
Grey didn’t say a word, but took her hand and winked at her.
Father Geoffrey began reciting the mass but Bree didn’t hear his words. All she could focus on was Grey standing so close to her. His hair was still damp from washing, which she’d been told all the men had taken themselves to the loch earlier. She could imagine the ruckus that went on. Bree could smell his scent, and she basked in his appeal as she looked at his handsome face. He was a hardened warrior, fiercely loyal to his clan, and a wonderful lover. She was truly blessed.
She gave the necessary responses to Father Geoffrey’s questions and before she knew it, Grey was kissing her and the clan cheered. It was over. She was at long last wed to the Gunn laird.
A celebration took place immediately following and all the clan’s people joined the merriment. She was so surprised by all the tables that had been set up outside. There were flowers strung on poles and fires lit. The sight this night would be magical. She found herself dancing with her feet taping the ground to the tune of the players. A few men had taken up their instruments and played merry tunes.
Ma
ny of the clan’s people began dancing and the revelry became loud. Bree contently watched dancers and the musicians. Grey whispered to her that he would return when she noticed Lady Mackay approaching. Bree stood to greet her.
Lady Mackay crooked her arm with hers and asked her to take a walk. Bree was happy to do so and smiled at those they passed by.
“I wish Ian was here today to see you and Grey wed. He was so pleased when William asked us to align with the Gunns. Their skirmishes were always half-hearted.”
“I had heard they did not wish to war with each other. It was clever of the king to betroth us.” Bree stopped and accepted a flower from Sunny who then ran back to Cait. She waved to them before moving on. “I thank you for taking me when King William came.”
“My Ian was proud to be of service to William no matter what the duty. But you were far more than a duty to us, Bree. Never forget that. I must leave this eve, for I must return before the soldiers become irate at having to await me.”
“Will you return to Esmereld’s keep?”
“She’s due to have a bairn soon. I will tell her of you. I know she will be happy you are returned to us. Bree, when you disappeared, we all despaired. Grey was brokenhearted. I never saw a lad so torn in all my days. I pray you make each other happy.”
“We will,” Bree said, and then kissed her mother’s cheek. As Lady Mackay walked away, Bree couldn’t help feeling she’d suffered such a loss not knowing the lady when she was younger. Her life would have been far different now.
Grey came for her when he returned from the gatehouse. “I’m sorry, Bree. I had to check and make sure the guard was posted and they stayed on alert.”
“I have been waiting for you.”
He took her hand and led her around the Gunn cottages, introducing her to his many soldiers and their families. Bree would never remember them all, but she tried to. One day she would know each and every one of them by name.
The sky started to darken and the fires were alit bringing a glow to the land. Upon the hill, she could see many had stayed outdoors and continued the celebration. Grey took her hand and spun her until she turned back to him in a fit of laughter. He caught her and pulled her close for a kiss.
“This night I will make you writhe beneath me, as did you to me the other day.”
She blushed at remembering how she had caressed him and how she had touched him with her mouth. If he intended to do such to her, she indeed would be writhing. Grey held her close and when she pulled away, he bade her to join in the dance. “Come.”
Bree had never in her life danced in a group. She was sure to make a fool of herself, but to please her husband she would try.
The group of dancers lined up, the men on the left the women on the right. The women curtseyed and the men bowed. She’d seen this dance before and was in awe of the ladies. A few of the steps came to her as she moved forward and circled her partner. Grey grinned at her and laughed when she made her way around him.
“I thought you said you didn’t know how to dance?”
“I might know a little.” She stepped back in line with the ladies and then the men stepped forward and circled the women. Grey purposely caressed her back with his hand as he moved around her. She gasped. “So forward, my lord.”
He grinned. “Aye, as forward as I want.”
She laughed. When the dance was over, Bree realized she’d survived her first dance. She hadn’t made a fool of herself and no one seemed to notice or care about her missteps.
The night wore on and she sat at one of the tables sedately. For this day, she had eaten too much, drank too much wine, and stood on her feet far too long. She was ready to call it a day when Grey stopped speaking to the soldier next to him and turned to her.
“Go and ready for bed, my lady. I’ll join you soon.”
Bree kissed his cheek and began strolling toward the keep. She passed by the gatehouse and saw the guard attending those who were entering. Ahead of her was a family walking in the direction of the cottages. They waved to her and Bree waved in return.
She kept walking the path to the keep but felt a strange sensation come upon her. It was as if she was being followed. Peering behind her, she didn’t notice anyone. Bree slowed her pace and stopped to admire a horse that was tethered to a tree in the courtyard. Then she heard it, the whistling sound.
As she turned to see where it was coming from an arrow struck her shoulder. She screamed when the pain tore through her shoulder down her arm. In horror she looked at it and then her eyes darted to find the intruder.
A hooded person stood not twenty feet away. Long brown hair slipped out from beneath the hood when it fell to her shoulders. The person was tall and slender, given the breadth of her shoulders. She turned and replaced her hood before Bree could see her face.
Bree was about to turn and shout for help when another arrow struck her thigh. Another came at her and she saw it coming at her face. Bree couldn’t dodge the arrow before it struck her. She reached up with her hand, covering the blood now running down her face. Her thigh and shoulder hurt fiercely, but Bree was more worried about her face. Her hand was covered with blood and it seeped through her fingers. The warm fluid streaked her arm.
The woman crouched and appeared to set another bow. She was intent on killing her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
At the sound of Bree’s screams all the soldiers within the walls ran toward the courtyard. Grey was the first one there and found Bree lying on the ground covered in blood. He shouted his war cry and fell to his knees. Someone had struck her with arrows. Rage tightened his chest. He knelt next to her but wouldn’t dare touch her in fear of causing more damage.
“Who did this?”
She opened her eyes and panted. “I … don’t … know. She wore … a cloak.”
“She? You’re going to be well, Bree. Promise me.”
“I cannot … promise that, Grey.” She closed her eyes and flinched when he touched her leg.
His gut coiled. Taking his plaid, he wrapped it around her head, making sure to leave an opening so she could breathe. “You were hit in your face, shoulder, and leg. Someone get a healer posthaste,” he shouted. Grey lifted her in his arms and tried not to move her arm or leg, knowing the pain she must be in.
His guard followed him to his chamber. None would leave her side.
“Milady, we should have been watching out for you,” Greer said. “Who the hell did this?”
Grey gave him an incredulous look. “A woman. Bree said it was a she.”
Bree opened her eyes and tried to smile at Greer.
“I’m going to be fine, Greer. Don’t worry.” Bree closed her eyes again.
“Laird, she’s delirious. We never suspected anyone within our clan would want to harm ye, milady. A woman?”
She winced when Grey placed her atop the bedding. He began tearing at the gown she wore and she cried.
“What? Did I hurt ye, lass?”
She shook her head and opened her eyes. “You ruined my mother’s gown.”
“She’ll understand.”
“Milady, did ye get a look at the person who did this?” Duff asked.
She winced again when Grey forced her body to shift when he pulled the gown from beneath her body. “Grey, I am not decent. Please tell them to leave.”
“We’re not leaving, milady, until you tell us what she looked like.”
His guard paced Grey’s chamber. If she thought her glare would intimate them, she’d be wrong. They stood around her bed as if they belonged there.
“At least cover me, Grey.”
Grey didn’t speak. He hastily covered her with a plaid and studied the wounds. “It appears your face was grazed by an arrow. God Almighty, ye could have been killed. There’s some damage,” he said, and the expelled a harsh. “Ye got a deep gash.”
“Milady, tell us. We want to know,” Duff shouted.
Grey rose and shoved Duff against the wall. “You dare shout at her? Look at her. Look
! My lady is covered in blood and you …”
“My apologies, milady. Laird, she knows we are only concerned. We need to know details. We need to find the woman who did this. We cannot waste time.” Duff was released and hastily moved to stand next to Greer.
Grey returned to her bedside and gently touched the wound by her leg. She huffed. Every agonizing second he tended to her brought his own reprimand. He should have kept watch on her or set someone to do so. His guard needed a description. The glares they gave surely indicated they intended to kill whoever had dared shoot her with an arrow. It was then that he realized they had felt guilty about what had happened to her at the MacHeth holding.
“Bree, do you know who did this?” Grey began unwrapping the cloth around her face. He was handed another clean cloth by Cait, who appeared from nowhere. Gently, he placed it against the jagged skin of her cheek.
Sunny came running into the chamber, crying. Grey grabbed the sprite before she could reach the bed.
“Cait, take her downstairs.”
Cait took Sunny into her arms and left the chamber hastily.
“She wore a dark cloak. Her hair was long and brown. She was very tall and slim. I thought she looked like …”
Grey scowled at her words. “Nell?”
“Aye, but it was dark,” she said and huffed when he pressed a little too hard against her cheek.
At once his guard strode from the chamber, but before each left, they looked at her and set a fist over his heart. For he knew they would not return until Nell was found.
“Grey, wait, please don’t leave me.”
“Ah, lass, I’m not leaving yet. I blame myself for this. I cannot believe Nell would do this to you. You suspected her didn’t you? I should have questioned her further when she accused Anna. Why would she want to hurt you? There’s no reason for her hatred. I’ve barely spoken two words to the woman.”