Joan hurried to assist her, helping her release her gown’s laces. But as soon as her sister tugged off one of the sleeves, she gasped and said, “Who did this to you?”
“What?” She turned her arm over, just then noticing the huge bruises on the tender underside of her arm. “Oh my.”
“Juliana, that must be verra sore. I’m going for a poultice right away.”
“Please help me get undressed first. I wish to lie down. ’Twas a verra trying day, and I’ll be happy to tell you about it, but first I must get comfortable and find something to eat.” She must have looked like she was ready to collapse because her sister stopped fussing at once.
“Oh, dear. Of course I’ll help you. We have all the time in the world to talk. After I help you into your night rail, I’ll find you something to eat, just a light repast.”
Once her sister left, she settled onto the bed, propped up on the plump pillows, reviewing all that happened and wondering how much to tell her sister. After much thought, she decided to tell her everything because she desperately needed advice.
But she fell asleep instead and dreamed about a handsome man tossing a log.
***
Juliana slept until the morning, to her surprise. Her sister shook her awake. “Juliana, Papa wishes to see you in the hall. You must get up. I’ll help you get dressed. You can tell me everything later, but I’ll give you a hint. He wants to take you back to marry Ailbeart by the end of the week. You cannot. You must put him off. I’ll tell him you have your courses.”
Very little registered with Juliana. Her brain, still foggy from sleep, barely functioned enough for her to recall what had happened the day before.
It seemed stuck on the image of a handsome Scot tossing a log into the air.
She forced herself to a sitting position and mumbled, “What? They wish me to leave? And I think ’twill not be a lie to tell Papa I have my courses.”
“Good. ’Tis what we’ll say. No respectable lady travels at that time of the moon.” Joan tugged the covers back and pulled on her arm. “You must still arise. They’ll demand to see you.”
“Ow,” she howled, clutching her upper arm where Ailbeart had gripped her so hard.
Joan’s brow furrowed as peered at the back of her sore arm. “That bastard. ’Twas him, was it not?”
“Joan, why do you hate him so? You hated him before he hurt me. Can you tell me why?
“I’ll explain when we have more time, but you must get dressed. Mayhap we can tell them you’ve decided to stay and take your vows after all.” Her sister bustled around the chamber, arranging her clothes, finding her a linen square so that she might wash her face.
Juliana took the linen square and a sliver of soap over to the basin and started her ablutions. “But I don’t wish to become a nun,” she said, rinsing her face. After the sinful thoughts she’d had about Ruari Cameron with his tunic removed, she’d best spend her time in the chapel confessing.
“That doesn’t matter. We just need them to go away.”
A sharp knock at the door stopped their conversation. Sister Grace said, “Your sire asked me to report to you that if you are not both below stairs in a quarter hour, he’ll be coming up for you.” Then she giggled. “Though you need not worry. Mother Matilda would never allow a man up here in the women’s quarters. But do hurry.”
Her light lilt made the threat sound almost pleasant, which was surely not as he’d intended.
“We’ll be right there, Sister Grace.”
In a matter of moments, they descended the staircase into the hall. Juliana was pleased to see many people hurrying about—at least she would not have to face the man who’d abused her alone. Food had been set out on the side table and many of the novices and nuns were still eating. Ailbeart headed directly toward them as soon as her feet hit the floor.
He clasped her hands in his and asked, “May I have a moment of your time, Lady Juliana? Before you sit down, if you please.”
Joan had already made her way to their sire, whispering in his ear, so Juliana agreed. They moved into a small alcove, still within sight of the rest of the chamber, and he gushed over her.
“My lady, my apologies for my actions yesterday. I should not have lost my temper with the Cameron’s brother. The abbess has told me he is an honorable man and was probably only concerned for your safety. I vow ’twill not happen again. I’d also like to give you this as a pledge of my troth to you.” He slipped a ring onto her finger—a golden band featuring a large green stone. “Will you forgive me?”
Joan walked up behind him, her face twisted into a scowl. “You should apologize for hurting her arm, you beast,” she seethed.
Juliana removed the ring and handed it back to the laird. He took it, casting her a strange look, but said nothing. She was shocked by the way her sister continued to speak to the laird of Clan Munro. Would his temper flare as quickly as it had yesterday? Part of her feared for her sister, but surely he wouldn’t dare touch her in such a public place.
“Sister Joan,” he said at last, “I don’t know of what you speak, but please allow us a few moments of privacy.”
Joan took her hand and carefully pushed the sleeve of her gown up, revealing the multi-colored large bruises on her upper arm. Juliana couldn’t help but wince as her sister turned her arm to show him.
“Where did you get that?” Ailbeart said, his demeanor so sincere it baffled her. Was he that good at hiding the truth? “I’ll kill any man who harms even a hair on your head. If anyone dares to touch your flesh again, I’ll have them flayed alive, at the end of my own whip.”
“I believe it happened when you gripped me tight after Lord Cameron appeared,” she whispered, a wee bit afraid of his reaction.
“You lie,” he said, a fury crossing his face before he covered it. “My apologies. I don’t recall handling you roughly at all. Mayhap it happened when you were on horseback. No matter. ’Tis in the past and I wish to speak only of the future. I’d like to escort you back to Munro land, along with your sire, so we can plan the nuptials to commence in five days.”
Her sire came up behind him, clearing his throat as if he were uncomfortable. “Excuse me, Laird Munro, but something has come to my attention and I have decided to allow Juliana to stay at the abbey for three or four more days. We shall return to escort her at a later time.” Her father appeared gravely embarrassed. “If I could have a moment of your time, Laird?”
Ailbeart glanced at the three faces, Joan’s chin lifting a notch, then turned to Juliana and said, “Excuse us for a moment, my dear.”
The two men stepped far enough away that they could not be overheard.
After her father spoke, things changed. Ailbeart crossed his arms and said loud enough for all to hear, “I do not care. That changes nothing.”
Her sire said, “But I do care. She is at a tender age, and she will remain here for at least three more days.”
Juliana, shocked her sire would stand up to the man for her sake, could not have been more pleased.
The laird was not happy, but he must have accepted her sire’s decision because he made his way back to her and gave a slight bow. “I shall return for you in three days. I hope you will be feeling better by then.”
He spun on his heel and left.
Juliana breathed a deep sigh of relief.
A lot could happen in three days.
***
Ruari was out in the lists when he noticed several horses leaving the abbey in a cloud of dust. The distance was too great for him to make out any details. He dropped his sword and said to Padraig, “I must see who is leaving. I pray ’tis not Juliana.”
“Would you chase after her? Or mayhap you’d get down on bended knee and beg for her hand? Or would you go straight for Munro and take him down? ’Tis what I’d do if I were you.” The excited glint in Padraig’s eyes told Ruari how much he loved the excitement of the situation. “Mayhap sing a song declaring your love for her. I’m sure she’d accept your hand if on
ly to get you to stop.”
He couldn’t help but smile, even as his heart hammered in his chest. Setting off for the stables at a fast pace, he said, “You’d love for me to go blaze a trail toward them and knock that brute off his horse, would you not?”
Padraig scampered after him. “Aye, would you, if I were to beg? I’ll be right behind you. I’ll take down three of his guards so you can focus on the hedgehog.”
“Nay, Aedan would have me whipped for something like that.”
“Why are you so afraid of your brother?” he asked, as he finally caught up.
“I’m not afraid of him.”
“Then you’re afraid he’ll have a reason not to make you his second.”
There was no denying it was true. Plenty of other men had what it took to fill that position, and he hated the thought of being passed over again. But something else had also been niggling at him. Why did his mother keep reminding him that Aedan was the stronger brother? She didn’t always use that word, of course, but she’d told him Aedan was older, more prepared, and had better judgment. He’d listened to her ruminations on the state of their brotherhood for years. Of late, she’d said it much more often, but he had no idea why.
Shaking the thought off, he retrieved his horse and mounted, then started to ride toward the abbey, Padraig hurrying to keep up with him.
“Stop thinking about your mother,” his friend said. “She’s stuck on when the two of you were bairns. It happens as someone gets older.”
He reined in his horse, turning to face Padraig. “How the hell would you know what I’m thinking?” He was horrified that Padraig had guessed the direction of his thoughts. Was it so obvious?
“Because I see how upset you are whenever you leave her, and I’ve noticed how you avoid visiting her. I understand, Ruari. My mother always used to compare me to Roddy, praising him for being more serious than I am. More driven. But now that I’m here, she’s starting to see me differently.”
“Truly?”
“Aye, but my sire always told her to stop comparing us. We’re not the same, and neither are you and Aedan, and that’s a good thing. You need to make a bold move. I’m telling you to do something Aedan doesn’t expect from you. ’Tis the only way you’ll feel like your own man.”
Perhaps Padraig had a point.
First, he had to see what was taking place at the abbey. Then he’d have a better idea about what kind of bold move he could make.
Perhaps he’d steal a lass right out of the abbey.
Chapter Seventeen
Once her sire had left with the Munro and all his guards, Juliana lowered herself into a chair in front of the hearth. “I’m cold, Joan.” Tired, cold, frustrated, and confused.
The hall was nearly empty, just a couple of serving maids cleaning up and taking things to the kitchens. “Joan, can you give me another reading lesson, please? They may make me leave soon. Do you think I can learn in three days?” She stared into the fire, wondering how her life could have changed so rapidly in such a short time.
Her sister chuckled, moving over to the basket next to the hearth and pulling out a thick fur to place over Juliana’s lap. “Nay, I cannot teach you in three days. But I can get you started. We had a good beginning the other day, learning your letters. That must come first. Let me see how much you remember from your previous lesson.”
A tear slipped out of the side of Juliana’s eye as she stared into the flames.
Joan pulled a chair up beside hers. “Tell me what you’re thinking,” she said, patting Juliana’s hand. “We didn’t have much time to talk last eve.”
She turned to face her sister, fighting the torrent of tears that threatened to drench her cheeks. “Can you please tell me why you hate Ailbeart Munro?”
Her sister let out a deep sigh. “I met him when we were younger. But it doesn’t matter what I think. What’s your impression of him?”
Juliana stared into the flames. “One minute he was so nice, and the next he became nasty and cruel. He was so apologetic this morn that I almost believed him.”
“What did he apologize for? He denied hurting you.”
“He lost his temper when Ruari appeared.” Her hand moved up to the back of her head, massaging the spot where he’d yanked on her hair, causing a headache that still hadn’t relented.
“’Twould be dangerous to marry a man with such a violent temper,” Joan said softly.
“I must say I agree with you. His temper frightens me. He attempted to give me a ring as a symbol of our betrothal, but I gave it back to him. If not for Papa, I know not what he would have said.” She stared at the flames, remembering how beautiful the ring had looked on her finger. “He bought me beautiful ribbons and slippers. I’ve not had such nice things before. You know how worn my slippers are.”
“Oh, Juliana.” She touched her hand. “Those are just things. They don’t really matter. ’Tis what is in your heart that matters, and I think his heart is black. Did you agree to marry him?”
“Nay, he doesn’t seem to think I have a choice. He said as much yesterday.” Her face fell and the tears finally slid down her cheek. “Papa is set on me marrying him.”
“But your heart is not in a marriage to Ailbeart, is it?”
She shook her head, swiping at her tears. “Nay, I do not wish to marry such a cruel man.”
“You’d rather become a nun, am I not correct?”
She shrugged, turning her head away so she wouldn’t see the disappointment in her sister’s gaze.
“Is this about Ruari Cameron?” her sister asked, hesitantly.
She nodded and said, “I think I love him.” Then she burst into tears, sobbing so hard her shoulders bobbed up and down.
“Are you sure? Do you know him well enough to love him?”
She nodded furiously, then said, “You wouldn’t understand, but he’s the only one I want. I know it from the way I felt when we kissed. I love Ruari Cameron.”
Joan just stared at her, but she didn’t look angry or judgmental. She didn’t insist that Juliana stay and become a nun.
“What am I to do?” she bawled.
“Don’t worry,” her sister said. “I’ll take care of everything.”
She was so busy sobbing that she didn’t stop to wonder what Joan meant by that.
***
It was the middle of the night and Ruari was still awake, pacing in the great hall. He’d learned Juliana’s sire and Laird Munro had gone back to Munro land and would return to the abbey in three days. He’d spent several sleepless hours pacing, but he still couldn’t decide what to do about the situation.
He wanted to marry Juliana. The idea of her marrying the bastard who’d hurt her made him want to bellow from the tallest mountains in the Highlands. Nay, that beautiful lass with brown eyes and soft pink lips deserved to be treated gently, with honor and love.
Padraig came in from outside and clucked his tongue. “Still can’t get her off your mind, you lovesick laddie?”
“Must you always wear that wise-arse grin? Why aren’t you abed, anyway?”
Padraig sat down in a chair and settled his boots on a bench in front of him. “Aye, I must. Does it bother you? Because if it does, you’ve a simple way to get rid of it. Do something bold. If you like the girl a wee bit, don’t bother. If you like her way more than that, then you better act before Munro returns, and to hell with Aedan and your mother. They’ll deal with whatever you do. Can you live with her marrying Munro?”
The lad had a point.
“You’re still thinking on it. My brother left home, married his lass, and is happier than a hedgehog with a giant pile of caterpillars in front of it. My sire and mother rarely see him, so when they do, they gush over him like he’s the long-lost bairn. Yet he’s too busy to notice because he can’t take his gaze off his wife. Don’t you wish to be that happy?”
“Would you stop making such good points? You’ve convinced me. I’m leaving.”
“Now?” he asked, dropping h
is booted feet to the ground. “I didn’t mean now. Where the hell are you going?”
“I’m going to find Juliana Clavelle,” he said with a wink as he strode out the door with a grin. “And aye, this is my wise-arse grin.”
He couldn’t help but hum now that he’d made his decision, although he still needed to figure out a way to see her. He saddled his horse and rode to the abbey, stopping at the stables to ask if there’d been any visitors today.
The stable lad was sound asleep, and he only lifted his head long enough to shake it before falling back into a deep slumber. Ruari left his horse inside and made his way around to the back door of the abbey, where the kitchens were located. Two guards were stationed outside the door, but he knew both of them and said, “I just need to grab something to eat.”
They both yawned and waved him in. Although the abbey had been attacked before, it was rare, and it went without saying that no Cameron would ever do such a thing. Most Highlanders had an inherent respect for anyone wearing the cloth.
He peeked inside the door to the great hall, and to his surprise, Juliana stood in front of the hearth, staring at the now-retreating flames within it. She held her hands over the heat, bending over to warm her fingers.
He didn’t wish to scare her, but his gut urged him to race to her side. A wild part of him wanted to grab her around the waist and spin her through the air. This lass did something to him, and the desire to hold her built with each step he took across the cold stone floor.
The sound of his boots echoed in the empty hall, and she spun around to stare at him. “Ruari? ’Tis really you?”
“Aye,” he whispered, “please don’t send me away. I wish to speak with you.”
She didn’t send him anywhere, instead opening her arms to him. He ran the rest of the way to her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“You’re shivering,” he whispered into her neck as he embraced her, reveling in her sweet scent of wildflowers.
“I know, I am so cold, but I probably shouldn’t be here with you. I’m just in my night rail,” she said, taking a step back to stare up at him. “Why are you here?”
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