by Kate Forrest
“There is a MacDonald of Skye at the gate, Chief,” a guard said, interrupting Alex’s thoughts. Alex hadn’t even noticed the man approach his side.
“Show him in,” Alex said, grateful for the distraction. He jogged up to the gate and reached it just as Robbie and his brother and sister entered. Robbie was carrying his sister; the brown-haired girl did not look well.
“She took a turn last night,” Robbie explained.
“Come, we’ll get her inside,” Alex said, guiding him into the keep. “Send for the physician at once!” he ordered, yelling at the nearest guard.
Alex took Robbie and his siblings to a guest chamber and helped Robbie lay his sister down on the bed.
“She had difficulty breathing all morning,” Robbie said. “I’ve used all the medicine Katherine gave me; I didnae know what else to do.”
“She’ll pull through,” Alex assured his friend as Isobel entered the room.
“Robbie,” she said, and smiled, but her lips formed a straight line as she approached the bed. “Is this your sister?”
“Aye, this is Agnes. And this is my brother, Murdoch,” he said, nodding toward his brother. The boy looked like a younger version of Robbie; Alex put him close in age to Flora. Agnes appeared to be a few years older.
Isobel approached the girl and felt her face, then hands.
“She is cold,” Isobel said. “I’ll bring furs.”
She returned a few moments later with Joan in foot. They immediately set to work, laying the furs and tucking them in around Agnes. The physician arrived shortly after and asked the men to leave. Alex took Robbie and his brother to the great hall.
“The physician is talented. I am confident he will help Agnes,” Alex said. He was grateful one of his father’s physicians had agreed to stay on after his passing.
Alex took Robbie and Murdoch to a table near the fireplace. Despite the warm daytime temperature outdoors, the inside of the keep was still cool. The warmth of summer had not yet penetrated the walls, so a fire was still lit daily in the great hall.
“Are you hungry?” Alex asked, looking at the brothers.
“Nae,” Robbie said. “What about you, Murdoch?”
The young man shrugged, but his stomach growled, giving him away.
“Perhaps I could eat,” he said, as Anna and Flora came into the great hall.
“Where are Joan and Isobel?” Anna asked, as she and Flora approached the table. “We’ve looked everywhere for them.”
“They are tending to our guests’ sister, Agnes,” Alex said. He introduced Robbie and Murdoch to his sisters. “Lasses, would you do me a favor? Could you take Murdoch to the kitchens and get him something to eat?”
“Of course,” Flora said. She smiled brightly at Murdoch, and the boy blushed.
“Perhaps after he’s eaten you could give him a tour of the grounds, but keep clear of Uncle William’s practice with the men.”
Anna and Flora nodded and ushered Murdoch from the room.
“Much has happened since last I saw you, MacDonald,” Alex said, looking at Robbie. “Isobel is to be my wife.”
“Then I won’t be kicking your arse after all,” Robbie said with a laugh. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you.”
“And the relic? Is it safe?” Robbie asked.
“Safe for the time being,” Alex said. “Right now, my most pressing concern is the Macleans.”
“You anticipate a battle?”
“Aye,” Alex said. “I am preparing my men now, and my uncle, William, has brought mercenaries from Ireland. We have been planning for an impending attack. I am to send word of my decision to Maclean in ten days’ time.”
“Do you think he suspects your refusal of his terms?”
“Does any clan ever submit willing?” Alex asked.
“Fair enough,” Robbie said. “Will you present your own terms?”
“I’m still working on that,” Alex said. He and Isobel needed to talk to Anna. He would not force a marriage alliance on her, even if it meant going to battle with the Macleans. Even if she was agreeable, the Maclean chief might not accept the alliance. But the dowry from Isobel might just be enough to subdue Maclean’s greed.
Alex looked away from Robbie when he saw Isobel appear at the bottom of the steps. Robbie followed Alex’s gaze and immediately stood up. Alex joined him.
“How is she, Lady Isobel?”
“She is resting comfortably, Robbie,” Isobel said. “She’ll need to keep to her room for a few days, but the physician feels confident he will be able to manage her condition.”
“Thank you,” he said to Isobel. He then turned to Alex. “Thank you as well, MacKinnon. I owe you more than I can possibly repay.”
“You owe me nothing, MacDonald.” Before the man could argue with him, Alex said, “Come. You need to eat.” Robbie did not argue as Alex and Isobel led him from the great hall.
****
Castlelaw Fort, south of Edinburgh, that evening.
The Duke of Lincoln and the Bishop of Edinburgh stood on the ramparts, overlooking the ancient settlement of Castlelaw Fort. Sprawling hills stretched out around them, touching the golden orange hue of the setting sun. Such a tranquil place to discuss each man’s failings.
“I’ve had no word from my men,” the duke said.
“Then neither of us has been successful,” the bishop responded.
“This was never my mission. I only offered to help,” the duke said in defense. “The king will not be disappointed with me, Bishop.”
“Perhaps,” the bishop said. “The matter is no longer of interest to me anyway. I must return to Edinburgh to be of assistance to young King Malcolm.”
“You do not expect me to believe you have given up on this.”
The bishop shrugged. He knew there were other treasures the king would find of value in Edinburgh. They would be easier to obtain now that the watchful eye of King David was no more.
“You are welcome to pursue the Rood,” the bishop said. “If it is on Iona, then it will be protected by Somerled, Lord of the Isles. You will have to negotiate with him.”
“Everyone has a price. I am certain this ‘Lord of the Isles’ could be swayed.”
“We shall see,” the bishop said. “But as I said, it is no longer my concern.”
“Then I am afraid your efforts to join the king’s council are for naught. Without the Rood, you have nothing to offer him.”
“And you have nothing to use to gain more power and influence,” the bishop countered.
The duke shrugged off the bishop’s words. “Everyone has a price.”
“Then I wish you luck in your negotiations with the self-proclaimed island king.” The bishop waved to his attendants, who stood down below in the earthen ruins of the old fort.
“Until our paths cross again then, Bishop,” the duke said, with a nod of his head.
The bishop returned the gesture and departed. The alliance with the duke had not been productive—yet. The bishop would keep an eye on things from a distance and see what developed with Somerled. Should an advantage arise, he would be ready.
Chapter 26
That night, after the evening meal, Alex asked Anna to join him and Isobel in his solar. He knew Anna had grown much during his six-year absence, but when he looked at her, he still saw a good-natured, compassionate, yet naive lass. Is she even ready for marriage? Had Father discussed such things with her?
Alex straightened his spine then leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. Isobel and Anna sat opposite him.
“Anna, what are your thoughts on marriage?”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Have you ever thought of marrying?”
“Well, of course,” she said, averting her eyes. “But Father said it was unlikely any of us would make acceptable matches. We have nae dowries, Alex. You know this.”
“Well, that has changed,” Alex said, looking at Isobel.
“My own
dowry is generous enough that I can give you, Joan, and Flora all your own dowries,” Isobel said.
“Truly?” Anna asked. Her eyes grew large in shock.
“Yes,” Isobel said, taking Anna’s hand in her own. “But there is more.”
“What is it?” Anna looked between Isobel and Alex.
“You know we are preparing for battle with the Macleans?” Alex asked, looking at his sister.
“Aye. What does that have to do with marriage?” Her face scrunched up in confusion.
Alex could have laughed, if the matter was not so serious. The lass could never keep anything a secret. She had the most expressive face. It gave away her every thought and feeling. “Remember Ewan?”
“Of course, Brother,” Anna said. “He came here with his father last year, though I didnae speak to him.”
Alex looked at her expectantly.
After a few moments, she asked, “You want me to marry Ewan?”
“Aye,” Alex said.
“It is part of the terms your brother would like to propose to the Macleans,” Isobel explained. “But if you are not agreeable, then we shall speak of it no more.”
“I dinnae know if I am,” Anna said, reclining back in her chair. She pulled her hand free from Isobel and looked at Alex. “What do you know of him?”
“He and I were friends before I left on Crusade. I remember him as kind and fair,” Alex began. “But, I confess, I dinnae know if he has changed.”
“Would I be able to speak with him before I make my decision?”
“Mayhap,” Alex said, considering how it could be done without Chief Maclean knowing. He could not send one of his own men. The chief would expect his answer if a MacKinnon showed up at his gates. Alex would have to think on it.
“Is that all you wished to discuss?” Anna asked.
“Aye, you may go,” Alex said. “Dinnae let yourself worry. The training with the men goes well, and with our uncle’s force, we are formidable. I dinnae want you to feel as though the clan’s livelihood rests on your shoulders.”
Anna nodded and gave a weak smile before she left the room. Alex knew his words had not convinced her of their clan’s ability to defend against the Macleans. Perhaps because he himself was not entirely convinced. Doubt is dangerous. His uncle’s words came back to him.
“How will you reach out to Ewan?” Isobel asked, coming over to stand beside him.
“I’m not yet certain,” he said. “Come. I haven’t touched you in ages.” He pushed back from the table to make space for Isobel on his lap.
“You had your hand on my thigh through half of the evening meal,” Isobel said, arching her eyebrows.
“As I said—ages.”
Isobel laughed, and he grinned. There was no sweeter sound on earth than her laugh. It instantly calmed him, and the weight of his troubles felt lighter.
Isobel sat on his lap and leaned into him, laying her head on his shoulder. Alex wrapped his arms around her and sighed in contentment.
“You could send Robbie to Duart,” Isobel suggested.
“He would go,” Alex said, considering it. “He would also be less likely to draw attention than any of the MacKinnon men.”
“You could invite Ewan to the wedding.”
“Have you chosen a date?” he asked.
“I spoke with your sisters this afternoon,” Isobel began. “We thought five days from now would be best.”
“Five days’ time?” Alex asked. That meant four more nights without her.
“I did not want it any closer to the potential arrival of the Macleans,” Isobel explained. “And it will take the cook a few days to prepare food suitable for a celebratory feast.”
“Everyone will be excited to see such grandeur inside the great hall again,” Alex said. He couldn’t recall the last time there had been such an occasion at the keep. It would boost the morale of the men before battle. If there is to be a battle. He kissed Isobel on the forehead and held her close. He had much to lose. He could not fail Isobel and his people.
****
The next morning, Isobel returned to MacKinnon Keep from the nunnery on Iona, where she had stayed every night since she arrived. She sat in Joan’s room with Anna and Flora. The women were admiring Isobel’s wardrobe. She had every last one of her gowns laid out on the bed (save for her wedding gown).
“Please choose one,” Isobel said, looking at the women. “You are welcome to any of them. I assure you I hold no attachments to them. Pick the one you like best, and then we can begin making the necessary alterations.”
“But then they will nae fit you,” Flora said.
“Which is precisely the point,” Isobel said. “These will be gowns for you to keep.”
“I cannae choose. They are all so lovely,” Anna said, reaching out to touch a few of the dresses.
After a few more moments of awkward silence, Isobel stood and approached the heap of gowns. She eyed the girls carefully. They were all lovely with unique features. Joan had dark brown hair, nearly black, and sharp green eyes. Isobel sorted through the gowns and reached for a mossy green velvet gown that had gold embroidery along the bust line.
“Try this,” Isobel said, handing Joan the gown. “I think the color will bring out your eyes.”
Joan hesitantly took the gown and held it up in front of the polished silver mirror, another luxury that had arrived with Isobel’s trunks.
“She’s right,” Anna said, coming to stand beside her sister. “It does bring out the color of your eyes.”
“ ’Tis beautiful,” Flora said. The girl’s face glowed in delight.
Isobel noted Flora’s pale blonde hair. She too had green eyes, but she thought something more youthful and light would complement her hair color and age. She surveyed the gowns and searched through them; a bright pink damask gown caught her eye. The cut was simple, but there was lovely silver detailing around the bodice and down the sleeves.
“This should work nicely for you, Flora. We’ll just need to address the length.”
Flora took the gown and ran to the mirror and held it up in front of her. “ ’Tis the loveliest dress I have ever seen!” she exclaimed.
“I am happy you are pleased with it.” Isobel smiled at the girl’s joy. She had forgotten being excited for such things, but there was a time when the sight of a fine gown would have made her equally as happy. She was grateful to be sharing her good fortune with Alex’s sisters.
She then looked to Anna. Anna could be meeting her own betrothed on Isobel’s wedding day, so she wanted Anna to feel comfortable and confident in her gown. Anna was similar in height to Isobel, which meant alterations would be minimal. She studied her features—brown eyes and long, wavy brown hair. Any of Isobel’s gowns would suit her.
She sorted through the gowns but could not make a choice.
“I think you will have to select one,” Isobel said. “All of them will look beautiful on you.”
Isobel stepped aside, giving Anna access to the gowns. Joan and Flora were admiring each other’s dresses and noting the places where adjustments would need to be made. Anna sorted through the gowns, carefully examining each as she went. Her face was a rainbow of emotions as she reacted to each one. She pouted when she appeared to think one was unattractive. Then, she would smile when she touched the lush fabrics and ornamented beadwork on Isobel’s finest gowns. Suddenly, Anna’s eyes lit up.
“What do you think of the yellow?” Anna asked, holding up a bright yellow damask gown. The fine dress came from France as a gift from David last autumn. It had no ornamentation of any kind, but the shimmering fabric did not need it. The bodice was low cut, but still more modest than many of the current fashions.
“I think it is perfect,” Isobel said. “I have a matching ribbon for it as well. We can weave it through your hair.”
“That sounds lovely,” Anna said. She joined her sisters at the mirror.
“You will turn every head at the feast, and none of you will want for a dance partne
r.”
That drew an instant frown from all the women.
“What is wrong?” she asked.
“Dance partners?” Joan asked. “What do you mean, dance partners?”
“There will be dancing,” Isobel said. “A few of your uncle’s men brought instruments. They are very skilled and know a bounty of songs to perform.”
“But we cannae dance!” cried Flora.
“What?” Isobel asked. Surely the girls have been exposed to dancing. All the clans welcomed traveling musicians. She’d heard of the performances when the clan chiefs came to pledge allegiance to King David at court.
“ ’Tis true,” Anna said. She looked miserable at the admission.
“Father never liked musicians in the great hall and without music…” Joan began. “Sad, isn’t it?”
“No. It’s fine. We’ll have lessons.” The men were in the bailey, which meant the inside of the keep would be empty. “Let’s go down to the great hall.”
“But what if someone sees us?” Flora asked.
“The men are all in the yard practicing. No one will see,” Isobel said.
The women put down their dresses and followed Isobel to the great hall. Isobel chose Joan as her partner and paired Anna with Flora. After showing the sisters the basic steps, they took turns around the hall. Flora kept stepping on Anna’s feet, and Joan was determined to lead, which put her at odds with Isobel trying to teach her the role of the lady in the dance. They muddled through a few more spins before they were interrupted.
All the women halted as Robbie, Alex, and Murdoch entered the hall.
“Perfect timing!” Isobel said, stepping away from Joan. “Alex, can you dance?”
“Of course I can,” he said.
His sisters all frowned.
“When did you learn?” demanded Flora.
“When I was your age,” Alex said. “It was part of our training on Skye.”
Isobel was surprised. “You mean, they trained you to fight and how to dance?”
Alex shrugged.
“Does that mean you can dance too?” Isobel asked Robbie.