On A Highland Hill (Gunn Guardsmen)

by Kara Griffin

  She played with the leaf she’d taken from the wooded ground, and twisted it in her fingers. “I wish to be alone for a few minutes.”

  “I cannot allow that.”

  “Very well then, Kenneth, you can stay. I just wish to walk around a bit and be within my thoughts.” Elisa wasn’t about to admit she was glad he came. There was something about him that made her heart ease but her mind tense. She wanted to know more about him, but would take it slow. He wasn’t a man who would share himself easily.

  “Within your thoughts?”

  She lifted her chin to gaze at his face. “Aye, within my thoughts. To consider all that has happened. To think … to reason.”

  “Ah, you’re still thinking about changing Grey’s mind. I wouldn’t bother. Once he gets his mind set, there’s no changing it.”

  Elisa frowned, and instead of getting angry, she took a breath. “I suppose you know him better than I. I need to walk.” She stepped toward him.

  “Are you sore from riding?”

  “Are you not?” She knew it was an unwise question since he and his comrades were far more abled than she. They hadn’t spoken a word about the length of the ride or of being tired, both of which bothered her.

  “Not really. We’re used to riding long distances. Grey doesn’t like to stop. Come, we’ll walk.” Kenneth led the way through a small path that led to a stream. There, he dunked his hands and applied water to his face and took a long drink.

  She wished she could stand there and watch him until it grew too dark to see him. He was too handsome for his own good. Elisa stood behind him, watching the way his muscles tensed in his back through his shirt when he bent over. She saw his muscular thighs when his tartan rose and imagined what his firm skin felt like. Her hand reached out to touch him, but she retracted it, not as brave as she pretended. Kenneth didn’t seem to know how striking he appeared and his modesty made her sigh.

  He rose and waved a hand to her.

  “Do you want a drink? The water is clean.”

  Elisa knelt by the water and cupped her hands to take a drink. She sat and tucked her legs beneath her and looked up at him. How she wanted to ask him if he was married. He probably had a sweet wife who tended to his every need. How she wished she were that woman and envied her. If she had to be a wife, she might as well know what to expect.

  “Is Sean a good man?”

  Kenneth sat next to her, crossed his arms over his chest and rested against a small tree. He didn’t answer her right away which concerned her.

  “Is he?”

  “I’ve been his friend since we were lads. I trust him with my life. You will be blessed to be wedded to him. There’s no finer man in our clan besides Grey.”

  Elisa would have laughed, because never had she heard such a diplomatic riposte. “You set him in high esteem. Is that how you really feel?”

  “How I feel does not account. Are you ready to move on?”

  The topic of conversation seemed to bother him, given his severe tone and Elisa decided not to question him further. When she nodded, he rose and helped her from the ground. She reveled at the touch of his hand holding hers even so briefly, that she felt the stirring of it all the way to her heart. She quietly followed him back to their awaiting party and Elisa found herself wishing she knew more about him. She could tell he was deeply saddened by something, or mayhap, he was introverted to the point that no one could read him.

  “Thank you, Kenneth. I am well and sated now.”

  At her words, the other men gave bemused gazes. She should really reprimand them, because she knew where their thoughts led. Elisa wanted to ride with Kenneth so she could delve more into his essence, but he settled upon his horse before she could ask.

  Colm stood next to her and as if reading her mind, he grinned. “I get the pleasure, milady.”

  She nodded curtly and let him assist her upon his horse. At least she didn’t have to ride with Sean, she thought, because he had no liking for her and hadn’t even spoken a kind word since she’d kicked him. She supposed she deserved that and probably shouldn’t have done what she did. He could nonetheless be cordial. That wasn’t asking too much, was it?

  Before they’d begin their trek, Kenneth rode closer to her and Colm. He held out a tartan.

  “For later, when it gets cold.”

  Elisa didn’t know what to make of his kind gesture. “Thank you, Kenneth.” She held his tartan in front of her, happy to have a part of him near.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  They traveled another day, stopping for a few hours to rest here and there. Elisa had been quiet during their trek and Kenneth reasoned she’d accepted the fate of having to wed Sean. At least she hadn’t voiced her wrath this day. She’d tried to get Colm, James, and he to side with her against Grey, but they wouldn’t concede to help her. As far as they were concerned, Grey made the right decision. The lass would be safer if she was wed and hidden.

  Kenneth kept quiet and watched Colm hold Elisa before him on his horse. He gnashed his teeth wanting badly to object when it was decided she would travel with him again that morning. But better Colm than Sean, he thought, for the latter’s safety. Who knew what she’d do to Sean if she had to ride with him.

  Kenneth fought an inward battle with himself. Sean was his longtime friend, his best friend, and he should be wishing him congratulations and well wishes on his wedding day. Instead, he wanted to bash his face and cause him a little injury too.

  All were disagreeable during the ride and tension rose with every passing hour. Kenneth knew each had their own objections about Elisa marrying Sean, but no one would dare voice their opposition. Soon they’d reach their home and Grey would search out Father Geoffrey. It would be done before the sun set. Could he refrain from interfering when the time came?

  Kenneth wasn’t sure. But until that moment, he’d had to consider the ramifications. He didn’t want a bride. What the hell would he do with a woman? Well, besides the obvious. He didn’t have a home or anything to offer the lady. The only thing that mattered was protecting Grey and the Gunn clan. It had been his sole purpose of existence since he was a lad and given over to Grey’s father for training.

  He was gladdened when he’d gone to the Gunns since his father didn’t much care for him. All the years while growing his father would excessively talk of Greer’s role in the clan, and how happy he’d be when his son became laird. Never had he mentioned any pride concerning him, and Kenneth shouldn’t have expected it. Such was the fate of second sons.

  Kenneth understood and hadn’t despised his father for his position. That is until his brother died. Then his father often ridiculed him and openly mocked anything he’d accomplished. His father swore he’d name a successor before he’d let Kenneth lead their clan. His father’s behavior was unforgivable and Kenneth declared he’d be run-through before he’d step on McInnish soil again. Those words stayed with him, and even though he hadn’t really meant them wholeheartedly, his anger still plagued him.

  That day he vowed to be a Gunn forevermore and considered himself such. After all, he lived for more years on Gunn land than he had anywhere. He took the Gunn clan as his family.

  Greer was a fine son and brother. He never lorded his role over him and insisted their father held respect for him. Kenneth didn’t believe that. But he and Greer were friends. Nothing would have ever changed that. Still, Kenneth believed he’d let his brother down when he’d been unable to save him. He should have been by his side as a brother should. Thinking back on that event, he wasn’t even sure where he’d been when Greer was killed. The despondency of that alone rode his guilt like a bull bent on stomping every weed on a field.

  But a wife? Never had he considered having one. Sure he liked women, many of them, spent a fair amount of nights lying with them. He’d make the worst husband. And yet he admitted he felt something for the woman. Mayhap that came from wanting to protect her. Aye, she needed a strong man to defend her from the bastard Domhnall and his king. Kenneth co
uld do so, but was he willing to risk his peaceful life? Why shouldn’t he wed her? He grappled with the issue.

  As they crossed the large hill near the keep at early afternoon, he saw the banners waving on the turrets in the bright blue sky. Home. The Gunn clan would be home to him no matter where he went. Kenneth didn’t want to leave the land that had always been a comfort to him. This land, barren is some places, yet bonny and green in others, a sea to take him wherever he wanted to go, always held him. It was where he belonged and where he was wanted and needed. Unlike the McInnish holding where bad memories were sure to torment him.

  His horse pitched forward as they rode up the steep incline of the hill. They halted at the top when they saw a lone rider coming up the other side. Grey dismounted and stood waiting.

  “Ah, Father Geoffrey, we were on our way to see you. Where are you off to?”

  Father Geoffrey stopped his palfrey and dismounted. “Laird Gunn, good to have you home. God kept you safe and well, as with your men, on your journey, I see. I’m off to the Ross’ keep. One of the men fell off the wall they’re building and died.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Father. Before you go, will you wed one of my men here to this woman?” Grey motioned to her. “It must be done this day.”

  “Is there a reason for this haste?” The Father eyed him skeptically.

  “She needs the protection of the Gunn clan.”

  “Oh. Aye? ‘Twill have to be quick though. I’m in a wee bit of a hurry.” Father Geoffrey smiled at Elisa and waved to the rest of the men.

  “You’re always in a hurry, Father Geoffrey,” Grey said.

  “A burden of my profession I declare. Come now, let us pray.”

  Everyone dismounted and Elisa was taken to Father Geoffrey. She stood silently watching him and Kenneth didn’t know what to do. He was beginning to be bothered. But sure as he lived and breathed, he could not let Sean wed her.

  “Good day, milady. You’re to wed this fine day?”

  Elisa curtseyed to him and had a look of confusion on her face. “Here, right here? On a hill? I’m not to even wed in a chapel?” She frowned at Grey and looked mighty piqued.

  “Aye, why not? It’s as good as any a place.”

  “I don’t want to marry him.” She pointed her long delicate finger at Sean.

  Sean grumbled something under his breath, none of which anyone understood. For his Gaelic was rambled and quickly spoken and if Kenneth wasn’t mistaken a few curses were added indicating his displeasure. He’d never seen Sean so disturbed or flustered. Obviously Sean didn’t wish to wed the woman either. Should Kenneth save him from his misery?

  “Nay, I shan’t marry him. I won’t marry a man who struck me and … and he doesn’t need me.” Elisa’s voice rose above the commotion.

  “Sean struck you? Oh that is not good, lad. A sin that. A man shan’t strike a woman. He’ll have to confess his sin.” Father Geoffrey turned to Grey. “Before they can speak the vows.”

  Kenneth wanted to laugh. Aye, given the hopeless expression on her face, she knew what was coming. Her clasped hands pressed hard against her chest, her face white with sheer distress. He found himself wanting to comfort her, to assure her she’d fare well.

  “And here outside, on a hill of all places,” she repeated her position again.

  “Aye, milady, there’s no finer place to wed than on a Highland hill.” Father Geoffrey waved his hand as if accentuating the land.

  “Besides,” Grey said, “We don’t have a chapel. We all meet in the courtyard when Father wishes to perform mass.”

  The Father bobbed his head. “Our lord will be looking down upon the union and you shall be blessed all of your days. ‘Tis the best chapel to wed in, beneath the bonny blue sky with the heavens above.”

  That didn’t make her smile or appease her. She looked flustered. Kenneth observed the way she paced in front of Grey and the Father. Though she didn’t quite stand solidly on her feet and swayed every few steps. He’d have to take pity at some point or she’d fall to the soft grass. If he stood close enough, he might be able to catch her.

  “Who be the bridegroom? Oh, aye, Sean, that’s right. Step forward, Sean,” Father Geoffrey called, becoming impatient and looked a wee bit flustered himself.

  Sean shoved his way between Colm and James who stood grinning, and approached them. He didn’t look as pleased as he had the night before when he jested about being a husband. Kenneth thought Sean might be panicking, but he’d never seen him apprehensive over anything. Sean was too pragmatic for his own good, which wasn’t serving him now.

  “Now see here, lass, I’m not really wanting to wed you neither. But I do my duty,” Sean said evenly.

  “Duty? I don’t understand why I must wed.” Elisa turned and glared at Grey.

  “I explained, lass, we must protect you and the only way to do that is to make you a Gunn. The only way to become a Gunn is to wed one of my men. If you want, you can choose another.” Grey looked at each of the guardsmen, before turning back to her.

  Kenneth thought she’d scream, for her face turned a mite red.

  “Let us begin, shall we. Do either of you wish to make your confession before you take the vows? Sean, seems to me you have something to confess. Why I haven’t seen a lass this angry since …”

  Elisa tilted her head. Befuddlement in her eyes. “Must we make confession beforehand?”

  Father nodded politely. “It is usually customary. Many wish to confess any sins they’d committed so they’re forgiven before they take the holy sacrament of marriage. Have you sinned and need forgiveness, milady?”

  Her intake of a gasp attested that she hadn’t. “Nay, I have not, Father.”

  To Kenneth she didn’t appear to be able to commit a sin, as angelic as she looked. But he was contradicted a breath later.

  “Aye, you did too sin. You committed an atrocity when you kicked your husband,” Sean said derisively. “Aye, Father, she needs forgiveness, too.”

  “And you, Sean, have you need of confession? Other than for striking the lass?” Father Geoffrey raised a doubtful brow at Sean.

  “Damned right I do.” Sean’s pride heightened when he folded his arms across his chest and glowered.

  Father Geoffrey shook his head. “For shame, lad, to boast of such ill deeds. I shan’t be offering any sacrament to you until you confess your sins. This could take a while and I’m in a hurry, Laird.” He began pacing.

  Elisa turned and scrunched her eyes at Grey, folding her arms over her stomach. “You wish me to marry a sinner?”

  James and Colm shouted their opinions on the fact that Elisa couldn’t commit a sin and that Sean was definitely a sinner. The tumult was enough to make everyone’s heads spin.

  “Enough!”

  Everyone looked at him because Kenneth had shouted loud enough for the damned English to hear him. He shoved Colm and James hard before standing next to Grey. He gazed at Elisa, wishing he knew what to say to her.

  “Kenneth? Have you changed your mind then?” Grey asked.

  He nodded. “Aye, damned me, I guess I have.” Kenneth turned a heated look to Sean. “I’m saving your arse. Remember this.”

  Sean gave a firm nod and moved to stand with James and Colm.

  “Father, Kenneth will be the bridegroom,” Grey told him. And then he turned to give the men a nod, while motioning them back a few steps.

  “What say you, Laird? We’re replacing bridegrooms? I’ve never been so confused in all my days. Very well then, Kenneth, have you need of confession? Nay, don’t tell me because I haven’t time.” Father Geoffrey looked as put out as Elisa did.

  “I don’t understand what is happening,” Elisa said. “You are all brutes. I shan’t wish to wed any of you. Can we not just leave? I see the keep there in the distance. I wish to leave. I don’t need to wed a Gunn for protection. You’re all released of your vow, for I deem I’d rather be in danger.”

  Kenneth knew her panic was setting in, hell his was
too. “Elisa.”

  She gazed at him, her pretty dark eyelashes so stark against her fair skin. He realized how deep green her eyes were, akin to the sea when it was angry. How she had a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her pert wee nose. Aye, she was bonny. He kept a blank look on his face as he continued to assess her. She was taller than most women he knew and barely reached his shoulders. She was somewhat slim and yet had a good bit of flesh on her, enough for a man to hold during the long cold winter nights.

  “Kenneth,” Grey called.

  He noted how long her legs were given the length of her skirts, and how dainty her feet were. Aye, if there were a perfect woman he was looking at her. Someone from behind him shoved his back.

  “Elisa, I will wed you. I’m the oldest and have that right.”

  She scowled like an ornery hawk. “You have the right? Never in all my days have I heard such nonsense. I’m sorry, Laird Gunn, but none of these men will do. This is unacceptable.” She stomped the grass with her lovely foot and walked away.

  James chortled, watching the fray with his hands on hips. “She’s got a wee bit of fire in her. Och, red-haired and green-eyed. You’ll be beset with torment all of your days, Kenneth, but at least the nights will be pleasurable.”

  All laughed except for Father Geoffrey who reproached James’ jest with a stern frown. The Father didn’t remark on it, but looked at him expectantly.

  Kenneth was unsure what to do. All stared at him and he wanted to laugh or shout or do something equally ridiculous. So he punched James’ upper arm and marched off.

  Elisa stood next to a large boulder that had embedded itself in the hillside. He caught up to her a few seconds later. Kenneth thought she might be crying, but she had no tears. He’d rather deal with an angry woman than a weeping one any day. So he was thankful she wasn’t the latter.

  “How am I to marry you when I don’t even know you? You could verily be an abuser like your friend.” She seemed calm even though she pointed out what was bothering her.

  “Many a bride weds without knowing her groom. We Gunns are honorable and would never hurt a woman that I vow. Sean didn’t mean to strike you so hard, but you were giving us a wee bit of trouble. Women are revered in our clan and are the heart of all we hold important, our children. Elisa, you must wed if we’re to protect you.”