On A Highland Hill (Gunn Guardsmen)

by Kara Griffin

  Kelsi yanked the poker from his body, gasping for breath, and holding it in position should he try to move. Her eyes darkened with acrimony.

  “Don’t move,” Kelsi said severely.

  Aiden stumbled and knocked the table from where it sat and all the items atop had fallen to the floor. He held the spot where the poker jabbed, just above his stomach.

  “Witch! You should be dead, aye just like Kenneth.” Aiden fell to the floor, his breath harsh. Within minutes he stopped breathing. He lay still, his eyes staring. Even in death he frightened her.

  Sean and Colm ran inside the cottage.

  Sean knelt next to her, looking over her body. “Are you hurt? Did he harm you?”

  “Aye, my head hurts. My side hurts too, but other than that I think I’m well. See to Kelsi.”

  Colm gently pried the poker from Kelsi’s firm grip and dropped it to the floor. He took her in his arms and consoled her even though Kelsi didn’t appear to need comfort.

  Sean lifted Elisa in his arms and carried her to bed. Lightly, he set her down. “I’ll get the healer.”

  Colm stayed with her. “Did he say anything about why he would want to harm you? I never trusted that villainous maggot.”

  “He said Kenneth wouldn’t have returned home and that it was my fault.” She closed her eyes, trying to assess any pains she felt in her body. Other than the headache she now had and small stich in her side, she felt fine. She worried for her health more so these days and tried to be careful. Her body had grown larger by the day, and movement became somewhat cumbersome.

  “Is the bairn unharmed?” Kelsi asked, concerned.

  “I believe so, Kelsi. Not to worry. I am well and don’t have any pain.” Elisa smiled when Kelsi came to sit beside her. “You saved me. I shall always be indebted.”

  Kelsi smoothed her hair. “I couldn’t allow him to hurt you. Nay, I did what I had to. As long as you are unharmed.”

  Colm shook his head. “Ye killed him, Kelsi.” He couldn’t seem to get over that fact.

  Sean returned and stood next to Colm. “The healer is on her way.”

  “Sean, help me remove him.” Colm knelt and took Aiden’s limbs and started to drag him out of the cottage.

  Sean opened the door for him.

  Elisa held Kelsi’s hand. “Truly I am unharmed. He pulled my hair though and I have a slight headache. That is all. Worry not.”

  “Shall I get you anything? I can get a remedy for you.” Kelsi held her hand so tightly.

  “Nay, I don’t need it. I am concerned about Kenneth. When Sean returns will you tell him I wish to speak with him?” She closed her eyes and tried to ease her breathing which still exerted from the excitement.

  When next Elisa opened her eyes it was dark and only one candle was lit in the cottage. There didn’t appear to be anyone about. She called out for Kelsi who rolled to her side in the bed opposite of hers.

  “You’re finally awake. I thought you would sleep through the night.”

  Elisa frowned. “What? How long have I been asleep?”

  “’Tis near midnight. I thought you would never awaken. You worried me.”

  “It is so quiet. Where are Sean and Colm?” Elisa threw off the covering, having grown heated.

  “Sean left the holding. Colm is outside the cottage keeping watch. They trust no one now, not even those within the clan.”

  “I see. Where did Sean go?” Elisa could guess. But she hoped he did not go to McInnish land. The last thing she wanted to do was to cause Kenneth concern especially after learning he had been injured himself.

  “He didn’t say. I would say he went to get Kenneth. You should prepare yourself. What are you going to tell him about the bairn?”

  Elisa closed her eyes. She hadn’t really thought about what she would say to him when he learned of her condition. Many debates occupied her thoughts on whether to tell him or not. He was the father and had every right to know about his child. But Elisa thought she had plenty of time to decide.

  “Elisa? Did you hear me? What are you going to tell him?”

  “I don’t know, Kelsi, honestly I don’t. It may not matter for I doubt he will come here. I will send a missive to him explaining when the bairn is born. No sense in rushing with the news when it has yet to happen.”

  Kelsi snorted. “Hah, I doubt you will. You’re afraid to tell him, aren’t you?”

  “Aye, I am being cowardly. After how he ended things, I didn’t think he would ever return to me. I doubt he will now. I will send him word, but when I wish to.”

  “You deem he won’t come when he gets your missive? I tell you, Elisa, I vow he’ll come sooner than that. Once Sean tells him of the happenings, he’ll come a running.”

  “I don’t wish to discuss this.” Elisa rolled to her side and set her hands on her swollen abdomen. If Kenneth came running, she’d be a whey-faced-Fionn!

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The closer Kenneth got to MacQuarrie land, the more anxious he became. Still unsure, he couldn’t reason the words he’s say to her. He knew he’d come up with something and his time was growing short. And he admitted he was happy knowing he would soon see her. How he missed her bonny face, her winsome voice, her scolding green-eyes.

  He didn’t speak to Sean much during the trek, but now he had questions he wanted answered. When Sean had regaled him with the tale of what had happened with Aiden, he’d been angry and concerned for Elisa. How had none of them suspected him of foulness? Aiden never let on that he was displeased with his return and the more he thought about it, he hadn’t done anything untoward until after the incident at MacQuarrie land. Except for his shirking his duties and the fact that he’d left his post from time to time … Kenneth hadn’t thought the man capable of such misgivings.

  “Do you deem the king had something to do with Aiden’s actions?”

  Sean slowed his mount. “I’ve been thinking on that. I didn’t note anything odd about Aiden. I thought he was just a quiet sort and didn’t enjoy reveling with the men. Mayhap he was angry and couldn’t act on it until ye returned.”

  “He had been left in charge. Grey sent him after my father died. I say he was used to being the leader and didn’t want to give up his role.”

  Sean nodded. “Seems so. Grey trusted him and didn’t believe it either when I told him. He feels badly that he sent him to your land now. Och I told him to be cautious around Alexander too.”

  Kenneth was glad he’d sent Sean to relay the happenings to Grey, after he’d delivered the news to him. If Alexander had anything to do with Aiden’s actions, he didn’t know what he could do to appease the king. Mayhap Alexander was still angry with him over the fact that he’d lied to him about Elisa.

  The walls of her home came into view and Kenneth stopped his horse. He sat staring ahead knowing the moment of truth was upon him. Sean stopped beside him and waited.

  “Kenneth, you might try breathing.”

  He looked at Sean and laughed. “Are you certain she’ll welcome me?”

  “She may not at first, but I promise you, you’ll be glad you came. I’ll make sure you’re alone so you can speak your peace.”

  “Well, let us go then.” Kenneth kicked his horse’s flanks and rode swiftly toward the gate. Once through, he noticed the amendments that had taken place since he’d last been there. The cottages didn’t appear so dilapidated and the wall had been restored. He didn’t see Elisa outside and he was thankful because he wanted to approach her on his own terms.

  Sean stopped in the center of the courtyard and dismounted. Kenneth joined him and they handed their reins over to a lad who took their horses away.

  “Stay here and I’ll clear her cottage,” Sean said, and set off.

  Kenneth waited in a conundrum of nerves. He saw Kelsi, Colm, and Sean exit her cottage and he started walking toward them.

  “She’s within.” Sean ushered them away from the cottage.

  Colm squeezed his shoulder in greeting when he passed, but
said nothing otherwise.

  “A moment, lass.” Kenneth bid Kelsi to stay because he wanted a few minutes of privacy with his sister. When Sean told him about her, he’d been relieved to learn of her whereabouts. She much resembled their father and had the same light blue eyes. Her hair was the same shade as his and she stood tall, much akin to Greer and his size.

  Kelsi moved next to a stone wall near the cottage and kept her gaze on the ground. He didn’t want to intimidate her and so he motioned to her and he sat against the wall. “Finally, I get to meet you.”

  “Kenneth, I was happy to hear you returned.” She raised her eyes, her expression serene.

  “Aye and when I did, I learned that you ran away. Why?”

  She sighed, for he noticed her chest rose and fell. “I was upset when Father died.”

  “That is no reason to run away and upset your mother. She has been worried about you, lass.”

  “I do apologize for that, but I couldn’t remain there.”

  “You have fond memories of him? I do not …”

  Kelsi leaned against the wall and kept her gaze on him. “Before he died he told me many things … some of which I deem he hadn’t told anyone.”

  “What did he say?” Kenneth wasn’t really interested in what his father had to say, but Kelsi wanted to talk about it and if it would make her feel better, he would listen.

  “Kenneth, I understand how much you loathe him. Mother told me some of it. But Father did really care for you. I suppose you don’t believe that, och he told me that he didn’t worry for Greer since he was destined to be laird and his future was set. You caused him concern and he thought by being harsh with you, he would make you stronger, wiser. That he could toughen you to handle whatever came your way.”

  He remained silent.

  “Father said he shouldn’t have worried for you because you had the same sense of pride as he had. He regretted being so difficult and was sorry he couldn’t rectify it before he passed.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore, Kelsi. He’s gone and that is all in the past. I don’t hold anger any longer about … any of it. You should send Helena a missive letting her know you are well.”

  “I will, Kenneth. I am glad you came for Elisa. She needs you.”

  “Aye, I know she does. As much as I need her. I must go. We’ll speak more later.” He nodded as she walked away.

  Kenneth stood outside the cottage door, a few feet from Elisa. He took a deep breath and entered. It was dark within and all the windows had been closed. He searched for her and found her standing beside the table mixing something in a bowl. She took a cup out of a bucket of water and began rinsing it. Briefly he imagined that’s what a wife would look like upon her husband’s return, she making a meal for him. He could wish it were so, couldn’t he?

  “Elisa.” He took a few steps closer to her.

  “Kenneth! What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see you. Are you well? I heard what happened with Aiden.”

  She held a drying cloth in front of her and continued to wipe a cup she’d just cleaned. “Aye, well enough. He didn’t hurt me.”

  “I was told Kelsi speared him with the hearth poker. I’m sorry.”

  She stopped wiping the cup. “Sorry? She only did what was necessary. It wasn’t your fault. Now that you have seen for yourself that I am well … I don’t want to keep you.”

  Kenneth took a few more steps toward her. “Nay, I’m sorry that he attacked you. But that is not the only reason I came.”

  “It isn’t?” her voice was barely above a whisper.

  “I came because there is something important I want to say to you.”

  She broke down in a mass of tears. “I’m a bit emotional these days.”

  Kenneth didn’t know what to do, but instead of standing there akin to a dumfounded oaf, he took her in his arms and hugged her. She’d put on much weight and he stepped back to eye her. Then he saw her stomach move.

  “What the hell’s wrong with your stomach?”

  “Nothing, nothing is wrong.”

  “I saw it move. Are you … are you expecting a bairn?”

  Elisa wiped her eyes. “I am, Kenneth. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I didn’t think you would care.”

  “Wouldn’t care? Do you jest? Of course I care. Elisa, I have thought of nothing else but you since I left that day.” She cried harder and he hugged her again. “Shhh, lass, don’t cry. I should never have left that day but I was angry. Angry that you left McInnish land and put yourself in such danger. I was afraid I would be coarse with you and I’d frighten you for my wrath was uncontrolled. When you had the king send me away, I thought it best to go, at least until my temper cooled. I didn’t think you wanted me to return for you so I … I stayed away.”

  She sniffled and hugged his waist. “I wanted you to refuse the king’s order, to say you wouldn’t leave me, but you didn’t. I thought you had not cared.”

  “I did try, though not wholeheartedly.” He tilted her chin until her tear soaked eyes looked at him. “Elisa, I love you, love you so very much that I’ve been completely miserable without you.”

  “Verily? You’re not just saying that, Kenneth?”

  “I cannot exist without you.” To prove it, Kenneth set his lips on hers and kissed her with as much passion as he possessed. His kiss turned to a grin and he pulled back. “Whenever I kiss you, I just can’t seem to stop. Och we’ve much to discuss. I realize my error now, Elisa, and know I should have included you in the happenings at the McInnish clan. I shut you out and did it on purpose so I ... I suppose I was afraid of getting too close to you, but you gave me no choice for I deem I’ve loved you longer than I knew.”

  “Kenneth, I’m sorry I made you feel that way that you couldn’t get close to me. I might have caused a little of that myself. For I am not so trusting of others. But I have always trusted you from the moment you sat on the rock and told me why I should marry you.”

  He touched her face, smearing a tear with his thumb that had fallen. “Forgive me for being an arse? I can’t live another day without you, Elisa. And I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

  His words seem to affect her for she hugged him close and sobbed. He rubbed her back and let her cry for she’d had enough reason to.

  “I don’t like seeing you weep, Elisa. I hate being the reason.”

  She bumped his chin with her head when she looked up at him. “I’m not upset, I’m happy. Aye, happier than I have ever been, Kenneth. You really love me?”

  “I do really love you. Why didn’t you tell me you were expecting?”

  “I couldn’t. I wanted you to come to me on your own and not because of the bairn. I was afraid I would never see you again for as long as you’ve taken to come to your senses.”

  “About that … I was coming to you but then we had that storm, the snow storm … And that’s when Aiden struck me with three arrows.”

  Elisa motioned him to a chair and she poured him a cup of ale. She took the seat next to him and waited for him to say more. Kenneth considered how much he’d tell her, and now that she was there listening to him, he realized he’d best tell her everything.

  “I want no secrets between us, Elisa, ever. I was upset about my brother, Greer’s death. Because of my guilt, I had decided not to return to my home. There’s more to it than that for my father and I had not gotten on. He ridiculed me and I felt … that I didn’t deserve to be rewarded with all of Greer’s bestowments. When I found out you were betrothed to him that affected me more so. How could I accept his betrothed, the lairdship, all that would have been his?”

  “Oh Kenneth, that is sad. I didn’t know. I suspected you were bothered about the betrothal …”

  “I should have told you about it when you needed a place to hide, I was angry about returning there. I blamed you, but I shouldn’t have.” She was about to speak when he took her hand. “I realized that Greer wouldn’t have wanted me to give up on life. He was honorable and died s
aving Bree. I should not be so torn about his death. He would have been happy to know I found someone.”

  “Nay you shouldn’t be torn, but I understand, Kenneth. Are you still hurting from the arrows? I cannot believe Aiden did that to both of us.”

  “My injuries are healing, but I still hurt sometimes. I would have been here sooner, but my recovery took longer than expected. I only left my bed a week ago.” He wouldn’t tell her he was a breath away from death and that Helena had saved him. He’d let the old woman regale her with the tale.

  “When he came, I got the feeling something was wrong.”

  “I wish Kelsi hadn’t killed him, for I wanted to. I saw him that day when he attacked me. I couldn’t move though when walked away. I tried to tell Duncan who had struck me, but he didn’t understand. If I’d been able to, he wouldn’t have come here and tried to harm you.”

  “Why did he want to kill us? He said that you wouldn’t have returned if I hadn’t wed you.” Elisa took his hand. “I suspect he wanted to remain in charge?”

  “That’s what Sean said. But I don’t know if that is the only reason. Do you deem Alexander wanted me dead after he’d learned that Grey and I lied to him about you?”

  She shook her head. “Nay, he wanted to punish you, remember, but I asked him not to. I told him that I just wanted you to go away. I wanted to give you an out should you have wanted it, Kenneth. He agreed and said he would not punish you. Why would he have Aiden kill you?”

  “Mayhap he changed his mind and decided it was best that I be punished.” Kenneth squeezed her hand and pulled her toward him. He set her upon his lap and was content to hold her. He breathed her in, reveling at holding her.

  “Why kill me then? The king wasn’t angry with me for he was pleased I returned the pinsel to him.”

  Kenneth hadn’t thought of that. “Aye, mayhap you’re right and he had no involvement.”

  She still smelled like a field full of flowers. He closed he eyes and breathed deeply again.