Meriel refocused her thoughts, reminding herself that her future was at stake and that Craig was significantly more wary of being manipulated than most. Any second, he would sense the trap she was laying and escape before she had a chance to spring it.
She took a deep breath and sat back up, hoping her expression reflected sincere concern—for she really did worry about Hamish and his affections for the àpas. “I thought he would have realized her insincerity by now. I have even imagined myself helping him through the recovery,” she added, digging her fingernails into her palms, praying the pain would mask the lie. “Hoping that maybe if he leaned on me, Hamish would see me as more than just a ‘nice, sweet’ girl.”
Craig choked. Meriel nice? Sweet? She was both, but the way she phrased it made her sound insipid and boring—both of which she was decidedly not. And more importantly, he knew that Meriel did not think of herself that way either. His suspicious nature once again came to life. “So since Hamish is still pining for Wyenda, I take it your plan to ‘help him pick up the pieces of his heart’ is not working.”
“Not at all. The man is not ready to give up on her, and I fear that before he does, Papa will have demanded my return home. So I am coming to you for help.”
“Help?” Craig squeaked unintentionally. “How do you expect me to help? This,” he swirled his finger at her, “is Laurel’s area of expertise. I hate the concept of matchmaking.”
“I could ask her, but after what you and I went through this past year, I am not looking to trick Hamish into admitting something he does not feel.”
“And you think Laurel would do that?”
Meriel scrunched her nose and then shook her head. “Not intentionally, but look what happened with us. Every time someone tried to ‘prove’ we had feelings for each other, it only made us more resolute to stay just friends.”
Craig scowled. Meriel made it sound like the reason they were friends was because of pride. Once again, the notion that she was not being fully honest with him came to mind. Every instinct he had told him that the conversation they were having had varying layers of truth. Could he have been right all along? Was this a ruse to make him jealous?
“Hamish and I initially spent quite a bit of time together,” Meriel continued. “I think he thought he was protecting me in your stead. Our friendship started to grow and he was just starting to take notice of me when you arrived.”
“So your lack of success with Hamish is my fault?” Craig barked.
Meriel twitched her lips and frowned. “I never said that.”
Craig noticed how she did not refute his accusation either. “Then exactly what are you saying?”
“I only want a chance for Hamish to get to know me! Unfortunately, with you here, he no longer has a reason to spend time with me.”
Craig sat up straight in his chair, his blue eyes radiating disbelief. “Let me make sure I understand what you are asking. You, want me, to help you, catch Hamish.”
She nodded.
Craig felt as if he had been struck by lightning. For a few seconds he was too stunned to do anything more than stare at her as thoughts ricocheted through his stunned brain. Then almost at once they stilled.
Craig almost sighed in satisfaction and quickly suppressed the smile invading his expression. It did not matter if this was a ploy to make him jealous or an earnest effort to seek the affections of his friend. Either way, helping her worked to his advantage.
If Meriel really did like Hamish, she would get hurt and return home to Caireoch and her life, and things would finally get back to normal. There, he could ensure she avoided ever getting emotionally mixed up with the wrong man again. And if he was right and this was nothing but a very clever ploy, then Meriel was about to learn a well-deserved lesson.
If Meriel wants my help, then she shall have it. It was time she realized why McTiernays were known as expert strategists. Rule one of any strategy may be to know all the players, but rule two was just as important—never tip your hand. “I cannot imagine anything more foolish than a man helping a woman catch the heart of another man.”
“Then I will ask Laurel,” Meriel replied through tight lips.
“Laurel?” Craig yelped, sitting upright. He had forgotten about his sister-in-law. Getting her involved would be a disaster. If asked, Laurel would help even if she had promised Conor not to interfere while he was away. In her opinion, it would not be meddling because she had been asked. But what really scared Craig was that Laurel was known to pull off miracles. If anyone could actually succeed in getting Meriel and Hamish together, she could. No! If anyone was going to “help” Meriel, it was going to be him. “I thought you didn’t want to involve her.”
“I didn’t, but—”
“So what do you want me to do? Talk to Hamish about you? I could always tell him you are a good kisser.”
Meriel narrowed her eyes in warning. “All I need are valid reasons for Hamish and me to spend time together.”
Craig’s face went grim. “Seems a little simple,” he replied. In truth, it was far too simple. Such straightforward tactics would not work if she really wanted to catch Hamish, and they certainly would fail to make him jealous. But mostly, her request made it highly difficult for him to ensure Meriel would experience all of Hamish’s qualities, many of which Craig knew would drive her insane.
“Should there be more?” Meriel countered. “You once said that anyone who was privileged enough to spend time in my company would desire only for more.”
Craig’s eyebrows furrowed and his mouth took on an annoyed twist. The woman remembered everything and could recall it whenever it was most convenient for her. He had said that early into their friendship, and he had meant that he was surprised that no one took the time to see the astounding person she really was. If this scheme had involved anyone but Hamish, Craig would be actively figuring out a way to end this silliness, but his friend was too set in his womanizing ways to be a real threat. Besides, as a man, Craig knew exactly what attracted his sex and just what pushed them away.
“Fine,” Craig grumbled, staring at her long and hard. She had a sparkle in her hazel eyes. One suspiciously like Laurel’s when she tricked Conor into doing something that he never would have agreed to if he’d known his wife’s true thoughts. Craig almost hesitated, but then remembered that either way—scheme or no—helping Meriel was to his advantage. “I’ll come up with something, but if Hamish still does not desire your company by the time Conor returns, will you vow to give up and come home?”
Meriel swallowed and waited for several long seconds before agreeing to the stipulation. “I promise.”
Craig smiled, happy to see that twinkle significantly diminish. Aye. It is I who have tricked you, Craig lauded to himself. He might have chosen never to pursue Meriel in order to keep her in his life, but he was not about to let anyone else have her.
Meriel was his.
He was her confidant, her friend, and the one she went to with her problems. And when this was all over, he would be the one she leaned on in both good times and bad. She did not need anyone else. She would never need anyone else.
Hamish’s hand snuck out and grabbed Meriel’s arm just as she emerged from the Great Hall, dragging her into the shadows. More than a week had passed since Craig’s arrival, and Hamish had naïvely hoped she had given up whatever plan she had been hatching. Then, right after dinner, she had winked at him just as he was leaving. His gut had been in knots ever since. In a moment of weakness, he had agreed to participate in a scheme to inspire jealousy, which would work to each other’s benefit, but now he was not so sure. Craig was his close friend, and if the man wanted to screw up his life, he should be allowed to do so without assistance.
“Have you been waiting for me this whole time?” Meriel whispered, sending him a smile that even in the shadows glowed.
“Aye,” he answered, deciding not to divulge his doubts about her plan. Meriel was looking so happy, completely trusting and believing that he
was going to help her capture her true love. “But did he believe you?”
Meriel inhaled and looked up to the right. “Enough,” she finally answered. And then added a confident nod.
Hamish, however, was not convinced. “What does that mean?”
“Just that he is not sure either way,” she said with a mischievous grin. “But a part of him thinks I could be falling in love with you.”
“So a part of him actually suspects the truth? That this is a ruse to make him jealous?” Hamish challenged, trying to keep his voice down.
“Of course,” Meriel said reassuringly. “I had to build Craig’s natural suspicion of being manipulated into our plan. In his mind, by helping me, he can work to dissuade me from falling for you or he can reveal the ‘truth.’ Either way, it is to our advantage. Remember, our goal is not to trick Craig and Wyenda into admitting they have feelings for us. It is to show them what life would be like if we actually were to find someone else. Give them a chance to think about things before it is too late.”
Hamish leaned back against the stone wall, crossed his arms, and shook his head in disbelief. “You women are scary.”
Meriel grinned and lightly elbowed him in the ribs. “Ah, now it’s you who is being jealous. You like the idea of a woman conniving to get a man. You just wish it was Wyenda scheming to get you. But don’t worry; I’m being devious enough for the both of us. This plan will work.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“Then we will be able to move on without any regrets. We tried our best, but it was not meant to be.”
Hamish had to admit that Meriel’s confidence was infectious, and once again he was falling under her spell. He had intended to talk her out of everything, to let things be, or to at least leave him out of her plans. Instead, he found himself wanting to continue to support her crazy idea to capture the hearts of two very stubborn people. Worse, he was actually eager to get started. With Meriel, there was no telling what was about to happen.
This time, he would not be one of the ones watching the fun and excitement that seemed to gravitate to the McTiernays; he would be a participant. And maybe, just maybe, he might also triumph and actually land a lady’s heart.
Chapter 5
Craig strolled out of the smithy and glanced around the busy courtyard. He was about to head toward the kitchens and risk Fiona’s wrath for a midmorning snack when he spied the two people responsible for robbing him of much-needed sleep. Hamish was standing outside the Lower Hall in what looked to be a deep conversation with Seamus, one of his fellow elite guardsmen. Meriel was leaving the North Tower arm in arm with Maegan. Both women paused as if to say good-bye, but instead kept talking. Craig’s eyes skimmed hungrily down Meriel’s graceful figure as she lifted a hand to push an errant tendril of golden-brown hair behind her ear.
She was wearing a pale yellow ankle-length chainse with a rich, gold-colored knee-length bliaut and a matching belt that accentuated her shapely frame. A band of royal blue needlework circled the long sleeves and the gown’s plunging neckline. Her thick hair hung in long graceful curves down her back, highlighting her slender white neck. She was exquisite.
Craig blinked and forced himself to look away. It was then he realized that he had not been the only one to spy her entry into the courtyard. Now that his gaze was no longer captivated by his view of Meriel, he could see that every male within eyesight was frequently glancing, if not outright staring, at Meriel, appreciating what he saw. Craig was half tempted to shout out a reminder of just who they were ogling—Laird Rae Schellden’s daughter. Instead, he decided to help them remember who her protector was and began waving his hand.
After catching her attention, he motioned for her to walk over to him. Meriel quickly hugged Maegan good-bye and began to stroll through the maze of carts, animals, and items yet to be moved into storage. Her expression was one of curiosity, and Craig rubbed his chin with concern. He knew she was going to ask him why he had called her to him. He had to have an answer ready, and unfortunately, only one topic came to mind. Ideas on how she could spend time with Hamish.
He had avoided thinking about it, for the mental image of the two of them enjoying each other’s company was more than a little unsettling. That he had agreed to aid in the creation of such a happy situation was repugnant. He did not want to help Hamish spend time with Meriel doing anything, let alone something she might like. Suddenly the corners of Craig’s mouth raised a fraction of an inch. He was asking the wrong question. What activity did Meriel enjoy doing that Hamish was sure to hate?
“Where’s Fallon?” Meriel teased as she met up with Craig outside the stables. Everyone knew how seriously the McTiernay steward took his many duties and responsibilities, but never more so than when one of Conor’s brothers was left in charge. Craig was beginning to believe the man actually searched for squabbles for him to mitigate.
“Hopefully far, far away,” Craig answered sardonically.
“So I see.” Meriel’s genial mouth curved into a luscious smile and her eyes sparkled at him, almost as if she suspected the truth, that he had no real reason for waving her over. “Normally, Fallon or Laurel has you so busy that we never get a chance to talk during the day. Why am I so lucky this morning?”
“Umm, I just wanted to let you know that I have an idea of how you can spend valid time with Hamish.”
Meriel’s eyes grew large for several seconds as she tried to discern if he was being serious. Deciding that he was, she clapped her hands together. “Truly?”
Her honest joy at the prospect of seeing Hamish momentarily rattled Craig. “Aye,” he answered after a long pause. Then on a much more confident note, he inquired, “What can you do better than anyone else?”
Skepticism invaded Meriel’s expression. “Make tapestries,” she said slowly.
Craig closed his eyes, wondering if Meriel was intentionally working at being exasperating. “You sew,” he groaned.
Meriel furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. “Actually there is much more than just sewing when working on a tapestry. There is knitting, felting, plaiting, lace making . . . not to mention understanding how to do the various types of weaves and stitches. There is also the design aspect to consider, having to determine the size of the piece as well as where to place—”
Craig threw up a hand to stop her from going any further. She had once lectured him on the intricacies of weaving a tapestry, and he had done his best to forget everything she had said. The one thing he could still remember on the topic was that it made his head hurt. “I’m not talking about tapestries. I’m talking about clothes.”
“Clothes?” she repeated, her brows remaining scrunched. “A lot of women sew clothes. How is making a new dress going to help me win Hamish?”
“Not for you!” Craig yelled in frustration, catching the brief attention of those nearby. Then, bringing his voice back down, he flung his hand toward Hamish, who thankfully was still talking with Seamus outside the Lower Hall. “For him!” Craig huffed. “Remember when you offered to make me a new shirt, but I did not have the time to stand around while you did whatever you do?”
“That’s the reason you refused?”
Craig shrugged his shoulders upon hearing the incredulity in her voice. “Why else? Anyway, Hamish could use some new clothes by the looks of it. Why not offer to make him a kilt and a leine? You’ve been sewing things for everyone else around here. The request should not seem out of the ordinary.”
A flicker of apprehension flashed on Meriel’s face and she bit her bottom lip. “What if he refuses?”
Craig rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to do everything, Meriel. You wanted help with ideas and I gave you one.” He again pointed to Hamish, who had just clapped Seamus on the back, a clear sign their conversation was done. “There he is. Now go over there and convince him that getting a new outfit will be fun.”
“Fun? Now?” she asked, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.
“Aye, now,” Craig affirmed, ea
ger to see Hamish’s rejection. “Best do it when people are around. This way he’ll be inclined to accept just to keep from offending you in front of everyone.”
Meriel crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze in an effort to mask her true thoughts. “You really don’t know Hamish very well. He is like you. If he does not want to do something, he is not going to do it, whether people can hear his rejection or not.” Taking a deep, unsteady breath, she stepped back and before turning away said, “But since I asked for your advice, I will at least try.”
Craig watched as Meriel ambled across the courtyard, briefly saying something to Seamus as he headed in the opposite direction. Whatever it was, it caused the seasoned soldier to break out into a lofty grin, reigniting Craig’s earlier feelings of possessiveness. Then without warning something hard collided into his back.
“Mo creach!” Craig hissed as the stable master opened the door to grab some leather straps hanging on a hook outside the stables. He gave Craig a strange look and turned his head to see what was of so much interest. Craig, realizing that he had just been caught staring at Meriel, grimaced fiercely at the old man, who wisely retreated back into the stables without a word. Craig then stepped into the shadows and returned his attention to Meriel.
He felt his jaw clench. She was standing directly in front of Hamish, who was looking down at her far too attentively as she spoke. Craig waited for Hamish’s reaction, knowing that the idea was going to fill his friend with the same nausea he had experienced. Too many times had Craig inadvertently witnessed women gathered together working on some garment, jabbering on as someone tried to pin a piece of fabric into place. The thought of standing there for hours as someone poked at him, draping materials over his shoulders and arms, was the least appealing way Craig could imagine for a man and woman to spend time together.
Michele Sinclair - [McTiernays 05] Page 12