Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

  “We didna do any reiving. ‘Twas you, who were doin’ the reiving,” Robert argued.

  His father jumped to his feet. “We didna touch a hair of your cattle before you ambushed us! I’ll not have you spreading lies about the MacLeans.”

  Colin stepped between his father and Robert. “We need tae discuss this calmly.” He nodded to the two men Amelia had caught. “And I think there lies the answers tae the riddle.”

  The men paled considerably beneath their steely glares.

  “I think that you’d best be telling us what you know,” Colin said, his voice firm.

  It wasn’t long before they knew all.

  The Campbells wanted both MacKenzies and MacLeans gone from the island. By pretending on more than one occasion to be either MacKenzies or MacLeans, they raided the outlying farms. It was a nasty treacherous business, and all for the sake of a piece of rock. Its strategic position was like gold to them, and they were willing to do anything to have it.

  “And is poisoning women part of your plan?” Colin demanded to know.

  “We dinnae know anything of poison. I swear it,” one man said.

  He had them returned to the dungeon, then turned to his father. “’Tis no doubt in my mind that Maighread is behind the poisoning.”

  His father nodded, as did Robert.

  “We must speak with MacKenzie. He must know of this,” his father said. He looked to Robert. “You must go and tell him of this business, Robert. He should know of Aileen’s illness as well.”

  “I’ll not leave. My place is here. The laird placed her in my care and I’ll not leave my post. I’ll send a man with the news. ‘Twas my intention at first light after seein’ how she fared the night.”

  Elspeth appeared in the doorway. “Douglas, I must speak with you.”

  “‘Twill have tae wait, Ellie. We’ve much tae discuss.”

  “I’m afraid it canna wait,” she said.

  “Amelia,” Colin gasped, popping up from his chair, his heart pounding against his ribs.

  Robert leapt to his feet at the same time and choked out a word. “Aileen.”

  His aunt cocked her head with one brow raised. “‘Tis as I suspected.”

  They both rushed toward her, barking out questions, Colin demanding to know of Amelia, while Robert insisted she tell him of Aileen.

  She held up her hands to silence them. “They are both a wee bit better, but time will tell.” Leaning to the side, she peered around Colin to his father. “You see now, what we need speak of?”

  His father rose from his chair. “That I do, love,” his father said, walking up beside her and bussing her on the cheek.

  She blushed and gave him a reproachful grin.

  Colin’s jaw fell lax. “Love?” he asked, stupefied to see his father behave in such a way. He’d been more than cordial to his aunt, wooing her, but love?

  “Aye. Your aunt and I are tae be wed when this business with the MacKenzies is done. But now you’ve made it a sight more troublesome.”

  Colin pointed at his own chest. “Me? What have I done? You canna possibly blame Maighread’s insanity on me.”

  His father chuckled, slipping his arm around Elspeth’s thick waist. “You dinnae see the truth standing before you, lads?”

  Colin and Robert looked at each other, then back to Douglas. They both shook their heads, at a complete loss as to what he meant.

  Douglas reached out and clasped Robert’s shoulder. “Do you love Aileen true, lad? Now’s the time tae speak your mind. It’ll not go further than this room if that is your wish.”

  Robert’s mouth opened and closed like a codfish.

  “Aye. I see that you do. And you, son. What of you and Tuck?”

  Colin stared blankly at his father.

  “I’m afraid you’ll have tae be clearer, Douglas,” Elspeth said with a small giggle.

  “Aye,” he sighed. “Here’s the problem, lads. Colin was tae marry Aileen and join the clans. ‘Twas agreed tae some time ago, but I see now that it wouldna be for the best.”

  Colin shook his head. “What do you mean, was tae marry Aileen?”

  “‘Tis plain tae see that you love Tuck, while Robert here loves Aileen.” He dropped his chin and peered at Colin from beneath his bushy brows. “‘Twas not right tae ask you tae give up your own happiness when there are other ways tae make peace with a man. Especially now that we know ‘tis not the MacKenzies who are our enemies.”

  Colin swallowed hard. “But—”

  His father shook his head. “You’ve found a woman you can love, and a marriage without love has little pleasure. I had hopes you would come tae care for Aileen, as I did your mother. But I can see now, ‘tis not meant tae be.”

  Moving to the hearth, Colin gripped the mantle. Not once that he could recall had he ever seen any overt affection between his parents. Not as he’d just seen between his aunt and his father. It was the way a strong laird had to be. He couldn’t allow others to see his weaknesses, his heart. Had he been wrong all these years?

  He turned back to his father, confused, bewildered, and struggling to grasp the small thread of hope.

  “Your mother and I were happy, dinnae misunderstand me,” his father said. “But we didna love one another.” Douglas clasped his hand on Colin’s shoulder. “I thank her for giving me such a fine son, but I’ll not condemn you tae live out your life with a woman who isna in your heart.” He chuckled and pulled Elspeth into his arms. “‘Tis lovesick I am, but I mean what I say, son. As I see things, we can have three weddings, eh, love?”

  “Douglas, let the lads at least do the asking first. You dinnae know the hearts of Aileen and Amelia.”

  “What?” he blustered. “They’d be foolish not tae take either of these braw, honorable lads tae wed.”

  “They’re also verra ill,” she argued. “They’ll need time tae recover.”

  “Aye,” he said with a sigh. “Robert, you’ll send word tae MacKenzie of this Campbell business and of Maighread. We’ll leave the wooing tae later, but mind you dinnae be draggin’ your feet, lads.” He smiled at Elspeth. “‘Tis a waste of valuable time.”

  Colin looked at Robert and Robert at him. Then they both bolted for the door. They ran neck and neck up the stairs in the wake of his father’s laughter and Elspeth’s fussing about disturbing the women. Neither of them paid her any heed.

  Barreling past Robert as he disappeared into Aileen’s room, Colin burst through Amelia’s door and hurried to her bedside. She’d fallen into a deep sleep, but shivered fiercely. Ignoring Fiona’s sputtered protests, he slipped in behind her and cradled her against him as he’d done before, and she calmed somewhat.

  “Colin MacLean, you’ll march yourself out of here this instant,” Elspeth fumed as she entered the room. “And while you’re about it, you go and fetch that lad out of Aileen’s chamber as well.”

  He ignored her as she continued to stare down at him with her stern frown and her hands planted firmly on her hips.

  “We need tae change her shift and the linens,” his aunt said, her voice softening. “You canna stay.”

  “I’ll tend her,” he said, wiping her damp brow and throat with a soft cloth.

  “You’ll do no such thing. ‘Tis woman’s work,” she huffed. “‘Tis not seemly for you tae be here. Now, be gone with you.”

  “‘Tis my fault this has befallen her. Blind, I was, tae Maighread’s treachery. I’ll not leave her. I canna,” he said raggedly.

  Elspeth sighed, her face twisting with her decision. “Verra well. But you’ll turn your head or I’ll be turning it for you.”

  He nodded then lifted Amelia into his arms, coverlet and all, so they could change the linens. Sitting in the chair by the fire, he held her firmly in his lap. What would he do if she didn’t survive? How could he bear to be without her now that he could have her?

  He’d buried his feelings for so long that when his father opened the small door of hope, his heart exploded, no longer able to contain his l
ove, his grief, his fears. No longer would he battle against a tide of emotion. He would still be strong, for the clan and for Amelia, but his strength would come from his heart instead of his duty.

  Once the bed was made, he placed her against the bedding. He hesitated, not wanting to let her go, terrified he would never have her in his arms again. Straightening his spine, he turned and walked to the window, allowing Elspeth and Fiona to change her shift.

  He watched the sun as it edged up into the sky. Would she wake, would she get better? The sound of her teeth chattering pained him. He wanted to turn around and hold her, care for her. His heart sank deep in his chest.

  But what if she didn’t want him? He wasn’t handsome like Ian. Lassies liked him well enough, but he lacked the fancy words and pretty compliments. He had the feet of a giant when it came to dancing, and knew little to nothing of wooing a woman. Assuming he’d marry Aileen or another of his father’s choosing, he’d never thought to learn.

  “Bless my soul,” Elspeth gasped.

  He spun around, his thoughts momentarily overtaken by unknown fears. Gazing upon Amelia lying bare from the waist up, he noted one creamy breast bore a long jagged scar. It made him sick inside to think that she’d come so close to death before.

  His aunt covered her quickly and settled her beneath the covers once more.

  Placing a chair by the bed, he lowered his weary body into it and took her hand, rubbing it warmly between his.

  “Come, Fiona,” Elspeth said. “Let us see tae Aileen. I’ll likely have the same battle with Robert as we’ve had here.” The door closed silently behind them.

  “Amelia,” he whispered, rolling her name over his tongue for the first time, the taste of it as sweet as her kiss. He pressed his lips to her hand, and rested his head on the bed, his mind repeating prayer after prayer.

  He dozed for a time, but awoke to her moaning and shifting restlessly. Tears slid down her cheeks as she tossed her head back and forth.

  He gently stroked her brow. “Be still, mavourneen. ‘Tis but a dream.”

  She sobbed softly. “Don’t, Papa. Please,” she cried.

  He scooped her up and moved to the large chair by the fire. Wrapping her tightly in the coverlet, he cradled her against him.

  She calmed as he stroked her head and kissed her brow while he listened to the words of his heart. Feelings he’d never allowed himself to indulge in, words he’d never spoken to another living soul echoed loudly inside him, and yet he could not find the courage to voice them.

  ****

  Tuck opened her eyes and blinked several times before moving. She was sitting in someone’s lap. A soft snore stirred the hair at her brow as she peered at the legs beneath her. She recognized those legs. They starred in every fantasy she’d had since she landed on the island.

  She bolted from MacLean’s lap, clutching the blanket around her. He woke with a curse and lunged for her. She stumbled back onto the bed and he followed, sprawling on top of her. Her loud complaint became a grunt at the unexpected weight.

  Holding her to the mattress, he brushed his fingers across her brow and cheeks. His gaze searched her features, almost as if he couldn’t believe she was real. But she had to get him away from her. The way he looked at her, and with his mouth so close she might not get through this odd encounter without grabbing the man and kissing the daylights out of him.

  “MacLean, you either tell me why you’re looking at me like that, or my knee’s going to connect with your sporran.”

  A slow grin eased over that exasperatingly wonderful mouth. “I never thought I’d be happy tae hear your sharp tongue.”

  The dim light of the fire and the low burning candle by the bed illuminated his face. He looked tired, she realized. Dark shadows lay beneath his lion eyes, while a new beard hid the sharp angles of his face. She touched his jaw with the barest tip of her fingers before she jerked them back.

  “Nay, lass,” he whispered, clasping her hand.

  His steady gaze sent a quiver running through her as he pressed his lips to backs of her fingers. The warmth of his breath brushed across her skin, bringing to life all the things she knew they could never share. All the hopes and desires she’d buried deep down inside as she watched him with Aileen. His betrothed.

  In a blink it all flooded back to her. The wine, the poison—revisiting her dinner, while MacLean held her head, no less. She groaned and covered her face with her hands.

  “Dinnae tell me you’re still sick.” He gently took her hands from her face. “How do you, lass? Tell me true.”

  “I’m okay. Just a little embarrassed, I guess.” And hurt that you’re only being nice to me because we’re friends and nothing more.

  He stood and fluffed her pillow, righted her in the bed, then pulled the covers up to her chin. And she let him, enjoying every scrap of tenderness, no matter how inconsequential.

  “You’ve had a hard two days. ‘Tis glad, I am, the worst is past.”

  “Two days!” Her brain slid into soldier mode. She smacked at his hands where he continued to tug and tuck at the blanket. “Stop mothering me and tell me what you did with Maighread. How’s Aileen? Is your father all right? Did you put a guard on the larder and double the men at the gates?”

  “Of all the women,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Aileen didna drink as much as you and was much better yesterday. As for my father, he’s well. Maighread, however, has disappeared.” He held up his hand, stopping her before she could speak. “I have sent a small search party tae find her.”

  “Oh, how I’d like to get my hands on her,” she growled, fisting the covers tightly.

  “As would I, but you are tae stay in bed and finish mending.”

  “I’ve done nothing but rest since that witch slipped me a micky. I’m all right,” she added with a huff, realizing he had no clue what she meant.

  One lone brow rose sharply as he looked at her. “You’re not tae get out of that bed.”

  “Fine. But I don’t need you in here playing nursemaid. Beat it, Sasquatch,” she said, waving her hand. Much more of this, and she wouldn’t be able to hold herself together.

  He grumbled a few curses beneath his breath as he strode to the door. “I’ve gone daft, tae be sure.”

  “Wait a minute,” she called, remembering some of the things he’d said while she’d been sick.

  He turned with a scowl and she grinned.

  “Do I remember hearing you say you believe me? About where I’m from?”

  “Aye,” he said with a nod. “But not a word of it tae another soul, you ken?”

  “My lips are sealed,” she said, secretly thrilled that he believed her.

  He shifted his gaze to the window. “The sun will be up soon, but you are not tae get out of bed,” he said, waggling his finger at her. “But if you have need of anything…” He dropped his hand, his features softening. “If you should have need of me, tell Elspeth or Fiona, and they will find me.”

  She cocked her head and studied him closely. The way he’d held her when she was sick, the way he fussed over her now, proved without a doubt he cared for her. Something no man had ever done before.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  His brow furrowed a moment and his lips parted, as if he wished to say something, then he straightened his back and with a firm nod strode from the room.

  Snuggling beneath the covers, a smile eased over her lips. She pressed her hand to her breast and stroked the back where his lips had touched. But they were only friends. He was getting married. A sight she really didn’t want to witness.

  Chapter Twenty

  Colin thought to retire to his own chamber, now that she was out of danger, but knew it was a wasted effort. He wanted to tell her of his heart, to say the words, but they’d lodged in his throat, stealing his voice.

  How was he to woo the woman if he couldn’t even admit openly that he cared for her? He had little experience in courting, and Amelia was not the sort to want flowers and pretty word
s. Or would she? She was a woman, regardless of her unusual skills and sharp tongue.

  He walked the battlements until the sun rose, but no divine insight was gifted him. He met Ian on his way to the great hall to break his fast.

  “I would think you would be happy today, but from the sour look on your face, I would say not,” Ian said.

  News of Amelia’s recovery had obviously been spread throughout the keep.

  Colin placed a hand against his friend’s chest as they stepped off the stairs, stopping him. “I must ask a favor.” And damned if it didn’t gall him to do it.

  “Of course, my friend.”

  “I need tae know—I need tae know how tae woo her,” he spat out.

  “I see. And you wish me to teach you,” Ian said with a choked chuckle.

  “‘Tis no laughing matter, lest you care tae find a few of your pretty teeth missing.”

  Ian cleared his throat and slapped him on the back. “Quite right. This is serious business. Especially considering the lady in question.” They crossed the hall and took their seats. “The usual will not work with her. Flowers and sonnets and the like.” He tore off a piece of fresh bread and chewed thoughtfully, wearing on Colin’s nerves. But at least he’d assumed correctly about the flowers.

  “Perhaps a new blade, one fashioned with jewels. Although hers is rather unique,” Ian said.

  “Aye, ‘tis true.” Colin nudged him with his elbow as he lifted his cup. “Think of something else.”

  “There you are, my lads,” his father said as he strolled into the hall. “I have a need tae speak with both of you.”

  “Is something amiss?” Colin asked around a mouthful of food.

  “Nay, nay. Robert tells me Aileen is fit to travel and wishes to return home in a day or so.” His father nodded to Robert sitting by Aileen at the far end of the table. “He will take what we’ve learned back to MacKenzie. If all goes well, we will meet a few days hence where our lands join along the road. There is much tae discuss should the Campbells decide tae strike openly.”