“You wouldn’t dare think of it, Mary. You would ruin your dress!”
“Och, I’ve at least a dozen just like this one.”
“Don’t you dare consider it, Mary MacDonald! I forbid it!”
“Oh, Aunt Ida, it looks like great fun.”
The young woman had reached the edge of the pier and was clearly thinking of jumping off into the sand. Killian took her hand and gently guided her as she lifted her long rich skirts. His eyes met Alainn’s once more. They held a hint of guilt.
“Robert, really, you must stop her. She intends to interact with these vile creatures.”
“Aye well, she’s always been a spirited lass. With only brothers in her family, my sister and her husband have allowed her to cavort about with them, I suspect. She’ll be a handful for you to be sure, lad.”
Killian nodded without taking his eyes off Alainn.
“Do you know these people?” one redhead asked with great disdain.
“Aye,” said Riley, “they are from our castle.”
“They’re servants then?”
“Aye, we’ve come to collect supplies for the celebrations,” Pierce finally managed.
“And you allow your servants time to frolic freely about on the seashore?” the older woman asked, obviously most taken aback.
Alainn’s eyes remained helplessly locked with Killian’s as he approached with Mary.
“You have verra long hair,” the woman said to her. “And och look at what a beautiful shade it is, even when it’s wet.”
“Aye, you might say it is the color of sand!” the older redhead tittered.
Mary walked closer, and Alainn was startled to see her long flowing skirts drag into the water. The woman seemed not to care.
“Truly, I’ve never viewed such a lovely golden color.” She reached out and helped to rid seaweed from the back of her hair. Alainn fought the urge to knock her hand away. “And your eyes! They are surely as blue as the sea near the coast of Antrim.”
“Th-th-thank you,” Alainn stuttered, her teeth beginning to chatter as the cool ocean breeze blew across the bay, sending a chill through her. Pierce stood quietly at her side, trying to still his own trembles.
The woman continued to assist her with brushing away the sand and then thoughtfully passed Alainn her shawl. She was reluctant to take it and shook her head.
“No, I insist, you take it, for you appear to be verra cold. You’ll catch your death standing here soaking wet.” She draped the fine garment over Alainn’s shoulders and smiled encouragingly at her.
Killian moved in so close that Alainn could feel warmth from his body. He dared graze her hand and an electric charge spiked through her body. Alainn moved away.
“How could you give her your lovely shawl, Mary? She’s sure to get it filthy. That’s probably the first water she has seen in months,” complained the redhead on Riley’s arm. “Stay away from her, Mary. You’re sure to catch something!”
“Alainn is much valued at Castle O’Brien,” Rory chastised. “She is a gifted healer and a great asset to our clan and kin.”
“Why would a gifted healer be so far from your castle if she is so important? And why would she be seeking supplies from Galway?”
“Seaweed is most beneficial for many maladies,” Alainn answered, her jaw clenched. “A great cure for a bitter tongue and a haughty temperament. Perhaps you might try a hearty mouthful.” Alainn picked a slimy piece from her hair and held it out.
“Did you hear that, Father? She insulted me. This meager servant has just insulted me!”
Mary stifled a giggle. Alainn frowned, for she wanted to despise this woman.
“How many of these filthy wee imps belong to you?” the older woman asked, holding a cloth to her nose.
Alainn’s eyes flashed with anger. She took Pierce’s arm most possessively, smiling at him and batting her eyelashes. He looked down at her warily. “Only three thus far,” she said brightly. “But sure we intend to have an enormous family, don’t we my darlin’?” She leaned into him affectionately while he looked on with mortification. She stood on tiptoe and planted a lengthy kiss upon his equally sandy lips. His cheeks blushed scarlet. Rory and Riley guffawed. Killian did not appear so amused.
“Alainn, is it then?” Mary inquired.
“Aye, my name is Alainn McCreary,” she sniffed.
“Mary MacDonald of Ayrshire Scotland.” She curtsied to Alainn. “I am sincerely pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“You most certainly will not become friends with a chieftain’s servant!” the older redhead scolded, horrified.
“I will if I choose, Iona. My dearest friend in the entire world was my maidservant. She has married and is now with child, so she could not make the journey with me. But I am searching for another. Should you find yourself interested, Alainn, I would welcome you to come live with Killian and me once we are wed.”
Pierce coughed loudly.
“Alainn is much needed by my uncle and our kin,” Killian declared gruffly. “She is far too valuable for my uncle to permit her to leave Castle O’Brien.”
“Then why has she been given leave from her duties to procure supplies?” asked the younger redhead.
“Aye, I was wondering that myself.” His eyes burned into Alainn.
“Milord.” She bowed her head and curtsied very low. “Your uncle has recently employed the services of a physician, so I have made the journey to the city, in search of...in search of...seaside herbs.”
“Might I speak with you, Milord, before we leave to meet Cookson?” Pierce asked, his eyes pleading. Killian nodded.
“Chieftain McDonnel, I have business with our captain’s son. Would you escort Maiden MacDonald, back to the inn while I attend to this matter, sir?”
“Och Killian, I think you might refer to me as Mary. We are promised to one another, after all. I think it isn’t necessary for us to be so formal.” She touched his arm with affection.
Alainn curtsied once more, turned swiftly, and fairly ran down the beach, the horde of children following close behind.
Chapter Four
Pierce and Killian trudged down the beach away from the group at the wharf. When they were out of earshot, Pierce could contain himself no longer.
“I am done with this impossible task you have handed me,” he snapped, furiously shaking sand from his hair. “She will listen to absolutely nothin’ I say, and ’twas not my notion to travel to Galway. She persuaded Cookson she was coming, wouldn’t listen to me, simply would not be dissuaded. She does not respect my words, nor my opinions, has decided she is staying here and not returning to the castle. We both spent half the night trying to make her see reason, but she is the most stubborn female I have ever had the misfortune to be acquainted with!” His voice rose as he related his frustrations. “I must meet Cookson, for he will surely be most displeased we are to leave so late. Cook will have his head, and my father mine.” Almost as an afterthought, he added, “And this very morning Alainn visited an alchemist’s shop and a brothel.”
“You allowed her to go to a brothel!” Killian roared. He grabbed Pierce by the tunic.
“I allowed her to do nothin’!” he shouted, batting at the hand. “She simply does whatever she pleases!”
“Aye,” said Killian coming to his senses. He removed his hand and straightened Pierce’s dirty, rumpled tunic. “Well I do appreciate your attempts to keep her safe.” He chuckled. Pierce scowled.
“I will see to her safety now,” Killian assured him. “You may return to the castle with Cookson for you are right in assuming your father will be sorely aggrieved. I will speak to him and to Cook as well on your behalves when I return to the castle.” They both turned and looked with grim faces down the beach where Alainn and her young followers grew smaller in the distance.
Alainn was delivering the children to their parents in a noisy crowded street when the two men finally caught up with her. She did not look their way. Instead, Alainn warmly embraced each o
f the youngsters and told them she hoped to see them again soon. When she heard Killian bidding Pierce farewell, she turned and spoke to the younger man.
“God speed, Pierce. I apologize for making your task a difficult one. Tell Cookson my farewells. I will miss the two of you most assuredly.”
“Aye, keep you safe, Alainn,” Pierce mumbled. He nodded to her and, despite all the grief she had caused him, could not help smiling sheepishly.
“And, Pierce,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “you might decide to turn your eyes toward Molly. She is my dearest friend and a lovely, demure young woman. She has been smitten with you for quite some time and dearly loves to hear poetry.”
Clearly flustered, Pierce did not respond. He waved to Alainn, nodded to Killian, and hurried off down a street. He was soon lost in the crowds.
Alainn started down the street herself, ignoring Killian who kept pace beside her. She picked up the pace until she was nearly running. He grasped her elbow and swung her around.
“Alainn, we must talk.”
“There is naught to be said, Milord,” she said without looking at him. “You ought to go now to your betrothed. I am certain she wonders what might be keeping you.” She tried to step away, but he held her firmly.
“By Christ, woman! Look at me!” Killian demanded.
“I have no desire to look at you or to be in your company. Go to her, and I will be off.”
“Off to where exactly? Where do you intend to go?”
“I will stay here in the city for a time. I quite like it here.”
“Because you have had a time romping with some children at the seaside, you think you know what it is to live in a city? ’Tis a dangerous place for any woman, and most especially a young woman on her own. Do you not realize what thievery, rapes, and murders occur each night in a city?”
“I am not your concern, Milord, not any longer. So take your leave from me. There is no need for you to tarry in getting to your dearest Mary.”
“Alainn, you must allow me to explain the situation.”
“I am not a fool, Killian O’Brien! I understand the situation quite sufficiently. Your uncle has chosen a wife for you, and that is the end of what we shared. In truth, I am much relieved. I had dreaded the day it would happen, have fretted over it far more than I care to admit to you, but now that day is here, I feel entirely liberated. ’Tis a marvelous freedom. Henceforth, I shall be accountable to no one, not ever.”
She had yet to look at him, and he was growing steadily more perturbed. He took her arm possessively and pulled her toward a large stone building, grasping her by the shoulders and staring down into her lovely blue eyes, now filled with deep sadness. Alainn closed her eyes, and tears began sliding down her cheeks. He drew her close to comfort her, but she pushed at his chest and stiffened in his arms.
“Let me go,” she said, her voice breaking. “Please, just leave me. Take your intended back to your uncle, for I am certain he will be most delighted to see what a handsome, noble couple you make. Forget you ever knew me. I intend to do the same in regards to you.”
“Alainn, I am in love with you.” His voice dropped to a near whisper. “And that has not changed because my uncle feels he has chosen me a good political match.”
“She is most taken by you and not nearly so offensive as the rest of them. You will be most happy together, I am certain.”
“I will be happy with no one, bar you, Alainn. You well know that,” he insisted.
“There is nothing further to discuss, Killian. I intend to remain here in Galway. There is nothing you can do about it.”
“Aye, there most certainly is. I can take you back to Castle O’Brien.”
“For what purpose? Would you expect me to be her servant as she suggested, or your mistress?”
“I would expect neither. It is not a certainty that she and I will wed. My uncle knows I have no intention of going through with this marriage.”
“Why bother to protest? Your uncle will not allow you to defy him. It will be as he desires. Embrace your destiny, Killian O’Brien. It is what you have dreamed of all your life.”
“You will travel back with Robert McDonnel and his family. There is room in the coach.” He seemed to pay no attention to Alainn’s words. She erupted in anger and stamped her foot.
“Aye, I suspect there is room in hell, as well! I’d as soon go to the devil as spend the better part of a day trapped in a wee coach with that loathsome, arrogant, wretched woman and her horrid daughters, not to mention your betrothed! And nay, you have entirely no say in what I do!”
Killian shook her with impatience. “Why would Morag allow you to leave the castle? Did you go without telling her?”
“Morag is dead!” she cried. His face fell.
“Sorry I am, to hear of your great loss, Alainn. Please forgive me for not being there for you.”
“Killian O’Brien, I do not require your pity.” Alainn sounded suddenly tired. “And I no longer care to be in your company, so if you would kindly remove your hands from me, Milord, we might both be on our way.”
“I will not allow you to stay here.”
“You have no claim on me, or I on you, so unhand me or I swear I will scream.”
“And what purpose would that serve?”
“It would cause a scene and perhaps your promised will be suspicious should she catch wind of your indiscretions.”
“Alainn, I do not consider you an indiscretion, and at the moment your causing a scene is perhaps the least of my concerns.”
“You are only prolonging our parting. Can you not see this will benefit us in no way? Do me this kindness and depart swiftly.”
Killian let go of her, and they stepped back from each other. He clasped his hands together as if to keep from touching her.
“Alainn, this has been the longest week of my life, being parted from you. How do you expect me to live without you? It is not within my capabilities to simply say farewell and turn away from you. Please come with me where we might speak more privately.”
“You are to meet your Mary and her kin. I shall not stand in the way of your plans with your intended.”
“I need to be alone with you, Alainn. I need to hold you and kiss you and remove all doubt from your mind that it is you I love, and only you I want to spend my life with.”
“I am aware you love me, Killian. And truly, I shall treasure that knowledge for as long as I live, but it changes nothing. Our love is not enough to stand up to your uncle’s power.” She looked into his eyes as she spoke these words and could not hide the depth of her pain.
“Come with me, Alainn, allow me to get you some food. I will find a place for you to stay this night. Nothing need be decided this moment. You look pale and tired, and you are thin. Pierce tells me you have scarcely eaten in these days he has been with you. Are you unwell?”
“Pierce had no need to divulge that to you. I am not ill, ’tis only my heart that is ailing, and I doubt food will be an adequate cure for a forlorn heart.”
He squeezed her wrist in deep concern. She winced and pulled away.
“What has happened to you?”
He lifted back first one sleeve then the other to reveal many deep bruises.
“What in hell happened to you?” His face darkened, and in his fury, he inadvertently squeezed her wounded wrists.
Her face crumpled with pain, then drained of all color. Killian swore and caught her as she fell in a dead faint. He gathered her to him and swiftly carried her to a nearby inn.
Alainn awoke to find Killian holding her hand and another man she did not recognize peering closely at her. She looked around the room at the rich furnishings and the enormous bed upon which she lay. The nape of her dress was open, and her hand immediately went to the bruises there. Killian’s eyes were filled with intense despair. The other man summoned Killian to the door, and he reluctantly let go of her hand to speak with him before he left the room.
Alainn straightened her dress and att
empted to determine whether the physician had learned of her condition. Killian returned to the chair by the bed and sat down, staring at her with great concern.
“Who did this to you, Alainn?”
“It could have been much worse, Killian. I might have been lashed or possibly even hanged.”
“What are you talking about? Tell me who did this to you, and I shall go cut his throat where he stands.”
“I stole your uncle’s horse.”
“You...what?”
“Well, in truth, I borrowed it from the stables, but your uncle assumed it to be stolen.”
“My uncle did this to you?”
“I suppose I should consider myself fortunate, for I know well enough the punishment for horse thievery.”
“He beat you? He did not have his enforcer do it for him?”
“No...”
“Christ, I shall kill him! I promise you this, I shall run him through with my blade!” he seethed. He jumped up, his body rigid. His fists were clenched, his jaw tensed. He began pacing as he spoke. “This was not about the taking of a horse. It was to get back at me for telling him I was in love with someone who was not a noble. He must surely have discovered it was you. Was that why you left the castle? Did he threaten you as well?”
“He told me you were betrothed. He did not know of my intention to leave the castle.”
“He will be made to pay for this, Alainn. I will vindicate the wrongdoings done to you. I promise you that!”
“You cannot threaten him or harm him in any way, Killian. He is the chieftain, and you know well enough he could have had me hanged for taking the horse. You would only be in jeopardy yourself if you avenge me in any way, for no one would think he was unjustified in beating me when he might have had me hanged or beheaded.”
Killian appeared deep in thought.
“Why did you need the horse, Alainn? Why didn’t Pierce find a horse for you if you needed one that desperately? He was to stay with you at all times.”
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