“We can start today. You can help me transplant some of my herbs.” Both of them were dressed in old gowns, fit for working. It was unusual for the chatelaine of a keep to get her hands dirty, but Brenna had told her it relieved her stress.
Together, they worked steadily at weeding and transplanting. Surprised by how much she enjoyed working with the soil, Maddie hoped she would get to see the results of her gardening someday. After they toiled in the sun for a couple of hours, Brenna motioned for Maddie to follow her. “Come join me for some water.” They found a stone bench under a shade tree and shared a drink.
They sat quietly for a few moments, enjoying the sound of the birdsong overhead and the sight of the Grant land stretching out in front of them. The fall colors were brilliant at this time of year. Red leaves were her favorite and some trees were starting to turn.
Maddie sighed and glanced at her friend. “Do you know what your brother’s plans are for me, Brenna?”
“I am no’ sure what you mean. ‘Tis no’ his choice; ‘tis yours. What do you want to do?”
“I have no other kin, and I will never marry the Comming, so I do not think there are many choices for me. I cannot impose on you and your family forever. You have done so much for me already. I think maybe it is time to think about entering a convent.”
Brenna leaned over and grabbed her friend’s hands. “A convent? Maddie, what makes you say such a thing?”
“What other choice do I have, Brenna?” Maddie’s voice cracked as she attempted to smile.
“You can stay with us. We have plenty of room. Mayhap Alex and I can find a nice man for you to marry. Or is it your desire to be in a convent?”
“Nay, I cannot say I have the calling. I would welcome the peacefulness, but it would only suit me if there were children about.” Maddie’s hands played with her skirt.
“Then why no’ marry another man? You are so wonderful with the wee ones. You belong with a house full of bairns!” Brenna leaned over and pulled her into her arms. “You have a heart of gold. You deserve a life of happiness. Put your terrible memories behind you.”
“I do love little ones, but I am not sure.” Maddie’s words caught as she struggled to maintain her composure. The time had come to tell her friend the truth.
“Sure of what, Maddie?” Brenna’s voice softened as she pulled away enough to look at her.
A tear slowly made its way down Maddie’s cheek. She shook her head and put her hands over her face.
“What is it?” Brenna waited patiently before reaching over and hugging her tight.
Maddie slowly lifted her gaze to meet her friend’s. “Niles forced himself on me a while ago. I am no longer a maiden. Who would have me as I am?”
“Och, Maddie, is that why Kenneth wants you to marry Niles?” Brenna brushed a lock of hair out of Maddie’s eyes.
“Nay. Niles thought he had the right to my maidenhead since we were betrothed. When I refused, he took it. It was horrible, and now I do not know if I could stand the marriage bed. That is when I refused Kenneth, after the Comming brutalized me.” Maddie’s composure finally broke as sobs wracked her body. “What am I to do now? I am so confused.”
“How terrible! Did you tell Kenneth about it?” Brenna whispered.
“Nay, Kenneth has no feelings for me. He would say it was Laird Comming’s right as my betrothed. Do you understand my dilemma? What say you now?” She swiped at her tears with her sleeve.
“It answers many questions. But I have no experience with this sort of situation, so I don’t know how to help you. Surely there must be someone who can help. Mayhap we should talk to my brother Alex.”
“Nay! I would be too embarrassed to discuss this with your brother. Please do not ask me to tell him, Brenna. I will decide on my own what to do. Mayhap when Father MacGregor arrives, I will talk with him about the possibility of entering the convent.”
Brenna sighed before biting her lip. “I will agree as long as you promise no’ to make up your mind for at least a fortnight. You have been through too much.” Brenna rubbed Maddie’s arm. “Is there any chance you could be carrying Niles’s bairn?”
Maddie could feel her cheeks blushing as she stared at the ground. “Nay, I have had my courses since then.”
“Please remember what I said. You are always welcome to stay with us.” Brenna helped her up from the bench and gave her another quick hug.
“Thank you, Brenna. I owe you and your family so much.”
“You are most welcome. We are here for you, and I hope you believe that. I’ll help in any way I can.” She glanced up at the sky. “I think we have done enough work out here for today. I will pick some fresh herbs for Cook and return to the keep.”
“If you do not mind, I would like to be alone for a bit before returning.” Maddie wiped the tears from her face as she straightened her skirts.
“Of course, I will see you back in the hall.”
Maddie strolled down the main path away from the keep. She stopped briefly to take in the crisp fall air…and regain her composure. As she glanced around the bailey, she noticed something very different about the Grants’ keep. Everyone here was happy. Everyone waved or smiled, even the blacksmith, and she could not help but smile back.
Alex must be a very good laird. The people respected him, and it was no wonder. Their crofts and cottages were in good shape, not in need of repair like many of the homesteads in her clan. Food was bountiful—though not rich—at his table, and many of his people were fed in the great hall.
She thought of how things had changed at her own keep since her parents’ death. The hall had always been spotless when her mother was alive. Now it was filthy, despite her best efforts. Kenneth even allowed his men to throw their food scraps on the rushes in the hall when they finished eating. He considered it Maddie’s job to clean it all up. But with so many dogs pushing around for food, it was an impossible task. Besides, Kenneth had scared away many of the servants, leaving Maddie without the help she needed.
No dogs were allowed in the food area of the great hall at the Grant Castle. Brenna kept her rushes clean by mixing herbs and dried flowers in with them to maintain their freshness. It was an altogether different kind of place.
As she walked down the hill, her gaze wandered to the lists. She sighed when her gaze found Alex, feeling a bit wistful of what could never be. As if on cue, he turned and found her gaze. She wanted to give him a quick wave, but worried he would be angry with her for interrupting his work. She strolled to the stables to visit the horses. They reminded her of Mac. The stables had always been a place of comfort for her at her home. She hoped she would feel the same way here.
***
Alex was in the middle of instructing one of his soldiers when a flush of heat warmed the back of his neck. Madeline must be nearby, he thought. He had not seen her for days, but only her gaze could have that effect on him. Anger and hurt both crept in. Why did she always turn away from him?
“Chief, is this what you were talking about? I think I know what you mean now.” The Grant warrior held his sword in a different stance in front of Alex. “Is this not correct?”
Alex turned and stared at his man. What was he babbling about? He dismissed him with a wave and turned around to look for Maddie. He could not find her anywhere. An unusual tightness built in his chest as he searched for a glimpse of her in the bailey. It was not safe for her to wander about on her own.
He turned toward his brother. “Robbie, I have things to do. You are in charge until I return.”
Robbie nodded and returned to what he had been doing. “Brodie, can you believe it? I did not ever think we would see Alex so taken with a woman.”
Alex glared back at his brother. “I am not taken with the woman, Robbie. She is currently under my charge and I am just trying to protect her.”
“After the farce with Anna Comming, I was no’ sure I would ever see it again,” Brodie remarked.
Alex stopped dead, spun on his heel, and point
ed his finger in Brodie’s face. “Do not ever mention that woman’s name in my presence again. Do you understand me?”
“Aye, Laird Grant, I do,” Brodie ground out as he glared at his brother. “But since we never heard the circumstances, it is difficult for us to understand why you will no’ discuss what happened. Anna is a beautiful lass.”
“You do not need to know the circumstances. Just never speak her name again.” Alex stalked off toward the stables. He probably should have told his brothers about the farce that had been his betrothal, but he did not want to create any more animosity toward their neighboring clan. Some things were better kept quiet.
Now he was barking at his brothers. What was Maddie doing to him?
RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Alex stormed into the stables, only to find Maddie feeding an apple to his horse. He froze at the sight of his stallion eating from her hand as she rubbed his head and cooed to him.
“Hugh, what are you thinking?” he bellowed. “You know how nasty my horse gets, or have you lost your senses, old man?”
Maddie stiffened at the chastisement. “Laird Grant, it is not his fault. He did not know what I was about.”
Alex’s gut clenched at the fear and concern he saw in her eyes. “My lady,” he said softly, “I am no’ going to hurt old Hugh.”
Old Hugh chuckled as he watched Maddie coddle Alex’s horse. “As you can see, Chief, there is no need to worry about Maddie. Midnight knows a kind soul when he meets one. Or are you nervous he might like her more than he does you?”
Alex glared at him. “Never mind,” he said. “‘Tis no’ why I came here. My lady, you should not be wandering around the bailey by yourself. I do not want you to leave the hall without an escort. No one knows when your stepbrother might send someone to steal you back. My gates are open during the day. Anyone could sneak in.”
Fire lit her eyes before she bowed her head. “I am sorry, Laird. I was in the garden with Brenna, and I thought I would pay a visit old Hugh and your horses. There was no problem when I was in the bailey with the wee ones yesterday, so I did not think there would be any danger.”
“Leave us, Hugh,” Alex said to his stable master.
After he left, Alex sighed and studied Maddie. Lost in her gaze, her lips, he wanted so badly to kiss her. All he could think of was pulling her into his arms since her sweet scent of lavender and woman was driving him wild. He reached out to touch her, but she pulled back.
He shook his head slightly and glanced at the horses, using the distraction to regain his control.
“My lady, you had a group around you yesterday. Today, you are alone. I would not trust you alone with some of my own clan.” The volume of Alex’s voice rose as he continued. The sudden vision of another man touching her, hurting her, burst into his head. “And you will need ten escorts whenever you go outside the keep!” He knew he was yelling, but he was desperate to keep her safe and protected. “You will heed my orders, Madeline MacDonald, or I will lock you in your chamber!”
Madeline eyes turned to ice as she stared at him. “Forgive me, I thought to be a guest in your home, not a prisoner.” She ran around him and tore up the hill toward the keep.
Alex put his hands on his hips and heaved a big sigh.
Stepping back around the wall, Hugh said, “Well done, laddie. You drove her further away.” The old man chuckled as his eyebrows rose. “Laird, I have known you since you were a bairn, and I have ne’er seen a lassie affect you so. Och, ‘tis about time.” The stable master gave him a warm pat on his shoulder. “From what I know of her, she is as kind as she is fair. Naught like that other lass.”
Old Hugh was one of the few men who knew the real reason why Alex had not taken a wife yet.
Years ago, before his parents’ death, Alex had been betrothed to Anna Comming, Niles’s sister. He had not known her well, but his father had insisted that Alex marry to produce heirs. After much discussion with his mother, Alex had agreed to the plan.
Not long after, the Comming came to Grant land to introduce his sister to Alex. Niles was anxious to commence the wedding, as he always sought ways to expand his wealth and holdings. Anna was a dark-haired beauty, but there was a coldness in her eyes Alex did not trust. Old Hugh was actually the one who had saved Alex from making a disastrous mistake. He had summoned him to the stables one night—just in time to catch his betrothed in the act. Alex found Anna, in all her splendor, being tupped in the hay by her brother’s second in command. They knew he was there, but did not stop. Instead, Anna had smiled at him over her lover’s shoulder and beckoned him closer. But what had sickened him most was the sight of Niles in the corner, watching with a smile on his face as he brutally twisted the breasts of one of Alex’s servants.
Alex had drawn his sword on Niles, but the other man had been unarmed. All he said was, “You and yours will be off my land by dawn.” Only respect for his mother had stayed his hand from killing them all on Grant land.
The servant girl had been terrified, but Alex had escorted her home. He had spoken to her parents and made special arrangements for her to guarantee she would be out of harm’s way.
He had never told anyone about that horrid night, not even his father. He had merely reported that the betrothal as over, and his father had trusted him enough not to pester him about it.
Madeline was the first woman who had broken through his hard heart since then. She was nothing like Anna, whose eyes were cold and calculating. Maddie’s eyes were fathomless, compassionate. She was an innocent, and he was honor bound to protect her. And yet he could not convince himself that he should only be her protector. If only he could hold her and taste her just once, mayhap his desire would be quenched.
“Hugh, it does not matter what I do, ‘tis always the wrong thing with Madeline. She runs from me like a deer. I do no’ think she cares much about me.”
“Aye, mayhap if you stopped bellowing at the gel, she would settle you in closer. You must treat her with kindness, Laird, as I know you are able to do. Stop treating her as you do your men.”
“She is so beautiful, she makes me daft.”
Hugh chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “Aye, I can see it. Try some soft words on her, Alex. She is a soft creature.”
Alex saddled Midnight and rode out through his gates, followed by a couple of his guards. Maddie was a mystery to him. She drove him to thoughts and feelings he had never experienced before. What did he really want? Was he ready to take a wife? Would allowing himself to feel this strongly about her compromise his leadership? He enjoyed thinking about Madeline, picturing her in his arms. But he also recognized she was not ready yet.
He rode Midnight hard to the loch. It was usually deserted at this time of year, as the water was frigid. After eyeing Maddie in front of that mound of hay, cool water was exactly what he needed.
Did he dare to allow someone else near his heart? He didn’t see many similarities between the two women. He hoped he was right about Madeline. She was the only woman able to distract him from his duties as laird. Maybe it wasn’t such a good thing, but he couldn’t stop himself.
RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER
CHAPTER TWELVE
As soon as Maddie reached the great hall, she fled up the stairs to her chamber. Brenna’s maid knocked as soon as she closed the door.
“If it would not be too much trouble, Fiona, I would greatly appreciate a hot bath.”
“Of course, my lady.” Fiona curtsied and left to arrange for a tub and hot water.
Madeline dropped into her chair. She was unable to keep the tears inside any longer. Laird Grant wanted to keep her prisoner. What was she to do? She would lose her wits if he forced her to stay inside. But most men made her anxious, so she did not relish the idea of various strange men escorting her wherever she went. How could she trust them? Being from Clan Grant did not guarantee they would treat her with respect. And even if they did treat her kindly, they would probably stand entirely t
oo close for her comfort.
Kenneth’s men had often leered at her, making her uncomfortable, and she expected Alex’s men would act the same way. Did she really want to spend her life feeling anxious all the time? She might as well be in a convent. At least then she would not need to fear being groped by the nearest male.
But the surprising thing was that Alex never frightened her. Not even when he was in a tirade. And his touch hadn’t bothered her at all as they rode back to the keep on Midnight. In fact, she had loved having his arms around her. She had even rested her hand on his arm without flinching. She did not understand that.
A knock sounded at the door, and two servant lads rushed in with the tub, followed by a few more carrying buckets of steaming water. She turned her head and swiped at her tears. After they left, Madeline reached to bolt the door, but a knock startled her.
She opened the door to see wee Jennie smiling at her. “May I come in, Maddie?”
“Of course, Jennie, I was about to soak in the tub, but you may stay and keep me company.”
Jennie entered and Maddie bolted the door behind her. She removed her dirty clothes and linen strips and slipped into the tub. “Oh, this feels so good!”
Jennie washed Maddie’s back, using extreme care for one so young.
“Do your wounds still hurt you, Maddie? Is that why you were crying?” Jennie’s innocent curiosity was reflected in her eyes.
“Nay, Jennie, they don’t hurt enough to make me cry, but they still ache sometimes.”
“Then why were you crying? Do you no’ like it here?”
“It seems I cry too much of late. I am very happy here, lass, but this is not my home. My feelings are all jumbled. I do not know what goes on inside me anymore. But I am so glad you came to visit me. Why don’t you tell me all about your pets?” Uncomfortable discussing her feelings with one so young, Maddie hoped to distract the young lass.
“Alex gave me my first puppy after Mama went to heaven. We named her ‘Hope.’ Da said Mama would like that name. Then after my da went to heaven, Alex gave me ‘Faith’ because he said Mama and Da could watch over me through the dogs. He said they would never leave my side. I love Hope and Faith very much. Don’t tell Alex, but they sleep with me sometimes. Brenna knows, but she doesn’t tell.”
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