Thirteen
“What will you do with him?” Madeline asked, her face pale, lower lip trembling.
“He’ll be our prisoner until we’re well out of here. I’ll not be hung as a traitor by the English.”
Andrew turned to Gareth. “They say you’re a brave soldier and that your men respect you. We’ll do you no harm. Unlike your people, we’re not butchers.”
But Gareth wasn’t accepting what her cousin said. It took the same four men to subdue him, and finally the giant, Fergus, rendered Gareth unconscious with a hard blow to the jaw.
“Is he all right?” she asked with a wavering voice.
“He’ll be fine, lassie,” Andrew reassured her.
“There was no other way to get the bonds on him,” Fergus said. “The mon has the strength of a demon.”
She remained in the cave, waiting for Gareth to regain consciousness, unable to bring herself to leave until she knew for certain that he would truly be all right. As he began to moan softly, she brought a cloth and some water to wash the blood from his face.
When his eyes opened, Gareth at first looked puzzled. Then a flicker of memory came into those glittering sapphire eyes and he seemed to recall the circumstances which brought him into his current situation.
“Untie me,” he demanded of her in a soft, urgent voice.
She shook her head. “I cannot do it. They won’t hurt you. Andrew promised.”
“The promise of a barbarian? And what’s that worth?” He sounded bitter and cynical.
“At least as much as yours,” she countered, pressing his bruised face a little too gingerly with the cloth. “My cousin is a man of honor.”
“Careful!” he said, squirming from the pain.
“You’ve nothing to fear.”
“As if I could trust you!” he spat out angrily.
She stared at him in surprise. “You think I betrayed you in some way?”
“Didn’t you? You knew I followed you here and you told them.” He spat the accusation at her.
“I did no such thing! I never dreamed that you’d follow us. Why would I? And why did you follow us anyway?” she eyed him suspiciously.
“I thought you might be coming to your cousin.”
“How clever you are,” she said.
“Not near clever enough.”
Her heart hurt; she felt a deep sense of regret and disappointment. He obviously held a very low opinion of her.
Andrew joined them at that moment. “Madeline, I think we might try a bit of a ploy. Tell my mother what has happened. Ask her what she thinks about telling the English soldiers that we hold Eriksen. We could promise to return him if they leave here.”
“They have orders, MacCarnan. If I die, the next man in line will take command, and so forth. It will never end until you’re taken into custody or dead. I’m a worthless hostage to you.” Gareth’s voice was quiet and tightly controlled.
“We’ll see,” her cousin said.
Madeline saw that Andrew’s face had grown paler and he looked very weak. Gently, she helped him to lie down. He pressed his cheek to hers and kissed her affectionately on the lips. She felt Gareth’s accusing eyes upon her and could hardly breathe as if a granite weight were pressed against her chest.
“Someday, there will be a time for us. I promise ye that, my bonnie lass.” Andrew’s smile was warm as the sun on a summer’s day.
“Rest now,” she said. “Grow strong that you may leave this place.”
His hand held hers until he finally slept. Turning away from Andrew, she saw Gareth’s eyes coldly watching her. His expression was so closed she hardly knew what he was thinking. The extent of the control he could exercise over his emotions truly amazed her. It also frightened her. He gave away nothing.
“Come here,” he said in a voice that was deadly calm. His hooded eyes possessed her own the way a cobra would mesmerize its victim.
She did not want to move; yet her legs seemed to carry her of their own volition.
“Tell my men where I am,” he said quietly. “Help me escape from here.”
“I cannot do that and you know it!”
“I know nothing of the sort. If you care about me at all than you must help me escape.”
She shook her head. “I do care, but what you ask is impossible.”
“Talk softly. They are paying no attention to us at the moment, but if you raise your voice again, you’ll alert them.”
She pressed a compress against his face and then to his lips which were also badly battered. His lips kissed her fingertips, sending queer little quivers through her belly and heat through her blood.
“Help me,” he whispered. “You must.” He began sucking on her fingertips.
She quickly pulled her hand away. He tried to take her hand back, but his own were too tightly bound with leather thongs.
“Moisten my lips; they are sorely dry.”
She brought her hand to him again, holding the wet cloth to his mouth, and as she did so, his tongue licked seductively along the inside of her palms. She began to shiver. At that moment, Fergus came between them, lifting Madeline away.
“The lass must leave now, so let her be.”
Madeline was grateful for the interference. Elizabeth, who had said virtually nothing until now, eyed Madeline with uncertainty.
“You won’t help him, will you?”
“As a matter of honor, I cannot, no matter what.”
The girl nodded her head, seemingly satisfied with the answer. Madeline did not turn back to look at Gareth, but she could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head. If he hated her now, she decided, it could not be helped. Whatever feelings she might have for him was not as important as seeing to the safety of Andrew and the other Highlanders with him. For Gareth, this would only be a temporary inconvenience; for her cousin, it was a matter of life and death.
Elizabeth told Anne what had happened at the cave as soon as they returned to the manor. Anne was thoughtful for a time. Finally she spoke to them.
“Madeline must not go back to the cave. It would be a mistake. In fact, neither one of you should go, lest some other of the Colonel’s men think to follow. Two days hence, I’ll send our Jenny out there with a basket and she’ll act as messenger. She can provide us with news from Andrew which will give us some idea as to helping him.” Anne’s face took on a worried expression. “I do not like this business at all. It is bad that the Englishman is now being held by Andrew.”
The following day, Captain Morgan came by asking if they had seen Gareth. He particularly questioned Madeline. She handled it as best she could. Wretchedly, she told the hawk-faced Englishman that she had not seen Gareth.
“Didn’t he follow after you yesterday?” the Captain demanded.
“I would not know if that were so,” she said. “I did not see him.”
“I will accept your answer for the time being, but rest assured I shall have more questions for you if the Colonel does not soon return. Please remain in your house until I say otherwise. No more of your little jaunts in the woods.”
As soon as the Captain left, Madeline went to Anne and related the conversation. Her cousin looked concerned, lines furrowing her brow.
“We’ll send Jenny on the morrow. The sooner Andrew can make good his escape the better. What troubles me most is that once he’s free, the Englishman may decide to retaliate against you.”
“I cannot believe he would do that,” Madeline protested.
“He was very angry,” Elizabeth said. “His eyes blazed with fury.”
“The English are a heartless lot,” Anne warned.
Madeline could only shrug. “I only did what was right. He would have done the same. I have no regrets.”
“Let’s hope ye ne’er will,” Anne said, an ominous ring to her voice.
♥ ♥ ♥
Gareth listened carefully when the men talked, but it was hard to understand much that they were saying; their language was Gaelic and he knew nothing
of it. They had treated him surprisingly well, better than he had expected. He studied Andrew MacCarnan thoughtfully and liked what he saw. The man was nearly as tall as he was. There was a look about him that Gareth recognized; the look of a fierce warrior, a man to be reckoned with in battle. He was the sort that Gareth would like to have fought beside rather than against. He watched MacCarnan with his men and conceded that he was a natural leader, but unlike Gareth, the Highlander acted on instinct and emotion rather than carefully thought out planning.
When he himself acted on instinct, Gareth realized, he only had problems, as had happened when he followed Madeline without thinking through what he was doing first. She had bewitched him, this child-woman. He did not think clearly when he was near her, and that could only lead to suffering for him. It was important that he maintain an emotional distance from her; if he did not, then she would have power over him. He did not ever want that to happen again. He could not say why she had the effect she did upon him, but he was forced to acknowledge it, recognize that it did exist.
Even now, he felt angry and jealous that MacCarnan had kissed her. What did the man mean to the girl? She who seemed so innocent and gentle, was she just a jade like the rest? Hadn’t he always known that females were not to be trusted, especially aristocratic ladies. They would act as if they cared, but it was never true. They were always scheming, looking to sell themselves to the highest bidder. And if they did not do it, then their families arranged it for them. It was all one. Hadn’t he learned that bitter lesson yet? Must he always act the fool? He cursed himself silently, gnashing down on his back teeth.
It was afternoon now and the giant roused MacCarnan to check the bandages on his wounds. The two men conversed briefly and MacCarnan rose to his feet and approached Gareth.
“We’ll be leaving here soon,” MacCarnan told him.
“And what will you do with me?”
A shadow crossed the chieftain’s face. “We’ll have to leave you here. But don’t worry; we’ll be sending word back and you’ll be free soon enough. You won’t be catching us though; so don’t think it.”
“I’m not in a position to argue with you, but you have to understand that like you, I am a soldier. I have been given my duty and I won’t rest until I see it performed.”
“You’ll forgive me, Viking, if I don’t wish my head served up on a golden platter to your fat German king.” MacCarnan gave him a wry smile.
“I’m afraid only peers of the realm are given the privilege of beheading.”
“More’s the pity. I fancy hanging even less. I’ve a fondness for the current shape of my neck. You’ll not take me easily.”
“I didn’t expect to,” he replied grimly. “I have respect for your abilities, just as you have for mine. You might as well kill me now while you have the opportunity.”
“Is that what you would do?” MacCarnan’s eyes were bright and clear as emeralds.
“Let’s just say that it would be expedient.”
“I’m a man of honor, Viking, and I’ve given my word.”
“Tell me one thing, MacCarnan, what is Madeline de Marnay to you?”
The chief stared at him closely, narrowing his gaze. “What concern is that of yours?”
“I knew the young lady in London.” He viewed his foe steadily.
“She’s betrothed to me.” His gaze met and held with a steady challenge.
Gareth felt a pulse begin to throb in his left temple. Anger rose like bile through his vital organs, but he managed to keep his voice cool and calm.
“How long have you and the young lady been betrothed then?”
“Why always, mon. It was an understanding between our families. I believe that was the reason she came to the Highlands. I would marry her today if I could but for our troubles.”
So she was no better than any other woman he had ever known. Deceitful little bitch! She had made him believe that she cared for him and all the time, the evil-minded chit had planned on marrying her Highland cousin. It was all just a game with her, a wicked little game. Perhaps she had played the innocent with others as well. He wondered just how innocent she really was. Had she even been a virgin? She had certainly made him think that she was. He had to wonder now. He was so consumed with anger, so outraged with a sense of betrayal, that his head felt as if it would surely explode.
Several hours passed and a pretty young woman came with the basket that Gareth recognized as having previously been carried by Madeline and her young cousin. This girl had rosy cheeks and was considerably taller than Madeline. Her coppery braids hung well below her waist. She spoke with the men in Gaelic and flirted shamelessly with them. The wiry one called Robbie put his arm around her then gave her a pat on the backside and laughed.
After the men had eaten, MacCarnan brought her over to Gareth and spoke in English. “Jenny, this is our guest, Colonel Eriksen. Would you feed him for us? Mind now, make certain, you don’t untie him. He’s a dangerous and desperate fellow.”
Jenny gave MacCarnan a warm inviting smile. “Anything you ask of me, I’ll do,” she said enticingly, looking from MacCarnan to Gareth.
“Careful now with your suggestions,” MacCarnan said, “you know I’ll soon be a married man.”
Jenny let her lower lip form a pout. “I know it all too well.”
MacCarnan left them and Jenny sat down opposite Gareth. As the girl began to feed him, a Highlander entered the cave and spoke excitedly to the other men. They quickly rose, arming themselves with their weapons and left.
“What’s going on?” Gareth asked the girl.
“Happen some of your soldiers are hereabouts looking for ye.”
“Release me now,” Gareth demanded. “I’ll give you anything you want!”
“You can’t give me the MacCarnan for husband, now can ye?”
“Would he have married you if Madeline hadn’t come?”
“He might have. That French slut took him from me with her sweet, ladylike ways. And her no lady at all I’m quite certain. She told Elizabeth stories about how the nobility behave in France. Scandalous I’d have to say. I’ll venture she’s had many men already but pretends herself to be the virtuous lady so my mistress will think well of her. Nothing but a whore is what she is. She may have the MacCarnans fooled but I dinna believe her to be innocent. She’s not worthy of the MacCarnan name.”
“If you free me, I give you my word that MacCarnan will not marry the girl.”
Jenny leaned toward him and whispered in a conspiratorial voice. “And can you really do that? Can I trust you, Englishman?”
“I have a matter to settle with Mademoiselle de Marnay myself. I warrant she’ll not be wed to your chief after that. But whether he’ll wed you or not, that will be your problem.”
“You’ll not tell him that I let you get away?”
He could see the uncertainty in her face and knew that his argument had nearly persuaded her.
“No, in fact, the story I’ll let out is that I had a knife concealed on my person and simply waited for the right opportunity to produce it. You may say that I overpowered you and threatened your life. No one will suspect otherwise. Now cut me loose, girl!”
“I need to think on it.”
“There’s no time for that!”
“How would you prevent the marriage?” Her eyes were intent on his face.
“Let me ask you a question or two. Mademoiselle de Marnay has a maid, does she not?”
Jenny nodded her head but did not speak, as if she did not trust herself with words.
“And what does this maid look like?”
Jenny looked bewildered. “Marie? Why she’s a mite of a thing, smaller than her mistress and a good deal older. Of what consequence is that?”
“Perhaps none,” he replied with a reassuring outward smile, though he could hardly contain the fury he felt within him.
But she must have understood, for her complexion paled. “I don’t mean for you to hurt the French woman none.”
“Of course not. Let me just reiterate that she will not be marrying MacCarnan if you free me now. I pledge my solemn oath that it will not happen.”
“I believe ye.”
Jenny quickly grabbed the sharp blade that had been used by the men for cutting bread. The girl cut the leather thongs that held his hands and feet and Gareth was free. As soon as he rose to his feet, Jenny eyed him with apprehension.
“I hope I have no’ done wrong, God forgive me.” She crossed herself fearfully.
“No, it was the right thing.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, grabbed his own sword from where it had been tossed and hurried out of the cave. He saw none of the Highlanders. It was his good fortune that they had all gone with their chief and not a single soldier had been left behind to guard the cave. Bad move on MacCarnan’s part, he decided. He himself would have been more cautious had the situation been reversed. However, he thought on the matter no more, concentrating on making certain that he traveled with caution.
Gareth had never moved with more agility in his life. Yet he could think of little but a beautiful French girl who looked like a seraph but had the soul of a serpent. Rage clouded his vision. She would receive a fair and just punishment very soon; he would see to it.
Fourteen
Madeline wondered with trepidation why Gareth had sent for her. She knew very well that he was angry with her for not helping him escape. He had returned to his soldiers and was again in control of the situation. She could only expect to draw his ire. Still, being loyal to her family had been the right thing to do.
She had known that he would be furious but was not prepared for the look he turned on her when she entered the old castle. She had to walk up the narrow twisting stone staircase, watching the broken gray steps warily as she moved. Upstairs in what had once been the master chamber, Madeline stood under Gareth’s scrutiny. His eyes narrowed to glittering slits, his angular jaw tightened, the cleft chin jutted forward. He looked so tall and powerful looming over her, as if he could devour her whole. She began to tremble in spite of her resolve to keep calm.
The Chevalier Page 14