The Campbell Trilogy

by Monica McCarty

  His duty and loyalty to his cousin were the very things that bound him to her; they couldn’t be tossed off at will.

  As she’d done.

  A pit of despair settled low in her belly as understanding dawned. She’d driven him away, left him with no choice when he’d done so much for her.

  The more she thought about the past few months, the worse she felt. He was one of the most powerful men in the Highlands, yet he’d married her when she’d had nothing. Without him, her clan would have fallen apart. He’d not only helped her reclaim their land, but had poured his own gold into rebuilding Ascog—the progress of which was incredible. They never could have done it without him. She didn’t have his experience or leadership. The Lamonts might not like him, but they relied upon him. And they still needed him if Niall hoped to reclaim his lands.

  But it wasn’t just her clan. She needed him. As a woman needs a man, as a soul needs its mate. He was a part of her. He’d brought love back into her life, making her feel safe and happy when she never thought she’d feel that way again.

  Brian’s question came back to her in a rush of guilt. What had she expected him to do? “I don’t know. I hoped to have some time, but he said that Niall and the others would eventually have to face what they had done and it was better now than later.”

  She could see Brian’s frustration. He liked the idea of Niall and the others in Argyll’s clutches no better than she. “We have no choice but to go along with it. As long as Argyll is the law, your husband is right.” He gave her a considered look. “I suppose he must truly care for you to put your brother before his own.”

  Caitrina started. She hadn’t thought of it like that, but Brian was right. Auchinbreck would be out for blood, and because of her, Jamie intended to stand in his way.

  “And he must have been very certain of his influence to refuse you.”

  “Aye,” she realized. He must have been.

  She swallowed hard, a ball of emotion lodged in her throat, feeling the twinge of shame that came with a bit of perspective. Perspective that had been sadly lacking only a few hours ago. Had she been wrong not to give him her trust? She feared she knew the answer, and it might be too late.

  “What do you think you can do by going after them?” Brian asked.

  She leveled her gaze on her brother. “I don’t know. But I have to do something.” Both for Niall and for herself.

  Caitrina felt as if she were racing against a burgeoning sense of doom. Every second of the journey seemed to toll against her as the certainty that she’d made a mistake grew.

  She’d failed him. She’d gone to him for help, put him in an impossible situation between two conflicting duties, demanded something of him that he could not give, and then refused to trust him. Once she’d told Niall that she trusted Jamie with their lives, but when it came down to it, she hadn’t. She’d had a right to her anger, but she’d tried to use their love to bargain with his duty, and she deeply regretted her harsh words.

  She couldn’t imagine life without him. She couldn’t forget that he was a Campbell, but neither could she forget what he’d done for her and her clan. Campbells and Lamonts might never like each other, but her love for him was strong enough to overcome the clan hatred. Was his?

  Unable to shake the fear that he might have taken her at her word and would not want to see her again, she pressed forward in the saddle, urging her mount a little faster.

  “How much longer?” she asked the dour captain.

  Despite the growing darkness, she could see William Campbell’s frown. It was clear he disapproved of her last-minute journey across Cowal but hadn’t wanted to risk the displeasure of his laird’s lady. They’d set out shortly after midday and had made their way across the Firth of Clyde to Toward, where they’d exchanged the birlinn for horses and ridden about eight miles up the Cowal coast to Dunoon.

  “Only another furlong or so. We should be there before nightfall.”

  Her nerves, already frayed, set on edge. It wasn’t only Jamie’s reaction twisting her stomach in knots. She was nervous about coming face-to-face with Argyll as well.

  She might not like him, but there was no disputing the fact that Archibald Campbell was the most powerful man in the Highlands. It was easy to hate him, but what if the truth was more complicated? Would he confirm her fears or lessen them?

  She would soon find out.

  Her pulse spiked when the path turned north and the shadow of an enormous keep came into view. The monolithic stone fortress poised on the hilly promontory overlooking the Firth sent a shiver of trepidation running down her spine. Trepidation that only increased as they drew near. Beyond the barmkin wall, the thick stone walls of the keep, crudely built hundreds of years ago, dominated the skyline and up close seemed all the more formidable.

  Like its keeper.

  The sight of the castle had tested her resolve. She felt a flicker of uncertainty. What was she going to do, throw herself on his mercy? That assumed he had some.

  It didn’t matter. She would do whatever it took.

  With a determined set to her shoulders, she dismounted and turned to the nearest guard before she could reconsider.

  “Take me to the earl.”

  Another man, who appeared to be in charge, was marching toward them and had heard her request. He greeted her, identified himself as the porter, and then said, “We were not told of your arrival, my lady. I will have a chamber readied for you and then will let the earl and your husband know that you are here.”

  “Thank you, but I have no need of a chamber. I need to see the earl immediately. What I have to say cannot wait.”

  The man looked uncomfortable, obviously not used to a lady insisting on seeing his lord and unsure what to do about it. “I’m afraid he’s in a meeting with his men and cannot be disturbed.”

  Her heart raced, fearing the subject of that meeting. “Is my husband with him?”

  “Aye.”

  That was all she needed to hear. She started up the stairs, with the porter following close after her.

  “Wait!” he shouted after her. “You can’t go in there.”

  But Caitrina wasn’t taking no for an answer. She turned her most dazzling smile on him. “Oh, I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  The poor man was flustered witless. “But …”

  Caitrina was already crossing the great hall. There were two doors on the opposite side of the entry, and she was guessing that one of them—she opened the first door and smiled—was the laird’s solar.

  About a dozen pairs of eyes stared at her as if she were an apparition. The nervousness she had felt on the ride to Dunoon was nothing to what hit her now, but she was determined not to let it show. Plastering a confident smile on her face, she floated into the room as regally as a queen—or, she thought with a wave of bittersweet memory, a princess.

  “What is the meaning of this?” A sharp-featured man seated at the center of the table addressed the porter, who’d come rushing in behind her. Caitrina quickly scanned the room, disappointed not to see Jamie. Despite their current state, his presence would have provided some much needed support at the moment, but it appeared she would face the devil alone.

  The Earl of Argyll wasn’t quite what she’d expected. Though dressed like a king—his clothing and jewels as fine as she’d ever seen, befitting his role as trusted courtier to King James—there was an unmistakable glint in his eyes, a toughness to his appearance that bespoke his Highland origins. His dark features were sharp and angular, his mouth thin, and his expression every bit as grim as his sobriquet, Gillesbuig Grumach, attested. But he looked older than his thirty odd years, which probably wasn’t surprising given the troubles of his youth. His father had died when he was only a boy, and he’d faced early attacks—even attempted murder—by those supposed to take care of him.

  “I’m sorry, my lord,” the porter apologized profusely. “The lady insisted.”

  The earl’s gaze narrowed as he looked her over with unflat
tering scrutiny. “And who is this lady?”

  Caitrina took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Caitrina Campbell, my lord. Wife to your cousin.”

  If he was surprised by her announcement, he did not show it. “What do you want?”

  “A moment of your time, if you please, my lord.” When it appeared he was going to deny her, she added through clenched teeth, “I apologize for the abrupt manner of my arrival, but it’s a matter of the utmost importance.”

  She waited, heart pounding, sure that he was going to deny her. Instead, she was surprised when he waved away his men.

  She felt a small burst of accomplishment that deflated quickly when he motioned her forward. She stood before the massive table, trying not to twist her hands and shift her feet, feeling like an errant child facing punishment. Suddenly shamed by her failing courage, she straightened her spine and lifted her chin to meet his gaze.

  Argyll peered down his long nose, taking in every inch of her appearance, including the mud-spattered skirts and slippers. “It seems that bursting in on my solar is becoming a common occurrence in your family—although at least you are dressed appropriately.”

  She had no idea what he was talking about. “My lord?”

  He waved his hand. “Never mind. What is it that has brought you here with such urgency?”

  “My brother and his men. I know they are here. I’ve come to plead on their behalf. If you hear them out, I’m sure you’ll see why they did what they did. But I would see them first, if you would take me to them.”

  Argyll took his time in responding, his dark eyes probing with an uncomfortable intensity. “You are aware of what your brother and his men are accused, and that your husband has brought them here for my judgment?”

  Her jaw clenched, but she did not turn away. “I am. Jamie swore that you would show them leniency.”

  Argyll stroked his small pointed beard. “He told you all this and yet you are still here?”

  She nodded, again feeling like a recalcitrant child—and a disloyal one at that.

  Argyll drummed his fingertips on the tabletop, and the annoying click only increased her agitation. “Your brother’s men are in the tower under guard, awaiting my punishment.” His eyes met hers with cold calculation. “But I’m afraid you are too late. Your brother is already gone.”

  Chapter 25

  Gone. Caitrina felt as if she’d slammed into a stone wall, the breath knocked right out of her. She was too late. Niall was already dead.

  For a moment, the bleakness and anguish of unbearable loss blinded her; it seemed as if her worst fears had come true … but only for a moment.

  Something far deeper prevailed and pushed aside the flash of despair. Jamie wouldn’t have let that happen. She knew it with a certainty that pervaded every fiber of her being.

  She believed in him. Completely. She knew that the Highlands were a better place with him. Loyalty to his cousin notwithstanding, Jamie would do what was right.

  And it had taken Argyll’s trick to prove it. Was that what he’d intended? Her eyes narrowed on the most powerful—and despised—man in the Highlands. Trusting Jamie meant that she was forced to concede that Argyll was not the monster she believed. Jamie would not be loyal to such a man. Argyll must have some redeeming qualities—not that they were necessarily apparent at the moment.

  Argyll was testing her. Did he not think her worthy of his prized cousin? Perhaps a few minutes ago he’d been right, but she would prove him wrong. “How unfortunate that I missed him,” she said breezily, as if her brother had been making a social call. “Do you expect him back soon?”

  Argyll arched a wiry brow. She thought she detected a hint of approval in his gaze. “Jamie was to bring him here for my judgment; don’t you care to hear it?”

  Caitrina gave him an icy sweet smile. “I’m sure Jamie will tell me all about it.”

  “Tell you all about what?”

  Caitrina’s heart skipped a beat, hearing her husband’s deep brogue behind her. She turned and took a step toward him, wanting to throw herself into his powerful arms and beg forgiveness for doubting him; but he stopped her cold.

  “What the devil are you doing here, Caitrina?”

  Her heart faltered, then crashed to her feet. Hope that he would be happy to see her was extinguished by the harsh greeting and the glacial expression on his face. He seemed to look right through her, as if she weren’t even there. As if he wanted nothing to do with her ever again.

  Jamie couldn’t believe it when Will found him in the stables as he was preparing to leave and told him that Caitrina was here.

  For a moment, he’d hoped that she had come after him to apologize—until Will told him she had insisted on seeing his cousin. Argyll, not him.

  Knowing how much she despised his cousin—holding him partially to blame for what had happened at Ascog—Jamie realized the courage it had taken for her to confront him. He had to admire her determination to save her brother, even as her lack of faith in him was made more glaring.

  Seeing her so soon was like salt on an open wound. She was so beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. But there was something different.… Then it hit him. The gown, the jewels, the hair. For the first time since the attack on Ascog, she had donned her finery. She looked like a princess again. Not a fairy princess, but a real one. A strong, confident woman who’d struggled and survived. Was it significant?

  “It appears your new wife has come for a visit to see her brother,” Argyll said, taking up the slack in the conversation.

  “I see,” Jamie said tightly, his instincts confirmed. Disappointment curdled in his stomach. He wanted to get the hell out of here and ride as far from her as possible.

  “I told her she was too late,” Argyll said, giving him a meaningful glance. “That Niall was already gone.”

  Jamie shot his cousin a look. Argyll obviously had wanted Caitrina to think Niall dead, but her face bore no signs of grief. He turned back to his cousin, giving no hint of his impatience. He knew his cousin well enough to know he would not be rushed. What game did he play?

  “Naturally, I expected her to assume him dead.”

  Jamie’s gaze flickered to Caitrina, but she betrayed no reaction to Argyll’s words. “Naturally,” Jamie said wryly, his cousin’s purpose having become suddenly clear to him. The betrayals of Argyll’s youth had left its mark on his cousin—loyalty was of utmost importance to him. Obviously, Caitrina’s sudden appearance had made him question hers. Jamie appreciated his cousin’s sentiment, but he could fight his own damn battles.

  Argyll gave him a look that said he knew exactly what Jamie was thinking and thought he was doing a piss poor job of it.

  Caitrina finally spoke. “But I didn’t believe him.”

  Jamie felt a dim ray of hope and looked to his cousin for confirmation.

  “She seems to have a rather high opinion of you.” Argyll’s expression changed to one of barely concealed annoyance. “And assumes I share that opinion.”

  “I see,” Jamie repeated. The sudden show of faith was something, he supposed, but not enough—and too late. He hardened himself against the soft pleading in her eyes and looked away.

  “I was about to explain my recent disappointment when you came in.” Argyll turned his attention back to Caitrina.

  “It seems my normally diligent captain made a careless mistake on his way to Dunoon.”

  “He did?” Caitrina asked warily.

  “Yes,” his cousin said. “It seems your brother slipped away when they stopped to water the horses. Jamie and his men gave chase, but he disappeared.” Argyll gave Jamie a sharp look. It was a look that said he knew exactly what Jamie had done but would never voice his suspicions—not when Jamie’s actions in effect had made it easier on him. Argyll would not be held accountable. There was only one person Colin would blame.

  “Niall escaped?” She turned to Jamie, incredulity written on her face. He could see the questions form, but wisely she kept them to herself—
for now, at least. “And the others?”

  “Free to return to Rothesay,” Jamie said. “I was seeing to their release when you arrived.”

  Caitrina looked stunned. “I don’t know what to say.” Her eyes fell on Argyll. “Thank you.”

  “Thank him,” Argyll said with a wave of his hand toward Jamie. “ ’Twas he who paid the gold to see their crimes atoned.”

  “Jamie, I …”

  Before she could say anything more, Jamie took her arm and steered her toward the door. “If you’ll excuse us, I’ll see my wife settled in her chamber.”

  “If you need anything else,” Argyll said dryly, “just let me know.”

  Jamie threw him a quelling glance, but the amusement in Argyll’s eyes only annoyed him further. Oh yes, his grim cousin was a regular court jester at times. Argyll might be satisfied by the display of loyalty, but Jamie wasn’t.

  The chamberlain had readied the third-floor chamber in the south tower—the one Lizzie used when she stayed at Dunoon. Fresh water had been brought up, and the few items that Caitrina had brought with her were laid out on the bed for night.

  He quickly looked away from the bed and stood stiffly near the fireplace as the chamberlain closed the door behind him.

  As soon as the man had gone, Caitrina moved to stand before him, her soft feminine scent clouding his senses. Would it always be like this—this clawing need for her? The inability to think when she was near? The feeling that if he didn’t take her in his arms and kiss her, he would surely die?

  “Jamie, I’m so sorr—”

  “My men will see to your return to Rothesay in the morning,” he clipped, cutting off her apology.

  “Are you not coming with me?”

  He heard the quiver in her voice but kept his eyes fixed on the wall behind her head, refusing to meet her gaze. The steel vise enclosing his chest tightened. “I believe you made your wishes quite clear. I will return to Castleswene. You need not fear that I will interfere with anything you wish to do.” His meaning was obvious: They would lead separate lives. His gut twisted. The thought of her with another man …