The Highlander's Secret

by Jennifer Siddoway

  When they got closer she could see them engaged in a conversation and his eyes flickered up to her in anticipation. She offered a gentle wave as they approached the farm. The edge of Alan’s mouth lifted into a smile.

  “Good morrow, Jain,” Rodrick greeted her.

  “Good morrow.”

  “Ye’re looking well today.”

  Her eyes drifted over to his companion and said, “Good morrow, Alan.”

  Alan met her gaze and Jain felt as though the air had been knocked out of her lungs. He was perfect.

  “Jain,” Alan addressed her with a smile. “Rodrick and I are back to finish with the roof. Is it all right if we get started?”

  His voice was dark, but warm and rich as velvet when he spoke. The sound of it made her mouth run dry. Aileen must have heard their arrival and rushed out to greet them. Her cheeks were rosy pink and radiated pure pleasure when she met them in the doorway.

  “Rodrick,” she breathed out in a rush. “It’s good to see ye again.”

  He smiled at her warmly, with his hands clasped behind his back. “And ye as well, Aileen. When does yer mam return from Inverness?”

  “Not until the week’s end.”

  Jain walked back into the kitchen to check on the cooking to give Aileen the moment she’d been waiting for. The bannock cooked nicely for them as a mid-morning snack. It was her first time making the fruit preserves to go along with it and Jain was eager to see how they turned out, or whether they compared to ones made by Aunt Gracie. Her eyes flickered to the doorway reflexively and she was disappointed to see that Alan wasn’t still standing there with Rodrick. Instead, she could see him through the window, already setting up the ladder for work ahead.

  She’d never admit it to her mam, but Jain was grateful to have them around. She just wished that when it came to Alan there was a simpler way for them to see each other. Jain grabbed a rag to protect her hands as she removed the baking from its heat and brought them over to the table.

  Rodrick looked like he was about to leave when Aileen blurted out, “Jain made some bannock and fruit preserves and it should be rather tasty. Would ye like to join us fer some breakfast?” she asked him hopefully.

  Rodrick paused and seemed to consider her offer. Jain knew he likely understood what Aileen wanted. He had a good head on his shoulders and must have been able to sense her want and affection. Aileen gazed back at him with such a wide-eyed and innocent expression that no man could have possibly refused her. “Aye, lass. Perhaps I’ll stay a while and chat before we start.”

  Her cousin beamed at Rodrick and let him into the house, helping him to a hearty breakfast of bannock and preserves. Seeing the opportunity, Jain walked over to the doorway and glanced around in search of Alan so he could join them. She would have never invited the men to eat with them herself, but with Aileen’s introduction it gave the perfect excuse. Jain found him on the side of the house, carrying tools up the ladder to complete their job.

  “Hard at work already,” she commented with a smile. “Though I’d expect nothing less.”

  Alan looked down at the sound of her voice and smiled when he saw Jain standing there. “Oh. How can I help ye, Jain?”

  “Aileen and I have invited Rodrick to break the fast with us. Would ye like to come inside as well and enjoy some food?”

  Alan smiled, setting down the load he was carrying and climbed down the ladder beside her. “Aye. That sounds lovely.”

  She walked along the side of the house, back towards the kitchen. Moira waved to them, carrying another basket of eggs in from the kitchen coop. “Good morrow, Alan. So good of ye to come again.”

  “Thank ye, Moira.”

  “We just invited the lads to break their fast.”

  Jain’s mother nodded in approval. “Good, I’m glad to ken ye’ve learned some manners.”

  Alan grinned, sitting down around the table next to Rodrick and Aileen to enjoy the tasty snack. Jain brought them each a serving of the bannock and took a seat at the table herself.

  The four of them ate quickly so as not to interfere with their tasks and when they were finished, Rodrick and Alan thanked the women for their company and went to work on the roof with the remaining fibers. Everyone was excited, anticipating the festival that night, which usually made the day’s work go fast—still, there was much work to be done just maintaining the kitchen and gardens, let alone preparing for the festival in store. Jain got to work, starting with taking the scraps out to throw to the pigs, and saw the men already busying themselves on the roof discussing what needed to be done.

  Jain smiled to herself as she heard Alan humming throughout the day. It was a low, pleasant sound that resonated through the air and brought joy to all that heard it. It always lightened up a day to work alongside agreeable company, and Jain found herself often taking the opportunity to bring some water to Alan and the men working up a sweat outside. By mid-morning they’d stripped off both their shirts and climbed down to meet her in the shade.

  “Ye’re a godsend, Jain. An angel with a bucket,” Alan chuckled, taking a deep drink of the cool water with a ladle before dumping a second right over his head. Jain couldn’t help but watch the water dripping down his sopping hair to his bare chest and stomach. She always knew that Alan was built well underneath his tunic, but she’d never seen it for herself before.

  He handed the ladle back to her with a grin and she felt her cheeks get hot, saying, “Well, it’s the least I could do. We’ll have a lunch prepared fer ye to keep yer strength up.”

  She turned and went back inside, bringing the bucket with her.

  The rest of the day seemed to fly by, and before she knew it Alan and Rodrick were headed home for the day to wash up before the party. Jain and Aileen took great care in finishing up their chores as well so they wouldn’t be late. As the sun began to set, Jain and her family started off towards the festival. She’d changed into a linen dress Aileen had embellished with Celtic knotwork around the neckline. It was the finest garment she owned by far, with a full skirt and fitted lacing along the back. Wearing it was one of the few times Jain actually enjoyed the way she looked and even left her hair down at Moira's request. Instead of her usual scarf, her red tresses had been crowned with a wreath of wheat and barley. Aileen and her mother had similar ones made for themselves and Jain thought they all looked positively radiant.

  When they went outside, Eamon hitched Angus up to the wagon so Moira wouldn’t have to walk up the hill and risk straining her hip.

  Aileen giggled when he urged the horse forward and started on the path towards Elign. Jain couldn’t help but smile at her cousin because her enthusiasm was infectious. She looped her arm around Aileen and laughed, deciding to enjoy herself for once.

  Eamon led the horse beside them through the outer gate that led into the village. They grew closer to the village green and Jain glanced around at the other families coming out to join the festival as well. Everyone around her was chatting excitedly and the whole world seemed abuzz with anticipation for the night’s festivities. Jain’s heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Alan again, but was distracted by the splendor of the harvest preparations.

  Her eyes widened as she took it in. Everyone was dressed up in their finest clothes, and a giant feast had been prepared and laid out on several trestle tables with benches for the populace to sit on. On the stone floor outside the keep was a special table for all the nobles resembling a high dais in the great hall. Keenan and his wife Gracie were in the center, wearing their finest raiment as they chatted with some other prominent villagers.

  In the center of it all was a giant bonfire, crackling as the flames kicked up the sides of the wooden pyre. Jain watched the flames dancing. “Have ye seen Heather yet?” Jain asked.

  Eamon shook his head. “Sorry, lass.”

  Aileen’s face lit up amidst the orange glow of the bonfire and Jain turned to see what caught her cousin’s eye. She was unsurprised to see Rodrick waving from across the green and
smiled when Aileen scampered off to greet him.

  Jain shook her head and smiled, casting her eyes one more time across the crown before hearing a voice speak up behind her. “Are ye looking fer someone?”

  When she heard his voice, Jain smiled and turned around to see Alan in the fire light. “I was looking fer Heather.”

  Alan glanced back the way he came and shook his head. “Sorry, I haven't seen her.”

  “Oh,” she squeaked out awkwardly.

  As she looked at him, Alan grinned and offered her his arm. “In the meantime, would ye like to dance?”

  Jain bit into her smile and nodded while she looped her arm in his. “Aye, that would be fine.”

  Alan smiled. They walked over to the bonfire to join in the dancing revelry. Couples were dancing arm in arm and laughing while they spun around in circles. She glanced over at her partner and Jain felt like her skin could ignite with flames with the heat of Alan's touch. They joined hands as the lute and drums started playing with a bounce in their step and grinning widely from ear to ear.

  Jain laughed as the tempo changed and their rhythm shifted to keep in time with the music. Despite his great height and the wide breadth of his shoulders, Alan was light on his feet, and he kept up with her better movements.

  She was having so much fun that when one song ended and another began, they just kept dancing with each other.

  Other couples came and went, joining them dancing by the fire. She didn't pay any attention to all of that because she only had eyes for Alan.

  The melody ended at the end of another song and the crowd erupted in applause. Alan bent down to whisper in Jains ear, “I'm getting rather parched would ye like to have something to drink with me?”

  Jain nodded and followed him over to the feast where the food and drinks were being served. “I’d love a cup of mead,” she told him.

  Alan nodded and handed her a cup of mead before getting one himself and turning back toward the fire.

  Jain glanced over and saw Aileen and Rodrick dancing just like they had been a few minutes prior. They looked happy, and in love. It made Jain happy for her.

  Alan downed his drink and pointed over towards the keep. “I found Heather fer ye. She's over there talking with Conrad.”

  Jains eyes bulged and her head whipped around to find them exactly where Alan spotted her.

  “Nae,” she gasped. “What's a sweet lass like Heather Gordon doing with Conrad?”

  Alan nodded in agreement. “That I couldn't tell ye. I've never liked Conrad much myself. He's a skilled fighter, but arrogant and rude. He’s constantly talking back to Bruce and expects us to work fer free.”

  Jain agreed. “My Uncle Keenan doesn't like him either. He said Conrad’s temper gets the best of him and they cannae let someone that unhinged be in a position of authority.”

  “That's unfortunate.”

  “Did ye ken that when his da passed away a year ago, Conrad wanted to take his seat on the village council? Keenan refused to let him, and he’s been moping around and complaining about it ever since.”

  “I’d heard that,” Alan sighed. “It’s a shame that he’s that way, but I’m glad Keenan sees through his false pretense. Maybe one day Conrad will realize the council’s purpose is to serve and not something to inflate his ego.”

  Jain sighed. “Aye, but at least he’s behaving himself fer now. Heather seems to be enjoying his company at least.”

  Alan grinned at her. Their conversation turned and led on into different topics, thoroughly enjoying one another’s company. Jain couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun. The hour drew on until the moon was high and the fire’s light grew dim. Families started heading back towards their cottages and Jain bid Alan farewell. She bit her lip and smiled in the moonlight. “Thank ye fer the dance,” Jain told him. “I had a lovely time.”

  “Sweet Jain, the pleasure was all mine. I’ll come by yer farm tomorrow morning and finish with the thatching.”

  “Aye. We cannae thank ye enough fer all ye’ve done fer us. I ken my parents are very pleased.” After clearing her throat, she added. “It will be strange to have ye go once the task is done.”

  “Ye’re always welcome at the shop,” he responded with a grin. “Now I’m afraid I must bid thee goodnight.”

  Jain nodded as Alan bowed his head when he turned off towards the smithy.

  Aileen was laughing and having the time of her life when Jain found her, and they made it up to the high table.

  Moira was slumped over in a chair thanks to the lateness of the hour and Eamon prattled on with his brother. Jain chuckled at the redness of his nose after drinking too much ale and she helped him back towards the wagon. “Da, is it alright if we go home? I’m getting tired.”

  Eamon rose from his seat at the table. “Sorry, lass. I didn’t realize the time. We best be getting home then.”

  “It was good to see ye, Eamon,” Gracie told him.

  He nodded and carefully scooped Moira in his arms to carry her over to the wagon. With Jain and Aileen following close behind, they headed down the steps and over to where the horses were all tied. Eamon carried sleeping Moira over to the wagon and laid her on the blanket, so she wouldn’t be disturbed. Once she was situated, the three of them walked back down the path out of town and back towards the farm.

  Even though she was exhausted, Jain could not stop smiling. It was the best night of her life and for once she behaved like the other girls. She danced like the other girls and laughed the way they did. She finally felt like she belonged. More importantly, she enjoyed it. She liked dancing with Alan and being a part of their community.

  A place in her heart wondered if maybe she could be happy with a safe life after all.

  Chapter Nine

  Heather sighed, watching the other couples dancing around the fireside. Their shadows cast eerie patterns around the village green as the flames licked up the sides of the wooden pyre. Her black curls were clean and shiny, braided back into a crown around her head. For her outfit, Heather chose a deep red tunic that belted around her waist and a ruana shawl. She’d been looking forward to the festival for days and now that it was here Heather couldn’t find a single person to talk to. All of her friends were dancing, and both her parents disappeared to socialize with the other adults – she was alone.

  With a sigh, Heather reached up to tug at the golden necklace around her neck. It was worth a small fortune and had been in their family for years. Heather’s grandmother had gifted it to her when she was born as part of a secret bond they shared, and she never took it off. It was times like this when she felt alone, that touching her necklace reminded her that she was loved.

  Still, standing by herself was worrisome and she wished that one of the lads in town would ask her to dance as well. Any of them at all. Everyone looked so happy and wrapped up in the night’s festivities, Heather just wanted to be included.

  She released the golden chain and walked back towards the food table. Heather reached out to get something to drink and a voice spoke up behind her.

  “Heather Gordon? Dinnae ye look absolutely ravishing.”

  The black-haired beauty turned at the sound of her name and found Conrad standing there, causing her to gasp.

  “Conrad, I dinnae see ye there.”

  Her heart beat fast at seeing him unaccompanied and felt her cheeks get hot. There were whispers in the village he had a temper and most of the women didn’t like him. Even though he was handsome, Conrad had a way of making them uncomfortable. Heather had never experienced any of this herself, she’d always thought him handsome and agreeable. He had broad, strong shoulders and raven black hair that any lass would find attractive. A smile crept across his face as he approached her in the fire light. “Sorry if I startled ye,” he apologized. “’Twas not my intention. How do ye fare this eve?”

  Heather’s breath caught in her chest when his eyes finally met hers. Her stomach was tangled up in knots at finding herself the center of his
attention. It was so unexpected and flattering to have the handsome warrior speak to her, she struggled to find the words that would not embarrass her. “Rather well, I suppose. I was just watching the couples dance.”

  Conrad scoffed, though his eyes were fixed on her like a wolf. “Ah, dancing. What a ridiculous custom, dinnae ye think?”

  Heather blushed from embarrassment at the intensity of his gaze, saying, “Actually, I thought it looked rather fun…”

  Conrad’s expression shifted, and he leaned in so their arms were practically touching. “Perhaps for those who have a partner. Alas, I have come here alone and without anyone to celebrate with.”

  She dropped her gaze and smiled. “Ye could always ask someone.”

  “I’m afraid that’s impossible. Nae person in the village likes me, so all attempts I’ve made have fallen on deaf ears.”

  Her stomach fluttered at his confession and she could feel her heart beat faster. “I-I like ye,” she told him quietly. As the words escaped her lips, Heather felt exposed. She immediately became vulnerable to his rejection and hoped that he wouldn’t tease her.

  Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Ye do? What a relief it is to hear ye say that, fer I am rather fond of ye as well.”

  Heather’s smile widened. He brushed a finger across her hand, causing it to ignite with delicious tingles. “We could dance together if ye like,” she offered.

  The warrior shook his head. “There’s too much noise. I’d much rather spend my time over here getting to ken ye better. Do ye mind if I join ye for a while?”

  “Of course…”

  She had always admired Conrad from afar, with his chiseled jawline and dark brown eyes. It was safe that way because he remained at arms-length, but this was real. Perhaps the other girls in town just didn’t understand him. Perhaps he was shy around other people. There was nothing shameful in that.

  Conrad grinned, leaning in so that she could feel his breath upon her skin. “Ye’re very beautiful,” he told her. “Why have we never spent any time like this together before?”