Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “I don’t deem so. How would I know?” Why would he ask such a question?

  “You know not of womanly matters? Have you gotten your woman’s chore yet?”

  Isabel’s eyes widened. She’d never answer such a lewd question and remained silent.

  He nodded. “Then we will await until we know for sure.”

  “Father, I’m certain I am not with child. Surely you don’t mean to let Nigel have me.”

  “Nay, I won’t let him have ye. You will obey me, and not question me further. If you are with child, you could become maddened. We cannot have that here.”

  Her father looked to want to vacate the chamber, not willing to be in the same room with a woman who was mad. His gaze kept returning to the door.

  Isabel felt relief hearing his words. She took a determined step toward him. “Why do you hate me so, Father? I have always been a good daughter, obeying ye. I don’t understand how you can treat me this way.” She tried not to cry, but it became difficult to hold back the tears. She finally asked the question that plagued her since childhood.

  “Hate ye? I don’t hate ye, Isabel. You’re female, and I don’t concern myself with mundane subjects such as women. I have more important matters to see to. Now—”

  “But you’re my father and I should be important to you.”

  “Am I? Mayhap mother played me false. I’d only sire good strong sons, not fragile females. Your mother must have …” He trailed off, seeing her tears.

  “I am your daughter, don’t try to pretend otherwise. I demand to know why you abhor me. What have I ever done to make you despise me so?”

  “Demand? You’ve no rights being female. You should have been born a boy then you’d have rights. I will send you to Fairview Asylum at the soonest. There you’ll stay, and I shall be rid of you. I should have done this long ago.”

  “Good, I’ll never return here, never.”

  “I’m only concerned for Nigel. He’ll take my place when the time comes and—”

  Isabel threw her arms in the air. “Why be concerned for him? He’s not of good character. He’ll not be a good lord to our people, but you don’t care about that, do ye?”

  Her father scowled. “Nay, his manner is that of Lord, as it should be. My people will look to him as their lord when my time comes. I do not answer to you in these matters.” He walked to the door, turned, and looked over his shoulder. “Be ready to leave at first light.” He slammed the door behind him.

  Curse him. Why was she burdened with such a wretched father? He didn’t love her, but to actually despise her… It didn’t matter now. She would leave and never return. Pacing the room, she waited for Russell. He took forever and she wondered if he would actually come.

  “God, please, I need him to get my message to Candace.”

  Another hour passed, and she continued to pace, expecting Russell’s arrival. Three taps came upon her door, and she ran to it, whispering though the crack. “Who is it?”

  “’Tis Russell, open up, Issy.”

  Isabel opened the door slightly, seeing her friend in the hallway. “Hurry, get inside.” She yanked his arm, pulling him through the door.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I need you to deliver a message to the Kerr clan, to my friend Candace. Do you remember her? She’s the girl I visited when I went to Uncle Stan’s holding.”

  “You want me to ride to the Highlands?” He had a note of incredulity in his voice.

  “You must find a way, Russ. It’s my only hope.”

  “My lady, ‘tis a good distance, and the Scotsmen might kill me, but I’ll go for ye.”

  Russell wouldn’t deny her request, no matter what dangers he would encounter. She knew he had loved her since she was young, but knew he could never pursue her. He’d sworn to protect her long ago, and for that, she cared for him.

  Isabel hugged him. “Thank you, Russ, and whatever you do, do hurry. It’s my only hope to escape. Give the message to Candace, no one else. I’m being sent to Fairview Asylum, and I need her help.” She handed him the rolled scroll. Though she wanted to escape this night, she wouldn’t endanger him further. He’d put his safety aside just delivering her message, and she wouldn’t ask more.

  “Asylum?” His eyebrows rose. “Ye should come away with me now, my lady. I’ll get you to safety and then take your message to Candace.” He took her arm, pulling her to the door.

  Isabel yanked her arm free. “Nay, I cannot risk your being caught. Just get my message to Candace, that’s all I shall ask.”

  Russ unwillingly agreed. “Very well, I’ll get the message to her. Will ye be safe?”

  “Worry not, but if I’m not here when the Highlanders come, send them to the asylum.”

  Russ nodded. “Aye, my lady, but—”

  Isabel opened the door. “Go, Russ.” She pushed him through the doorway, and watched him hurry down the hallway. After closing the door, she locked it, and prayed for his safe journey.

  She thought about her earlier conversation with her father. Nathaniel was right about him being demented. He’d send her to an asylum without reservation. She heard about those places. The thought of being sent there frightened her. She must delay her father’s decision, and get him to hold off sending her as long as possible. Russell would deliver her message in time. Her fate depended upon it.

  She thought about Douglas too, her mind envisioning her last sight of him. He would protect her, she was certain. Her heart attested that he was gallant. Isabel hadn’t heard from Candace since they’d parted two years ago. Candace must not have married, because she hadn’t sent for her. Isabel didn’t worry, because she was certain that Douglas wouldn’t marry Candace poorly. She didn’t know why she felt that way.

  Rubbing the back of her neck, she looked at the bedding. She hadn’t slept much in the past weeks, and her eyes showed the lack. She’d get rest once she was well away from this evil place, that is, if Russ was able to deliver her message.

  Streaks of redness lined the night sky like cobwebs spun by the nocturnal spider.

  The aura was a perfect setting for her spell. She raised her hands, palms facing upward,

  feeling the energy of the spirits and chanted, “Sleep, sleep, warrior, as docile as a sheep.

  When ye awake, you’ll not forsake, but will remember me.”

  Chapter Eight

  Kerr Keep

  Highlands, Scotland

  Candace Kerr walked along the wall of the keep, searching for the lavender flower she needed to make soap. She traipsed around most of the morning, her attention focused on finding the buds. She knelt, retrieving a purple flower, but it held fast to the ground. Yanking hard, she fell backward and landed on her bottom. Laughing heartily, she gripped the flower again. Suddenly, she heard a rustle in the brush.

  “Pssst.”

  “Who’s there? Come out.”

  “Candace, ‘tis Russell.”

  “Russell?” She became apprehensive, and thought to yell to the sentry.

  “I’ve a message from Lady Isabel.”

  “Isabel. Is she well?” She moved closer to the bush, and recognized the stable lad that had traveled with Isabel. He had escorted Isabel to the Gordon holding whenever she visited. She recalled her and Isabel laughing at his horrid poetry.

  “Aye, she gave me a message to deliver. Here, take it.” He shoved the parchment though the leaves of the yew bush. “I must go, the sentries will see me.”

  “Will you not await my reply?”

  “There was no request for me to do so.”

  Candace glanced at the scroll then looked back at the bush, but Russell was gone. She walked through the portcullis and in through the doors of the keep.

  Douglas sat with several men at the trestle table. Colin MacKinnon, her favorite cousin, attended with several of his warriors. He called a greeting, and she waved, but kept walking. She ran up the stairs, taking two at a time until she reached her chamber. Growing worried with each step, she hurried so s
he could read Isabel’s news. She removed her plaid, threw it on a bench, and then sat at her table. Once she untied the scroll, she flattened it so she could read it. Her eyes began tearing when she read the lines.

  My dearest friend,

  I desperately need your aid. My father declared that I should submit to Nigel. He believes I’ve already done so. I haven’t, nor will I. As I write this, I’m confined to my chamber at my own behest. I know not if Nigel performed the act since he struck me senseless, and he did reprehensible things. I’m frightened. Send someone for me as we agreed, but don’t let on about the danger. We’ll continue with the plan that I’m coming for your wedding. I hope that you are not wed, and that you are betrothed. It’s my only hope to escape. I know you will save me.

  Isabel.

  At the bottom, Isabel wrote:

  My father is sending me to Fairview Asylum. I’m to leave soon, though I’m trying to delay it. Please make haste.

  Candace’s hands shook by the time she finished the missive. Her brows furrowed at the thought of Isabel’s plight. She folded the missive and placed it inside a drawer. After she washed her face, and tried to calm herself, she marched with determination to the great hall.

  Douglas was discussing a riff with a clan north of their property. Their conference didn’t seem serious, since she heard them laugh at someone’s jest.

  “Nay, Douglas, you should curb the Ferguson’s will. That man is a pain in the arse,” Colin said fervently, then laughed.

  She saw Douglas fiddling with his goblet, his eyes looked heavy, as though he were tired. Perhaps she shouldn’t ask him to retrieve her friend. But she had to; Isabel counted on her and he was the only person she could ask. She couldn’t trust anyone else to handle the matter; her friend’s safety was in jeopardy.

  “Aye, he is. You have to admit he’s not as bad as the Barclays. They’ve been seen raiding lately. Many were cast out recently, and roam the countryside, wreaking havoc on other clans.”

  Candace decided to interrupt. “Douglas, I need to speak to you when you have a moment.”

  The men ceased their conversation when she spoke. All glanced at her. Most smiled, except for Douglas and Brendan, who hardly ever smiled. Candace didn’t know how to ask her request. Douglas would balk at traveling to England to retrieve her friend. She had to figure out a way to gain his agreement. Even if she had to cry until the morrow, she’d do so, as long as he agreed.

  *****

  Douglas yawned again, and set down his ale. He wasn’t sure why he was tired, but he felt as though he could sleep for a week. His sister stood afar, but he could tell she’d been crying, and her face seemed long. He motioned for her to come forward.

  “Aye, Candace, I have time. Come and join us.”

  She seemed bothered, and pulled at her sleeve, a telltale action that he knew well.

  “Nay, I would rather speak to you in private. I can’t tell you what I … I must speak to you alone, it concerns a personal matter.”

  “Colin, continue without me.”

  Douglas led her through the doors of the hall. She seemed rigid as they walked along, and appeared to be working out whatever she wanted to ask in her mind. He sensed her hesitation, which was so unlike her, but he grinned at her strange manner. He loved his sister, even though she’d been born of a different mother. His stepmother, Shelagh, took care of them, and his home. Since his father passed, Douglas became responsible for them. In fact, he’d introduced Candace to her intended husband.

  Willard MacIver was a member of a clan the Kerrs were allied to. They would marry in the spring, after the next winter season. Candace seemed delighted about it, and his mother was fond of the MacIvers as well. Mayhap she had a change of mind?

  “You’re not having second thoughts about wedding Wills, are ye?”

  “Nay, of course not, I’m pleased to be marrying Will. I do need a favor, Douglas, and I’m not sure how to ask. ‘Tis a difficult task.”

  Douglas noticed that she squeezed her hands so tightly, her knuckles turned white. Why was she nervous? He yawned again, covering his mouth, before he could speak.

  “Just ask, lass. I won’t be angry.” He gave her a grin to ward off her hesitancy. They stopped beneath a gnarled oak, where he leaned against the trunk and waited. The shade from the dense leaves cooled him. “Whatever it is, lass, I can’t help if you don’t talk to me. What is it?”

  “It concerns my friend, Isabel.”

  “Isabel?” He pretended ignorance.

  “You’ve forgotten her? She’s the lady I visited at the Gordon’s. You met her when ye came because father …” she didn’t finish, and lowered her eyes.

  He knew she disliked speaking of their father’s death. It was still too difficult to accept.

  “That was almost two years ago, I cannot believe you remember her.” Isabel. He remembered her all right, but wouldn’t own that he did.

  “We made a promise to each another. I’ve been remiss, and now must see to it.”

  His sister’s smile made him lighten. “What kind of promise?” He knew better than to agree before he understood exactly what it was he would undertake.

  “I swore to send for her when I was to marry. I need you to bring her here.”

  “You want her to come here? Why?”

  “We promised to be at each other’s weddings. She’s my best friend. I need her.” Candace pulled at the sleeve of her gown, the fabric would likely tear.

  He noticed the action and frowned. “You have your clan. Ye don’t need her.” He folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head.

  “I do need her.”

  “I cannot leave now. If I go, it’ll have to await the spring, before your wedding. Mayhap in March, that will give you plenty of time to visit before you marry.”

  Candace lowered her gaze to the ground. He took her arm, and felt her stiffen. She began weeping, and damn it all, he couldn’t help but be swayed by her tears.

  “Candace, you know I cannot abide tears. Please, don’t cry.”

  “I can’t help it,” she wailed. “You must bring her here right now. Please, Douglas.”

  “I cannot. You don’t understand,” he conjured.

  “Why won’t you do this for me? I hardly ask anything of ye. Just this wee boon, surely you won’t let me down.” Candace cried harder.

  He pulled her into his arms. Putting it like that, what could he do? “Nay, I won’t let ye down, lass. If it means that much to—”

  “Aye, it means much to me. When will you leave? This day, on the morrow?”

  She clasped her hands around him in delight. His sister’s enthusiasm touched him, and he smiled.

  “I’ll leave on the morrow. Mayhap Brendan will go with me. It shouldn’t take too long.”

  “Just bring her back quickly, no matter what happens. Bring her back. You promise?”

  He nodded and before he could speak a word, Candace pulled from his embrace and ran inside the hall. He sensed that she tried to flee before he changed his mind. He wondered about her strange comment. No matter what happens? A yawn overtook him, and he wondered why he felt so tired. He strode leisurely inside, feeling dumbfounded at his easy acceptance. She gained his promise with very little effort. Cosh, his sister knew how to sway him. It only took five minutes—surely he should have made her plead for no less than ten minutes.

  “What did she want?” Colin asked.

  Douglas slouched in his seat, leaning his head on the high back of the chair. “She wants me to bring her friend, Isabel, here for her wedding.”

  “Is that all? Why was she so concerned?”

  “I know why,” Brendan said.

  Douglas glared at him, and closed his eyes. His eyes were so heavy, he didn’t like the feeling. He felt sluggish, or mayhap drugged.

  “Well, brother, why don’t you enlighten us?” Colin asked Brendan.

  “Because Douglas is going to have a hard time.” Brendan scowled.

  “Who’s this lass that h
e’s going to fetch?”

  Douglas opened his eyes and saw their curious looks. Hell, even Brendan grinned, if you could call it a grin. He didn’t like their banter, and would not stand for being the butt of their jests.

  “Brendan, cease, faigh muin. I’m not going to have a hard time. I’ll retrieve her for Candace’s wedding, and you’re coming with me.” He told him in a tone that commanded, though he’d intended to ask.

  “Aye, I wouldn’t miss this. Of course I’ll go,” Brendan said. “Gil, you’ll come along.”

  “Aye, Brendan. I’ll protect his rear; you can protect his front.” Gil laughed.

  “His front will need protecting on this mission,” Brendan replied crisply.

  Colin laughed at their jests.

  Douglas felt chaffed by their banter, but he didn’t show any reaction. He recalled the lass’ conduct, and didn’t look forward to seeing her again. What a falsehood. Mayhap he did look forward to meeting her again. He didn’t know his own mind, but he promised Candace that he would retrieve her, and he’d not rescind it now.

  He grew somber, remaining quiet the rest of the night. Barely able to keep his eyes open, he considered retiring for the night. His friends drank deeply from their cups, and jested about the training earlier that day. He watched his sister motion to Rachel Dunmore—the Dunmore’s own cousin, who from accounts was captured by Cedric on a Dunmore raid.

  Douglas observed them, and he sensed that Candace must not have liked what Rachel said, because she frowned intensely. He sat too far away, and couldn’t hear their words, but he wasn’t one to intervene on his sister’s matters unless she asked. As he dismissed them from his thoughts, he looked across the room.

  “We’re leaving at first light. I’m going to bed.” He could hear his friend’s laughter as he walked toward his chamber.