Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  Isabel feigned her faint, and she tried not to move. He rode briskly for several minutes before stopping. He lifted her in his arms, and carried her to the spring. Her heart thumped slowly, being held so tenderly by him. She wouldn’t let it end by waking from her pretend faint. Douglas sat next to the water, holding her upon his lap.

  “Isabel, what am I going to do with you? I can’t seem to resist ye,” he whispered against her face. She felt his warm breath tickle her cheek.

  She lay lethargically in his arms, listening to his words, and to the sound of falling water. Content to be held by the man she loved, she never wanted it to end. Wind whispered its breeze with scents of pine, heather, and earth. Isabel vowed to remember everything about the magical moment. She wanted to open her eyes, stare into his, and pretend that he loved her in return. She’d give her life for one more kiss, and to hear him declare such fondness. He’d always be her dream—the man she would love until the day she died. At that moment her soul bound to his forever.

  “Isabel, open your eyes. Damn it, now,” Douglas demanded. “You will be all right. I command it.”

  His arrogance caused her to open her eyes. Laughter bubbled inside her, but it quickly faded when she realized how close her face was to his. Close enough to kiss him. She got her wish, and was able to stare into his lovely brown eyes. She remained silent.

  “Are ye hurt, lass?”

  She shook her head.

  “You scared the devil out of me. I thought the beast would spear you alive. You’re sure you’re well and unharmed?”

  Nodding, she smiled at the touching way he moved his hand over her cheek.

  “Lass, are you ever going to speak?”

  She lowered her eyes, unexpectedly feeling shy. That emotion wasn’t something she was familiar with, and it unsettled her. “Aye.”

  He leaned forward, and scooped water into his hand, then rubbed her face. “You’ve a dirty face, lass. There, mayhap ye needed water to wake ye.”

  Isabel sucked in her breath at the way he washed her face, as if she were a child being reprimanded by her father. She giggled, finding it humorous.

  He lifted her from his lap and stood. Isabel’s heart sank. Oh, well, it was time to move on, she supposed. She finally saw where they were, and threw her arms in the air, and spun around beneath the canopy of the last falling leaves. She walked to the water’s edge, splashing water in her hands, and viewed the landscape.

  Douglas laughed behind her. “What are you doing?”

  She continued to spin around, wallowing in the sunshine, her hands feeling the crisp air. “I’ve never seen such a place in my entire life. The waterfall is lovely. ’Tis so beautiful here.”

  “Aye, it is. And so are you.”

  “Thank you, Laird Kerr. What a kind thing to say.”

  “I’m being truthful, lass.”

  Isabel blushed. She knelt beside the bank, scooping handfuls of clear pristine water. He knelt next to her, and she felt his gaze.

  “Your reaction to my land pleases me. I haven’t taken the time to notice its beauty in a long time. Thank you for reminding me.”

  She smiled, waving her hand over the view. “How can you not notice this?”

  “I’m sometimes busy with … which reminds me, once we get home, you won’t see me too often. I’m oft away from the holding for long periods of time.”

  “I see, and you’re telling me this because …”

  Douglas frowned. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but if you should need me, have Cedric find me, he always knows where I am.” He ran his hand through his hair, and seemed agitated.

  “Thank you, I suppose. Who is Cedric?”

  “My commander-in-arms, he’s in charge when I’m gone. Come, we must go.”

  He helped her from her position by the water, and they mounted his horse. They rode along silently, each in their own reflection. Brendan and Gil awaited them at the clearing. When they reached them, Douglas handed her back to Gil. She felt saddened that he didn’t want her to ride with him.

  “Laird Kerr, will we arrive soon? I can’t wait to see Candace.”

  He nodded, not saying anything more. She supposed he wanted to be left to his thoughts. Isabel couldn’t stop thinking about the beauty of his land and how charming he was. Her plan had worked, except for the boar that charged her. She felt as though she mattered to him, given his reaction at the waterfall. Then why did he keep his distance?

  He’s interested in someone else.

  Isabel regarded the exterior of the Kerr keep. The large stone castle, with a long rampart between two towers, didn’t appear to be old. A banner flew on a post outside the portcullis. Beside it, a wooden plaque with foreign writing held the image of a boar on it. The drawbridge opened, and a guardsman shouted a welcome. Guards posted themselves beside the gatehouse, as well as upon the wall, beyond the crenellation. The green grass that once grew along the outside walls yellowed, as autumn drew to an end. The land seemed stark, but held a beauty of its own.

  She saw Douglas nod to a man when they rode past, and then she saw his sister run at them. She hoped Candace would stop before the horses ran her down. Douglas called a halt. He glanced at her, but she continued to look at Candace even though she knew he watched her. Her face changed from mild curiosity to extreme delight at seeing her longtime friend. She couldn’t help revealing the love that she had for his sister.

  When Isabel was safely placed on the ground, Gil was shoved out of the way. He grinned, stepping backward, and watched their happy reunion. Candace wrapped her arms around Isabel, hugging her close.

  “Isabel, you’re here. You’re safe. I was so worried.”

  Candace yelled so loudly, Gil covered his ears. Isabel giggled at his action.

  “I can’t breathe, Candace. Aye, I’m safe, thanks to you.” Isabel grunted at the force of her hug.

  Candace immediately released her. “Are you well? Was there any problems?”

  Isabel gave her the ‘all’s well’ sign by winking. She heard Candace release her sigh of relief, when she looked beyond her to see if Douglas was still nearby. He watched them, too, along with Brendan, who stood beside him, speaking so low that she couldn’t hear what he was saying.

  “I’m well, and happy to be here at last.” Isabel listened to Candace’s chatter, but she made no sense whatsoever.

  Douglas walked away, and for some reason Isabel felt she’d never see him again. He didn’t spare her a glance and hadn’t said a word to her—not goodbye or fare-thee-well, nothing. Why she felt like crying was beyond her. It was a ridiculous sentiment given that he lived there for God’s sake. She picked up her skirts and ran toward him.

  “Laird Kerr, wait,” she called breathlessly.

  Douglas turned around, and she stepped in front of him. “Aye, lass, what is it?”

  “Thank you for um … bringing me here, and for rescuing me.” She spoke so quietly, only Douglas could hear her sweet declaration.

  He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. Isabel was surprised by his action, but she hugged him back. His face looked down at her as though he would to kiss her, but he held himself still. When she leaned upward and kissed his cheek, he appeared taken aback. He frowned, and seemed not to know how to react to her boldness.

  “You’re welcome.” He turned quickly, and handed his mount to one of his men, then strode inside the keep without looking back.

  “What was that about, Isabel?” Candace had a hint of laughter in her voice.

  “I was thanking your brother for coming for me. Now tell me … Are you really marrying a man named Willard?” Isabel laughed, knowing she’d turned the topic on her friend. She smiled when Candace laughed at her quick wit. She placed her arm around her friend, and was glad that Candace didn’t remark on her brother’s hug.

  “Aye, I am. He’s Wills MacIver. You’ll meet him tonight. He’s supposed to come for a visit. I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “I look forward to meeting him.
What have you been up to? Have you gotten into trouble, like me?” Isabel laughed, knowing she probably did.

  “I’ve been good, too good, but now that you’re here … I missed ye and worried that Douglas wouldn’t make it in time.”

  “His timing was perfect.”

  They linked arms and walked inside the keep, and hurried to the second level.

  Isabel spun in her friend’s arms, so happy to at last be hugging her. Their reunion was short-lived when someone knocked at Candace’s chamber door. Isabel smiled when she saw Lady Kerr entering. She approached, sat next to Candace, and took her hand.

  “Isabel, it’s nice to finally meet you. Candace hasn’t stopped talking about you since Douglas went to fetch ye. I hope you had a safe journey.” Lady Kerr hugged her.

  “Thank you for allowing me to come to your home, my lady. Aye, our journey was safe. How could it not be with those warriors protecting me?” Isabel smiled, curtseying.

  “Candace told me how you two met, and how fond she is of you. I’m grateful you befriended my daughter. You know she’s not always engaging, and doesn’t make friends so easily.”

  “I am happy she’s my friend. We shared many wonderful childhood moments together.” Isabel smiled tenderly at Candace.

  “I know all about your childhood moments. Laird Gordon was kind enough to tell me of your antics. Aye, what you lasses did to that poor man.”

  “What did my uncle tell you?” Isabel laughed.

  “Oh, nothing much, dear, only that you were delightful, and that he enjoyed having you two there.” Lady Kerr laughed, and Isabel knew she teased them.

  “Has Candace been a good girl?”

  Lady Kerr smiled. “You must know her well to ask such a question.”

  Isabel looked at her friend. “Once she got to know me, there wasn’t a shy bone in her body.”

  Candace interjected, “Tell me what happened. Did Nigel really try to—”

  Isabel shook her head then nodded at Lady Kerr.

  Candace colored. “Oh, ah … it is so good to see you again.”

  Lady Kerr rose and went to tidy up the chamber. She hummed as she went about hanging up some of Candace’s garments, and didn’t seem to mind them.

  Isabel recounted the happenings of the last few months, leaving out the more sordid details. They would only upset Candace’s mother, or make her pity her. Neither would do well for her first impression. Candace patted her shoulder, and nodded occasionally, giving her support. It felt good to be amongst people who cared for her.

  “What a dreadful experience, dear. I can’t imagine. You shan’t return, and will be safe here. Nay, ye shan’t return,” Lady Kerr said.

  “If only you knew all of it, Mother.”

  Isabel gave Candace a glare and elbowed her arm, their signal to hush.

  “What about Laird Kerr? Won’t he be angered, if we don’t gain his permission? I don’t want to cause problems.”

  “You’ll not cause problems. My son is a fair man. He leaves that sort of thing to me anyway. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed, Isabel. Make yourself at home, for it is now so.”

  Isabel smiled at the kind lady. Lady Kerr was aged, though it seemed she took care of herself. Candace looked like her mother, and Isabel thought perhaps Lady Kerr looked like her when she’d been younger. Her auburn hair streaked with silver, yet she had the look of a young lady, where it mattered most, in her eyes.

  “We should let Isabel rest. She looks tired, and I’m sure her journey was difficult. Let her have a respite. You can see her later at supper.”

  “Aye, Mother. I’ll come for ye at supper, Issy.” Candace and her mother left the chamber.

  Isabel rested on the comfortable bedding, reassured to know she was safe from Nigel. He couldn’t find her here, and even if he did, he couldn’t enter the keep. Its walls were well protected, and she’s been relieved by the sight of the sentry when she arrived. She fell into a well-needed slumber.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Douglas marched inside the keep, bewildered as to why he’d hugged Isabel. He shook off the tenacious nagging of his desire, and went to the barrel. He stood by the buttery, and watched them enter and immediate take off up stairs. Once they were inside, he relaxed his stance. He realized that he was used to watching after Isabel, but he didn’t know why the felt so tense when she wasn’t within his sight. Now that she was safely in the arms of his sister, he could try to forget her once again. He could get back to the business of attending his clan.

  Gil and Brendan watched him from the table as they listened to news of the clan. Douglas didn’t care for their shifty smiles, but he continued to gaze across the hall, looking at the stairs. Cedric came inside and joined them. His mother finally came down from her visit with Isabel, and had food and ale served. She sat beside him and smiled.

  All seemed normal, but he knew it wasn’t. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, everything would change now that Isabel was there.

  “I’m glad you’ve bought Isabel for a visit, Douglas. You’ve made Candace happy. Isabel is a sweet lass, and she has such fondness for your sister.”

  “It seems so, Mother.” Douglas continued to watch the steps, waiting for her to appear.

  Douglas scoffed at his absurdity, and returned his attention to the table. He noticed his mother’s gaze turn to Rachel. Rachel refilled everyone’s tankards. His mother often called her a nuisance, and had hinted that she should be returned to her clan, but Douglas thought she was sweet.

  “That reminds me, Douglas, I need to talk to you about a household matter.”

  “What is it?”

  “It will wait until later. Did you have trouble on your journey?”

  Gil and Brendan grunted at her question, and she turned to ask them. “What’s amiss, lads? Were their difficulties?”

  “Difficulties? Aye, Douglas had discord aplenty, Milady,” Gil said.

  Douglas wasn’t in the mood to be teased, and he scowled at Gil, who got the message. Gil quickly grabbed his cup and chugged his ale.

  “Don’t pay them attention. They’re out to make me daft.”

  Rachel refilled everyone’s tankards again, and he smiled at her gentle look. She just might be the one to divert his interest from the green-eyed minx. He didn’t like feeling so beguiled, especially by a woman and if it took him weeks, he would do what he could to take his mind from Isabel.

  “Rachel, how are you?”

  “Laird Kerr, it’s nice to have you home once again. I’m well, and ye?” Rachel smiled widely at Douglas. His notice must have sent her to an edgy state, and she spilled ale over the side of Gil’s cup.

  “Well enough.” Douglas grinned at her mishap. She was a lovely lass with a sweet temper. Though she never showed that side of herself to him, his mother regaled him of her attitude. He thought of taking her as wife for revenge against Irving, but he would give it more consideration before he decided.

  As long as she was faithful, what more could he want? Aye, that trait was his only requirement in a wife. Since Morna’s transgression, he’d decided on a less comely woman for his wife—one that wasn’t likely to copulate with others.

  “Douglas, I’m off to the barracks. Come on, Gil.” Brendan put his cup down.

  “Aye, I’ll see you later.” Douglas continued to drink his ale.

  Rachel took the seat vacated by Brendan, and flirted shamelessly with him. He could see his mother frowning, but paid it little mind. When it came to Rachel, he could take care of himself.

  Chapter Seventeen

  When Isabel awoke, she was disoriented and for a moment had forgotten where she was. A smile came to her when she remembered. She noticed the darkness of the window. Had supper been served and she’d missed it? It would be rude to not attend supper with her hosts. She rose quickly, straightened her garments, and redid the ties in her hair. She rushed from the room and bumped into a lady.

  “Oh, pardon me, my—”

  “Watch where you are going.”


  The lady huffed, and turned to walk away before Isabel could apologize. She watched her saunter down the hallway with angry steps. The noise from the lower level indicated that many people were all ready inside. She rushed down the stairs, thinking she was late for supper, knowing her disrespectfulness would surely be observed by Douglas. That wouldn’t do at all. Candace stood next to the steps, when she reached the bottom.

  “I was just coming to get you. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine, Candace. Thank you for letting me rest. I actually feel well-rested now.”

  She gazed the hall looking for Douglas, and was disappointed that he wasn’t there. She was tempted to ask where he was, but wouldn’t let Candace think she was interested in her brother.

  “Who was that lady, I just ran into upstairs?”

  “Probably, Rachel. She’s a crone.”

  Isabel laughed. “A crone? Are you plaguing her?”

  “Hah, plaguing her. She deserves worse than that, but I’ll tell you about her later. Come, I want you to meet Wills. He’s here.”

  Isabel watched her friend’s face light with an emotion she’d never seen before. Candace pulled her to the table, and they took their places. She noticed the handsome man with light hair, and brown eyes who sat beside her friend’s seat. Candace had found a good husband, and she seemed to be in love.

  “Wills, this is my friend, Isabel Calvert. Isabel, this is my betrothed, Wills MacIver.”

  “Milady Isabel, Candace has told me all about ye. I’m gladdened that ye came for our wedding.” Then he said to Candace, “I wish it were sooner, love.” Wills lifted Candace’s hand and kissed it.

  “Me, too, Wills,” Candace whispered.

  Isabel smiled, eying the lovers. “Laird MacIver, it’s a pleasure to meet you also.”

  “Nay, lass, call me Wills, since we’re sure to be friends.”

  “Only if you call me Isabel.” She smiled, thinking how nice he was.