“Lady Calvert.”
Isabel jumped and drew a quick breath at the intrusion. “Oh, Brendan, I didn’t see ye, you startled me. What are you doing out here?” She hid the dagger she held, in the folds of her skirts.
“Lady, I know what you’re hiding. Why do ye do so?”
She turned and threw the dagger at the tree; it landed next to the one embedded in the bark. Isabel didn’t know what to say and remained speechless.
“I watched you from afar and I wondered how you were so skilled. Now I know. You practice. What I want to know, Lady Calvert, is why you hide it.”
She glanced at Brendan and decided to be honest, releasing another dagger.
“Please, call me Isabel. I don’t want anyone to know about my unladylike pursuits.”
“I don’t think they’re unladylike. In fact, I admire your skill. Where’d you learn to throw the blade?” He leaned against a tree, folding his arms, looking approvingly at her.
She smiled, and knew he meant it. “My brother Nathaniel taught me. Whenever I get angry I use … well, it helps me to relax.” Plunk, another dagger hit its target.
Brendan went to the tree and pulled four daggers from the bark. “I see now what you had hidden in your satchel and why you insisted Douglas retrieve it from the asylum.” He walked back to her grinning, and handed the daggers to her, motioning for her to continue.
“So what are you angry about today, Isabel?”
“Rachel.”
“Ahhh, aye, that lass. What did she do to anger ye?”
“I feel foolish talking to you about this.”
“Don’t, I consider us friends. Mayhap you’ll feel better having a friend to confide in.”
His sternness caused her to look up, but his rough voice was softened by his face, which was now devoid of his usual scowl.
“Another friend, just what I need.” Isabel threw the dagger into the dead center of the tree. She handed him a dagger and motioned to him to throw it.
Brendan accepted the dagger from her and took aim. “What do you mean, another friend? Can’t have enough of ‘em, right?” Releasing the dagger, it landed next to hers, clanking the steel of her blade, practically a hair’s distance away.
“I’ve got one too many. Impressive throw.”
“Thanks, I see now. Is this friend, perchance, a man with brown hair and a charming disposition?”
“Charming?” Isabel snorted.
Brendan frowned. “Aye, isn’t he charming around ye?”
“I haven’t seen a charming moment from the man, unless you count his kisses … What I mean to say is that …” Isabel didn’t finish, her face brightened and she could feel it burning with shame.
He grinned. “So he’s kissed you, has he? Is Rachel giving you a problem?”
“Douglas mentioned this morn that he was thinking to make her stay permanent. How else could he do that unless he married her? It angered me.”
“I’m sure it did, lass.”
Brendan touched her shoulder, and looked into her eyes. She almost stepped backward, becoming a bit flushed by his boldness.
“My cousin has acted differently these past few years, since his father died. He was carefree, but changed when he took over his clan. Before his father died, Douglas talked about wanting a wife, and I think you suit him well. I don’t know why he’s fighting it, Isabel, it is not like him.”
Isabel was taken aback, she’d never heard so many words from Brendan before, but she nodded to him, appreciating his acceptance.
“Now, I don’t know why he’d want Rachel for a wife, her temerity is contemptible, and she’s not good enough for my cousin. I will not let that happen, even if I have to do some wooing myself. Although, the thought of wooing Rachel repulses me, but I’ll be skewered with my own sword before I let Douglas make such a mistake.”
“Brendan, you are so very good to him.” Isabel found herself surprised by the emotion in his voice. He didn’t appear to be someone affected by much.
“My cousin’s happiness means a great deal to me. I don’t allow many to see this side of me, Isabel, and if you tell Douglas any of this conversation, I will tell him your secret.”
She couldn’t help laughing when he became riled. “I promise, Brendan, to hold your confidence.”
He took another dagger from her. “Your turn.”
Isabel threw the dagger and it landed low on the trunk. “Drat.”
Brendan chuckled while throwing his remaining dagger, which hit its mark. “Let me get this straight in my mind. You’re pretending to be a sweet, prim lady so he’ll notice ye? When you’re a fiery lass who wants to let her hair down? You’re going about it the wrong way. Is that why you pretended to be helpless on the journey?”
“Sort of, I wanted to make a good impression, and thought by being incapable; he’d treat me as a lady. That he would want me …” Isabel retrieved the daggers and handed two to him. She pulled two more from her cloak, returning one to him. They each held three.
“Damn, lass, how many daggers do you own?”
His question went unanswered. “I don’t know how to gain his interest, Brendan. I’m not at all soft and weak like most women. It’s been an experience trying to remain genteel, and I don’t think he likes me.”
“Then why did he kiss you? Of course he likes you. I think my cousin in confused. You’ve set him on a jagged path. Give him time, and he’ll come around.”
Isabel took turns with Brendan, throwing daggers at the tree. He waited for her to throw her second one, before he took aim and released his. It landed below the mark. Hers was directly centered on the target.
“I don’t know about that. All I really want is a place to stay. I cannot return home. If Douglas doesn’t have any interest in me, then I’ll to go to my uncle’s. If he marries Rachel, she’d make my life … hell. I couldn’t remain here.”
“Why can’t you go home? And how did you end up at the asylum? Douglas wouldn’t talk about it.”
“It’s a long story. I don’t want to discuss it either.”
“Are you in danger?”
“Nay, not any longer, Brendan. Thank ye for talking to me. Don’t tell anyone about my daggers.”
“Nay, I won’t, it’ll be our secret. Don’t give up on Douglas, Isabel.”
“I won’t, but nothing will come of it. I believe he’s already chosen. ‘Tis unlikely it’s me.” Why did that make her heart hurt? She had to accept reality and the possibility of losing him.
“Isabel, I don’t believe he’s chosen.” Brendan returned his daggers to his boots and watched her place her daggers inside her cloak. “My cousin is in for some surprises when he finds out the truth.” He laughed aloud, which made her smile. “Why would you want to learn to throw daggers?”
“Because it is forbidden. My brother Nate and I would practice. I am actually better than he is, though he wouldn’t admit that. I believe a woman has the right to protect herself, especially against … knaves.”
“A woman shouldn’t have to protect herself from knaves, Isabel, that’s what we men are supposed to do. Why would you feel unprotected?”
“I never said that, Brendan. I’m independent and don’t want to have to depend upon any man for protection.” Isabel almost choked on the words, and of course, she hadn’t told the truth. She was tired of looking out for herself, but it seemed she would always have to.
Brendan laughed again.
“Sir, I don’t believe I have ever heard you laugh so. What is so funny?”
He stopped and his expression turned back to his usual sternness. “I recall Douglas saying he’d have a sweet lass who would attend him. He never mentioned independence being a trait he looked for in a woman. Aye, he’s going to be mighty surprised.”
Isabel didn’t comment on his ridiculous thought. On the walk back to the keep, she kept silent, thinking about their conversation. Before they reached the keep’s door, he stopped her with a hand to her shoulder.
“I’ve g
ained a sense of your spirit, Isabel, and I know Douglas would like that. He’d be a great fool not to want ye. I can’t wait to see what he does. Once you reveal your true self to him, he will have nothing to do but surrender.”
Isabel shook her head, but heard him laughing when she left him standing on the steps.
She wished she could reveal her secrets to Douglas, but was disheartened at the effect her secrets would have on him. A pensive feeling came over her. What would Douglas think, if he knew what had happened to her? Would he hold her in contempt? It wasn’t something she wanted to think about.
Chapter Twenty
Candace rushed inside her chamber and paced the floor, thinking about what she had said to Isabel. There was one way Isabel could stay. She had seen the way Douglas looked at her friend, and the way Isabel watched him in return. Secretly, she hoped they felt something for each other. The way Isabel had hugged him when they first arrived made her wonder if her friend didn’t all ready have feelings for him. Somehow she had to intervene and bring them together.
She wasn’t intelligent on matters of the heart, her husband had all but been selected for her, and the betrothal suggested by Douglas. She’d met Wills prior to her brother’s talk about the matter, and she was happy with his choice. She’d been thankful that her brother didn’t push her to accept the betrothal, but left the decision up to her.
Being shy, Candace hadn’t any knowledge on how to interest a man, and she didn’t know how to influence her friend or her brother. Mayhap her mother would know what to do. Before heading to her mother’s chamber, she went to her table and took the letters Isabel had written throughout the years and held them. She left and went to her mother’s room.
Her mother opened the door, and seeing her, she opened it wider. Taking a seat on the covered bench, her mother folded her legs under her. Candace’s quiet entrance indicated that she wanted to talk. Her mother always sat on the bench and listened.
Candace threw herself on her mother’s bed, holding her chin up with her hands.
“What has you upset, Candace?
She sat up, crossing her legs. “I must speak to ye about Douglas.”
“What has he done?”
“He said that he might make Rachel a permanent addition to our family, more or less.”
Her mother gasped. “That’s deplorable.”
“Why haven’t you sent her home, Mother? I don’t like her at all.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask him to send her back, but haven’t had the chance.”
“Really?” Candace scooted to the edge of the bed. “Thank goodness, because I had hoped that he and Isabel would suit. If you could have seen the way they …”
“I believe they do suit. Now tell me why you would wish it?”
Candace held her mother’s eyes for a moment. “When they first met at the Gordon’s, there were sparks flying even then. I could tell they were attracted to each other, but we had to return quickly. Then when I asked him to bring her here, he didn’t really want to. I used trickery to gain his agreement.”
Her mother laughed. “You’re a shameful lass.”
“The sparks are flying again, only Rachel is in the way. She must go.”
“I’ll speak to him. I saw Douglas and Isabel kissing in the hallway, that first night.”
Incredulous, Candace laughed. “You did? Isabel never mentioned it.”
“I ruined it because I came upon them and told him to unhand her.” Her Mother laughed. “He actually obeyed me. I cannot let him manhandle her, now can I?”
“Then why has he kept his distance? If he’s attracted to her, then you’d think he’d be in the hall more often. What’s in his mind, I can only wonder?”
Her mother rose, picking up a brush. She sat next to Candace and began brushing her hair. The gesture calmed Candace and she closed her eyes.
“Dearest, he’ll come around. Isabel is a sweet lady, and your brother couldn’t do better with her as wife.”
“Mother, there’s something I should tell you about Isabel. She’s not as ladylike as you think. She’s skilled with all sorts of weapons and is sovereign. Not the sort of woman Douglas would be interested in.”
“I don’t deem ‘twill matter. I believe they are meant to be together. ‘Tis their fate.”
“Isabel has had a difficult time of it, Mother. I have letters from when we first met until recently and I wanted you to read them. I want her to be happy. Do you deem he will make her happy?”
“I know Douglas has had many issues to deal with, but I don’t see why he wouldn’t want to make her happy. It shall be interesting to see what he does. I cannot wait to see—”
“Will you help me with my plan, Mother? I’m going to leave them alone whenever I can in hopes they’ll act on their feelings. It’s the only thing I can think of to bring them together.”
“That’s a good plan. I’ll assist if I can, but I cannot let him take advantage of her. She doesn’t deserve that. He’s a man that would take what he wants, like most. If he wants her, he’ll do it the honorable way. I must protect her virtue.”
“I agree. Do you believe he’ll wed her?”
“Mayhap, but let’s get you wed first.” Her mother wrapped her arms around her and sighed. “Then we’ll worry about Isabel.”
The sun’s power would aid her chant with its glowing rays. She raised her hands to
its warmth, letting the rays play over her extended fingertips. “Brightness assist me.
Sunshine of yellow, call forth my fellow. Let my image instill in his mind.
Oh, would that you let it be kind. He shall remember me.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Douglas was on a covert mission to avoid everyone, but that wasn’t to be.
His mother waited for him to come out of his chamber. It was late enough that he should have risen by now, and she stood sentry by his door before deciding to knock. Her hand rose to strike the door when he stuck his head out, but she shoved him back inside.
“Why are ye lurking outside my door? I could hear your every move.”
“Douglas, I must to speak to ye.”
“You don’t have to hold me hostage in my room,” he said when she closed the door and backed against it, keeping him trapped inside.
“Aye, I do. You’ve been hard to talk to lately. Why are you hiding in here?”
“I’m not hiding. What did you want?”
“I want you to take Rachel home at the soonest. She has been trouble lately, and I deem it’s high time she returned to her clan.”
“I thought you enjoyed having her here. What did she do to cause your ire?”
“I don’t have time to entertain her, what with Candace’s wedding coming. Candace and Isabel don’t particularly enjoy her company. I know you like her, but I beg ye to take her home.”
“If it means that much to you, then I’ll take her home today.” Douglas realized his mother meant what she said, by her bluntness. Besides, he hadn’t cared whether Rachel stayed or not. Not since his conversation with Brendan at the loch.
“Aye, it means much. Do take her home today. Ye be careful around her. I don’t trust her—”
“Mother, she’s a woman, for God’s sake. I can take care of myself. I don’t know why you’re so concerned. I’ll return her today, and be back by the afternoon. ‘Tis a fair and sunny day for the ride.”
“Good. It is bright today, warm enough for the trek.” His mother gave him a kiss on his cheek, tapping it afterward, and left his room.
Douglas followed his mother to the hall, and waited for Rachel to come down for her breakfast. He was confused by his mother’s attitude, but he wanted to please her. His sister seemed annoyed having Rachel there, too. Since they were the ladies of his keep, at least for now, he would try to appease them. He ate his morning fare, and gave instructions to Gil and Cedric for the day’s duty. They left the hall when Rachel came forward. She set a tray down and sat beside him.
“Good morn, Lair
d, may I refill your trencher?”
Douglas shook his head. “Rachel, you’re to go home today. I must apologize for keeping you from your family for so long. Surely you want to return to them.”
“Have I done something wrong?” Rachel’s eyes misted, and she lowered her head, but he wasn’t about to fall for her woman’s tears.
“Nay, my mother asked me to return you. She says a lass should be with her family. I have been remiss. It isn’t your fault our clans are feuding.”
She frowned and looked as though she’d argue, but she didn’t. “Thank ye for your kindness.”
“Get your things, and we’ll meet in the stable. Don’t dally.”
He left and went to ready their horses. Rachel didn’t waste time and met him there a few minutes later. She was given her own mount and rode beside him. He had taken thirty men with him because her cousin was his most hated enemy. Irving Dunmore would do anything to get his hands on him. Douglas wanted to get the chore done. Since the Dunmore land lay only a few hours away, it wouldn’t take much time to get there and return home.
“Candace is happy about her marriage to Wills.”
Douglas tried to ignore her while they rode along, but he couldn’t be rude. “Aye, Rachel, she is happy. Wills is a good man.”
“Are you going to wed soon?”
Rachel placed her hand on his arm and rode so close that her leg touched his. He watched her suspiciously. “Mayhap, I don’t know if I’m wanting a wife right now.”
“Have you someone in mind, Laird Kerr?”
Douglas knew why she’d asked. Was his mother right about her? “Nay, not really. Why the sudden interest in my matters?”
“I’m just making conversation, Laird Kerr.” She pouted.
He pulled his steed’s reins to get the horse to move faster, not wanting to broach the subject further. Why hadn’t he noticed her brazenness before? He recalled Brendan’s words. She’s good at pretending.
Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) Page 14