Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  They reached the walls of the Dunmore keep in the early afternoon. Irving Dunmore staggered forward and assisted Rachel from her horse.

  “Douglas,” Irving shouted. “You have the audacity to come here? ‘Tis about time ye returned my cousin. I should kill you here and now for what you’ve done to her.”

  “Don’t be an arse, Irving, my men would cut you down before ye could make a move. Aye, I am returning Rachel.”

  “You bastard. How could ye mistreat her so?”

  “She hasn’t been mistreated. You are fortunate that we are returning her.”

  “So you say, Kerr. I grow weary of your attacks.” Irving spat on the ground.

  Irving looked as though he itched to take his sword out, but he held firm. He’d be dead before he could strike. Douglas kept his gaze directed on him, and his men had their swords drawn. Several had arrows notched at the ready, pointed directly at Irving.

  “I’d get used to it, Irving. I’ll continue my attacks as long and as oft as I wish. Keep your clan off my land. The next time I find a Dunmore on my soil, I’ll return him with a rope around his neck.” Douglas glared. “And he won’t be walking.”

  “Laird Kerr, can I … come back for a visit?” Rachel stepped forward with a sad look in her eyes.

  “You need to be here with your family.” He felt badly for returning her to the Dunmore.

  Irving gave Rachel a hard look then turned a smile on him. “Aye, Douglas, come back for her. She’s been used, and is the rabble of our clan now.”

  Rabble. Hadn’t Irving’s father called his mother rabble? Douglas’ father’s words resounded.

  “You’re fortunate that I don’t kill ye now, Irving.” He wanted to put his fist in Irving’s face, but instead, he turned his mount and motioned to his men.

  Irving had grown into a drunkard. Douglas could smell his foul odor and see the glazed look in his dismal brown eyes. What did he care? Irving’s carelessness would cost him dearly, if he thought Douglas would relent. He decided to put the Dunmores from his mind, and felt Irving’s eyes searing his back, when he kicked his horse’s flanks and rode swiftly toward Kerr land.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The day dawned rainy and dreary. Douglas went about his duties, checking to make sure the men went about their training. He ran through the puddles, taking the steps into the hall, and found his sister sitting with Isabel in the chairs near the hearth. His mother was absent and likely off in the kitchens.

  Douglas noticed their boredom and almost laughed when he saw Candace sigh every other minute. Isabel kept her task on her sewing, and he smiled, thinking what a positive influence she had on his sister. Aye, she was ladylike and serene, unlike his sister who often got in trouble with her mischief, although she had become more mature in the last year.

  He heard Candace complaining about Wills’ delay in returning, and Isabel’s retort that if she complained once more she’d bash her with the banker she sat upon. Standing near the buttery, neither could see him, and he stifled a laugh. Mayhap in his sister’s company, Isabel was just as mischievous. Taking a long drink of ale, he listened.

  “I have to get out of here, Isabel. Honestly, I’m about to go mad.”

  “Let’s walk in the rain, it’s not too cold.”

  His sister said, “I would enjoy that.”

  He watched as Isabel pulled her plaid over her head and ran outside into the rain.

  Most clans-people tended to do chores inside on such rainy days, and none milled about the bailey. Douglas hurried to the rampart to keep an eye on them. He climbed to the top of the castle and went through the door that led to the rampart. He stood watching.

  Isabel spotted a huge puddle, ran through it, and splashed a large amount of water at Candace. Her slipper became instantly drenched. Candace shrieked with glee, returning the splash. They were both soaked within minutes. Both let their plaids fall to the ground, and they ran around the bailey like wee children splashing and laughing.

  Douglas leaned against the crenellation, smiling at their childlike antics. The rain felt cold on his face, but he enjoyed the spectacle below in the bailey. He couldn’t contain a chuckle as he watched them. They were into their play, and didn’t notice him looking down.

  “You’re in for it, Candace.” Isabel’s voice echoed from the wall. She took a bucket beside the wall, and dipped it into the barrel that sat next to it.

  “Do not, if ye …” Candace didn’t finish because she was too busy trying to get away. Shrieking, she tried to flee.

  “Take that.” Isabel dumped the contents over his sister’s head.

  Candace sputtered water. “Why you imp!” She returned the favor, soaking the front of Isabel’s gown, the material clung to her.

  Douglas thought he’d fall over the stone wall and land in the courtyard below. He groaned at the sight of the clinging material. Aye, she was very appealing. He was about to call down to them when he heard his mother, right on time. Thank God. He didn’t want Isabel and his sister standing about the courtyard soaked through, with their gowns molded to their bodies.

  “What in God’s name are ye doing? You are filthy, dirty, and soaking wet. Put those buckets down and get inside.”

  Both girls lowered their heads at his mother’s shaking finger. They knew they were in for it, another lecture on the propriety of being a lady. Douglas wanted to laugh out loud, but instead leaned to listen.

  “Aye, Mother, we were only having fun,” Candace said.

  “Fun. You’ll be sneezing for a sennight. I’ll heat bath water for ye. Thank the Lord your future husband isn’t here to see this,” she carped at them all the way inside.

  Douglas watched his mother reprimand them, and they disappeared inside the keep. His mother wasn’t one to allow disobedience. Even he, being laird, didn’t disobey her. The lassies had been enjoying themselves. He hadn’t seen Isabel act in such a way before, not since … well, not since the time he’d first met her at Stan’s. He remembered the hay she had in her hair, and he recalled Stan saying she and his sister had been drinking. He’d have to observe Isabel more closely. He wished he’d been nearer so he could feel the fabric plastered against her body. The cold rain seeped into his body, and cooled his adore. He went to his chamber to change out of the now soaked garments, and along the way, he heard his mother yelling at Candace and Isabel from within her solar.

  Later that day, he entered the hall for the evening meal and noticed that both ladies were dressed in dry gowns and their hair had been arranged. He never would have known they’d bathed in the bailey earlier. The rain kept his soldiers in their cottages or in the barracks, and many hadn’t come to eat in the hall. Douglas took his place at the head of the table. Brendan and Gil sat on each side of him, conversing about various training tactics. He watched Isabel and Candace with interest, because they whispered words he couldn’t hear.

  “What are you lassies up to?”

  “Nothing, Douglas,” Candace said.

  He couldn’t help noticing Isabel’s attire. She looked as though she belonged dressed as she was in their plaid. Aye, she looked like a Highland lass. His glance returned to her, and she actually blushed. Aye, she was a sweet, bonny lass.

  They had a light meal of rabbit stew and vegetables, served with chunks of cheese, black bread, and a sundry of dried meats, but Douglas barely paid attention to eating the meal or those around him.

  Helena leaned toward him. “Laird, did ye hear me?”

  Douglas’ eyes rose. “Aye, Helena?”

  “I asked if you were finished with your food.”

  He lifted his trencher, handing it to her. “I’m finished, Helena. Thank you.” He saw Helena’s smile as she turned to leave.

  The servants cleared the food and dishes. Candace and his mother sat beside the hearth, putting the finishing touches on the gown they sewed for her wedding. Isabel remained at the table, holding a small book, but she wasn’t concentrating on reading. Nay, she kept looking at him. He tried
to avoid her gaze. After the meal was cleaned away, Brendan and Gil moved to a smaller table across the room. The table was setup with a chess board. They quickly became absorbed in a game.

  Douglas sat by himself at the main trestle table, considering his duties for the next day. At least, he tried to. The day grew darker, and the sunset brought forth the winds from the surrounding mountains. He walked to the two windows and pulled the hide coverings closed to ward off the brisk chill.

  “Isabel, join us,” Brendan said, motioning to her.

  Douglas didn’t like the fact that he asked her to join him, but what could he do? He was losing much ground in his effort to keep his distance from her.

  Isabel set her book aside, and hesitantly walked toward Brendan.

  “Care for a game?”

  “You know how to play chess, Brendan?”

  “Of course, Milady.”

  “I didn’t think a hardened warrior like you would give in to a game such as chess.” She laughed.

  “It’s a warrior’s game, you’ll see.” Brendan moved his chair close to hers, and leaning forward, he whispered something to her.

  Isabel gave a slight nod, while studying the board, and moved a pawn forward one space.

  Gil stood and stretched. “I’m headed to the barracks.”

  Brendan nodded to him. “I enjoyed our time in the forest the other day, Isabel. Do you want to join me for a ride tomorrow? I’ll take you to a secluded place I know where the foliage is so thick.”

  Douglas’ head popped up, his eyes blazing. What was his cousin up to? When was he with Isabel in the forest? Thick foliage? His demeanor turned rigid.

  “Aye, I enjoyed the day, too, and I thank you for your escort. The woods are lovely this time of year. You’re quite skilled, Brendan, but I’m sure all the ladies tell you that.”

  Brendan grinned. “There’s only one lass I’m interested in.”

  Douglas cast a searing gaze at his cousin, but Brendan appeared to be enjoying himself—in fact, he even smiled.

  Isabel giggled. “And who might she?” She smiled when he captured one of her pawns.

  “You know her well enough.” Brendan touched the tip of her nose with his finger.

  Douglas’ chair fell backward when he stood, making a racket. He couldn’t help shouting. “Brendan, can I see you outside for a moment?”

  “Not now, Douglas, I’m talking to Isabel. We’re playing a game. Later.”

  “Nay you’re not. I said now.”

  Brendan squeezed her hand, and walked to him. Douglas practically shoved him through the hall’s exit, outside the doorway into the courtyard.

  “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Playing chess with Isabel. What has you surly?”

  “Nay, you all but implied …”

  “I implied nothing. Were you listening to our conversation? Why do you have a bee up your arse, Douglas? What does it matter to ye?”

  His arm jabbed out, clipping Brendan below his left eye, but he didn’t even flinch.

  “Stay away from her. She’s here at my keep, and is my sister’s best friend. You keep yourself …” Douglas couldn’t finish, but leaned against the wall, glowering.

  “Cosh, Douglas, what’d you hit me for? I thought the lass was available. She’s not attached to anyone, nor claimed. You’re not interested. I thought you liked Rachel. What do you care who the lass is with? I’ve decided—”

  Douglas grunted. “I am not interested in Rachel, and you have no right to decide anything when it comes to Isabel. What did she mean you’re skilled? You better not have touched her, Brendan.”

  “Oh, that … We practiced targets in the forest. If I didn’t know better, cousin, I’d say you were interested in the woman.”

  “Damned right I am, but she’s my sister’s friend. I can’t be attracted to her—”

  “Why the hell not?” Brendan poked him.

  “She holds herself proper and is a gently bred lady. It would be wrong of me to …”

  “Mayhap she’s not as ladylike as you think?”

  “Dare you insult her? I swear, Brendan, if you dallied with her, you’ll regret it.” Douglas poked him back, but Brendan threw back his head and laughed like he never had before. Douglas frowned, wondering if his cousin had gone mad. Brendan slapped his back and walked away.

  He marveled at why his cousin acted so oddly. Why had he laughed? He never smiled, let alone laughed. His confusion set his frown, making him feel like an addled arse himself.

  *****

  The next day, Brendan avoided Douglas most of the morning. He wouldn’t see him until supper when he would flirt with Isabel again. That should make Douglas cross enough to finally do something about his attraction. Inside the stable, he grinned while rubbing down his steed. The white horse had been given to him by his friend, Walter Ross, the MacKinnon’s commander-in-arms, an important member of their clan. Brendan was proud to be the warhorse’s owner, whose coat was as pristine as newly fallen winter snow. He checked his hooves and tended his legs, looking him over to make sure he was sound.

  As he went about the task, he thought of the other night when Douglas wanted to kill him for his interference. Brendan found it so comical, he laughed several times that night, and thought Douglas a fool. He whistled as he completed his task and heard Douglas calling him.

  “In here.” He closed the gate to the stall when Douglas and Burk entered.

  “Brendan, I’ve a message from Colin. You’re needed home immediately,” Burk said.

  “What’s happened?” Brendan’s chest tightened.

  “It’s Bonnie, she went missing in Londontown, and Julianna returned home. Colin wants you there to protect her and Kevin until he returns.”

  “She’s missing? How did this happen?” he shouted.

  “They attended the king’s festival. I don’t know how she disappeared. You’ll have to ask Julianna when you get home.”

  Brendan’s body stiffened at the news. His sweet wee niece was missing? “Douglas, tell Gil I’m leaving, and if he wants to come, I’ll be leaving shortly.”

  Douglas nodded and left to relay the message to Gil.

  He leaned his head against the beam that stood in the center of the stable. “Bonnie, my bean-sith, where are you? Burk, is Colin still in England?”

  “Aye, milady said he won’t return until he finds her. She is distressed. Likewise, as I’m sure our laird is. Colin has a good number of MacKinnons with him searching, including Robin. Milady said he doesn’t feel safe with her home without one of his brothers there. That’s why he sent me for ye.”

  Brendan’s mind reeled. His sweet bonny niece, alone in England of all places, the place he most hated. He grew even more rigid. “I’ll return shortly. I have to take care of something. Ready my horse.”

  In search of Isabel, he wanted to let her know he was leaving and to wish her well in her plan to woo Douglas. He finally found her by the well.

  “Isabel, there you are. I am leaving and wanted to say farewell.”

  “And where are you off to?” She noticed his serious expression. “I’m sorry, Brendan, has something happened?”

  “Aye, my niece went missing in Londontown, and I must return home to protect my sister-in-law and nephew until my brother returns.”

  Isabel covered her heart in grievance at hearing the news. “I’m sorry, I hope you find her.”

  “Me, too. The lass reminds me of you, she’s a hellion.”

  Isabel laughed. “Surely you jest, Brendan. Thanks for trying to help. I might give up on the idea. I doubt he even notices me.”

  “Don’t do that. That arse is just mule-headed. I say you let go your pretense and be yourself. That would surprise him enough to shake him from his boots.”

  “Sure it would, but I don’t want to shake him from his boots. You take care, and I’ll pray for your niece. What’s her name?”

  “Bonnie. Keep throwing your daggers, and the next time I come, we’ll see if you can beat
me.” He pulled a tress of her hair and smiled.

  “I can beat you now.”

  Brendan scowled and gave her an awkward hug. He cared for her and considered her a good friend. It was the most bizarre friendship he’d ever had, never having befriended a woman before. Even his sister-in-law kept her distance, and he liked Julianna, but Isabel and he were kindred spirits. He shook his head, and walked away. Gil waited for him by the stable with both their horses. They rode out through the portcullis, over the drawbridge in the direction of MacKinnon land.

  *****

  Douglas was about to round the corner when he’d heard Brendan speaking to Isabel. He stood beside the wall, listening attentively, then leaned against the wall and watched Isabel go inside. Brendan called her a hellion. Why had she been pretending to be a lady? The lass was a riddle. She threw daggers? When had she done that? Hadn’t Brendan said they practiced a target? But with daggers? Surely he was mistaken. Douglas folded his arms across his chest.

  “Well, hell,” he muttered aloud. He’d reveal her true nature. It would be interesting to see how this unraveled, he thought, turning to go inside.

  He felt the cold flakes of snow hit his face on the way to the keep. Winter was coming, and soon they’d be stuck inside. His grin widened. He wouldn’t mind being trapped inside during the long harsh winter months, not with Isabel there to occupy his time.

  “It’s snowing, Douglas,” Wills said, joining him on the steps of the keep.

  “So it is. You’re back so soon?”

  “Aye, it wasn’t urgent. I missed Candace and couldn’t stay away. How does my lady fare?”

  “She’s well. She and Isabel have been up to mischief and running my mother around in circles.”

  Wills laughed. “Aye, Candace is a spirited lass. At least life with her won’t be boring.”

  Douglas stopped dead in his tracks. “What did you say?”

  “I said life with Candace won’t be boring. Why?”

  “Uh … nothing, you made me realize something, Wills. I’m glad you’ve returned.” He slapped his back, their customary greeting, and took the stairs two at a time.