Isabel almost laughed when he asked, “Where is he?”
“Where is who?”
“The man I heard you talking to.”
“There’s no man here, Douglas. I was feeding the hawk.” Isabel pointed to the sky.
Douglas tilted his head. The hawk rose farther in the sky, its wings flapping madly. The beast shrieked again, and its echo returned. He walked to the tree, grabbing the dagger embedded in the bark, and strode back to her, holding out the dagger.
Isabel’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything. She should yell at him for getting out of bed. He’d only recuperated for a week; surely he needed more time to heal. He did think he was invincible. She should be angry that he hadn’t listened.
Douglas moved closer, continuing to hold out the dagger.
Isabel looked up, taking the instrument from him.
“Throw it.”
She shook her head. Could she? She wouldn’t dare.
“Just as I thought, you’ve no skill with that weapon. You were lucky that day in the wood. Why do you have the dagger, if you don’t know how to use it?”
A flickering of anger crossed her eyes, before she took aim, flinging the dagger through the air. She’d show him.
He watched it sail past him, landing on the mark. “Good God, you are skilled. Where’d you learn to throw daggers like that?”
“My brother taught me.”
“Brother? Which one?”
“Nathaniel, my younger brother, the favorable one.”
“Your brother taught ye well. I suppose I shouldn’t anger you, Isabel. You’d do me in, would you not?”
“Of course not, Douglas,” she said appalled. “I don’t usually use weapons against people. At least, I didn’t intend to kill that man, but he would have harmed you and I …”
He leaned close to her, but she stepped backward. Her slippered heel caught a large root that stuck from the ground, and she almost fell backward. Almost. He caught her arms before she reached the ground, bringing her body against his.
Both remained still, letting the silence of the forest envelope them.
“I’m fighting a losing battle, Isabel.”
“What?”
He pulled her face toward his, and gave her a gentle kiss. She placed her arms around his waist, leaning into him. She wanted him to kiss her as he had before, and she opened her mouth, shyly touching his lips with her tongue. He groaned at her boldness then deepened the kiss. His hands moved down her body until they rested on her rounded bottom. He yanked her roughly against himself, continuing to ravish her mouth. She rubbed his back, slowly moving her hands toward his waist.
Neither heard the hawk’s shrill cry above them.
Isabel’s mind became incoherent as he inched her gown from her shoulders. Once her breasts were uncovered, he lowered his mouth. She held her breath.
He held her breast in an accessible position, and continued to move his mouth teasingly. He smiled against her skin, as her drawn-in breath exposed the depth of her enjoyment. She moaned at the touch of his warm tongue. He continued to heighten her pleasure, by moving to her other breast. She gasped when his tongue flicked it. She was so preoccupied by what he was doing that she didn’t noticed he’d lowered her to the forest floor. He moved his mouth back to hers, and his calloused hand cupped a soft mound then moved to lower her bodice.
She liked how he made her feel. He stopped, seemingly taking a moment to settle his unstable desire. When she felt his hands on her bare legs, inching upward, she whimpered into his mouth. He smoothed his hand along her leg until he reached the warmth between them.
Isabel pushed his hand away, but he wasn’t accommodating nor deterred. He tried to kiss her fear away, and she relaxed against the feeling of him touching her in her most intimate place. The only thought that occupied her brain was the need to abandon herself to passion. The urgency called to her, but she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Douglas stared into her eyes. “I want to feel you against me.” He began removing his tartan, and was about to pull it free when he stopped. He looked at her sprawled on the ground then frowned. He rolled away, sitting up, facing away from her. Isabel stared at his back. He made her feel so warm and excited, but now she felt cold and recoiled.
“Why did you stop, Douglas?”
“I … shouldn’t have done that. Repair your gown, Isabel.”
“You d-don’t w-want me?” Her voice shook.
Douglas flinched at her dejected tone. “It’s not that I don’t want you, Isabel. You deserve better than my taking advantage of you in the forest, on the ground, for Christ’s sake. Can ye forgive me? I feel lower than a snake.” He wouldn’t look at her. He must have known she’d become upset if he did.
“I do forgive you. You’re such a gentleman, and I’m not used to …” She didn’t finish, but quietly fixed her gown. Tears formed, lining her lashes. Isabel didn’t want to cry, but she felt ashamed by responding so emotionally to his touches.
“Isabel.” Douglas turned, inching closer. He placed his arm around her and leaned his head against hers. “I didn’t mean to displease you. I do want you, more than I’ve wanted any other woman. I must do the honorable thing here. I’ve thought about it and I want to wed you.”
He lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. His brown eyes softened his expression. She wasn’t certain his proposal was sincere. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, making him sigh.
“You want to marry me, Douglas?”
“Aye, damned right I do.”
“What about Rachel? I thought you were interested in her. You said—”
“Nay, I never wanted her. I was hasty in dealing with her. You’re the only woman who holds my interest, cat-eyes.” The last was said in a whisper against her cheek.
“I don’t know, Douglas. I want to wed you, but I’m not sure if I’m … I’ll have to think on it.” Isabel’s stomach knotted, she didn’t know how to respond to his proposal.
Douglas’ expression turned grim. “You don’t need time to assess your feelings. I all ready know what they are, but I’ll give you all the time you need, as long as you respond with an aye. Don’t make me wait long, because I don’t know how long I can stand …” He kissed her quickly, then helped her to her feet.
They walked back to the keep and Isabel wondered why she’d asked him to give her time. Hadn’t she wanted to marry him? Wasn’t it her dream? Her desire was finally coming true, and now she felt unsure. Her heart tensed at the anxiety of explaining why she needed time.
When they reached the keep, Douglas left her and went inside. Isabel kept walking along the inside of the keep’s wall. She was deep in thought, and didn’t notice the man following her.
“I suppose I shall marry him. It’s not as if I’ll receive another offer.” She strolled along the wall. Would he be dissatisfied that she wasn’t pure? He hadn’t said he loved her. Did that matter? She tried to reason her decision. She wanted him to love her. Should she put the question to him? Nay, she shouldn’t. He wanted to marry her, and that had to be enough for now. Somehow she would get him to love her. She felt foolish thinking such thoughts.
Isabel turned the corner and slowed her pace, reproaching herself for denying him an answer. How would she explain the incident? He would understand, wouldn’t he?
A shadow fell across the ground at her feet, she turned to see a man, but she didn’t recognize him. He wore the Kerr plaid, but an uneasy feeling surged through her, she pulled a dagger from her seam. Holding it tightly, she stopped, hoping he would pass by. He shoved her against the wall, his hand covered her mouth as he tried to grab her hands and turn her around.
Isabel thrust her dagger at him. He held her arm, yet she forced it forward with all her might. The man yelled, and released her when the blade pricked his neck. She vehemently shoved him aside and ran for the entrance of the keep. When she entered, she flung herself beside the doorway. Would he follow inside? She peered around the wooden frame
to get a better look.
“Isabel?” Douglas grabbed her arms, and turned her.
Isabel’s breathing hitched, her eyes widened with fright.
“What happened? Are you all right?”
“A man … tried to attack me … in the courtyard. I stabbed him.” She slunk against the wall.
“Cedric!” Douglas roared. “Isabel, you’re safe now.” He pulled her into his arms and held her. She shook violently, but he tried to soothe her. She did feel safe, what with Douglas holding her so tenderly.
Cedric ran inside the hall with his sworn drawn, and must have heard Douglas’ bellow. It wasn’t their war cry, but it was close enough.
“What happened to Milady?” Cedric noticed her state.
“Someone attacked her in the courtyard. Have the grounds searched at once. What does he look like, Isabel? You’ll need to tell Cedric so he can find the bastard.”
Isabel’s heart finally slowed to a normal pace, and she regained her composure. “I didn’t get a good look at his face, but he wore the Kerr plaid. I noticed that right off.”
“Find him,” Douglas roared. Then he mouthed, kill him! Cedric nodded.
“Come, let me get you a drink. Are you well enough now?” Douglas held her tightly around the waist, walking her to the table.
“Aye, I’m well. I stabbed his neck with my dagger, so he’ll have a wound. He shoved me to the wall, but didn’t say anything. I don’t know what he wanted. I wasn’t paying attention because I was thinking about … Well, you know what I was thinking about, and then his shadow fell across my feet. At first I wasn’t concerned because he wore the Kerr plaid, but then I had a strange feeling, and pulled out my dagger.” She ceased her rambling and sighed.
“Stay inside until he’s found.” Douglas called to his mother when she entered the hall, he relayed what happened. Lady Kerr’s face reddened, but she tried to be reserved for Isabel’s sake. She took Isabel to her chamber and told her she’d have a bath sent to her chamber. Lady Kerr stayed with her until she fell asleep.
Isabel awoke from her nap and took a long bath, even thought the water had turned cool. She dressed for supper, taking extra care in dressing, choosing her best garment. Lady Kerr had cleaned it, and hung it on a wooden peg. The gown was special because Aunt Mabel had given it to her. Somehow, her aunt received the fabric as a gift and saved it for her. When she last visited, they spent hours working on it. The gown always made her feel beautiful when she wore it, and it reminded her of those wonderful carefree days spent at the Gordon’s. The fabric was a rich dark-green shade overlaying a light-yellow bliaut.
She combed her hair then fastened a tie to hold back two braids she fashioned. She secured the clan’s plaid the way Candace instructed. The muted colors of the brown plaid with its green interwoven stripes matched the gown. She had no reason to delay, but she felt awkward because she would have to talk to Douglas about the incident. That’s how she referred to what happened with Nigel—the incident. She scolded herself for lacking courage to face him, and knew she would have to tell him sooner or later—later sounded good to her.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Douglas kept his rage simmering beneath his cool gaze. He spent the afternoon with Cedric, searching the keep for anyone that didn’t belong—for a man with a wounded neck. They couldn’t find anyone inside the walls who wasn’t of his clan or anyone with an injury. Was there a traitor within his walls? In the two years since he’d taken over as laird, there hadn’t been any problems. None had refuted his right to rule, so why would someone want him out now?
“Cedric, this is becoming grave. I don’t like the fact that Isabel was attacked in my own courtyard. For God’s sake, who would want to hurt her? Do you deem it is one of our clan?”
“It may be, Laird. I’ll have our most trusted men listen in on the men at supper. Mayhap someone will have a slip of the tongue. I’ll have the men look for a wounded man. If he is here, we’ll find him.”
Douglas nodded and walked to the keep. He wanted to check on Isabel and make sure she was well after her ordeal, and he hoped she’d come to a conclusion about marrying him. He wanted to secure his marriage then he’d find his enemy. What he wouldn’t do for a little peace now. He knocked at her chamber door, and his mother opened it slightly.
“She’s asleep,” she whispered.
“Aye, I’ll see her at supper then.”
Douglas went to his chamber and changed his clothing. Later, when he strode into the hall for supper, many of his family and friends had gathered. His sister smiled happily, walking with her arm tucked into Wills’. Wills returned earlier that afternoon from a trip home, much to his surprise. MacIver land was far, but Wills must have ridden hard. His mother sat at the table, laughing at a jest that Cedric had made. A few of the soldiers entered and walked to the buttery, talking about a training technique. A young lad of eight or nine played with a makeshift sword in the corner with Lowrie, a seasoned warrior who just came in from sentry duty. Someone opened the door, allowing two of his wolf hounds inside; the dogs immediately went to the hearth to take up vigilance. The hall’s aromas smelled delicious as the servants began setting out platters of bread. Servants had given the hall a thorough cleaning earlier that day and changed the rushes. He stood silent watching everyone, but was tense with rage, and was at a loss to remedy the wrongdoings. Everything seemed normal, but he knew the truth. Things weren’t normal—nay, far from it.
Standing by the stairs, he waited for Isabel to enter. She hadn’t come down yet, and he had a few things he wanted settled before super. He heard her coming down the stairs, and when she reached the bottom, Douglas pulled her into an out cove by the far wall. He held her captive, with each arm resting on the wall.
“Are you well? You were not hurt, were you?” He kept his tone low, and his seductive burr seemed to make Isabel shiver.
She shook, but then relaxed her stance. Leaning against the wall, she smiled. “I’m fine, Douglas, really, none the worse for wear.”
“Aye, you look very fine,” he drawled. He kissed her with his clan looking on, but he didn’t care at this point, he only wanting to feel her lips again.
Isabel couldn’t resist returning his kiss, and he felt her relax in his arms. Someone tapped his shoulder, and Douglas wondered who would dare. He pulled away from Isabel and saw his mother’s frown, hands on her hips, glowering at him.
“What do ye deem you’re doing, Douglas? Must I watch you every moment?” She sounded dismayed.
His grin turned devilish. “I asked Isabel to wed me, Mother. I’m trying to gain her accord and if you keep interrupting, I’ll never win her agreement.”
He chuckled at his mother’s expression. Her frown turned and in its place, a beaming smile lit her face.
“Well, that’s what I wanted to hear. Isabel, what is your answer? You’ll tell him now.”
“I … I’m still pondering my answer, Lady Kerr. He promised me time to consider it—”
“Time is up, Isabel.” Douglas tried not to laugh at her insecurity. His mood had lightened since she’d entered the room. Only moments ago he was filled with contention and rage, but now he felt relaxed and cheerful. Cheerful, faigh muin, he was.
“It is, Douglas?”
“Aye, I’ll have your answer now.”
She lowered he gaze to the floor. Douglas didn’t like the fact that she avoided giving him the answer he expected.
“But I haven’t had time to consider your proposal because … Well, I’ve been resting and haven’t … Can’t you give me until the morrow?”
He laughed, and his mother scowled. “Aye, until the morrow, Isabel. Then you’ll give me the answer I want to hear.” Douglas took her in his arms again and gave her a thorough kiss. When he pulled back, he noticed his mother left, and the clan members went about their business.
Isabel removed her hand from his shoulder and touched her lips. “I don’t know how you do it, Douglas.”
“Do what, Isabel?”<
br />
“How you make me want you, how you make me forget where I am, and how you turn my mind to mush.”
He laughed and took her hand, walking her to the table. She seemed to relax and began eating. He took it as a good sign, a sign that he’d gain a favorable reply.
Douglas hadn’t noticed that Brendan and Gil entered the hall, and he was never so glad to see anyone. Now that they were here, he could figure his next course of action. Brendan watched him from across the room, and looked at him as though he thought it odd that he’d held Isabel in the corner. He wanted to laugh at the look on Brendan’s face. His cousin appeared to be fighting a smile.
“I heard what happened. Are you all right?”
“Come, I’ll tell you all.”
Douglas sat at the table, imparting the information he’d come up with so far. He didn’t have many details about the attacks, but perhaps something would strike Brendan or Gil. They sat through the meal talking about the events and the circumstances of Isabel’s attack earlier that day, Bonnie’s disappearance, and Ellic’s property loss. Brendan didn’t like hearing the news, his scowl depicted his anger. When they finished their conversation, they noticed the hall emptied and it had grown late.
“I asked Isabel to be my wife.”
“It’s about time, Douglas. You should have taken her when we saw her two years ago, but did you listen to me, nay?”
“At the time I was concerned for the clan. I’ll tell you this, she’s the woman for me. And now,” Douglas said, grinning, “I cannot cease smiling when I see her.”
“Aye, I know. Have you seen her throw her daggers?”
Douglas laughed. “Aye, there’s only one thing that concerns me.”
“What’s that?”
“I better not ever anger her. She could do me in at a great distance.”
Brendan sobered. “She’d not harm ye. I think she cares greatly for you. Burk told me how she cared for you while you were ill. She wouldn’t let the clan bury you until ye were dead.”
“Aye, fortunately for me, she was here.”
Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) Page 19