Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  They finished their ale. Brendan left the hall and went to the garrison hoping to find out what he could. Douglas went to his chamber. Tomorrow he’d get answers—the most important, Isabel’s agreement.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Isabel sat astride on the mare, riding beside Candace. She quietly criticized herself for avoiding Douglas most of the day. Candace wasn’t aware of her distraction though and she chatted about her wedding and Wills’ coming and going. Isabel felt guilty for not paying attention and she tried to focus on her friend’s chatter, but her mind returned to her issue. She was grateful Douglas hadn’t sought her out. She would eventually have to give her answer, and with it, the explanation about the incident. When they dismounted, and handed the reins to the stable lad, Brendan stood next to the building with his arms folded across his chest, giving her a sedate look.

  She and Candace walked to him.

  Candace smiled. “Good afternoon, cousin. How are—”

  Brendan held up his hand. “Isabel, I want to talk to you. Candace, she’ll see you later.” He took her arm and led her away.

  Isabel tried to figure out what had him so surly, but he remained silent on their walk. He set her on a rock beside a huge rowan tree located beyond the keep. “Well?” He paced in front of her.

  She straightened her skirts, and placed her hands on her lap. “Well, what, Brendan?”

  “When are you going to give him your answer? He’s driving me daft.” He continued to walk back and forth, her eyes followed him.

  “Will you cease pacing? You’ll drive me daft. What is it with warriors pacing like caged animals? Do any of you know how to stand still?”

  Brendan stopped, sat beside her, and stretched his legs in front of him. “I’ve stopped. Now tell me why you’re avoiding Douglas.”

  “I want to marry him, but—”

  “Then the answer is easy. Is it not?”

  “I’m fearful, Brendan.”

  “What are you afraid of?”

  “I don’t want him to regret … I, I’m unworthy.” Isabel instantly colored at her confession.

  “Why do you say that? Have you been with another?”

  “Aye, nay, I don’t know. My brother attacked me, and I don’t know if he actually …” A tear slipped from her eye and she wiped it. “I can’t do that to him, Brendan. He means too much to me, and he doesn’t deserve …”

  “You will hurt Douglas because of what your brother did?”

  “I’m not sure what my brother did because he struck me, and I was unaware. I don’t really know what happened before my younger brother came to my rescue, and now I cannot allow Douglas to make such a vow.”

  “Douglas wouldn’t regard you in that manner, and would understand. Have you told him the truth? I’m sure he would—”

  She stopped him. “Nay, I’m too scared to relay what happened to Douglas. I’m ashamed, and I can’t bear his disdain. What if he—”

  Brendan squeezed her hand. “’Tis not your fault. You must talk to Douglas and explain. Give him a chance to prove that it doesn’t matter.”

  “Verily, I will. I shall go right now. Where is he?”

  “He’s in the hall. Isabel, trust me. Douglas is not like your bastard of a brother.”

  She nodded. “I’ll see you later.”

  Brendan shouted after her. “He will understand.”

  Isabel walked a brisk pace and ignored the knot in her stomach. When she entered the hall, she saw Douglas sitting alone at the long table.

  “Douglas.”

  He turned at her call. “Where have you been? I waited for you.”

  “Outside. I went riding with Candace. ‘Tis a beautiful day. We just returned.”

  “Did you go outside the walls? I gave instructions to keep you …” Douglas stopped in mid-sentence.

  “Nay, the guard wouldn’t let us. We rode around the walls. I have your answer, but first I must speak with you.”

  “Come, we’ll go to my chamber for privacy. I’ve been waiting for ye to come to me all day. By the look of you, it doesn’t seem favorable.”

  She didn’t reply, but followed him to his chamber. It was rather nice at that. She noticed the sparsely adorned furniture, the room’s decorated banners, and stone floor covered with furs. She walked toward the end of the room where a substantial hearth filled the wall, and leaned against it. The room had been memorized from the days she’d spent by his bedside. She felt comforted being inside it again.

  “Isabel?” He turned her to face him. “What’s wrong? I don’t like your silence. You know you can be honest with me.”

  “Aye, that’s what I want to speak to you about. Please, don’t interrupt me. I … do want to be your wife, but you may not want to wed me because … I might have been with another. My answer is no.”

  Isabel waited for him to say something, but he quietly watched her.

  She continued. “I am not worthy to marry a laird such as you, Douglas.” Her gaze dropped to the floor, she couldn’t look him in the eye.

  “Shhh, don’t say that. Don’t ever say you are unworthy, Isabel.” He quieted her with the tip of his finger and lifted her chin. “Is this what’s bothering ye? Candace told me what happened, about your brother. It doesn’t matter. I want you for my wife, no matter what happened. Now give me another answer.”

  “Candace told you? I should be angry with her, I told her not to tell. I’m embarrassed and don’t … You’re not upset by this news?”

  “Aye, she told me, sometime ago. Hell aye, I’m upset, and if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make him regret his attack. Now, is there something you want to tell me?”

  “Aye.”

  “Aye?”

  “I’ll wed you.”

  Douglas let out the breath he’d held in and seemed relieved at her acceptance. “On the morrow, we’ll wed. I’ll not wait another day, Isabel.”

  “I better let your mother know. She’ll probably screech at not being given enough notice.” Isabel turned, and was about to leave when he called to her.

  “Isabel, wait.” He pulled her into his embrace and sealed their pact with a kiss.

  When he released her, she was left standing in his chamber, staring after him. She felt foolish for thinking he’d scorn her when he found out about the incident. She sat in the chair next to hearth, wondering why she’d been so fearful. He wasn’t like the men she was used to. In fact, he was unlike most men. He was charming, not crude like her father and Nigel. Perhaps that was why she was so attracted to him. There was no sense in deliberating; she’d given her consent to marry him. There was no turning back.

  She left the room and went to tell his mother the news, who did shriek, but not with dismay at the little time she had to prepare. Nay, she shrieked with joy and actually cried all over Isabel’s gown.

  “We’ll have to have the rushes changed again, and someone needs to prepare the cook. Listen to me going on and on.”

  Isabel laughed when Lady Kerr shouted for Helena.

  “What can I do to help?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. ‘Tis your wedding, you’ll not lift a finger. Oh, Helena, have cook come to me right away.”

  “Aye, Milady.” Helena ran from the room.

  “I insist I want to help. I feel badly imposing on you in such short notice. You’ve only this day to prepare.”

  “Oh, it’s no trouble. Believe me, I have details ready at a moment’s notice. I’ve always wanted to see Douglas wed, and he’s marrying such a fine lady, too.”

  She blushed at his mother’s sweet words.

  “Let Candace know. She’ll keep you occupied. Both of you stay out of trouble. I don’t have time to look after ye. Aye, that’s what you can do for me.” Lady Kerr laughed.

  Isabel left to find her friend. She opened the door to her chamber, and saw her by the window enclosure. Candace moved to her bed and flopped down upon it.

  “What’s wrong, Candace? Why are you sitting here alone?”

&nb
sp; “I’ve been thinking about Wills. He’s come and gone so many times in the last few weeks. I’ve hardly seen him. He’s been acting strange. I wonder if he regrets offering for me.”

  “Don’t be absurd, of course he wants to wed you, Candace. What do you mean he’s been acting strange?”

  “He’s been drinking much ale, his eyes look funny, and well he … um …”

  “What?”

  “Smells odd, not like himself. Believe me, I know his scent and he smells strange. It’s not like him to imbibe and I think he might regret our coming union.”

  “I’m sure he doesn’t, Candace, but I’ll ask Douglas about it. Try not to worry, all right. I’m sure it’s something simple, maybe a worry over a clan issue or some such thing.”

  Candace patted her bed. Isabel flopped down next to her, landing on her back, looking up at the ceiling.

  “So what are you about? Brendan looked angry. What did he want?”

  Isabel rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. “He wanted to know why I was avoiding your brother. I’m marrying Douglas on the morrow.”

  Candace lifted her head. “What did ye say?”

  “I said I’m marrying Douglas on the morrow.”

  “I thought that’s what you said.” Candace laughed, and hit her with a pillow.

  “That’s it, you’ve been asking for this.” Isabel smacked her with a pillow.

  Candace returned the strike with her own pillow. She hit Isabel so hard, she fell backward on the bed. She struck Candace on the side and they ended up in a riot of laughter. They both lay on the bed with feathers floating in the air around them.

  “I’m pleased for you, Isabel. You deserve to be happy.”

  “I am happy. Oh, drat, will you look at this room. Your mother will have fits if she sees it.” She scooped a handful of feathers and looked for a place to put them.

  “She probably won’t come up here, not with all the things she has to do for your wedding.”

  They spoke too soon, because Lady Kerr opened the door. “There you are. I worried that you went outside. What happened in here?”

  Both Isabel and Candace laughed. They picked up handfuls of feathers and tried to throw them at Lady Kerr. She hugged them both then scolded them for their misbehavior.

  “Honestly, you two would try a saint’s patience. Clean up this mess and come down for supper. It will only be the three of us tonight. Douglas has clan matters to see to and won’t return until late.”

  They spent the afternoon cleaning up the mess, and talking about their weddings. Supper was quiet, as only the three ladies ate, discussing the coming events. The hall seemed larger with only the three of them occupying it.

  “I’m glad Rachel returned home,” Candace said.

  “I noticed she was missing. Why did she leave?” Isabel asked.

  “She was more of a hindrance, and Candace didn’t want her here. She acted strangely, and I asked Douglas to take her home. You’ve only just noticed?”

  Isabel nodded. “I sensed a sadness about her, and I felt sorry for her. I don’t know why.” She dismissed her thoughts and finished eating.

  “Take ye to bed now. I’ll have you both rested for the morrow. Take the chess game with you, it’ll give you something to do.”

  “Mother, it’s early, the sun hasn’t disappeared yet, and I’m not tired. Are you, Isabel?”

  “Nay. Why don’t we take a walk outside and give your mother peace?”

  Even though the sun was ready to recede behind the high hills framing the sky, it was still light enough to see. They left the hall, and strode along the courtyard.

  “’Tis cold this night.” Isabel wrapped her cloak around her, warding off the chill.

  “Aye, it is. Oh, will you look at them.” Candace pointed to the beautiful horses in a makeshift corral. Six warhorses of various shades cloistered at the end of the large corral.

  “They’re huge. Are they warhorses?”

  “Aye. Colin gave them to Douglas sometime ago. They’re not trained. Let’s pet them.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. They seem dangerous.” But Isabel’s statement went unheard when Candace pulled her along, inside the corral.

  “Oh, they’re such lovely creatures. Will you look at this one? He’s black as night, nary a mark to blemish his coat.”

  Isabel watched the animal’s sleek movements. The horse snorted, its breath moistening the air. He lifted his forelegs then whinnied loudly as if he was affronted at them being inside his territory. “He’s beautiful, but obstinate. He reminds me of Brendan.”

  “Aye, my cousin is rather tenacious.”

  They laughed, and the sound alarmed the horses. Several charged toward them. Isabel grabbed Candace’s hand, pulling her to the gate.

  “Oh, drat, hurry. The beasts will run us down.” She screeched, and so did Candace.

  Just as they closed the gate, the black horse bumped it. He tried to nip at Isabel’s shoulder, but she tapped him on the nose. The beauty snorted at them and trotted away. Candace continued laughing, and she glared at her.

  “We almost didn’t make it out in time, and you’re laughing like a loon. Cease or you’ll make me laugh.”

  “It’s a good thing my mother didn’t see. She’d confine us to our rooms for a sennight.”

  “I did see. You are out to give me heart pains,” Lady Kerr scolded, then softened her voice. “Get inside before I forget how much I love ye and give you a what for.”

  They picked up their skirts and ran to the keep. They took the stairs to the upper floors.

  “Isabel, remember when we stayed at the Gordon’s and stayed up all night talking?”

  “We had such fun.” Isabel donned her sleeping gown, and brushed her hair. Candace moved to the edge of the bed, making room for her. They spent the night giggling and reminiscing over their childhood. It was a good thing too, because Isabel needed a distraction. If she slept in her own bed, she’d most likely think about her wedding night. It wasn’t something she looked forward to. Not because she was afraid of the marriage act, no, it was the simple fact that she couldn’t bear Douglas’ distain when they were together for the first time.

  Isabel awoke before Candace and slipped out of the room. After washing, changing her attire, and saying her morning prayers, she went outside. Mist floated in the air giving the morning a crisp chill. Dew drops fell from the trees overhead, but that didn’t stop Isabel from taking a stroll outdoors. The weather reflected the opposite of her mood. She was happy, and wouldn’t think about the night to come. This day was only a day for happiness. She plucked a moist blade of grass from the ground and rolled it between her fingers. At long last, her dream of marrying Douglas would come true. Nothing could dampen her spirit. She was pleased Douglas didn’t want to wait, because she wanted to get it over with. After the wedding, she’d have to face the marriage bed, but she decided to worry about that later.

  “Isabel”

  She turned at her friend’s shout. “Over here.”

  “What are you doing out on such a gloomy day? You should be inside readying for the afternoon festivities.”

  “I grew bored inside.”

  “I’m glad you’re marrying my brother. Think of it, now we’ll be sisters.”

  “Aye,” Isabel said, “I only hope Douglas won’t be disappointed.”

  “He won’t. He’s been smiling all morn. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. Come, let us get you ready. My mother will be searching for us. We’ll make you look like a queen by the time we’re finished with you.”

  Isabel was pulled along into the hall. Lady Kerr spotted them as soon as they entered and shrieked. “Where have ye been? We must get Isabel ready.” She motioned them up the stairs.

  “I found Isabel wandering in the mist. I had to drag her back inside.” Candace laughed.

  “I have a steaming bath ready for ye,” Lady Kerr said. “’Tis your day to be coddled. I wanted to give ye this.”


  Lady Kerr handed her a velvet pouch. She opened the ties and took out a jeweled headband, made of the most delicate gold with tiny jewels along the string. The shiny jewels sparkled and continued around the entire length of the gold. Isabel had never been given anything so beautiful.

  “Oh, my lady, I cannot accept this.”

  “’Twas given to me by Thomas on the day I birthed Candace. I want ye to have it.”

  “You should gift it to Candace on her wedding day,” Isabel said, trying to give the headband back.

  Lady Kerry shook her head and wouldn’t take the jewels back. “I have other fine gifts for her. It will make me happy if ye would accept it.”

  She couldn’t say nay after such a sweet gesture.

  Isabel spent the next few hours being prodded with her hair brushed until her scalp hurt. She pulled the heavy fabric of the gown over her head, feeling its weight on her shoulders. The gown was beautiful. She’d never worn such a garment before, and even the gown her aunt had made wasn’t as fine as the garment she was given to wed in. The material was that of the Kerr colors, with the bliaut, sleeves, and hem lined in a silvered threaded trim. The beautiful headband adorned her head. She whirled around the room, throwing her arms in the air.

  A knock came, and realization struck. Once she left the room, there was no turning back. Nervousness crept inside her heart, but she opened the door undeterred. She expected to see Lady Kerr or Candace, but Cedric stood there, smiling.

  “Milady, are ye ready? Our laird is fortunate in his bride. Aye, we are fortunate as well.”

  “Thank you, Cedric, I’m ready.” She turned, eying the room. Nay, she would venture forward. She turned back to Cedric and he took her arm, and led her down the hallway to the steps. When she entered the crowded hall, her courage left, she wanted badly to flee. Cedric held fast, veering her through the mass of people to the makeshift alter where Douglas and the priest awaited her.

  Father Tomas smiled. The crowd’s voices stilled when she stepped forward.

  Douglas grinned and reached to touch her hair. He took her hand, then glanced at Father Tomas, and encouraged him to start the ceremony with a sharp look.