Never Kiss a Highlander

by Michele Sinclair

  Conor and Laurel McTiernay had not come alone. They had brought their priest, Father Lanaghly, and based on the jokes that Conor was making, a slew of soldiers, including several friends Hamish used to work, train, and even battle alongside. Introductions had felt non-ending and Mairead could not remember a single name. Only that she had gotten several offers that they would be back for her in a year in case Hamish had driven her nuts with his sword polishing by then.

  Mairead’s mind had been spinning, seeking some kind of explanation for the reason behind Laird and Lady McTiernay’s impromptu arrival. What she had deduced was that their visit was not just a visit. Hamish had sent for them. And that sent an intense wave of fear through her that she could not easily dismiss.

  He had been so adamant about refusing to ask McTiernays to risk their lives for non-McTiernay matters that it could only mean the Mackay situation was truly dire. And yet, both Hamish and Conor seemed to act as if the pending battle was the equivalent of a mild squabble between farmers.

  Mairead had nearly fallen over when she heard Conor say, “I take it then that you’re thinking about confronting Mackay soon.”

  Without pause or concern, Hamish nodded nonchalantly. “Aye. Tomorrow if you’re up to it. We were waiting on you.”

  Conor slapped his hands together and rubbed them with glee. “I haven’t been this excited about a plan in years. I cannot wait to see how it will all turn out.”

  Hamish returned his grin. “It should be quite a bit of fun.” Conor beamed in agreement. “There’s no reason to wait now that you are here. Amon will send the men to the ridge tonight, right in sight of the border. Mackay will have no choice. He’s expecting me to make a move and has been making preparations for it.”

  Conor rocked back on his heels. “I want to ride out there now and see where it will all take place.” He elbowed Hamish in the side. “I’m glad this happened for many reasons, but one is Donald Mackay. He’s someone I’ve wanted to meet for some time, especially if everything I’ve been told about the man is true.”

  The next thing Mairead felt were Hamish’s lips on her cheek as he told her that he would see her later that night for dinner and to save the welcome feast for the next night when all of this would be over.

  Then Hamish was gone, along with Conor and all the other men in the great hall. Even Father Lanaghly had decided to ride with them. With a long white beard and warm dark eyes surrounded by wrinkles, he was far from young, but he did not act like it. The man was unlike any priest Mairead had ever heard of. Most stayed in their chapel and away from clan matters, but the McTiernay priest was unnaturally curious to see the grounds where several men might be lying dead the next day.

  By the time the great hall doors closed again, only she, Selah, and Laurel remained behind. The sudden drop in noise level was unnerving, but Mairead was the only one who seemed to notice it. When Selah suggested that they sit down by the fire to talk, Mairead had been glad, for her mind had ceased to work. Her husband was out with his old laird and a priest, and they were eagerly planning a war with one of the most powerful clans in the northern Highlands. A war that Hamish had intentionally instigated.

  Mairead pivoted and moved to follow Selah and Laurel to the main hearth and the large chairs ready and waiting to be used. She wanted to rest, but more important she had questions—ones she prayed Laurel had answers to.

  Mairead waved her hand for everyone to sit down. Laurel glided to the chair next to her and sat down. Selah, however, pointed to the back entrance that led to the kitchens. “I’ll return in just a moment. I’m going to see if there is some bread and cheese available for us to nibble on.” The McTiernays had arrived just in time for the noon meal, but Mairead had been so overwhelmed, she had not eaten enough to last until dinner and suspected neither had Selah due to the excitement. “I have a feeling dinner might be late tonight.”

  Mairead bristled. Selah was once again making decisions as if she were still the lady of the castle. Aye, she was proving to be a better hostess, but that role was not hers anymore and Mairead was tired of trying to claim it when it should have been willingly given. This is what Selah wanted! What she and Robert had schemed so hard for! Mairead knew it was hard on Selah—it would be on anyone, but Mairead had respected her position for years. Why could her sister not do the same for her? Mairead was going to have to say something, and soon, but now there were other priorities.

  Mairead glanced at Selah, sending her sister a look that spoke volumes, but like the other times, Selah just ignored it. Now is not the time, Mairead thought to herself, and took a deep breath to more personally welcome her unexpected guest.

  Laurel McTiernay was eyeing her carefully. Mairead knew Laurel had picked up on the tension, but she had said nothing. She was close to Selah’s age, perhaps a few years older, but she saw neither judgment nor pity in them. Just simple recognition of what was happening.

  It was probably that more than anything that made Mairead yearn to be like Lady McTiernay. It was not that she was the most beautiful woman Mairead had ever seen—though gorgeous, long blond hair and deep storm-colored eyes were enviable qualities. So was her wit. From the few pleasantries they had exchanged and what she heard her say to Hamish and the others, the woman was intelligent and kind, yet also comfortable with sarcastic banter. But it was Laurel’s calm assurance, mixed with self-confidence and wisdom, that Mairead wished to emulate.

  Without any apology, Laurel kicked off her shoes, curled her legs underneath her, and leaned back to rest her head on the back of the chair. She took a deep breath and sighed. “I hope you do not mind me getting comfortable, but is it terrible to admit that after traveling for several days and being on my feet the past hour, that this room, its fire, and this very comfortable chair are just what I needed?” She flashed Mairead a smile that compelled one to return it.

  Mairead blinked. “I . . . I . . .” she stammered. She barely knew Laurel McTiernay, but she really did like her style. Probably because it was much like her own—direct.

  Mairead decided that if the woman could show up at her doorstep without warning, clutch her husband to her breast for several seconds, and then kick off her shoes in front of her fire, then she would not object to Mairead also being herself. “I actually want to do the same thing.” Mairead kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet underneath her, no longer feeling anxious about doing or saying the wrong thing.

  Laurel waved an index finger at her and said knowingly, “You have questions.”

  “So do I!” Selah called out from behind them, pulling the small side table that was next to Mairead to be where all of them could reach. She then moved out of the way so that the servants could put down the platter of meat, cheese, and bread. Once they were alone again, she said, “I wanted to ask you about Father Lanaghly.”

  Mairead glared at her sister. Selah held the glare and then nonchalantly picked up a piece of meat and stacked it on a small piece of bread. Then she saw Mairead’s comfortable position, issued her a stern, reproving glare of her own, and waved a finger at her feet. It did not seem to matter to her that Laurel was also sitting similarly.

  Mairead fought to calm her temper and ignore her sister. “I do have quite a few questions, Lady McTiernay.”

  Laurel’s eyes grew large. “Please call me Laurel, for I think us calling each other by our titles will quickly rankle us both.”

  Mairead smiled gratefully. “After what I just witnessed, I think most of my questions should be directed to someone else.” There was no doubt by the tone of her voice that Mairead was speaking about her husband.

  Laurel laughed with delight. “I take it that Hamish did not tell you we were coming or what his plans were.”

  Mairead licked her lips and gave a quick shake of her head.

  Laurel’s sigh conveyed her sympathy. “As far as what is taking place tomorrow, you probably know more than I for Conor is still vexed that I not only made him take me with him, but I insisted on stopping to see Cole on
the way. As a result, he has decided to keep much of the details to himself as a way to chastise me.” Laurel bent over and grabbed a piece of cheese, grinning as she popped it in her mouth. “It’s not working,” she said with satisfaction after she swallowed. “But here is what I know. We received a message from Hamish approximately a week ago that he had married, assumed lairdship of his clan, and was going to remain at Foinaven. There were no details, just that everything had all transpired amicably and was something that Selah and Robert were comfortable with.”

  Selah smiled with pride. “Robert actually planned the outcome.”

  Laurel gave her a quick look of being impressed and then continued. “And that while there was no issue between him and his younger brother, there was one brewing with your neighbors the Mackays,” Laurel continued. “Hamish then requested that Conor come join him and while I know there was much more to that part of the message, those are the details that I have not been told. All I know is that Conor is not acting like he does when there is a battle looming, which means he is here to help Hamish do something else. Do not ask me what. Conor loves being cryptic, especially when I rile him. But he should have known that I was never going to accept being left behind.”

  Mairead quirked a brow. She really liked Laurel McTiernay. For so long, she had thought a laird’s wife needed to be sweet and gentle, possessing the decorum of her older sister. Kindness Mairead could do, but sweet and soft-spoken? She could periodically fake it, but long term it was just not her.

  “At least Conor has told you something.” Mairead sighed, her frustration showing. “Hamish enjoys keeping me in a state of ignorance, but I am aware of the situation our men are facing tomorrow enough to know that it is very dangerous and many lives are potentially going to be lost.”

  Laurel did not debate the possibility, just tilted her head and said, “We will just have to wait and see.”

  “I just wish that Hamish at least acted like he understood the threat the Mackays pose. They outnumber us and their army I am sure is far more experienced and skilled. Hamish just has not had the time to build up ours, and yet he was the one to pick this fight. Or at least rush it into happening.”

  Laurel’s lips thinned. “McTiernay men have their weaknesses, but strategy is not one of them. I trust Conor.”

  Mairead’s back stiffened into what she knew was a more defensive posture, but she could not help it. “Hamish is a McTiernay in all ways but name and your husband proved it when he said that Hamish’s plan was a good one.”

  Selah sucked in her breath disapprovingly at Mairead’s harsh tone. But rather than being offended by Mairead’s brusque comment, it warmed Laurel’s features. “I like you,” she said with complete sincerity. “More important, I’m glad Hamish has you. He needs someone who loves him enough to defend him.”

  Mairead instantly relaxed. “I just wish I knew what was going on.”

  Selah was shocked by what she was hearing. “Robert and I share everything. We have no secrets.”

  Laurel turned her head toward Selah. “Then you truly are fortunate you married the right brother, for Hamish would have driven you quite mad. The man adores his secrets. So does Conor and the wicked side of me is so glad he does.”

  Mairead chuckled, completely understanding what Laurel was saying. “Selah, you should consider keeping one or two from Robert. Ferreting secrets out can be mutually pleasurable.”

  Selah frowned at her.

  Laurel leaned forward. “So you have been trying to find out.”

  Mairead quirked a brow. “I have been quite inventive, but nothing has worked as of yet. Until I heard what I did this afternoon, it had been fun. But I did not know that Hamish was so eager to meet danger. It scares me.”

  “I have been trying as well, but Conor has been unusually impervious to my attempts. I am extremely curious for I have never seen Conor so eager to set out on an uncomfortable journey, especially north in the middle of the winter. I know why I was eager, but I doubt that is the same reason Conor has.”

  Mairead was curious. “Why did you make the trip?”

  “Well, I was not about to let Conor leave me behind and rob me of the chance to meet you, Hamish’s bride.” Laurel sat back and her face took on a look of pure pleasure. “It was one of Conor’s and my better rows for it lasted nearly a day. What an incredible night. I pray that you and Hamish have several good arguments in your future. They can be so much fun . . . in the end.”

  Mairead nodded knowingly.

  Selah just sat there with her mouth agape, her eyes shifting back and forth between the two women. She could not imagine anything fun about having a daylong fight with Robert. When she said as much, Laurel looked at her sympathetically and with all seriousness said, “For two people as passionate about each other as you and Robert are, you would absolutely love a good fight.”

  * * *

  Several hours later, Mairead scanned the great hall. She had seen it full before, during holidays and celebratory events, such as the birth of Rab, but never had she seen it used to host a visiting clan’s laird and his men. It felt right. Robert had built the massive hall to be used in such a way and it was a shame it never had. But what was being served was a crime—and it was one that had been committed by her sister.

  Clenching her fists, Mairead looked down at the food on her plate. This afternoon, in the kitchens, Selah had done much more than just put together a tray of food. Mairead should have known Selah would do something like this.

  Since Mairead had assumed the role of lady of the castle, the meals at Foinaven had dramatically improved. She had removed the two men causing most of the problems in the kitchen, one with his drunkenness on stolen ale and the other exceptionally lazy with his belligerence to all, and it had instantly improved things. Hellie’s instructions were no longer ignored and drowned out by a constant barrage of loud, snide comments. The young man and woman she had replaced them with were new to the castle, but not to food preparation as they each came from very large families and had been one of the primary cooks. Mairead knew neither family wanted to lose the help, but the wages were needed and they had other children who were eager to take their siblings’ role as a cook.

  Mairead had made similar changes throughout the castle. Adiran now had two additional stable boys to help him with all the work. The candlemaker finally had two decent apprentices as did the blacksmith. While neither job was a pleasant one, all the young men now employed understood the value of learning and mastering a craft other than being tied to farming and fishing—something the ones before them had not.

  The difficulty of making these changes lay not in knowing what to do or even who to choose to dismiss—it had been Selah. Her own sister would speak to the ones she let go and tell them that she would set things to right and speak with Mairead, who was new to the role. New to the role! For years, she had been doing most of the duties of lady of the castle. It was not she who needed to be set right, it was Selah! And it was past time that it happened.

  “How dare you!” Mairead growled. Everyone at the main table heard her as well as the vehemence that had come with those three words. Mairead slammed her fist on the table and rose to her feet. She glared at her sister. “How dare you!” Now she had everyone’s attention, but Mairead did not care. Her eyes were locked on Selah. “This time you have gone too far. It is one thing to constantly to irritate me with your inability to let go, but it is another when your interference embarrasses my husband, your laird, and starves men who are going into battle the next day!”

  Selah’s face morphed from one of shock to indignation. “I did no such thing!”

  “Do you deny that you changed my kitchen staff this afternoon and rehired Einns and Torphin behind my back, without my permission—without even asking?”

  Hamish felt Robert bristle next to him as his brother tried to decide what to do. Whatever Robert decided, Hamish would not let him interfere. He was thrilled Mairead was finally addressing the problem between her and S
elah. She had been keeping it inside for a few weeks now and he had known that at some point she was going to explode. He had not expected it to happen in the middle of the great hall with close friends and visitors, but at this point, he did not care. He was tired of being the one to listen to all her frustrations every evening as she paced the floor telling him of a new counteraction Selah had taken. Hamish had considered telling Selah himself that she needed to stop, but he had been too busy with other matters to get into the squabbles of castle life. So this eruption was welcomed and Hamish was not going to let anyone prematurely end it.

  “I deny nothing.” Selah’s back was straight and she held her head high. It was clear that she was embarrassed but refused to cave to Mairead’s withering stare. She rose to her feet. “Since they were new to the kitchens, I sent the two you hired to help with the cleaning of your old chambers for Laird and Lady McTiernay to use during their stay. And then I asked Einns and Torphin to assume their old duties because I knew how much work needed to be done. Just as I knew how much suffering both men had gone through since they lost their positions. You would too if you had listened to me.”

  I knew, Mairead repeated the words under her breath. Well, she knew quite a few things as well and it was time for her sister to learn what one of them was. “Well, I know that you gave up the right to make those decisions. I know that I am lady of Foinaven, not you, and I know that no one but Hamish or I can instruct, counsel, or hire and dismiss any staff within these walls. And that includes you, Selah. This is your home and always will be, but you no longer have a role of authority here. And unlike you when you were in charge of this castle, I don’t want or need your help.”

  The silence in the room was oppressive, but both women ignored the eyes and all the held breaths. Robert was the first to speak. “You cannot talk to my wife that way. Selah did nothing to cause this outburst and she certainly did nothing to embarrass you or Hamish. It is your behavior that should be admonished, Mairead. Not Selah’s.”