Highland Angels

by Ceci Giltenan

  It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was nice.

  As she entered the hall for the midday meal with Davy and Mairi, Anna felt the same thrill when Andrew met them halfway across the room.

  He took her hand and walked with her to the table. “Has yer morning gone well, angel?”

  Slightly better prepared for his attention than she had been the previous evening, she smiled. “Aye, it has.”

  “I can write all my letters now and I know the sounds they make,” declared Davy with pride.

  “That is quite an accomplishment, son. Ye should be very proud.”

  “I can write all the letters too,” said Mairi.

  Andrew smiled at her. “Well done, Mairi. Very few young women can say that. Ye should be proud too.”

  Mairi beamed.

  Andrew turned his attention to Anna. “That being the case, how is it that ye learned to read and write?”

  “My da taught me.” Anna smiled at the memories of her beloved father.

  Andrew squeezed her hand.

  “He started teaching me after Tasgall went away to train. Aidan was gone too and I know Da missed them. Eoin had just returned home but he and Da butted heads.” Anna gave a wry smile. “Eoin was a bit full of himself.”

  Andrew chuckled. “I might have been when I first came home after training too.”

  Mairi threw her head back and laughed outright. “Might have been? Sometimes ye still are.”

  Andrew smiled, simply shaking his head at his audacious little sister. “So ye think he taught ye to read because Eoin tried his patience and he missed Tasgall and Aidan?”

  “All of those things might have been a part of it, but I think it was mostly because he missed Tasgall. He had taught all three of them to read, but Aidan and Eoin had always considered it a necessary chore, while Tasgall loved it. Our father had a small collection of books, as did our priest. Tasgall reread them over and over. He loved to talk about them with Da and I think that’s what Da missed most.”

  “Did ye discuss books with yer da, once ye learned to read?”

  She nodded. Again poignant memories of her father nearly took her breath away.

  Andrew put a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “I didn’t mean to make ye sad, angel.”

  Although she knew tears had filled her eyes, she smiled. “I’m not sad. I loved my da and I still miss him, but my memories are happy.”

  After they were seated at the table, Mairi leaned forward and asked quietly, “Is that why ye want me to learn to read? Because Tasgall likes to read?”

  Anna chuckled. “I want ye to learn to read because it’s a good skill to have. But, aye, I thought it might also be nice if ye enjoy reading as he does.”

  ~ * ~

  As they ate their midday meal, Andrew was struck again by what a truly remarkable woman his betrothed was. She was smart and capable—the servants now deferred to her rather than Brenda or Ena. Not only had she already embraced the role of mother to Davy, she had firmly taken Mairi under her wing too.

  And when she laughed—something he had seen far too little of—she practically sparkled.

  He had the sudden strong desire to spend more time with her.

  Near the end of the meal he said, “Davy, don’t ye think it would be a good idea if Anna went riding with us this afternoon?”

  His son nodded exuberantly. “Aye, Da.”

  “Anna, will ye join us?”

  Her face lit with a smile. “I’d love to.”

  Fearghas Chisholm called from the other end of the table. “Davy, lad, the weather is perfect to go fishing. Would ye like to come with me and my squire?”

  “Fishing? I love fishing.” Davy exclaimed. “Oh, but Da and I were going riding with Anna.”

  “Don’t worry about me. We can ride another day. Ye’ll both enjoy fishing.”

  Andrew frowned. At the moment, riding with Anna was a much more appealing prospect.

  Ena shook her head. “Nay, Anna deserves an outing. She’s been working very hard.” At her husband’s mock frown she added, “But Uncle Fearghas seldom gets to go fishing and even when he does, he has no wee lad of his own to fish with.”

  Her comment was made to the table at large, but she fixed Andrew with a piercing look.

  He had to force himself not to laugh. “I have an idea. Davy, you go fishing with Uncle Fearghas and maybe Uncle Graham too, and I’ll take Anna for a ride.”

  Ena smiled broadly. “That is an excellent idea. I should’ve thought of it myself.”

  Andrew arched an eyebrow at his interfering sister. Clearly she had thought of it herself—for which he was very thankful.

  In no time at all, the meal was over, horses were saddled and Andrew was riding through the gates of Curacridhe with Anna at his side and several guardsmen at a discreet distance.

  Surprisingly, Anna, who was never at a loss for words, seemed to have gone very quiet.

  “Ye do like riding, don’t ye Anna?” He knew she did. “I didn’t think to ask.”

  “Aye, I love it.”

  “What else do ye like to do?”

  She glanced sideways at him. “That’s an odd question.”

  “Ye think? Rumor has it we are to be married. Learning a bit more about ye doesn’t seem so very odd to me.”

  She grinned. “Rumor has it?”

  “Well, perhaps it is more than a rumor. There may be the odd contract signed, but still, a groom should know a bit about his bride.”

  “And shouldn’t the bride also know a bit about her groom?”

  He nodded. “Now that ye mention it, I suppose she should. I’ll make ye a deal—ye answer a question about yerself and then I’ll do the same.”

  “That seems fair.”

  “So my question was, other than riding, what do ye like to do?”

  “Hmm. Well, I actually do love needlework. That’s probably why I told yer da I was a seamstress right after I was captured. It was the first thing that popped into my head.”

  Damn. He didn’t want her mind to linger on the events of that day. “Aye, Mairi has mentioned how very skilled ye are. Now I believe ‘tis yer turn to ask me a question.”

  She thought for a moment and then shrugged. “I guess I’ll ask the same thing. What is something ye like to do, at which ye are very skilled?”

  “Hmm. Well, I like to go hunting—I am deadly accurate with a bow.”

  “Are ye?” There was a note of awe in her voice. “I’ve always wanted to learn to shoot a bow. Da wouldn’t let me. He said I was too small.”

  “Well it is true, the taller ye are, the longer yer arms are and the longer yer draw will be, but ye could still learn. It’s just yer arrow won’t fly as far or have the same force behind it as a taller archer’s would.” He considered her for a moment. “Would ye like to learn?”

  She grinned. “Aye, I would.”

  “Well then, things are a bit hectic now with the wedding pending, but after that, I’d be happy to teach ye.”

  She beamed at him, pleasing him beyond measure. It took a moment to remember it was his turn to ask a question. “Next question. What is—”

  “I believe the next question is mine.”

  “Nay, I don’t think so. Ye asked me what I was skilled at.”

  “Aye, I did, and then ye asked me if I wanted to learn archery. So it’s my turn again.” She gave him a cheeky grin.

  He chuckled. “I beg yer pardon, my lady. Ask away.”

  She thought for a moment. “All right, I have one. Who is your most trusted confidant?”

  He arched a brow at her. “That’s hard to answer. I am probably closest to my father and Graham. I guess it would depend on this issue. If it was something that concerned the whole clan, I would seek my father’s counsel.”

  “But what if it didn’t concern the whole clan? What if it was something personal?”

  “Hmm. Well, I suppose Graham. He would be more likely to consider what was best for me alone. My father’s decis
ions will always be tempered by what is best for the clan.”

  She looked down. “Like forcing us to marry?”

  Damn. When would he stop putting his foot in his mouth? Andrew reached out and grabbed her horse’s rein, pulling her to a stop. He looked into her beautiful green eyes, which moments ago had sparkled with laughter. “Anna, I didn’t mean to hurt ye. Still, now that ye mention it, I firmly believe Da’s decision was the best one for both of our clans. This will be a good marriage. Things have changed so much since that first day. Ye don’t fear us anymore. By all that’s holy, ye practically run Curacridhe singlehandedly, and I don’t think ye hate me anymore. It isn’t still the terrible fate ye thought it was, is it?”

  She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nay, it isn’t a terrible fate and I certainly don’t hate ye.”

  “Good, because I find I quite like ye.” He let go of her mount and started moving again. “It’s my turn for a question. What’s yer favorite food?”

  She chuckled. “That’s hard, I like to eat. I like quail but I suppose my favorite is lamb.”

  He gave a small sigh of relief, having successfully steered her towards safer topics.

  When they reached a heath beyond the village, he gave the horses a chance to run. It seemed to delight her. By the time they returned to the keep, her cheeks were flushed and the distressing topics seemed forgotten. He stopped in the bailey, dismounted, and lifted her from her mount.

  “It’s turned a bit chilly. Go inside now and warm yerself. I’ll see to the horses.” But even as he bid her leave, he couldn’t take his hands off her waist.

  “Thank ye, Andrew. I enjoyed the ride.”

  He smiled down at her. “I did too.” Staring into her eyes, he was surprised to see…was it longing? Or was he simply seeing his own longing reflected there. It was something he hadn’t felt in years. He couldn’t deny that right now he longed to take her in his arms and kiss her.

  Her voice broke through his desire. “I, uh…I should probably…well it is a bit chilly.” She seemed as befuddled by his nearness as he was by hers—and that pleased him.

  “Aye, ye probably should.” His lips brushed her cheek and he let go of her, stepping aside so she could enter the keep. “I’ll see ye at the evening meal, angel.”

  ~ * ~

  Andrew had expected Ena and her family to arrive well in advance of the wedding but was shocked when, while he tended their horses, the watch announced the arrival of the Sinclairs. Joan’s parents were nearly a fortnight early.

  He finished caring for the beasts before joining his father in the courtyard a few minutes before the visitors reached the gate. “Da, did ye know about this?”

  “Aye, I invited them.”

  “I knew ye’d invited them to the wedding, but did ye know they were coming so soon?”

  “Aye, son. I wasn’t certain of the exact day but I thought they might like to spend a bit of time with Davy before the wedding. It’ll be so hectic after the other clans begin to arrive.”

  Andrew frowned. “Ye could have warned me.”

  His father raised his brow. “Warned ye? Why on earth would ye need a warning? They’re Davy’s grandparents. Do ye begrudge them a visit?”

  Andrew shook his head. “Nay, Da.” His father was right. Davy’s grandparents saw him so rarely, Andrew knew his son would be thrilled. How could he explain to his father that the Sinclairs were just another painful reminder of the love he had lost?

  Moments later, Anna hurried out of the keep with Davy at her side. “I’m sorry, Andrew, I would have brought Davy down sooner, but he was a bit of a mess after fishing with his uncles. I wanted him to clean up a bit before greeting his grandparents.”

  Dear God. Andrew didn’t want Anna here. He wasn’t sure how the Sinclairs would react to her…or how he would react to the Sinclairs. “Ye needn’t have worried. In fact, ye’re probably still chilled from the ride. Ye can go back inside where it’s warm if ye wish. Da and I can handle this.”

  Anna smiled, but canted her head, looking a bit confused. “I fetched my mantel before coming out. I don’t mind greeting our wedding guests, and I’d like to meet them. The MacKays had no feud with the Sinclairs but they weren’t allies. Besides, once we heard they were arriving, Davy insisted that I come down with him.”

  Her presence here was perfectly reasonable. Still Andrew would have suggested again that she return to the keep, except the Sinclairs were already riding through the gates. Their sons Eller and Nivan accompanied them. Thankfully, their daughter Annice had not joined them. She was expecting a child soon and while Andrew hadn’t seen her since Joan’s funeral, again he feared the resemblance between them would stir unwelcome memories.

  His father called, “Ranulf, Lara, welcome to Curacridhe.”

  As soon as Ranulf Sinclair had lifted his wife off her horse, before Andrew or Dougal could say anything, Davy ran to her. She crouched down and caught him in her arms.

  To his shock, Andrew didn’t feel the searing pain he expected. Aye, there was an undeniable ache and a warm memory, but nothing more.

  “Granma, Granda, I want ye to meet my angel, who’s going to be my new mama.”

  Andrew stiffened, worried the Sinclairs might be upset that Anna was replacing Joan in Davy’s life. He didn’t want her hurt.

  Anna curtsied. “Good afternoon, my Lady, Laird, I’m pleased to meet ye.

  Lady Sinclair rose gracefully and, giving Anna a brilliant smile, opened her arms to her. “My precious lass, we owe ye so much, formality will not do. I’m Lara.”

  Anna blushed, as she always did when someone alluded to her having saved Davy, but returned Lara Sinclair’s hug.

  When Lara released her, Laird Sinclair took her hands in his and kissed her cheek. “Thank ye seems so very inadequate, but they are the only words I have.”

  Andrew gave a small sigh of relief and stepped forward to welcome the Sinclairs. “Davy robbed me of the opportunity to introduce her, but this is Anna MacKay, my betrothed.”

  His father introduced Anna to Eller and Nivan as well. Both young men smiled appreciatively at her and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, which somehow irritated Andrew. He should be happy that Joan’s family accepted her without reservation, but their sudden arrival left him feeling uncomfortable.

  ~ * ~

  Anna had ridden back to Curacridhe after spending the afternoon alone with Andrew, with a bit of hope burgeoning once again. Ever since returning from the strait that day, she had seldom experienced more than cool detachment from Andrew. But over the last few days, things seemed to be changing. Perhaps no one would ever be as precious to him as Joan had been, but Anna didn’t think she imagined the warmth and affection that was beginning to grow between them. Maybe she couldn’t expect the extraordinary love Fiona and Eoin had, but it seemed as if there was a bit of room in Andrew’s heart for her.

  She hadn’t been in her chamber long when Davy had come rushing in. “Anna, come quick! My grandparents are coming. In fact, they’re almost here. I want ye to meet them.”

  When she and Davy joined Andrew and Laird MacLeod in the bailey, Anna had the vague sense that Andrew hadn’t wanted her there.

  The Sinclairs had greeted her for the first time with grateful affection as most people who loved Davy did. It always made her a bit uncomfortable. She’d done what had to be done at the time—just as anyone would. Still it was always nice to be met so warmly.

  As the visitors were led inside, Anna was a little surprised when Laird Chisholm’s squire all but ran to Lara Sinclair as they entered the keep, giving her a huge hug.

  “Aunt Lara, I didn’t know ye were coming so early.”

  Lady Sinclair returned his hug. “Tadgh, ‘tis good to see ye lad. My, ye’re very grown now. Do ye like being a squire?”

  Anna smiled. She knew the lad was only about ten years old, but he stood a little taller under his aunt’s praise. “Aye, I do.”

  Once inside Anna stepped smoothly into the
role of hostess, ensuring that the Sinclairs were given comfortable guest chambers and the evening meal was held until they had the opportunity to refresh themselves. As they had not been expected to arrive this evening, she also had a quick chat with Dallis to make her aware of their additional guests.

  By the time everything was done and she too had had a moment to freshen up, Anna returned to the great hall. Laird MacLeod was carrying on a lively conversation with Fearghas Chisholm and the newly arrived Sinclairs. Andrew stood to one side, appearing to be listening, but he seemed distracted.

  His odd mood continued through dinner. The comfortable rapport that had been developing between them seemed to have fled. Anna tried to ignore it and focus on their guests. Still, she felt a keen disappointment. She feared that the Sinclair’s arrival had brought Joan to the forefront of Andrew’s thoughts, and any growing affection he might have for Anna had been firmly quashed again.

  Chapter 17

  Ena had been thrilled when it appeared Andrew was coming around where his betrothed was concerned. Anna was absolutely lovely, she had every skill necessary to serve as lady of the castle. As soon as she had been allowed to, she seemed to be happier.

  Yet after the Sinclairs had arrived the previous evening, Ena once again sensed the underlying sorrow Anna clearly tried to hide.

  Had she fooled everyone into believing she had accepted the situation? Ena couldn’t deny the way in which the betrothal came around was unpleasant, to say the least. Still, many noblewomen married strangers and often the only goal for those arranging the union was the political advantage it represented. Did Anna hide her true feelings while only trying to assimilate into the clan because it was expected of her?

  Nay. The lass was more open and forthright than any she had ever met.

  Ena had also ruled out simple incompatibility as the cause. Anna was open and loving—she seemed to like Andrew. Perhaps it was Andrew who didn’t care for Anna.

  Ena chuckled at this thought. Over the last few days, Andrew looked like a man who was clearly smitten. His eyes followed Anna whenever she was in the room. Ena had intentionally kept his betrothed away from him during mealtimes for several days and was thrilled when he put a stop to it.