Chapter Twenty
"Good day tae ye, Ian." Edan was standing just inside the doorframe. The solid oak leg for his bench felt good in his hand. As it was shorter than a regular leg his reach with it would be shorter.
The horse was still fighting the hold Smith had on the reins. Dropping its hindquarters slightly, the animal arched its neck against the unrelenting pressure of the bit. Edan knew it would take little to put Ian on the ground. The horse was already on the ragged edge.
All slowed around him. Edan waited for a response from Ian as he listened to the hoof beats behind come to a sudden halt. "Anderson." Edan acknowledged Jamie's arrival.
"I expected ye sooner than this, Smith. As ye can see, we're settling in." Edan wanted a response from Smith. "'Twas ah fair deal. Thank ye, Ian."
"Fair?" Smith yelled, causing the horse to rear. Not realizing the danger he was in, Smith jerked on the reins and the animal almost went over backward. Slamming its head from side to side, the horse loosened the man's hold on the reins. It came down hard on stiff fore legs, causing Smith to grab two handfuls of mane.
Kicking his legs free of the stirrups, Smith slid from the saddle and took several quick steps away from the bucking animal. Keeping his eye on Smith, Edan caught the flicker of movement near the rowan tree.
He knew Rhona sent Blane to warn him. Since Anderson was there, she must have sent Adie for Jamie as well. If possible, she would see to the horse. Now, he needed to calm Smith down and get the man off and away.
Edan moved quickly through the door. Smith was breathing heavily. Fists at his sides, he advanced several steps toward Edan, then stopped. Still keeping Edan in his peripheral vision, Ian turned toward Anderson.
"Ye were tae return. I had things for ye tae do. Are ye sniffing up tha skirts of MacGrough's women?"
"Haud yer wheesht! Nae disrespect on my land, Smith." Edan took a step toward Smith as he spoke. "Ye're ah guest here. Dinnae make yurself unwelcome before ye're inside tha door."
Jamie stayed mounted and held his position. Ian had to turn his head to look full at either of them. "If ye wish tae discuss tha matter with me, I'd be pleased tae do so on my land. Tha field is mine, Smith. MacGrough has naught tae do with this business."
"Ye bloody wee bastard! How did ye come by tha field? It should be part o' tha entire parcel."
Jamie grinned at Ian, causing Smith to growl at him. "Aye. At one time 'twas. But ye see, my uncle deeded it over tae me, afore he deeded tha cottage an backland over tae ye. All took place shortly, afore he gave ye tha cottage an all. I had nae real knowledge of tha matter until ah bit later."
"Ye're ah bunch of lying thieving highland filth! Get doon, Anderson, I'll crack yur lug for ye."
"So long as ‘tis only me ye're trying tae buair here. MacGrough had nae information on tha matter until we arrived here. 'Tis nae Edan's fight." Jamie's horse backed a few steps and he had to rein it in to keep it from moving further away from the angry man on the ground.
Smith turned to stare at Edan. "Ye said naught. Neither of ye came tae me."
Edan shook his head. "Ye can easily see I've nae time tae be traipsing tae Gruggie's Burn for conversation over something which is nae my business. An who should I have sent tae bring ye word of something which shouldnae concern me, Adie perhaps?"
Smith's unruly red head swung in Jamie's direction. "Ye cheated me! Your uncle an ye, both cheated me!"
Turning his head in Edan's direction, the big man bunched his fists as he glared at Edan. "Ye owe me! I took tha lot of ye in, fed ye an gave ye good honest work. An this is tha repayment I get?"
"Honest work? As far as the feeding of us, we ate our own grub what we brought with us. An I ken ye worked my women far tae hard. While tha lads an I worked, until we could see nae more, ye worked pregnant an old women until they near dropped. Ye should be content I didnae come visiting when I found out. Tha result might nae have been tae yur liking."
"Ye're naught but ah cripple! Do ye think tae hurt ah whole man?" Smith turned to face Edan fully. He brought up his right fist, then shook it at Edan.
Edan heard the creak of Jamie's saddle, as he dismounted. He understood what Smith was trying to do. It would not work. He had been called far worse for years and he was ready to give the other man a reason to stay far away from him. Motioning with his left hand, Edan urged Smith forward.
"It will be ah tale tae tell, tha great Ian Smith bested by ah cripple. If ye think ye can manage it, laddie, come ahead." Edan grinned at Smith.
The other man's face turned bright red, as he ran toward Edan. At the last possible moment, Edan pivoted on the ball of his left foot. Smith's punch failed to connect and he was off balance. Edan brought the oak leg he still held in his right hand across the back of Smith's head.
Stumbling forward, Smith reached back to feel his head and found himself with both arms over his head. Edan’s hands were at the base of his neck, his arms inside of Smith's. Ian stood quietly, MacGrough could easily break his neck.
"Aye. 'Tis better. I've nae wish tae be enemies here. This is nae my fight. Think on this, if ye're worried anyone will discover this took place, we ken none in this village. Anderson is ah newcomer, as well. It was ah fair deal for all. Anderson's uncle, tha one in America, is tha person ye need tae speak with. Leave be, Smith. Go quietly an none will be tha wiser."
Edan continued to apply the pressure needed to keep the other man still. Smith's breathing slowed until he finally drew a deep breath.
"Ye're quick, MacGrough. I'm thinking ye're nae crippled tae tha extent ye wish others tae think. Are ye ready tae turn me loose?"
"Are ye ready tae give over being angry over tha bloody field? God's teeth, Smith, ye well ken, ye got tha better of us here. An, this is nae my fight, as ye're quite aware."
Smith attempted to move slightly and stilled when the hands at the base of his skull pushed forward and his arms bent further back.
"How long have ye been lame, MacGrough?" Ian asked quietly.
"Nearly from birth. I've had ah very long time tae get used tae it."
The other man sighed. "I ken. Ye're right, tha scumbag I need tae be takin apart has put himself far across tha ocean. Turn me loose, I'll keep my hands tae myself."
Jamie walked up to stand in front of Smith. "I've nae quarrel with ye. Truly, 'tis my uncle who set this up. But farming is something I ken. I'll do far better here than trying tae keep my head down an mouth shut at yur place. Ye nae want me working for ye, I'm far tae loose lipped."
"Och. I'm done. Loose me, Edan."
Edan released his hold on Smith and stepped back quickly, kicking the oak leg to one side, as he moved away.
Turning his head from Edan to Jamie, Ian Smith snorted. "Bald faced liars, tha both of ye. Aye, but there's somewhat of truth in the whole of it. Enough tae keep Tally from taking tha skin from me bones an inch at ah time. So, we'll keep tha story all tha same, if anyone asks. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Both Edan and Jamie spoke at once.
Smith looked around for his horse.
Rhona was waiting for the man to begin looking for the animal. She walked forward, leading the now docile horse forward. "He's ready, but ye might go easier on tha bit. His mouth is ah wee mite sore."
Grunting as he took the reins from her hand, Smith looked at her. "Thank ye for catching him up."
"Nae problem. I'm happy tae help ah friend." Backing away, Rhona found it hard to keep a straight face, as the man swung up into his saddle.
"Friend? Ha! Steer clear of me for a bit, keep yur stories straight with mine an we'll nae be enemies. We'll consider being acquaintances for ah while." The man reined his horse around and kicked it into a fast walk.
The women who were waiting, clustered around the cottage's front door, surged forward. Daracha was the first to reach Edan. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly on the mouth. Placing his arms around her, Edan pulled her tightly against his bare chest.
Rhona felt a sharp pain near h
er heart at the sight. She turned away and began to walk toward the rowan tree. The book was still there in the pouch. She needed to collect it and take it upstairs back to her room. Head down, to keep from seeing the couple hugging in the yard, Rhona fled into the quiet of the cottage.
Lifting his glance from Daracha's face, Edan watched Rhona slip away into the cottage. She had done well. He would thank her for her help later. To his right, Rut was standing with both hands wrapped around her swollen belly, as she and Jamie stared at one another.
Daracha's hands ran up and down his back. Edan broke the kiss and stepped back from her slightly. "Tis over, lass, an I've work tae be getting back tae. Tha bench is nae going tae build its self."
She colored slightly as she backed away from him. Chin up, she grinned at her husband before reaching down and picking up the piece of wood.
Daracha handed the oak bench leg to Edan with a chuckle. "Do ye think ye might have dented it? Smith has ah devilish hard lug."
Taking the leg from her hand, Edan returned her smile. "Nae. 'Tis good solid oak an I dinnae hit tha bugger as hard as I might have."
"Ye're going back tae work then?" she asked.
"Certainly wife. Tha day's only half over. I'll have both benches done before tha work day is through."
She wanted to ask about his leg. Edan saw it in her eyes. "'Tis fine, Daracha. Now, get back tae yur weaving. I'm planning tae make tha market in town before tha week is spent."
Deliberately, Edan stepped forward on his right leg and reached out to run a hand down her cheek. All his weight was on that leg and she was aware of it. With a nod, she took his hand, placed a kiss in his palm and turned to go back inside.
Knowing he was dragging his heel, Edan turned to walk back into the shop. There was a bit of an ache in his upper thigh and calf muscle. Tonight, the horseradish salve would be necessary.
Adie and Blane came running over. Their small faces were shinning, as they looked up at him. Edan realized he had other things to teach both boys. They did need to know how to take care of themselves. The days were far too short for all he needed to do.
Rut turned and was the last one to go back into the cottage. Jamie was still standing in the yard, holding his horse's reins, as he watched the pregnant young woman. There was another matter he needed to address.
Edan called out to Anderson. "We need to talk. Tonight, come eat with us. Then we'll talk."
"Aye. An, I've ah field tae tend tae in tha meantime. Tonight, MacGrough." Anderson mounted and left. Edan walked back into his shop with his apprentices.
Chapter Twenty - One
"Ye're ah hard man, Edan. Would ye truly have killed Smith?" Both men lounged on stools before the fire, cradling tankards of ale. The women had retired. Edan knew Daracha waited on him and hoped this talk with Anderson would not take long.
Stretching his right leg out before him, Edan glanced over at Jamie. "Tell me, what ye would have done, Jamie?"
The other man smiled over at him. "Likely tha same. But, in truth, it was my fight an ye baited tha bastard. Calling him "laddie" was more than tha man could bear. Why?"
"Simple enough, respect. What do ye think Smith is likely tae tell anyone who asks, what he kens of MacGrough?"
"Och! He'll nae be saying ye're an easy mark. I see yur aim here. That has its merits."
A bit of half burned coal fell out of the center of the mound of coals in the fireplace. Edan reached out with the long handled coal shovel, scooped it up and deposited it back into the center of the fire.
"Tha coal fair stinks. I'm nae happy burning tha cac, but wood is tae expensive tae burn." Edan grumbled.
"Truly. I've taken ah room with ah widow lady down tha road. I had tae pay her ah bit more tae get in ah load of tha stuff. Ah handful was all she was going tae give me tae warm tha place at night. I think she was fair starving."
Jamie's mention of a "widow" gave Edan the opening he was seeking. "An, speaking of widows, it seems tae me ye have taken ah great interest in Rut. Waiting until tha bairns make their appearance, are ye?"
"Damn it! MacGrough, I'd nae intention of speaking of this, so soon. 'Tis nae been that long since her man died. I dinnae want to presume tae much tae soon." Jamie glared at Edan.
"Och! I'm thinking Rut has noticed ye. But, none is going tae pressure any MacGrough woman, so long as I'm alive tha care for them. I take my duties as laird of this wee family seriously. Which includes tha unborn. I ken she is carrying twins. Male or female, it matters little tae me. They are part of tha clan, MacGroughs."
Jamie took another sip from his tankard, then balanced it on his knee. "An ye wish tae ken my intentions toward tha bairns an Rut." The blonde man nodded his head in Edan's direction.
"I do. What do ye intend tae do about tha twins, providing they live, God willing." Edan finished the ale and placed the empty tankard to one side.
"I'd nae given tha matter much thought. Seems tae me ye might be putting tha cart before tha horse. What if she doesnae want me?" Jamie asked the question in a much softer voice.
"Dinnae fash yurself over her wanting ye. I think ye're on target there. I will ask her when tha time comes for it. But, I want us clear on tha matter of the bairns." Edan scooted around on the stool to face Anderson.
"Pushy bastard! I suppose ye want an answer this night." Jamie thumped the tankard on the floor beside him.
"I'll give ye until tha lump of coal I pushed back into tha fire becomes ash. Then I want an answer. Without one, ye can keep yur distance from all MacGrough womenfolk."
Anderson leaned forward. "God's teeth, man. Ye've the nerve of ah damn MacFarlane. Next, ye'll be out reiving cattle under tha full moon!"
Edan laughed heartily. "I'll nae be taking advantage of MacFarlane's lantern, nae yet anyway. My woman would pluck me like ah chicken. But I'll have an answer from ye. Best consider quickly, tha lump is burning away here."
Jamie growled an obscenity at him. Edan simply smiled as he propped his right foot on his left one. Quietly letting Anderson stew for a few minutes, Edan watched the fire. Then he glanced back at Anderson.
"I've ah observation that might help, if ye care tae hear it." Edan said calmly.
"'Tis doubtful I've ah choice in tha matter. Spit tha damn thing out!"
"Ye're nae going tae claim "Sinclair" affiliation again, an MacGrough could use another man. 'Tis ah wee mite lonely with only tha lads tae back me up. An I like ye, Anderson. Mind, I'd nae be looking for ye tae call yurself MacGrough."
"Och! Tell me, MacGrough, how in tha name of all that's holy, did ye nae get bigger than an handful if they were all as brash as ye?"
"Tae names. MacNab an Campbell. Worse yet, Campbell is kin. My mither was ah Campbell." Edan said with a slight sigh. "'Twas Campbell who took all tha livestock while MacGrough was being butchered."
Jamie was silent for a moment. Then he sighed as well. "Campbell. That answers part of my question. Ye're as bold as any of tha lot of them. An, ye're right. I've nae clan tae call my own. I might as well be ah MacGrough as aught else. Are ye content now?"
"As much as possible. I've nae established myself here. Customers are nae beating down tha door. I've enough furniture tae make for me own, an for others an lads tae teach an train. Tha stool ye're rocking on was put taegether by Adie."
With a laugh, Jamie stood. "Well, I did wonder. 'Cause if ye made it, ye had better pick another occupation. As tae training tha lads, I'll lend ah hand. Nae tae sure about being seen teaching them how tae handle ah sword, mind. But, dirks an fists should be good enough."
"It will do for now. Thank ye, Jamie. Make ah habit of eating with us. It'll give ye more time with Rut. For now, I'm off tae my bed. I've ah woman waiting."
The two men embraced. After Jamie left, Edan barred the front door behind him. Making his way up the stairs to his pallet, Edan felt the throbbing in his leg increase because of the stairs. Limping more than usual, he made his way into the bedroom.
Daracha waited with one candle bur
ning. When he entered the room, she lit two more and placed them by the head of the bed. With deft fingers, she undid his trews and pulled them down. One hand braced on her shoulder, Edan let her remove his pants. She stripped his shirt up over his head.
As she tossed it to one side, he carefully lowered himself to the bed. "Tha first thing I'm going to make is ah bed. Tha floor is ah long way down." With a heavy sigh, Edan stretched out on the pallet.
Daracha undid the lacing of the brace and gently eased his leg out of it. "Ye're ah great lump of ah man. But, I was proud of ye, besting Smith tha way ye did. He'll nae be spreading tales round about on ye."
He watched her take some of the salve and spread it on her palms. Then she straddled him and began to run the ointment into the muscles of his leg. It took a moment for the warmth to seep into his aching muscles.
Strong fingers probed for sore spots and those places got special attention. "What else went on with ye and Anderson? Was he unhappy with ye for fighting his battle for him?"
Putting one hand behind him, Edan pulled a pillow up under his head. Closing his eyes, he tried to relax and breathe through the pain. "Nae. But he wasnae happy when I gave him an ultimatum, put his allegiance with MacGrough or steer clear."
"Dear Lord! That is rich! Well, what did he choose?"
Opening his green eye, Edan grinned at Daracha. Putting his left hand behind her head, he fisted the red braid and pulled her face to his. "He chose Rut, as any sane man would. Unless," he ran his tongue across her bottom lip, then twisted Daracha's head to the side and kissed her. "Unless he had ye to choose from."
When he released her, Daracha was braced on her forearms on his chest. "Push me back up, luv. My hands are full of tha salve, an I dinnae wish tae get ye covered in tha stuff. I've ah other things tae do with ye."
The Twisted Laird Page 14