Highland Betrayal

by Markland, Anna

  This sounded as complicated as Welsh feuding, so he hadn’t pursued it, especially since it involved the very king who’d been blown up by his own bombard.

  Apparently sensing his lack of interest, she went on. “The Duke of Albany was later imprisoned in the same tower for plotting against his brother, King James III.”

  He’d yawned. “Really?”

  “But he escaped. Got the guards drunk, climbed out through a window and lowered himself down with a rope.”

  Morgan recalled these anecdotes as he paced the small hall in David’s Tower, filled with a sense of foreboding. An hour ago he’d been instructed to deliver the Earl of Glenheath there; a verdict had been rendered and sentencing was to be pronounced.

  While walking with the earl and his guards to the tower he’d looked up to the high windows, his belly roiling at the notion of a man climbing down from such dizzying heights.

  “Cease pacing, laddie,” Glenheath hissed. “’Twill make no difference.”

  “But I’m the one convinced you to surrender. I’d hoped…”

  “Aye, weel. As long as I’m alive, there’s hope.”

  Morgan had once thought he’d exhibit similar stoicism in the face of death, but Hannah’s presence in his life had put paid to that notion. He wanted to live a long and happy life with her.

  He came to attention next to Hannah’s uncle when Abbott strode in, flanked by several thin-faced greybeards he suspected were elders from the Kirk. They looked exactly like his image of John Knox. They took their seats at a long, highly polished table. A few coughed nervously. Abbott shuffled papers, then looked directly at Glenheath. “Munro Cunynghame, Earl of Glenheath, are you prepared to hear the findings of this court?”

  “Aye, get on wi’ it.”

  “Firstly, the charges.”

  Morgan’s amputated finger began to ache after the first five minutes of the diatribe about treason, sedition, wilful this, plotting that. After ten minutes he’d have gladly cut off the digit if it hadn’t already been snipped.

  “Now the verdict.”

  Morgan snapped his attention back to the proceedings. One of the John Knoxes had nodded off.

  “Guilty on all counts.”

  Morgan pressed his lips together, struggling to keep his mouth shut. He glanced at Glenheath who stared into nothingness, his face devoid of expression.

  The dozing Knox was elbowed awake by a colleague who passed a document into his hands. He stared at it as if it was written in Greek then hauled himself to his feet. “It falls to me to pronounce sentence.” He cleared his throat, then cleared it again.

  Morgan clenched his fists, outraged by the trace of a smile tugging at the corners of Abbott's lips.

  “Munro Cunynghame, you are hereby stripped of the title Earl of Glenheath.”

  The earl nodded, his jaw clenched.

  “Your lands and buildings at Kilmer are hereby forfeit to the Commonwealth.”

  Glenheath nodded again.

  “You and the men currently incarcerated with you in Edinburgh Castle are sentenced to imprisonment beginning this day for a term of five years.”

  Sweat trickled down Morgan’s spine; he inhaled air into gasping lungs. Abbott had never intended Glenheath go to the block.

  “And my men in Aberdeen?” the earl asked without a trace of emotion.

  The church elder slanted the document as if seeking more light to find the answer.

  “Same sentence,” Abbott replied. “Do you accept the findings of this court?”

  “Aye,” Glenheath replied gruffly.

  The guards took him by the arms, ready to lead him away, but Abbott held up his hand. “There is one more matter to settle before we adjourn.”

  The other members of the panel turned to look at him, their frowns betraying that they had no idea what was coming next. It confirmed Morgan’s suspicions that Cromwell’s hand lay behind this drama.

  “Step forward, Colonel Pendray.”

  Morgan’s belly lurched as he obeyed. He hadn’t anticipated charges being brought against him.

  “The Commonwealth finds itself in possession of lands in Ayrshire it has neither the means nor the inclination to manage.”

  Morgan swallowed the lump in his throat.

  “Since Mrs. Pendray is familiar with those lands the court deems it advisable to give them over into your capable hands.” He handed Morgan a scroll. “As a reward for your service to the Commonwealth, you are hereby invested with the deed of ownership of Kilmer Castle and environs with all the rights and responsibilities attached thereto. Kilmer will belong to you and your heirs and assigns forever.”

  Fearing he was perhaps dreaming, Morgan accepted the scroll. “I didn’t expect this, sir. I don’t know what to say.”

  Glenheath chuckled. His chains rattled when he slapped Morgan on the back. “Say thank ye, laddie.”

  “Aye, thank you, sir,” he managed, wondering how soon he could escape to run and tell Hannah the news.

  He was still trying to steady his breathing when the smiling earl was led away and the elders filed out in silence, leaving him alone with Abbott.

  “You knew Glenheath has no issue.”

  “Of course, but on his death your wife would have no legal claim to the castle. It would likely devolve to some obscure male relative.”

  Morgan kissed the scroll that had secured his own and his family’s future. “Now she does.”

  “I’m counting on you filling the place with little Pendrays,” the Governor said with a wink. “I’ve an inkling you’ve already begun the process.”

  Morgan slapped his palm against his forehead. He had been incredibly blind. That was what Hannah wanted to tell him but he’d been too wrapped up in his own worries to notice the changes in her body. Even Abbott had paid more attention. He itched to leave, but there was one more thing troubling him. “I still don’t understand why the Protector is being so generous.”

  “Let me tell you a personal story from when I served under Oliver at Din-bar. One day, when we thought the battle lost and our army routed, he showed me a letter from his wife.”

  “Elizabeth Cromwell?”

  Abbott nodded. “She wrote Truly my life is but half a life in your absence.”

  “She loves him,” Morgan said.

  “And he reciprocates her love. That letter meant a great deal to him. I believe it helped revive his spirits and turned the tide against the royalists. I never forgot those words. A woman’s love can bring about miracles.”

  “Indeed,” Morgan replied, smugly aware of Abbott's ignorance of the miracle Hannah had achieved at Dùn Fhoithear.

  “I’m anxious for my wife to arrive from England.”

  Morgan arched a brow, unsure how to respond.

  “I see you’re wondering about Maggie,” the governor replied.

  Morgan once again resolved to school his features so his thoughts didn’t show on his face.

  “Interesting woman, but fickle. Playing both sides, I suspect. Wonder what happened to her?”

  “Mayhap she ran off with Pritchard, sir.”

  Abbott's hearty laughter echoed off the stone walls. “Mayhap.”

  EPILOGUE

  Kilmer Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland 31st May 1660

  Morgan left his exhausted horse with the stable boy and strode into the castle. Smythe helped him remove his coat, hat and gloves. “Great day, Colonel,” he said. “After all these years.”

  The lad had turned out to be an outstanding valet, but insisted on using Morgan’s military rank though neither of them still served in the army.

  Obviously, if Smythe had already heard the news, Hannah also knew. Morgan had ridden hard to get home from Glasgow to impart the glad tidings personally and was disappointed someone had forestalled him. He’d collaborated secretly with Abbott after Cromwell’s death to bring about this day. The necessary intrigue had been a difficult and often dangerous undertaking.

  He made his way to the solar. His pregnant wife extric
ated herself and her sleeping two year old son out of the upholstered chair and waddled to greet him. “Can you believe it?” she asked, handing Munro over. “After what we went through to rescue the regalia, Charles has decided not to use it.”

  Morgan frowned as he hefted his son onto his shoulder. He was aware that two days prior Charles Stuart had been proclaimed king in London on his thirtieth birthday. Abbott's missive had mentioned nothing about the crown jewels. “Who told you that?”

  “My uncle arrived this afternoon. He met with Charles some days ago. The Honors won’t be used at the coronation next April. Our new king apparently wants to keep them for ceremonial visits only. God knows when he’ll deign to grace our shores.”

  Morgan grieved for her disappointment, wishing his arms weren’t full of sleeping child. “I suppose we must take the good with the bad. Your uncle’s title has been reinstated, and we’ll finally see the monarchy restored.”

  She collapsed back in the chair. “Somebody probably told him they’d been buried under the floor of a church for years. It’s beneath His Highness to touch such things. And a mended sword—heaven forfend.”

  Morgan recalled her joy at sharing the secret the day the treasure was unearthed. The long-untold tale of helping the Graingers bury the jewels only increased his admiration for her courage.

  He put an arm around her shoulder, knowing the surest way to take her mind off her ill-humor. “So where is your uncle?” he asked.

  “Asleep,” she replied. “He was delighted to play with his namesake for an hour, but they wore each other out.”

  Morgan stroked his son’s dark hair. “Arianrhod spoke true,” he whispered. “Do you think this bairn will sleep much longer?”

  “He’s exhausted.”

  Morgan waited until she finally looked up at him, relieved to see the familiar glint of lust in her eyes. “Will ye be needin’ a wee lie down, Mistress Pendray?” he teased.

  “Aye, but only if ye lie wi’ me, Colonel Pendray.”

  They walked hand in hand to their bedchamber. Morgan lay Munro in his cot then climbed into the big bed to spoon his wife. He cupped a breast with one hand and stroked her swollen belly with the other. “Our new king may not appreciate Scottish jewels,” he whispered against her nape, “but I know the worth of such a prize.”

  “I love ye, my braw Welshmon,” she murmured.

  “As I love you, my lovely Highland spy.”

  HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES

  HISTORICAL ACCURACY

  The initial impetus for writing this story came from reading the true account of the rescue of the Scottish Crown Jewels from Dunnottar Castle in 1652. The natural end point for that saga was the restoration of the Scottish/English monarchy with the crowning of Charles II in 1661. My readers are aware I pride myself on historical accuracy, but I decided 9 years was too long for Hannah and Morgan to wait for their happily-ever-after! I therefore condensed the events into a shorter timespan. The Scottish Honours can be viewed on display in Edinburgh Castle and are always present when the current sovereign visits Scotland for ceremonial occasions.

  http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Honours-of-Scotland/

  SIEGE OF DUNNOTTAR

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunnottar_Castle#The_Honours_of_Scotland

  JAMES II

  King of Scotland who died when his cannon blew up at the siege of Roxburgh. Also host of the infamous Black Dinner.

  OLIVER CROMWELL

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell

  GENERAL ABBOTT

  I based this pragmatic character on George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, a key player in the English Civil War. This Royalist turned Parliamentarian turned Royalist did indeed play a vital role in the Restoration of the English/Scottish monarchy. You might want to check out

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Monck,_1st_Duke_of_Albemarle

  GLENHEATH

  The inspiration for this character came from William Cunningham, 9th Earl of Glencairn and the uprising he led against Cromwell. Again I have tinkered with the dates.

  If you refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glencairn%27s_rising you will understand why the real man wouldn’t have appreciated being renamed Munro. His rebellion didn’t end in surrender but in a resounding defeat at the Battle of Dalnaspidal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dalnaspidal.

  He was imprisoned but became Lord Chancellor of Scotland after the Restoration.

  WALES

  There are interesting articles about the history of Welsh culture and religion at http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/history/sites/themes/guide/ch14_part2_culture_and_religion.shtml

  KILMER

  Based on Kilmaurs, the ancestral home of the Cunninghams.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmaurs#History

  BEANNCHAR

  Known today as Banchory.

  BOUCHMORALE

  Site of a hunting lodge in the Grampians eventually purchased by Prince Albert who built Balmoral Castle there for his beloved Victoria.

  STONEHYVE

  An ancient name for Stonehaven.

  CAUSEY MOUNTH

  An old drovers’ road between Stonehaven and Aberdeen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causey_Mounth

  ELSICK MOUNTH

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsick_Mounth

  BELLARMINES

  There is a wealth of information about military rations, equipment, clothing, etc. available at the website of The English Civil War Society of America www.ecwsa.org

  HORSES AND CARRIAGE WHEELS

  In more recent years, a horse had to be euthanized in Hyde Park after its legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun carriage during a ceremonial salute. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1393629/Tragedy-Queens-salute-Horse-run-gun-carriage.html

  BUFF COAT

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buff_coat

  LOBSTER-TAILED HELMET

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobster-tailed_pot_helmet

  DRAWERS

  Men’s braies were gradually replaced by knee-length drawers with a button flap at the front. They were standard issue for soldiers in the New Model Army.

  SHAWL

  Strictly speaking the garment is known as a MAUD, but I had a feeling that might confuse readers. The plaid would not have been a bright tartan, more a grey, checkered weave.

  MUSKETS

  You can understand why it was important to keep matchlock muskets away from gunpowder. There are several excellent videos on YouTube showing the difference between matchlock and flintlock firing mechanisms.

  APOSTLES

  Name given to the cartridges that held a charge of powder for one firing. So named because there were usually twelve of them on the bandoliers the infantrymen carried.

  http://www.alderneywreck.com/index.php/artefacts/apostles

  NEW MODEL ARMY

  This is a term used for Cromwell’s army long after its coming into being.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Model_Army

  SHREWSBURY SCHOOL

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrewsbury_School#History

  CALVINISM

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism

  JOHN KNOX

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Knox

  BOOK OF COMMON ORDER

  Compiled by John Knox. Hannah and Morgan’s marriage vows are taken from this book.

  BATTLE OF DUNBAR

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dunbar_(1650)

  http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/EnglishCivilWar/fl/English-Civil-War-Battle-of-Dunbar.htm

  EDINBURGH CASTLE

  Search Google images for pictures of the Great Hall and the Prisoners-Of-War cell. The remains of David’s Tower are now beneath the Half Moon Battery. St. Margaret’s Chapel was in fact used for storing gunpowder during this period.

  THE HIGH KIRK (ST. GILES)

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Giles'_Cathedral

  RHODRI AP OWAIN, PRINCE OF POWW
YDD

  A fictional character from my medieval series The Sons of Rhodri (couldn’t resist!) Arianrhod also visited Rhodri in a powerful dream.

  HARTLOCK

  A fictional character based loosely on William Lockhart of Lee who married Cromwell’s niece.

  LAVERBREAD

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laver_(seaweed)

  POINTY COIF

  There’s a picture of the one I had in mind and several other interesting pictures on my Pinterest page. https://www.pinterest.com/annamarkland1/highland-betrayal/

  ELIZABETH CROMWELL’S LOVE LETTERS

  http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30313329

  ABOUT ANNA

  Thank you for reading Highland Betrayal. If you’d like to leave a review where you purchased the book, I would appreciate it. Reviews contribute greatly to an author’s success.

  For a complete list of my books, you can visit my website. I also have a Facebook page, Anna Markland Novels.

  Tweet me @annamarkland, and join me on Pinterest. If you want to try another sample of my work, you can download a FREE novella, Defiant Passion.

  In my bestselling, page-turning novels passion conquers whatever obstacles a hostile medieval world can throw in its path.