by J. D. Robb
The thought of seeing the light go out of Colin’s eyes when he realized what had brought her here sent a shaft of pain through Beth’s poor heart.
CHAPTER SIX
For the next hours, as the sun slowly made its arc across the sky, the forest was filled with the voices of the hunters, directing the lads to their kill, or shouting in triumph as they boasted to their friends of their prowess.
Their host joined in, bringing down a bevy of quail and pheasants before setting aside his bow. With a smile he urged his horse across a meadow to the place where Beth and Jamie sat watching the hunt.
As he approached, he couldn’t hide the smile of appreciation as he took in the sight of Beth, sitting in a patch of heather, her skin kissed by the sun, her hair dancing about her shoulders on the gentle breeze.
He dropped down beside her. “You look like a beautiful butterfly, my lady.”
“And you look very much like the lord of the manor.”
“I care not for the title. But I do care very much for my clansmen, who trust me to look out for their well-being.”
“So I’m told.” She glanced at Jamie, who had pulled himself into the saddle and, at a word from Colin, started off in search of the laird’s fallen game. “Jamie has only praise for his laird. He told me how you see that all in the village are fed and clothed and protected from harm. He said when their herds don’t reproduce, or their crops fail, it is you who sees to all their needs. And when invaders came, you herded every villager inside the protection of your lodge, until the enemy was driven off. And those who, like Jamie, or the little serving girl, Glenna, lost families in the battle were taken in by you and given a home and a future.”
“It is what a good laird does for his people.” Colin studied her. “Would you not do the same?”
“I’d like to think so. But I’ve never been tested.”
He smiled then. “All of life is a test. I feel fortunate that my father was a harsh taskmaster. Long before I faced difficult decisions, I was trained to be ready.”
“What about Ian and Edwina?”
His smile faltered. “My stepbrother and his sister were not so fortunate. Their mother spoiled and pampered them, and when my father tried to intervene, she took them back to her clan. But that is no excuse for the choices they make now. As children, we can lay the blame at the feet of those who were our elders. But there comes a time when we must step out of their shadow and cast our own.”
Beth thought about her beloved Gram, and the feeling of love and peace she’d felt in that dear woman’s arms. And then about the years since, under the tutelage of Darda, where both love and peace were absent. All that mattered, all that had been drilled into her young mind, was winning at any price. And that lesson continued to this very day. Because Darda demanded it, Beth was willing to do all in her power to oblige her. Perhaps it was time to think about what truly mattered in her life.
There was no time to ponder such things now, when Colin took her hands in his and stared into her eyes. “I have always enjoyed a good hunt. But today I found myself distracted by a certain fair lady. Did you miss me at least a little while I rode with the others?”
At the wolfish look in his eyes, she swallowed before nodding. “I did.” Her smile was quick and bright. “But only a little.”
“I think you tease me, my lady. But even so, I must do my best to change your heart.” He leaned close and brushed her mouth with his.
It was the merest touch of his lips, but she was forced to absorb a shocking jolt to her system.
“We shouldn’t . . .” She reached out a hand to the front of his shirt, thinking to push him a little away.
“Ah, but we should, Bethany.”
At his gentle, mocking laugh, feelings pulsed through her and, despite her intention to hold him at arm’s length, her hand fisted in his shirt.
“Forgive me, my sweet Bethany, but I can wait no longer.” His arms came around her and he dragged her close, while his mouth covered hers in a kiss so hot, so hungry, she could feel it vibrating through her entire body, all the way to her toes.
When at last they moved apart, his eyes narrowed on her with fierce concentration. “Tell me true, my lady. Are you using your special powers over me?”
“I have no powers.”
His smile came then, and he gathered her close. Against her temple he whispered, “If you believe that, you are lying to yourself. There is something magical about what is happening between us.”
He lifted his hands to frame her face. “All my life I have known that there would be one special woman who was meant to be mine alone. I knew that when I met her, I would know her. And now, though I know nothing at all about you, and though I fear that you have come here to betray me, I cannot deny what I know to be true. Even if I leave myself open to pain and betrayal, I must have you, Bethany Campbell. We are meant to be together.”
“Colin . . .”
The protest died in her throat when he laid her down in the heather and drew her into the circle of his arms, kissing her with a thoroughness that had them both sighing.
His hands moved over her, lighting fires wherever they touched. Their kisses grew more heated, their breathing labored, their lungs straining. They were practically crawling into each other’s skin, and still it wasn’t enough. Nothing could satisfy the need that was building, heating their blood, threatening to consume them.
As he reached for the buttons of her riding jacket, a great shout went up from the hunters.
Colin and Beth sat up, looking around in surprise.
A line of village lads stepped out of the forest, staggering under the weight of a stag. It had been skinned and gutted, and now its legs were secured to several saplings resting on the shoulders of the lads who had been ordered to transport it back to the lodge.
Colin stood and offered his hand to Beth, who got to her feet beside him.
His face was as dark as a thundercloud as he watched the procession of villagers, followed by the mounted hunters. In their midst rode Ian, laughing and slapping the others on their arms as he boasted of his trophy.
Without a word Colin helped Beth into the saddle and then mounted his own stallion, just as Jamie rode up with his leather pouch filled to overflowing with game.
Seeing the dark look on the laird’s face, the lad drew back his mount, allowing Colin and Beth to lead the way.
In silence they rode side by side to the lodge, with the lad trailing behind.
When they arrived, the women spilled out of the hunting lodge and hurried down the lane toward the stables.
The mounted hunters drew near, and Ian came thundering up to the head of the procession, wearing a look of supreme satisfaction as he dismounted.
When Colin drew near, Ian held out the sack of coins to his stepbrother, calling in a loud voice, “I know I gave my word, but you must admit your command was unjust, since it would have cost me a fortune I could ill afford to lose. I was not about to let such a bounty pass me by.”
Hamish, who rode up behind Ian, looked sheepish.
Colin’s voice held a note of cold fury. “You gave your word, knowing you would not keep it? So now your word will mean nothing to all who know you. You prove to one and all that you revere gold more than our father’s good name.”
“He was not my father. And his precious name will not pay my debts, nor put food on my table.”
“When the laird wed your mother, he offered her children his name. Yet you refused, and claimed that of your mother’s clan instead.”
Still hot with anger, Ian’s voice rose. “I bear my mother’s name proudly. And though she accepted your father’s gold, she accepted neither his name nor his clan as her own.”
Their guests wore looks that ranged from shock to horror.
“You think to dishonor me, Ian. But in truth, you dishonor yourself, along with the
woman who bore you and the clan that sheltered you.”
Edwina rushed to Ian’s side and locked her hands on his arm, physically restraining him from reaching for the dirk at his waist. “You are distraught, brother. Go now and return your horse to the stable.”
He looked at her as though she were mad.
Her voice rose. “And then you will ask forgiveness of our laird.”
“He is not my—”
She silenced him with a hand on his mouth before leaning close enough to whisper in his ear.
He shot her a triumphant look before turning away.
She smiled up at Colin. “My brother’s blood runs hot with the hunt. But when he has had time to cool his temper, he will realize how deeply he has hurt his brother-laird.”
She turned to the lads, who continued to hold the bloody carcass of the stag, and dared to give orders like a queen. “Do with this as the laird instructs you.”
She lifted her skirts and turned away, with the other women gathering around her and chattering like geese as they made their way to the lodge.
And all the while, Colin sat stone-faced on his horse, watching as Ian disappeared inside the stable.
When they were alone, Beth reached over to touch a hand to Colin’s arm. “I fear for your safety. There is something I need to tell you. Something I overheard that troubles me . . .”
He seemed unaware of her words as he turned in the saddle to Jamie. “You will tally the kill, so that we may reward our hunters at the banquet this night.”
Beth looked stunned. “After that scene with Ian, you would hold a banquet?”
“It is customary for the laird to offer his guests a feast and to reward those who deserve it.”
“But . . .”
He silenced her with a wave of his hand before slipping from the saddle to take her reins. “Forgive me, my lady. I know you are troubled, as am I.” He helped her dismount and closed a hand over hers, squeezing it gently as though to reassure her.
He leaned close to press a kiss to her cheek. “Go inside now and allow Maura and the servants to help you bathe and dress for tonight’s banquet.”
“And you?” She looked up into his eyes and saw something dark and dangerous before he managed to blink it away.
“I, also, must prepare.”
He turned away.
While Jamie began leading the horses toward the stable, Colin turned toward the gardens, his head bowed, his manner thoughtful.
Though Beth yearned to go after him, she knew she had to respect his need for privacy.
As she entered the lodge and climbed the stairs to her room, her thoughts were in turmoil. She fully intended to warn Colin about the threat she’d overheard. If he chose to scoff at it, she would do whatever it took to convince him to take it seriously. She was more convinced than ever that his life was truly in danger.
Ian’s hatred was now so out of control, he’d revealed it to the entire company. Only a man bent on violence would show such utter disrespect to a much-loved Highland laird.
The look in Ian’s eyes in that moment before Edwina intervened spoke volumes about what was truly in his heart.
There was darkness in that young man’s soul. He’d seemed, in that moment, the personification of evil.
Beth’s hands were cold as she stepped into her room. She nearly groaned aloud at the number of people milling about. Old Maura was giving orders to the serving girls as they filled a round tub with steaming water and set folded linens to one side. The bed was piled high with brightly colored gowns and shawls and delicate underpinnings. Another servant stood beside a dressing table, where she would prepare the lady’s hair for the evening’s festivities.
As Beth allowed them to attend to her needs, she forced herself to smile and nod and pretend that all was fine. But her heart was heavy with the thought that at this very moment Colin could be facing great peril.
She was desperate to finish this charade and go to him. She needed to get him alone, so that she could share with him all the terrible secrets that were whirling around her mind, giving her such distress.
All she could see was the evil in Ian’s eyes.
All she could hear were his hateful words, hurled like arrows straight to the laird’s heart.
* * *
Colin paced the garden path like a caged beast.
Though he’d seen evidence of Darda Campbell’s evil magic before, this was the first time he’d witnessed just how deeply, how completely, she’d managed to control her children. Even in death, she continued to wield power over their minds and wills.
It was clear now that Ian had turned his back on all that was good and decent, and had somehow descended into a hell of hatred. And the choices he made going forward would affect not only him but everyone around him.
It pained Colin to acknowledge his father’s folly. How easily the old laird had been manipulated by a woman’s youth and beauty. When Darda was thwarted in her effort to control her new husband’s estate, she had put a curse on him and on his only son.
At the time, Colin had scoffed at her attempt to manipulate him. And yet, the first half of the curse had already come to fruition, and it appeared that the rest of Darda Campbell’s curse would prevail.
That knowledge made this night all the more important. Though he could not remove the curse, he could leave behind a legacy of his own heart. He would reward the friendship of his guests. And if the Fates were willing, he would taste the wine of true love before going into his final battle.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Old Maura stood back, admiring the work of the village lasses who’d been pressed into service.
“Ye look lovely, my lady. I’ve no doubt Lady Catherine would approve the use of her gown.”
Beth ran a hand down the jewel-encrusted bodice. “I’ve never worn anything this fine, Maura. I feel like a princess in a fairy tale.”
“I know not this tale of which ye speak, my lady. But ye surely look as fine as any lady who has ever graced Stag’s Head Lodge.”
“And all thanks to you and your helpers.”
The old woman blushed while the serving girls smiled their appreciation at her words. It was apparent that none of them were accustomed to being thanked for the work they did for their visitors.
They all looked up at the knock on the door. Maura hurried over to admit the laird.
Colin paused in the open doorway. And though the room was filled with servants milling about, he had eyes only for the lovely young woman standing in front of the fireplace.
“You are a vision, my lady.”
Beth smiled. “None of this could happen without Maura and these amazing women.” She touched a hand to the jeweled gown. “I’m told this was your dear mother’s. And look what they’ve done with my hair. It was all wind-tossed until they managed to tame it.”
His eyes twinkled with laughter. “And will you give them credit for that lithe young body and beautiful face, as well?”
That had all of them laughing.
Maura cleared her throat and motioned for the women to leave. When the last one was gone, she paused, seeing the way the young woman and the laird were staring at each other with naked hunger.
The old woman was smiling as she silently closed the door and made her way along the hall.
* * *
Colin reached a hand from behind his back and handed Beth a nosegay of flowers. At her look of surprise, he touched a finger to her cheek. “I saw these in the garden and had to pick them. They reminded me of you, so sweet and so perfect.”
She buried her face in the nosegay and fought a sudden rush of tears. “Thank you, my lord.” She looked up. “Before we go to the banquet, there are things I must tell you. Important things that could—”
He gently shook his head and offered his arm. “There will be time later to talk. Now we mu
st go belowstairs.”
Seeing the set of his jaw, she took a deep breath and placed her hand on his sleeve. And as she moved along by his side, she prayed that she could remain strong and vigilant. For there was evil here. She could sense it. Could almost feel it vibrating in the very air.
* * *
The great room was filled with voices and laughter as the men strutted about, boasting of their hunting prowess, while their ladies made a great show of displaying their finest gowns.
Giant logs blazed on the hearth, warming the room and perfuming it with the scent of evergreen. The tables were groaning under the many dishes prepared by Mistress MacKay and her serving wenches.
When Colin and Beth entered, there was a sudden silence as the men and women looked over at the handsome couple.
Edwina’s eyes narrowed. “Another of the Lady Catherine’s gowns? Have you nothing of your own?”
Beth gave a slight shake of her head. “I arrived at Stag’s Head with nothing but the clothes on my back.”
“Which, as I recall, were strange garments reminiscent of someone quite demented.” Edwina shot a quick glance at her friends, who looked embarrassed before laughing behind their hands.
A handsome young man stepped up beside Edwina. “Mind your manners, wife. I’ve only just arrived and already you’ve had your fill of ale.”
“Oh, I’ve had not nearly enough. But I’ve had my fill of you, Muldore.” At that, Edwina flounced away, leaving him staring after her.
Beth’s brow shot up as she turned to Colin. “That is Edwina’s husband?”
“Aye. Muldore Campbell. Poor fool. She cared not about his heart, but only for his gold. And he never looked beyond the pretty face to see into the soul of Edwina, so now he pays the price.”
He led Beth toward the head table. As soon as they were seated, the guests followed suit.
In no time, as servants scurried about filling platters and goblets, the noise level rose to a fever pitch.