The Thorn & the Thistle

by Julie Moffett

  “I do.”

  “’Tis still a lot to expect o’ the man. ’Twill take much persuasion, I fear.”

  Megan lowered her head. “Mayhap no’ as much as ye think. He’s said he’s in love wi’ me.”

  Geddes choked on the breath of air he had just taken, the color draining from his face. “Good God, Megan. Do ye realize what ye are saying?”

  “O’ course I do. And it doesn’t make it any easier for me.”

  “Is this part o’ your plan? Because if so, ’tis terribly dangerous.”

  “There is no plan, Uncle. I didn’t know he felt that way. I swear on all the saints that I didn’t do or say anything to encourage him.”

  “Yet ye refuse to consider an annulment. There is more here. What do ye feel for this man?”

  “I don’t know. Sometimes I can’t stop thinking about him. And when I’m no’ wi’ him, I find myself wondering what he’s doing and if he’s thinking o’ me. When he smiles at me, I can feel my heart beat faster. I know he’s an Englishman and ’tis wrong, but ’tis God’s truth that I’ve come to care for him.”

  Geddes pressed a hand to his temple as if to calm the visible throbbing there. “Saints preserve us, this does complicate matters. But mayhap ’tis for the best. If he does love ye, ’twill make it easier for him to accept the word o’ Cameron McCandie.”

  “Cameron McCandie? What does Cameron have to do wi’ any o’ this?”

  “Now dinna argue wi’ me, Megan.”

  Megan’s blue eyes narrowed. “Don’t argue wi’ ye about what? Just what are ye plotting?”

  “Cameron has agreed to forfeit his life and come forward as the Black Wolf. ’Twill be the best solution for all o’ us.”

  “What?”

  Geddes put his hands on her shoulders. “Listen to me. I’d do it myself, but ye have already revealed me as your uncle.”

  “Absolutely no’. I’ll no’ agree to it. So ye might as well put it out o’ your mind.”

  “Now ye listen to me for once, lass. We both know the Englishman will never agree to any bargain unless the Wolf turns himself in. Cameron is the same age as your father and is fairly similar in appearance. Once ye complete the deal for the land grants and pardons, he’ll come forward as part o’ the deal.”

  Megan shook her uncle’s hands off her shoulders. “Stop it. I am the Wolf, no’ Cameron. I will reveal my identity as soon as the pardons are distributed.”

  “The Englishman will no’ believe ye.”

  “He will. I’ll explain to him in great detail each and every raid and strategy we’ve done since my father’s death. I’ll even tell him how I brought together the clans. I can give him information that no one except the Wolf could possess. I promise ye that by the time I’m finished, he’ll have no choice but to believe me.”

  “It doesna matter. We both know he won’t let ye die as the Wolf. Ye’re his wife, for God’s sake. You’ll just be postponing the inevitable. He’ll insist on another to take your place.”

  Megan shook her head. “Rolf St. James is a man o’ honor. He’ll have no choice but to tell his sovereign the truth. There will be no more talk o’ another standing in my place. ’Twas I who assumed my father’s identity, no’ Cameron. I’ll let another man suffer for my deeds.”

  “What if the Englishman is angered by your deception? He might just take back everything he has given us. ’Tis too much to risk.”

  “I don’t believe he’ll rescind on his promise. Besides, ’tis too late. Have ye forgotten that he now owns the land by both decree and marriage to me? We both know ’tis irrelevant whether I live or die. Naught will change here. So ye can tell Cameron that his offer is noble, but I’ll no’ let him stand in my place.”

  “Megan.”

  She shook her head in firm resolution. “That is my final word, Uncle. I’ll no’ compromise on this, no matter what ye say. I’m the last surviving MacLeod. ’Tis my responsibility.”

  “Ye are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known,” Geddes threw up his hands. “Ye’ve yet to listen to reason. Do ye really think the Englishman will permit his own wife to be executed?”

  “’Twill be painful for him, but a necessity. ’Tis his duty to bring his King the Black Wolf. I am the Black Wolf. He will be honor bound to turn me over.”

  Geddes growled with frustration. “I should have put a stop to this madness long ago.”

  “Now listen to me, Uncle. Things are just where we want them. If it hadn’t been for our activities, we’d never have caught the eye o’ the king and maneuvered ourselves into a bargaining position. I can end the feuding if ye’d just let me. For God’s sake, I beg ye to let me finish what we started. ’Tis the only way.”

  “I’m no’ going to let ye die, Megan.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “Mayhap ye won’t have to. The truth o’ the matter is that I don’t know what will happen when I reveal my secret to the Englishman. Perhaps my life will be spared. But ye and the clan must be ready to face the consequences if I am to be taken to London. Think o’ it this way...my life for the all the lives o’ our clansmen, including their wives and bairns. Don’t throw away our only chance, Uncle. I love ye, but I need ye to tell the clansmen what I intend to do. Then return to Castle Kilcraig and inform the Englishman that I have been chosen to speak on behalf o’ my father. Tell him also that the Black Wolf has given his word to reveal himself when all matters are settled and the land grants and pardons are distributed.”

  Geddes began pacing the room. “And what if the Englishman will no’ agree?”

  “He’ll agree. Ye have only to trust me.”

  “Trusting ye is what got us into this misfortune to begin with. I dinna like this plan. I’ll no’ let ye sacrifice yourself.”

  “But ye’d have another sacrifice his life in my place? Listen to me, Uncle. Cameron McCandie has a wife and six bairns. I’ll no’ let him take my place and that’s my final word on the matter. Besides, if his deception is discovered, it could cost us everything.”

  “Och, and what o’ your deception? Have ye thought o’ that, Megan? No’ every man is reasonable once he discovers the woman he has confessed to loving has betrayed him.”

  A troubled expression crossed her face. “I know. “Tis a matter that must be settled between me and the Englishman. I believe he’ll punish only me when he learns o’ my deception. Undoubtedly, he’ll be in a rage, but he is a fair man.”

  Geddes stopped his pacing. “God save us from your innocence, child. Ye know far too little o’ men, Megan. ’Tis a dangerous a game ye play.”

  “Mayhap, but ’tis my risk. Please, Uncle, we’ve come this far and are so close to peace. Don’t ruin it out o’ some misplaced effort to save me. ’Tis too late for that and we both know it.”

  “I dinna know anything o’ the sort.”

  Megan put a gentle hand on her uncle’s shoulder. “Aye, ye do. I am already wed to the Englishman and he’s agreed, at least in principle, to deal with a proxy o’ my father’s as long as the Wolf gives his word to turn himself in. We are but days from witnessing the end o’ the feuding in Gairloch. ’Twill be my greatest accomplishment as a MacLeod.”

  Geddes frowned, the lines on his weathered face deepening. “Ye are far too noble...much like your da, Megan. Why couldn’t ye have gone to Ireland for safekeeping like he asked?”

  “Because running away is no’ the way o’ the MacLeods. Ye know this to be true. When my da died, the legacy was mine to continue. I’m no’ sorry for what I have done, nor would I have done anything differently.”

  Geddes sighed. “Do ye really trust the Englishman to live up to his promises?”

  “I do.”

  Geddes threw up his hands. “God’s blood, once again, I canna believe I’m considering this. My mind must truly be affected by all this madness.” />
  “I know ye’ll do what’s right.”

  “What’s right is to stop ye from throwing away your life.”

  “What’s right is to save our people.”

  Geddes exhaled a frustrated breath. “There is no guarantee that this plan o’ yours will work.”

  “There’s no guarantee that it won’t.”

  “I’m no’ blind, Megan. I know we have a lot to gain if this plan actually works. ’Tis only that the cost is too high.”

  “Och, now ye are speaking wi’ your heart and no’ your head.”

  “I’ll no’ deny it. Ye are like a daughter to me, Megan, I love ye wi’ all my heart. I canna in good faith let ye trade your life away.”

  “We must put the clan first.”

  Geddes sighed. “Saints forgive me, but I know. ’Tis what pains me. As much as I dinna want to admit it, your argument does have merit.”

  “Then let us end the bloodshed now, Uncle.”

  Geddes opened his mouth as if to protest, and then shut it. “Again events have moved out o’ my control. All right, Megan, I’ll agree to cooperate wi’ ye, but only on one condition. Ye’ll no’ stand alone in front o’ the Englishman. I’m as much responsible for this scheme as ye are. If ye insist on revealing yourself as the Wolf, I will also insist on facing the punishment wi’ ye.”

  Megan shook her dark head. “Don’t be foolish. There’s no need for both o’ us to give our lives. The clan will need ye more than ever once I’m gone.”

  He folded his arms stubbornly across his chest. “Either ye agree or I’m no’ going along wi’ your plan. Ye canna have it both ways.”

  “B-but—”

  “No more arguments. Either agree or I walk out o’ here.”

  Frustrated, Megan met her uncle’s unwavering stare. “All right. But I don’t like it.”

  Geddes snorted. “Well, if the truth must be known, I dinna like it much either. I only hope the good Lord will forgive me for all the missteps I’ve made in guiding ye.”

  Megan threw her arms around her uncle’s neck. “If ye don’t mind, while ye are talking to Him, would ye mind asking forgiveness for my sins as well? I’ve made far too many missteps o’ my own and fear He isn’t even listening anymore.”

  Geddes hugged her back. “Ye are impossible, Megan.”

  She smiled at his words, absently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Aye, I guess I am. Mayhap ’tis just in the MacLeod blood.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Rolf paced the drawing room of Edwin Farrington’s house where he had been waiting for nearly half an hour. He had anticipated a delay, as his visit was unexpected, but he suspected that Farrington was deliberately taking his time. Swallowing his frustration, Rolf paused at the window and pulled aside the heavy drapes, staring out at the Scots’ village below.

  The view was magnificent and Rolf drew in his breath. It was another beautiful spring day in the glen and not at all what he had expected. He’d been told that Highland springs were wet and miserable, but the gorgeous weather of the past several days were proving all the naysayers wrong.

  The village itself was a quaint sight, snuggled between two large hills. Faint wisps of smoke rose lazily from the huts and people moved about the village paths, carrying baskets filled with wood, peat and other assorted necessities. A short distance away on a grassy hill, two men and a dog herded sheep.

  Rolf shook his head in wonder. This peaceful setting was a far cry from what he had expected to find the day after the chaotic events of the wedding. In fact, he had been surprised when his men had informed him that all appeared calm in the village. Had violence and chaos become such a part of their lives that they were so easily able to shrug it off? If so, it was a pity and only strengthened his resolve to see a peaceful end to the conflict. God help him, but these honest and good people deserved better.

  “My sincere congratulations on your wedding.”

  At the sound of Farrington’s voice, Rolf turned from the window, letting the draperies fall back into place. Edwin stood by the hearth, the picture of an impeccable English gentleman. He was dressed in a pale gold jacket and matching breeches, white stockings and gold buckled shoes, his fair hair brushed neatly to the nape of his neck and fastened with a gleaming gold clip.

  “I must say, however, that your marriage came as rather a shock,” he continued. “I still can’t believe you lowered yourself to marry one of the heathen.”

  Rolf stilled. He had to maintain control, at least until he finished his business. “My reasons are my own.”

  “Of course, they are. At least she’s a pretty wench. I hope you received my regrets about the wedding. I sincerely apologize for missing the grand event, but I’ve been feeling rather ill lately. I’m certain you understand.”

  “Perfectly.”

  Edwin smiled, his thin lips stretching apart in what almost appeared a grimace. Striding across the room, he lifted a glass decanter from the table and poured the amber liquid into a glass. “May I offer you a glass of whiskey in celebration?”

  “No. What I’d like is to discuss a new arrangement.”

  Edwin replaced the glass stopper on the decanter and turned around to face Rolf. His eyes flashed with curiosity. “A new arrangement, you say? By all means, you have my fullest attention.”

  Rolf lifted his elbow and leaned it against the mantle. “I came here to tell you that as a result of my wedding yesterday to the daughter of Robert Macleod, things in Gairloch have changed. Substantially.”

  “Changed? In what manner?”

  Rolf shrugged. “It’s quite simple really. I now own this land.”

  “You?” he gasped in stunned disbelief.

  “I’ll have you know that I’m not an unreasonable man. I will permit you to continue and conduct whatever business you have on this land as long as it is done in a legal and just manner. But you will answer to me and you should be aware that your tenants have a right to complain. They will be afforded due process of those complaints—complaints that will ultimately be heard and judged by me. My word in these matters will be final.”

  Edwin looked at him, his mouth hanging open. When Rolf met his gaze, Edwin set his glass down on the table with a loud thump, the liquid sloshing over onto his hand.

  “That’s not possible. I’ll have you know that the king himself has given me jurisdiction in all matters relating to this land. If you think your marriage to that Scottish harlot changes things, think again. You are nothing more than a solider sent here to protect me and my holdings from the heathen. Just who the devil do you think you are?”

  Rolf flew across the room, grabbing Farrington by the neck and slamming him against the wall. “Don’t ever call my wife a harlot. Do you understand? And as of this very moment, I’m your landlord. An angry landlord. I’m no longer a temporary presence in this area, Farrington. Is that clear?”

  Farrington nodded, his eyes bulging. With a grunt of disgust and a push, Rolf released him. Edwin fell back against the wall, gasping and trying to collect himself.

  Rolf crossed his arms against his chest. “The king has permanently granted me Castle Kilcraig and all her grounds in an effort to bring peace and stability. As a courtesy he asked me to permit you to stay here and conduct your dealings in the area. I agreed on the condition that you do not act against my wishes. The king concurs. However, I’m giving you fair warning that if at any time I deem your behavior to be inappropriate, I will have you removed from this property at once.”

  “Don’t you dare threaten me.”

  “I’ll do whatever I damn well please.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Edwin’s mouth narrowed with anger. “I’ll bring this up with the king personally if I have to.”

  “That is certainly your right. However, I suggest you familiarize yours
elf with this document first.” Reaching beneath his jacket, he pulled out a rolled parchment and tossed it onto the table. “It’s the king’s instructions. You’ll find your position here explained in great detail.”

  A red flush of anger crept up Edwin’s neck as he clenched his hands at his side. “Damn you, St. James. You’ll rue this day, I promise you. My brother has the ear of the king. He won’t stand for this. He’ll make the king see the folly of his ways.”

  Rolf laughed. “You’re pathetic, Farrington. Do you really think I fear your brother’s influence with the king?”

  “If you don’t, you should. You’ve gone too far this time.”

  Rolf shrugged. “I’ve given you a warning, Farrington. One warning. I’ll not give you another. If you disobey me, you’ll regret it.”

  “Get out.” Edwin’s face turned purple with anger. “Get out of my house at once.”

  “My house.” Rolf pointed a finger at him. “You’ve been forewarned.” He left the house listening to a stream of curses following him.

  Still swearing, Farrington picked up his drink, his fingers tightening around the glass. “Crippled, pompous bastard. I’ll show you what happens to people who dare to cross me.”

  Tilting back his head, he threw back the rest of the whiskey. Coughing from the liquid, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and hurled the glass at the door where Rolf had disappeared. The goblet smashed into the wood with a shattering crack, scattering shards and fragments across the floor. Moments a later a servant peeked his head around the door.

  “Is everything all right, my lord?”

  “Get someone in here at once to clean up this mess,” Edwin snapped. “And then bring me my pistol. I’ve a personal matter to attend to.”

  * * *

  “Ye’re finally back.” Megan sighed a breath of relief as Rolf walked into the bedchamber. “I’ve been waiting all day alone in this room. How much longer are ye going to treat me like a prisoner?”

  Rolf unwound the neck cloth from around his throat, tossing it on a chair. “I’m sorry, Megan. It won’t be much longer. Just remember that this is for your protection as well.”