by John Ryan
He swept Elspeth into his arms and kissed her with a searing redolence. His kiss was strong and hungry, yet sweet and tender. As his silken tongue slid into her eager mouth, Elspeth’s heart began to hammer against her ribs.
“Och! Ye two are not a-wed and yet ye carry on so!” Muirne chastised stiffly as strode in to the room.
Muffled snorts and chuckles slipped past the lips of the attending servant girls, who had covered their mouths in vain.
Glowering at Elspeth, Muirne wagged her finger while chiding, “‘Tis naught good manners, lass. Especially in front of the servants! Now break it up!”
Elspeth slid sheepishly from Thayer’s embrace. Her hand slid to his and she laced her slender fingers with his. They exchanged mischievous glances before watching Muirne set upon the giggling young girls. Struggling in vain to suppress a smile, Muirne cautioned the lasses to mind their own concern and get back to preparing the meal.
With a wistful glance, Elspeth reluctantly uncoiled her fingers from his and turned to rejoin Muirne and the servants. As she strode away, Thayer stood transfixed, pleasingly admiring the graceful sway of her hips.
“Elspeth that walk of yours could be a dangerous weapon. Mayhap ye should keep it concealed from the men.”
Clutching a handful of figs from the table, Elspeth whirled round and hurled them playfully at Thayer.
Deftly evading the fruity projectiles, he jested, “Aye, now that is the Elspeth I ken and love!”
His hearty laughter echoing in the halls of the Manor, Thayer set out for the stables.
***
On the path, Thayer was met by Uncle Colin.
“Greetings, Thayer! Forsooth, I’m surprised ye let that bonny lass out of your sight so soon,” Colin chaffed jovially.
“Hello, Uncle,” Thayer replied. “Actually, Elspeth is in the kitchen with the servants.”
“Oh? She’s directing them?”
“Nae, actually, she is assisting them to prepare the eventide meal.”
“Lady Elspeth? Your future wife? In the kitchen?” Colin quizzed as his brows knit incredulously. “Forsooth, she is a Lady of Scotland. Can the servants not prepare the meal without her? What will Lady Fiona think when she finds out?”
“Uncle, Elspeth joined them at Lady Fiona’s behest,” Thayer replied with amusement. “Verily, I think she enjoys it.”
“Och! Young people these days don’t ken their rightly place,” Colin grunted. “In my day—“
Thayer draped his arm over Colin’s brawny shoulders to interrupt him. “Uncle, walk with me to the stables. Whilst we walk, I wish for ye to tell me everything ye have heard of the siege of Dirleton. I ken ye have a sharp ear for news. I want to ken everything that ye have learned.”
His mien softening, Colin replied with a grin, “Aye, Thayer, I suppose these old legs could use some stretching.”
As the pair ambled toward the horse barn, Colin sorrowfully relayed the account he had heard of the besieging of Dirleton Castle. Thayer hung on his every word.
Arriving at the stables, Colin’s shoulders slumped dejectedly as he completed his telling. “That bloody cur, Sir Devlin, is the Lord of Dirleton now. As I hear it, the blasted Tower Guard Mackenzie was a traitor. Soon after ye left, he sent a signal to the English offering to leave the gate unguarded.
“I dinna ken what he was promised, but that bloody, treacherous bastard never had the chance to collect it. The English killed him first. ‘Twas surely on Devlin’s orders. Anyway, even with the gate unguarded, I dinna believe Devlin’s forces would have routed Dirleton’s knights so handily if they had been at their full strength. Devlin is no fool. He knew Elspeth’s father had taken the majority of Dirleton’s men at arms to join the rebellion. The scantily manned garrison was no match for his hordes.
“Many of Dirleton’s knights were killed in the siege, including two of Miss Elspeth’s own kin. Thayer, it’s nigh time we sought our vengeance. If we unite forces with the other Highland clans, we can surely retake the castle.”
Thayer peered thoughtfully at his battle-hardened uncle. He winced when he noticed Colin’s eyes mist at the mention of the needless loss of his fellow knights.
Seeking a temporary diversion, Thayer posed, “Uncle, I never did ask ye. How did ye come to be restored to Edinburgh so soon after the battle of Sterling?” He watched as Colin slid the hasp on the rusty lock of the stables.
“Well, I was captured by the bloody English, but they spared me. They considered me naught a threat. They felt I had seen too many winters to menace them in any meaningful way. And...there are me battle wounds.”
Hesitantly, Colin uncoiled his carmine tartan to reveal a series of hideous scars furrowed across his right side.
“Actually, I think the bastards released me because they regarded me as good as dead. When I was held in the dungeon, my wounds festered and I was burning with the fever. They sent me away with nary a crumb of bread--nor a horse, for that matter. I purloined a mount from an English soldier who thought it was safe to relieve himself with his back turned to an angry Scot. Bah! Nevertheless, it was nigh a week afore I regained my legs, thanks to the healer of Edinburgh castle.
“Verily, me right arm is good for little,” he acknowledged with a sigh. “An English bowman’s arrow saw to that.” Colin’s eyes widened as a wicked smile crept across his handsome face. “Yet what the English dinna ken is that I have been training with me left arm hence. Forsooth, I can now wield a sword with me left hand as well as me right.”
With a graceful flourish, Colin unsheathed his claymore and swept it on a graceful arc over his head. He lifted his aging blue eyes to the heavens, murmuring, “I swear by the Scottish blood beneath me feet that if I should meet Lord Devlin again, he will not be spared the sting of me blade.”
“Not if I get to him first,” Thayer corrected with respect. “That wretched mongrel has designs on Elspeth.” Wringing his hands wrathfully, he vowed : , “First, I will endeavor to gain Faolin and Graham’s freedom. After they have been released, I will see to Lord Devlin.”
“Aye,” Colin concurred as he shook his fist with vigor. “And if ye need a hand--albeit a left one--ye can count on me!”
Thayer placed his hand firmly on Colin’s shoulder and replied, “Uncle, ‘twould be me honor to fight alongside ye. That bloody cur won’t know what hit him.”
Sensing Thayer’s approach, Ethelion snorted and pranced excitedly in his stall. With an open palm, Thayer presented a few cubes of sugar to the great steed. Ethelion greedily devoured the sweet treats and, with a felicitous whinny, playfully nuzzled Thayer’s hand. Gently stroking the side of his shimmering neck and side, Thayer chuckled. “Elspeth was right yet again.”
“What the devil are ye talking about?” Colin inquired.
“Oh, ‘tis naught of any consequence, Uncle,” Thayer replied over a faint rumble from his hungry stomach. “Come, let’s go and join the others. I can smell that braised mutton from here.”
“Aye, I think I can eat an entire flock right about now,” Colin readily agreed.
Thayer knew he should heed the grumbling of his stomach, but it was the taste of Elspeth’s lips that lingered in his mind. Thankfully, his uncle couldn’t read his thoughts.
***
“Elspeth, let me help ye with that.”
Elspeth whirled round in disbelief at the sound of her mother’s voice.
“Mother, ye are going to assist us in the kitchen? I can scarcely believe me own eyes!” Elspeth posed incredulously.
“Aye,” Lady Fiona declared as she swept into the room and rolled up her long linen sleeves, “and why shouldn’t I give ye a hand, Elspeth? Are we not all in this together?”
Elspeth bit back a snort as she watched her mother adeptly kneading a ball of dough with one had while effortlessly cracking open an egg with the other.
“Father will never believe it!” Elspeth lauded mirthfully.
“Mayhap, Elspeth,” Lady Fiona retorted with a coy smile, “but if we a
re ever restored to the castle, he best not get used to it!”
Unable to maintain a serious expression, Lady Fiona let a torrent of laughter spill from her lips. Her mirth was contagious and Elspeth soon found herself struggling to catch a breath.
Upon entering the kitchen, Thayer and Colin had their ears met by a chorus of heartfelt laughter.
“Are ye sure ye have been toiling here and not dallying?” Thayer teased as he lifted a speculative brow.
Holding her eyes on Thayer, Lady Fiona tipped her mouth to her daughter’s ear, cupping it to muffle her words. Elspeth burst into a guffaw as she withdrew.
“And just what might be so amusing?” Thayer asked in mock indignation.
Elspeth eyes welled with tears of laughter. She stood mutely by, the edges of her mouth curled into an impish smile.
“Very well, remain mum. Mayhap I should tell your mother of the day ye kicked me like a wild beast,” Thayer cautioned playfully.
“Thayer, I was nigh fifteen at the time,” Elspeth said. “Besides, I have no secrets from Mother. I think it’s a good idea you tell her how I kicked you. Then, tell her why I kicked you.”
Lady Fiona lifted a bemused brow and riposted, “Forsooth, my daughter can be a fiery cat, be sure. Her father said there were times she could make poor Asilin look like a wee kitten.”
“Then ‘tis fortuitous I have always been partial to cats,” Thayer quipped slyly.
From behind her mother’s back, Elspeth playfully thrust out her tongue.
“Elspeth, dinna ye think ‘tis high time ye acted your age? You are about to be a wife, for goodness sake.” Lady Fiona gently scolded.
Turning back toward Thayer, her expression showed she was shocked to see him sticking out his tongue as well.
“Oh, I give up! Ye two are made for each other!” Lady Fiona huffed.
“So...if I may inquire, just what were ye two ladies laughing about when I walked in with my nephew?” Colin interrupted.
Chomping her lower lip, Elspeth replied, “Mother told me to imagine Thayer in an apron. ‘Twas quite a sight to behold in my mind!”
Evidently espying his nephew’s twisted sneer, Colin teased, “Aye, just who has tamed whom, lad?”
“Well, I can see that ye are all busy at the moment,” Thayer replied as he rolled his eyes in exasperation. “I feel the need for a wee bit of imbibing. I am going to fetch some ale.”
Thayer strode out of the room, Elspeth trailing closely behind.
Lady Fiona turned to Colin, noting, “Your nephew is a fine gentleman. ’Tis not difficult to see how my daughter has found favor in him.”
“Aye, and from what I have heard of Sir Rhoenne, he has your husband’s qualities as well,” Colin answered.
With his innocent observation, Colin had brushed a raw nerve.
Although she maintained a brave front, Lady Fiona pined fiercely for her husband. Her heart ached to see him again. Daily, she prayed he would soon be reunited with her and the children. If only she could find a way to make it be!
***
Elspeth huffed as she dashed down the hall, scurrying to catch up with Thayer’s long strides.
“Thayer, do ye not wait for your Lady?” she snapped breathlessly.
Whirling round, Thayer smiled as he spied her harried approach.
“Elspeth, m’love, forgive me. I though t ye remained with your mother,” he murmured apologetically while he offered Elspeth his hand.
Elspeth playfully slapped his hand away before grasping it tightly and drawing it to her chest. “There is no need to apologize. Ye can make it up to me with a kiss.”
Elspeth’s brow furrowed as she studied the pained expression upon Thayer’s face.
Something was different.
Something was amiss.
Never had she seen him look so pensive.
“Are ye alright, m’love?” Elspeth murmured.
“Aye, forgive me, my sweet. I’m fine. It is just that watching ye with Lady Fiona reminds me of how Faolin and I were with our mother. Elspeth, I’m worried about him.”
“We will see him restored, Thayer,” Elspeth soothed. “Graham and Faolin will attend our wedding--ye will see.”
“Ye are right, they will be returned. I was wrong to despair,” Thayer bespoke softly.
“Thayer, I have known Lady Katherine for only two days and have already grown very fond of her. Please tell me what was it like for ye and Faolin growing up in your mother’s home.”
“Elspeth, me mother was both tender and tough. She gave us support and love when we needed it and a good dose of discipline when we deserved it. Aye, she is a loving mother. But not one to be trifled with. In fact, she can be very headstrong and assertive at times. ‘Tis a quality I have seen in someone else in this very room.”
Elspeth smiled coyly and pinched Thayer’s side. Judging by his painful grimace, she was getting proficient at it!
“Och, ye have some mighty strength in those fingers!” Thayer jested.
Elspeth kissed the tip of her forefinger and applied it to Thayer’s side. Grasping her finger, he drew it to his open mouth as if to bite her. Giggling, Elspeth pulled her finger away and slapped at his hand.
“I never told ye, but after I first met ye, I mentioned it my mother,” Thayer said as he slid his hands around Elspeth’s waist.
“And just what did ye tell her about me?” Elspeth inquired, her eyes peering deeply into his.
“I told her that I could scarcely believe the goddess I beheld was real. I thought that I had slipped into a dream. I knew I had just seen the woman I would marry some day.”
“And now?” Elspeth posed breathlessly.
“Elspeth, I can still scarcely believe that I have been so blessed with your favor. I could die a happy man today if I knew my last moments were spent with ye. My most fervent wish is that I may love ye all the days of my life and grow old by your side. But first, I have a vow to uphold. When your brother has been delivered from Dirleton, I shall bespeak your father for your hand. That is, if ye will have me.”
Elspeth slid her hands around Thayer’s husky neck and drew her lips to his mouth. As her lips gently brushed his, she murmured, “Aye, do ye not ken it, Thayer? Ye already have me!”
Chapter Sixteen
Though Elspeth had dressed hastily for the impromptu fete, Thayer couldn’t have been more delighted with her choice of attire. Her gown of emerald velvet, though unpretentious, clung to her every ambrosial curve. The pleasing swell of her full, creamy breasts peeked tantalizingly from under a delicate lace bodice. It was of no consequence that her jewels remained in her chambers at the castle, for in Thayer’s eyes, she would have no need for jewels or other embellishments.
Thayer donned a crisp emerald tartan, a silk trimmed tunic and snow white hose. His lengthy golden tresses were neatly trussed and his face was cleanly shaven.
A wry smile curled Thayer’s lips as he anticipated the delectable challenge which awaited him. He would surely need to muster every ounce of his composure to avoid being completely distracted by the alluring form which would stand at his side. He swore to himself that he would act the perfect gentleman, but it wouldn’t be easy.
This was going to be a long night, he mulled, continually sweeping the entire length of her lithe body in a heated caress.
Elspeth and Thayer strolled blissfully toward the dining hall, their arms entwined. For these few blessed moments, at least, Elspeth’s fears for Graham and Faolin had been abated. When the true shadows of doubt had crept into the deepest recesses of her heart, Thayer’s assurances had given her cause to hope. In his eyes, she saw the promise of their freedom. It lightened her heart and eased her fears. She was so very thankful for it all!
Nearing the hall, her ears were met with the joyful din of celebration. Goblets tinkled, mirth spilled heartily about and peals of laughter echoed into the hall. A marked hush quickly fell over the gathering as they glided into the room. Elspeth was flabbergasted. She couldn’t fathom th
e source of the crowd’s sudden stillness. But judging by Thayer’s stony expression as he swept his eyes over the awed expressions of the slack-jawed men in her wake, she realized he must have known better.
Passing a particularly dumbstuck young lad, Thayer snatched a stein of ale from the tray of a passing servant and screwed it angrily into the boy’s empty hand. The lad’s cheeks had taken on a decidedly cerise hue to rival the red of his plaid. He scuttled away, nearly spilling the ale as he made his escape.
Sensing the impetus of Thayer’s suddenly darkened mien, Elspeth’s cheeks heated bashfully. Her discomfort was short-lived, however. The lad’s companions erupted in hearty guffaws, diluting the palatable tension.
“Elspeth, I have never seen men make such fools of themselves,” Thayer grumbled as his perturbed glower sent another slack-jawed admirer scurrying away.
“Haven’t ye?” Elspeth answered coyly.
“Och! Surely, ye are not referring to our first meeting?” Thayer complained as he raked his hand through his flaxen mane.
Clasping his arm ever tighter, Elspeth leaned her head on his broad shoulder.
She opted to let him off easy.
“Nae, Thayer,” she gushed. Peering deeply into his eyes of azure, she conceded, “Actually, that was the most memorable first meeting I ever had.”
“Memorable? As in good?”
“Memorable, as in memorable.”
Sweeping her hand to his lips, Thayer kissed it warmly. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he gently escorted her to Lady Fiona’s table. The table, abound with revelers hoisting their copiously-filled steins aloft, was crammed with plates generously piled high with fresh game and hearty baskets of freshly baked breads and ginger cakes.
Before taking his seat, Thayer scanned the room for a servant. He was feeling quite in need of a tankard of ale. As his eyes swept the dining chambers, his attention was diverted by a raucous gathering at the far side of the room. In its midst, he spied a well-endowed serving wench clad in a short sleeved ruffled white chemise, sateen skirt and bodice of robin’s egg blue.