by Amy Harmon
Robert lifted his chin. ’Twas Robert who was wise. Kellen thought he was so clever, moving his cattle about under cover of darkness, when all along one of Robert’s own men helped guard the weedy beasts.
He liked feeling as if he moved players about a chess board, determining outcomes. The thought raised his mood. The heathen was moving into exactly the position Robert wanted him. Robert was in charge. He would hurt Marshall, make him sorry, and eventually make him die.
“You sent for me,” MacGregor bowed his head mockingly. “And here I am.”
“It took you long enough. I sent word that I had information two days ago and I have not seen my man since.”
MacGregor shrugged. “I had to make some inquires. I like knowing who it is I do business with.”
“And my man?”
MacGregor shrugged again then whistled loud and shrill. A yell and a smacking noise was heard inside the darkness of the trees and moments later a horse bolted out. The horse galloped past, a man bound, gagged, and wearing only underclothing tied across its back.
As Robert turned to gape at MacGregor, the barbarian simply shrugged again. “I did no’ care for his attitude. I hope I like yours better.”
Robert’s mouth snapped shut as he stared at MacGregor. How dare this savage threaten him? “Do you want the information I have or not?”
“You seem to want me to have it, so what is it you know?”
“Lord Marshall’s cattle are hidden on the north side of his property.” As MacGregor stared at him, Robert had to fight the urge to move in the saddle.
“Tell me, English. Have you no problem betraying your kinsman?”
“Lord Marshall is no kinsman of mine.”
“Your countryman then?”
“Why do you care?”
“Care? I do no’. I simply want my curiosity appeased, for I have often wondered, does your type have any loyalties at all?”
Robert shrugged off the insult, determined to get this meeting over with as quickly as possible. “I have relations aplenty and they are no concern of yours. Do you want the information or not?”
“Why no’? But I warn you. I do no’ like my time wasted.”
Again, Robert sensed a threat. The laird was a big man. Huge, in truth. Perhaps as big and powerful as Kellen, himself. And wild, too. Powerful and wild enough to bring Kellen down if it came to it?
One could hope.
The thought of the two powerful men coming together, clashing, perhaps dying, made Robert shudder. But beyond the physical threat of the man before him, Robert knew what would hurt Kellen the most. Kellen had stood guard over Lady Corbett like a dog with a stolen hunk of meat.
Robert hated the girl now. He had given her a chance and she had barely paid him any attention. She had seemed incapable of appreciating his finer qualities and practically ignored him as she gazed at and fawned over Marshall.
Unlike her sister, she actually seemed to prefer that uncivilized, unkempt barbarian. Mayhap she would like the Scot, too. In fact, perhaps Robert would do her a favor. “Then mayhap I should make sure your time is well spent with additional information. Lord Marshall has a new bride he guards like a precious treasure.”
“And this affects me how?”
The man really was stupid. “She would bring a bountiful ransom.”
“You would have me take his woman?” His tone was amused.
Robert thought for a moment, then sighed. “As if you could get to her,” Robert said sourly, realizing just how hopeless that would actually be. A savage taking an English castle? Impossible. “So just dismiss it from your mind.” But Robert hoped he wouldn’t dismiss it. That he would take it as a challenge. The Scot was known to be relentless when roused. Perhaps the temptation would be too much for him to resist.
MacGregor studied him for a long moment. “It seems this grand gesture may be more about petty jealousy than any other motive, with me the knife you hope to stab in Marshall’s back.”
Robert’s fists bunched. “I am not jealous of him! I have my reasons and they are none of your concern. I’ve not asked you to kill Marshall, but merely humble him. Are you going to do it or not?”
That infernal shrug once more. “Oh, I will do it. For reasons of my own. I do not plan to overlook such a gift as this. My thanks.” He bowed his head.
Did the savage mock him? Robert wasn’t sure, but suddenly felt as if he were lacking somehow. But what did he care what a filthy, heathen savage thought of him? The brute likely was not capable of thinking overmuch, anyway.
“One more thing,” said MacGregor. “Just so we understand each other. I hope your information is correct, because I would truly hate to be disappointed. It might make me feel I was played for a fool, and that could make me verra, verra angry.”
Robert swallowed, and realized he was sweating. Could he be causing future problems for himself by turning this wild dog against Marshall? But mayhap Marshall would go after MacGregor and they would kill each other? That would be a perfect solution to his problem.
“’Tis all true. I heard it straight from his own mouth. At his own dinner table not two nights ago.”
“He fed you? And this is your repayment? Ah, a clever man, indeed.”
Sarcastic brute. If somehow the savage could get to Lady Corbett, so much the better. She did not like him? He would throw her to the dirty savages to be torn apart. She deserved it.
Signaling to his men, ignoring the chill it gave him to turn his back on the Scot, Robert dug his spurs hard into his mount and rode away, trying not to feel as if he ran. As if he had just tangled with the devil himself.
Robert glanced back once, but MacGregor and his men had faded away into the darkness.
Blasted creepy Scots.
Chapter Fifteen
“I can’t believe how many people showed up for this.” Gillian helped Beatrice unwrap a platter of cheese to set out by the bread as Amelia sat on the edge of the blanket playing with an ugly doll made of clay.
With dismay, Gillian looked at the knights, servants, children, craftsmen, laborers, cooks, squires, and others laying out blankets and food or playing by the river, conversing, laughing, and generally having a good time.
Tristan shrugged. “’Tis to be expected. Everyone wants to be invited to a field day.”
“It turned into a bigger event than I’d anticipated.”
Tristan nodded. “So it did. The more the merrier, eh?”
“I guess so.” Gillian looked over to where Kellen was standing on the bank of the river. She’d wanted the picnic to be more intimate, had wanted to get Kellen alone. He’d been too busy lately, and had stayed out late the last few nights. Something about preventing raids on cattle, protecting the village, and setting traps. Medieval man waging war. Gillian sighed. While it was an attractive look for him, it put the romance she’d hoped for on the back burner.
Sir Owen walked over and knelt to help himself to a couple of slices of cheese. “You look charming this day, Lady Corbett.”
“She does at that,” said Tristan.
Gillian smiled and glanced down at the new yellow gown Beatrice and a few of the other girls had sewn for her, minus the feathers Beatrice had tried to sew into the sleeves. It was easy to look good when you dressed like a princess. “Flatterers.”
Tristan laughed. “’Tis not flatter if we speak true.”
Gillian felt her cheeks warm. “Well, thank you.” She turned away to watch Kellen and the boys fish then glanced back to Tristan and Owen. “Can you believe I’ve been here for an entire week already?”
“And only four more until your wedding,” said Tristan.
At the reminder, Gillian’s heart sank. Four more weeks until the real fiancé showed. That Cow Edith as she’d taken to calling her in her thoughts. “It’s gone so fast.”
“Mayhap because you have enjoyed yourself,” said Tristan. “If you find your enjoyment waning or the time slowing, it could be a sign you tire of your betrothed. If that be the case,
perhaps you should choose to marry me rather than Kellen?”
Owen laughed. “No chance there. Have you not seen the way she looks at him?”
Gillian’s cheeks heated all over again, but she smiled just the same. She was having fun. But it might be time to start thinking about getting back to her own time. Before Edith showed up and ruined everything.
Gillian looked at Kellen and acknowledged that she wasn’t quite ready to go home yet, but at least knowing how would be a good idea. She’d thought living the life of a fairytale princess might get old, what with the garderobes, and the lack of malls in the area, but no, she was still having the time of her life. Granted, still no kiss. Apparently, Kellen had been too busy trying to foil would-be rustlers to spare time for any more late night visits. But a girl could hope. One thing was for sure. She was getting that kiss before she left. Maybe even tonight. “I’ll see you guys later.”
They protested, but Gillian stood anyway and Amelia followed to walk over to where Kellen fished with Francis. The boys stuck worms onto hooks and looked to be relishing the task. Another boy stood nearby, and Gillian recognized him and swerved in his direction. “Valeric. Hi.”
The boy looked startled and almost dropped his pole. “My lady.”
“Caught anything yet?”
“No, my lady.”
She put a hand on his bony shoulder before moving on. “Well, good luck.” She moved on to see Peter and Ulrick plucking worms out of a bowl. “Yuck. Make sure you wash your hands before you eat anything. Worms have germs.”
After a quick glance the boys laughed and then ignored her.
Kellen, holding a fishing pole and jerking it rhythmically backward, sighed. “Gillian, you are babying again. ’Tis unacceptable and you will confuse their training if you continue to coddle them. I will thank you to stick to womanly matters.”
“Fine. I can tell when I’m not wanted.” She took Amelia by the hand. “Come on, Amelia. I’m going to tell you everything I know about men. It won’t take long, because there isn’t much to tell. Men are very simple creatures.”
Kellen scoffed. “I did not ask you to leave. I wish you to stay. Perhaps I will want to hear such tales myself.”
Gillian smiled at him. “No. You really don’t,” she teased as she glanced back and saw Kellen was watching her with appreciation in his gaze.
She glowed and didn’t leave. Just stood there like a goof smiling at him smiling at her. She finally turned away, embarrassed. Talk about wearing her heart on her sleeve. No wonder Sir Owen had been confident of Gillian’s affection toward Kellen.
She glanced around at the people starting to eat. There was a lot of laughter and joking, and she soaked up the whole family atmosphere. Her house had been so quiet after her family died. The noise, the togetherness, the acceptance, was an absolute joy. This was what she’d been looking for when she’d gotten conned into a relationship with her ex-fiancé.
Tristan pointed to the distance. “Someone comes. Kellen, see you the colors?”
“I’m not blind.”
On the other side of the village heading down a hill was an entourage of some sort with at least twenty riders, some carrying flags. One man broke away from the group and rode forward and Kellen walked to the end of the path and waited to meet him.
As Gillian noticed women in the group, her heart started to pound and she stood rooted to the spot. When the man finally arrived, she slowly followed Kellen to where he chatted with the rider. The Corbett’s hadn’t come early, had they? Was Gillian about to be exposed?
Kellen turned. “’Tis my stepmother.”
Relief left Gillian feeling weak as she watched the group of riders move closer, veer to the picnic and, finally, come to a stop.
One of them, a beautiful lady with covered hair, jet black brows, white skin, and red lips stopped before Kellen. Snow White in person.
Kellen helped her dismount and the woman straightened, smoothed her dress, and folded her hands together. “Your father sends his greetings. He is pleased with the betrothal. He thinks you a fine son in need of a son of your own.”
She looked beyond him to Gillian and Kellen took a step back and beckoned her forward. “This is Lady Corbett.” He gestured to the lady. “My stepmother, Lady Hardbrook.”
Her lips barely smiled. “You must call me Marissa.”
Gillian was unsure whether she should curtsey or not. “Please, call me Gillian. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Marissa looked at the child. “And is this Amelia? You’ve grown so much, my dear.”
Amelia held up the doll but Marissa didn’t take it and simply looked around before turning to Gillian once more. “Where are your parents? Your ladies? How progress the wedding plans, servants, meals, weaving, and such?”
Gillian looked to Kellen then back at Marissa. “Uh. My parents aren’t here yet. It’s just me. I haven’t really started planning anything yet.”
Marissa’s firm mouth slackened in seeming shock. She looked back to the ladies still seated on horseback then again at Gillian. “I do not understand. Why not?”
“Well, I’m still getting to know Kellen and all, so… ”
Marissa’s mouth was still open and it snapped shut at the same moment she turned to Kellen. “’Tis good you sent for me. I will take everything in hand, including your betrothed.”
That didn’t sound good. “What do you mean? I don’t want to be taken in hand. I’m enjoying my free time with Kellen.”
Marissa drew her head back and looked at Gillian like she was some sort of oddity. “Free time? There is not such for the lady of a castle. Proper cultivation of discipline and decorum seem to be in order, do they not?”
Gillian looked to Kellen hoping for a rescue, but Kellen didn’t say a word. He simply clasped his hands behind his back and looked at the ground.
Marissa turned away. “I will go to the keep and organize my possessions in your bedchamber. I’ll be waiting.”
“Waiting?”
Marissa’s gaze swept over the gathering. “For this spectacle to end.”
Feeling helpless, Gillian watched Kellen help Marissa mount again, and then the entire entourage left for the castle. Apparently Snow White hadn’t arrived but the wicked witch instead. So much for Gillian’s vacation.
* * *
Kellen turned to look at Gillian, who gazed at him as if he had betrayed her. But all he could think on was the fact that when he’d sent for Marissa it had not occurred to him that she would sleep with Gillian.
He couldn’t help the disappointment he felt. Kellen couldn’t seem to get Gillian out of his thoughts. She was attractive, amusing, charming, and she seemed to like him. All good qualities, to his way of thinking.
He straightened his spine. Still, Kellen had to admit he was relieved his stepmother was there. He would be married to Gillian soon enough, and while the wedding was being planned, he would simply have to concentrate on knightly endeavors rather than nightly endeavors.
Gillian looked worried, which he did not care for, but did understand. She had not taken over her duties and established herself as lady of the castle. She seemed uninterested in cooking, servants, or anything else that would fall in her domain. This had concerned him. He had not forgotten her comment about her stay being but temporary. She still had not given him the ring.
He had told himself not to worry. She was simply getting to know her place here and taking her time. But he had to admit he was glad Marissa had arrived to force the issue. The sooner Gillian settled, the better.
Except now there would be no more going to see Gillian in the middle of the night.
Devil take it. So much for seducing her.
Chapter Sixteen
The bed curtains were drawn back. “’Tis time to wake,” urged Marissa. “You must bestir yourself, Lady Corbett.”
Gillian rolled over and moaned. She cracked an eye to look at the window. The wooden shutters were still in place, but the slits around the edges showed it was
still dark. Maybe there was a sliver of light but that might just be her imagination. She rolled over again, pulled the blankets up around her chin, and snuggled into her pillow.
“Come, Lady Corbett. The morning is a fine one.” Marissa’s voice was more insistent this time. “You have had your time of rest.”
Gillian moaned. “Please. I just want to sleep in.” The night before hadn’t been a restful one, what with having to share her bed with Kellen’s stiff-sleeping step-mom. The woman had continually shoved Gillian back to her own side of the bed, waking her several times, and Marissa had snored softly when she slept on her back. Couldn’t she just leave Gillian alone for a while longer?
“The lady of the castle does not sleep in. She sets the example.” Now the voice was disapproving.
Gillian cracked an eye open. Kellen’s stepmom was completely dressed and ready for the day. “How? By having the bleariest eyes? That’ll show them.”
Marissa gestured to Beatrice, who hurried forward to lay a gown at the end of the bed. “The lady of the castle must hold herself to a higher measure.”
Gillian groaned, rolled onto her back, and threw an arm over her eyes to block everything out. This wasn’t sounding good for her.
“Beatrice, dress your lady so she might instruct the household and plan her wedding. Things that should already have been done. Apparently your mistress is sorely in need of a few lessons.”
Gillian heard the edge to Marissa’s voice and Beatrice jumped to do her bidding. “My lady?”
Gillian sighed. “It’s not even light outside.” She tried to pull the covers over her head, but they were yanked away by a disapproving, tight-lipped Marissa. Gillian wasn’t too happy herself. “I don’t need any lessons. I’m on vacation.”
Marissa turned and spoke to others, and for the first time Gillian realized there were three other ladies in the room. Marissa walked them to the door. “I will meet you downstairs directly.”