A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1)

by Taylor, Brenda B.

  “I’ll pray for you, Madam. You can count on that.” She gave Maidie’s shoulder one last pat. “Now you must go break the fast. Sven waits with Alan in the great hall.”

  “Aye, and I wish to visit Anne and the babe. I’ll see them no more after this day.”

  The two women left the chamber and made their way to the great hall where food for the morning was being served. Maidie spotted Davina sitting at the table on the dais. Gavin was nowhere to be seen. Maidie felt relief. She had no desire to face him again. Hopefully, he would let her leave without another confrontation. Davina motioned for Maidie to join her. Nellie walked with her to the chair Davina pointed out and then left to attend her serving duties.

  “You look tired this morn, Davina,” Maidie said as she sat beside the young woman.

  “I slept no’ at all last night. Gavin told me you had to be exchanged for Andrew. I am verra distraught over your leaving.” Large dark eyes searched Maidie’s face.

  “I too, am distraught. I thought about returning to my father when the trouble over my healing began. Someone hates me and may do harm to both Sven and me. I canna let that happen. Sven must be kept safe, but now I wish to stay.” Maidie turned to take a boiled egg from a platter and began peeling it.

  “Why did you change your mind?” Davina continued to stare.

  Maidie sought words to answer Davina while she took a bite of the egg then drank a sip of ale.

  “Why did you change your mind?” Davina asked jerking on Maidie’s arm.

  She turned to look into Davina’s questioning eyes. “I must tell you the truth. After this day it wanna matter anyway.” She paused, but Davina’s eyes did not leave her face. “My heart is filled with love for the chief.” She could look at Davina no longer and turned back to the egg.

  “I ken it.” Davina spoke loudly. “I ken you loved him, and he loves you. I could see how he looked at you with the calf eyes of a lover.” Davina jerked Maidie’s arm so she dropped the egg. “Gavin loves you also. Both my brothers are taken by your charm.” Davina let go of Maidie’s arm and looked away. “Why, I canna say, but you have captivated the hearts of both.” She turned to look directly into Maidie’s eyes and moved her face closer. “’Tis best you leave then. They’ll get over their loss and wanna be contending with one another over your affection. Aye, best you leave. Best you leave.”

  She did not know how to answer, because Davina spoke the truth. Maidie rose. “I’ll check on Anne and the bairn. ‘Tis the last I will see of them.” She turned quickly to leave before tears poured from her eyes for the second time that morn. Nellie followed.

  Anne lay quietly while her son nursed. Maidie sat gently on the narrow pallet beside her and watched the tiny bairn take nourishment from his mother. A sweeter sight she had not seen in a long while. The wee head with a tuft of dark hair moved in rhythm to the sucking motion of his mouth.

  “Randal looks fine this morn.” Maidie reached out to stroke the small head. The hair felt like silky fuzz under her fingers.

  “He’s a hungry one. A pig he is,” Anne said with a smile.

  Maidie sat quietly for a moment thinking of the words to say good-bye to Anne. They would not come forth. How could she leave and never see them again? These people were her family now. She did not remember much about the ones she left, except for her father who stayed angry and distant after her mother died.

  Maidie remembered the many times she cried for her mother while walking the forest trails around Glen Uaine, gathering herbs in the castle garden, making the potions and salves in the way her mother had taught her. She had planted a red running rose in the garden along the wall so it would grow, covering the stones with sweet blossoms in memory of her mother. When she left her childhood home to marry Kenneth, the rose blossoms filled the garden with a sweet aroma. Maidie wondered how it grew now. The rose was one thing she would be happy to see again.

  “I must leave on the morrow, Anne. Sven and I are being exchanged for the chief.” Maidie had to look away from her friend.

  “Nae! You must stay. I need you and so does Randal. I will let nae one touch my bairn.” Anne moved Randal away, resting him gently on the bed beside her. The wee one let out a whine then drifted off into sleep. Anne straightened her gown and sat up. She grabbed Maidie’s hand. “You must no’ leave!”

  “I canna stay, Anne. I must go for the sake of the chief’s life. You and Randal are fine now. Both of you are doing well enough. Angus will look after you.”

  “I hate Angus. He’s a brute. I’ll no’ let him touch me or Randal.” Anne’s large eyes filled with tears. “Randal and I will never see you again, in this life. You’re a dear friend. A dear friend.” She reached out, taking Maidie’s hand, then with quiet resolution said, “God bless and keep you. You’re a fine woman and healer.”

  Maidie embraced her friend while her heart filled with pain. She bent to plant a tender kiss on Randal’s tiny pink cheek. She watched him sleep for a moment, smiling at the sucking movements of his mouth. He seemed hungry even in his sleep. A fine one, this bairn. He will grow up learning to fight like his da, and mayhap die in battle also. God help us.

  Maidie hugged Anne once more, rose from the bed, and left the chamber with Nellie. Maidie heard her friend sniff. She turned to Nellie. “Take good care of Anne and the wee lad. He’s a fine one.”

  “Aye, Madam. I’ll take verra good care of both. Wee Randal will have a playmate in a few months.”

  Maidie stopped in her tracks and turned to the blushing maid. “Are you pregnant, Nellie?”

  “Aye. A bairn is coming in late spring. Alan’s verra happy. He’s wanting a son. He thinks the world of Sven and can hardly wait for a son of his own.” Nellie smiled with her deep dimples growing even deeper.

  Maidie reached for her friend’s hands, grasping both in her own. “You’ll be a fine mither and Alan a fine da for a laddie. But what if the bairn is a lass? Will you be happy?”

  “Aye, I’ll be verra happy. A lass wanna learn to fight and go to war. She’ll stay with me. I can teach her many things.”

  “Aye. I ken your feelings, Nellie. I wanna trade my son for all the world, but I must find some way to keep him from fighting. Maighstir Tam promised to find Sven a patron who would send him to university where he can learn the skills of a physician, but now we must leave. My father has no plans for my lad except training him to be a warrior, I’m certain.”

  Her plans and dreams for Sven would never materialize. He would someday inherit a large Cameron estate, and had already inherited the lands deeded to Kenneth in the Munro barony. Maidie planned to make certain the deed to the two-pennyland grant went with her and stayed in her keeping. Someday, if she found a way, she may wish to return to the Munro lands with Sven. The two women reached the kitchen.

  Maidie entered to find Sven. He and the cook’s two children played with the hound pups. “I need you to come with me, Sven,” Maidie said, bending to pat the pup her son held. This was the last time he would play with the wee hounds. The thought made her sad. He loved those dogs.

  Maidie looked around the large kitchen where scullions worked cooking the noon meal under the direction of the head cook, Effie and Dan’s mother. This castle felt like home to Maidie now, with familiar faces and friends she had come to love. She thought about leaving and wanted to many times, but her heart wished to stay. Andrew lived here, which made staying more desirable. Just when she had come to grips with the awareness of her love for him, she must leave.

  Sven placed the pup close to the mother and turned to his friends. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

  Effie and Dan nodded their heads. Cook called to both, giving each a chore. Maidie took Sven by the hand and walked with him across the great hall then up the stairs. They passed Andrew’s chamber door. She wished to enter and find him there. His wound may need tending with the plantain salve. Her fingers could feel the touch of his skin as she applied the soothing medication. She imagined washing his hair and running
her fingers through the thick strands. Maidie shook her head and walked faster down the passageway.

  Low, deep voices engaged in conversation came from inside Gavin’s chamber. She had no desire to face the tanist or his sister another time this day, so decided to take the noon and evening meals in her chamber. A tangled web of emotions ran rampant through her being. She needed to be alone and make plans to leave on the morrow.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The faint pink light of a new morn broke through the chamber window when Maidie heard a knock on the door. Alan and Nellie were gone—he to make arrangements for her trip, and she to fetch food from the kitchen. Maidie sat beside the fireplace fully dressed in a split worsted skirt, linen blouse, quilted vest and boots. Nellie had pinned her hair into a tight chignon at the nape of her neck. Her arisaid and riding bonnet lay on a nearby chair with Sven’s clothes. She waited until the last minute to rouse Sven and dress him for a full day of riding. The three-day journey would be very tiring for both. Sven would get his fill of riding horses for awhile. Maidie opened the door to Nellie with a tray of food. The maid made her way to a table and placed the tray upon it. She straightened with a sigh rubbing her back. Maidie remembered doing the same while carrying Sven.

  She walked to the bed where Sven lay, then shook the small shoulders gently. He rubbed sleepy eyes and looked at her. “Up now. ‘Tis morn. We have a journey to make.”

  “Will we be riding horses, Mam?” He sat up.

  “Aye. We’ll be riding horses for a long while.”

  The lad jumped out of bed and rushed to his clothing. He made haste in dressing for the day. “I must tell Dan and Effie good-bye and pet the pups. When will we be back, Mam?”

  Maidie’s voice caught in her throat. “Not for awhile. You must eat first. The journey will be long.”

  Sven finished dressing, used the privy, and washed his face in the basin. Maidie smiled at the tuft of red hair sticking up from the cowlick on the crown of his head. Her son looked so much like his da. She remembered trying to get the hair on Kenneth’s crown to lay down, but it usually defied her efforts. She grabbed a comb, dampened it with water, and ran it through Sven’s hair, giving the unruly tuft greater care.

  Maidie took a step backward, examining her work. “There, you look handsome just like your da.” She gave Sven a hug, which he brushed off and ran to the food tray. “Eat with the manners you’ve been taught, Sven.”

  He turned to her with a mouthful. “I have to hurry, Mam, if I tell Effie and Dan good-bye.” Sven looked around the room. “Where’s Alan?”

  “He’s helping make ready for the trip,” Nellie said.

  Sven swallowed and a crease appeared between his brows. “Must I wait on Alan? I need to see Effie and Dan.”

  “I’ll go with you to the kitchen when I take this tray back.” Nellie looked at Maidie. “If you care no’, Madam.”

  “Aye, and I shall walk with you. I want to tell Cook and the children, good-bye again.”

  Maidie sat on the chair and motioned for Sven to do the same. She bowed her head, saying a short prayer of thanksgiving for the food, then asked for a safe journey and the chief’s safe return.

  Sven looked up after the prayer. “Will we see Chief Andrew?”

  “I dinna ken.” Maidie’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of Andrew’s name. She hoped beyond hope to see him, although doing so would rent the very fabric of her soul. A thousand questions concerning him rushed through her mind. Foremost was that of his safety. She prayed earnestly for his safety and well-being since he first left on the quest to oust the reivers from Munro lands. Davina said Gavin told her the fire had been a trap set to capture the chief or himself. The MacKenzies and Camerons needed a hostage of high value to get what they desired from the Baron of Fàrdach

  The door opened and Davina rushed in without bothering to knock. Maidie rose, Nellie curtseyed and backed away to let Davina pass.

  She embraced Maidie then stepped back. “I dinna wish for you to leave, Maidie. I’m sorry about what I said when last we spoke.” Davina’s voice and eyes held a cold, insincere expression.

  “I canna stay, M’Lady. Your brother’s life depends on my going.”

  “Aye, it does indeed. I may never see you again.” The girl looked thoughtful. “And then I may come for a visit, if this senseless feud is settled and we can live in peace. Andrew would have me marry the MacKenzie’s son, but I refused. I’m in love with another, and I wanna be dissuaded.” She paused, searching Maidie’s eyes. A line creased her brow. “Come, Gavin waits for you in the bailey. Your trunk is packed in a cart and ready.”

  Nellie placed Maidie’s bonnet on her head, pinned it firmly in place, then put the arisaid around her shoulders before picking up the food tray.

  Maidie assisted Sven with his wool jacket and handed him a small cap for his head. He looked up at her while adjusting his cap. “Mam, we must stop by the kitchen.”

  Maidie looked at Davina. “I promised Sven he could say good-bye to Dan and Effie and the pups.”

  Davina pulled Maidie along. “No time, Maidie. Gavin and the others wait.” She looked down at Sven. “I’ll tell the children good-bye for you and give the pups a pat.”

  Large tears formed in Sven’s eyes, but he said nothing. Maidie’s heart broke for her son. How could he understand the feuding, taking hostages, and ransom? He must leave those he held dear and the little pups that captured his heart, never to see them again. Sven had lost much at such a young age.

  Maidie followed Davina down the spiral staircase and through the great hall. The servants were renewing the rushes on the floor and spreading sweet smelling heather throughout. Maidie’s eyes found the dais where Andrew sat. The feel of his lips on the back of her hand rushed to her memory. Without thinking, she put the hand to her mouth. Sven lagged behind, so she grabbed his arm, pulling him along. They followed Davina through the large door to the baily.

  Sadness soon left Sven when he saw the many mounted warriors and prancing horses awaiting them. Gavin sat tall, dressed in a leather ionar, great plaide, tall boots, a claymore strapped to his back with a pistol in his belt. The other warriors were similarly outfitted. Some had targes strapped to their horses and carried the shorter claidheamh. Some carried long bows across their chest with quivers of arrows on their backs. Several carts loaded with tents, cooking utensils, and food stood by.

  Tavish stood beside a horse with a sidesaddle, holding the reins. The warrior smiled broadly when Maidie approached. He gave a bow of his head. “Madam.”

  “Good morn to you, Tavish.” Maidie returned his smile. She heard Gavin make a guttural sound, but did not turn to look at him. The thought of traveling for three days in his company gave her pause.

  Maidie turned to Davina, embracing the young lass. Davina returned her hug.

  Gavin’s horse stomped and snorted. “Good-bye to you, Sister. Take care while I’m gone.”

  Davina released Maidie to look up at him. “To be sure, Brother. And dinna come home without Andrew.”

  With a shake of his head, Gavin led his horse to the front of the group, turned around and waited for Maidie. Erskin moved up to join Gavin while Tavish cupped his hands to give Maidie a lift. She placed her foot in his hands with arms around his neck. His eyes searched hers as he lifted her to the saddle. What did she see in those bright brown eyes? Surely Tavish felt no attraction to her. From her observance when Davina and he danced, the chief’s sister was smitten with the young warrior. Maidie determined to keep a good distance. She arranged her skirt and arisaid as Tavish lifted Sven to sit on a cushion behind her then mounted his own horse.

  Tavish moved close to Maidie. “When you tire, Madam, the lad may ride with me.”

  “Thank you, Tavish.” She turned to Sven. “Hold tightly.” His small arms encircled her waist.

  The large gates opened to let the horses and their riders pass through. Tavish stayed close to Maidie. She looked back to see Davina wave and Angus standing in the door
way of the keep with the usual scowl on his face. Angus should have a smile instead of a frown with her leaving. People stood along the way through the outer bailey to watch the large party pass. More warriors ahorse and caterans afoot armed with long spears and axes waited outside the gates. Maidie thought Gavin must expect trouble of some sort with so many armed men accompanying him to Castle Lach. Sven held tightly to her waist. She patted his hand.

  A heavy mist carrying a hard chill filled the air as the sluagh, and carts moved slowly through the countryside. Maidie pulled her arisaid closer. Sven relaxed his hold around her waist, resting his head on her back. She thought he might be more comfortable riding in a cart. She would ask Tavish when they stopped. Maidie could see the outline of leafless trees, stark across the background of white. A surreal feeling of being in an unknown hinterland clouded her mind. The cry of a sea gull from nearby Cromarty Firth added to the feeling. Then sadness came with the realization she would never see this place again in her lifetime – a place she had grown to love, a place she shared with her husband, and then with Andrew. The chief’s face loomed large in the mist before her. She squeezed her eyes shut, wiping them with the back of her hand.

  Tavish moved his horse closer. “Are you fine, Madam?”

  “Aye, Tavish. Only sad with leaving.” Maidie tried to smile at the young man.

  “I wish you dinna have to go,” he said with sorrow in his voice.

  “So do I, Tavish. So do I. This place is now my home.” Maidie looked ahead, trying to avoid the doleful face of the warrior. This, indeed, promised to be a long trip.

  The mist dissipated with the sun’s midmorning light, and the air grew warmer. Maidie felt relief that rain did not come. Sven’s arms grew tired, and he let go of her waist. She turned the best she could to see him, but could only view the top of his head.

  “Do you want to ride in a cart, Sven? You would be more comfortable riding atop the tents.”