My Brave Highlander

by Vonda Sinclair

  "Och. His whore, then," Haldane accused. "I cannot believe the clan elders will tolerate this."

  Rage quickened Dirk's blood. "You overstep your bounds, Haldane," he warned, moving toward his brother. "The lady is a member of the nobility and I barely know her. She is no one's whore. She's injured and we are simply showing her hospitality. Her brother is a chief. Apologize to Lady Isobel. Now."

  "Nay." Haldane narrowed his eyes. "I'll not be obeying your orders."

  Before he knew what he was about, Dirk wrapped a fist in Haldane's shirt and shoved him up against the stone wall. "That's not how you treat a lady," Dirk growled, nose to nose with Haldane. "Apologize now."

  His younger brother's wide gaze bounced wildly about the hall. Silence reigned. Without doubt, the little weasel was looking for someone to come to his rescue. Dirk was proud of his clan when no one moved a muscle. Unlike Haldane, they all knew ladies were to be treated with respect.

  "P… Pray pardon… Lady Isobel," Haldane stammered. His breathing was unsteady with Dirk's fist against his throat.

  Noticing his wee brother was reluctant to meet his gaze again, he smirked. "Now, was that so hard?" Dirk asked, releasing him. "I expect you to show her and all ladies respect from now on."

  Nostrils flaring, face flushing and green eyes glinting venom like his mother's might, Haldane backed away to stand behind Aiden's shoulder. "I'm going to get Mother, and you're coming with me, Aiden. I don't trust this… imposter. Come."

  "I'm going nowhere." Aiden crossed his arms over his narrow chest. "'Tis past noon, and I'll not be traveling to Tongue this late."

  He was a smart lad. Although Tongue was a part of MacKay lands, it would take at least a day to ride there.

  "I'll go then." Haldane's brittle glowers were deadly in their intensity. "Mother will want to be here for the hearing."

  Dirk seethed inside. How damned grand it would be to see Maighread Gordon again—the murderous witch.

  Chapter Ten

  Standing near the enormous fireplace, trying to warm herself with her maid, Isobel scanned the spacious but crowded great hall of Dunnakeil with its many tables and benches. Since Haldane had finished his insulting rant and stormed out, she could relax a bit. Although some of the clan members still sent curious glances her way.

  Two sizable deerhounds lay before the fireplace on a plaid carpet, their heads resting on their paws. Though they had sniffed at her when she'd arrived, they now ignored her.

  She glanced aside and up. Three sets of massive stag antlers hung on the stone wall over the fireplace, along with the MacKay crest—a hand holding a dagger or Highland dirk. The wording over it was in Gaelic—Bi Tren. Be valiant. That certainly described Dirk perfectly.

  "Lady Isobel," Dirk said at her shoulder.

  She turned. "Aye?"

  "I'm sorry Haldane was so rude to you," he murmured in a deep tone that soothed her.

  "You don't need to apologize for him." Although Isobel had been mortified and her face burning from his brother's unfair accusations and the clan members' stares, she didn't blame Dirk.

  What a holy terror Haldane was. She was tempted to box his ears for being so bad-mannered, as she'd done to her own younger brothers a time or two. Even though Dirk and Haldane both possessed ginger-colored hair and tall height, naught else about them was similar. Certainly not their manners.

  But standing with Dirk and talking privately always made her feel better, as did looking into his compelling eyes.

  "Sounds like he will cause trouble," she said.

  "Aye. Have no doubt of it." Dirk glanced over her shoulder. She turned to find a statuesque and beautiful woman, several inches taller than herself, headed toward them. "Do you know my wee sister, Jessie?" he asked.

  For a certainty, the young woman had to be his sister; they had the same pale blue eyes and copper hair. "Nay, but I've heard her name mentioned."

  Dirk introduced them.

  "'Tis a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Jessie," Isobel said with a curtsy. "And 'tis a shame we haven't met before now."

  Someone called Dirk's name and he strode across the great hall, leaving the women alone.

  "Indeed. My father would never take me to Dornie when he took my stepmother to see your mother," Jessie said. "And I fostered with the Keiths for seven years. Come, I will show you to your chamber."

  They chatted as they climbed the narrow stone stairwell to the second floor and moved down a long corridor, Beitris following. A door led to a tiny room containing a bed covered in a generous layer of multicolored plaid blankets. A couple of straight-backed chairs flanked the hearth where a fire burned. What appeared to be an abundantly padded pallet lay before it, with more blankets. A narrow window, not much wider than an arrow slit, occupied the back stone wall. Isobel found the room to be quaint and cozy.

  "This is a wee room but 'tis one of the warmest in winter," Jessie said. "And it has always been a favorite of mine."

  "I thank you. 'Tis lovely," Isobel said.

  "I help Aiden manage the household staff as I did for my father before his death."

  "That's generous of you to help your family so much."

  Jessie shrugged. "My stepmother has never enjoyed staying here. For a certainty, I don't enjoy living with her. So 'tis a pleasant arrangement."

  Isobel nodded, wondering whether Jessie had been married, or if she planned to marry eventually, but Isobel always hated it when someone asked her about her marital status. "You don't get on well with your stepmother?" Isobel asked instead.

  "Nay. And she knows I don't care to be in her company."

  Did Jessie know her stepmother had tried to kill Dirk? Or was this a secret he was keeping from her? Isobel would have to discuss it with him before she talked too much. She had never liked gossiping.

  "Although she and my mother were friends, I'm starting to think my mother didn't know her very well," Isobel said.

  "Aye, likely not. And it irks me to no end that Haldane has gone to fetch her. Maybe she'll freeze into a block of ice before she reaches Durness."

  Isobel barely contained the snort of laughter that almost burst out. 'Twas obvious Jessie disliked her stepmother almost as much as Dirk did, yet she was far more candid about it.

  "Did you know Dirk was alive all these years?" Isobel asked.

  "Nay. It was a complete and wonderful surprise to me! You can't imagine how happy I am to see him again. We were close as wee bairns, probably because our mother died." Jessie shook her head, her eyes taking on a forlorn look. "Well, I know you must be exhausted from all the travel. I'll leave you to rest for a few hours. Supper will be at eight."

  "I look forward to it."

  With a smile, Jessie exited.

  Isobel pulled aside the heavy wool draping the narrow window. Beyond the wavy glass, there was no view to speak of. Just a section of the castle wall and gray clouds moving briskly over the sky. At least they could get a bit of light during the daytime.

  She allowed the cloth to drop over the window again and turned to the room where Beitris was attempting to coax more heat from the fire.

  How long would she have to stay here? Had she made a mistake by traveling north instead of south? Given the harsh wind and weather, she might have to stay here until spring.

  Without doubt, the MacLeods and the MacKenzies would search for her. If she didn't turn up soon, they'd likely think she and Beitris were dead. In one way, Isobel liked the idea they would make such an erroneous assumption. It would mean freedom instead of being forced to marry whichever man her brother ordered her to. Of course, Cyrus and all her brothers would be grief-stricken if they thought her dead. She didn't wish to hurt them, but she would love more independence.

  If they found her here, there would be trouble.

  Still, she wanted to stay long enough to be sure Dirk was safe from his stepmother and his youngest half-brother.

  A few hours later, after Isobel had napped and bathed, a young maid appeared in the doorway. "'Tis
time for supper, m'lady. Master MacKay asked that you be seated at the high table with him, Laird MacKay and Laird Rebbinglen."

  Isobel nodded, eager to leave the small confines of this room.

  When she entered the great hall, all manner of servants and clan members bustled about the four long tables that filled most of the room. She approached the high table on a dais near the fireplace, where Dirk, his brother and Rebbie sat along with a few older clansmen.

  Her heart leapt into her throat when her gaze met Dirk's. Why did he cause such turmoil within her? He stood and pulled out a chair for her between himself and Rebbie. He was such a gentleman and always made her feel special. Still, she felt odd being the only woman at the high table. Why was Jessie not sitting here?

  "I thank you."

  "You're welcome." Dirk's deep voice was comforting, yet formal. She wondered what he hid beneath that layer of controlled reserve. "Was the chamber to your liking?" he asked.

  "Aye. I must thank you and your family for finding room for us."

  "Good eve, Lady Isobel," Rebbie said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

  "Very well. And you?"

  "Marvelous now that I have the privilege of sitting by the loveliest personage present."

  Her face heated at such a compliment from the earl. "You are too kind, m'laird."

  Jessie rushed in at the last moment and took a vacant seat down the table. Isobel was disappointed to not be able to talk with her during the meal. But Dirk's sister was acting as lady of the castle and directing the servants.

  After one of the elder clan members said grace, food was served.

  When Dirk noticed the large piece of venison on Isobel's trencher he thought he should offer to cut it for her since her hand was injured. But then Rebbie spoke.

  "Let me help you with that, Lady Isobel." Rebbie proceeded to cut her meat into bite-sized chunks.

  Dirk's gut knotted, but he had no idea why he should mind Rebbie helping her. What difference did it make? And yet, he felt he'd missed out on something important.

  "I thank you, m'laird," she murmured.

  "'Tis my pleasure."

  Dirk flicked a glare over Isobel's head toward his friend, but Rebbie was busy eating. Forcing his attention back to his own trencher, Dirk took a bite. He felt imbecilic, both for not acting more quickly and for being annoyed. It didn't matter. Isobel was betrothed to another man and would soon be leaving. He'd best not grow too used to her being around. Yet he couldn't deny he relished being in her presence. His body hummed with repressed excitement.

  Ever solicitous, Rebbie poured her more wine. "You grew up in Dornie, did you not?" he asked.

  "Aye. At Teasairg Castle."

  "I have never been to that area."

  "'Tis lovely, with the three lochs."

  Dirk listened to the exchange going on beside him, feeling like he was eavesdropping on a private conversation. He ground his teeth, then forced himself to take another bite of food. He wasn't hungry and his stomach ached. What the hell was wrong with him?

  Rebbie murmured words that Dirk was unable to make out and Isobel giggled.

  Dirk's teeth slid together again and he felt like growling. He cleared his throat and took a sip of spiced wine.

  "Is everything all right?" Isobel asked, leaning close to his shoulder.

  "Hmm? Aye." He caught himself noticing how seductively dark her eyes were in the candlelight. And how her lips were a tempting blush-red color. Damnation, man, get yourself under control.

  "You've barely eaten a few bites," she said. Her concern for him sent a warm feeling to the pit of his stomach.

  "I'm not hungry," he said a bit more gruffly than he'd meant to.

  "He's in one of his moods. Pay him no mind," Rebbie said.

  Dirk glared at his friend.

  Rebbie's dark brows shot skyward. "What? You ken 'tis true. You get in dark moods sometimes."

  Dirk grunted when he wanted to tell Rebbie to mind his own business. "My mood is fine, I thank you," he muttered in a dry tone.

  Isobel sent him a fleeting smile then turned back to her venison. He was glad to see she was eating heartily.

  He forced himself to take another bite and focus on anything besides Isobel. He glanced down the table toward Aiden. He felt bad for the lad, caught in the middle and being used as his mother's puppet. Maighread might arrive within the next day or two. What would he do then? He couldn't order her to leave until he was chief… if the elders decided in his favor at the hearing. She would most likely be in a murderous rage, but she would hide it well. She always did.

  He was momentarily distracted by maids serving strawberry tarts. The one on his trencher smelled good but he had no appetite for sweets now. Isobel bit into hers with relish.

  "Mmm, this is delicious." Her moans vibrated madly through his body, stimulating him in ways he shouldn't be while sitting amongst several dozen people in a great hall.

  Two chairs down, Aiden leaned forward. "Are you going to eat that, brother?"

  To hear Aiden call him brother after all these years was gratifying. His heart warmed.

  "Nay." Dirk handed the tart over and Aiden seemed not much older than the last time they'd been together as he grinned and devoured it.

  When Dirk turned back, Isobel was watching him with an amused expression.

  "I hope you didn't want that." He hadn't thought to offer it to her.

  She shook her head and finished chewing. A bit of the pink strawberry glaze remained on her lips but she quickly licked it off. Damn, she really shouldn't do that. He suddenly had an insane craving for a strawberry-flavored female.

  "Nay, I'm stuffed to the gills," Isobel said. "I take it you don't enjoy sweets."

  Depended on the type of sweets. Sweet females he certainly enjoyed more than pastry tarts. He shrugged. "At times."

  After most of the clan had finished eating, musicians tuned up their instruments then motioned for Aiden to join them. Dirk remembered him playing a flute when he was a wee child. He'd even started playing pipes when he was seven summers. But now he retrieved a violin from a case in the corner.

  The beautiful music that flowed from his instrument astonished Dirk.

  "He plays amazingly well, does he not?" Isobel asked beside him, awe in her voice.

  "Aye. He's a natural. Has been since he was a wee lad." Dirk was proud of his younger brother. He might not be a warrior, but his musical talents more than made up for it.

  "Do you play an instrument?" she asked.

  "Nay." Would she find him lacking if he couldn't play music? What did it matter if she did? He was not here to please her. He was here to take on a responsibility that was his by birthright. Strangely, he found he looked forward to it. Finally, he was home where he belonged, where he felt more himself than he had for the past several years. And yet, he found nothing about it calming. Quite the opposite. Several things annoyed him, not the least of which was Rebbie and Isobel.

  At the end of the musical piece, Aiden finished a solo that had everyone tapping their feet and clapping. All the tables, except for the high table on the dais, were dismantled and pushed against the walls to make room for dancing.

  When the music started again, Isobel drummed her fingers on the table in time with the lively music. The last thing he was in the mood for was dancing. He rarely danced anyway. With his tall height and large frame, he always felt awkward.

  "Lady Isobel, would you honor me with a dance?" Rebbie asked.

  Of course, he would ask. Dirk rolled his eyes.

  "I'd love to. If you would excuse us," she said to Dirk.

  He nodded and motioned toward the floor where energetic couples were already in motion to the fast music. He'd rather watch her than dance with her. Not that he didn't want to touch her; he certainly did. But he knew she wouldn't find him to be as graceful a dancer as Rebbie. Dirk preferred a different sort of dance entirely, one that required a bed and no music. But he'd be doing none of that with Isobel. She belonged to s
omeone else.

  They completed three dances of similar fast tempo, Dirk's teeth grinding more with each one. Rebbie had best not be planning to seduce Isobel or Dirk would strangle him, friend or not.

  Isobel was out of breath but laughing and her face flushed when she returned to her seat. Indeed, she was a most fetching sight. It made him wonder if she might look the same after lovemaking. Forcing himself to turn away from the excitement in her dark eyes, her rosy cheeks and bright smile, he leaned back, crossed his arms over his chest and watched the musicians.

  Still, his attention strayed to her. He watched her from the corner of his eye. She stared at him for a moment then turned to Rebbie. The two were murmuring something he couldn't hear above the music.

  Damnation. His muscles tensed and his skin itched. It was too hot and loud here in the great hall. He shoved out of his chair, grabbed his wool mantle and headed for the exit. The heavy oak door slammed behind him and the cold night wind hit him in the face, clearing his mind.

  He breathed in deeply of the fresh air. The music and noise faded away and it was almost as if he'd slipped back in time fifteen years. The air smelled the same—salty wind off the sea combined with smoke from the torches.

  He strode across the empty, flame-lit courtyard, instantly feeling calmer. His footsteps echoed in the bracing air and his breath fogged before him. Protected by the high walls, the courtyard was not bombarded by the wind, but the air still stirred briskly, swirling new snowflakes through the air.

  Nearing the stables on the opposite side of the bailey, he heard the door open and slam closed behind him. Music floated out then vanished again. Without breaking his stride, he glanced back but couldn't see who stood beneath the overhang. Was it Rebbie or one of Maighread's minions? Friend or foe? Needing time alone to think, he ignored them and continued his trek.

  He entered the stables, glad to discover the wind didn't reach this warmer, protected corner. He approached Tulloch's stall. The animal nickered, which helped Dirk find the black horse in the dimness. Dirk stroked his muzzle. Aye, for the most part, he got along with horses better than people. Although he was thankful for friends like Rebbie, the rogue was trying his patience with the way he'd been flirting with Isobel.