Clara’s Vow

by Madeline Martin

  Clara looked up guiltily to find Drake striding toward them, his back straight and proud. His gaze went first to Reid, then to Clara. The stern expression set on his face melted as he pulled her into a hug as soon as their mother released her.

  “I’m glad to see ye safe,” he said, his hug fierce but gentle. “We were worried…”

  “Forgive me,” Clara said. “I…I didn’t want to be a burden.”

  Drake shook his head. “Nay, ye’re never a burden, Clara. Ye’re the kindest of us all. We shouldna have excluded ye from deciding yer own future.”

  Once more, his gaze wandered to Reid and his eyes narrowed.

  Aye, so it was time.

  “This is Reid MacLeod.” Her pulse ticked a little faster. “My husband.” Despite the nerves dancing in her stomach, a smile pulled at her lips as she straightened a little taller in her pride to show him off to her family.

  Mum’s blue gaze returned to Clara. “I thought ye were to join an abbey.”

  “I took a different type of vow, it appears.” Clara’s face warmed.

  “I know him,” Drake said.

  Reid inclined his head respectfully. “Aye, we fought the English together with Sir William.”

  “Ye’re a strong warrior and a good man.” Drake nodded in approval before turning his gaze to Clara. “Are ye happy?”

  She beamed at her brother. “Very.”

  “Then that is all that matters.” Mum flushed with pleasure as she strode toward Reid to wrap him in her slender arms and welcome him to the family. When she was done, Drake clasped arms with Clara’s husband. And just like that, Reid was immediately accepted as one of their own.

  They had stew for supper, one filled with snap beans from the garden and salted beef, with freshly baked bread. It was a familiar meal that warmed Clara’s heart.

  “Where will ye be settling down?” Mum asked.

  The bread Clara had been about to swallow stuck fast in her throat.

  “We mean to go to Skye to live near Dunscaith,” Reid answered for her. “’Twill be safer for raising a family, and I will be able to find a secure job at the castle after years of serving with Sir William.”

  The response gave the exact reasons they wanted to go, which were also the exact reasons they should go. Yet still, Clara’s stomach knotted around the food she’d just eaten. This was the very argument that had caused such unrest in her home before.

  Mum nodded as she chewed a bit of bread.

  “Please come with us,” Clara said.

  Mum gave a tight smile. “I suppose we dinna need to worry about yer grandda marrying ye off.”

  Ah, and here was the second piece of news Clara had been dreading speaking to her mother about. But Clara had made a vow, one she meant to honor. Even if her grandda had not offered her a dowry, she still would have told her mother about his good deeds in foregoing a raid to help save innocent lives.

  “He was there with us, in Dumbarton,” Clara admitted.

  Her mother stiffened. “Was he?”

  “Aye, at my request,” Clara said. “He was intending to raid the northern part of England when we were on our way to deliver a message about an attack on Dumbarton. I asked him to reconsider and join us to help save the people. He declined but later still came.”

  “His support brought that of the neighboring clans,” Reid added. “Without him, Dumbarton would have fallen.”

  Mum sat back in her seat, her brow pinched with thought.

  “What happened between ye two, Mum?” Clara asked. “We only know ye’ve told us he was terrible and cruel. And, aye, what he did to Faye canna be forgiven. But what did he do to ye?”

  “Ye should ask him,” Mum said in a hard voice.

  “I did,” Clara replied. “He said ’twas yer story to tell.”

  “I see.” Mum reached into her pocket and pulled out a small item bound in a bit of linen. She unwrapped it slowly, her hands slightly shaking to reveal the delicate rose brooch Clara’s grandda had given Mum at Kinsey’s wedding.

  “I was in love once.” Mum pressed her lips together. “Before yer da. His name was Duncan, a man who belonged to the MacKenzies, our greatest rival clan.” Her fingertip traced over the rose. “Duncan had asked me to run away and marry him. He wanted to be free of the hate festering between our clans, to go on our own and live out our days with love and happiness. He said if I agreed, then I was to leave this brooch in the hollowed-out log near the place we always met, and he would be ready to leave by nightfall.”

  Clara’s mind reeled. Her mother had loved another man? Before Da?

  “What happened?” Reid asked.

  “I left the brooch to let Duncan know to be ready that night,” Mum replied. “And when I went to the place, ’twas no’ him there, but my da. He told me I’d no’ ever see Duncan again, and if I wanted a marriage, he would arrange a more suitable match. I dinna believe him, but when I chanced an encounter with Duncan’s mum, she told me…” Mum paused and drew in a long, quiet breath. “She told me he was gone and ’twas my fault.” Mum folded her hand over the brooch. “My dad had him killed to keep him from being with me. I left home and dinna look back. That’s when I met yer da. He saved me.”

  Drake and Clara locked eyes with the shock of this story, of their mother loving another man. Of their father being there when she had no one.

  Reid put his hand in Clara’s and squeezed. Supportive when she needed it the most.

  Mum sighed softly. “If ye’re going to Dunscaith, then I will too. I stayed here to avoid my da for as long as possible, but if all my children are in the depths of the Highlands, ’tis where I will be too.” She wagged a finger at Clara. “But dinna expect me ever to welcome yer grandda with open arms.”

  Clara nodded in understanding, willing to accept anything for her mother to join them in the Highlands. Finally, after so much strife, their family would be together once more.

  Truly, life could not bring her any more joy than it already had.

  Soon, they would be on Skye with Faye only two days’ ride from them, and Clara and Reid would be building their home and starting a family of their own.

  Epilogue

  August 1342

  Isle of Skye, Scotland

  * * *

  The dowry Clara’s grandda had gifted them, along with the king’s coin given to Reid, had been put to good use to build a stone manor much like the one Clara had lived in at Castleton. While they were far safer up north in Scotland, the solid structure still provided a sense of security that put Reid at visible ease.

  They even had an extra room built off to the side for Clara to use for helping those in need, whether it be with a hot bowl of stew or with her healing skills. She was in that very room one summer afternoon, appreciating yet another beautiful sunset that streaked the sky in purple, red and gold when the sound of footsteps pulled her from the magnificent sight.

  Reid stood there, his leine pushed up over his powerful forearms, regarding her with the same quiet joy as she did the sunset.

  “Have ye come to watch the sunset with me?” She waved him over.

  He approached and wrapped his strong arms around her. With a sigh, she sank back against his broad chest as the setting sun cast the sky in myriad colors upon its descent.

  “Are ye feeling better?” His hand went tenderly to her lower stomach.

  She’d told him several times he wouldn’t hurt the babe growing there, but still, every time he touched her, he did so with great care. It always made her smile at how gentle he was. It would be one of the many things that would make him a perfect father.

  “Aye.” She leaned her head back against his shoulder. “I didn’t feel ill today. Only tired. So tired.”

  “Mayhap after supper this evening, I can rub yer feet,” he suggested.

  Clara gave a little moan of approval that earned her a chuckle.

  Days ago, he’d affectionately massaged the ache she’d been complaining about from her feet, and after he saw how m
uch she’d enjoyed it, he had often offered to repeat the gesture.

  “Mayhap we could cancel going to the keep for supper tonight?” Clara suggested, feeling entirely as drained as she claimed. After all, they often ate at Dunscaith’s keep with Kinsey, William, Drake and Mum. One night to themselves was not terribly selfish.

  Still, she did feel a pinch of guilt at the thought.

  Reid nuzzled against her neck, and chills of pleasure prickled over her skin. “Drake says he has an announcement.”

  “Drake?” Clara asked, her curiosity piqued.

  Reid nipped at the place where her neck met her shoulder. “Mmhmm.”

  She leaned her head back farther, giving Reid access to her body to kiss as they both pleased. “Mayhap, we should ready ourselves,” she said regretfully.

  “Mayhap, but I think we have a bit of time before we must prepare,” Reid replied, his voice like velvet in her ear.

  As it turned out, there was ample time for them to prepare and still arrive at the Great Hall along with the rest of Clara’s family. They sat at the main table with the MacLeod clan filling up the trestle tables laid out through the large room.

  Kinsey was at the table's head with her husband, Sir William, acting laird while his father fought alongside the king. Beside Kinsey was Mum and Drake, with Reid and Clara beside William.

  It was an incredible thing to see Kinsey so happy, her face constantly lighting with a smile around her husband as they laughed and teased throughout the meal. Of all the siblings, Kinsey had struggled with her anger the most at their treatment growing up. Clara often prayed she would find peace, and it appeared her younger sister finally had.

  “So many anxious faces this evening,” William jovially declared as he glanced around their table with a sparkle in his eyes. “Do ye think they are anticipating news?” He lifted his brows at Drake.

  Kinsey shook her head at him playfully. “Ye’re wicked.”

  He whispered something to her, and a look passed between them.

  “Ye canna leave us wondering all night,” Mum said. “What is it?”

  William turned to Drake and held up a hand in an invitation for him to share whatever it was he needed to say.

  Drake nodded and cleared his throat, his expression serious. Reid took Clara’s hand in his and gave it a little squeeze.

  “The king has tasked me with a special mission,” Drake said. “And if I succeed, he has promised to knight me.”

  Clara cried out with joy, as did everyone else.

  “Ye knew, and ye didn’t say anything to me?” Kinsey asked of her husband.

  William shrugged helplessly. “I knew he’d want to tell ye.”

  A slight hint of color touched Drake’s cheeks. Becoming a knight was a dream he had devoted his life to, a life he had modeled after the chivalric code in the hope of one day being a knight like their father. Never had there been a man with higher morals than Drake, or even one more determined to be the best person possible.

  Nor was there ever a man more deserving of a knighthood than he.

  “Of course, Drake’s absence will leave me out a Captain of the Guard,” William said.

  The gazes at the table shifted toward Clara and Reid. Clara’s mouth fell open as she looked at Reid, who appeared genuinely surprised. He’d spent their time in Skye working with the guards at the castle as a commander for the men, and one that had earned their respect.

  “Reid, will ye do me the honor of being my Captain of the Guard for Dunscaith Castle?” William asked.

  Reid grinned, his chest puffing with pride at the incredible honor. “Aye.”

  “Then let us pour some wine,” William said. “For there is much to celebrate.”

  And truly there was.

  Clara had found a joy she hadn’t realized possible, and she hoped Drake would as well. Of him completing his mission, she had no doubt he would be successful. With his determination, nothing would sway him from his purpose.

  Mayhap he might even find love to bring greater fulfillment to his life, as the rest of them had.

  Aye, the night was one to celebrate indeed. She edged closer to Reid, proud of the man who had put aside his greatest fear to afford them both the most beautiful happiness. And never once did she regret the change in the vows that she’d ultimately ended up taking. For they had led her to love and immeasurable happiness.

  Thank you for reading CLARA’S VOW! I read all of my reviews and would love to know that you enjoyed it, so please do leave a review.

  * * *

  Clara’s siblings all have their own stories too:

  Faye in Faye’s Sacrifice

  Kinsey in Kinsey’s Defiance

  Drake in Drake’s Honor

  If you want more stories that take place on the border between England and Scotland, check out my Borderland Ladies series and meet Drake, starting with Marin’s Promise

  Check out Drake’s story next in DRAKE’S HONOR where Drake finally has the opportunity to fulfill his dream to become a knight. However, the task necessary to fulfill his obligation to the king may not be as easily completed as Drake assumes and not all is as it appears…

  Pre-Order Drake’s Honor Now

  Sign up for my exclusive newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Borderland Rebels news. Sign up today and get a FREE download THE HIGHLANDER’S CHALLENGE.

  www.MadelineMartin/newsletter

  Drake’s Honor

  * * *

  HIS HONOR IS WITHOUT QUESTION…

  Drake Fletcher has spent his entire life keeping his family safe, but has always clung to the desire to become a knight, like his father. Despite prejudices working against him and a country at war, his dreams may finally be within his grasp. But his journey to knighthood is interrupted by a woman with flashing green eyes and a sharp wit, one who has found a way to waver the most stoic of men.

  * * *

  HER HONOR IS IN QUESTION…

  Greer MacPherson’s brother has been arrested and though she suspects foul play, no one will bother to listen. Not when she is a woman of such little consequence. In order to save him, she must resort to the skills she’s had to rely on most of their lives: scheming and a sleight of hand. But when a heroic warrior rescues her, she finds she’s not only drawn to his ability to keep her safe on the road, the man of such lofty morals also makes her thoughts turn wicked.

  * * *

  CAN LOVE BE THEIR COMMON GROUND?

  Where one sees honor, the other sees deceit. Even as passion ignites between them, so too does betrayal. But amid a maelstrom of danger and lies, can love sway the scales of justice?

  Pre-Order Drake’s Honor Now

  Author’s Note

  One of my favorite aspects of history to study is the practice of medicine. I think it's fascinating what they got right and with the also got horribly wrong. When writing characters who are healers, I do try to have them at least be on the right path as far as what they're doing in their practice. That said, here are some herbs mentioned in the book that were not only used properly back then, but that are still effective and in use today.

  * * *

  Plantain – This was seen as something of a cure all. Healers in the medieval days used it for irritated skin and wounds, but also digestive problems and pain management as well. It was so effective that this herb is still in use today in ointments for skin irritation and in teas for tummy relief.

  * * *

  Lavender – This was another ‘good for all things’ type of herb. Tinctures made of lavender were used for headaches as well as colic and indigestion and could also be used for burn and insect bite relief. Also, lice hated lavender making it an ideal addition to mattress padding and rushes on the floor.

  The scent of lavender is said to have a calming effect and is still used today with anxiety, depression and insomnia treatment. Additionally lavender oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, which make it helpful in balms and salves for the skin.

  * * *

&nb
sp; Calendula - Otherwise known as marigolds, this herb was - and still is - used in teas for treating tummy problems and in salves for treating many skin injuries.

  It is surprisingly effective in aiding with scrapes, stings, but bites, burns and can even help with bruising and reduce inflammation. I actually have a recipe for a calendula ointment with tea tree oil and lavender that I make from time to time and my whole family loves it!

  * * *

  Meadowsweet – This herb has a pleasant scent to it, which made it popular to strew in the rushes of homes during the medieval days. This pretty flowering herb was great at helping cure headaches. It’s so effective, the root is still used today in making aspirin.

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to my amazing beta readers who helped make this story so much more with their wonderful suggestions: Tracy Emro and Tina Ullrich. You ladies are so amazing and make my books just shine!

  Thank you to Erica Monroe with Quillfire Author Services for the consistently amazing edits.

  Thank you to Janet Kazmirski for the final read-through you always do for me and for catching all the little last minute tweaks.

  Thank you to John and my wonderful minions for all the support they give me. And to Ink for sitting in my lap and keeping me on task (mostly).

  And a huge thank you so much to my readers for always being so fantastically supportive and eager for my next book.

  About the Author

  Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scottish set historical romance novels filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.