Highland Pride

by Dana D'Angelo

  Rory beckoned for the steward to shuffle the documents, so each contract contained the appropriate signatures.

  “’Tis more like it better nae happen,” Henry said.

  A commotion sounded at the door while a servant walked in with one of Henry’s guard at his side. The laird frowned at his man’s approach. Upon seeing Henry, the messenger stepped forward and handed him a missive.

  Henry’s frown deepened when he read the contents. He stood up abruptly. William and Rory started to stand at the same time. Henry waved them back to their seats. “’Twould seem I have tae take care of this. I’ll return as soon as I’m finished.”

  With Henry and his men retreating, William turned to Rory. “Well, ‘tis done. I hope ye are right in having the MacIachlan become a part of this alliance,” he said.

  “’Tis a better idea tae have him aligned with us than with the enemy.”

  William nodded, understanding his logic. The enemy had set their sights on all three territories. The queen was next to useless in helping them defend their land, so they had no choice but to deal with the problem in their own way.

  “With the contract talks completed, we should finalize the marriage we discussed earlier,” he suggested.

  The face of the bonnie lass flashed through his mind. It seemed that ever since he bumped into her, she took occupancy in his thoughts. He had visited Tancraig Castle a few times, but he didn’t remember ever seeing the comely lass. Rory’s sister was a lot younger than he thought although there was no doubt that she shared the family’s good looks. Her long, shiny chestnut brown hair framed an oval face that was as smooth and flawless as a rose petal. Her blue-green eyes had stared out at him while her full lips parted slightly in surprise.

  He was astonished himself. A beautiful woman like her was usually spoiled and uninterested in taking on a leadership role in her own home, yet he was aware of Mairead’s excellent reputation as an administrator. Although the household was now under the management of Rory’s wife, everyone recognized that his sister had controlled his home for many years. The last time William was here, he had attended a war council. And even with Mairead’s limited involvement, he noticed evidence of her organization.

  William already appointed a steward to assist him in handling the rents and taxes. Having a woman who understood how to oversee the domestic side would help them all immensely. It would be especially helpful when he needed to travel to visit the different septs and assist his men in patrolling the territory. If he had a reliable moderator in his home, he wouldn’t need to worry that the castle would fall to ruins once he focused on his other obligations.

  Of course, he had his doubts about getting married again, but the idea of marrying the lass didn’t seem like such a bad idea. He and Rory had already spoken about Mairead before the conflict, and since he was here to sign the three-way contract, he wanted to finalize the marriage details as well. Having a second alliance with a MacGregon would irrevocably seal his partnership with the clan, and bind them more than the treaty. Unfortunately, his clan had many long-standing feuds with the neighbors. If hostile groups arrived to wage war against them, he could then count on full military aid from Rory. Additionally, their unification would strengthen their trading links.

  With all things considered, William was satisfied that they would mutually benefit from the relationship. Mairead had an undisputed reputation for being levelheaded and a true partner for any man. And William would, in turn, provide shelter and protection for her.

  “Was Mairead the lass I met in the hallway?” he asked.

  “Nay, that wasnae Mairead,” Rory said, a slightly guarded look appearing on his face. “’Twas Kila. She’s our younger sister.”

  “Younger sister?” he repeated as he tried to recall what he knew about her. “I thought your younger sister was still a bairn.”

  “Nay, she is almost eighteen years old and of marriageable age,” Rory said. “In fact, I’m trying tae make a match for her.”

  “That is splendid news for her,” he said mildly and dismissed the lass from his mind. He had more important things to consider. “Let’s discuss the arrangement we have with regard tae your other sister.”

  “With Mairead?” Rory said, looking more uncomfortable. “I’m afraid she’s nae longer available.”

  The news stunned him into silence. “Did ye just say she’s nae available?”

  They had discussed the dowry of livestock, money, and land. And they might have formalized the engagement had the war not interrupted them. However, without the bride, all discussions were void.

  “Aye, but dinnae worry,” he said quickly. “We can still discuss a marriage alliance. Kila is available. And I was thinking ye might be interested in marrying her instead.”

  William stared at Rory. It was no wonder the lass he met appeared so young. It was because she was. His last wife was young like Kila, and it didn’t end well for anyone involved. He couldn’t afford to put the clan at risk by making another mistake.

  “We already discussed that ‘twas Mairead who I’m tae marry,” he said, his tone firm.

  Rory winced. “That was the plan until the lass went off tae Bracken Ridge and married someone else.”

  William frowned at hearing the confession. Mairead was an impressive lass with many positive attributes. Besides being a fetching woman who was three years younger than her sister, what outstanding qualities did Kila have?

  His earlier assessment of her was correct, he believed. Her youthful, bonnie appearance screamed inexperience and possibly incompetence. And the way she left Henry MacIachlan alone in the great hall demonstrated a lack of judgment. Likely because of her youth and her position in the family, she was also spoiled. No matter how beautiful she was, some gut instinct warned him that she would bring him trouble. He learned years ago that having an attractive wife didn’t necessarily mean that she would be right for him or the clan. No doubt, if he presented her to the castle servants, they would ignore her. And at this point, he didn’t care for or have the time to pander to a woman-child. He had enough burdens as it was.

  “She isnae suitable,” he said.

  “But Kila has a kind heart,” Rory said, trying to sway him. “She has —”

  “I dinnae need a kind heart,” he said, interrupting him. “I need a woman who can be equal tae me, one who is accomplished and competent. I’m sorry tae say, but I dinnae think your younger sister is capable.”

  Rory frowned although he didn’t argue with him. William couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance and loss. He looked forward to completing this deal with Rory and bringing home an efficient and levelheaded bride.

  “I understand,” Rory said, although he couldn’t completely mask his disappointment. It appeared that he wanted the arrangement as much as he did.

  But it wasn’t going to happen now. Until he addressed the issues regarding the lawlessness in the clan territory, the internal problems of his household would have to wait.

  Rory fell silent as a servant entered and set a jug of ale and three tankards on the table.

  He turned over the situation in his head, trying to figure out another option. He had high hopes of this union, but if this one was no longer viable, then he needed to hunt for a marriage alliance elsewhere. And that would take time. Unfortunately, he didn’t have ample time to spare.

  “Perhaps ye will change your mind if ye met my sister,” Rory said, his tone hopeful. “She really is a sweet lass, and any man would find her amiable.”

  William ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Having an amiable wife wasn’t enough for him. He needed one who had leadership abilities, and who could immediately take control of his household.

  He also doubted the other man’s optimism. But before he could respond, Rory had already turned away from him and was looking toward the entrance. William followed his gaze and noticed that a couple of women lurked near the archway of the great hall. As if they sensed their observation, one lass quickly ducked
behind the door, yanking her companion with her.

  The servant started to leave the dais when Rory stopped her.

  “Tell Kila that I want tae see her now,” he commanded.

  Chapter 4

  As Kila made her way to the kitchen, her thoughts returned to the great hall. Rory was keen on impressing his guests, and she needed to accommodate them as well. Mairead had repeatedly made her aware of how important it was to unify the three clans. She looked around, hoping that someone else would appear, and take over the task of getting refreshments for the visitors. Unfortunately, there was no one in sight.

  Kila let out a long sigh when she was halfway to the kitchen, and she couldn’t find a single servant to carry the message to the cook. The task was left to her to visit the cooking area. After she delivered the communication, she would find someplace to hide. There was no way she was going back to the hall. She had suffered enough in the presence of Henry MacIachlan, and she didn’t want the old laird to continue ogling her.

  The kitchen was bustling as usual, and she scanned the area in hopes of spotting the cook.

  “What’s wrong, Kila?” someone asked.

  She turned and noticed Alys. At once, she felt relieved to find a friendly face. Many years ago and before any major strife between Scotland and England, she and Alys had run around the courtyard with the other bairns. They also used to explore the nearby woods just outside the stronghold.

  As they grew older, they continued to associate with one another. Her mother disproved of their close friendship, so Alys was sent to work in another area in the castle. Kila’s mother had advised her to stop socializing with servants. But it wasn’t in Kila’s nature to turn her back on a friend no matter what station she held. In the end, the relationship had its benefits. Whenever she wanted sweets, Alys was sure to use her influence to obtain delightful treats before dinner.

  Now they were adults, their paths continued to cross, especially since Alys had become one of Darra’s attendants. The closer proximity allowed them more opportunities to interact. But while they were on friendly terms, this matter tormenting her now was something she normally shared with either her sister or her twin brother. Alys caught her in a weak moment, and the sympathetic look on her face finally broke Kila.

  “Rory is set on having me marry an auld lecher!” she burst out.

  “Why would he do that?” she asked, looking at her curiously.

  “He probably wants tae make my life miserable,” she said, feeling sorry for herself. “He disnae care about love, or whether I should find it.”

  “It appears that he understands it. Everyone can see that he has eyes only for his wife. ‘Tis the talk of the servants.”

  She twisted her lips. “He’s fine with having romance for himself, but he disnae care about my desires.”

  It was the truth. Rory had already found the love of his life when he brought Darra back from England. Maybe he obtained his happiness, but she had yet to find hers. At the rate things were going, it was doubtful that she ever would. As that thought completed, a bitter taste settled in her mouth.

  “Everyone kens that Rory is focused on the alliances,” Alys said. “’Tis unlikely he’s doing this tae spite ye.”

  Kila pursed her lips, not wanting to admit that her friend was probably right. She usually was. But knowing the truth didn’t make her feel any better.

  “Rory wants refreshments for his guests. Will ye inform Cook?”

  “Of course,” she said. “Let me speak tae my da, and he’ll prepare something suitable for them.”

  Kila nodded her thanks. Now that her task was done, she was free to quit the kitchen. However, she no longer wanted to leave and be alone with her thoughts. She realized that no one would be in the solar, and somehow seeing the hustle in the cooking area comforted her. The workers dashed around, yelling and banging pots and pans as they prepared for supper. To her left, one servant basted an entire pig over the flames in the large oven while his companion twisted a handle to spin the roast.

  She stood at the kitchen entrance and took in the general chaos. In essence, the scene seemed to mirror her mindscape. She worried that if she were left to brood over the situation with Henry, she would drive herself mad. She inhaled deeply and then released a long breath. Perhaps if her mind were clear, she would discover that her reaction toward him was extreme. Perhaps things weren’t as bad as she imagined.

  Kila didn’t know how long she stood watching the sight, but Alys unexpectedly emerged with a platter laden with a variety of cheeses and flatbread. Another kitchen attendant trailed behind her, balancing a jug of ale and empty tankards on a tray.

  “Has Darra sent ye back tae work in the kitchen?” Kila asked, drawing her friend’s attention.

  “Nay.” Her eyes widened at seeing Kila still lingering in the kitchen. “Since Lady Darra is in town, she disnae need my services. Besides, Da told me that one of the workers is sick, and he asked me tae help.” She paused and looked a little puzzled. “Is there anything else ye need?”

  “Nay,” Kila said, starting to shake her head. But then she stopped. “Actually, there is something ye can do. When we return tae the Great Hall, I want ye tae take a look at Henry MacIachlan, and tell me what ye think of him.”

  “All right,” she said a little reluctantly.

  When they reached the entrance to the hall, the other servant walked in first. Alys was about to follow suit, when Kila caught her sleeve, stopping her.

  “Take a look at him first,” she said.

  Her friend handed Kila the tray while she peeked around the corner of the wall.

  “Och,” she breathed. “The laird disnae look that auld. In truth, he’s a braw, virile man. I’m willing tae wager that he’s a verra fine warrior too.”

  “What?” Kila said and looked at Alys as if she had just lost her mind. “That cannae be. Are ye saying that the auld laird with Rory is attractive?”

  “Aye, but he disnae look that much older than your brother,” she said, squinting to get a better look at the man. “He has dark hair with nay gray strands in sight. His physique is robust, and he seems verra much like a man in his prime.”

  Kila shook her head. “This is impossible. Henry is thick in his middle, and his features are full of lines.”

  “He’s the only other man sitting at the dais. See for yourself.”

  She pulled Alys back into the hall and quickly returned the food tray to her. Kila then pressed herself against the wall and peeked past the archway.

  “The MacIachlan is nay there,” she said with surprise. “In my haste tae leave the Great Hall, I had forgotten that Rory had a second visitor.”

  “There would be nay shame in marrying a man like that,” Alys said, grinning.

  But just then the other servant returned with an empty tray.

  “Rory wants tae see ye, Kila,” she said. The woman then looked over at Alys, her expression full of disapproval. “Ye better go deliver that food; otherwise your da will have a fit. Ye of all people should ken of his temper.”

  Alys’s face paled. “I’ve stayed in the hallway for too long. I dinnae want Rory tae be mad at me, and I definitely dinnae want Da tae lose his temper,” she said tightly. “Do ye think your brother might be vexed with me?”

  “It takes much tae vex Rory,” Kila said, although she knew she didn’t sound convincing. Usually, Mairead intervened on her behalf. At the moment her sister wasn’t around to shield her or anyone else from their older brother.

  She racked her brain trying to list what might have offended Rory. The women at Tancraig Castle were known for their beautiful tapestry creations. Queen Gertrude and many noble families commissioned them to make wall hangings. It wasn’t the only income for the castle, but it made enough that Rory encouraged them to produce more work. The job wasn’t difficult since once they finished the panels, they were sent to professional weavers to complete the larger design. Lately because of the warm weather, Kila preferred spending time in the garde
n reading her books rather than sitting in the stuffy solar doing needlework. Was Rory now going to call her out on her lack of help? If this wasn’t the issue, then perhaps she was in trouble for some other thing...

  She heard a noise behind her. Turning, she saw her twin enter into the corridor.

  “Ewan,” she said, raising her hand to get his attention.

  “What is your plan?” her friend asked.

  “I’ll recruit Ewan tae make a distraction,” she said, warming to the ideas as it formed in her head. “This way, whatever Rory wants tae discuss with me will be delayed and may be even forgotten.”

  That last idea appealed to her the most. But before she could beckon her younger brother to come over, he pivoted and headed back outside.

  “It looks like your recruit has walked away,” Alys observed.

  Disappointment and frustration flooded her system as her friend’s stated truth hit her with full force. She couldn’t make her escape because it was clear enough that Rory had seen her. She would have to deal with him on her own. There was no other choice. She attempted to pick up her diminishing confidence, repeating to herself that her older brother was an even-tempered, just leader. But as she tried to convince herself of this, the voice inside her reminded her of the all the times he fell into a rage. And if he was angered, woe was the person who was the target of his wrath.

  But while Kila knew that she needed to respond to Rory’s summon, a momentary panic seized her, and her feet refused to step forward. She closed her eyes, cursing her carelessness. She was so stunned at hearing Alys’s description of Henry MacIachlan that she neglected to take the necessary precaution and conceal herself. Her throat constricted as she recalled her foolishness. Rory was going to chastise her for lurking in the hallway.

  “I’m in a lot of trouble,” she moaned.

  “It wasnae as if ye were doing anything bad,” Alys said. “’Tis unlikely that ye would get in trouble for lingering in the hallway.”