Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (12 page)

The keep appeared before her eyes and towered to the sky. Opened wooden gates led to a busy lower bailey. The stone castle looked like a fortress—impenetrable. People scurried, allowing their party entrance. Julianna sought her friend amongst the soldiers, women, and children. She heard the squawk of a rooster, the sheep’s baas, and smelled them, too. Colin stopped his horse and seemed to be waiting, for some reason.

“Colin, back so soon?” Steven KirkConnell shouted, walking toward them. He stopped a few feet from where they waited and glanced at her, then back at Colin.

She tried to pry Colin’s arm away, which possessively held her.

“I was asked by our friends to bring the lass, a friend of Sara’s,” Colin replied.

“Ye would bring an English here? I will have none on my land, lady or not, Colin, you know that.” He stepped forward, scowling with his hands fisted.

“I promised to bring her. You’d disappoint your wife? Do we go to the field or do ye let the lass stay?”

Colin didn’t seem concerned. Mayhap Steven couldn’t best him in a fight. Steven’s chuckle indicated that he didn’t take Colin’s threat seriously.

“Cosh, Colin, if ye weren’t so hard to take, I would have your arse on the ground. I will get Sara. Who are you?” Steven grumbled to Julianna in English.

“I am Julianna Bentley. I attended your—”

“My Sara wouldn’t have invited ye without asking,” his tone curtly insisted.

“I came to visit.” She nervously bit her lip because his manner intimidated her. What if he wouldn’t let her stay? She hadn’t thought of that. Steven didn’t seem to recall meeting her at his wedding.

“Steven, guard your tongue. I’ll not have ye speak to the lass so curtly,” Colin warned.

Steven looked astounded by his remark. “Come inside and I’ll get Sara. Colin, you will explain.”

“Aye, Steven, I will.”

Julianna looked adoringly at tapestries lining the narrow window slits in the large hall. The chairs around the table were made from dark wood, and dark-green bankers matched the KirkConnell plaid. The hall smelled of spices and looked homey. Sara lived in such grandeur.

“Annie, tell Sara we have company.” Steven’s voice shook the rafters.

From the sound of it, Sara probably heard him. She ran down the steps minutes later, stopping abruptly. Her mouth hung open, holding onto the rail. “Is it really you?”

Julianna eyed her dear friend and smiled. She ran, meeting Sara at the bottom of the steps, hugging her and swinging in her friend’s arms. Laughing and crying at the same time, she was so overjoyed to see her friend again. When she looked back at the men, they watched in awe.

“Whatever are ye doing here? I cannot believe I’m seeing you. Let me look at ye.” Sara pushed her back to get a better look, when her husband cleared his throat.

“Still beautiful, I’m jealous. Ye haven’t changed, whilst I have rounded and …” Sara looked at her husband, and clasped her hand. “Steven, this is Julianna, you remember? She was at our wedding, and I told ye …”

Nodding curtly, he said, “She looked familiar. What’s she doing here?” Steven waited for someone to answer.

“Why don’t you ladies withdraw? Julianna had a long journey and is tired.” Colin walked to the table, dismissing them in his usual brisk manner.

Steven stepped in front of Colin. “I’m laird here, Colin, I give the commands. Run along, ladies.”

Julianna kept hold of Sara’s hand, while she led her up the stairs. She hesitated telling Sara why she had come. Her friend waited for her to begin, but she didn’t know what to say. “Sara, I am …” She couldn’t get the words out.

“Julianna, why are you here? Start with that.”

“My father settled a marriage contract. He was going to marry me to a monster. I always knew it would come to this. I cannot return.”

“Nay, you definitely cannot.”

“After I ran away, my father’s knights came after me, but I was able to escape. Will Steven let me stay? He didn’t sound pleased to have me here.”

“Highlanders are not fond of outsiders, but I shall get him to agree, worry not.”

They entered a sitting room and Julianna stopped. “He won’t hurt ye, will he?”

“Of course not, Julianna. Steven’s a good husband. Tell me what happened?” Sara sat in a chair and motioned for her to do the same.

Julianna took a deep breath. “I left home and went to Aunty’s. Bleeth … I forgot him, he’s here. If it was not for Bleeth, I don’t know how I would have gotten away.”

“We shall get him later. How did ye come to be with Laird MacKinnon?”

“Aunty asked him to bring me. He um, and I ah …”

“What have ye been doing, Julianna? Do you have feelings for him? He’s very handsome. I have known him since my marriage and if ye wanted a man—”

“Nay, I don’t want a man. I won’t let myself be attracted to him.”

“You’re attracted to him? Splendid, if I were ye—”

Julianna cut her off, “Are ye mad, Sara? I have important problems at hand like getting Steven to agree to let me stay.”

“Oh, ye are always so earnest. I will talk to Steven before the meal and tell you his answer later tonight. I do have my way about gaining his accord.”

“Listen to you, Sara, ye sound like a Scot.”

“Aye, I’m very happy.” Sara giggled.

Julianna laughed, too. Sara would have a plan to get her way, and always figured things out so much easier than she had.

“Are ye well? You weren’t hurt, were ye?” Sara asked, becoming concerned.

“Aye, but I tell ye, my father thrashed me when I refused to marry Lord Devlin.”

“Lord Maxwell Devlin?” Sara gasped when Julianna nodded. “He visited my father’s keep and my father disliked him. The man made everyone uncomfortable.”

“What does he look like?”

“He’s loathsome. I remember because he tried to get me to go outside with him. He’s a feeble man with no strength or good character that I could tell.”

“I am gladden I left then, I cannot imagine being married to him.”

“Are ye ailing from the beating?” Sara reached out, taking her hand.

“Nay, the bruises faded before Colin came. My side still hurts, but it’s healing. On our way here, my father’s men followed, and a man shot me with an arrow.”

“Gracious!” Sara looked in awe.

“I acted like a coward. Can ye believe I fainted? Those brutes pulled the arrow out and I yelled. I was mortified by my behavior. Colin patched me up, and I am practically healed. They probably laughed at my cowardly behavior.”

Sara laughed. “You are giving sure signs of your adventure. I can tell something happened betwixt you and Laird MacKinnon. Do ye realize you call him Colin? No one else dares.”

“He told me to call him Colin, and nothing happened,” she lied.

“Let us get ye changed. You shall wear one of my gowns. Do ye need a healer?”

Julianna shook her head. Sara rose and went to the doorway where a young maid waited to do her bidding.

“We must get ye bathed and fed. You can relax now that you are here.”

“Sara, what would I do without ye? I’m fortunate to have you as my friend.”

“I am glad you are safe. I have worried about ye. Did you keep the dagger with ye?”

“Aye, and I almost left it at the convent when I was called home. Mother Superior thought I was trying to stay.” Julianna laughed. “I actually used it when that man shot me with an arrow.”

“I imagine Mother Superior would think that. What man are ye talking about?”

“English soldiers attacked us in the woods. I threw the dagger at him before his arrow struck me, the poor man was killed. I feel awful about it.”

“The man could have killed ye, and you feel awful? He deserved it.”

“Aye, that’s what Colin said, but …”

Sara squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you still have the dagger. You must keep it with ye. Promise me.”

“I will keep it.” Julianna knew better than to try to sway Sara.

“I have to go and care for my son. He’s probably awakened from his nap.”

“You have a son? How wonderful, Sara. Why didn’t ye write and tell me?”

Sara frowned. “Steven wouldn’t allow me to send any missives to England.”

Julianna hugged her, proud of her friend. “You are a mother. May I see him?”

“Not now. I have to feed him or he will be screaming down the keep—like his father does when he’s hungry. Take your bath and change. Annie will bring fresh clothes, and I’ll come later with wee Jamie.” With that, she left.

Julianna bathed and dressed in a white cotte that reached her feet. As she combed her hair, she wondered if it would dry before the meal. Feeling distant, she couldn’t believe she was there. She had anticipated the worst—that Steven wouldn’t let her say. If not, she would ask Colin for help. Why would he help her? He wanted to bed her, but he hadn’t said anything of a future together. Now that he’d gotten what he wanted, he would want naught to do with her. Most likely, he’d already left, and wouldn’t have waited to say farewell. He was in all likelihood halfway home.

Colin thought he’d have a few minutes to come up with a reasonable excuse for Julianna’s presence, but Steven demanded an explanation.

“Ye know better than to bring outsiders here, Colin,” stormed Steven. “What’s she doing here? And don’t tell me that cosh that she’s come for a visit.”

“Mathilda asked me to bring her.” Colin’s tone hardened. “She traveled all this way, never once letting on why. She was beaten, for God’s sake. As soon as I find out who did it, I am going to kill him. I have taken a liken to her, and I have decided to keep her.”

“Keep her!” Steven shouted. “Are ye mad? When will she leave my keep? My wife won’t be too upset if I send her away now. Take her to your holding.”

“Until I find out what’s going on, I’m staying here. She’s an agreeable lass. Ye won’t be troubled.”

“Sara loves that lass, and she’s told me tales of their girlhood adventures at the convent. I suppose it wouldn’t be too much trouble having her stay a fortnight. I don’t want my wife accustomed to having her around. She’s fond of her home and is content.”

Colin remembered Sara’s homesickness. She missed her father and brothers, and only Steven could bring her cheer.

Steven continued, “About your wanting to keep her, I cannot fathom it. Why would ye want to? She’s bonny, och there are others as bonny. Why don’t ye take another, and get her out of your blood?”

“I have tried to get her out of my blood, Steven. She’s in it more now than ever. I don’t want anyone but her.”

“She’s in your blood? Christ, tell me ye didn’t …?” Steven leaned forward.

“I’m keeping her and that’s that. I need a drink.” He punched Steven’s shoulder and reached for a cup.

“Don’t get ideas of doing that here. My wife has strong feelings about the goings on in our home, especially about that particular friend.”

“Cosh!” was all Colin could reply.

“What did ye find out about the strife with the English? Ye did inquire, did you not?”

“Things have heated along the border. The Lowlander’s have been besieged with petty occurrences.” Colin took a drink from his cup. “Nothing of import, no meetings planned.”

“What of the McFies? Have ye bested them yet?”

“Nay, Ellic McFie is a slippery carp. I need to get back to the feud, though I am tiring of it. I cannot begin my life until ‘tis done.”

“Aye, Colin, it has gone on long enough. You should finish it.”

“I want to spend more time at home, but not until I fulfill my vow. Seems I will be avenging my da forever.”

“Aye, I don’t know what it is like to lose a father that way; my own died peacefully in his sleep, but if ye don’t end it soon, Colin, you’re going to destroy your own life in the process. I say get on with it and come to some end.”

“I won’t rest until every last McFie pays for my da’s death.” Colin slammed his cup down, a gut wrenching feeling dried up his thirst. “I’ll tell Jules about her fate. Cheer up, Steven, she won’t be here that long.” With that he took the stairs two at a time.

Knocking at her door, he paced, waiting for her to answer. He leaned against the side of the doorway. When she finally answered, he grinned.

“Colin, what are ye doing here?”

“Jules, allow me to come in.” He pushed the door open wider.

Crossing the room, he pulled back the covering on the window and peered through it. With his back to her, he tried to abate the sexual tension that struck him upon seeing the bed. When he finally glanced at her, he had eased enough to converse without jumping on her.

She looked lovely with her hair washed of its grime. Her blue eyes sparkled. Her flowery scent drifted to him. Eyeing the bed again, he thought about tossing her on it and having his way with her, then he’d feel better. His body reacted, standing so close. Fisting his hands by his side, he sighed. It wasn’t as if he needed relief, since he’d only bedded her last night. He felt out of control and didn’t like the feeling. He’d always been able to control himself because it was part of his warrior’s training—self-control at all times. Taking a breath, his yearning dissipated.

“I am here to escort ye to the evening meal.”

“I am ready. Did ye see Bleeth in the hall?”

Colin didn’t know why, but inside he seethed. Was there more to their relationship than Bleeth let on? His expression turned grim. “He’s staying with my brothers in the barracks. What is he to you?”

She held the door open, facing him. “Bleeth has known me since the day I was born. My mother adored him and took him in. He’s been like an older brother and has always protected me.” She turned back to the door.

“I will protect ye. Wait a moment, Jules, Steven agreed to let you stay for a fortnight. I want to know what troubles ye.” He knew she searched for an answer by her hesitation.

“I have no troubles. I wanted to visit Sara. He’s letting me stay? I should be pleased visiting her. Are they not awaiting us for the meal?”

“They’ll wait.” Colin knew he couldn’t show his irritation. “Why did ye run from England? What are you afeard of? You can trust me, Jules. I won’t divulge your secrets. Are ye running from your father? Was he the one that beat ye?”

“Nay, I don’t have a father, at least, not in my heart. I couldn’t stay there, and I have always wanted to live in the Highlands.”

“What a wee liar ye are. Why was Mathilda fixed on getting you away?”

“She knew I wanted to go to the Highlands.”

“I saw the bruises on your face.”

“It was nothing,” she said.

“Nothing!” he said, incredulous at her easy admission. “Who did it?”

She cast her eyes on the floor, hiding her deception. He became outraged at what she was telling him.

“Whilst we are at it, Jules, ye have to have a father.”

“My aunt knew how I felt about England. As to my father, he’s dead to me. He never cared for me and if I stayed in England, I might have died—”

“Died!” he shouted. Grabbing her arms, he stilled her.

“Forget I said that.”

“Nay, Jules, why did ye say that?”

She flinched at his tone. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

“Jules, are ye telling me your father cares nothing for ye and let you walk away unescorted?”

“Aye, that’s what I am saying.”

“Why did he beat ye?” He waited for her answer, but she wasn’t forthcoming. “Was he trying to kill ye? What kind of father would do that?” He was exasperated.

“My father would. I wanted a new life and excitement. His wife didn’t care for me either, and I couldn’t tolerate living there. I believe he hates me enough to kill me.”

“Why does he hate ye?” She didn’t answer, so he continued to question her, “You left everything you knew for a more exciting life in the Highlands? Are ye Scots? You must have Scottish blood running through ye to feel that way.”

She laughed. “Nay, I am not Scottish, Colin. I’m as English as they come.”

“You’ll be Scots now,” he said tersely, pulling her close.

“You say that because I am here. I couldn’t bear it any longer, and I wanted to see Sara again.”

“I don’t believe your story for a minute. Why did he beat ye?”

“I won’t say, please, forget it.”

“You will tell me eventually.” Colin rested his chin on her head. “What troubles ye? You are going to have to trust me. It’s probably not as bad as ye deem. Mayhap you would feel better if you told me.”

“Nay, I won’t.”

He took her hand and led her from the chamber. They went to the great hall where hoards of people gathered to eat the nightly meal. Sara waited at the bottom of the stairs.

“Sarah, did ye hear?”

Sara took her hand, and led her to the table. “Aye, a fortnight. We have plenty of time to change Steven’s mind.”

Colin pulled out her chair, and smiled at Sara. So the two of them were in this together? He shook the chair Robin was sitting on, so his brother would move. He wanted to sit next to Julianna and ferret out more information. His brother left and joined the next table.

Servants covered the tables with dishes of soups and trenchers of meats. He noticed Julianna smiling at those occupying her table. A man in the corner strummed a harp and sang a lovely ballad, while another played along with a lute.

“You have such a lovely home, Sara. There’s even music.”

He noticed she hadn’t placed much food on her trencher, and so he piled on more. She gazed at him, holding her eating knife in midair.

“Julianna, what are you looking at?” Sara stifled a chuckle.

She smiled and said nothing.

Sara’s eyes twinkled when she saw Bleeth enter. “Bleeth, over here.”

He came forward. “’Tis good to see ye again, my lady. I see the highlander has protected ye well.”

Sara moved out of her seat and motioned for him to sit. “I see you are well, Bleeth. Thank ye for watching out for our friend. I must see to the servants, and will be back soon.” She left the table.

Colin didn’t like the fact that Julianna moved closer to Bleeth.

“My lady, are ye settled here?”

“I am only staying a fortnight. I understand if ye wish to leave. You should go and begin your life.”

“My life is with you.”

“I cannot ask that. I appreciate your protection, but you must leave, Bleeth. Have ye thought of where you’ll go?”

“Someday, I hope to return to my homeland, the isle. ‘Tis where I was born and I thought to search for my family.”

She took his hand. “Oh, Bleeth, I know how much that means to ye. I don’t want you to be concerned for me. I am certain I shall be all right here.”

“My lady, I won’t leave. I would give my life to protect ye. There’s no hope for it, is there? You will never love me as I love ye. I can see it in your eyes.”

Colin cringed at the lad’s words. He felt like a heel now, and thought the lad brave, professing his love. Yet, Colin hoped she didn’t feel the same love for him.

Julianna lowered her gaze. “You have been such a good friend. I don’t know what I would have done without ye.”

“You could love me. I should cast a spell on ye, and then all will be right. But I want you to love me because of me, not with deception.”

A tear fell on her cheek. “I do love ye, Bleeth, but not in such a ways as you are describing. I doubt such love exists.”

He smiled. “There is such love. Mayhap that is what is happening betwixt you and the laird there.” Bleeth tilted his head at Colin. “I see the way ye look at him.”

She looked toward Colin and asked, “What way do I look at him?” When she turned her gaze back to Bleeth, he had moved away.

Colin watched her speaking to Bleeth, and had heard every word. They did seem more like friends, mayhap, more sister and brotherly. He didn’t believe that nonsense she’d told him above stairs. She hadn’t come all that way only to see Sara, or to escape a mean spirited father—there had to be more to the fleeing. Her father had beaten her. He’d like to skewer him with his sword for the hurt he caused. She’d love to be Scottish, not English? She would make a fine Highland lass. What did she mean by being as English as she could be? He knew of no English lady that wanted adventure. She wanted excitement, she said. Well, she would get her wish.

He’d convinced Steven to let her stay, and now he had time to sort it out. Just looking at her stirred his blood and he wanted her again. How in hell would he stay away from her? There had to be a way to be with her. It was the Highlander’s way: take what you want—keep what you have. Fight for everything. He lived by his own clan’s motto,
The Conquerors Dare.
Aye, he’d dare and he would conquer. That thought made him smile. He looked forward to the conquering.

Sara asked Julianna to sing, and he turned to watch her.

“Nay, Sara, I cannot possibly sing.”

“You must. Everyone would like to hear her sing, wouldn’t ye?” The others wouldn’t go against their lady, and nodded vehemently. “Bleeth, help me convince her.”

“Ye do sing lovely, my lady.”

“Oh, I don’t know any songs that would be appropriate,” Julianna said.

“I adored the funny ditties she sang. Our dormitory would clutter together and laugh hysterically at the songs,” Sara told Steven. “Come, for me, Julianna, please.”

Julianna stood at the end of the table. “I’m thinking of a song.” She took a deep breath. “This is a silly song, and the lyrics always make me laugh.”

O’ my fine steed is in need

Och, he’s run away

The men in the stable

Swagger and sway…

Colin listened to the melody, her voice pleasantly winsome. A man played a lute to her tune. He glanced about the great hall and noticed all listened intently. Aye, the KirkConnell men were as enthralled as his men were. He gave Garrick KirkConnell a killing glare. Charles’ words came back to him and he’d have to make sure Garrick didn’t get near Julianna. He damned well better not have feelings for her.

O’ they ran to and fro

To catch the bough…

O’ such a farce

To be kicked in the—

“Julianna!” She looked directly at him, and he noticed she tried not to laugh. Colin smiled when he heard laughter erupt in the hall.

“Laird MacKinnon?”

“I think that’s a fine song. Do ye know any others?”

“Aye, there’s one about a bull, strong and virile—”

“Don’t say another word!” He wanted to cover her mouth, because he couldn’t let her sing those kinds of songs. How could a gentle lady have knowledge of such things? “Did Bleeth teach ye that song?”

Julianna laughed. “Nay, Aunt Mathilda.”

“Mathilda?” He smiled at her enchanting antic. Others thought so, too, because after the song the men began their attack.

The music played earnestly, women were chosen, and the dancing circles were formed. Colin’s blood boiled when Garrick KirkConnell asked her to dance. He watched him bow before her, Garrick’s hands held her waist, where they shouldn’t be. Colin almost jumped from his seat, but somehow he didn’t move. He didn’t like her dancing with another man. Garrick needed a talking to and soon.

Colin was unaware of the outward signs he showed. He gained an inquisitive look from his clan members when he marched to the door. Distancing himself, he stood and watched from afar.