Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (19 page)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Julianna wished she had paid attention to Colin when she went to the loch with him, but she couldn’t stop thinking about her fate. After washing, she put on a heavy woolen gown, wrapped the KirkConnell plaid around her, and applied a belt. Peering out the window, she noticed the sky grayed, and a light rain fell again. The dismal scene provoked her sigh. She put on her slippers, took her comb, and ran it through her hair. Sighing again, she pulled out her mother’s letters, running her fingers over the tie. The sight of them saddened her; she opened the bundle, and removed a letter and read it:

My dearest Julianna, I write because I know not what to do. I cannot tell anyone my secret, but to you, darling, I must disclose all. For it is too unbearable to keep from you. Lord Bentley is not your father and is not as he appears. Heed me daughter, I admit I am truly frightened. I only tell you because I believe his aim is to hurt me, maybe even kill me. Find the jewels and use them for your escape, if need be. I hid them in the stable, behind the timber. No one will find the sack, ere you. You must escape, Julianna, for if you do not, it will be woe for you. Promise me you will try. Do not go to the king for aid. My husband has given much service, and the king may favor him. You must find a place to hide. Your sister shall fair well. She is a Bentley true, have no fear he will harm her. All the same, he will wound you. You must take care.

My heart is with you always, Joanna Bentley

Julianna always wept when she read the letters. They filled her with deep sorrow. The other letters contained her mother’s adventures. In them, Julianna had learned about her mother’s secret friendship with the king.

A loud knock rattled the door, startling her. Sarah came inside and sat on the bed.

“Sara, have you spoken to Steven yet? About a groom?”

Sara smiled widely. “You need not worry about that now. Come, we don’t have much time.”

“Time for what, Sara?”

“You’ll need to change. I put a clean gown on your bed.”

“I just donned the clean dress.”

“We’re to have a special mass.”

Julianna wasn’t sure what was going on, but Sara acted strangely. “Should I meet you in the chapel? Is Father going to say a special service?”

“Aye, he’s been asked to perform …” A knock stopped her from blurting it. Sara opened the door, and Steven entered.

Taking Sara’s hand, he smiled at Julianna.

“Julianna, I came to tell ye the mass will begin in an hour. Sara, why don’t you give her privacy?”

“Steven, I was going to tell her—” Sara’s words ceased when he gave her a quick kiss.

“Not now, Sara, we must leave.” The door banged behind them.

Alone now, Julianna smoothed the esthetical garment. It was shaded in an amazing color of light blue and had small flowers sewn along the neckline. She assumed Sara’s babe would be baptized. She put Colin’s plaid on, combed her hair again, and wound it into a coiffeur. All finished, she went to the chapel.

On her way, she dodged the scattered puddles from the earlier rainfall. She approached the steps of the chapel. Many KirkConnell clans-people, and some of Colin’s men had gathered. Bleeth stepped forward and she waved. She moved past them, and the closer she got to the chapel’s steps, the more she noticed everyone watched her. She patted her hair and smoothed her plaid.

“Lass, you’re to stand here,” the friar said.

“Right here, Father?” she asked absently.

“Aye, Colin, stand next to her.”

She gave him a confused look, until Father Tomas began reciting the mass. Everyone stood about giving acknowledgments when necessary. She wondered why Sara and Steven stood afar. Julianna could hardly keep her eyes open. All the excitement from the past days wore on her.

The sound of Colin’s laughter woke her.

“Only you would fall asleep at your own …” He took her in his arms and held her.

Julianna snuggled against him, content to listen to the Father’s sermon. She couldn’t help but close her eyes again. She pried open her heavy eyes and looked at the ground. All of a sudden Robin nudged her. She turned to glare at him.

“Milady, you’re to answer the friar,” he said.

“What did ye say, Father?” She yawned.

Colin laughed, and she gave him a sharp look for doing so at mass.

“I asked if you would so pledge yourself to Laird Colin MacKinnon.”

She looked from the priest to Robin, to Colin. “What did you tell them?” Her eyes narrowed.

“Lass, say
aye
.” Colin smiled, waiting for her answer.

“You said you’d never marry. I cannot … you swore.”

“I am set, now say
aye
.”

“You cannot, Colin. I cannot ask you to sacrifice your future.”

“I’m asking you to be my wife, Jules. Now agree, I’m waiting,” he demanded.

“Colin, this is too noble even for you. I …” she stammered, twisting her hands, looking at the smiling faces.

“I know what I am doing. Answer the friar.” He searched her eyes for her accord, giving his ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ look. “You already pledged yourself to me, all you have to do is tell the friar.”

Julianna turned and rushed past the onlookers. She kept running until she was breathless. Behind her she heard the clans-people laughing.

“Cosh,” Colin shouted, “Steven, keep everyone here. We’ll return shortly.”

Julianna glanced back and saw Colin and Bleeth running toward her. Colin had a bit leeway, and his face looked stern. She noticed Bleeth looked as severe. Her friend caught up with Colin, his stride intent. Before he stood next to him, he waved his hands and began chanting. She got a sick feeling in her stomach.

“Fists of will, fists of might, make these knuckles nice and tight.” Bleeth clenched his fist, grasped Colin’s tunic with the other hand, and turned him. Before Colin knew what was coming, Bleeth bashed his jaw. Instead of retaliating, Colin threw his head back and laughed, which made Bleeth react swiftly. He shoved Colin to the ground.

Julianna wasn’t about to intervene. If they wanted to kill each other then she’d let them. She’d had enough. Running down the hill, she sat at the bottom. She heard someone approach from behind, but she wouldn’t look.

Bleeth knelt beside her.

“Oh, Bleeth, ‘tis you. I thought that you were Colin.”

“My lady, will ye do it?”

“Bleeth, I don’t know what to do,” she confessed.

“Do ye love him?”

She took his hand, lowering her gaze to the grassy slope. “I believe I do.”

“I must confess before I … I have loved ye since you were a little girl.”

“I know that, Bleeth. You have been so—”

He held a hand out, stopping her. “Not as a brother or father, Julianna, but as a man loves a woman. Do you understand?”

Julianna stilled. She heard the hurt in his voice, and she couldn’t hold back her tears. “I do love you, Bleeth. You have always been there, even during that horrible night when … You called me Cherub. I do love ye.” She touched his face and looked into his dark eyes, eyes that now looked different.

Bleeth smiled. “But not as ye love him.”

“You have been my protector for so long, and I do love you, but not the way you wish. I do love Colin, as a woman loves a man. I couldn’t bear it if I hurt you.”

“Then do what’s in your heart.” Bleeth smiled. “Marry the Scot.” He cupped her chin, and kissed her cheek. “He’s behind us, is he not? I can feel his distained look on my back. Do ye think if I were to kiss you again, he’d kill me?”

Julianna laughed. “Bleeth, we shall always be friends. You’ll always be part of who I am.”

He nodded, and after giving her another kiss, this one on the lips, he rose and walked away.

Colin sat beside her, nudging her shoulder with his. “What’s amiss, lass?”

“What’s amiss?” she shouted. “I cannot do it.”

“Aye, ye can. I made my decision. Will ye wound me so?” He whispered the last.

Julianna glanced at him, seeing his dejected look. Her heart tore, and a tear slipped out. “I’d be putting you in danger, Colin. I cannot risk that.”

“Incase ye didn’t notice, I can take care of anything that comes my way.”

“There are things that you perhaps wouldn’t be able to—”

“You worry overmuch. What concerns ye?”

She sighed, knowing she would have to convince him. “The fact that King John won’t give up until I return. What will you do, war with England because of me?”

“I do have several hundred soldiers under my command and many allies. But it won’t come to that. I’ll go to your king and explain why you’ll not return.”

“Can we not go on as we have?”

He smiled and touched her face. “We can’t—I’ll not. I want ye to marry me and have my bairns. This night, I want to sleep beside you. I’ll not wait another day.”

“Colin, you are not my path. What if I die?” Julianna wept into his tunic.

Locking her within his arms, Colin tried to comfort her. He rested his head on hers. “I’ll not let you die, Jules. I promise.”

She continued weeping for a several minutes, until he distracted her by lifting her chin. His kiss and her left over tear, made her shudder. She hugged him, and felt him smoothing her hair then caressing her face. He raised her gently onto his lap and continued to avert her attention. He succeeded, too. She wrapped her arms around him.

They became consumed in the kiss, each forgetting where they were.

Julianna wanted to stay there, at the bottom of the hill, kissing Colin, forever. She didn’t hear the approach of a man who stood at the top of the hill.

“Colin, for God sakes, wait until after the wedding to bed your lass. Everyone is awaiting.”

Julianna pulled away from Colin, hearing Steven’s shout. Colin lifted his head and grinned. He then looked back at her. She knew her face had brightened.

“We are going to the chapel, and you are going to marry me. Say ye will,” he demanded.

Julianna nodded as he helped her up. He sealed her vow with a tender kiss. Breaking it off, he said in his ‘you-will-trust-me’ tone, “And, Jules, you won’t die. I’ll not let ye.”

She straightened her garments, and they walked up the hill together. Her unbound hair swung by her derriere. His sword hung by his side. Hand in hand; they went to their wedding.

Chapter Thirty

If Friar Tomas was surprised by their return, he didn’t acknowledge it. He began the service anew. Colin stepped forward, holding Julianna’s hand. He pulled his plaid free, placing it over their joined hands. Lightly squeezing her hand, he tried to reassure her.

“Laird MacKinnon, you may now say your vows.”

Colin looked in her eyes. “I vow to take ye for my wife, Jules. I will keep you safe now and
forever
, give you bairns, and make you happy.”

The men grunted in approval at his arrogant words. Father Tomas asked him, “Do ye pledge yourself to Lady Julianna Bentley, until death takes ye?”

“Aye, Father, I do,” Colin replied.

“Milady, you may now say your vows.”

She looked at the ground, uncertain what to say. Colin prodded her chin. “I vow to take you as my husband, Colin. Why I do, is beyond me …” He cut her off by placing a kiss on her lips.

“Not yet, Laird,” Father Thomas said. He cleared his throat. “Do ye pledge yourself to Laird Colin MacKinnon, until death takes ye?”

Not a sound could be heard while they awaited her response. Colin squeezed her hand, not sure she’d heard the father again.

“I do.”

“I pronounce you husband and wife. Laird, kiss your bride.” The friar took a step backward. He wiped his brow with a linen cloth and praised God the event was over.

Colin removed his plaid, replaced it over his shoulder, and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her ardently, but then was swept away by his clansmen. Julianna’s knees were ready to give way from the impact of his kiss, he’d felt her shaking. She stood like a frightened doe, in a dazed chagrin about what had happened. It made him smile.

Sara took Julianna’s hand. “It will be all right now, Julianna.”

“I never thought he would … I cannot believe he—”

Sara looked at him. “I knew it all along. Highland men are good men. He wouldn’t let ye go much longer as you were.”

“What’s going to happen now?”

“There will be dancing and a fine feast to celebrate,” Sara said.

Colin followed them inside, and the hall already sounded animated with men playing musical instruments. Kegs of ale were rolled into the room, and large mugs were lifted high toasting them. A goblet of wine was thrust into Julianna’s hand and a cup of ale in his.

Colin stood by the wall watching, his stance restless, and his arms folded over his chest. He saw Robin ask her to dance. He couldn’t help but notice her ample smile. He’d make sure she smiled like that often. Robin grabbed her about her waist to keep her from falling over a man in her way. Colin pulled away from the wall and released a soft sigh. If only she could give her heart, mayhap he’d be content. Did he really want it? Aye, he conceded he did. He’d figure out a way to gain her heart, and with it, her trust.

Julianna walked back to the table when Brendan blocked her path with his large body. “Would ye care to dance, milady?”

Julianna looked flabbergasted, but nodded.

They went to the center of the hall. Brendan wasn’t one to dance, and he looked awkward. This night was full of surprises. Colin was close enough to hear their conversation.

“Why do you scowl all the time?”

“Do I?” Brendan turned, moving his feet, circling her.

When he returned, she said, “Aye, ye do. You’re my brother now, so I can speak freely.”

Brendan smiled. “Have you siblings?”

“I have a sister, younger than I.”

“You are fortunate not to have brothers. Mine are a pain in the arse.”

Julianna laughed unreservedly. “Well, I have brothers now.”

Then, an amazing thing occurred: Brendan actually grinned. Well, almost. Colin wanted to cut in, but he waited to see what would happen.

“I knew I could get ye to smile.”

Brendan looked at her astoundingly. “I’m smiling? Well, cosh, I am.”

Colin watched them like a hawk. He’d never seen Brendan look so pleased before. He wanted to run and push him away.

Julianna bowed to Brendan. “Thank ye for the dance.” She bestowed Brendan with a resplendent smile and walked to him.

Colin smiled when she took his hand. He wanted to leave, and had enough celebrating. He told her to be ready to leave the hall in a few minutes. Steven and Sara were waiting with her when he met them by the stairs.

“Sara, we’re leaving. I’ll miss ye.” Julianna hugged her.

“You aren’t leaving. Colin said you would go to his home in a few days. What’s this?”

Julianna swiped her tears away. “I thought we … never mind. I shall see you in the morn?”

“Aye.” Sara hugged her.

Julianna walked to where Colin waited. He guided her to the chamber she used, and he opened the door. She looked more frightened now than at the wedding.

“It’ll be all right.”

She walked into the room and turned. “I cannot believe you did it. Why?”

“Why what? Married ye?”

She stopped behind him. “Aye!”

“A pledge is a pledge.” He couldn’t help grinning. She was adorable when she was angry.

“A pledge? You pledged only to keep me safe. I didn’t know what you meant, and you well know it.”

“Lass, I proposed. Don’t you remember by the loch? I told you it was decided, and that we would do it this night.”

“I wasn’t listening.”

He laughed. “I know you weren’t. What were you thinking, Jules?”

“I was memorizing the lake. It was so lovely there, and I never wanted to forget it. You did it on purpose.”

“You’re my wife now. Are ye angry, love?”

“Nay, not anymore. You swore never to marry only to go back on your word. I cannot help but wonder why.”

“I changed my mind.”

She huffed. “I fear—”

He covered her lips with his fingers. “Shhh, ye have nothing to fear. You’re my wife now and I will keep you safe forever.”

“I do feel safe with you, Colin.”

He embraced her, gladdened that she felt safe with him. Her body against his felt right, and ever since he kissed her on the hill, he’d been eager to bed her again. He removed his tartan, his tunic then stood before her. It took one look from her to make him respond.

“You are beautiful, Colin. Your body is so unlike mine.” She wrapped her arms around him, becoming timid.

Colin groaned at the feeling of her holding him. He pulled at her plaid and dropped it at her feet. She stood still while he undressed her, running her hands over his body. He tugged her gown, uncovering her breasts, touching them through her shift, caressing her in return. The cotte now joined her plaid at her feet. All he needed to do was remove her shift. Sliding the narrow straps down, he pulled her arms free. The shift fell to the floor with the rest of their clothing.

His hands moved along her arms, downward, until he pulled her against him roughly. Their bodies touched everywhere. He lifted her in his arms, and she placed her head on his shoulder. As he carried her to bed, his heart raced.

He whispered, “Do you know what you do to me?”

“If ‘tis the same as you do to me, then aye.”

He braced his arms and leaned to kiss her. She gasped at the touch of his tongue when he slid it over her neck. The sensation overtook all of her remaining modesty. He continued kissing her until she shook. With all the fierce hunger he maintained, his mouth reached her open lips. She returned his kiss with all the warmth she encompassed. Their bodies joined in excitement, each knowing what the other would give.

Julianna ran her hands over his back to his behind. He groaned deep into her mouth when she pulled him to her. Colin tried to hold off because he wanted to make slow sweet love to her. But she made it damn difficult. With each movement, she met him wholeheartedly. She reached her peak as the pleasure abandoned her with a cry. He joined her as the ecstasy converged within him.

Afterward, both blissfully lay in each other’s arms, feeling fulfilled. The scent of their lovemaking surrounded them. Colin closed his eyes, his heart thundering in his chest. He opened his eyes, disbelieving what he heard. Leaning over the bedside, he saw her on the floor. She was tangled in the plaid, her hair sticking out. His wife’s eyes radiantly shone.

His laugh echoed, then he stifled his laughter when she moaned. “Are ye all right?”

“’Tis not humorous, Colin. If you weren’t so large, I wouldn’t have fallen off.”

“Do ye know, love, this is the first time we’ve made love in a bed? I’m not sure which I like better, on the ground, on a rock, or in a bed.” His laughter filled the room.

Julianna slapped his shoulder and held her hand out.

Colin reached for her and pulled her onto the bed. She laughed into her pillow. After a while, he heard the softness of her breathing, and knew she slept. He tried to sleep as well, but it wouldn’t come. The woman beside him was a wonder. She’d given herself to him, and his life had changed remarkably. He would keep his promise to keep her safe, and in return she would give him her heart. He’d see to it.

Later in the week they would make their way to his clan and home. It wasn’t as nice as Steven’s, but it would do. He hadn’t been at his keep often, not since his feud with the McFies heated. The laird’s son, Ellic, still lived. Colin couldn’t give up until they were gone—every last one of them. Vengeance plagued his soul.

Slipping from the bed, he decided to go to the hall. He dressed hastily, leaving his sleeping wife alone on their wedding night.

Upon entering the hall, Colin heard Steven’s rumbling laughter.

“I didn’t think I’d see ye until the morrow,” Steven said.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“I didn’t think ye would even consider sleeping.”

“Don’t be smart-arsed. Pour me a drink, Steven. Nice eye, by the way,” Colin said mockingly. Steven’s eye had swelled and blackened from their fight. Colin smiled. His nose didn’t show any sign of their scuffle.

Steven laughed. “Did you enjoy yourself this night?”

“Aye, everything went well.”

Steven’s threw his head back and laughed. “Everything went well? I didn’t think she’d say the words.”

“You’re an arse. But I didn’t either.”

“I want to apologize.”

“For what?”

“I planned all along that you would wed her. I noticed how ye felt about Julianna. You love her, don’t ye?”

“Love? The lass is bonny and bedding her is pleasurable.” Colin drank the contents of his tankard. “Love? I don’t have it in me to love that way.”

“Aye, ye do. You just don’t know it yet.”

“Go to hell, Steven.”

“You have to admit you’re glad you married her.”

“Aye, I’m glad, and now she’s mine.” Colin said.

“A toast then, to Julianna for bringing down the beast. I shall be ever grateful to her,” Steven said, lifting his cup. Colin shoved his arm, making him spill his ale.

“You’re drunken, Steven. How long have ye been drinking?”

“I’m celebrating. Never thought I’d see the day you married, and today is that day.”

“It was yesterday. It’s well after midnight. Time to end the celebration, else I’ll have to carry ye to your chamber.” Colin pushed out his chair and went to stand beside his friend. If need be, he’d carry Steven to bed.

“Have another drink.”

“Nay.” Colin grinned.

“I suppose I’ll have to challenge ye then. The last one to remain awake is the winner. Now what to bet? Hmm.”

“Cosh, you’ll pass out long before me, Steven.”

“Afeard?” he egged on Colin.

They continued drinking the remainder of the night. Toasts were made to wives, husbands, and clansmen, just about everything they could think of, even the harvest and their enemies. They continued until the early hours of the morning, and their last clink toasted the bride.

Colin opened his eyes for a second and saw Julianna standing beside him. She shook his shoulder and he groaned.

“Look at them, sleeping with their heads on the table, snoring, and drunken. It would serve them right if we were to leave them there.” Sara shook Steven’s shoulder and he didn’t respond.

“What should we do?”

“I’ll return, I’m going to the garrison to get some men.”

Colin grabbed Julianna’s hand, keeping her from following. “Lass, am I seeing an angel?”

“Nay, Colin, I’m no angel. You’ll realize that soon.”

Colin thought he heard the door slam, at least the noise made him flinch. When he was able to focus again, he heard talking.

“Good morn, Robin.”

“Milady, ‘tis too laughable. I shall have something to torment my brother with, now.”

Others entered the hall, and he heard their loud speech. He kept his eyes closed and hoped the banging would cease.

“Brendan, help me get Colin. You men take Steven to his chamber.”

Colin opened his eyes, trying to pull away. “Let me be, Robin.” He shoved him then laid his head on the table. He had a moment or two of peace before Robin grasped his arms.

“We’re taking ye to your chamber.”

“My thanks, Robin. Has anyone seen my wife? Did I say that?” He sounded appalled.

“Lady MacKinnon just went to the kitchens with Lady KirkConnell. They’re making you and Steven a dastardly brew,” Robin said.

“She’s-s in the k-kitchens. I married a good w-woman.” Colin’s speech slurred.

“Aye, ye did,” Robin replied as he kept his brother from falling.

They laid Colin on the bed, and his snore sounded in the chamber before they left.

“I believe they did extra celebrating after we left last night,” Brendan said.

“Did you see Steven? He couldn’t wake to utter a word. Must have been at it longer than Colin,” Robin said.

“I never saw Colin besotted before. He never drinks like that.”

“Nay, but he had good reason. He got married.”

“I’m never getting married. I’m not going to be like these fools. A woman is not going to make me an arse.”

“There’s a lass out there even for you, Brendan, if you would stop scowling at them.”

“I don’t have the patience for silly wenches. I’ll take a more experienced woman.”

“There’s nothing like a sweet bonny lass, Brendan.”