Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) (10 page)

Drew sighed and made his way up the steps to the keep and inside his great hall. As usual, the hall was dark and gloomy. His mother sat crying in a chair near the hearth.

His sire sat beside her and hadn’t even noticed his arrival. “Would you stop your blathering, woman? ‘Tis bad enough our only son stays away. If you’d cease your caterwauling, mayhap he would return.”

She did her best to slow her tears, mopping at the corners with her linen square.

“I’m sure our first born would have treated us better. Or mayhap the second, James, he was a strong lad. He would have comforted us in our time of need.”

Drew sucked in a deep breath and said a silent prayer for strength. Aye, it was true his mother had birthed three lads before him and all had been taken away, but must he listen to it on a daily basis? He had begged them to stop clinging to the past for years. They still did not listen, often arguing over who would have been the best son.

His eldest brother, Tomas, had died from the fever. James, their second, had fallen from his horse when he was seven summers and snapped his neck, and their third son had died only a week after his birth. Aye, he understood their natural need to protect him, since he was the only one left, but he would not let it keep him from living his life.

At the age of ten and five summers, he’d finally told his parents that he would no longer live as a prisoner in his own home. That’s when he and Boyd had first gone to Aedan’s keep and learned how different life could be. Ever since, he had stayed away as much as possible, even though his mother clung to him. When he was home, he could barely handle the painful memories that ruled life at the keep, so he wallowed in ale and whisky as much as possible.

Aye, he tried his best to make his sire proud, but he knew he could never measure up to Saint Tomas or to Saint James, as he oft called his brothers. His parents could never let go and see the son standing directly in front of them.

Drew sat in the chair across from his father’s near the hearth, and announced his intentions. “Da, I’ve been charged by Logan Ramsay to do a job, so I leave now to complete my mission.” He needn’t explain what the mission was, just that he had to do it. “I know not when I will return.”

“Hmm,” his father scratched his chin. “Logan Ramsay. Aye, he’s an important man, if I recall. Does he not work for the Scottish Crown?”

Drew nodded, surprised his sire’s head was clear enough to recall that piece of information.

“I thought so. Well, do as he tells you, and do a good job so I have reason to be proud of you.”

His mother’s sniffling told him she had overheard. He stood, shook his father’s hand, then moved over to kiss his mother’s cheek and say good-bye. When she clutched him and wouldn’t let him go, he said, “Mama, I’ll be back. Do not worry, but I have work to do.” He loved his mother; he just couldn’t stay here with her. It was too much for him.

He walked out the door, not looking back. Visions of green eyes haunted him. This could be the best job he’d ever been asked to do. Yelling to Boyd who stood in the courtyard talking, he headed straight for his horse, feeling as if he’d been assigned an important duty.

He would be guarding the true treasure of the Highlands.

Chapter Eleven

As soon as Lina had a chance, she dragged Jennie up to her chamber to tell her what Erena had said. She needed advice, and she needed it now.

“Lina, you have been upset all morn. What has happened? And is that a dog I hear?”

Lina tugged her onto the bed next to her, “I saw her last night. And aye, she gave me a puppy.” As soon as she spoke, Abby came out of the corner to sniff the new arrival.

“Erena? Why would she give you a puppy?” Jennie could not contain the excitement in her voice. As soon as she noticed Abby, she bent over and held her hand down as Abby scampered over to her, her tail wagging. “Aww, she’s so cute, Lina. I want her. You know I miss my dogs from home.”

“Do not concern yourself with the puppy for now. She said I’d know what to do with her later.”

Jennie scooped the dog up and settled her on her lap as she sat back onto the bed. “All right, though she’s awfully cute. I’ll just keep her warm while you tell me everything. But what did she say about the sword?”

“Erena was not upset about me having it, and it
is
the gifted sword they are seeking.”

“Gifted? What gifts does it have?” Jennie asked, clutching her friend’s forearms in a death grip.

“I do not know, and it does not matter. It is something else that I must share with you.”

“What? Tell me…tell me.” Jennie bounced on the bed while she held Abby in anticipation of Lina’s news.

“I must marry,” Lina whispered.

“What?” Jennie shouted, her brows knitting into a frown.

Lina shushed her. “Do not let anyone hear us.”

Jennie’s voice lowered into a harsh whisper. “What do you mean you must marry? Why? How can she force you to marry? You are not ready yet.”

“I know that, but ‘tis part of the legend of the sword. Whoever possesses it must marry within two moons.”

“Then return it.” Jennie said, rubbing Abby’s soft fur around her neck.

“I doubt that would work. ‘Tis a simple solution, and Erena never mentioned there was a way to escape the mandate. She just told me I must marry. What will I do?” Lina prayed Jennie had sound advice because after contemplating her situation in her chamber for the remainder of the night, she had come up with naught.

“And what will happen if you do not?”

Lina took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling while kneading her hands in her lap. Telling Jennie was making the situation feel much more real. “She said if I do not marry within two moons, then tragedy will befall my clan in some way, and I will lose the sword.”

Jennie gasped.

Saints above, what was she to do? She could tell from the expression on her friend’s face that she had no suggestions.

“Do not worry, Lina. We’ll think of something.”

They both stared at the floor, Jennie’s lips pursing as she worked through what Lina had just told her. “I have thought of a solution.” She lifted her gaze to Lina’s, a tentative look on her face.

“What?” Lina asked, trying not to cry.

“I believe you should marry Drew Menzie.”

Lina didn’t respond to her declaration, but not because she was disinterested. She didn’t
know
how to respond. Should she admit that Drew was the only lad she had ever met that she had any interest in marrying?

A long moment passed, and Jennie finally asked, “What say you?”

Lina nodded slowly. “Drew is the only man who interests me, but I do not know if he would consider me. I cannot ask him!”

“Nay, you cannot.” Jennie set Abby off to the side, then rolled onto her belly on the bed and rested her chin in her hands. Abby proceeded to clamber all over her, sending her into a fit of giggles.

Lina hugged her knees to her chest as she watched Jennie. She had forgotten how Jennie’s brother had given her puppies when her parents had passed. Clearly still an animal lover, Jennie had a difficult time ignoring Abby.

Then her friend’s expression changed. She knew her friend well enough to recognize when she was scheming.

A few moments later, Jennie grinned and sat up opposite Lina, crossing her legs beneath her. “You have to make Drew think of it or ‘twill not work.”

Lina just stared at Jennie, baffled by her declaration.

“We have work to do,” Jennie said with a mischievous wink. “We must flaunt all of you in front of Drew Menzie
and
make him jealous at the same time.”

***

At dusk the next day, Drew and Boyd dragged their feet as they returned to the inner bailey from the lists.

“Did you learn anything new, Boyd? Anything we can take home?” Drew stretched his back, attempting to pull the soreness out of his muscles. For some unknown reason, he welcomed the physicality of all they had done today. His mind had cleared of the ale and whisky.

“Aye. I can tell Aedan has brought new maneuvers back from the Grants. My shoulders ache from all my swings,” he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Drew stopped his progress toward the keep. Aedan was not far behind him, talking to his brother, Ruari. He glanced over his shoulder at his friend. “You planning a feast, Cameron?”

He noticed the servants were carrying the tables from the great hall into the center of the courtyard.

“Aye, Jennie wants to entertain tonight. ‘Twas her idea.”

“And he always agrees to his wife’s wishes,” Ruari added, a smug grin on his face.

Aedan smirked and glanced at Drew. “Aye, I do. ‘Tis worth it for me. You should try falling for your own lass, Menzie.”

“Why did you not warn us? I’m all sweaty from the lists. We cannot go as we are. The lasses will run from us all, most of all Boyd.” He laughed and shoved his friend.

“Aye, I won’t deny it,” Boyd said.

“We have a small loch not far,” Aedan said, pointing in its direction. “Go jump in if you’re worried about the lasses. Ruari and I would most appreciate it as well.” Still smirking, he rubbed his fingers under his nose.

“Meet us there, Cameron. We’ll see how strong you are.” Drew and Boyd reversed their paths to head toward the loch.

“Aye, but first I must see if Jennie needs any assistance,” Aedan called out from behind them. “I’ll join you in a bit.”

Drew snorted, knowing his friend wouldn’t join them, not when he could instead use the special tub he’d had made for his wife. Women made some men go soft. “Don’t expect to see him,” Drew said to Boyd as Ruari ran up to join them. “He’ll not leave his wife.”

Ruari laughed. “Aye, ‘tis true. But I like my brother much better as a married lad. He’s happier.”

Later that eve, as soon as the crowd began to gather in the courtyard, Drew made his way into the bailey to seek out his friends. He’d taken a ride on horseback to dry himself off after his swim, then found a spot under a large oak tree to take a wee rest. He’d dreamt of bronze colored hair and a set of sweet hips.

But even that didn’t prepare him for the vision in front of him. He halted on the periphery of the crowd, his eyes wide as he stared at Lina. Hell, but she was gorgeous. Her hair fell in soft waves down her back and she’d tucked a pink flower behind one ear. He took a step forward in order to get a better view of the true length of her hair. It had been too dark in the kitchens for him to see. It fell to the top of the round globes of her bottom, a place he’d dreamt of touching with no cloth to stand between them.

His eyes widened as she turned, giving him a full view of her from the front. The bodice of her gown pulled tight around her breasts, exaggerating them even more if that were possible. He closed his eyes and turned away, hoping to calm his manhood, now at full attention. Shite, his reaction had been instantaneous and his plaid told everyone around him. His mouth went dry as he remembered how she’d felt in his arms in the kitchens.

You cannot marry, you cannot marry
, his mind chanted, but his heart and the blood in his veins did not listen to him at all.
If you touch her again, you’ll need to marry her.

He groaned at his thoughts, then opened his eyes and ran his hands down his face, as if that small movement could erase the sight of the lovely lass.

A voice sounded behind him. “Trouble, Menzie? You do not appear verra happy.”

Aedan. He swung around to face his friend. Jennie was on Aedan’s arm, and both of them had huge grins on their faces. The hell with them. He changed his position so he could keep an eye on Lina to see what she was doing. After all, Logan Ramsay had asked him to protect her, had he not? He was only doing his duty. “Nay, no trouble. Why would you ask, Cameron? Excuse my manners. Lady Jennie, you look lovely tonight.”

Aedan’s smirk was begging for Drew to put his fist through it. Only his wife’s presence saved him.

Jennie replied, “Thank you, Drew. Though I for certes cannot compete with Lina Ramsay tonight. Do you not agree? You have seen her, have you not?”

Drew glanced off to the side and sighed involuntarily, chastising himself as soon as he heard his own voice. “Nay…aye…she is lovely.”

“Do you know I’ve already received two offers for her hand tonight?” Aedan said.

Drew swung around to stare at him. “What? Who?”

“I do not recall their names,” Aedan replied. “Hmmm…do you, wife?” He turned to look at Jennie, but Drew ignored them. Giving a low growl, he left them and headed straight to Lina.

His protection duties should extend to shielding her from any young lads trying to take liberties, he decided, including those who hid their true intentions behind promises of marriage.

As soon as he found his way to Lina’s side, he noticed Jennie was calling for the kitchen maids to begin serving. Ignoring the fact that Lina was speaking to another lass, he ushered her toward a nearby table, one large enough for only two stools. He decided it would be best if they were alone. He did not wish to have to argue with any lads during dinner.

“Drew,” Lina craned her neck back in surprise. “I hadn’t seen you yet.”

“I did not mean to startle you. My apologies. Would you mind sitting here with me?” He moved her so quickly, she almost tripped. “Forgive me, but you are aware that I promised your brother to watch over you.”

“My brother asked you?”

“Aye, he did. So I’m doing what I promised him.” He gazed into her eyes and his mind turned to mush. Hellfire, the light blue gown she wore was striking. “My lady, you are lovely tonight.”

“My thanks.” She gazed at her hands as she flushed a soft shade of pink. “And my thanks for protecting me.”

“I also would advise you against speaking to any new lads tonight. I take the pledge I made to your brother seriously.” Drew cleared his throat and glanced around him to be sure there was no one close enough to listen to them. Jennie and Aedan sat at the table in the middle of the courtyard, a good distance from them.

“You do not need to worry about that, Drew.”

His brow furrowed. Had she no idea of her appeal? “I don’t? But why?”

Lina blushed again and cast her eyes downward. “‘Tis no reason to keep it a secret any longer. I have difficulty talking with lads I do not know.”

His eyes widened and his heart leaped within his chest. “You do?” Holy hedgehog, the lord had blessed him again.

“Aye.” She brought her gaze up to meet his.

“But you speak to me.”

“Aye, ‘tis true. Though I could not speak to you when I first saw you at Aedan’s.”

The serving girl set a trencher of mutton in front of them, so Drew took his dagger out to serve some meat to Lina. She wasn’t his wife, but it seemed right for him to serve her as husbands normally did.

Lina took a small morsel and chewed slowly.

Drew just stared at her, thinking back to that day in the great hall. It was true, he realized; she had spoken to no one. Nor had he noticed her speaking with any other lads this eve.

“What has changed?” Drew was so curious, he could not contain the question. The lass in front of him could have any lad she chose, yet she feared speaking to them?

“I’m not sure, but…” She lifted her chin and stared off into the trees. “I think mayhap ‘tis because you rescued me from Lachlan. I was able to speak to you because I was so appreciative of what you had done for me. Otherwise, I probably would not have been able to say a word. Mayhap a wee elf ties my tongue, I know not.”

He noticed her eyes misting as she spoke. It shocked him that someone who carried herself as she did, someone was so comely and kind, could have such deep-rooted fears.

They had something in common.

“Lina, do not be too harsh on yourself. We all do things we are not proud of.”

She swung her gaze back to his. “You? What have you done?”

He gave her a sheepish look. “I’ve done much to shame myself. You can ask my sire, and he’ll tell you tales aplenty.”

She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “Tell me one thing you regret.”

“All right.” He thought for a moment and said, “About a fortnight ago, I drank so much ale and whisky that I had to leave a cottage in a hurry to heave my insides outside.”