Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Sara watched him take the stairs. Colin didn’t look too happy to be the caretaker of such a grumpy woman.

Steven came into the hall. “What are ye laughing about?”

“The funniest thing happened.” She took his hand, leading him to the table. “Colin walked by with a huge tray of foodstuffs. He said Julianna awoke, and that he’d deal with her.”

Steven didn’t smile. In fact, he looked downright ornery. Sara hadn’t spoken to him since she’d left the hall, after Julianna had gotten hurt. She hadn’t forgiven him for being so cold-hearted either.

“Come, love, let us talk.” He patted his lap.

Sara stood next to him, and though she was angry, she wouldn’t disobey, especially because of the way he’d asked.

“I have a few things to say, and ye shan’t interrupt. I didn’t have a chance to talk about what happened the other day, and last night you fell asleep before I came to bed,” he explained. “I know how you feel about Julianna. I would gladly let her stay, but her place is not here.”

Sara nodded. He continued, “If I let her hide here, she won’t live as she should. Don’t ye want her to make a life for herself?”

“She doesn’t have anyone to care for her, and she’s frightened. Julianna needs me.”

“Nay, she doesn’t need ye. She has someone who cares for her a great deal, but she doesn’t know it yet.”

“Do you know something I don’t?”

“You must promise not to repeat what I say—to do so would ruin my plans.”

“Aye, I promise to keep your confidence. Don’t I always?”

Steven nodded. “Colin is falling in love with her. He thinks to keep her, though he doesn’t speak of marriage. I know this; he’ll not leave without her. My plan is to force him to decide. If he’ll not marry her, then he shan’t take her with him. He’ll probably bash my head for my interference.” He laughed. “Would ye mind looking at my bruised face for a while?”

Sara smiled at his plan. “He always uses his fists to get his way. Will you be unharmed going against him?”

“We always fought when we were younger. He cannot best me now. I’ll give him a few bruises as well. I’ve seen the way he watches her.”

“She’s attracted to him, but she’s sworn against marriage too. I don’t know why, but she feels if she marries, her husband would be placed in jeopardy.”

Steven frowned. “Why would she think that?”

“I believe it has to do with her mother. She’s held her secrets close. I’ve known her for years, and she’s never told me. I don’t believe she’ll take to hearing he’d marry her. She might live with Colin, if only to hide,” Sara said solemnly.

“Someone has to protect her. Colin would gladly take her as a mistress.”

“Steven, I’m pleased you’re concerned. I thought ye didn’t want her here.”

“I couldn’t let on how I really felt. He needs someone to care for him. I don’t know what his da told him about his mother, only he’s sworn not to give his heart to any woman. I think he’s already given his to Julianna. He treated her tenderly when she fell.”

“Somehow, we must get them to marry. She needs him as much as he needs her.”

“They have a battle ahead, what with her secrets and his. I mean for them to do what’s right. She received a message from her king last eve, who has bid her attendance. Do ye know why?”

“The king, King John? She fears her father greatly. I don’t believe Lord Bentley is her real father, either. Over the years, she hinted about it. Mayhap her real father is who she’s hiding from? Mayhap the king wants to settle the matter?” Sara looked at her husband woefully.

He pulled her into his arms. “Would she not go to her real father for help? Mayhap her real father is not as powerful?”

“Whoever he might be, he’d be lucky to have a daughter akin to Julianna. She has a good heart and is concerned for her sister. Laila is still in the care of her father. I worry for them both.”

“We’ll figure it out, love. Colin must do right by her.”

“Aye, she might fight it, but I’ll wage my attack on her conscience. She’ll agree eventually. I’m glad you’re not angry for speaking to ye so in front of Colin. Can ye forgive me?”

“Aye, sweetheart, I forgive ye. Give me a sweet kiss, and I’ll forget all about it.” She leaned forward, and gave him what he wanted.

Steven laughed. “It is almost time to put our plan to work.”

“Aye, we’ll have to wait until she’s well enough.”

Steven nodded. “I just hope we can pull it off.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Julianna didn’t dare move off the bed, especially being unclad. She had no strength to move about the room to search for her garments. As she lay there, she thought about the fact that Colin had taken care of her. She wondered if he had looked at her when he’d undressed her. How utterly embarrassing. Was he beginning to care, as she cared for him? She hoped so, because at the moment, he’d endeared himself for being so darned sweet.

Colin entered the room quietly. “Good, ye listened and stayed put.” He set the tray aside and was about to feed her when she grabbed the spoon from him.

“I can hold a blimy spoon, Colin.”

Colin laughed. Sitting beside her bed, he absently picked food from the tray. “Jules, you said some disturbing things whilst ye were ill. I think we should talk about it. You spoke about your mama.”

“My mama?” she asked incredulously.

“Aye, do ye believe your father killed her?”

She gasped. “I spoke of that? Colin, I don’t remember all from that night. I was very young. All I remember is … there was a terrible storm, and I was scared. I went to get her. Sometimes I dream that he killed her. I imagine he was choking her,” her voice grew raspy.

Colin handed her water. “You don’t know if he killed her?”

After taking a sip from the goblet, she said, “We were at the king’s wedding. My father was found in the corridor when they discovered her body.”

“How was she killed?”

Julianna frowned then placed the tray aside before answering, as if she’d lost her appetite. “She was strangled.”

“I’m sorry, lass. Was she a good mother to ye?”

“I cannot speak of it, Colin. It always makes me saddened.”

“Mayhap it will help to talk about it.”

“I remember her being loving, but I was but four or so when she died.”

“Why do ye deem your father killed her?”

“My mother told me so.”

“You’re not saying her ghost visited you, are ye?” He watched her fiddle with the plaid.

Julianna lowered her eyes, mumbling, “She left letters and in them I learned that he was angry because … They had a terrible quarrel before they left for the king’s wedding. She wrote that I should be wary … that she was afraid he would kill her.”

“That’s appalling, Jules. Did he beat ye often?”

“Only when I was home, which wasn’t very often.”

“You have had to bear a lot of pain, haven’t ye?”

Julianna nodded. “That is why I left, Colin.”

“I don’t want ye to worry.”

“I cannot help but worry. My mother … she gave me the jewels to use for my …”

“Escape,” he finished. “Who is Laila?”

Raising her head, she tried not to cry. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He took her hand, squeezing it gently.

“Laila,” she whispered, “is my sister.”

“You have a sister.” He was stunned by her admission.

“I worry. I had to leave Laila behind because I couldn’t take her on this dangerous—”

“Dangerous?” His frown intensified, and he rose to lean over her.

“I didn’t know whom I would travel with.”

“Does he beat her, too?”

“She’s never said so, but she wouldn’t want me to worry. Laila is his …”

“His what?” he demanded.

“She keeps away from him.”

He relaxed, moving away from the bed. “Get rest and I’ll come back later.”

“Colin, I am … Thank ye for caring for me. I am sorry I was so disagreeable.”

He nodded, then leaning forward, he kissed her forehead. Turning, he gave her a gentle smile, before he left the room.

*****

A few days later, Sara entered Julianna’s chamber, and sat beside her on the bed. She felt Julianna’s forehead, smiling because her fever was completely gone.

“It looks as though ye are safe to be around again, Julianna. Are you ready to leave that bed and rejoin the living?”

“You’re actually going to let me? I thought I was destined to stay here for the rest of my days.”

Sara touched her hair fondly. “I have been difficult, and I am sorry for it.”

“You’ve taken good care of me, Sara. Have you seen Colin today? He hasn’t come to see me recently.”

“I don’t know where he is, probably training with the men. Steven is concerned about the men ye saw in the forest. I’m glad Colin hasn’t come to visit. I don’t like that—”

“He took care of me. You shouldn’t have let him.”

“Like he would have listened. I do believe he cares for ye, Julianna.”

“Nay, he’s only honor bound.”

“It’s more than honor that has him crowing about your chamber.”

“When can I get out of this bed? And have you seen Bleeth?”

“Don’t change the subject,” Sara chided.

“I am not. What subject?”

“You know very well what we were talking about.”

“Not we, you, and I’ll not talk about it further.” The conversation became uncomfortable, and she wanted to escape the room.

“Bleeth has been spending a lot of time with Brendan. Why he would want to do that is beyond me. Brendan MacKinnon is downright ornery. Why, do ye want me to get him?”

“I didn’t want him to worry about me. Sara, do you have any animal pelts?”

“Animal pelts? What do ye need them for?”

“I want to make something. I need at least four squares about this size.” Holding her hands in the air, she indicated about a foot.

“I shall see if I can find some. What are you making?”

“I am going to make a gift for the boys, the ones I scared the other day.”

“That’s kind of ye, Julianna, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but it will keep me busy.”

Sara sent a bath, fresh clothes, and of course, the animal pelts. Julianna couldn’t stay inside another minute. Strolling along the path, she pulled handfuls of dried grass from the ground. Once she had enough for her task, she scooped it in her arms. As she sat on a rock in the courtyard, watching people walking by, she worked on the squares sewing them in a circular form.

Her hands stilled when she saw Colin by the garrison. He’d been training and looked sweaty from his exercise. She smiled when he got closer, but he walked by and didn’t acknowledge her. Feeling dismayed, she stood to go after him to demand to know why he hadn’t greeted her, but she decided not to.

Julianna looked at the ground, when a shadow moved over her feet. A few MacKinnon warriors strode by, and stopped to greet her, which was so unlike them. Had they switched manners with Colin?

“Good day, Lady MacKinnon,” they called.

“I am Lady Bentley. Why do you insist in calling me that?”

“Because you are our laird’s lady, you’re Lady MacKinnon.” Gil, one of Colin’s young guards smiled.

“Gil, that’s the most preposterous thing. I’m not married to Colin. He’s agreed to bring me here, and his employment is completed. Please, call me Lady Julianna.”

“Oh, nay, we cannot. We will call you Lady MacKinnon,” Benjamin said.

Julianna was baffled. If it pleased them to call her such, she’d have to deal with it. Although, she hoped Colin didn’t hear. He had teased her about it on their journey, yet it would probably infuriate him now, especially since it was obvious that he wanted nothing to do with her.

And why not? Because, ye dolt! You received a summons from England’s king, were attacked by men in the woods, and someone tried to kill ye with an arrow. ‘Tis no wonder he doesn’t want anything to do with ye.

The smiling men moved off. She finished sewing the pelts and stuffed the dry grass inside. She packed it until she couldn’t fit another blade within, molding its round shape. Securing the end with a knot, she finished the four circular objects. The boys played at the end of the courtyard. They laughed during their play and seemed oblivious of her. She went to them, but the boys stopped playing and stepped backward.

“I am sorry if I scared ye the other day. I made these to use in your game.” She spoke in Gaelic and they smiled shyly. She held her hand out, offering her gifts.

The boys approached cautiously. “What are they?” she heard one boy ask.

“You can roll them or throw them. They won’t hurt ye if you get hit. If you stand far away from your friend, you can throw it to him, and he can throw it back.”

“Why would we do that?” a little light haired boy asked.

“Because ‘tis amusing. I played with these when I was young.”

“We’ll try it.” The boys took the objects and played with them. She smiled as she watched them. They became creative in thinking up games in which to use the objects. It made her happy to see them enjoying her gift. She recollected the time she made some for her sister as a birthday gift.

“What are ye smiling about, lass?”

Julianna looked up to see Steven’s brother, Garrick, standing next to her. “I was recalling a childhood memory.”

“Ahhh, mind if I sit with ye?”

“Nay, not at all.” She scooted over to make room for him on the rock.

Garrick was a handsome warrior and seemed a likeable fellow, but he wasn’t as handsome as Colin. His hair was light, almost flaxen, and his dark-brown eyes were burnished. He bore a few scars that she could see—another toughened warrior.

“Are ye spoken for?” Garrick asked with a grin.

“Pray forgive me?”

“Does someone call ye his own?”

“Uh, nay, I’m not looking for a husband.”

“I thought the MacKinnon—”

“Oh, nay, I’m not his woman,” she huffed.

“Has he claimed ye?”

“Claimed? What do ye mean?” She couldn’t believe their absurd conversation. The Scots had strange ideals about marriage.

“Ye know, made you his woman.”

“I don’t believe Colin MacKinnon is interested in making me his woman.” At least, not now, she thought. Not since he’d ignored her, giving her the message that he didn’t intend to speak to her.

“That leaves ye open for claiming.”

“I am not going to be claimed by anyone,” she said heatedly. Julianna shook her head at his absurdity. She remembered him from Sara’s wedding. Garrick danced with her, but then Douglas interfered, and he hadn’t gotten a chance to ask her again.

Garrick smiled. “Why not?”

“Sir, I’m sorry to disappoint ye, but I am not trying to find a husband.”

“You would make a bonny wife for me.”

“That’s flattering, Garrick, but—”

Garrick kissed her. His lips touched hers in a clash meant to convince her of his seriousness. He pulled her close, and her hands pressed against his chest, as she tried to push him away. Suddenly, he was stripped away. Douglas shoved him to the ground, holding his sword in a threatening manner.

“That’s Lady MacKinnon ye were touching. I should kill you, Garrick,” Douglas fumed.

“Douglas, she said the MacKinnon didn’t claim her.”

“I’m telling ye he did. You best stay away from her.”

“I am sorry if I offended you,” he told her.

Julianna pulled Douglas’ arm away. “No harm, Garrick. Douglas, leave him be.”

Garrick sauntered off. Douglas turned to her. “Milady, I should have dispatched him for touching—”

“I am not Colin’s wife, Douglas. You have no right to interfere in my matters.”

“According to our customs … Only the MacKinnon has the right to touch ye.” Douglas muttered a curse.

“Oh? And why is that, Douglas?”

Douglas grinned. “Because you’re our lady, milady.”

Julianna screamed her frustration. Several people stopped to see the commotion.

“Milady, are ye unwell?”

“You are driving me daft, Douglas. That is utter nonsense.” Julianna stood and made off. She didn’t want to continue the ludicrous conversation. Garrick was as dangerous as Colin given the kiss he’d bestowed. The Scots were an obstinate lot and very frustrating. She went to her chamber, not wanting to be near the absurd men.

After a few quiet hours without the baffling conversation of Colin’s men, her stomach rumbled. Julianna entered the hall for the evening meal, and sat next to Sara. She didn’t join the conversation and became restrained thinking of Colin’s demeanor earlier that day. The door banged, startling her from her rumination. She’d eaten little food and tried to concentrate on finishing her meal.

“Where is everyone, Sara?”

“Are ye back with me now? I might as well been talking to myself for all you have listened.”

“I am sorry, my mind was elsewhere,” Julianna said.

“There’s been double the amount of patrols, so most of the men are not here.”

“I wondered what happened to them. Usually your hall is filled this time of day. Where are Steven and Colin?”

“They’re eating with the men. They must be talking about training and warring. ‘Tis better they do it there.” As she spoke, the men in question strolled inside the hall. They sat at the table and began eating.

“I thought ye were eating in the barracks,” Sara said, placing more food on her husband’s trencher.

“Nay, we were going over the wall’s protection,” Steven said. He drank his ale, gauging his friend. To Sarah, he said, “Colin remained quiet during our discussion about the patrols and the protection of the walls. It was unlike him. He usually tries to command everything.”

Sara nodded, and affectionately patted his hand. No one spoke at the table.

Julianna excused herself. Steven nodded for Sara to follow him.

That left Colin sitting alone.

Colin was deep in thought. He reflected on his conversation with Julianna when she’d awakened from her illness. He hadn’t been able to put it aside all day. The distraction made his training useless, and he’d stopped much earlier than he planned.

The lass’ own father killed her mother. Because of her comments about her mother, Colin couldn’t help but wonder about his own mother. He had no idea how she had died, and had only been told so. He’d have to ask Walter about it when he returned home.

Jules’ father had no reason to be brutal, and he’d make sure he knew it before he killed him. Colin hadn’t noticed everyone had left, and he wondered where everyone went. Well, hell, his mind was preoccupied. He hadn’t realized his detached manner.