Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (22 page)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Julianna spent her days caring for the keep, making the necessary changes. Their home started to look more like a home and less of a warrior’s keep. She hung tapestries in the great hall and in their bedchamber. She missed Colin, and hadn’t heard a word from him. It had been two months since he left, and if not for Tess, she would have been awfully lonely. The ladies did speak to her, but they were busy keeping their own homes. She usually met them by the well, where she did the washing. She spoke in Gaelic to everyone. If they were surprised, they didn’t show it.

She heard one clansman say, “Our laird would only marry a lass who speaks our tongue.” Little did they know.

As the keep was transformed, none mentioned the absence of the weapons. She felt agitated and somewhat cross. When she began feeling lightheaded and ill, she’d overdone it. Having completed many tasks on her list in the past weeks, she decided to slacken her pace.

One of the tasks she hadn’t completed was getting George to stay out of the keep, no matter how hard she worked on him. She’d push him out and he’d come right back inside. Eventually, she had to admit that she enjoyed his antics. One day, she caught him nibbling a tablecloth she’d just finished sewing. He turned his head when she ran at him and swatted his rear with a trencher. George yelped, and ran through the doorway.

Each morning, she’d awaken with an upset stomach. She’d hurry to eat, but that didn’t help, nor did it relent until midmorning. She felt dizzy in the late afternoons, and was tired all the time. She’d felt that way for a few weeks. When she awoke that morning, the feeling overcame her again, and she actually heaved over the chamber pot. She knew she was ill, and asked Tess if there was healer within the clan. She’d been told there was, but the clan feared her. Julianna scoffed and bade her to be fetched.

Tess brought Jinny to her later that day. She was a soft-spoken lady with the kindest gray eyes and had such gentleness about her.

“What ails ye, milady?” Jinny asked.

Julianna recounted her symptoms, and Jinny looked her over, asking many questions.

“When was the last time ye had your flow?”

When the last question was asked, Julianna frowned. “You mean my monthly? I’ve had it, haven’t I?”

“If you’ve a bairn in your tummy, there’s a potion you can drink when you arise. Our laird will be proud.”

“Don’t say anything yet. I’m not sure if I am, but I’ll tell him when I’m ready.” Julianna held her stomach, hoping the queasiness would subside.

Jinny left the hall to get the potion.

“A baby, Tess, I cannot believe it. I’ve always wanted children, but what if … If Colin comes home, I’ll be able to tell him.” Julianna couldn’t bring herself to be excited, too many matters made her uneasy about her future. Even the joyous news of having a child didn’t affect her as it should. She didn’t know why she felt so despondent, but she did.

Tess knew she missed her laird. “He’ll be home soon, Julianna. He cannot stay away, not with you beckoning him.” She laughed.

A sound below alerted them that some men had returned from training. Julianna walked to the window and hoped some fresh air would help lessen her sickness. Suddenly, her door was thrown open and Colin strode into the room. He walked to her with quick strides, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard.

“I’ll go and …” Tess chuckled, and closed the door.

Colin kissed her until she was breathless. He enclosed her body in his steeled arms, making her feel safe, protected, and loved.

“Ye look lovelier than I remembered.”

“Colin, I missed you. I’m happy you’re home.”

“Ah, lass, I’ve missed you. I cut short my mission so I could come and see ye. The keep looks grand, you’ve done good work. Call me a bath so I can rid myself of this grime. Then I’ll show you how much I’ve missed ye.” He laughed aloud, which exposed a small dimple she only just noticed.

Julianna went to prepare for his homecoming. She had a bath and food sent, and had told him that she would join him after she saw to her tasks. Though she only wanted to tell Dame Hester not to await them for the evening meal, one thing led to another, and she was delayed. After giving him sufficient time to bathe, she couldn’t wait any longer. She went to their chamber, hoping he hadn’t fallen asleep. When she opened the door, he stood next to the chest, holding her packet.

He opened the bound material and unfolded the top letter, and seemed to be reading it. He quickly folded the letter and was about to replace it.

“What are you doing?”

“Oh, Jules, I didn’t hear you come in. I was looking for clothing.” Instead of taking out a tunic, he walked to the bed and lay upon it. “What took you so long? You should be here tending your husband.”

“I told Dame Hester not to await dinner for us. Why were you looking through my possessions?” She crossed her arms, letting him know she was unhappy.

“I didn’t mean to pry, lass. I won’t touch them again. Now come here.”

She knelt beside him on the bed, gawking at his unclad body. Nothing hid his masculine form. She touched his hair, still damp from his bath. Her hand traveled to his neck, over his chest, and his hard stomach flinched when she swiped it with her hand.

Colin didn’t breathe, but only smiled at her boldness. Julianna wanted to please him, and she grinned when he laid back and closed his eyes. She leaned over him and kissed him, promising she’d fill him with desire.

“Ahhh, my sweet wife is having her way with me, is she?”

Using her hands, she caressed him all over, while her mouth spent kisses over his hot skin. Colin pulled her to him and rolled her onto her back. Looking down at her, he smiled then kissed her. He kept kissing her, not allowing her to pull away. Her body felt sensitive and she gasped when he entered her. Their lovemaking became forceful, yet loving. She craved satisfaction, and achieved it, calling his name again and again. Colin kept at his lovemaking until finally he couldn’t move.

He lay still, worn-out from his exertion. Julianna kept touching him, she couldn’t bring herself to stop. His skin felt so wonderful beneath her fingers.

“I’ve missed ye. That was … you’re too good to me … so incredible.” He flustered.

Julianna cuddled beside him. He looked above, deep in thought.

Sleep evaded them.

“By the way, Jules, what did ye do with my weapons?” He frowned at her.

“What weapons?” She tried to sound reticent.

“Ye know very well what weapons,” he said sternly.

“I put them in the chamber down the hall. Do they have to hang in the hall? It makes the hall look like a …” She didn’t know what to say.

“… a warrior’s keep? Where else should I put them, if not in my hall?”

“Can you not use one of the extra rooms or put them in the garrison?”

“For now, we’ll leave them where they are. Does it really bother ye, sweetheart?”

“I don’t like all those weapons. It reminds me of … they’re used for killing. I know you need them for our protection, but the thought of—”

He stopped her by sitting up. “How did you move them? Nay, I don’t want to know. Do you realize the danger you were in? You could have hurt yourself. I know none of my men helped you, I asked.” Taking his place next to her again, he yawned aloud.

Julianna didn’t bother to answer him. She again told him in his own language that he was the love of her heart, but he didn’t reply. When she leaned over him, she noticed he had fallen asleep, but at least he had a smile on his face.

Chapter Thirty-Six

When Colin awoke the next morning, he rolled over to kiss his wife, only she wasn’t there. A husband should rise before his wife, shouldn’t he? He looked to the window; the sun indicated it was well into morning. He’d slept much later than usual, and he scrambled to rise and set about his routine. This morning, he felt rejuvenated, and supposed a good night’s sleep was the cause, but then he remembered feeling so relaxed last night, because Julianna had cherished him. He hadn’t felt that in a long time, not since he was a wee lad.

Strolling into the hall, he saw his men standing idly about.

“What are ye doing in here?”

“We’re awaiting you, Laird,” Douglas said.

“You know your duties,” Colin said.

“Did ye have a nice rest? Your wife told us not to awaken ye, and that we had to be quiet.” Robin laughed.

“Be about your duties, and Robin, if ye tease me again, you’re going to get my fist in your mouth.”

“What a grouch. I thought marriage might soften ye, but I see I was wrong.” Robin ran from the hall, knowing he’d pushed it.

Colin ate a light meal and then went to track his wife down. He’d been told by a lass that she was by the well. He spotted her sitting on the ground, soaking wet, next to George, who was tied to a rope. He was on the verge of laughter, when she glanced up. His laughter died when he spotted Bleeth standing on the other side of the well.

“Colin, good morn, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Jules, what in God’s name are ye doing?”

“This beast needs a bath. If I cannot keep him out of the hall, at least he’ll be clean.” She tugged the rope and George pulled it back.

Colin went to help her up. He untied the rope attached to George, and the goat took off running.

“’Tis not a fair idea to wash him. He would smell worse.”

“He will?” She sounded dejected.

“Aye, if ye wet his fur, he’d stink for days. Better to leave him be. If it bothers you having him in the hall, I can—”

“Nay, I’m glad I didn’t wet him yet. I cannot imagine him smelling worse than he does.”

“I tried to tell her that, Laird MacKinnon,” Bleeth said.

“I don’t imagine she listened to you, huh, Bleeth?” Colin grinned at his disgruntled look.

“Nay, she didn’t. I’m off to find Brendan. He promised to show me sword tactics this morning.” With that, Bleeth went off.

Colin laughed when Julianna looked to her feet. She was a mess, but looked enticing, and before she walked away, Colin pulled her close for a good morning kiss. His hands rested on her bottom as he ravaged her mouth. He stood with his wife in the courtyard, with his clan-members looking on. Julianna was unaware of the spectacle they created, but he knew.

The rest of the day was filled with as much excitement. The clan was on alert because the Ferguson had been seen on their land. Colin couldn’t believe his audacity when he rode to the gate.

“Colin, finally home, huh? I have a message for ye.”

Colin attacked him, knocking him to the ground. Seamus fought back, but he wasn’t up to taking him on. Colin held a dagger at his throat, but he held back.

“Ye must hear me out. I mean nay harm.”

Colin stuck his dagger into Seamus’s arm, and his blood seeped from the wound.

“Oww, Lad, ye must listen,” Seamus said, holding his arm.

He glared at Seamus for daring to come on his land, and he wouldn’t be so accommodating. Colin kept him from moving, and hadn’t noticed Julianna come out of the keep. The MacKinnon warriors bore down on them.

“Colin, what are you—”

 “Kill the bastard!” Walt said heatedly.

“Milady, I have a message for ye. You must get the MacKinnon to listen.”

“Colin, maybe you should hear him. Perhaps he has news.”

Colin wasn’t about to do that, but his wife’s soft words made him give in. He put his dagger in his boot, grabbed Seamus with both hands, and lifted him.

“What’s the message, old man? Say it and be quick, or I can kill ye.”

“The Englishman asked me to tell ye he awaits you, milady. He said he was your father and that your sister would not fare well, if ye didn’t come.”

“Oh, God’s grace!”

Colin saw Julianna stiffen.

“Lass, Seamus deserves to die, let me kill him.” Colin fisted his foe’s tunic, hoping to avert her upset.

“Nay, he doesn’t, release him. Laird Ferguson, I’ll tend your wound.”

Colin noticed she tried to maintain her composure, and outwardly the message didn’t seem to affect her, but he knew it had.

“Thank ye, Milady, you’ve a good heart,” Seamus said.

Colin shoved him to the door, and Julianna led him inside the keep. Colin went to the rampart to command the watch be on alert and a sentry be sent out to survey his land. Afterward, he went back to the keep so he could question Seamus. He found Julianna tending the wound he had given Seamus. The man practically drooled over her tender treatment. He probably hadn’t had a woman touch him in years. Colin certainly didn’t want her touching him.

“Jules, he can bind his own wound. Seamus, tell me exactly how you came to speak with Bentley.”

Julianna stood next to Colin. He placed his hand on her shoulder in a possessive gesture Seamus wouldn’t mistake.

“I was riding on the western part of me land, when the lord approached. He said tell ye he awaited, Milady, and that if ye didn’t come the girl would be killed.”

“He’s an incubus,” Colin bellowed. “What else?”

“Nothing, he rode off, and weren’t that polite neither.”

“Get off my land, Seamus.” Colin’s harsh command was instantly followed. Seamus hurried from the hall.

“Colin, we must save her.” Julianna cried.

He did his best to comfort her, holding her against his chest. “Aye, we will. Don’t worry for her, he’s only provoking you. Your father’s not a good man.”

“I cannot believe he came to Scotland. How did he know I was here?”

“He must have had others watching. I sent those men that you saw in the wood back with a message, but I doubt they returned to give it to him.” Colin sat in his chair and pulled Julianna onto his lap.

“You did, when?”

“Right before our wedding, I came across them in the wood and told them that you wouldn’t be returning.”

“They mustn’t have done so.” Julianna grew uneasy.

“His sins won’t go unpunished. There’s more you’re not telling. I want your trust.” Colin turned her face to him. “You will trust me.”

Julianna lowered her eyes. “I do trust you, Colin.”

“Tell me why you are so fearful.”

“I am not fearful of him, it is the …” Before she could finish, Steven KirkConnell strode into the hall.

“Colin, I must talk to ye, ‘tis urgent.”

“Steven, what are you doing here?”

“I’ve another message for Julianna.” He handed the scroll to Colin.

Colin wouldn’t give it to her, though she tried to take it. He mouthed, ‘
later
.’ He motioned for a draught, and Tess filled their cups then moved off. Julianna tried to get off Colin’s lap, but he held her still.

Steven said, “Messengers came thrice, but this be the most recent. I figured you’d be back by now.”

“My thanks, Steven, have a drink. How are Sara and Jamie?”

“Sara misses Julianna. She said to tell you to bring her for a visitation and soon.”

Colin laughed. “She’s grown mighty brave, Steven.”

“Don’t I know it. Julianna, how are you?”

“I have been working to mend Colin’s home.” She smiled, and wiggled her bottom. Colin held her still.

Steven looked around. “The banners brighten the walls, and the floor shines. I want wooden flooring in my keep, I had thought to make the change. It smells of bee’s wax.”

“Aye, my aunty has a special mixture … I’ll be sure to tell Sara about it.”

“It looks homey. You’ve done a great service to Colin.”

“Thank ye, and pray give Sara my regards.” Her smile brightened, Colin finally let her up.

Leaving the hall, he called out to her, “Jules.”

She turned. “Aye?” she mocked his tone.

“Give it back,” he demanded.

“Give what back?”

“The missive.” She reluctantly handed him the parchment. He smiled, craning his neck to follow her with his eyes.

Steven looked at him intently. “How did the war with the McFies go? Is it finally finished?”

“Seems my da wasn’t the man I thought him to be, Steven. I put aside my feud, for now. I’ll decide what to do about the McFies later.”

“Aye, you have other things to see to now, what with the messages coming. Ye need to do something, Colin, hastily.” Steven left after drinking a full cup of ale.

Colin found Julianna outside by the well. “We’ll go to our chamber and look at the message together.”

“I had almost forgotten about the previous message. Since coming to your home, I began putting behind me.”

When they reached their chamber, he shut the door with a bang and pulled her into his arms. “You’ll not read it. You’re here, and the king cannot get to ye, for that matter, nor can your father.”

“I must read it. My father now knows about you. He sent the Ferguson, did he not? Give me the scroll, Colin.” He handed it to her, and she read it with wide-eyes.

“What does it say?”

“It says that since I ignored his majesty’s proclamation, he will send a full regiment to the KirkConnell holding in a month’s time unless I show myself.”

“Why would he warn ye? I want to know, Julianna MacKinnon. Tell me, what does the king want with you?”

The forcefulness of his voice alarmed her. “Don’t shout at me, Colin. I have no idea what he wants,” she yelled back.

“I will confront the regiment. We’ll send them on their way, back to their king,” Colin assured her.

“Nay, I should go.”

“You’re not going to England. I forbid it.”

“I cannot let Sara be in danger because of me, Colin.”

“Sara will be safe. We’ll not let the English near her. You’re not to leave this keep. Do you hear? Repeat what I told ye.” He knew he better get her to repeat his command since, she wasn’t always paying attention.

“I am not to leave the keep,” she repeated. As he kissed her, the parchment dropped to the floor, the message forgotten.