Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series (12 page)

Aileana opened her mouth.

“And I saw him, Aileana. With my own eyes, I saw him right after you were taken.” Sheena said.

“How?”

“I was on the far side of the courtyard. Gawain didn’t notice me and must have thought no one was up at that hour. I was leaning against the stone wall waiting for day to break, a habit I picked up after William passed on. Our last moments together were spent just
before dawn on the day he died.

“The sky had not yet brightened and his slight frame gave him away. Once he left the courtyard, I couldn’t resist knowing what he was up to. I entered the same door he exited and lit a candle to find my way through the dark passageway. It didn’t take long to find your room. I entered and discovered you missing. I then opened your ch
amber door to alert the guards.

“It wasn’t long after that, most of the castle was roused and a plan of action put into place. Two of MacIntosh’s men were sent to track Gawain and leave a trail for the King’s Guard. The other two went in the opposite direction to alert them.”

Aileana was speechless. This was incredible. All this time, he’d plotted against her. Did he despise her uncle too? What a fool she’d been to trust him, believe in him.

The day he’d seen the letter he seethed. That was the real Gawain. Not the one she saw last night with his cool demeanour to gain entry to the castle. Gwen had been trying to warn her forever.

“I’ve been such a trusting fool.” She looked at Gwen who stopped wringing her hands and let out a long breath as though she’d held it forever.

Sheena stepped towards her. “No, Aileana. Never say that. Gawain is at fault here, not you.” Her aunt wrapped her arms around her and squeezed tight. “You’ve endured enough. I want you to soak in that bath and forget about everything except that you are safe and sound. Nothing can hurt you now.”

“Aye, Aunt, I thank you. I believe a bath is the only thing I can comprehend at the moment.”

Aileana poured herself into the hot, rose-scented water. Each limb welcomed the heat as the stiffness and ache in her joints melted away. Gwen and Sheena lathered and massaged her back, legs and arms. Though tight, the bindings had left red
marks on her wrists and ankles.

Sated by the heat, Aileana stepped clear of the tub to sit by the fire. Sheena answered a knock at the door and left with Father Addison.

With only Gwen in the room, it was impossible to hide any of her truest emotions.

“Oh Gwen, I was so confused and afraid. I didn’t want to say so in front of Aunt Sheena but the moment James came through that door, I was so relieved I fainted.”

Gwen blinked through tear-filled eyes.

“We were so worried about you. We couldn’t understand why your aunt was causing such a commotion. She woke the whole house and it took Father Addison quite a while to calm her down. In the end I think it was the valeria
n I slipped into her mead that settled her enough to tell us what she saw.”

Aileana smiled and sighed. “Tis all too much to take in. I believe you, but I will need some time to adjust to Gawain being someone I must fear. And you knew all along. When I am rested, you must tell me everything you ever viewed in him to earn your distrust.”

“Of course, my lady. You must be weary.”

“I am
, but my mind will not settle.”

“I thought as much. I have a gift for your betrothal.”

“Oh Gwen, you don’t need to give me gifts. “Tis I who should do so for you for your excellent care.”

“Nonsense. Besides, this gift is somewhat selfish in nature, it is to protect you in the only way I know how.” Gwen’s brow knit. “I never knew fear like I did today.”

Gwen produced an enchanting pewter cross on a chain which she placed around Aileana’s neck. From a distance it looked like a Christian cross, though upon closer inspection, the Celtic circle of infinity was there as well.

“With this gift of
the cross I lay, protection here both night and day; and the one who should not touch, let his fingers burn and twitch; I now invoke the law of three, this is my will so mote it be.”

“’Tis lovely, thank you.” Aileana’s eyes filled with tears.

“You’re welcome my lady. And since it is a cross, no one will suspect ’tis been blessed in a different way than usual.” She smiled.

“I am proud to wear it.”

“I am glad you like it. I considered a ring at first. You know, the ones in which you can carry substances?”

“Gwen,” Aileana said. Her tone held a warning note.

“Like cowbane.”

“Oh dear,” Aileana smiled.

“ Or belladonna.”

Aileana couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Stop.”

“Perhaps wolfsbane would have been useful last evening. But I thought it might be better if I didn’t make a murderess out of you.”

“And I thank you for it, my friend. Now, before I fall asleep sitting up, I must lie down for a while.”

“Of course.”

She tried to get up, but stumbled a bit. Gwen helped her into a fresh shift and into bed. Aileana wanted to talk more of the incredible night’s events, but instead fell into a deep weightless sleep.

Chapter Ten

James watched the priest wipe tears from his eyes as Aileana was ushered into Chattan Castle. He stood just outside the entrance and was at a loss for words. So she would stick to her story of being captured. He shook his head and entered the keep. If she wanted to play games, he’d give her one, but she’d lose.

The guests crowded him, wide-eyed. Who else was in on this little show?

“Ho
w did you rescue Lady Aileana?”

“Was it dangerous?”

Even the priest chimed in, “I was convinced she’d never come home. Surely m’lords, God was watching over you and guiding your hands to enact her safe return.”

It wa
s sickening. If they only knew.

He and Calum followed the crowd into the dining hall where pitchers of ale and trays of food were brought out; no doubt from last night’s feast. His gut rumbled approval. James was desperate for a washtub and a bed, but that would have to wait. Father Addison insisted they fill their bellies and share their story but not before the priest recounted all he knew. Secret passageway? That piece of information was intriguing. He’d have it examined and ferret out her plot.

He didn’t know whether he should concede she was captured or tell the truth that she was running away with her lover. He scanned the faces around him. These noblemen and ladies were good people. Even, if her inner circle of servants at the castle were aware of her scheme, he’d bet his life these people were innocent victims just like him. Did they need to know of her deceit?

“Last night, Lady Aileana was
—” Calum sat up a little straighter beside him. He wanted to say running away, instead he said, “— abducted from this castle and, in fact, from her own bed.”

Several gasps around the room were not loud enough to mask Calum’s heavy sigh. He had worried over
what his brother might reveal.

“’Tis true,” Calum said. “Gawain plotted the whole thing with help from the outlawed MacKays.”

“The Constable? I can’t say I’m surprised.” Father Addison shook his head and clucked his tongue. “My poor, poor lady. You are true heroes, m’lords.”

James narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the priest’s expr
ession for some form of acting.

“Do you think there will be any further danger of raids now these MacKay beasts have been captured?” the pries
t asked.

“I believe the immediate danger we spoke of last evening has passed.” He looked around and remembered why they’d come. “I will consult with Lady Aileana, however I’m certain she will agree there’s no longer a reason to delay the festivities.”

Visible relief swept across the room as James turned to Calum and smiled.

“James, what are you doing?” Calum whispered.

James leaned in close. “Showing the lady she can’t play us for fools and expect to slink away without answering for it. She’ll find out what her secrets have cost her when she wakes.”

“You do
n’t believe she was kidnapped?”

“I do not.”

“She doesn’t deserve this treatment from you.”

“Nor do I deserve such treatment from her.” James got up to leave. Enough already.

“M’lord, do not worry. Get some rest and we will see to all the particulars for tonight’s feast.” Father Addison clapped his hands and called for Andrews, the kitchen maid and someone named Colleen. The man all but bounced out of the dining hall.

James walked away shaking his head and hadn’t noticed Calum walking beside him until he claimed he wanted extra food to nibble on, and doubled back. James carried on toward his chamber and the promise of respite.

As James passed Aileana’s door, he had a sudden urge to walk in on her. In what state would he find her? Upset? Plotting?

Instead of interrupting whatever she was up to, he ordered one of his men to locate the secret passageway. Apparently it led outside and he wanted to know its every nook and cranny.

“Go in there and map every square inch of that passageway, especially to and from her room. When you are done, stand guard in her stairwell out of sight.” Until he could be rid of her, he’d know every last detail of her comings and goings.

James smiled as he sauntered off to his chamber. A hot bath and a manservant waited inside to attend him. He peeled off his soiled clothing and sank into the hot water. Damn but he was tired. The servant helped him as required then pulled bac
k the covers and left the room.

James couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she found out about tonight’s feast. He had the urge to march down the hall to tell her, but the bed was too inviting. He got out of the water, dried himself and slipped into the bed wearing nothing. A traitorous image of her in the same state floated into his m
ind just before he drifted off.

* * *

Mid-afternoon. The castle was quieter than ever. Following the hellish night she’d survived, the silence while unusual, was welcomed. Still, a visit to the tower would help her sort through the unbelievable turn of events and how wrong she’d been about Gawain.

Aileana should have trusted Gwen’s judgment. That much was clear. All the times he was distant, did he plot against her? Even before her uncle had died? Or were these actions retaliation for his loss of fortune? She had no answers. Everything she thought she knew was turned upside down. She’d been acquainted with him for years, yet she didn’t know him at all. He must have had some underlying dislike for her all along. To take such drastic measures made no sense whatsoever. Aileana slipped on her dressing gown and padded up the stone stairway. About half way up she ran headlong into a man standing in her way. She dashed down the stairs again and bumped into Gwen upon tearing open her chamber door.

The maid grabbed Aileana by her arms to steady her, but she fought back.

“My lady, is there something amiss?”

“There’s a man in my stairwell! A man! What’s he doing there?” Her voice’s pitch was far higher than normal, high enough to make the dogs howl.

At that moment, Sheena rounded the corner and hustled the women back inside. Aileana made for the door again when Sheena broke in. “Aileana, I’m sure the man is there for your protection. I assume the MacIntosh put him there to ensure no one got near you ag
ain. There, isn’t that better?”

“Better?” She had no words for her outrage. How dare he post security in her room without her permission.

“Well then, let’s get you settled so we can discuss what you’ll wear tonight—”

“Tonight?”

“Aye love, tonight. The MacIntosh spoke up earlier and said the festivities would continue. Aileana?”

The room tilted just enough to make her to stumble. She grabbed the bedpost and held on for dear life. Aileana drew in a deep breath. “Who does he think he is hiding a man in my room without my knowledge? And now he’s planning events at the castle?”

“Aileana, he was trying to protect you, dear.”

“Protect me? Or scare me half out of my wits?”

“There, there, I’m sure that’s not what he intended at all. About tonight, according to Father Addison, he offered to extend your continued hospitality for your guests—”

“That’s right.
My
guests.” The MacIntosh clansman shuffled his feet near the bottom of the stairs and she turned her fury on him. “And you! Remove yourself from my room this instant!”

“But my lady
—” The man’s face turned red.

“Until her Ladyship recovers from her ordeal, sir, I believe you should take her advice,” Sheena said. He nodded and left.

This was all too much. It appeared his earlier appreciation for her input was fleeting. This was just the kind of arrogant, insufferable man she feared he was from the beginning.

Sheena closed the door behind the frightened-looking man. “Aileana, please sit down and let’s talk this through.”

“I don’t want to talk it through. Aunt Sheena, I know you mean well, but I have no intention of placating that man’s arrogance with submission. Would you please locate his Lordship and ask him to meet me in the solar in half an hour.”

“As you wish, love.” It wasn’t hard to tell Sheena didn’t agree with her, but she had no desire to debate her feelings.

Once Sheena was gone, she paced.

“My lady, you have to admit, it was easy for those men to kidnap you through the passageways.”

Gwen was right, but she was unable to let go of her anger so easily.

“There’s more to it than that. He’s making all the decisions here. This is my home, not his yet, and I intend to remind him of that.” Aileana had no real argument there. Once the betrothal agreement was in place, he could do as he pleased. She sounded a little like a spoiled child, but it didn’t matter. Decisions affecting events occurring in this castle were hers and that was not about to change. He could do as he
pleased in his own home.

She hadn’t given the betrothal ceremonies a single thought once she’d gotten home. Sheena and Gwen had rushed her into the castle and up to her room so quickly, she did not notice the guests had made preparations to leave
—direction she had given the previous evening.

Aileana had not informed him of her role in the past. That was a mistake. She was disappointed, but not surprised he wouldn’t realize the importance of appearances in front of everyone. By making the announcement himself he’d established a commanding precedent. She could not allow that.

Gwen fussed around her and was just finishing her hair when Sheena re-entered. Aileana looked in the mirror and took note of the maid’s work. Gwen had chosen a cream gown with gold embroidery on all the edges. The square neck was meant to accentuate her figure and the extended sleeves were graceful. Her hair cascaded down her back. Her outward appearance was in stark contrast to the turmoil bubbling inside her.

“Aileana, he has no idea you’re so upset. Please give him a chance to explain himself.”

Sheena’s words fueled her confidence. She nodded to each woman in turn, squared her shoulders and left the room.

The distance to the solar gave her more time to compose herself. She was ready for battle when she entered the room and found him seated on a chair near the window reading an account scroll. His casual appearance added to her anger. Insufferable man. He could do what he chose. He had already made himself at home here, but this was her home too and she was not about to let him forget it.

“My lord, can you tear yourself away from your reading and allow me a few moments of your time?” Her tone was harsh and his surprised expression told her he had no idea what was coming next.

He placed the scroll on the desk and walked toward her. She watched him take in her appearance from the top of her head trailing down over her features to rest just above her neckline. A lazy, sensual smile rested on his lips.

“My time is all yours, my lady. Did you rest well?”

His hand reached towards her hair, but she pushed it away. She couldn’t believe he’d missed the anger in her eyes. Did he think she’d come to enjoy his company? The arrogance.

“I am displeased, my lord, with your presumptions earlier today. I’m here to inform you we are not yet wed, and until such time, decisions concerning events at this castle and matters of security shall be conducted in consultation with me.”

James blinked. His grin disappeared and his gaze narrowed, sending flutters across her belly.

“I would not wish to interrupt your pleasure, Lady Aileana. I intended to speak with you about the guests, but you see, I was tired from last night’s adventure and as it was, I fell asleep before the opportunity presented itself.”

She could not think of a retort before he continued.

“On the second issue concerning security, I placed a man in your stairwell and I will continue to do so until the time comes when your husband is in your bed to prevent you from leaving it.”

She gasped. He was too bold. James stood mere inches from her, forcing her to look straight up into his face. Her heart pummeled.

“My lord, do not make any further presumptions on my part. ’Tis not my wish to have you in my bed at all. And given the choice I’ll take the man on the stairs.”

She seethed. She glared at him and he glared right back.

“But your lover can come and go into your room as he pleases, is that it? Tell me, is that how you met? By secret passageway?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Do not play innocent with me Lady Aileana.” James turned his head, but kept his eyes focused on her. “You need to understand though, while you are still betrothed to me, you will not conduct yourself in such a manner again. Once our troth is broken you may do as you please. It’s no wonder your uncle was so anxious to be rid of you.”

Her mouth fell open. She searched his narrowed eyes. Oh dear God he believed what he said. Gawain? Her lover? After a terrifying night spent pondering her fate, she would have never suspected this further abuse.

“My lord, you are mistaken.” Aileana thrust her chin up. “I will defend myself on this matter once and you may take from it what you choose. I was removed from my home last night and detained against my will. I only later learned Gawain was involved. We are not, nor have we ever been lovers. It appears my judgment is lacking on many accounts.”