Laird of the Mist (16 page)
Olivia was sitting up on her bed, back against the pile of pillows Cat had arranged for her. She had awakened as soon as Carrick laid her down.
―How do ye feel now?‖ Hamish asked, taking her pulse. ―Any light-headedness or wooziness, perhaps?‖
―No,grandda,‖ she answered, putting a hand to her head. ―Just a slight headache. Who was that woman?‖
―Who do ye think she was?‖ Cat asked anxiously, sitting on the bed beside her sister. ―Do ye recall anything?‖
―Aye,‖ Olivia answeredslowly. ―I remember coming into the room and seeing her. Then it was as though my vision was gone, and I was only seeing flashes of things…almost like memories. Wait! I saw myself as a child with that woman! Oh, my God. Oh, no!‖ screamed Olivia. ―No! No! It isn‘t true…!‖ Olivia jumped from the bed, wresting her hand from Hamish. ―Do ye think it‘s true—what Morag told us?‖ She asked them in an agitated, high-pitched voice.
She looked from Carrick to Cat, then back to Hamish as she paced the room like a wounded animal. ―She said that families reincarnate together.That we are the reincarnations of Jenny‘s family? But it can‘t be!‖
Cat went over and put her arms around Olivia, holding her tight. ―Who knows, baby? Who knows what is true. Doye feel it‘s true?‖ she asked, rocking her gently to comfort her.
Olivia began to cry, tears spilling onto Cat‘s sleeve. ―Aye,‖ she sniffled, lookingup at her. ―Aye, Ido. I‘m the other Olivia—Olivia MacHendrie,‖ she said, composing herself a bit. ―I saw it. And that horrid woman was mymother!‖
―And mine,‖ Cat said compassionately. ―I have already dealt with her twice now. I ken yer feelings toward her well, Olivia. She‘s an evil one. I had hoped to protect us all from her. I had no idea ye were involvedas well.‖
―Ahem,‖ Hamish clearedhis throat to beg their attention. ―I think perhaps— well—it may be that she was my daughter as well as yer mother,‖ he volunteered tentatively.
All eyes turned on Hamish in wonder. Had the immensely reasonable doctor actually had a supernatural experience?
―Ye too, grandda?‖ Cat managed, her face paling at the confession.
―Aye, Hamish,‖ Carrick finally broke in. ―I thought ye looked a wee bit pale for a moment when ye addressed her as
daughter
.‖
―Yehave the right of it, Carrick,‖Hamish answered, runninga hand through his greyhair. ―As Olivia, I had the visions, too. Powerful visions from somewhere deep in my bones. Aye, I believe it‘s true,‖ he said firmly.
―Wonderful,‖ Cat replied, letting go of Olivia, who sank into a chair. ―What do we do now?‖ she asked to no one in particular, but turning instinctively to Carrick.
―We keep our agreement to her. She may live in
Taigh MacHendrie
for six months. That will give us time to devise a plan for dealing with the
buidseach.
In the now, we take joy that the family is united—by reincarnationor otherwise, aye?‖
―Agreed,‖ Cat went to her husband‘s side and hugged his arm. ―Strange it may be, but we are together. That is all that matters.‖
―A united front!‖ Olivia exclaimed, rising to her feet and hugging Hamish.
―Aye, elf,‖ Hamish hugged her in turn, then stopped abruptly and drew slightly back.―I always wondered where I got the idea to call ye elf or fey.‖Realization dawned on his features. ―From that damned Fiona,who called ye a changeling.‖
Hamish reddened and softened his voice. ―I apologize to ye, Olivia. I‘ll no call ye that again, I promise.‖
―No, grandda.‖ She smiled back at him, the love rising in her eyes. ―It doesna matter. I ken ye always said it with love. Dinna stop, please. I am what I am.‖
―And what ye are is mine,‖ Hamish cupped her face and put a light kiss on hercheek. ―As are ye all,‖ he said to his family standing around him. ―Fiona can never change that.‖
―So there ye are,‖ Molly was bending over a tray laden with brandy, tea, and scones, readying them to be served. ―Are ye well now, Olivia?‖ she asked. She had lately developed an affection for the girl and took an interest in her wellbeing. ―May I pour ye a wee dram?‖
The rest of the family filed into the parlor and made themselves comfortable. One by one, each helped themselves to the tea tray, and they sat companionably enjoying their snacks, trying to avoid the topic on everyone‘s minds.
―Is she gone?‖ Ian asked from the doorway.
―Aye, Ian,‖ Molly answered him. ―Do come in and refresh yerself.‖
Ian made his way to a chair and laid the crutches down. As he did, Olivia sprang up, fixed a plate and
cup, and brought it to him. ―Here ye are,‖ she said, presenting it to him. ―I hope ye enjoy it, Ian. I made the scones myself this morning.‖ She beamed with delight and accomplishment.
―Ye made these?‖ Cat was taken aback. ―Ye‘ve never cooked a thing in yer life!‖
―I ken it,‖ Olivia answered,smiling proudly at her sister. ―I thought it was time I learnt.‖ Then to Ian, ―How did I do?‖
Ian swallowed a bite and looked up at her. ―Oh,aye, they‘re wonderful, Olivia,‖ he complimented her. ―A fine job, lass.‖
―I‘m verra proud of ye, sprite,‖ Hamish put in. ―Ye‘ll make a fine cook, ye keep practicing this way.‖
Olivia smiled and sat down on the footstool in front of Ian. ―Thank ye—all of ye. But mostly Molly. She taught me. Now,‖ she continued. With the crisis past, she was quickly becoming her old, outspoken self. ―Do ye think we can get Morag to cast a banishing spell on Fiona?‖
Molly sputteredher tea at the remark and dabbed her chin with a napkin. ―Olivia!‖ she reproved. ―Whatever in the world…?‖
―Well, Moragis a witch,‖ Olivia went on thoughtlessly. ―Maybe she could rid us of Fiona…‖
―Olivia!‖ Mollyreprimanded. ―Ye mustna speakthat wayabout Morag. ‗Tis a dangerous thingto call a person!‖ Molly looked about to choke.
―Molly‘s right,‖ Cat added with a look that said remember where you are. ―Morag is simply a midwife—a wise woman, Olivia. I‘m certain she doesna cast spells and is no witch.‖
Chastised, Olivia realized her error and backtracked. ―Aye, Cat. Ye‘re right. I dinna ken what I was thinking.‖
―It‘s fine, Olivia.‖ Carrick took a sip of his whisky and looked over to Ian. ―Did ye get word to
Taigh MacHendrie
of Fiona‘s arrival?‖
―Aye, Carrick,‖ his brother replied. ―Geordie said he would be going there any road, so he agreed to take word. Mind ye, he wasna best pleasedto hear she was come back.‖
―I imagine few in the glen will be,‖ Carrick answered, a chill creeping over him. ―Best brace ourselves for a verra long six months.‖
―Wherehave ye been all morn?‖ Ian seated himself next to Olivia on the garden bench. ―I‘ve been looking for ye everywhere. I shouldha realized ye‘d be in yer favorite spot.‘
Olivia looked up at him, shading her eyes from the brilliant sun. ―Aye, Ian.‖ She smiled back at him with affection.―I‘m taking a wee rest from the baking. I‘ve been helping Molly since dawn.‖ She gave a small yawn and stretched her arms over her head. ―And what are ye up to?‖
―I was helping Carrick with tables for the
ceidhli
tonight,‖ Ian said proudly. ―I did it without the crutches!‖
―Oh, Ian!‖ She threw her arms around his neck with joyful abandon. ―I‘m so proud of ye!‖ Then she drew back, her face creased with concern. ―Are ye all right? Are ye sure ye should be doing such vigorous work so soon? Are ye in pain?‖
―Nay, Olivia.‖ He laughed. ―I‘m fine, I assure ye. Dinna fash. I willna risk a setback, I promise. Besides...‖ He cast her animpish smile. ―I am saving myself to dance with the most beautiful lass in the glen tonight.‖
―Ah, Ian. Ye flatter me so.‖ She cast her eyes to the ground as she blushed. Her heart beat wildly when Ian was near. It always had. She always had men‘s attention, but somehow Ian‘s was different. Courtly, respectful, and a true gentleman. She felt safe though oddly nervous with him.
Ian, a bit anxious himself, gently took her hand in his and stroked the back of it, as if touching a fragile piece of porcelain. They sat in silence for a few moments, neither of them knowing what to say next. Finally, Ian worked up his nerve and began softly.
―Olivia,‖ he said, looking into her violet eyes. ―Iken this maybe a delicate question. Ye dinna have to answer if ye dinna like, aye?‖
―It‘s okay, Ian,‖ she answered, her hand pressing his. ―Go on.‖
―Okay means ‗tis good, aye?‖
Olivia gave a little giggle. ―Aye, Ian. It means it‘s good.‖
Sitting up a bit straighter and giving her hands a light squeeze, he continued.
―Well. then. Um. Do ye truly believe ye are Olivia MacHendrie reincarnated?‖ He studied her face carefully as he waited for the answer. Various emotions crossed her expression. Thoughtfulness, puzzlement, a bit of confusion, then finally confidence.
―Aye,‖ she said at last with a selfassured tenor. ―Aye, I do. I believe it. I wasna sure at first, if I was imagining what I saw, but as time goes by, I remember more and more. Bits and pieces. And things begin to make more sense, do ye ken?‖
Ian nodded and took her other hand into his free one so that he now held both. He drew them to his chest and hugged them. ―I understand,‖ he said.
―Do ye believe me?‖ she asked.
―I do,‖ he answered. He raised her hand to kiss the back of it. ―I believe it all. It was rather incredible at the first, but I do the now. Although, I confess that I do feel pain at the thought of Fiona as yer mother. Ye poor,wee lass.‖
Tears began to pool in Olivia‘s eyes. ―Aye.‖ Her voice broke a bit. ―‘Tis unfortunate, that. Well…‖ She cleared her throat and held her head higher. ―What can ye do? It is what it is, after all. We make the best of it, I suppose. And look at the wonderful family we have, Ian. With all of ye to love me, what is Fiona to that?‖
―‘Tis true,ye ken,‖ Ian leaned closer and looked deeply into those violet eyes. The bonny eyes that were so like the lavender that grew on the braes. He was lost when he looked into them and his head skirled—like the pipes played on an Easter morn at sunrise. Surely she was part fey to enchant him so.
‖Ye are loved beyond all else,‖ Ian continued. ―Ye are wanted and treasured, especially by me.‖ He could feel her pulse begin to race under his fingers. ―Ye are my own treasure brought by the Faery Queen herself. And I must always cherish such a gift, aye?‖
Olivia had never been spoken to by a man this way and was unsure how to react. ―Aye, I suppose…‖ she managed, her entire body beginning to feel limp and moist. Her own feelings for Ian were rapidly rising within her, engulfing her.
―I cherish ye, my fey lass,‖ Ian whispered as he leaned even closer. ―I love ye, Olivia. With all of my heart,‖ he said and lightly kissed her trembling lips—a kiss as tender as the wings of a moth.
Taken by surprise, Olivia timidly returned the kiss. Ian deepened it further, tasting the outline of her lips with his velvet tongue. He slowly enfolded her into his strong arms as she melted into the embrace, eager to drown in the pool of love he offered.
Her mouth responded to the caress of his and she found herself wanting more. She sampled the slight saltiness of his mouth as his tongue entwined hers in a tentatively sweet dance.
Ian stroked her long blonde hair with a free hand and broke the kiss slowly. ―Yer hair is as I imagined it would be,‖ he said, catching his breath and putting his forehead to hers. ―‘Tis like the silky moss of yon glade, or the lace of a fine spider‘s web. I am well and truly caught within yer web, Olivia.‖
Olivia slid her fingers under Ian‘s chin, and lifted his freckled face to meet her gaze. His amber eyes were misted, and he glowed in the morning‘s golden light.
―Ian,‖ she began. ―Ye are in my heart as well,‖ she assured him. ―But we mustna…‖
―Mustna?‖ he protested. ―Do ye no love me in return?‖
―Aye, I do. I love ye, Ian,‖ she answered. She had long ago realized her heart belonged to Ian, but had not put words to it until that moment. A nagging in her mind, however, caused her to pull her arms away and rest her hands in her lap.
―I love ye more than anything. Yeare the world to me,‖ she said, touching his cheek with her finger as she spoke. ―But Cat and Carrick wouldna approve,‖ she said sadly. ―And what of yer mum and my grandda? Have ye no thought ofit?‖
Ian took her hand from his cheek, turned it up, and kissed the palm. ―Of course Ihave,‖hereplied, and heldher hand in both of his. ―I have already spoken with my mum and yer grandda, both.‖
Olivia sat back, stunned at the news. ―Ye have?‖ she gasped. ―What did they say?‖
―My mum was over the moon.‖ Ian smiled broadly. ―She loves ye as her verra own. And yer grandda, well, he gave us his blessing as long as it was what ye wished. He said, ‗If my elf loves ye, ye may have my consent, Ian.‘‖ Ian glowed with pride as he waited for her response.
―And Cat…?‖ Olivia could not believe he had done all of this without a word to her. She was not offended in the least, she was overwhelmed. Never had she thought anyone would care enough for her to secure her grandda‘s permission.
―Cat will approve,‖ Ian interrupted. ―Ye will see. So then, Olivia…‖ Ian began as he lowered himself to his knees on the ground before her.
―Do ye mean…?‖
―Aye, Olivia,‖ he said, bringing her hand to his lips once again. ―Will ye marry me, be my wife, the mother of my bairns, my best friend? I will cherishand protect ye forever, I swear it. Only say aye?‖
―Ian, I…‖ Olivia sputtered. ―I had no idea of yer feelings until this moment. I…‖
―Do ye love me,lass?‖ Ian stopped her. ―If ye do, say aye quickly and end my misery.‖
Olivia threw her arms around him with a great sob, tears streaming. ―Oh, aye, Ian!‖ she cried. ―Aye, Ian. Forever.‖
Ian held her tight; as if afraid he would lose her. ―Why are ye weeping,
mo brèagha
?‖
―Joy,‖ Olivia answered, sitting back on the ground to look at him and wipe her eyes. ―Joy that I never thought would be mine. And here ye are.‖ She sniffled.
―And here I am, and here ye are. My faery princess come to save me that night,‖ he said. It had been several months since he had awakened in horrific pain to find her by his side—his personal angel.
Taking something from his waistcoat, he said, ―This was my grandmother‘s. My mum gave it to me this morning.‖ Ian took her hand and slipped a simple silver ring engraved with knots on her finger.
―I wish this were rubies, or emeralds, for that is what ye deserve. Accept this humble token of my love for ye,and a promise to be with ye always, aye?‖
Olivia stared at the elegant ring encircling her finger, and her eyes moistened once more. ―Aye, Ian,‖ she whispered. ―I am honored. I will be yer wife and give ye bairns. I will be at yer side the now and always.‖
―We will announce the betrothal tonight, aye?‖ Ian watched her admire the ring, unbridled happiness bursting within him.
―Aye, Ian,‖ she leaned over and kissed him quickly. ―We shall announce it tonight. Oh, Ian, I am so verrahappy,‖ she said, kissing him more thoroughly.
Boy, is Cat going to be surprised. And not a little pissed off.
She smiled to herself as they held each other in the passion of their newly acknowledged love.