One & Only

ONE &
ONLY

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© 2012 Kara Griffin

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For my reader friends who love
Scottish warriors

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And for my family, whose never ending
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allows me to do what makes me happy.

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ProloGue

Winter Solstice

Highlands Scotland, 1190

The bairn wouldn’t be thrown out
with the wash water if he had anything to do with it. He held the newborn babe
in his arm and tucked his plaid around her to ward off the chill. The babe’s
wail forced him slow his mount and reposition her more securely. He hoped none
who journeyed with him heard her cries, because no one could know what he was
about to do. As he rode toward the Mackay outbuildings, he knew he was doing
the right thing. He couldn’t turn back now with the fief within sight.

A man akin as he, had too many
pressing responsibilities to care for such a wee one. For he had no means to
keep her in his home. His wife would not welcome a bastard child, born of a
common maid and nor would he ask that of her. Although he had a couple of
bastards, who he kept watch over, he suspected his wife would raise holy hell
were he to bring them home as he wanted.

With him, a score of men from
various clans rode along, protecting him as was his due. His goal of uniting
the clans so he could concentrate on the greater mission of gaining back the
northern lands Scotland had lost became difficult. There was much dissension
these days. He hoped Ian Mackay welcomed those in his company, and if he did
not, the guard would await him in yonder forest. He understood the alliances
and treaties amongst the northern clans. Though he respected the issue against
their enemies, he demanded reverence for his position. Mackay’s enemies were
also his allies.

A brisk wind blew, bringing a cold
night this winter solstice. Not many celebrated outdoors; still various fires
lit the hills. Smoke from cottage hearths filled the air with the scent of
cooking and peat. His guard dispersed, several guardsmen employing their
protection by the outer walls. Only his closest confidants and most trusted men
awaited him by the main building.

He reached the courtyard of the
small fief where Ian lived and dismounted, giving the silent command to his
guard to be vigilant. There by the door, his longtime friend met him at the
entrance.

“Your grace, you come. Join me
inside and get warm. ‘Tis biting with chill this eve.” Ian Mackay stepped back,
allowing he and his few followers inside.

He stepped into the great hall and
welcomed the warmth from the blazing hearth. He wasn’t sure how to ask Ian this
favor, but his comrade was the only man he trusted with such a request.

“You travel with unsavory company.”
Ian waved a hand to a servant, who stepped forward, offering refreshment. He
then motioned to all others to vacate the hall.

“My men stay.” He nodded at the
three men standing near the hearth. Two soldiers whose duty was to see to his
protection, the younger lad, employed to see to whatever tasks he set him.

With his hands full carrying the
bairn, he shook his head and rejected the drink offer. “Best to keep your
enemies close, Ian.”

“Aye, so you can be stabbed in the
back?” Ian gestured to a chair near the hearth and sat across from him. “I do
not deem that wise, my lord.”

“Nay, so I can learn their secrets
and know when I am about to be set upon. I know you distrust the MacHeths and
MacWilliams, Ian. I aim to give them opportunity to prove their fealty and
loyalty. And if they do not …”

Ian scratched his beard and grinned.
“I doubt they will. I would not be so trusting. Still, you are welcome here
with whatever company you wish to attend. My entire clan is on alert. They will
be watched most cautiously whilst they are on my land.”

At that moment, the bairn let out a
hungry wail. He shifted the bundle in his lap and looked to Ian, unknowing how
to placate the wee one.

“What have ye there?”

“’Tis my child, me daughter.” He
exposed the babe and looked at the face of the angelic creature. Her shiny eyes
met his and a small smile came to her tiny lips. She was lovely akin to her
mama with tufts of blonde hair and eyes which would surely be as blue as the
sky. He envisioned Katherine’s face, a sweeter woman never existed. How he
would miss her.

“Your child? Where is her mother?”

He sighed when the bairn wailed
louder and he then repositioned the babe to cradle her in his arms. “Died
birthing the lass. I came because I need your aid. Is there a wet nurse here?”

Ian stood and called forth a
servant. “Nettie, fetch a wet nurse and tell my lady we have company. Be
hasty.” He retook his seat and eyed him in stunned silence.

“Ian, I cannot stay long. I came to
seek your service. I need someone to keep the lass safe. She has no one save me
and I … I have much to accomplish these days. My council advises me to secure
the child before news of her birth absconds and causes senseless discord. Ears
are rife for such news. My wife, though she politically strengthens us, would
not welcome a bastard even if she be a lass. I doubt she’d care for a bairn not
of her own and yet she hasn’t given me a legitimate heir.”

“I see. Aye, her family relations do
put ye in a tedious position.” Ian spired his fingers and drew them to his
mouth.

“My wife is the granddaughter of
Henry and I would rather not give England cause to give us grief at present
what with having to keep our lands secure.”

“Verily, ye should not trust the
MacHeths or the MacWilliams, my lord. They scheme to recoup their lands and
would oust ye as sure as I am laird to the Mackays. MacWilliam covets the crown
and surely will go to any length to gain it.” Ian scowled at the meaning of his
words, as did he.

“His claim is null and it shall not
come to pass. MacWilliam is the least of my problems. I am beset with political
matters which outweigh his paltry claims.”

Ian nodded, giving him an
incredulous gaze as he caressed the tiny head of the babe. “She is a bonny
bairn. Ye want care for her? We have many a clan who would gladly accept her.”

“Nay, I want
you
to keep her,
claim her as your own daughter. Raise her as a Mackay. Give her the life I
cannot. I want her to be loved, Ian. Her mother was a worthy woman and I owe
her that much, to assure her babe is well cared for.”

“If that is your wish, your grace,
then of course we shall be honored to call her daughter. My wife will probably
shriek with joy. She is unable to bear more children and with our two almost
grown, she misses caring for a wee one.”

“Aye, your Maudie is a good mother,
Ian. Your children are healthy and happy. ‘Tis all I can hope for the wee lass.
I give her to you then. Let on not that she is mine. My enemies would think
nothing of using the child against me. I won’t have me daughter endangered.” He
held the babe out to his friend and felt the weight of his trouble lift from
his shoulders when Ian took her.

Several ladies entered the hall. Ian
handed the babe to a woman who fussed over the bairn and left hastily. He
watched his daughter disappear; her cries becoming distant, and a touch of woe
came to him.

“We shall care greatly for her and
she shall be loved. Have no worry, my lord.”

“I have no concern now, Ian, and
thank ye. I shall reward you one day for your favor.” With his child secure, he
settled into a chair and snatched the drink which had been offered earlier.
“Now tell me of Highland news.”