Seducing the Laird (9 page)

Chapter 15

Outside Cairn was leaning against the opposite wall, but he stood up as soon as the door began to open. First Roselyn walked through with a tiny, knowing smile in Cairn’s direction. He ignored her; Cairn’s whole attention was focused on Verena.

She stood behind the maid, gazing at Cairn with eyes filled with uncertainty and excitement. She hoped he saw the shy maiden she tried to portray, the desirable woman, and trustworthy friend. There was fire in his eyes, but she wanted more than his sexual desire.

"Good evening," she said, stepping forward to offer her hand. Cairn took it and brought her fingers to his lips. It was a small caress, but she felt her pulse race at the sensual touch.

"Good evening," Cairn replied. "You look beautiful."

Her mass of thick hair had been brushed until it shone like ebony and plaited into a circlet atop her head. The gown Verena wore was an inch too short, but that would keep the hem clean of the floor rushes. Roselyn tightly laced the bodice, lifting her breasts so they appeared larger and fuller. It was one of the strange and random tricks Verena had learned from Hadran, but was not surprised that Roselyn knew it too. She smiled as she saw the effect it had on Cairn.

The smile Cairn gave her in return was anything but shy. There was something distinctly predatory in the way he was looking at her now. Belatedly she wondered why she never noticed his dimples before.

"Thank you, milord, for the use of the gown."

"It is yours."

"Again I thank you."

Cairn’s dimples deepened and Verena had the wild desire to kiss those two spots.

"Shall we go down?" he asked offering his arm. The words were hesitant as if he would much rather return her to the bedroom and undo all of Roselyn’s hard work. She had a brief vision of his strong fingers gently tugging the strings of her bodice. She mentally shook herself, forcing those wayward thoughts from her mind. She needed to focus on her assignment and not the virile man beside her.

The great hall sounded more like a battlefield than a feast. The sounds of falling dishes, heated arguments, babies crying and dogs barking was deafening as they crossed the bailey. But everyone, even the dogs, quieted as Cairn and Verena entered the hall arm in arm.

Most probably thought she was Cairn’s new leman, but the gown told a different story. She learned from Roselyn that it had once belonged to Cairn’s mother. He must regard her highly to have given her such a gift. As Cairn strode purposely toward the head table Verena could see the clan’s puzzlement increasing. Andreu entered the hall soon after and sat on Cairn’s left, leaving an empty space next to her for Lady Ivone.

Once they were seated the feast resumed, but this time the conversations were muted with men and women whispering their speculations about Cairn’s mysterious lady. She put a mask of serenity firmly on her face and tried not to fidget. For one used to skulking in the shadows she was uncomfortable being watched by so many people.

Cairn was extremely attentive, wasting no opportunity to offer Verena the best piece of meat or cheese. Despite the somber mood of the gathering she found herself enjoying Cairn’s company. That is, until his fingers accidently brushed against hers while offering her a piece of sweet bread. Her cheeks flamed as she caught the knowing glint in his eye. Cairn had not forgotten their kiss in the woods and it seemed he would repeat it very soon.

Halfway through the meal Lady Ivone appeared. She walked proudly to the head table, not acknowledging the clansmen in any way, only pausing briefly when she noticed the empty seat beside Verena. Cairn had positioned her between the two clan leaders leaving no doubt as to his regard.

Verena gazed around the room noting the expressions of the clansmen as they watched Ivone’s entrance. Many of them looked like they had been caught between mouthfuls and would much rather continue their suppers in peace. They were respectful, but didn’t show much affection for the lady.

Once Ivone was seated the strained meal resumed. The clan seemed nervous around Cairn’s mother and Verena perfectly understood the sentiment. There was something uncomfortable about having a lady of her caliber seated beside her, like inviting a judge to her table. Cairn and Andreu were busy talking about the much more interesting clan affairs, but Ivone gave her no chance to eavesdrop.

"I trust the bedchamber was to your satisfaction?" said Ivone. Verena was unsure if that was a question or statement of fact.

"Oh, yes," she replied with a friendly smile. "The room is lovely. Thank you."

"Wonderful," said Ivone. "I’m delighted to see my son has found use for those old rags. They were cluttering the storerooms."

"It was kind of him to loan the gown to me."

For the next half hour Verena took charge of the conversation and kept the woman happily chatting about "woman’s nonsense" as Hadran would put it. She had honed her skills while serving Anne of Brittany where she had to navigate the web of idle women’s gossip.

Ivone had a sharp wit, but was brutally judgmental and could find fault with everything. Nothing in Scotland seemed to compare to the splendor of her original home in France. Verena was relieved when Cairn finally rose to his feet. The minstrel, Harry had been idly strumming his lute, but halted mid-chord.

"Many of you have wondered about the long and dangerous journey I have undertaken," he began. "And how I have returned depleted of men, but gifted with a mysterious new lady."

At Cairn’s words all eyes turned uncomfortably on Verena once again. Everyone had eagerly awaited this tale and she strove to take note of every gesture and inflection in his speech to see how well she had fooled the Scot.

"We were lured to Langthorne with promises of peace and trade," he continued bitterly.
"But were instead met with treachery."

Cairn went on to tell of the ambush which claimed the lives of half his party and how the rest were dragged, wounded, but still struggling into the depths of Langthorne’s dungeons. As Cairn continued he diplomatically skimmed over the graphic details of his confinement, but told how each of his men were killed until only he was left alive. He bribed the guard with promises of silver and was able to steal a horse as he made his escape.

Next he explained how he was attacked by bandits in the woods and left for dead. He closed his eyes on that nightmare, but when he opened them again he found himself in heaven with the most beautiful angel smiling down on him. Here Cairn paused to salute Verena with a bow. Her cheeks burned as she smiled in acknowledgement of his praise. By the end of Cairn’s tale there was little doubt everyone would see her as a savior.

Why should Cairn’s praise make her uncomfortable? Verena forced herself to smile at the hearty cheers of his clan. If it wasn’t for Hadran’s plan Cairn might still be rotting in the Langthorne prison, or worse. Besides, she was as much a pawn as Cairn in this mad scheme.

"An amazing tale," Lady Ivone commented as they lowered their goblets for what had to be the third toast in her honor. "My son is quite the storyteller."

"Yes," Verena said absently. "It was very well done."

Lady Ivone left the hall soon afterward, claiming fatigue. Unfortunately the brothers had finished their conversation about the clan’s finances and turned their attention to more neutral subjects. All Verena could catch was that their plans had something to do with a trip to France.

"Would you like to retire?" Cairn asked, noticing her barely suppressed yawn.

"I am a little tired, milord," she admitted. "I am surprised by your energy. You must have been awake all night."

"It was not the first time. Nor will it be the last, I expect. I hope my speech didn’t bore you."

"No," she said. "It was brilliant. I have never received such a wonderful compliment."

"You deserve it and more for what you have done for me."

"I also want to thank you," Andreu chimed in. "For taking care of my little brother."

Verena saw the look that passed between the two; it was a look of anxiety, but also of love and confidence in each other. No matter what trials came the brothers would face them together. Verena knew Cairn would need such a friend in the coming weeks.

"I think I should retire." The thought of Lord Gundy’s plans had chased away her pleasure. She wasn’t the savior she pretended to be. The McPhersons would fall because of her and though she told herself she was merely doing her job, it suddenly became harder for her to smile.

"Are you alright?" asked Cairn perceptively.

"Just tired."

Cairn’s hand was at her elbow to help her rise, but he didn’t move to escort her from the hall. She was surprised when the entire clan rushed to their feet as if she were a grand lady. She forced a smile, nodding to familiar servants as she walked out alone.

Chapter 16

A cheery scene greeted Verena as she opened the door to her chamber. Sometime during the feast Roselyn had snuck away to prepare her room. A fresh pitcher of water lay beside the bed for her evening ablutions along with a goblet of mulled wine. One corner of the bedcovers had been invitingly turned down and a small bouquet of late-blooming flowers lay on one of the overstuffed pillows. The slight bulge of a warming pan could be seen beneath the covers. She could certainly get used to life among the McPhersons.

"I thought you might be exhausted from your long journey and the feast," said Roselyn as Verena entered the room. "So I wanted to have everything ready for you."

"Thank you."

The maid’s smile was genuinely kind as she undressed her. Her fingers in her hair were deft and gentle.

"No, thank you," said Roselyn. "Milord’s tale was amazing. What you did for him …"

"It was nothing."

"Nothing?" repeated Roselyn. "It was incredible, like something out of a romantic tale."

Verena didn’t respond and Roselyn quieted, correctly assuming that she was not in a mood to talk. Though she feared she was rude to the kind maid, it had been a long day and she was exhausted from the strain of being on display before the entire clan.

"I think I had too much wine," Verena said.

Would Cairn come to her this night? The message in his eyes said he would, but if so, what should Verena do? Would an honorable maiden submit to Cairn’s lovemaking? Should she act coy or fearful or seductive?

Verena felt both excitement and apprehension remembering the feel of his arms around her and the press of his lips. Though they had only known each other a short time she had seen to it that the sexual tension built between them until they were both ready to burst; resting her hands just a little too low as they rode together and brushing against him as they walked side by side.

She bid Roselyn good night, but didn’t climb into the inviting bed. Instead she wrapped a warm fur around her shoulders sat on a chest under the window to wait.

It was a beautiful night despite the late autumn chill. Outside the land was quiet. The clouds had parted to reveal a sky filled with twinkling stars. Several feet below the menacing darkness of the Old Lord’s woods beckoned. Verena knew that before this assignment was over she might have to search its forbidden depths.

The Old Lord had done his best to perpetuate the story of this land’s curse, going so far as to be excommunicated for his behavior. Was there truth to the stories, or had he merely wanted to frighten people away from his treasure? The sight of those dark woods was chilling on such a peaceful night. It was unnatural to see trees so close to a castle where they might provide cover for an invading force. The logical part of her mind argued it was all foolishness, but McPherson lairds had believed in the ancient forest’s power for generations.

As the minutes crept slowly by Verena realized Cairn wouldn’t be visiting her chamber. As laird of the McPherson clan his first responsibility was to his people. Perhaps he had other matters to occupy his mind on the first night of his return. Maybe another woman had enticed the handsome McPherson lord to her bed.

With a sigh she climbed into the large bed. She should not feel disappointed. Verena had gotten all she needed from the laird. In fact it would be better if he never visited her chamber so that she may use the night hours to search the castle. Unfortunately such logic didn’t stop the twinge of anxiety from twisting in her stomach. She was so sure he would come to her and she hated being wrong.

It was too late to sneak about the castle this night. She barely remembered the twists and turns of the maze-like structure and didn’t want to risk getting lost. She would wait until morning to look around, thinking up a good excuse for her wanderings. Then tomorrow night Verena could do a more thorough search without arousing suspicion.