Marti Talbott's Highlander Series 1 (Anna, Rachel & Charlet) Read online

  Kevin was distraught. “A red fox spooked her horse and he threw her. She is injured.”

  “Where? Does she hurt inside?”

  “I do not know, she is knocked completely out. Her arms and legs do not appear to be broken.”

  Blair examined her with his eyes. A bruise on her cheekbone had already begun to darken her eye. Her hair was covered by a scarf, but he saw no blood, nor did he see any on her clothing. He did, however notice how beautiful she was and he had to make himself concentrate on more important things. “I will not let her die.”

  “Good.”

  “How do we change her plaid?”

  “I will do it; Charlet is like a daughter to me. I will need you to hold her up, however.”

  Blair got off his horse and untied a bundle. He pulled out a Cameron plaid, laid it on his horse and tied the bundle back up. Then he took the woman out of Kevin‘s arms. As tenderly as he could, he lowered her feet to the ground, turned her, put his big hands on her waist from behind and held her up. Charlet’s body was limp and her chin rested on her chest, but there was little he could do about that. Her clothes were wet and he noticed Kevin’s were too. They swam the moat, he guessed. “You know how to pleat a lass’ plaid?”

  Kevin smiled and dismounted. “You will learn it as well when you take a wife. They are sometimes too...irritated to do it themselves. A wise man waits until she is less irritated, takes her in his arms, holds her, kisses her lips, and then helps her with the plaid.”

  “I see.” He didn’t really see and realized he had a lot to learn. He should have had sisters. A little late for that now.

  Kevin encouraged Blair to move his hands higher, then untied her leather belt and let the MacGreagor plaid slip to the ground. He noticed the young man divert his eyes and wondered if that was for his benefit or if Blair was somehow embarrassed. “She has agreed to use the name, Bridget.”

  “Bridget,” Blair repeated. “‘Tis a good name.”

  Kevin worked quickly and soon had Charlet’s plaid changed and noticed relief in Blair’s eyes when he finally finished. Kevin scooped Charlet up into his arms and waited for the younger man to mount his horse. Just as he had the first time he held her, he kissed her cheek. “We love you wee one, come back to us.” He put her into Blair’s strong arms and then looked him in the eye. “I now trust you with a gift given to me by the King of England. You will tell no one and you will protect her with your life.”

  Blair nodded, but Kevin was not finished. “She is furious with me for sending her away and she will not make your life easy. She will run, she will try to trick you, she will even hate you. But know this -- she has the power to start a war between the English and the Highlanders. Many could die.”

  “I will keep her safe and well hidden. The Cameron will know where to find us.”

  Kevin handed him the reins to Charlet’s horse and watched Blair take her into the dense forest. He leaned down, picked up her wet MacGreagor plaid and said a silent prayer. The little baby he held all those years ago had the power to start more than one war. God help them all.

  CHAPTER II

  Normally, the MacGreagors only used the hidden door in the wall at night when no one could see. But there was no time to waste and when Kevin returned, he had to wait for several children and their mothers to move out of site. As soon as they were gone, he swam the moat for a second time and slipped back through the hidden door. He entered the empty cottage Catherin and Justin once lived in and quickly changed from wet to dry clothing. Then he went down the path, crossed the courtyard and hurried up the steps of the Keep. As soon as he opened the door, he spotted a pacing Connor.

  Connor was relieved to see him. “The MacDonald has crossed our border. He will be here within the hour and he brings a large guard.”

  “We have been expecting him.”

  “Aye, but what do we tell him?”

  Kevin sighed. “Have you more good news?”

  “Our wives wanted to know where you went. I told them you were in Catherin’s cottage and you wished not to be disturbed. Anna is upset.”

  “I will go to her. What else?”

  “Kenna’s mother demands that you see what her daughter has done.”

  Again Kevin sighed. “I suppose I should see to that first. Hopefully, it will not delay me for long. Let her in.”

  The angry mother had the girl’s head covered with a scarf and kept poking her until she finally stood before Kevin. Fifteen-year-old Kenna had tears running down her cheeks.

  “What is it, Kenna?” He wasn‘t really paying attention, but when Kenna’s mother jerked the plaid off her daughter’s head, his jaw dropped. Kenna’s golden hair was now red.

  The mother put her hands on her hips and spit out her furious words, “What punishment shall you give my rebellious daughter? I say she cleans the stables.”

  Kevin didn’t answer. Instead, he slowly walked all the way around the lass to see her hair from every angle. “How did you do this?”

  Kenna burst into sobs, “I...I am...”

  Her mother started to speak again, but Kevin glared at the woman and his fierce glare made her back up two paces. She had never encountered his glare before and was shocked by it.

  He turned his attention back to the girl. “Kenna, I am not angry. Catch your breath and tell me how you did this.”

  Only after Connor handed her a cloth to wipe her tears, and she realized her mother was not still railing at her, did she take two deep breaths and answer. “I boiled the red and yellow leaves of fall and when the juice was cool enough, I poured it on my hair. Then I sat in the sun to dry it. I am sorry, Kevin, I only wanted to make myself look like Charlet so the men would prefer me.”

  “You wish to take a husband?”

  “Aye, ’tis every lasses wish. But the lads only notice Charlet.”

  “I understand. Who else knows about your red hair?”

  Kenna took another deep breath to clear away the last of her crying. “No one, not even Julie. She is unwell today and did not go with me. Mother knows, but my father is on the hunt.”

  “Good, you will stay in the keep today and out of sight. I need you to do something for me. Are you willing?”

  “I will do what ever you ask. You are my laird and everyone loves you.”

  Kevin smiled and then turned to the girl’s confused mother. “Kenna has done well and she pleases me. You will tell no one about this, not even your husband. If he asks about her, tell him she is with me. Will you obey?”

  “Of course, Kevin, but...” When Kevin held up his hand, she backed away, turned and left the great hall.

  “Connor, where is my wife?”

  “Upstairs with my wife.”

  “And my sons?”

  “Sween practices in the meadow and Neil has gone fishing.”

  “Good. Put Kenna in Neil’s bedchamber for now. Kenna, I will tell you what I want after I see my wife.” He waited for her nod and then headed up the stairs.

  Blair would do anything Thomas Cameron asked him to. Thomas was his laird and wise beyond his years. He learned a lot from him and respected the man, but with an unconscious woman in his arms, he wondered just what he’d gotten himself into. He remembered little of his mother, was raised with four older brothers by a strict father and his only reference to being around women was those he ignored in his clan or an occasional visit with his sister-in-laws. He should have paid more attention.

  He held in his arms a gift from the King of England? How was that possible? Highlanders don’t make the acquaintance of the king; they would rather kill the man. He glanced down and noticed Charlet didn’t look very comfortable, so he halted his horse and tried to figure out how to move her. Her legs were over one of his and her head rested on his opposite arm. Her face was indeed beautiful, even with her increasingly swollen cheek and black eye. He cupped his hand around the back of her head, sat her up straight, tucked her arm behind him and laid her head against his chest. She suddenly moaned and arche
d her back. It was a good thing he still had a firm hold on her or she might have hurled herself off the horse.

  He leaned down and whispered, “You are safe.” He felt her relax, sat her back up, and wrapped an arm around her waist. She was still strong and would not die, he decided.

  Anna was indeed unhappy. When Kevin entered the bedchamber, she was standing by the hearth with her arms tightly folded. Her pregnant sister sat on the bed.

  Kevin smiled, but his wife did not return his smile and when Rachel started to get up, he motioned for her to stay.

  Anna glared at him. “What do you do in my mother’s cottage that can not be disturbed?”

  “’Tis worse than that, I told Connor to lie to you.”

  Anna’s anger suddenly turned to concern. “Has someone died?”

  “Not yet.” He pulled a chair away from the table, waited for her to sit and then made himself comfortable. “I took Charlet out through the hidden door and gave her to a man who will protect her. She will be safe now.” He leaned forward and kissed his wife on the lips. “It seems you are not the only one in this family with secrets.”

  He talked quickly trying to give the wives as much information as he could in the time he thought he had left. “...and Laird MacDonald will be here soon.”

  “What do you intend to do?” asked Rachel.

  “I intend to let him think Kenna is Charlet, but I need your help. I need you to make her as becoming as possible. Can you do it?”

  Rachel’s eyes sparkled. “She is already handsome; she just does not know how to show it. We will help her.”

  Kevin was relieved. He took hold of his wife’s hands, pulled her up, then into his arms and kissed her passionately. “We will continue this later.” He released her and went to the bedchamber where Kenna waited. Kevin glanced into the great hall below to make sure no one but Connor was there, and then ushered Kenna into the room where the wives waited. Then he closed the door behind him and began to explain what he wanted Kenna to do.

  “Bridget?”

  She opened one eye, looked up at him and groaned, “Oh...no.”

  “Are you awake?”

  “Nay.”

  Blair smiled. He had already taken her beyond the MacGreagor border and turned south toward the less populated lands of the Cameron clan. By nightfall, they would reach a loch where they could eat and rest.

  Charlet sat up, but her head hurt and she soon began to hold it in her hands.

  “Your horse threw you. Do you hurt inside?”

  “If I say yes, will you let go of me?”

  “Nay.” He tightened his arm around her waist.

  “I thought not.” She lightly touched her bruised cheek. Then she looked at the palms of her hands. Both had scratches but they were not deep. “Look away,” she demanded. She glared at him until he did and then raised her skirt to look at her knee. It was red but not badly hurt. She quickly lowered her skirt and looked to see if he was watching. He wasn’t and she relaxed a little. Then she noticed her plaid was the wrong color. “Did you …?”

  “Nay, Kevin changed you.”

  “But you looked.”

  “I did not look.”

  “Kevin could have waited. There is no end to what that man will do. I used to love him, but not any more. He is a stubborn, bull headed...”

  “It was necessary. We are on Cameron land now.”

  She surprised him when she slumped against him again and put her head on his chest. “I want to go home.”

  “So do I.”

  She sat back up. “Why do you want to go home?”

  “Home is far more interesting than this.”

  She folded her arms. “Finally, a lad who does not want to be with me. What did Kevin tell you? No let me guess, he told you I would run. He probably even told you I would try to trick you, but I would never do such a thing. I wish to stop.”

  He didn’t believe a word she said, but they were near a stream and they could both use a little rest. “You will obey me?”

  She smiled sweetly up at him. “Of course I will.”

  Now he was sure he couldn’t trust her. He halted the horse, dismounted, put his hands around her waist and lifted her down. Then he held on for a moment. Before she could tell him to let go, he did.

  Bridget’s eyes were even with his chest and she slowly raised her gaze. “Good grief, you are as big as Kevin.”

  “Nay, I am bigger.” He took her elbow and started to guide her toward the stream.

  “Let go of me!” He did, she nearly toppled over and grabbed his arm just in time. He laughed and she glared.

  “You have a black eye.”

  “I do? Good, maybe people will think you beat me and make you let me go.”

  He knelt down, dipped water out of the stream with his hands and splashed his face. Then he drank several handfuls and turned to look at her. “Where would you go?”

  It was the first time she bothered to look around. The trees were not as thick as on MacGreagor land and the place was completely unfamiliar. “Somewhere...anywhere.”

  “Can you hunt or fish?”

  “Of course I can, I am a MacGreagor.”

  “Nay, you are a Cameron. You are Bridget Cameron and if anyone asks, you are my wife.”

  She walked a few feet down stream and knelt down. “Who would believe that?” She yanked the scarf off her hair and dipped it in the water.

  “I prefer you wear that.”

  “I prefer you take me home.” She wrung out the scarf and started to wash her face, but it hurt and she stopped. “How long did I sleep?” When she finally looked at him, he was sprawled out on a rock looking like he didn’t have a care in the world.

  “Half a day.”

  “Who are you?”

  “I am Blair Cameron and I am your protection.”

  “Who will protect me from you?”

  He smiled. “Who will protect me from you?”

  She wanted to, but she didn’t dare smile. Just as he had, she dipped her hands in the water and drank. When she finished, she could feel him right behind her. Without even looking, she put her hand out. He took it and helped her stand up. Again she smiled sweetly up at him, “Thank you.” She said it in English hoping he wouldn’t understand.

  “You are welcome.” he answered in English.

  Bridget rolled her eyes.

  Kevin stood in the great hall with Connor by his side and Anna and Rachel stood a few feet behind them. Each man knew exactly where his wife was and was prepared to protect her if there was trouble. Before them stood the MacDonald laird, flanked by three large, fierce warriors.

  “I will have the one you call Charlet!” demanded Laird MacDonald.

  Kevin sneered, “Why would I give her to you? All lads want her. What can you offer that another lad can not?”

  “I will make her mistress over three thousand. What more could a woman want?”

  “’Tis not enough!” Standing at the top of the stairs, Kenna’s voice boomed across the room and every eye turned to look at her. Half of her long red hair hung down her back and the other half was draped over one shoulder. Rachel had woven blue flowers in her hair, her lips were moistened with oil and her spirited blue eyes caught the light just right.

  Even Kevin found her striking and Laird MacDonald couldn’t stop gawking at her. “I have heard you are bonnie, but I could not imagine such as this.”

  Kenna took three steps down and held her head high as though she were a queen. “You offer to make me mistress over thousands, but you are an old lad. After you die, what would I be?”

  Laird MacDonald could hardly think. Never before had a woman talked to him like that. If she were a man, he would strike her down and silence her. Then again, a lively wife might just brighten his world. He smiled.

  It was not the reaction Kevin hoped for and he held his breath.

  Kenna narrowed her eyes. “Are you too old to answer my question?”

  That riled Laird MacDonald. “See here, Charle
t, you may not speak to me that way.”

  She swung her hips just a little to taunt him and he noticed. Every man in the room noticed. “I decline your offer of marriage. I will not bed an old lad.” She turned, walked back up the stairs with her head still held high, and opened the nearest door. She didn’t even look back before she slammed it shut behind her.

  Laird MacDonald jumped at the noise and then turned to glare at Kevin. But when Kevin only shrugged, he stormed out with his guard right behind him.

  Everyone inside the keep waited, listened for the sound of the horse's hooves going across the wooden bridge and then collectively let out a sigh of relief. Kenna opened the door a crack, saw they were gone and then flew down the stairs. But instead of running to Kevin, she threw herself into Anna’s arms. “I was so frightened.”

  Anna held her tight. “You were wonderful! Had I not known better, I would have thought you a princess.”

  “Truly?”

  “Aye,” agreed Kevin, “and a very bonnie one at that. Perhaps we should have all our women with golden hair borrow your trick.”

  Connor seriously considered it. “’Tis not a bad idea, Kevin. Did you see the way the MacDonald guards looked at her? Word of her beauty will spread quickly and they may try to take her. More lasses with red hair would addle them.”

  “Aye and they will spread the word that Charlet is still here, which is precisely our plan.”

  Kenna leaned closer to Anna. “Am I truly bonnie?”

  “Of course, all MacGreagor lasses are very, very handsome.”

  Kevin took hold of her shoulders, turned Kenna toward him and kissed her forehead. “We have burdened you greatly for one your age. I am pleased...”

  She didn’t mean to interrupt him, but she truly wanted to know. “Where is Charlet?”