Dawn Annis (6 page)

Chapter 7

Sitting in the hall the next morning, Shane’s eyes felt bloodied and gritty. He rubbed his face. Hard. As if to wipe away the worry.

Leaning forward with his elbows resting on the table, he barked out orders to anyone who dared to come near. The girls working around the hall, serving the men their morning meal could not please him this morning regardless of his pleasure at his plan last night.

In the light of day, he saw things a bit clearer. Hundreds of things could go wrong with his plan. The possibilities invaded his head. What if Colquhoun did decide to go to the king? He certainly did not have the resources to fend off a king’s army. Would it come to that? Surely not for a woman, regardless of whose wife she was. The kidnapping of Lady Colquhoun from the Clan Colquhoun would definitely end any chance they would have of getting back into the king’s good graces.

The woman would be missed. Soon. If not already.

Yesterday, Iain had said he surmised she would not, but how was he to know? He wasn’t thinking of all of the ramifications.

These were all questions plaguing him in the light of day. However, as he sat at the table watching his clansmen around him preparing for another long day, he determined he must see this ransom idea to the end. Too important to send someone other than himself, he had to go. He didn’t have a choice.

The consequences of a misstep of any kind could be far reaching. The negotiations with the Colquhouns would have to be handled just so to achieve his goal. Though they must not know they were dealing with the MacGregor himself. Such knowledge would put his clan and himself at a greater risk. Better they view him as nothing more than a messenger.

Few of the Colquhoun clan had seen the MacGregor since he was a boy. He could gain what he'd come for and slip back to Scotland with none the wiser. He would not send a missive or a messenger informing Colquhoun he had taken his wife. That would be sure proof to the king. He would not risk any of his men to do the job for him. Nor would he have the responsibility of the outcome rest anywhere else but his shoulders. Come fair or foul, it was his plan to carry out.

Shane saw Kate as soon as she descended the stairs. He envied her bright eyes and buoyant step. His mood did not improve with her arrival. She was a reminder of how precarious their situation was just now. He watched as she crossed the hall, gave a brief curtsy, and sat down at the other end of the table. She spoke briefly with Darcey but kept her eyes lowered while she ate her meal. She didn’t look at him. For some reason this bothered him, though he couldn’t fathom why. He saw Iain move over and sit down next to her.

After a short while, Shane could hear sweet laughter drift toward him. He leaned slightly over and tried to hear what Iain was saying. He didn’t want to appear too obvious, but finally he stepped over to the pair. Iain’s head was bent low toward Kate and he couldn’t hear more than her mumbled words in response to Iain’s calming ones. This did not improve his mood. He knew the attraction Iain was feeling and it irritated him. He was feeling a bit of the attraction himself. He cleared his throat as he sat down next to them. He had never competed with Iain over a woman. This woman was different. She had handled this whole situation with grace. Shane admired her. He knew Iain liked the lass and wanted to show her she was in no real danger.

“Good morn to ye.”

Kate turned her attention from Iain. “Good morn to you.”

“Shane, ye look like ye had a tired night. Dinna ye sleep well.”

“Nay, too much on my mind,” Shane said with a scowl as his irritation with Iain grew. Iain had brought this mess down on them.

Shane edged a bit closer and listened to Iain regale Kate with stories about life in the castle as well as the latest bit of gossip. As Kate listened and giggled, Shane joined with a word or two as he watched her. He enjoyed her laughter, the way her eyes danced, her courage in the face of the unknown. He’d told her no harm would come to her. He hoped he could keep his word.

Shane watched as Kate quieted and lowered her gaze. Her soft mouth moved. She was whispering to herself. Rehearsing.

“M’lord,” she said quietly yet firmly as she raised her head, “may I have a brief word?”

Shane gazed upon those green eyes and could not think much less reply right away. He swallowed hard.

“Yer eyes are extraordinary. Yer a very beautiful woman,” Shane said finally with a croak in his voice. He sat, staring at her until she lowered her lashes. He cleared his throat.

“Of course,” Shane said, collecting himself. He nodded to Iain to leave.

Kate sat down on the edge of her chair. She ignored his compliment.

“M’lord, when will it be possible for me to leave and return to my home?” she said firmly. “I was told I would be able to return home soon and you would not continue your man’s plan for ransom.” Kate put out a placating hand. “Not that it hasn’t been simply lovely. You have a beautiful home. You all have made me feel quite welcome. I really must be going.”

Shane nearly laughed. Simply lovely.

“Who gave ye the idea ye would be goin’ home?” Shane asked with surprise and a little force. He waved his hand to dismiss her reply. “Dinna matter. Are ye comfortable? Have ye everything ye require?”

“I am quite comfortable. Everyone here has been quite nice.”

“Good. As I said before, while under the circumstances this may come as a surprise to ye, I do want ye to be welcome in my home.” Changing the subject again, Shane said, “Yer face seems sore. Dinna Merta give ye some salve?”

Kate brought her hand up to her cheek. “Yes, she did offer it to me. I have a supply of medicines of my own. Thank you.”

“Humph. It dinna look like they be working, those medicines of yers,” Shane muttered. Why was he concerning himself with her bruises? And where the hell did that comment about her eyes come from? He must be going daft. Shane began to get angry at himself and at her. Why was he troubled by how he spoke to this woman?

“I canna talk to ye now as I’m needed on the training field,” Shane said brusquely as he rose from his chair and towered over her. “I will make arrangements and speak with ye at supper.”

He had to leave her before he made a bigger fool of himself. He did not want to tell her he wasn’t releasing her without the ransom. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain the decision to her and wasn’t sure why he felt the need to. He was the MacGregor, damn it.

Kate stood abruptly. What had she said? She was the one wronged. Her anger matched his.

“How dare he walk away from me without any explanation? How dare he be angry? Just what does he know of my medicines? How dare he?”

She muttered to herself, her fists clenched. “Well, the situation we are in isn’t so simple, m’lord. You will hear me, and you will release me. The very nerve.”

She did, however, remember his comment about her eyes. He thought her beautiful. Her stomach fluttered a little until she scolded herself for being foolish. The man was insufferable.

Shane stalked to the training field across the bridge, cursing. He veered to the left of the castle, hearing the clash of weapons. The day was already turning warm and the field choked with dust stirred up by the fighting men as they practiced their skills. Iain caught up with him. Shane refused to take notice of him. He walked alongside, waiting for Shane to tell him why he was in such a foul mood.

As Shane reached the others, he bent and picked up a broad sword. With a tremendous force
and to the surprise of Iain, he engaged and fought intensely. The others stayed clear, watching as he beat Iain down. Shane then turned to the next man. Trouncing any who had the nerve or misfortune of getting into his sights; Shane exhausted his anger and released some of his building frustration. Shane rarely showed his anger or lost control of his emotions. However, today he was overwhelmed with what had befallen him, his father, his clan, and his life. Since Lady Colquhoun had arrived, his emotions rode on the surface.

Chapter 8

Kate paced in her room. She squared her shoulders back and tilted her chin. She could handle this. After all, she had done pretty well so far. Well, okay, her husband had died leaving her penniless, she had been kidnapped for ransom and only she knew there was going to be no ransom paid. Things could have been better. She considered escape. But where would she escape to? What would happen when Shane found out there was no one to pay her ransom and she had no money to pay it herself? She hoped she would be able to convince Shane to release her without the money.

Oh, that Smithers would find her. Though what Smithers could do, she couldn’t guess. Perhaps he could convince Andrew to pay for her freedom. Wishful thinking. Andrew? Kate rose and began to pace, her feet in line with her agitation. The whole situation was laughable.

Somehow she didn’t think Shane would be amused if she laid out the whole story before him. She didn’t believe Shane or Iain would kill her. The very notion worked in her favor. Maybe they would throw her out on her ear. She could only hope. She had survived Sidney, hadn’t she? She would obtain her freedom, and from there figure out what to do about Andrew.

A short while later, Kate opened her door, and there stood Shane, his hand raised. He smiled.

“I wondered if ye would like take a walk. There is no reason why ye should stay in yer chambers.”

Surprised by his invitation, Kate replied, “I would love to walk with you.

“Grab yer cloak. ‘Tis breezy.”

They spent the morning walking the keep and castle grounds.

“I love to be outdoors,” Kate said. She raised her face to the sun. The breeze whispered through her hair. The flowers and plants smelled sweet as she passed by.

Shane took her hand in his. His warm hand enveloped her cold one, catching her by surprise. She took a deep breath.

“Well, um, at home I am usually found in my garden. Weeding this or pruning that.” She heard the wistful tone in her voice. “If I have to be inside, during the evening or in inclement weather, I occupy my time reading or various pleasures.”

“I read myself. I was taught while in England. My foster mother instructed me,” Shane said.

“’Tis not a skill most learn,” Kate said, her hand still in Shane’s. “While I enjoy it, I prefer being elbow deep in rich soil or in the storerooms with my herbs if truth be told.”

As they strolled along, she admired the beautiful views. The sky was vivid azure this morning. The mountains and surrounding hills with their greens and browns were rich and earthy. The sun was warm on her skin. The beautiful spring day took her breath away. So did Shane.

“Shane, we have need for ye,” Iain yelled from the door of the hall.

“Aye,” Shane answered. He turned to her, squeezed the hand he was still holding and brought it to his lips. “I will look for ye again.”

“Of course.” Kate’s stomach fluttered.
I hope so
, she thought.

A
fter the evening meal that night, Shane joined Kate by the fire. He sat close. They watched the fire, listening to it crackle and pop.

“The evenin’ gets a bit chilly this time of year.”

“The fire brings relief,” Kate said.

The crowded hall quieted as Shane’s clansmen went about their evening chores. The women left for the kitchens to clean up and start tomorrow’s bread.

“Did ye enjoy our walk today? ‘Tis fine to be in yer company.”

Kate smiled. “Your company was a pleasure as well. I did enjoy the walk. Your Highlands have a special beauty.”

And he spoke the truth. He’d had an enjoyable time. The most fun he’d had in recent memory. He had not expected her intelligence. He had not expected to enjoy her humor. He had not expected to like his prisoner. No. Shane amended his thought. Was she still a prisoner? Yes. He needed the coin. No question.

The next morning, Kate continued her walk around the massive grounds. She noticed a small herb garden growing on the southeast side of the keep, outside of the wall. Unfortunately, the plants had been neglected and had grown wild. Kate frowned. The dogs had dug in the area leaving holes throughout. Disappointed, she went from plant to bush hoping for any survivors. She hoped to replenish some of her supplies and to find a bit of arnica or comfrey for the bruises on her face.

The people of the MacGregor clan gave her curious stares. When she smiled and said “Good morn,” most of them gave her a friendly nod.

A short time later, Shane joined her again. He pointed out various sights.

“Ye have seen the castle proper.” Shane leaned over and pointed. “Have ye seen the ice house? ‘Tis a fine one. Ye should not miss it.” He grinned.

Kate laughed. “I’m sure it is a sight to be seen.”

Shane escorted her around the grounds on the isle as well as across the bridge. He introduced her to several people as they passed, pointing out others.

“Do ye see that woman over there?” Shane asked, pointing to an old woman bent over a pot in her dooryard.

“Indeed, I see her.”

“She’s a witch, that one,” he whispered. “’Tis true,” he exclaimed over Kate’s skeptical look. “Me and the lads were knocking around. They dared me to kiss her daughter, Lilyth. Said something terrible would happen if I did. I laughed at them and kissed her anyway.”

Kate burst out laughing. “You didn’t!” She laughed again at Shane’s confirming nod.

“What happened?”

“Had boils on my arse for a week!” Shane winked.

Kate laughed at Shane’s story until her sides hurt. She liked him regardless of his role in her kidnapping and enjoyed his easy humor. She felt confident her life wasn’t in danger.

She did worry about Smithers, though, and asked Shane about him.

“Aye, yer man,” Shane said with a blush. “I’m sure the lads dinna hurt him, m’lady. Nothing to be fearful of.”

Kate allowed a smile of her relief. She briefly explained, “My driver and coachman are important to me. I hate to think of them harmed in their defense of me.”

“Aye, I see they are. No worries. Iain tells me the driver was sent on his way. Yer coachman was left in the road.”

Shane hurried to continue. “He says they dinna clout him very hard. He’s up and about, ye can count on it.”

Kate peered into Shane’s eyes and gave him a small smile. She thought it prudent not to mention hers and Smithers true relationship. Knowing Smithers would search to the ends of the earth for her, she felt it was best the MacGregors were ignorant of his devotion for now. Somehow, she hoped Smithers would find her. She was a prisoner, no matter how nice Shane had been. There was nowhere for her to go. In the meantime, she would bide her time and hope to obtain her release from Shane. She decided to change the subject to safer topics.

The walk in the clean fresh air invigorated Kate and brought some color to her pale cheeks. The morning had been cool but the day warmed nicely. They reached the lake, the morning sun creating bright peaks among the waves. Kate raised her head to catch the breeze on her face. Shane slid his hand along her neck, holding her head, his thumb caressing her face. He leaned toward her, his breath close. Kate turned her head to meet his lips. He abruptly raised himself to his full height, and let her go. He bowed slightly, turned, and left.

Kate stood for a moment, confused by his quick departure. What would it be like to kiss Shane? She’d come so close to finding out. What had prompted his desire to kiss her and his reluctance to do so? She frowned. She wasn’t sure what to think. Shane was warm, caring, and funny. And so handsome, he made her knees weak.

There was no sign of Shane during the noon meal as Kate ate quietly with the others. She looked for him as soon as she had entered the hall. She did think it a bit odd but as no one made comment she thought only briefly about his absence. Occasionally one of Shane’s men would speak to her briefly before they returned to their own conversation. Kate replied politely but did not concentrate on any one conversation. She was aware of the admiring regard she was receiving from Shane’s men and the scowl on Iain’s face; reminding them she was a lady and a protected guest.

Kate considered once again of her choices. She was in the Highlands, days from anywhere, certainly on foot. She weighed her situation as well as the predicament Sidney had left her in and came to the conclusion she had few options. The most attractive right now was to stay and let the situation unfold for itself.

Last night in the confusion, Kate had not noticed there were few married women living in the castle. As she dined, she glanced around the hall. She saw some men with wives at their sides. Apparently Shane did not have a wife either, as a lady of the house had not greeted her upon her arrival or since. Again, her stomach fluttered. Kate admonished herself for her attraction to him.
What am I doing? Admit it. The man was dangerously handsome and not the least bit interested in me.

The women she’d seen in the hall at the meal had retired to a sitting area in the corner to talk and sew. None had come to invite her to join them so she chose to go her own way and not intrude.

Kate finally went to her room. She was surprised and pleased to find a book of poems had been left on the mantle of the fireplace. Sitting on the spacious chair near the fire, with her legs curled up and a quilt tucked around her, she passed a very pleasant afternoon.

The evening sky blazed reds and oranges from the window onto to the pages when Merta knocked and entered.

“M’lady, the MacGregor has left the castle. He dinna say when he would return.”

“I’m confused. When we spoke, he said he would see me this evening,” Kate said.

“I canna tell ye more.”

Merta solemnly closed the door.

Kate sat mulling over this news until irritation set in. She straightened in the chair. She crossed her arms and legs, her toe tapping. Did she miss something? Their morning had been wonderful. She enjoyed his company. He left for God knew how long without giving her leave to return to her home. How long was this expected to go on? She did not fear the MacGregor, simply because of what Merta said to her the night before. However, she also had not received her apology from him as Merta said nor had she been sent home.

Merta returned a bit later to bring Kate a supper tray as she noticed Kate had not come down for the evening meal. Kate was pacing the room, chewing on her fingernail.

“What can I do to ease yer mind, m’lady?” Merta inquired. “I canna tell ye the MacGregor’s plan. He has not shared it with me. I have been warned about speakin’ out of turn. I got myself an earful from him.”

Kate stopped. “Oh, Merta. I am so sorry you were scolded on my behalf. He was wrong.”

Merta held up her hand. “Nay, he was right. Though, he has never said a cross word to me ‘til today.”

Kate nodded and ceded the point.

“Tell me about yourself. Since we must wait upon him, we might as well learn more about one another.” Kate sat down and urged Merta to do the same.

“There is not much story to tell. I come to the MacGregors with my husband. Lord tell ye, must be forty years or so ago. He was the steward. When he died, I took over.”

“Surely there was some difficulty there. Losing your husband and having to run this massive operation,” Kate said with sympathy.

“Aye, there were moments.” Merta wiped a tear from her eye. “I got them all workin’.” Merta gave a watery chuckle.

Kate smiled. “Tell me more about the family.” She wanted to get some idea about the laird and his family. She didn’t want to admit it but she was intrigued with Shane.

“I was with Shane’s mother, Elizabeth, when Shane was born and again when the next boy, William came into the world. I helped Elizabeth when she gave birth to a wee boy fifteen years ago. I stood with Shane, William, and their father when they buried the bairn and his beloved mother.”

“Oh, my.” Kate put her hand to her mouth. “Such heartache.”

Merta wiped away more tears. “'Tis a hard thing, to lose family.”

“I lost my mother a few years ago,” Kate shared. “You go on with life but the sorrow never quite leaves you.”

Merta leaned over a squeezed Kate’s hand.

“I watched the lads grow into the men. Shane has never raised his voice to me until today. I worry on him. He is carrying a tremendous duty. Enough.” Merta stood. “Ye must eat. Ye are too thin.”

Kate chuckled and sat down to the table. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, Merta, for keeping me company.”

Merta winked. “Yer a good lass. That’s the God’s honest truth.” She left, closing the door behind her.

Kate finished her meal and moved to a comfortable chair. She stared at the fire well into the night until her foot fell asleep from having been tucked underneath her for so long. She got up to relieve the ache in her leg and ankle. She walked about the room to ease them when she heard a low moan. Hobbling to the door, she opened it quietly. The passageway was silent and dark. The castle had gone to bed some time ago. She was surprised to discover how late it had become. So deep in thought as to her current situation with Shane, the time had crept by. Kate listened to the quiet around her. A groan came from down the hall. She ducked back into her room and grabbed a quilt to wrap around her shoulders, as the air was chilly away from the fire. Kate took the candle from the mantle and walked out the door and toward the sound. The metal of the candlestick warmed her hand. The numbness in her foot brought the prick of many needles with each step.

She turned away from the dim light shining from the great hall and journeyed into the dark passage. Kate walked until she came to the end and she had a choice to continue to her left or right. Something shuffled across the floor and another groan told her to turn left.