Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (12 page)

A click of the lock caused Edina to spin around. Her heart pounded in anticipation. Had her father finally come to speak with her and give her a chance to explain?

The door swung opened and Helen entered the chamber carrying a wooden tray laden with an assortment of vegetables, a wedge of cheese, a pot of honey, a loaf of bannock, and a tankard of mead. “You arrived after the evening meal, but Cook put together a few things tae tide you over until morning. The drink will warm you and help you sleep,” she said cheerfully.

“I’m not hungry and I dinna wish tae sleep.” Edina paced the room. “Why has my father not come tae see me? Have you any word of Alasdair?”

Helen shook her head. “I know naught what keeps your da and havena heard anything about Lord Fraser, m’lady.”

“I canna believe my father treated Alasdair so disgracefully and gave you orders to lock me in my chamber.”

“I’m truly sorry the laird dinna herald your return in a more joyous manner. I am sure he will come anon, realize he has made a mistake, and have a change of heart.” Helen placed the tray on a table in the corner the chamber, then faced Edina. “I’ve missed you verra much and am pleased tae have you home. Even if it is only until you are wed.”

“I dinna wish to marry. Especially a man I have never met. I would rather take the vows and spend my life in prayer. I will tell my father so when he comes to see me. If he ever arrives.” Edina blew out a heavy sigh, then sat hard on a stool by the hearth.

“I’m told the young Laird Sutherland is a guid man and according tae some, quite handsome. His father is one of the most powerful chiefs in all the Highlands and his son will soon take his place.” Helen arranged some food on a trencher, then faced Edina. “In the least, he is not as auld as most of the suitors who have asked for your hand.”

“I dinna understand why Duncan Sutherland asked for my hand. He has never laid eyes on me.”

“You are considered quite a prize, m’lady. News of your beauty has spread across the Highlands and an alliance with your father is coveted by many of the local lairds. There have been many offers.”

“If Duncan Sutherland is as handsome as you claim and his father so powerful, why is he not already married?” Edina asked.

Helen shrugged. “Rumor has it that he was betrothed tae his cousin, a lass from the Clan Mackenzie. But that ended when his father took ill and announced his son would take his place as head of the clan. The old laird met with your da and offered him an alliance, cattle, and a chest of gold if he consented tae the union. Once a betrothal was agreed upon, your da sent a missive tae King Robert. Since he is trying tae unite the clans, the Bruce sanctioned the nuptials.”

“I’ve always known that my fate would be dictated by my status as the laird’s only daughter. Just as I know being bartered for with less regard than livestock is common, but hoped I would be spared the anguish.” Edina dropped her head into her hands.

“I wish there was something I could do tae help,” Helen said as she placed her hand on Edina’s shoulder.

“Mayhap there is.” Edina raised her head and clasped the maid’s hand. “We have been friends since we were bairns. I begged my da tae let you accompany me tae the Orkneys, but he refused. If you could leave the door unlocked, mayhap I could depart afore my father arrives.”

“Och, nay, m’lady. Please dinna ask me tae defy the laird. William, son of the village cobbler, and I were handfasted last fall. He has already spoken tae my father and had planed tae ask your da for permission to marry me this verra night. I canna risk your father’s wrath.” Helen lowered her head and glanced away. “We are verra much in love and hope tae be wed on the summer solstice.”

Edina rose and tugged Helen into a tight embrace. “Dinna give my request another thought. I willna ask you tae do anything that might jeopardize your wedding plans. But if you could find out what has become of Alasdair, I would be truly grateful. I am about tae go out of my mind with worry.”

“Are you in love with Lord Fraser?” Helen asked bluntly.

Edina’s spine stiffened and she took a step back. “Nay. Why would you ask such a thing?”

“I dinna mean tae speak out of turn, but your face does light up when you say his name and he is dashing in a rugged sort of way. You did spend a sennight together and I only thought—”

“You thought the accusations my father made were true,” Edina snapped. “I told my da that naught happened between Alasdair and me, and spoke the truth.”

“I meant no disrespect and would never question your word, m’lady. Please forgive me.” Helen dropped to her knees and bowed her head.

“Alasdair saved my life and cared for me when I was ill. I am indebted tae him for his kindness and if he is wrongfully punished because of me, I couldna live with myself. I only wish tae know he is well and unharmed.”

“Best you be thinking about your betrothed and not another man,” a deep voice bellowed from the doorway.

Laird Sinclair strode across the room and paused a few feet from where Edina stood. “Well? Are you ready to tell me what happened while you were in Fraser’s company?”

“Where is he?” Edina squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “I demand you tell me at once.” The words left her lips before she could stop them.

Her father’s brow creased and his face twisted in anger. “You demand? I am your father and your laird, best you remember your place. Is this obstinacy the reward I get for sending you tae foster with your aunt?”

“You expect a reward for sending me away when I needed my family the most?” Edina replied curtly. “I was still a bairn, had just lost three of my older brothers in the war with England, and my mam died a few weeks later. You and Jayden were all I had left.” Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she held her head high.

“I suffered the same losses,” he replied coldly. “You were a lass of fourteen summers and I did what I thought was in your best interest. I would have sent you tae a priory had I known you’d be ruined by your mother’s sister.”

“I was fifteen. My aunt is a kind and loving woman. She saw in me strengths and abilities you are too blind tae see. It isna too late tae send me tae a priory. I would rather take the vows than be sold in marriage tae a man I dinna love.”

Laird Sinclair spat on the floor. “Love? There is no need for useless emotions in a marriage. Your mother and I were not in love and we managed tae have four fine sons.”

“And a daughter,” she muttered under her breath before speaking up. “My mother . . . may the Almighty rest her soul.” She paused and said a brief prayer. “Was a fine lady, in good standing when she met you. Aye, she did her duty, married you without love, tolerated your touch, and bore your sons, but she was never content. A happy woman doesna die of a broken heart.”

Laird Sinclair slammed his balled fist on a nearby table. “Enough! You will not speak tae me with such disrespect. I am your sire and you will honor me as such. You know naught about our union. It was arranged tae benefit the clan, and your mother never complained about her lot in life.”

“She was a saint and wouldna find fault in anything or anyone. But that doesna mean she was happy. I am not my mother and dinna wish tae marry Laird Sutherland.”

“You will do as you’re told. Duncan was on his way tae fetch you when word came that you’d been lost at sea. I—”

“So he believes I am dead. Then I dinna see a problem,” Edina cut in.

“This union has been sanctioned by the king and will benefit the clan immensely. I sent a missive as soon as you arrived, informed Duncan that you are alive, asking him tae honor our agreement and come for you as soon as possible.”

“I canna believe you did that without at least telling me first. Why—”

“So I see the rumors are true.” A man sauntered across the chamber and stood at her father’s side.

She sucked in a gulp of air and steeled herself against the fear and loathing bubbling up from the pit of her stomach. “Callum,” she said on a strangled breath.

Before her stood her father’s advisor and dearest friend, the man he’d entrusted with her safety and charged with bringing her home to be wed. The same man who stole into her chamber and tried to rape her.

“Is it true Alasdair Fraser found her on the beach and they consorted in sin for over a sennight?” Callum blurted out. “I am shocked and appalled by the news. I trust you will see them both punished accordingly.”

“I was equally shocked,” Laird Sinclair growled. “Both deny the tryst, but I dinna believe them. Laird Sutherland will be here soon and I dinna know how tae tell him she has been ruined.
I wouldna blame him if he doesna wish tae marry a wanton woman.”

“I am not ruined. I told you naught happened between Alasdair and me.”

“There are ways tae tell. Shall I summon your physician, m’lord, or call for the village midwife? Either can determine if her maidenhead remains intact,” Callum said with an evil grin.

“Helen, fetch my physician.” Laird Sinclair dismissed her with a sweep of his hand.

“Right away, m’lord.” The lass bobbed a quick curtsy and hurried from the room, but not before offering Edina a sympathetic glance.

“I willna be subjected to this humiliation,” Edina protested. “My word should be enough.”

“I see that in addition to picking up the morals of a stray cat, the lass has developed a viperous tongue. Something a good lashing would quickly resolve,” Callum said smugly. “If she were my daughter, I wouldna tolerate her insolence.”

“I can imagine you’d do many unspeakable things were you my father. Thank the Almighty you are not.” Edina raised her chin in challenge. She’d not back down from this blackguard. She had to tell her father what happened on the ship, but feared he’d not believe her. The conversation she’d had with Callum on the night he attacked her, along with his threats to ruin her reputation if she crossed him, flooded her mind, but she refused to back down.

“You’ll not speak tae Callum in that manner. Mayhap he was right about the need for a firmer hand,” her father interjected.

“It doesna surprise me that she took up with Fraser. If I dinna know better, I’d say the whole thing was arranged. He will rue the day he got trapped in her web. A night in the pit afore he hangs will give him time tae think about his actions.” His sinister smirk broadened. “He has her tae thank for his demise.”

“The pit! Father you canna be serious. How could you put Alasdair in such a horrible place? He saved my life and despite what you think, he is a decent, innocent man.”

“He should have thought of the consequences afore he stole your virtue,” Callum remarked snidely.

“If anyone is tae be punished, it should be you,” Edina reiterated sharply.

Callum’s eyes narrowed and his expression darkened. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

She swallowed hard and summoned her courage. If what Callum predicted was true, her father would side with his friend, but Alasdair’s life depended on her proving that his trusted advisor was the liar and a scoundrel.

“Well?” Her father crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. “Dinna draw this out. What have you tae say?”

“The night I fell overboard, Callum entered my cabin after I’d retired and took intimate liberties. He tried tae bed me against my will.” She finally forced out the words.

“Is this true?” Her father spun around to face his friend.

“She lies! Will you take her word above that of your advisor and longtime friend? She is trying tae divert the attention and guilt from Fraser by telling a grave falsehood.”

“I’m not making this up, Father. He came intae my chamber. He was well in his cups at the time and told me he’d admired me for some time and wanted to bed me. He called you a fool for promising me tae Laird Sutherland and threatened tae kill me if I told anyone what he’d done.”

Callum began to pace. He threw his hands in the air and approached her father. “I have no idea why she has concocted this story, but may she be damned in Hell for her lies.”

“We struggled and I cut him with his dirk. I tried tae get away but he chased me ontae the deck and he—”

“You canna believe I would do such a thing,” Callum protested. “Mayhap she was dreaming and imagined the entire thing. That would explain how she ended up on deck rather than in her cabin where she belonged.”

“Let her finish.” Laird Sinclair raised his hand in the air, silencing his friend.

“I wasna dreaming. Callum tried tae rape me and when I resisted, he threatened to cut my throat. I managed to get away and ran to the deck. There was a storm and then when he came at me again, I lost my footing and fell overboard.”

“Did anyone witness this?” Her father dragged his hand across his bearded chin.

“She has no witnesses because it dinna happen. I have served you faithfully for many summers. Both as your confidant and your friend. I admit that I saw her on the deck, but swear I never laid a hand on her. When I went to tell her it wasna safe tae be out in the storm she acted like I was the devil himself. She started shouting, told me if I came any closer, she would jump intae the water and her death would be on my head. The ship pitched and when she fell over the rail, I dove in and tried to save her.” Callum glared at Edina as he spoke.

“That isna how it happened. If what I say is a lie, he willna mind removing his tunic. He will have a gash on his left side, just below his ribs.”

“I have naught to prove and willna do it,” Callum replied.

“Why was I not told about your confrontation aboard ship when you returned. You told me Edina fell overboard in the storm and you tried to rescue her, but you never mentioned her strange behavior.”

“I-I dinna think it important. She was dead and you were so distraught. I dinna see any point in adding to your anguish,” Callum stammered.

“Take off your tunic,” Laird Sinclair ordered.

“But m’lord, I—” Callum protested.

“Remove it now!”

Callum grumbled a curse, grasped the hem of his shirt, and tugged it over his head.

Laird Sinclair’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened at the site of recent wound on Callum’s left side. He summoned the guard standing by the door. “Arrest him.”

“I can explain. This isna what it appears,” Callum pleaded as the guard grabbed his arm. “I cut myself on the rail when I tried to save her. You must listen to me.”