Her Highlander's Promise (8 page)

Chapter 13

The way Deirdre slithered into the chamber reminded Laurel of a venomous serpent ready to strike its prey. She glared at Isla, a menacing scowl contorting her features as she moved toward them. “Care to explain why you are here when I forbid you to leave the lower floor of the castle?” She came to an abrupt halt inches from where the maid stood.

Isla didn’t reply. She glanced at the floor, nervously wringing her hands at the same time.

“Well?” Deirdre crossed her arms over her breasts. “I’m waiting for an explanation. Tell me why I shouldna have you publicly flogged and banished for your disobedience.”

Isla glanced up at Deirdre. “I have no excuse, Mistress,” she finally muttered softly.

Laurel’s heart sank. She wished Isla would say something, anything in her own defense.

“Then I have every reason to carry out my punishment.” Deirdre grabbed Isla by the neck of her gown and dragged her toward the door. “I will deal with you once I have seen to this,” she said to Laurel.

“Wait. Please dinna punish Isla. If you must take out your anger on someone, use me. She only came here out of concern. She merely wanted to see that I was well and meant no harm or disrespect.” She looked at her friend, hoping she would speak up and defend her actions, or in the least, agree with what Laurel said and beg for mercy. But much to Laurel’s dismay, she remained silent.

“Why wouldn’t you be well?”

“No reason. But you know how rumors spread about the keep,” Laurel replied.

“I am tired of the servants gossiping, doing as they please, and going against my orders” She shook Isla so hard the lass lost her balance and fell to her knees. “Get up,” Deirdre growled.

Isla slowly rose to her feet and peered at Laurel. “Please, m’lady, dinna try to interfere.”

“For once she speaks with some sense. I will see to her reprimand and by all that is holy, the other servants will think twice before they disobey me.”

Seized by rage, Laurel lunged forward, clasped Isla’s arm, then yanked her out of Deirdre’s grasp. Her mind raced as she searched for the words to appease her cousin, to get her to reconsider, but none came. She’d had her fill of her cousin’s violence and threats.

A sinister grin twisted Deirdre’s lips. “I may be persuaded to change my mind. It all depends on if you are willing to do my bidding.”

When Deirdre began exercising her authority, Laurel was a bairn, helpless against the woman’s wrath. But she was now a woman fully grown, soon-to-be lairdess of her beloved clan, and determined to make the complacency Deirdre had become accustomed to a thing of the past. But this was about Isla. Right now, the only thing she cared about was seeing her friend spared.

“What do you want me to do?” Laurel asked, returning Deirdre’s icy stare. She refused to show any weakness.

Deirdre raised a brow. “First, you can start by drinking this lovely cup of mead I so generously prepared for you.” She held the mug out.

“And you will spare Isla from the lash?” While there was little chance of saving her friend from a flogging, she prayed her compliance would prompt Deirdre to reconsider the severity.

“She must pay for her disobedience,” Deirdre snapped. “But if you do everything I demand, I will lessen the number of blows.”

Laurel glanced at Isla. The lass shook her head, but Laurel still took the cup. “What else do you expect of me?”

“You will wear my wedding gown and do so with pride. You will marry Allan without arguments, then announce that you relinquish all your rights to govern the clan to your husband. You will eat and drink whatever I bring to you and willna question my orders in the future. Above all, this conversation willna be repeated outside these walls. If I ever hear that either of you have spoken of this to anyone, she will pay the price.”

“Nay, m’lady. You mustna do as she asks. Please,” Isla begged, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Laurel briefly pondered the idea of turning the table on Deirdre. They were two against one, and together, they could likely overpower her cousin, force her to drink the mead, then attempt an escape. The majority of the clan would surely rally behind her, but Deirdre was no fool. She had her minions—those who followed her blindly and wouldn’t dare question her methods, including her husband and son—strategically placed about the castle. They would not get far.

After taking a minute to consider all the possible outcomes, Laurel nodded. As difficult as it was to remain in control of her own temper, she had to bide her time a little longer. “Verra well, I will do as you request. But, I expect you will honor your word and not punish Isla so harshly. I also ask that you release Angus from the pit. Today.” She might not have the upper hand, but had nothing to lose by making these requests.

“I’ll think about it,” her cousin replied smugly, then pointed at the mug. “Drink.”

Despite Isla continued protest, Laurel brought the cup to her lips. Once finished, she handed the vessel back to Deirdre.

“I suggest you have a rest. I will send Mairi up in an hour or so to fit your gown.” Deirdre grasped Isla’s wrist and tugged her toward the door. “You will come with me.”

“Remember your promise.” Laurel took a step forward, fighting the urge to intervene.

“I expect the same from you,” Deirdre said, then cackled like an old hen as she shoved Isla into the hallway.

Thanks to Callum’s ruthless attack, Blair had lost precious time. He needed to make it up if he hoped to complete his quest. He pushed thoughts of retribution to the back of his mind. He’d see Callum pay for his deeds, but he’d save that task for another time. The idea of Laurel marrying Allan made his skin crawl. His heart twisted in his chest. He would not let that happen. Not while he still had breath in his body.

As expected, noon came and went, but to his surprise, the village was closer than he thought. He arrived in Kilmorack by early afternoon. With renewed hope, he raced through the streets, looking for a place to leave his horse and begin his search of Elise.

Isla told him the last anyone had heard, Elise was working as a seamstress to the chieftain’s wife. Finding the castle would not be difficult. Convincing her to talk to him, then getting her to return and confront Deirdre, might not be as easy.

Blair reined in his mount at a stable beside the village alehouse. After making arrangements for his horse’s care, he asked for directions to the castle. He also inquired if the man knew Elise, and was relieved to hear she was still living in the village.

He took the castle steps two at a time, then pounded on the large wooden door. After what seemed like an eternity, a male servant answered.

“Can I be of assistance, Sir?” the man asked.

“Aye. My name is Blair Cameron. I would like to speak to one of the mistress’ handmaidens. A woman that goes by the name of Elise.”

The man’s brows knit together, his pleasant smile turning to a frown. “May I ask why you wish to speak to her? It is not common for her to receive visitors.”

“It is a matter of great importance or I wouldna bother her. She once lived with the Clan MacClay and served as a personal maid to Lady MacClay until her untimely death. Her daughter, Laurel, needs Elise’s help.” Blair impatiently shuffled his feet. “Please, I need to speak to her.”

“I dinna think it wise. Go away and dinna return,” the man said, then began to shut the door.

Blair stuck his foot in the way, muscling his way into the castle. “I have come a verra long way and willna leave until I have spoken with Elise.” He could feel the last of his patience fading fast.

“What seems to be the problem?” a stout, older gentleman asked as he descended the stairs.

“There is nothing for you to be concerned about, m’lord. I will deal with this blackguard and see he doesna return.”

The laird studied the two men, then addressed Blair. “State your name and business.”

Blair pushed past the servant and bowed. “My name is Blair Cameron. I wish to speak to one of your servants about an urgent matter.”

“Cameron? I know John Cameron. Be he your father? While you dinna resemble him, you do have the look of your mam. I spent some time with your clan when we fought against the English with King Robert.”

“Aye, he is my sire. I am sure you must also remember Brandon MacClay.”

“I knew both of them well. It saddened my heart the day Brandon died. He was a verra brave warrior. Saved my life on the battlefield more than once.”

“Then you will want to help me. I am here on behalf of his daughter, Laurel MacClay. She has reason to believe her father’s death wasna due to illness. He may have been murdered. In fact, she believes both of her parents met with foul play.”

“And you think the maid might have some knowledge of this?” the laird asked.

“Aye. Elise worked verra closely with Lady Katherine, then she mysteriously left the day she died. That is why I wish to speak with her. If she can confirm our suspicions, I will ask her to return with me to Thistledown Castle. With her help, we may be able to set two wrongs right by punishing the person responsible.” He saw no reason to hold anything back at this point. Time was running out.

The laird listened intently, stroking his bearded chin the entire time.

“My wife never mentioned any of this to me,” the servant said. “Please, m’lord, dinna ask her to speak to this man. Send him away.”

Blair understood the man’s concerns and need to protect his wife, but he was not about to leave without speaking to Elise. “If your alliances with my da and Laird MacClay means anything to you, grant me this boon.”

“Please wait in the great hall.” The laird pointed to a large door at the end of a short corridor. “Grant, summon your wife and be quick about it.”

Grant bowed, but at the same time, cast a glower of disapproval at Blair. “Right away, m’lord.” He hurried away.

“Judging by your soiled clothes, the blood on your sleeve, and your ragged appearance, you dinna have an easy journey,” the laird said.

“I ran into thieves along the way,” Blair replied.

“Well, I’m happy to see you managed to escape. Would you fancy a tankard of ale and a meal while you wait for Elise? I can also send for the clan healer and have her take a look at your wounds.” He encircled Blair’s shoulder with his arm and ushered him toward the great hall. “When he returns, I’ll have Grant find you a chamber for the night and arrange for a hot bath.”

“Thank you, but I’ve already had the wound tended. A mug of ale would be greatly appreciated, but am afraid I must forgo the rest. I hope to speak with Elise and be on our way as soon as possible, m’lord.”

“No need for formality, young Cameron. Call me Alasdair.”

Blair nodded.

“I will allow you to see her. Whether she returns to Thistledown Castle with you is her decision. Have a seat.” Alasdair rounded the dais and settled in a large wooden chair.

“You wished to see me, m’lord?”

Both men turned at the sound of the woman’s voice.

Chapter 14

Alasdair motioned to Elise with a sweep of his arm. “Come in, lass. Lord Cameron wishes to speak to you.”

Elise studied the two men before she spoke. “Forgive me, m’lord, but I dinna know Lord Cameron. I have no idea why he might want to see me.”

“True, we have never met before, Madame, but I come to you on behalf of Laurel MacClay. You were once maid to her mother, were you not?”

Visibly shaken by his question, Elise’s face paled as she staggered backward, bracing her hand on a trestle table for support. The name of her former clan clearly caused her distress.

“Will you speak with Lord Cameron?” her chieftain asked.

“I left Clan MacClay many summers ago. There is nothing for us to discuss. If it pleases you, m’lord, I would like to return to my sewing.”

“It doesna please me.” Alasdair sprang to his feet and with his hands planted firmly on the table stared down at the servant. “Lord Cameron has traveled a great distance to meet you. His father, John, is my friend and ally, as was Laird MacClay. I expect you to answer his questions and help him in any way you can.”

Elise bobbed a curtsey. “Aye, m’lord.”

“Good.” He face
d Blair. “I will leave the two of you to chat. Once you finish, I will be back to see you off.” He turned and strode out of the hall.

While Blair hated to cause her any worry, she was the only one who could help Laurel prove Deirdre murdered her parents. He was not about to leave until he’d found out what she’d kept hidden all these summers.

“I want you to tell me about the night Laurel’s mother died and anything unusual that you remember about the days prior,” Blair began and pulled out a chair. “Please, have a seat.”

“Nay, I wish to stand.”

Blair nodded. “Suit yourself. This is verra important, will you help me?”

Elise stared at the floor. “If I am able, m’lord. But as I explained, many summers have passed, and I have nothing to tell you.”

“Let me be the judge.” He sat, hoping to appear less intimidating. “Eight summers ago, Laird MacClay died as the result of a mysterious illness. One verra similar to the affliction that took his wife. I know it has been a long time, but I need you to think back to the time when you served as maid to Lady Katherine. Can you do that?”

Elise hugged herself and turned her back to Blair. “I—I’ll try, but it was so long ago, I dinna remember much.”

There was no mistaking the nervous tremor in her voice. The fact she found it difficult to look him directly in the eyes also led him to believe she was hiding something. “Do you remember Lady Deirdre?”

Her head snapped up and she glared at him. “I thought you came to ask about my time with Lady Katherine, not to discuss that horrible woman.”

“Then you do remember Deirdre,” he replied. “I dinna know Laurel’s mother, but was informed that the two of you were verra close. That despite the difference in your stations in life, you and Lady Kathrine were friends.”

“Aye, she was verra special and taken far too young. I miss her,” she replied on a shuddered breath.

“Did you not think it odd she died so suddenly?” Blair asked bluntly. “There are some who believe she was murdered.”

“Are you accusing me?” Elise asked. “I loved Lady Katherine and would never do anything to harm her.”

“Your fondness for your mistress and loyalty are not in question. But was there ever a time you thought there might be something evil afoot?.”

“I have nothing to say and wish to leave.” She bolted for the door, but Blair cut her off before she could leave.

He grasped her shoulders. “Why did you just run? Is it the same reason you left Thistledown Castle without so much as a word to anyone? You simply disappeared and have never returned. Not even to visit your kin.”

Elise peered up at him, remaining silent.

“Do you not think that people would find your actions unusual, if not suspicious?” Blair continued. “What of Lady Deirdre? You obviously dinna like the woman. Do you think her capable of poisoning her cousin-by-marriage?”

“She’s pure evil. I wouldna put anything past her,” she replied, then quickly covered her mouth.

Blair cupped Elise’s chin and lifted until their eyes met. “You are not alone in your opinion. Laurel has good reason to believe Deirdre not only poisoned Lady Katherine, but Laird MacClay as well.”

“She hated Lady Katherine, but loved Laird Brandon. Why would she kill him? With his wife out of the way, she had exactly what she wanted. He was free to marry her. She even offered to leave her husband Murray, the laird’s cousin, on more than one occasion.”

“She loved Brandon enough to commit murder?”

“The woman has no soul. She all but threw herself at the laird, offered him sexual favors and told everyone she was going to marry him. But the laird dinna love Deirdre. Rumor is that he dinna even like her, but tolerated her because his cousin Murray fancied her. Why, I never knew. They say she only married him out of spite when Laird Brandon became betrothed to Lady Katherine.”

“Do you think Deirdre poisoned Laurel’s mam?”

“I canna be sure. Please, m’lord, the past canna be changed. I have already said more than I should. Please dinna pursue this. Let it be,” she pleaded.

Elise twisted her hands so tight her fingers blanched. Panic laced her words, but he was not about to back down. “You were with Lady Katherine most of the time and on the night she died. Mayhap you are the only one who knows the truth. I willna drop this because I believe Laurel is in danger.”

“She is but a bairn. Deirdre has nothing to gain by harming her.”

“Laurel is nearly eighteen and is being forced to marry Murray and Deirdre’s son, Allan. I fear once the union is completed and her son is laird, Deirdre will see no reason to keep her around. In fact, Laurel’s presence could prove a hindrance to her plans.” Angst and frustration getting the better of him, he clutched the maid’s shoulders again, but this time shook her a little more harshly than he intended. “Tell me what you know.”

“You’re hurting me, m’lord.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I wish I could help you, but if I do, my—” She stopped mid-sentence.

Blair released her. “But what, Elise? Why did you leave the castle that night and why have you never returned?”

“Lady Deirdre warned if I told anyone about my suspicions and dinna leave immediately, she would have both my son and mother killed. My son was only eight summers and had just become a squire to her husband Murray. She refused to give her permission for Peter to accompany me and said she’d arrange an accident if I dinna do as she instructed.” Elise sucked in a ragged breath.

“My mam was not well at the time and too ill to travel, so I couldna bring her with me. Not that Deirdre would allow it. So I left. I had no idea where to go, had no coin, and it was by luck that I found a home here.”

Blair ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. “She thought of everything, didn’t she?”

“Aye. Lady Deirdre also said she would make it appear as though I poisoned Lady Katherine and that no one would believe she’d threatened me. She claimed the clan would see me hanged for the crime, or worse, burned as a witch. I had to do what she said,” she sobbed.

Blair encircled her shoulders with his arm, then ushered her to a nearby chair. “Sit down and calm yourself.”

Elise did as he asked, then peered up at him with tear-filled eyes. “So you see, there was no choice. I had to leave and couldna tell anyone why.”

“I understand, but you have a chance to set the wrong to right, and to help Lady Laurel,” Blair offered. “What led you to believe Deirdre killed your mistress?”

“Lady Katherine was but twenty summers and verra healthy. She gave birth to Laurel with no problem, was up and about the verra next day. She adored bairns. No woman could have been a better mother. She always told me she wanted at least six babes.”

“Yet, Laurel was an only bairn for four summers. Did they not try to have another babe in all that time?” Blair scratched his head, finding it hard to believe a virile warrior would not have many children if he was married to a strong, healthy lass he adored.

“Aye, they tried, but every time she thought she was with child, she suddenly got her courses. They also dinna have a lot of time to spend together. The war with England raged on and Laird Cameron was away, sometimes for months on end. Murray was fighting for the cause too, so Deirdre was staying at the castle, despite the fact she resented Lady Katherine. When the Bruce was victorious at Bannockburn in 1314, the laird came home to stay. It wasna long before Lady Katherine was with child.”

“I see.” Blair tapped his chin. “So she lost several other babes before the last. Is that correct?”

“We couldna be certain if she was breeding each time or not. But she would go a couple of months believing she was, then was crushed when she found out she was wrong.”

“But last time she carried the babe longer?”

“Almost six months.”

“But it wasna as easy as when she carried Laurel?”

“Nay, she suffered from severe sickness every morn. She wasna able to keep any food or drink down and grew frailer every day. Near the end, she could hardly hold up her head. The clan had no healer at the time and Laird Brandon asked Deirdre if she knew of any remedies that might help. There had been many rumors bandied about the keep that she had studied healing herbs for many years. Some even whispered that she was a witch, but the laird never set any store in gossip.”

“And did Deirdre offer a remedy?”

“Aye, but it dinna help. Come to think of it, Deirdre gave Lady Katherine potions each time she thought she was breeding. She claimed they would stop the morning sickness, and at the same time, strengthen the unborn babe. The elixir settled her stomach, but if anything, Lady Katherine grew weaker, and soon after, her courses started.”

Elise’s eyes widened, her mouth dropping open. She quickly crossed herself. “ There is a verra good chance Deidre gave Lady Katherine something that made her lose the babes each time. I must admit, by the last time she was with child, I had grown verra suspicious of Deirdre’s methods.”

Elise stood and began to pace. “Many women suffer from the morning ailment when first with child, but after a short time, they usually got over it. I found it peculiar that Lady Katherine grew weaker.”

“If you had concerns about Lady Katherine’s welfare, why did you not speak to Laird MacClay?”

“He adored his wife and was so distraught over her failing health that he wouldna listen. He honestly believed Deirdre was doing her utmost to find a cure. He even allowed her to try the barbaric act of bloodletting.” She closed her eyes and shuddered.

“And that is when you began to suspect that Deirdre’s intentions were not honorable?”

“Aye, but I couldna prove it. She always put her cures in a cup of mead, so it was impossible to detect if the drink was tainted. I began to follow her when she went to pick herbs and noticed she spent a lot of time in a patch of nightshade. While not knowledgeable about healing plants, I did know that Belladonna can be poisonous. It was used by the Greeks and Romans on deadly arrow tips, and was rumored to be used by men like King Macbeth to kill their enemies.”

“Did you confront her?”

Elise shook her head. “Nay. Not until it was too late. I was but a servant, and the laird had faith in her. Lady Katherine was too trusting as well. The night she died, I snuck into Deirdre’s chamber and found a large amount of nightshade on her bedside table. She caught me and that is when she told me to leave.”

“I need you to return with me and tell the magistrate what you found. Will you help Laurel prove her parents were murdered?” Blair asked.

“I canna go with you. Deirdre will make good on her threats. Besides, I wasna there when the laird died. No one would believe a servant over a lady.”

“They will listen if I accompany you. The laird took ill suddenly and died for no apparent reason. It happened a short time after he told Murray it was time he moved his family out of the castle. There is a good chance Deirdre took out her anger on Brandon in the same way she did his wife.” Blair replied. “I know you are worried about your kin, but your son is now a grown man and able to fend for himself.”

Elise dropped her chin. “I heard Peter was killed two summers ago on a hunting trip. He died thinking that I abandoned him.”

Blair stroked her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“But my mother is still alive and I canna risk her life.”

“What if I were to send a message to my brother, James, and ask him to go to your mam’s croft and guard her until we return? He and my brothers are there for the festival, and if necessary, they can escort your mother to Cameron Castle. There she will be welcomed and safe.”

“W-what if they fail?” Elise stammered. “You have no idea the lengths Deirdre might go.”

“You dinna know my brothers. Once they set their minds to something, there is no stopping them. They willna let anything happen to your mam.” Blair gave her a moment to collect her thoughts, before asking again. “Will you come with me, Elise? Together we will see that Deirdre canna hurt anyone ever again. It is time she paid for her evil deeds.”

Elise nodded. “I will accompany you, Lord Cameron. But first I must tell my husband I am leaving and why.” 

“What if he willna let you go? He wasna pleased when the laird insisted he fetch you.”

“My husband is a good and decent man. Mayhap a wee bit over protective, but that is only because he cares about me. We have been married one summer. I was alone for a verra long time and am lucky to have found him.” Elise headed toward the door. “I will do my best to make him understand.”

“Can you ride?” Blair asked as she was about to exit the room.

He hoped so. Otherwise, he would have to borrow a cart, and that would prolong their journey. As it was, time was tight and even at a fast pace, they might not make it back in time to stop the wedding.