Highland Love Song (DeWinter's Song 2) (24 page)

Arrian stared at the woman, who was five years older than she. "I will miss you. I feel that we have become friends. I also believe Jamie will make you a good husband, in time."

"I have come to believe this also. But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. First I must know how you feel about Ian."

Arrian didn't want to answer. "I'm not certain. So much has happened to confuse me."

"I've been watching you for some time, and I don't mean to pry, but I believe you love Lord Warrick."

Arrian was shocked that Helena could have read her so well. "Why would you say that?"

"Just from your actions. You are not happy when you are with Ian. That's why I want you to know what Jamie told me about Lord Warrick's sister. It's a closely guarded secret, so please don't let Ian know I told you."

"Of course I won't. Lady Gwendolyn didn't throw herself down the stairs, did she?"

"No, she didn't. It was an accident. Lady Gwendolyn was trying to flee from Gavin Maclvors, and they struggled. She lost her footing and fell to her death. Lord Gavin convinced everyone it would be best to claim that Lady Gwendolyn took her own life. Later, Gavin died under strange circumstances, but no one knows who killed him. However, he was stabbed with Lady Gwendolyn's own dagger. Do you not think that strange? There are those who say Gwendolyn's ghost killed him, and others who believe Lord Warrick committed the deed."

"If Warrick had killed Gavin, he would certainly have made sure everyone knew. He would have viewed it as a victory."

"Jamie doesn't think Lord Warrick did it, either."

Arrian took in a deep breath. Warrick needed to know that his sister had not taken her own life. He wanted Gwendolyn buried at Ironworth. If she did nothing else, she would see that Lady Gwendolyn's body was returned to her brother. Perhaps that would help him put some of his hatred aside.

"Thank you for telling me this, Helena. And I know you are going to be happy with Jamie and your son."

"I am, Arrian. I know the exact moment when I first began to love Jamie. It was strange the way it happened. I had been feeling ill every morning and I had no notion I was with child. But Jamie knew at once, because he recognized the symptoms. The love was just a small thing at first, but it grew with each passing day."

Arrian was no longer listening to Helena. She leaned against the garden gate for support. For several weeks now she had been feeling sick to her stomach just before breakfast. She had attributed it to the constant strain. This morning the sickness had been much worse. Was it possible that she was carrying Warrick's child?

Arrian wanted to cry out in agony. Gathering all her courage, she turned to Helena and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "You and Jamie must have a wonderful holiday."

Arrian walked quickly down the path, but instead of entering through the sitting room she went through the front door, hoping to avoid Ian.

Hurriedly she went up the stairs and down the hallway to her room.

Arrian waited for her mother. They always talked before they went to bed, but her mother was late that night. She moved to the ewer and dashed water on her face. She felt sick, or was it only her imagination?

There was a light tap on the door and Kassidy entered. Unfastening her jeweled necklace, she dropped it on Arrian's dressing table. "I can't stand many more of these nights. It's just not the same without Grandfather's bright conversation. I can't imagine what can be keeping your father."

"Mother, come and sit beside me. I want to talk to you about something serious."

"It's Ian, isn't it? I know he's urging you to make a decision. But short of insulting him, I don't know what to do, Arrian."

"No, it's not about Ian, Mother." Arrian twisted the sash at her waist. "How can a woman know if she is . . . is . . . with child?"

"It's not always apparent at first. Why, does Helena suspect she's having another baby?"

"No, Mother. Not Helena."

Kassidy's face paled and she stared at Arrian. She placed her hand on her daughter's forehead to see if she was feverish. "Why? Do you feel ill?"

"Each morning for several weeks I have felt sick, but as the day progressed, it would pass. I didn't mention it because I didn't think it was important."

"You're probably just coming down with something. We shall have to take better care of you."

"Mother, there are other signs. I just didn't think it was important until Helena mentioned how she felt sick before she had her baby." Arrian swallowed a painful lump in her throat. "Is it possible that I am going to have Warrick's baby?"

Tears glistened in Kassidy's eyes as she gathered Arrian to her. "Oh, my dearest, I sincerely hope not. Pray it is not so. You have already suffered enough."

Suddenly Arrian imagined what it would be like to have Warrick's child. In a burst of happiness she smiled and hugged her mother. "I wouldn't mind, Mother. By the law, I'm his wife."

Kassidy shook her head. "You can't mean that you're happy about this?"

"I wasn't until this moment."

Kassidy stood up and began pacing the floor. "It never occurred to me that this would happen."

"If it's so, Mother, I'll always have some part of Warrick with me. Do you suppose he would be happy if he knew about the baby?"

Kassidy leaned her head against the mantle of the fireplace, trying to clear her mind. Here was a snarl that she would need Raile to untangle. One thing was certain, Arrian did love Warrick.

"We could be mistaken, Arrian."

Arrian held out her arms to her mother. "Be happy for me, because I can assure you I am very elated."

"Oh, dearest, I cannot find it within me to feel happy about a situation that is only going to cause you pain."

Kassidy did not mention the trouble this news would bring. There would be Ian to consider, and there was no knowing how he would react. Then there was Lord Warrick, who might not be pleased about fathering a child by Arrian.

Tensions and tempers were high at Davinsham, and Kassidy hoped Raile would come before everything exploded.

23

The sky was darkening along the horizon, but Arrian hardly noticed. As always, whenever she was troubled, she went for a long walk. She moved along the grassy pathway at the front of the castle and paused by a large fountain where two lovebirds were entwined around the statue of a winged cupid. She vaguely wondered what distant relative had erected such a garish sculpture. Certainly it had not been her great-grandfather, for there had been no romance in his heart, and he had better judgment.

Continuing down the path, her mind returned to her own troubles. Now she was sure she was with child, and Ian had to be told. She glanced up at the sky, trying to think how best to approach him. It would have to be when they were alone—she owed him that much.

Her footsteps lagged when she saw Ian in the distance. Apparently he hadn't seen her, for he was headed in the direction of the kennel.

Arrian gathered her courage. She would tell Ian about the baby today. Perhaps now he'd agree that they could have no future together. He would not want a wife who was carrying a child fathered by Warrick Glencarin.

As she neared the kennel, Ian glanced up and smiled at her. "Grandfather's prize Gordon setter, Musky, had a litter last night." He shook his head. "I suppose I must stop thinking that everything still belongs to Grandfather. Musky is mine."

Arrian placed her hand on the head of a frisky two-year-old setter from Musky's previous litter. She was rewarded when the dog greeted her with a lick on her hand and a wagging tail.

"It's hard to believe Grandfather's gone," she said. "He was such a strong presence, I still expect to see him walking down the path with Musky at his heels."

Ian watched her closely. "Did you come to visit the kennel, or did you want to see me?"

The sun shone on his sandy-colored hair, and his dark eyes sparkled as he looked at her. Today he was more like the old Ian. Perhaps now was not a good time to speak of the baby.

"May I see the new litter?"

He opened the gate, leading her inside where Musky was confined with her pups. The dog greeted her with a wag of its tail.

Arrian bent to pick up a furry black pup, which snuggled against her cheek. "I'd forgotten how sweet puppies can be. This one is very precious."

"As soon as she's weaned, she's yours," Ian said. "You can train her as you wish."

She returned the pup to its mother. "Oh, no. I couldn't take one of Musky's pups. I know her bloodline is impeccable. Grandfather once told me that he had a list of patrons who waited for her to drop a litter."

Ian smiled and took her hand. "Arrian, everything I have is yours. I want you to be mistress of my home, to have my children, to sit across from me at the dinner table." He raised her hand to his lips. "I'll be the envy of everyone."

Arrian realized she could no longer delay telling him the truth. "I can't be your wife, Ian. And you wouldn't want me to be."

He led her out of the kennel and fastened the gate. "I won't pretend I'm happy about what happened to you at Glencarin. But I've been thinking, and I still want you for my wife. I'm willing to wait until you are free to marry me."

They walked down the path toward the castle and she stopped by the fountain. "It isn't that, Ian. It's much more." She dipped her hand in the pond and watched the water ripple.

He turned her to face him. "I don't care what your feelings are for that man, Arrian. I'm willing to overlook everything. That's how much I love you."

Her eyes locked with his. "Even if I am going to have Warrick Glencarin's child?"

She watched the softness in his eyes harden into intense anger. His face whitened as if he were ill. "No," he choked out. "You'll not have this bastard, do you hear me, Arrian? I'll not permit it!"

She backed away, for the first time feeling afraid of him. "The baby will be legitimate, Ian. I am Warrick's legal wife and that cannot be disputed."

He grabbed her wrist and yanked her to him. "There are ways a woman can rid her body of an unwanted child. Magda, in the village, can rid you of it."

She covered her mouth with horror. "You are mad, Ian. Do you think I would do anything to harm my unborn baby?"

"You will do what I say—and I say you will be rid of this Drummond bastard."

She jerked her hand free and ran a few steps away from him. "I told you before, Ian, I am not of your clan and you can't order my life."

He caught up with her and swung her around, slamming her into the fence. "We would have been married by now and I would have had sway over every aspect of your life, had it not been for that man. You will go to Magda, if not today, then tomorrow."

At that moment, to Arrian's relief, a housemaid hurried down the path toward them. "Lady Arrian," she called out, puffing to catch her breath. "There's someone asking to see you."

Ian shoved her away from him. "Go, it's probably your mother. But don't forget what I said. We aren't finished with this, Arrian. I'd rather see you dead than to give birth to that man's whelp."

Arrian backed away from him, her heart pounding with fear. She turned and ran to meet the maid, glad to be rescued. This was still another side of Ian that she had never seen—a violent side—and it frightened her.

"There's a gentleman asking to see you, m'lady. He says his name is Mactavish."

Arrian glanced back to see if Ian was listening, but he had returned to the kennel. "Is he alone?"

"But for his driver, m'lady."

"Where is he?"

"He said he'd wait for you at the front of the house. I told him no proper lady would meet a gentleman under such a condition, but he insisted I inform you he's here."

Arrian practically flew down the path, her heart beating like thunder. At least she would have some news of Warrick. Was it possible he had sent Mactavish for her? Would she go to him if he had?

Mactavish stood beside the coach with his hands clasped behind him. When he saw Arrian, his eyes lit up with genuine pleasure.

"M'lady, it's good to see you looking so well."

She offered him her hand and he touched it lightly.

"I'm happy to see you, Mactavish. Are you . . . is everyone faring well?"

"Indeed. Indeed."

"Would you like to come inside? I'm sure you must be hungry and thirsty."

He grinned at her. "I'm taking a chance coming here as it is. I'll not test Providence by entering the lion's den."

"Did Warrick send you?"

"That he did, m'lady." He opened the coach and withdrew her jewel chest and placed it in her arms. "He's returned these and all your trunks."

"Oh." Her heart hit bottom. "Did he send me a message?"

Mactavish looked into the shiny blue eyes. It was apparent that Lady Arrian missed Warrick.

A shadow fell across Arrian's face, and she looked up to see Ian standing beside her.

"So the watchdog comes for his master," Ian said icily. "I would have thought you too wily to put yourself so conveniently into my hands, Mactavish."

"I came to see Lady Arrian. My business is with her and has nothing to do with you."

"Oh, does it not? Everything that concerns Lady Arrian concerns me. All I have to do is call out and you will be surrounded by my men. Unless I say the word, you'll never leave here alive."

"Now I'm truly scared," Mactavish said.

"Leave him alone, Ian," Arrian said. "He only came to return my belongings. You will not harm him."

"I happen to know this man is Lord Warrick's right arm. Perhaps the chief himself will come if he knows his dog is locked in my dungeon."

Several men had begun closing in around them, and Arrian moved to stand in front of Mactavish. "If you don't let him go, I'll never speak to you again. His reason for being here has nothing to do with you, Ian."

Ian moved closer. "He's a Drummond and that concerns me."

Kassidy suddenly appeared beside her daughter and quickly assessed the situation. "How good of you to bring my daughter's clothing, Mactavish. Tell Lord Warrick it was most thoughtful of him to return them."

"He won't be going anywhere, to tell anyone anything," Ian said, stepping closer to Mactavish.

Kassidy moved past Ian, ignoring his threat. "You, there." She motioned to lan's armed men. "Help unload my daughter's trunks so this man can be on his way. Hurry, he'll want to be off before dark."

Ian glowered at Kassidy, but he said nothing as his men moved forward to do her bidding.

lan's voice came out in a growl. "We'll settle this at a later time, Mactavish. A time when you aren't hiding behind a woman's skirt. As it is, my men and I will escort you from my land."

For some reason Arrian didn't trust Ian. "You'll not harm Mactavish, will you?"

"Not if you ask it of me, Arrian," Ian answered smiling. But there was something sinister in his gaze—or was she mistaken?

Kassidy's eyes issued the huge man a warning. "I would suggest you leave at once. It doesn't seem to be healthy around here for you." Still not trusting Ian, she felt compelled to speak to him. "Please remember this man is our guest. I'll expect you to treat him accordingly."

Ian was sulky as he waved several men forward. "Your guest is about to be escorted off my land."

Arrian smiled. "Thank you for bringing my trunks."

Mactavish politely touched his hat, bowing first to Kassidy and then to Arrian. "I'll wish you both well," he said, swinging to the top of the carriage and nodding for the driver to pull away.

Ian and his men closed around the coach. Arrian moved closer to her mother and they both watched her trunks being carried up the steps.

"Ian won't harm Mactavish, will he, Mother?"

"I would think he'll not break his word. I can't see what purpose it would serve to hurt Lord Warrick's servant."

"Warrick sent no word to me, Mother."

"I didn't think he would, Arrian. I'm sure he feels he had no right to say anything to you."

"I left a letter telling him to keep the jewels. I wonder why he didn't?"

"He's a proud man, Arrian. And honor seems to be important to him. That's why he returned the jewels." Kassidy changed the subject. "Did you tell Ian about the baby?"

"Yes, and he was furious. I have never seen him like that." She shivered. "I don't want to talk about it. I want to go home," Arrian whispered. "If we could make time go backwards and I could do it all over again, how different the outcome would be."

"You can never go back," her mother told her.

Kassidy watched her daughter turn away sadly and walk up the steps, knowing she could not help her. If only Aunt Mary had not left, she would know how to advise Arrian.

Mactavish kept his eyes on Ian Maclvors. He knew what Lady Arrian and her mother did not—that the new chief of Clan Maclvors was not going to let him go as easily as they thought.

After riding for an hour, Ian motioned the coachman to pull over. When the horses came to a halt, Ian ordered Mactavish to step down, while one of his men held a rifle on the driver. Ian ordered another of his men to tie Mactavish's hands behind him. He then ordered Mactavish dragged into the woods where they would not be disturbed.

Mactavish was tied to a tree, and he watched Ian toy with the silver handle of his whip.

"You know what I'm going to do to you?" Ian taunted.

"Little I care," Mactavish said. "Do your worst and get it over with."

Ian circled him. "If you beg, I might let you off with just a warning."

Mactavish stood tall, his eyes straight ahead. "I'll beg nothing from a Maclvors pig."

Ian reacted violently, bringing the whip handle hard against the side of Mactavish's head. The man slumped against the ropes.

Ian circled him again, and with all his strength slammed the handle into Mactavish's midsection. The big man's knees buckled.

"I have changed my mind, Ian Maclvors—you aren't a pig, you're a bastard. If you'll untie me, I'll show you who's the best man."

The handle came down with force against Mactavish's temple, and this time he did fall forward, sagging against the ropes that cut into his wrists. There was blood running down his face, and into his eyes.

Mactavish pulled against the rope that restrained him, but he could not break the bounds. "Kill me and get it over with, Maclvors. I have no fear of you," he said, staggering to his feet.

"I don't want you dead." Ian prodded his chest with the whip handle. "I want you to deliver a message to your chief for me."

"I'm not your messenger."

"Oh, I think you'll want to tell him this."

"If you're not the coward you appear to be, come with me to Glencarin and you can tell Lord Warrick in person. I'm sure he'll give you the same welcome you gave me."

This time the leather whip lashed out, cutting deeply through Mactavish's shirt and slicing through his skin. He gritted his teeth to keep from crying out.

"Listen to me because I want every word repeated to Warrick Glencarin."