Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) (21 page)

Chapter Fourteen

Katherine moved away from Alexander to the far side
of the bed, covered herself with the sheet and wept in silence. The realization
of what had just happened between them tore at her heart. True, she had made
the decision to give herself to him, but in doing so, she'd lost all hope of a
life built on love and understanding. In their mutual stubbornness to prove
each other wrong, they had shattered their chance of a loving relationship.

All these weeks she'd waited, yearning for him to
come so they might begin a life together, were for naught. Her dreams of years
filled with caring and contentment would never come about. Everything was gone.
There was nothing left.

She couldn't bear the thought of remaining with
him now. She would leave; go somewhere else. Anywhere. But she must convince
someone to help her. William had given her escort before…

Dear God. Where was William? Sweet Mary, don't let
those two men have harmed him. She must find them and explain.

Explain what? That she foolishly thought she could
make Alexander love her? How could there be love? They did not even trust each
other.

Drawing a ragged breath, she threw a worried
glance at Alexander. Thankfully his eyes were closed and she no longer saw the
searing accusation in them. His broad chest rose and fell in even rhythm as he
slept. She bit her lip to stifle the moan emanating from her soul. How could he
lay there sleeping so peacefully? Did he truly care so little?

Slowly, she slid from the bed, leaving the
stained, crumpled sheet where it lay. She dared not wake him. Tears streamed
down her face as she picked up her clothes. She dressed and tread softly to the
entrance of the room. Silently, she pulled his dirk free and unbolted the
chamber door. Then she froze, staring at the deadly blade in her grip. She
looked over at his prone form and balanced the dirk in the palm of her hand.
'Twould be so easy.

No, he had not forced her. She had given her body
of her own free will to prove her innocence. If only he had believed her
without… A shudder racked her body as she stood in the silent room.

A soft groan quickly drew her attention back to
Alexander. Sweet Mary, had he awakened? She should have escaped whilst she
could. Frozen, she gripped the dirk tighter in her hand and held her breath
while she waited for him to move, to speak. Would he acknowledge the great
wrong he'd done or come at her again in vengeance? 

The minutes dragged by in silent stillness. No, he
would not apologize. It mattered naught to him. She cast one last glance at
him, then bent her wrist back in a smooth movement and quickly released the
blade. The knife flew true and sank almost noiselessly into the wooden
floorboard at her feet. Stepping past it, she walked to her chamber without
looking back.

The room she had taken as her own when she and William
had arrived at the castle, weary and wounded from their danger-plagued journey
was small, but she had no need of a large one.

Katherine stripped away her clothing and washed
from the room's ewer of drinking water. The cool water cleansed away the telltale
signs and eased some of her pain. But it couldn't wipe away the ache in her
heart. After cleaning herself, she dressed in a simple gray gown and sat on the
room's narrow bed and brushed her hair until it lay smoothly about her.

If only her tormented thoughts could be so easily
untangled. Rising from the bed, she paced the floor. There had to be a reason
for her husband to think what he did. What was it? She must find the answer.
But where should she begin?

Her mother's words flashed through her mind. Be
brave and follow your heart. Nodding, she took a deep breath for badly needed
courage and headed toward the stairs.

As she entered the laird's hall and looked about
her, she saw a young servant putting everything back in its proper place. Other
than the girl, the room was empty of life. Who were the two strangers who had
followed her husband's orders? Their faces were no more than a blur as the
horrible scene between Alexander and his brother unfolded in her mind.

The servant looked up at her with frightened eyes
and whispered, "Are ye well, m'lady?"

"Aye, well enough. Where have the strangers
taken Sir William and his man?"

The girl silently pointed across the room to a
door left slightly ajar.

"Thank you, lass. Perhaps it would be best
that you take yourself from the keep for a time." Katherine watched as the
girl scurried away, then she headed toward the open door. She wandered in and
out of several chambers and corridors, then down a long flight of stairs before
she realized she'd entered a section of the castle she had never seen before.

The corridor smelled of dampness and mold, as if
it never saw the light of day. It seemed not many people made use of it, for
few torches were lit. Dank chill penetrated her clothing and she shivered. She
walked on for several minutes then hesitated at the next turn in the dim
labyrinth. Should she keep going?

Muffled voices coming from further down the
corridor convinced her. Saying a silent prayer for courage, she stood on
tiptoe, lifted a smoky torch from its iron holder and walked toward the sound.
As she got closer, she detected male voices raised in anger. She could hear
their words clearly through a small barred window in a thick, iron-studded door
ahead of her.

William's voice rang out and she winced at the similarity
to Alexander's. "God's blood, man. Have you lost all reason and honor?
Release me from here and let me see to the safety of Lady Katherine! I do not
know what fit has overtaken my brother, but I fear for her safety in the
enraged state I saw him last. I tell you, you must not keep me here." 

She set the torch down on the stone floor a few
feet from the door and peered through the opening. The two strangers stood with
their backs toward her. She could just see a portion of William's face between
them. Bolstering her courage, she reminded herself there was no valid reason to
fear Alexander's men. She would explain all that she knew, then pray she could
trust her safety to them as she had with his brother.

She pulled at the heavy door, but it did not give
way. Frustration snapped her thin veil of calm. She cried out and pounded on
the rough dark wood. "Sir William! 'Tis Lady Katherine. Let me in!"

The door swung open immediately. Losing her
balance, she tumbled into the room and lay prostrate on the floor. She looked
at William. He sat crouched in an uncomfortable looking position. Three
different voices shouted at her at once. "My lady, what are ye doing
here?" "Where is your lord?" "Lady Katherine, are you
injured?" Through the bombardment, she looked more closely at William in
hopes of understanding the situation into which she had fallen, quite
literally.

What she saw puzzled her. Why was he, with his
broken leg, sitting so that his weight leaned heavily upon it? Understanding
dawned on her when he tried to stand. The shackles about his wrists made it
impossible for him to rise, even if his broken leg had not prevented him from
doing so. Fear dawned on her as she realized her location in the castle. What
grisly fate did Alexander have in mind to order his brother cast into the
dungeon? And where was William's man?

She turned her gaze to one of the strangers. He
was a tall, well-built man with brown hair and mustache. His face seemed
distantly familiar, but she couldn't remember from where. He approached, gently
helped her to her feet and guided her to a narrow ledge in the stone wall where
she could sit. "My lady, I am Laird David Drummond, close friend to your
husband. This is Malcolm, his head man-at-arms. We came here with Alexander
when 'twas feared that you and his brother might have met with danger on the
road."

Drummond paused and cleared his throat. "I
fear circumstances of the last few weeks you and he have been together need to
be explained. Alexander spoke of you and his brother as… well, behaving in a
way that dishonored your marriage vows. Malcolm and I accompanied your husband
here in hopes the truth might be found."

Shocked, she looked at both men, searching their
faces for hope in the horrible falsehood. Seeing no readable expression of
emotion, she turned back to Laird Drummond. "And do you now hold judgment
over us? How dare you do so! William's and my actions are blameless! What proof
do you have to attest to such an unthinkable lie? Fie. 'Twould have been better
if I had walked into the sea until it had drawn the breath from my body than
ever to have married Alexander MacGregor!"

Laird Drummond spoke quietly. "My lady, your
words can be taken two ways. Do you plead innocence or contempt for being found
out?" 

Before she could reply, William, strained at his
chains and yelled, "For the love of God, man! You know I would never cause
Alexander hurt or dishonor. Lady Katherine came to me and asked safe escort to
Ironwood after receiving word to meet my brother here. Two of my men and I undertook
the journey with her to ensure her safety. And only that."

He glowered at his captors and shook a manacled
fist. "On our journey, we were attacked, leaving one of my men dead, and
me with a twisted and broken leg. Lady Katherine and my remaining man refused
to leave me to search for safety for themselves. We took sanctuary in the
forest until nightfall and then made our way here. Since we did not know from
which direction the attackers had come, we fortified the inner keep and awaited
my brother." 

Raising both shackled arms up in a sign of
frustration, he continued in a fierce growl. "If we had committed the
dishonor you speak of, do you think you would have been allowed to enter the
castle grounds as you were? Don't you think Lady Katherine and I would have
ordered the gates closed against you? If we were guilty of such a deed, we
would surely have refused you entry or taken flight when your banners were
spotted."

Katherine stood slowly, holding onto the stone
ledge for support. "Laird Drummond, I have the proof of our innocence
which you seek. But before I give you that proof, I ask for your word that you
will send for a physician to properly care for Sir William and allow me to
leave here of my own free will as soon as I can find safe escort. Doubt not
that I wish to leave."

All three men looked at her. Laird Drummond
nodded. "I give you my word."

Katherine leaned her hot face against the cool
stone and closed her eyes. "I shall hold you to that. Now, send Malcolm to
the lord's chamber. Have him look upon his laird and the bloodied sheet
Alexander sleeps upon. The virgin blood still fresh upon the sheet was taken
from me by my husband but a short time past."

Silence followed her words as if each man knew in
his soul that she spoke the truth. Within minutes, Malcolm returned, his
expression grim. He nodded silently at the other man's questioning look.
William shouted into the air above him. "Damn you, Alexander! How could
you treat your wife so?"

Laird Drummond and Malcolm dropped to their knees
before them. Drummond spoke first. "Lady MacGregor, Sir William, from the
depths of my soul, I humbly give my apology for doubting your honor. Even
though witness to Alexander's wrath, I know now what he was told was a
blasphemous lie. I let my strong friendship with him cloud my judgment. For
that, I do beg your forgiveness." Rising, he walked over to William and
unlocked the chains that bound his wrists.

William's fist shot out, slamming into Laird
Drummond's face, knocking him to the floor. Drummond sat there in silence, then
stood and bowed to William. "I do not blame you. I would have done the
same. Now, may I help you upstairs?"

"Aye."

 Malcolm, still kneeling, said, "My Lady, if
ye will allow it, I will serve ye unquestioning fer the rest of my days."

Touched by the raw sincerity of his oath,
Katherine gently laid her hand upon his shoulder. "Malcolm, I ask only
that you guide me safely from here to the nearest port where I may book passage
elsewhere. I shall not remain here. You may return to the service of your laird
upon seeing me safely away."

Malcolm looked up sadly at her. "Lady
MacGregor, if 'twere within my power, I would willingly do so, but I am sworn
to serve Alexander and canna go against his will. Ask aught of me other than be
forsworn to him, and though it cost my life, I would gladly give it." He
leaned down and silently touched his forehead to the hem of her gown.

Drummond's voice cut across the dank room.
"Lean on me, William. 'Twill make it easier on your injured leg."
Turning to face Katherine, he added, "My lady, I will keep my word.
Malcolm, see to it that William's man is released from the other cell."

Katherine followed silently as the small group
slowly made their way back to the bright torchlight above. As they reached the
main corridor, she turned away from them and climbed the stairs by herself. She
was alone now. Aye, and always would be.

Chapter Fifteen

Katherine sank down upon her bed and thought over
what had happened, searching for answers. She was exhausted from the events of
the past few hours yet her emotions would not rest. Shattered dreams; 'twas all
she had left. As she lay there, she remembered the morn she'd spent riding with
Alexander. Of his telling her about his family while they strolled in the
garden. He had been so gentle, so pleasant. What had happened to change that?

Eventually, weariness overtook her and she slept
for a few hours. When the room turned chilly, she awoke and added wood to the
dying fire, stretching her arms toward the growing warmth. She stared into the
flames and thought of the bond of trust her parents shared. 'Twas how she had
hoped her marriage with Alexander would be.

 Who told him she had been unfaithful? Fie, did it
really matter? Surely, if he trusted her, he would not have believed the lie.
That was the problem. He didn't trust her.

How could she live with a man who didn't trust
her? The simple truth was, she couldn't. No, wouldn't. She had her pride as
well. As soon as she could do so, she would leave and try to bury all this
heartache in the past. She would begin a new future for herself, elsewhere.
Alone.

The mere thought was anguish. She knew she would
always yearn for her dream of a happy future with a loving husband, surrounded
by their children and families. It had been one she'd longed for. But she would
never know that with Alexander. And, despite what he thought of her honor, she
would never forsake the marriage vows she'd pledged. She would remain alone.

Over the last few weeks, her fondness for him had
grown, giving her hope that he felt the same. Did she really care for him or
simply for the idea of having someone to love? In his absence, had her heart
imagined things that were not so?

A thick, gray mist rose outside the castle,
blocking the moonlight and casting the room into even darker shadow. The
darkness matched the emotions of her heart. Every bright hope she'd had was
gone. They had drifted away with the wind, just as the mist that rolled in
every night.

Travel would not be possible for a few days. She
must make certain Sir William was given the medical help he needed, and she
must prepare her few belongings for the journey. Thinking of the many grand
wedding gifts they'd received brought another pain of regret. The gifts were
meant to build a future together. Now they were meaningless. She would not take
any of the gifts they had been given. Her own belongings would have to be
enough to start fresh in some distant place.

Desiring something to ease her nerves, she rose,
poured a goblet of wine and sat on the rug before the fire. Slowly, she sipped
her drink and stared into the hypnotic flames. When she felt soothed once more,
she returned to her bed and prayed she would sleep.

The pale threads of dawn broke over the
battlements as she awoke. She yawned and stretched, reluctant to rise from her
warm bed to face the cold emptiness of her future. But there was much to be
done before she could leave. By the time the sun lifted above the horizon, she
had bathed and changed into a fresh gown.

When a timid knock sounded on her chamber door,
she opened it to find a young maid standing in the corridor, fidgeting with her
apron. "I beg yer pardon, m'lady but one of the MacGregors has taken ill.
I'm told he sweats and moans and thrashes about in his bed somethin' fierce.
I've been sent to bring ye to his bedside fer yer knowin' of healin' potions
and such."

Katherine threw a shawl about her shoulders,
grabbed up her basket of herbs and remedies, and followed the servant. Her
thoughts assailed her as she hurried down the dim corridor. This was
Alexander's fault. The rough treatment and damp cell where he'd ordered William
to be taken must have brought on a fever and further damaged his leg.

 When she turned toward William's wing of the
castle, the maid stopped her. "Nay, m'lady, he lies this way."

"I do not understand. If Sir William is so
ill, why was he moved from the comfort of his own chamber?"

"'Tis not Sir William who has taken ill,
m'lady, 'tis Sir Alexander."

"But, I thought you spoke of Sir William. Sir
Alexander was not injured when he arrived. How is it he could be so ill in so
short a time?"

"'Tis sorry, I am, m'lady. I ken naught of
such things, only that Laird Drummond bid me fetch ye. He awaits ye in the
laird's chamber."  

When Katherine reached the door to Alexander's room,
she froze. Sweet Mary, she didn't want to go in there. That room meant nothing
but shame and shattered dreams. How could she face Alexander now?

A man's angry voice carried through the closed
door. "Does no one here know what to do? Where is Lady MacGregor?"

The wide-eyed maid looked at her in a silent plea.
Katherine drew a deep breath and shoved the door open.

Dear Lord, what was going on? The chamber was
stifling and filled with thick smoke. Both window shutters were closed. The
blaze in the fireplace raged as Malcolm added additional wood. The curtains on
the large bed were drawn shut except for the side where Laird Drummond stood,
his face creased in obvious worry.

He looked up as Katherine rushed over and reached
out to her. "Lady Katherine, thank God you've come. I've been told you
have experience with the uses of curatives and healing potions. You must help
him. I fear 'tis lung fever."

Katherine gasped as she stared down at Alexander.
His face was a pale reflection of the one she remembered. The rich green of his
eyes had vanished, replaced by the wide unconscious stare of dilated black
pupils. His skin was a chalky white pallor. Sweat beaded his forehead leaving
his damp hair plastered to his face and neck. He writhed in delirium, twisting
bed sheets about him and scattering furs across the bed. When he struggled,
hands clinging to the blankets, his knuckles appeared swollen, the skin
stretched tight.

Stunned, she shot a questioning glance at
Drummond. "He seemed fit enough yesterday. Tired perhaps, but not weak and
sickening…"

Her voice trailed off as the vivid memory of their
last time together flooded her mind. She felt her face grow hot and quickly
looked away. "How could he be so ill in such a short time?"

Drummond frowned and shook his head. "Alex
rode alone from court in poor weather for five days to join you at During
Castle. When he arrived there and found you gone, he did not eat or rest, but
instead set out with all speed for Ironwood. The night we joined him, he slept
outside on the ground and did not take shelter in his tent. Later, he ate
little, and wouldn't stop or even slow the journey to take shelter from a
fierce storm. I fear the harsh journey has now left its mark on him."

"But why did he feel compelled to such haste
to reach us here? He should have rested." Anger flashed through her as she
realized the answer. "Did he seek to arrive here quickly because he
thought his brother and I were lovers? 'Tis folly!" She shook her head.
"I have never given him cause to doubt me. He didn't push himself so
fierce to be with me. Only to accuse me and cast me aside."

She saw the look of obvious regret on Laird
Drummond's face. When he quickly looked away and did not reply, her voice rose.
"Or was it to be worse? A man may condemn his wife to death if she be
found a whore. Tell me. Is that what he planned for me? And what of his
brother? My God, I cannot believe a man could be so changed. So filled with
hate."

Drummond pulled at the neck of his shirt as if it
were too tight. "My lady, I have known Alexander most of our lives and I
tell you when he was told you and his brother had been found, uh, together, he
near went mad with grief as well as anger."

"Who spoke that lie?"

"I know not. Alex would not tell us who spoke
against you and Sir William. I do know I have ne'er seen him so
anguished."

"If he was anguished, as you claim, 'twas
only because he craved revenge for his wounded pride. In the short time we had
together before he left for court, he showed no great love for me. He sent nary
a word to me of missing me while we were apart." Her voice trembled, but
she forced herself to continue "Once, before we were wed, he spoke to me
of the strong bond between his father and mother. I know he believed in their
love, but it seems he does not believe the same for us."

The man before her nodded his head sadly.
"Aye, he did speak of revenge but 'twas more to his feelings than that. I
have seen him in the midst of battle when his life was in danger and his anger
became a calculated, trained fury. Concern for honor and what he felt was
right, made him a deadly foe indeed."

Drummond sighed. "Yet his fury on the
battlefield was naught compared to the rage and emotion Malcolm and I beheld on
our journey here. I believe he has stronger feelings for you than he may
realize. Even in his telling of what he had been made to believe of you and his
brother, he spoke of your beauty and kindness."

"If he has such feelings, then why did he
seek to harm Sir William and me? I cannot understand it. Perhaps, Laird Drummond,
you seek my help for him only to relieve your guilt in being a part to all of
this."

He solemnly bowed his head. "I deserved that.
I am guilty of being part of this, as you say. But, on my honor, my lady, I
seek help for Alex out of long friendship and a hope you will not leave. That
you two might yet learn to be happy together."

"Your words sound sincere, my lord, but I
have seen little to convince me of this honor you so proudly speak of."

"Aye, 'tis true. But, as I swore to do, I
have already sent for a physician for Sir William and have given him my own
man-at-arms to see to his comfort and safety. I beseech you to show kindness
and mercy. Give aid to Alexander. If after you do this, you still wish to
leave, I will personally escort you to whatever port you ask and see you well
paid as well."

"I want no payment for giving my help!"

A low moan reverberated from Alexander's throat
and he tossed and turned in the bed.

She looked down at the pallid shadow of the man
she knew, the sight touching her heart in spite of her hurt and anger. She
sighed, then straightened her shoulders and faced her husband's friend. "I
will do what I can. But you must agree to abide by the treatment I advise. I
will not fight your interference as well as Alexander's illness."

Laird Drummond's lips curved in a smile.
"Thank you. You shall have my complete agreement, my lady. You are truly a
kind-hearted lass. Alex is blessed to have such a compassionate and strong
willed wife."

Katherine answered with a touch of her old spirit.
"We shall see if you still feel that way later, my lord. Now, kindly see
that a servant is sent to the kitchen for the provisions I request. Have two of
your strongest men and a carpenter sent here at once."

A puzzled expression crossed his face, but he nodded
and left.

She immediately went to work, ordering the
servants to open the shutters to the window so fresh air and sunlight could
enter. Hearing the snap and crackle of the blazing fire, she looked over as
Malcolm added another piece of wood to the already huge inferno. "Fie,
Malcolm, do not put any more wood on. 'Tis too hot in here already."

The older man looked up, his face set in a tight
scowl. "Alexander is chilled, my lady. I willna stand by and let him
shiver."

Something inside her snapped. She advanced on
Malcolm with the fury of a thunderstorm. Although he towered over her, she
fisted her hands on her hips and shouted up at him. "Don't tell me what
you will or will not do! You men think you can solve everything by fire and
sword. I am giving the orders in this chamber. You will do as I say or I will
have you removed from here and not allowed to return. Now, dampen that
fire!"

For a moment he looked as if he would argue so she
spoke again in a gentler fashion. "I vow to you, I will do everything in
my power to help him."

He looked from her to Alexander and back to her
again, then nodded silently. Grasping the iron poker, he stooped over and
spread the burning wood and coals apart, lessening the fire's heat.

Several men had entered the chamber as she vented
her emotions and stood as if dumbfounded. One of the men smirked and called
out, "By the rood, Malcolm, ne'er have I seen ye so meek and mild afore.
Do ye—" His words halted abruptly as Katherine spun around and glared at
him.

"Give it to him, lassie," Malcolm
muttered under his breath.

Though the words were hushed, she heard them and
fought back the urge to smile. She marched over until she stood face to face
with the man, crossed her arms over her chest, narrowed her eyes and glared at
him, forcing him to step backward and lower his eyes. "And just who are
you
to question my decision?"

The man stumbled over his words as he hurried to
reply. "B…beggin' yer pardon m'lady. We be the carpenters ye sent
fer."

"Well,
carpenter
, I suggest you keep
your mind on the work to be done. Or did you think you were you sent here to
stand about asking foolish questions?"

"N…no, my lady."

As she headed across the room, she glanced back at
Malcolm. He puffed up his chest and shot a wide grin at the carpenter.
Following his look, she saw the sullen set of the other man's mouth and called
out to him. "Don't just stand there. Come over here so I can explain what
I want you to do." Men! Sometimes they were no better than overgrown
bairns.

Reaching her husband's bedside, she yanked wide
the heavy curtains and pointed to the furniture's massive frame. "I want
you to move this over in front of yon window. Then build me some sort of
platform that will raise the head of the bed at an angle."