Kara Griffin - Gunn Guardsmen (18 page)

Grey nodded. “Aye, come, Elisa. The king has left.”

“Good day, have any of you seen Kenneth?”

They shook their heads.

She noticed the black eye Duff sported for it swelled. “Oh, Duff, that looks like it hurts. Here.” She took the pitcher of ale from the table and soaked a cloth in it. “Let me soothe it. This should make it better. Keep it on for twenty minutes.”

Then she noticed James’ eye and gave them a reproachful frown for fighting. “Oh my, let me see. It doesn’t appear to need a stitch but the cut is a mite deep. You should put a cloth on your eye, too.” She took another cloth, dipped in the ale and slapped it on his face.

The men didn’t say anything, not even a thank you for her care. Their silence made her feel awkward at being there. She realized she needed to escape. “I believe I shall go and see how Bree is doing. Good day.” She took the steps and hurried to the upper level and knocked at the door.

Kait answered and let her inside. “Elisa, come, the bairns just finished feeding. Bree is sleeping.”

Before she could protest, one of the bairns was thrust into her arms. The babe was so light and she sensed how fragile he was. She held the lad, she realized for he was wrapped in a blue covering.

“He’s beautiful. They both are.”

“Aye, sweet wee lambs.” Kait motioned her to take a seat next to the one she’d taken. She sat holding the lass. “One day I shall have a wee one, but I hope not more than one at a time. They’re wearing me out.”

Elisa smiled and rocked the babe. Bree was exhausted and slept soundly. “So tell me what is happening. I saw tables being set up outside.”

“We’re to have a celebration to announce the births. All of the clan has been called. It is a joyous time.”

“Where’s Sunny? I thought she would be here with the babes.” Elisa patted the small bundle in her arms. The babe made a soft sound and snuggled contently against her.

“She’s probably off helping the women set up entertainment for the children. The celebration may last for days. Sunny always takes charge of the children during celebrations.”

“Why does Duff have a black eye? Has he and James been fighting?”

Kait set the babe against her shoulder and patted her back. “Nay, he fought with Kenneth.”

“And James? Why does he have a cut above his eye?”

Kait focused on the bairn and didn’t look up when she replied, “He fought with Kenneth also.”

Elisa raised her brow. “Is there anyone who hasn’t fought with Kenneth this day?”

“‘Tis doubtful.”

“Would you mind telling me why everyone has been fighting with him?”

“He was angry.”

Getting an answer out of Kait was akin to making steel from water.

“Aye, and I suppose he would be because …” Kait repositioned the babe and cooed. “… Grey commanded him to leave and claim the lairdship of the clan McInnish.”

“I see, and Kenneth objected?”

“Aye, did he. Mightily. Duff teased him and Kenneth took offense. He is none too pleased to be going to McInnish land, I tell you that. He took a jug and went off to drown his stomach and sorrows. No one knows where he went off to.”

Elisa’s heart thudded. Kenneth needed her but she didn’t know where to find him. And she wasn’t sure he would want to see her considering she caused all his difficulties. She realized the only reason he’d have to leave was for her protection.

Kait set the lass in the cradle next to the bed and took the lad from her and set him beside his sister. She rocked the cradle for a few moments before turning back to her.

“Bree will want to rest a wee longer before she comes down. Let us go to the celebration.”

As they left the chamber, Nell approached. “Go. I shall watch over the bairns and come to get Grey when Bree is ready to come down.”

Elisa left the hall which was now vacated. Outside many of the clan had gathered and from the look of it probably all, for there were many more present than earlier. Spits were set with various animals roasting. Elisa shook her head, sickened by the thought of those poor animals …

Dancing began and some of the women wore rings of flowers on their heads. The men, who stood around numerous kegs, raised their cups, making boisterous toasts at the birth of the bairns.

Elisa sat by herself watching all the happenings around her. She’d never seen such festivity. The children ran to and fro, amused by their games. Such joy and yet she felt wretched.

Sunny approached and sat next to her. She gave her a cup of ale. “For you.”

“Thank you, Sunny.”

“I heard you married Kenneth. Do you love my uncle?”

Elisa was aghast at being asked such a question by someone her age. “Not at this moment.”

“You should love him. He deserves to be loved. I vow he’s a good man.”

It was sweet the way the girl of ten summers stood up for her uncle. Elisa thought her defense of him quite remarkable. “I know he is good, Sunny. I likely will love him one day, just not today.”

“He’s gone to his special place.”

“What special place is that?”

“He likes to sit in the boats when he’s angry or when something is bothering him. I used to go there with him when I was wee.”

“Oh.” Elisa couldn’t bear the thought of him sitting alone. She’d thought to go to him but she didn’t know where the boats were and she wasn’t sure he wanted company. He was angry and mayhap it was best to leave him be. She’d learned long ago: never bother a cat with drawn-out claws.

James came and sat on the other side of her. “Why are you sitting here? You should be dancing.”

“Does it hurt?” She looked at his eye. “I’m sorry Kenneth struck you.”

“If it will make you dance with me, then I’ll say aye it hurts.” He moaned, mockingly. “Aye I can barely see because of what your husband did.” James laughed when she drew an affronted breath.

Elisa laughed. “That is one way to get a dance partner. Sympathy will go a long way this eve I suspect, James. You may as well use it to your advantage.”

James took her hand just as the bard began singing boisterously and music was being played by the four men set up by the ale barrels.

Elisa should have felt guilty for having fun, but it had been a long time since she had and it wasn’t her fault Kenneth was angry. Well mayhap it was her fault, but she couldn’t remedy it. So why not enjoy herself? She joined in the dance, circling the men and giggling at their clumsiness.

The night wore on and finally Bree made an appearance. Elisa went to offer her well wishes and to see if she had any complications.

“Thank you for all you did. I never could have done it without you.” Bree patted the cushion next to her. “Sit with me.”

Elisa sat beside her. “Nonsense. You did it all by yourself. I didn’t do much.”

“So Kenneth disappeared?”

Elisa folded her skirts and toyed with the fabric. “It appears so. Should I be worried?”

“A wife will always worry, Elisa. He’ll come back when he’s good and ready.”

“Why is Grey making him leave? Is that why Kenneth is so angry?”

Bree glanced at her husband and then back at her. “Come closer.” She lowered her voice and Elisa had to put her ear by Bree’s mouth to hear her over the noise. “Kenneth needs to hide you. An army is coming for you. mac Raghnaill has been seen.”

She shot to her feet.

Bree took her arm and pulled her beside her on the lounge. “They won’t be here for days, rest easy. There’s plenty of time to hide you. If Kenneth takes you to McInnish land there is no way he will find you. They’re very isolated there.”

“I should find Kenneth.” Elisa worried that they should leave. If she might find her absent husband, she’d tell him so. She didn’t want mac Raghnaill’s army coming here and causing these good people harm.

“Leave him be. He’ll come around and if he doesn’t by morn, Grey will take you to safety.”

It wasn’t her safety she was concerned about. Elisa wanted desperately to find Kenneth so she could discuss this dilemma with him. But mostly she knew he needed her, and more than that she needed to apologize. He didn’t want to go home and now because of her he’d be forced to.

Nell approached and said something about the babes. Elisa couldn’t quite hear.

“I must go. Promise to come and see me before you leave?”

“I’ll try to,” Elisa promised. She felt miserable and alone. Night had fallen and the sight around the keep should have amazed her. The fires all lit and the torches glittered, sending a romantic ambiance. Many of the husbands and wives sat closely, enjoying each other’s company. With all her heart, she wished her husband held her in such a lovingly way.

Elisa saw Sean and waved to him. He poured two cups from a jug and came to sit with her. The handsome warrior winked at her. She noticed how fine he looked with his long dark locks and the shadow of a beard on his face. He was a rugged highlander and quite muscular, as was Kenneth. Sean stood as tall too. If she didn’t own to having a soft heart for Kenneth, she might verily wish she’d wed Sean as originally planned.

“Elisa, for you, here. I caution you, this is a strong brew, but you look like you could use it.”

She took the drink, swallowing the small amount he’d poured, and thought her stomach had burned away. “This tastes awful. Pour me another.” The warmth of the brew heated her body.

“A toast to the loveliest lass I’ve ever been betrothed to.”

She giggled and held up her cup and he tapped it with hers. She took another sip, and was getting used to the strong brew. The taste began to grow on her.

“I lied to you,” Sean said.

“When?”

“When I said I didn’t want to wed you.” He gazed into her eyes and didn’t look away at his admission.

“Why would you do that?”

“I saw the way Kenneth watched you and I couldn’t take something … someone from him that would bring him happiness. And I didn’t mean to strike you so hard when we took you, but you were fighting mad. Will you forgive me?”

Elisa felt giddy, the brew oddly comforting. “Of course you’re forgiven, Sean.” She laughed at his apology which was obviously heartfelt. “Kenneth is important to you, isn’t he?”

“Aye, he’s like a brother to me.”

“All is forgiven, Sean. I should apologize for kicking you that night whilst we camped. I was angry and, I really don’t know why I did it. I’m sorry if I hurt you. Will you forgive me?”

Sean grinned and raised his cup. “Aye, you didn’t really hurt me. Ye startled me and I was somewhat impressed by your bravery.”

“Pour me another.” After he filled her cup, she raised it. “To my husband wherever he might be.”

Sean clinked his cup against hers. “To your husband.”

Elisa was beginning to feel all the melancholy dissipating. Happiness built inside her and she wanted to join in the revelry. She took turns dancing with Sean, James and Colm, each of them moving around her in a fast-footed dance. They laughed and were having a joyous time. The dance started to make her dizzy and she tried to steady herself when she saw Kenneth.

He appeared akin to a fierce warrior who had just come from the battlefield. He was practically naked for he wore nothing but a tartan wrapped at his waist. His chest was bare. For a moment she lost her breath looking at him.

Elisa gasped when he took her arm and led her away.

She called to Sean, “Should I be fearful?”

Sean shook his head.

Elisa lifted her skirts because Kenneth walked so fast she could barely keep up with him. Kenneth didn’t speak to her the entire walk, more like run, to their cottage. Elisa tried to engage him in conversation but he just shook his head and kept walking. When they reached the cottage she was out of breath from the hastiness of their walk.

Once at the cottage, he gently pushed her inside and slammed the door closed. The force of it caused it to open slightly.

He grabbed her about the waist and kissed her. The kiss was unlike the kisses he’d given her before. There was enmity in his kiss and she pulled away becoming concerned. He moved toward the bed and turned, staring at her.

Elisa stood in the center of the room and waited, unsure if she should try to speak to him or if she should just keep her mouth closed. He didn’t look as though he wanted to converse. Her heart beat languidly in her chest and she tensed under his glare.

When he didn’t say anything she turned her back and went to make a fire in the hearth. Better to occupy herself with a task.

“It’s because of you. You’ve done this to me.”

He’d spoken in such a low, deep controlled tone that it troubled her. She didn’t know Kenneth well enough to discern if he would hurt her. But he’d promised he wouldn’t, didn’t he? She was unsure of everything at that moment. Elisa turned and he was standing next to her, she backed a step.

“What have I done?”

Kenneth stripped away his tartan and stood naked. “You bewitched me. You’re too bonny. Aye, ye make me want you regardless of what I …”

She thought he might kiss her again and she waited with bated breath for him to close the space between them. But he moved away, glaring as if she was the last person he’d want to kiss.

“It’s because of you. You’re the reason I had to marry, the reason an army is coming here, the reason I have to leave my home. And you’re the reason my horse died.” Kenneth fell back upon the bed and closed his eyes. “Oh cosh it all to hell, what am I saying?”

He mumbled other words she didn’t understand, some of which that sounded like an apology. And as much as he’d hurt her, she covered him with a tartan and hoped his head bore the effects of his imbibing on the morrow.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Morning wasn’t his favorite time of day. Kenneth awoke with a pounding ache in his head and a terrible taste in his mouth. He was lying naked across the bed, a tartan bunched up on the floor. His wife was absent. Brightness filtered into the room from the lone window in the cottage and hurt his eyes. So he kept them closed and tried to recall what he’d done the night before. He remembered drinking the brew he’d taken from the hall. Had he drank the entire jug by himself?

No wonder he felt wretched.

His head thumped madly with each thought. He needed another swig to help him over the malady. Kenneth hadn’t ever gotten so drunk. As his head pains lessened somewhat, he wondered where Elisa had spent the night.