Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series (19 page)

James waited for Fergus to react. Nothing.

“The trial is the day after tomorrow. I’ll speak to what we witnessed in detail if asked to, but you must promise me something, Fergus.” James waited for Fergus to acknowledge him. Fergus nodded his understanding and James continued. “You must promise me to hold your tongue. If you shout the place down, the king will look past the story I told him today and you’ll be drawn and quartered by sunset.”

Fergus contemplated this for a minute and let out a deep chuckle.

“I don’t know what it is about you, MacIntosh, but there are few men who could get away with saying that to me. I understand loud and clear. Are all of my men here?”

James knew who he meant. “No, Fergus, your brother is not here. I corresponded with him all these months as you asked, but I’ve had no news from him since your capture. There’s one more thing. When this is all over and you are forever in my debt for saving your life,” James said with a grin. “I want to know every detail of your encounter with Gawain Chattan. I intend to see that he’s not granted the freedom you and yours will enjoy.”

“What do you mean not freed? Gawain is not here. He must have slipped past the guards when you went to rescue your woman. He wasn’t brought here with us and I have no idea where he is.”

James stopped breathing. When he spoke again it was with a dangerous, almost deadly tone. “You mean to tell me that bastard is still out there? That I left Aileana unprotected and he could’ve come back? And you said rescue. She was not part of the plot?”

“Of course not.” Ferg
us cocked his head to the side.

Calum interjected. “Wait a minute, one of your men must have seen him leave and someone must know where he would go.”

Fergus shook his head. “I thought you knew. If I had been able to speak with you sooner you would have known.”

James was furious at himself for not ensuring Gawain was behind bars like the innocent MacKays.
Aileana
. She wasn’t running away. He was overjoyed to learn of it.

“Well friend,” James said. “Looks like you will be able to help me when you get out of this hell hole. Think you could endure a continued partnership with me a while longer to go on a rat hunt?”

Fergus responded with a deadly smile James knew was not meant for him.

“I’d be happy to, my friend. Happy indeed.”

The guard returned and motioned for Fergus to follow. When they returned to his cell, a large platter of food and a pitcher of ale awaited. For one brief moment, James had the benefit of seeing true gratitude spread across the warrior’s face.

As James and Calum left the area they noticed each of the other MacKays receiving the same courtesy. The king had been good to h
is word and James was grateful.

The guard led the two men back to the stable and they mounted their horses to return to Linlithgow Palace. Just before leaving the grounds a young page ran up to them with a note from the king himself.

MacIntosh:

I was pleased with our meeting today. Your ‘real question’ as you put it earlier has given me much pause for thought and I wish to discuss it with you further. The queen and I would be honoured if you and your party would dine with us this evening at Linlithgow Palace. Our servants will provide you with anything you desire.

J.S.

James passed the note to Calum before turning to the page with his reply.

“You may inform his Majest
y we accept his invitation.”

James thought about Aileana and hoped she wouldn’t mind delaying their discussion until after dinner and he further hoped dining with Scotland’s monarchs wouldn’t fuel her anger. Then again…

James kicked his heels into Arion’s sides a little harder than usual as the thought of Aileana unprotected caused his heart to beat a little faster.

Where was that little rat Gawain hiding? He was certain he’d not seen the last of that
wretch. He was also determined Gawain would never get near Aileana again and groaned inwardly at the coming battle he would have with the lady over the new security measures he intended to impose without delay.

Chapter Seventeen

James returned to the palace in plenty of time for dinner, but it wasn’t until he was dressed that he attempted to speak with Aileana. In truth, he was nervous. No barrier remained between them. Thinking the worst of her made it easier to ignore how much she meant to him. He had put her through much and she had every right to be angry with him. She’d have to resolve her feelings, in any case. He would not accept a refusal from her.

He rapped on her door. She tore it o
pen and drew him into the room.

“I’ve been anxious to hear of your meeting since your return. Did you speak with the king? Did he let you see Fergus? Is h
e going to release the MacKay?”

James smiled. He would be pleased if her anxious state was also
out of concern for his welfare.

“Easy love; one question at a time. I met with the king and he listened to my story with interest. Fergus and his men must still stand trial, but I believe the king is on our side. I saw Fergus. He and his men are well.”

He was unsure how she’d react to the rest of his news.

“My lord, what is it?” He enjoyed watching her search his face. “There’s something else isn’t there?”

She was perceptive.

“Aye, there is something else you need to know.” He took a deep breath. There was no way to say it gently. “Aileana, Gawain was not imprisoned with the MacKay. He must have slipped away from the guards when I came to rescue you. None of Fergus’s men have any idea where he went.”

Her face lost all colour. “Did I hear you right?”

“You needn’t worry since I don’t intend to let you out of my sight until he’s found. And we will find him.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Do you understand? You have nothing to worry about. He will never get near you again.” James searched her face for a sign that she understood him before he continued. “There’s more. I hope you’ll agree what I propose is to ensure the protection I promise.”

Aileana frowned. “Go on.”

“I plan to ask the king for permission to use the palace chapel.”

Her eyes grew wide.

“It will be difficult for Gawain to stake a claim if you’re already married to me. Furthermore, we are not going against your uncle’s wishes if we expedite the marriage since we’ve already had our committal ceremony. Only the king’s permission is necessary to do this tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” He couldn’t tell if she was about to accept or lash out at him.

“Yes, tomorrow. Is that acceptable?”

He watched her draw a steadying breath. “You used the term rescue. I have spent a lifetime trying to convince you I was innocent in Gawain’s scheme and one word from Fergus MacKay convinces you?”

“Aye.”

“And you expect to march in here and tell me all is well and we can marry straight away? You are right in that I don’t have a better choice for protection, but hear me MacIntosh, I have not forgiven you for what you’ve put me through.”

“I am sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say. He deserved her anger, and if she refused he didn’t know what he would do. She’d endured more than he thought her capable.

“I don’t know if that is enough.”

He didn’t know how to make her see that he would
lay down his life for her. He’d made a mistake and he needed her forgiveness. He reached for her, but she put her hands up.

“Do you not see I am trying to make amends?” James asked. “I give you my hand and my protection.”
And what about your heart? Shut-up, Calum
.

She stood a little taller lifted her chin. He didn’t take one ounce of air into his lungs until he heard her response. He watched her scrutinize him for sincerity. She weighed her options and he prayed her decision would tip in his favour.

“Aye, James MacIntosh,” she said after an eternity. “I will marry you tomorrow.”

His heart swelled. He reached for her and was delighted when she didn’t resist. He kissed her cheeks, her forehead and then her mouth. His desire for her burned in that kiss. He gave her no time to recover and made a promise to come back in half an hour to collect her for dinner.

* * *

Aileana stood in the middle of her room with a torrent of emotions flowing th
rough her when Gwen re-entered.

“My lady? Are you unwell? I must admit, your betrothed appears in good spirits. He practically picked me off the ground when I met him in the hallway. He said something about taking extra care of you.”

Aileana swallowed hard. “We’re getting married.”

Gwen’s brow knit. “Well I’m pleased to hear he’s changed his mind with his daft idea to break the betrothal.”

Aileana moved toward Gwen and grasped her shoulders with her small hands. The woman didn’t understand. “Gawain was never apprehended. He’s not in the castle dungeon with the rest. He’s out there somewhere likely plotting against us again and I didn’t know. How could we not know?”

Aileana released Gwen and paced.

A chill swept through her. The man had been bent on destroying them and she was not convinced he was finished with them. Marrying James was the right thing to do, she believed it, but would any event in her life ever come without some extenuating circumstance? What a turn of events. James MacIntosh was to become her savior—from Gawain. Uncle Iain must have always known it. He had tried to secure her future and keep her safe all along. As much as she was still angry with James for mistrusting her, she never doubted her safety when he was near.

“We marry tomorrow.”

Gwen clasped her hands together and laughed. “The MacIntosh isn’t going to let anything happen to you and nothing is going to happen to him. Marrying him is the single best thing you can do to ensure your safety.”

Gwen’s confidence eased Aileana’s anxiety, e
nough to let her words sink in.

“By this time tomorrow, we’ll be married.”

“And this is bad?”

“He doesn’t love me.”

“Neither did Gawain, but that never bothered you.”

She stopped and stared at her maid. Gwen was right. She’d spent so much time worrying over what James MacIntosh thought of her and never stopped for a moment to wonder why. Clarity tumbled over her like a cart of cabbages. She was in love with him! Dear God in
Heaven, how could that have happened while she was cursing his every breath?

“I’m marrying him.”

Gwen laughed. “Yes, my friend, I believe you are.”

The thought brought a nervous smile to her face. Thoughts of Gawain could be pushed to the back of he
r mind when she pictured James.

Gwen’s face lit with a sudden thought. “You must promise me something. You must promise not to think of Gawain any more until after your wedding night. If you let your fear of him overshadow what you and Lord MacIntosh share, he will win. Don’t let it happen, my lady. Don’t let him take away your wedding night. Promise me you won’t.”

Aileana was amazed at how well Gwen put the situation into perspective. Here at the king’s palace, there was no way for Gawain to reach her. Gwen was right again. She did no justice to herself or James by focusing on her fear.

“Of course you are right. I shall think only of wedding James.”

“And bedding him,” Gwen said. Aileana grinned. Gwen always had a way to lighten the mood.

A knock on the door prompted a quizzical glance between them before Gwen rose to answer it.

“I beg your pardon ladies, but I wonder if I could have a moment of your time?”

Aileana stood at the queen’s first word. “Of course, Your Majesty, please do come in. This is, after all, your home.”

The queen entered and gathered Aileana’s hands in hers.

“I’ve just heard the news. I came to offer anything I have to you. I understand you’ve just reached this decision?”

Aileana nodded.

“I imagine you did not bring wedding clothes with you?”

Oh no! She hadn’t thought of that.

“Well, it’s a good thing I came. Ladies come with me. My seamstress is the best in all of Scotland and we’ll prepare a gown fit for, well, a queen.”

They followed the queen through the palace, along several corridors until they arrived at a warm room with heavy tapestries covering all the walls. It was welcoming. A slight, young woman busied herself inside with several reams of unrolled fabric.

“This is where my personal dressmaker works. Ladies, this is Abigayle. She’s a miracle worker, trust me.” The queen turned to Abigayle who had just lifted the corner of an exquisite piece of vermillion brocade. She dro
pped the fabric and bowed deep.

“Abigayle, would you please create a masterpiece for this lady? If there’s anything you need, I will have the pages scour Edinburgh for it. Now, I must go and pass along our regrets for dinner and arrange it for here instead. I’m sure our men will understand we have more important matters to attend.”

The queen left and Abigayle set to work, employing Gwen as well, asking the size of this and the length of that. By the time Queen Joan returned with a gaggle of servants carrying platters of food and pitchers of drink, Abigayle had already marked out the panels for the skirt.

Aileana said little as the commotion erupted around her. It didn’t take long for her to see the true extent of Abigayle’s talent. Aileana’s dress would become a pale blue brocade
houppelande
with broad gold lace trimming and floor length sleeves. It would be cut square around her breasts and rest on the edge of each shoulder. The bodice would be gathered high on her waist by a black velvet belt matching the under-sleeves.

As soon as the initial fittings were complete, Aileana and the queen sat apart from the others to enjoy their meal. Aileana couldn’t help notice the lady’s beauty.

“You’re very kind, Your Majesty, to offer your servants and your hospitality to me.”

The queen smiled.

“The MacIntosh and you are good people ensnared in unfortunate circumstances. I’m certain you would do the same for another.” She frowned. “I fear the world lacks kindness these days. I have known what it is to fear for my husband’s safety, and that of my children and myself.” She seemed far away for a moment, but composed herself. “Besides, you’ll only have one wedding night, you know. I have seen the way the MacIntosh looks at you and see no harm in showing off some of your assets on this occasion. I am certain you will both enjoy the results,” she said.

Aileana’s cheeks burned at the quee
n’s comments. If she only knew.

“I take it, by your blush, you don’t require any wedding night advice?”

Certainly not. It was one thing to have this conversation with Gwen, but quite another to have it with the queen.

“I thought not. Enjoy your fittings tonight, Lady Aileana. I’ll send along my maids to assist you in the morning.” Queen Joan stood. “I must retire. The days are more exhausting for me. I swear there are ten babies in my belly this time. The king is convinced it’s a boy and insists upon my rest. I bid you goodnight. If you require anything at all please, just ask.”

The queen bent towards Aileana and kissed her cheek before leaving the room. Abigayle gathered Aileana and continued her creation. Within an hour the better part of the dress was cut and pinned. Abigayle indicated she would not need Aileana further and insisted she worked better in solitude. The poor girl had been given an enormous task.

“I cannot begin to thank you for your work. If you are ever in need of my assistance, I shall do everything in my power to grant your wish.”

Aileana kissed Abigayle’s cheek and left.

Gwen and Aileana returned to the guest chambers. They entered hers first to find a large vase of fresh bluebells and a note addressed to Ail
eana. She took it out and read.

Lady Aileana,

I wish to inform you his Majesty the King has approved our request to use the chapel. I trust this meets with your satisfaction. Please join me at the hour of one. Sweet dreams. Mine will be filled with thoughts of you.

Yours,

James

Ailea
na smiled and re-read the note.

“Would you mind if I went s
traight to bed?” Aileana asked.

Gwen embraced her. “I would not mind at all my lady. I wish you sound, dreamless sleep. And in the absence of that, I wish you a full alphabet of flowers to ponder.”

Aileana smiled at her lady-in-waiting, her best friend. When Gwen left, Aileana removed her gown and stockings and was standing only in her shift when a deep voice startled her from behind. She had not heard James enter.

“Would you please not remove that just yet? I wish to keep my wits about me to address an issue with you.”

He leaned against the side door. The last time she stood in front of him in her shift she had some resistance. Tonight she had none.

“Well sir, if you knocked on a lady’s door instead of barging in, you wouldn’t be met with such an unpleasing sight.”

His lips curled at her jest.