Page 7 of A Gentle Feuding

  The Highlander unwrapped his plaid as the storm began and gave it to her. She took it gladly, and used it to cover her head.

  After that, she couldn’t see where they were going. The lad was in a hurry, appearing to race the storm. The miles melted away, and more than twenty were gained before the rain stopped and he slowed down.

  Sheena threw off the wet plaid. It had rained so hard that she was soaked clear through despite its protection. It was undoubtedly afternoon, but so gloomy she couldn’t be sure just what hour. On either side of them were mountains, big gray masses with dark clouds surrounding them. They were in a deep valley between two mountain ranges, riding along the river’s edge. Sheena shivered as she began to understand that they were in the Highlands, going deeper into them. She wanted to cry. Tears stung her eyes, but she held them back fiercely. She wouldn’t show her young captor how helpless she felt.

  They were moving along slowly, for the horse was winded from his long journey. Sheena turned around to face her abductor, then turned back to stare straight ahead.

  “You’ve no right to keep me. My family will be very angry about this.”

  “You’ve already admitted you’ve no one,” he said smoothly.

  “I didna say that! You did!”

  “Well, no matter,” he said cheerfully. “A beggar’s family can have no power. You’re mine to keep‑and lucky you are I’m having you.”

  “Lucky?”

  “Aye,” he boasted. “ ‘Tis fine clothes I’ll be giving you, and jewels to match your deep blue eyes. You’ll never have to beg again. Can’t you see how glad you should be?”

  Sheena felt her frustration mounting. “Does it no’ occur to you that you have stolen me?”

  “When we’re wed, you’ll be glad of it,” he laughed.

  “Wed?” she gasped, turning again to look at him.

  “Of course, wed,” he replied. “You dinna think I’ll shame you with less than marriage?”

  “You dinna know me! You canna want to wed me!”

  “But I do. You’re special, and no mistake. I know that well enough.”

  “Well, I’ll no’ wed you, and that’s that!” Sheena said, furious and helpless to do anything about it.

  “You’re stubborn now, but you’ll change your mind,” he said confidently.

  Her fear had been overcome by anger, but fear returned as she saw a great stone castle appear ahead, dark clouds floating around its tall towers. They had traveled fifteen to twenty miles since midday, but at a much slower pace. The last mile or so before they reached the castle was straight up into the mountains. It was now nearing night, and the Highland fortress ahead was a gloomy place indeed.

  “Your home?” Sheena asked, her voice tremulous.

  “Aye,” he declared proudly. “It looks cold, I know, but ‘tis pleasant enough inside.”

  “But such a big castle,” she said, awed. “Are you related to the laird here?”

  “I’m his brother.”

  Sheena didn’t know whether to take hope or not Surely the laird could see that she was returned to Aberdeen. But perhaps the laird indulged his younger brother.

  “I’ll have to hide you for a while,” the boy said, sounding uneasy for the first time as they approached the large gatehouse in the center of along wall. The wall was flanked by round towers.

  “I’ll need to get my brother’s approval ‘afore he knows I have you,” he explained.

  “Are you afeared of your brother?”

  “Afeared?” He laughed, but she was not convinced. “But you need his permission to marry me, don’t you?”

  “Aye.”

  “And what makes you think he’ll let you wed a beggar?” Hope was growing.

  “When he knows how much I want you, he’ll agree.”

  But the lad now lacked his earlier self‑assurance, and Sheena began to get some of her confidence back.

  The gate was opened, and they rode into a large inner courtyard. Ahead was a great hall with a tower at each end. Connected to it on the left was a square building three stories high, with two outside stairs leading up to the second floor. There were many arched windows. There were other round towers, as well, and a stable to the right, as well as smaller buildings near the walls.

  “I bid you welcome,” the lad said congenially. Sheena said nothing.

  A ginger‑haired youth came for the horse. “You’re back so soon, Colen.”

  “Aye. Is my brother about?”

  “He’s in the hall,” the lad answered. “And where are the others?”

  “I left them to their sport. I was in a hurry to be home, so I didna wait for them.”

  “And what have you there, Colen?”

  This was a new, deeper voice. Sheena tried to turn to see who it was, but her abductor shielded her. She felt his nervousness.

  “ ‘Tis none of your concern, Black Gawain,” the young man said testily.

  “A secret, eh?” The man chuckled. “Does your brother know you’ve brought someone back with you?”

  “Nay, and I’ll thank you no’ to tell him. I’ll tell him myself when I’m ready.”

  He swept Sheena off the horse and carried her away from Black Gawain before she could see the man. She did not like this furtiveness of Colen’s.

  “Colen, is it?” she said, wishing he would put her down. But she knew how difficult walking would be after the long ride.

  “Aye.”

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

  “To my room. You’ll stay there.”

  “I’ll no’ stay in the same room with you,” she said firmly.

  “You’ve naught to fear. Dinna fash yourself. I’ll no’ touch you ‘afore we’re wed.”

  She wasn’t convinced. “I’ll no’ stay with you. ‘Tis no’ proper.”

  “There’s nowhere else you can stay,” he said in ex­asperation. “I canna give you a room to yourself without my brother learning of it.”

  “Then let him learn of it!”

  She struggled, and he put her down on her feet, one arm around her neck and a hand covering her mouth, for she had tried to scream. He dragged her along with him up the outer stairs of the large square building.

  Black Gawain watched until they were out of sight, then shook his head as he moved off toward the hall. It was not his concern if young Colen wanted to keep a mistress, even an unwilling one. But he couldn’t see why he should keep it a secret from his brother. The laird wouldn’t mind. He had enough women of his own. Gawain chuckled, won­dering how long a secret like that could be kept from the leader of the clan.

  Chapter 11

  T was not until six days later that Sheena discov­ered just where she was. Six days, locked in Colen’s room. He had managed to learn her first name, but no more than that. Sheena was a stubborn woman, and no mistake.

  “Are you serious, Colen? Do you mean to tell me your brother spent the entire day locked in his room with his mistress? He didna even come out for food?”

  “She’s a new one,” Colen tried to explain. “He often does that with a new one.”

  “How much more of this am I to take? First he’s busy, then he’s no’ to be found, then he’s angry, then something else. And all the while you keep me locked up. Well, I’ll no’ stand for it anymore!”

  “Sheena, please‑“

  “Nay, no more excuses. I agreed to give you time because I wanted to leave here peaceably, without making a fuss. Yet you put it off and put it off. It’s been six days!”

  “I did tell him I was ready to marry,” Colen de­fended himself.

  “But you didna tell him about me, about my being here. As soon as he asked what settlement was ex­pected, you said no more.”

  “He was no’ ready to hear that there would be no settlement. He must be in a good mood to be hearing that.”

  “So I must wait for the mood of your brother to change? The truth is; you’re afraid of his answer. You’ve made too much of this, Colen. It has become too importan
t to you. Do you no’ see that?”

  “But it is important.”

  “Aye. So important you’ll jump at any excuse no’ to talk to your brother.”

  “I couldna bear it if he said I couldna marry you,” he replied, downhearted.

  “How will you bear it when you can’t change my mind?t” she asked, not unkindly.

  “Women are fickle,” he returned. “They’re known to change their minds. It’s no’ you I’m worried about, it’s my brother.”

  “Fickle! Who told you that nonsense? Nay, dinna answer,” she said dryly. “Your dear, sweet brother.”

  Colen laughed. “I’ve never heard him called that ‘afore.”

  “Is he so terrible?”

  “At times. MacKinnions are known for their fierce tempers, but Jamie can be the worst.”

  “MacKinnion?!”

  “What’s the matter?”

  She had gone deathly pale.

  “You’re a MacKinnion? James—he’s The MacKinnion!”

  Colen became quite alarmed by her appearance. “What’s wrong, Sheena? I told you who I was, so that’s not it.”

  “You never!”

  “But I did. I must have. What’s wrong?”

  “ ‘Tis no’ possible!” She started to laugh hysterically.

  Poor Colen didn’t know what to make of her behavior, but when she flew toward the door, he was right behind her. He caught her arm, and she shrieked wildly. “Dinna you touch me!”

  He slapped her, and the sound was as loud as a whipcrack. She was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes flashed and she slapped him back just as hard.

  Colen was shocked. He stepped back, a hand to his cheek.

  “You hit me!”

  Sheena might have laughed. “You slapped me first. I’ll no’ take that from you or anyone.”

  “But you . . . hit me!”

  “Aye, I did, and with good reason,” she replied. “What reason did you have for hitting me?”

  “You were acting crazy. I was trying to calm you.”

  “Maybe I was,” she sighed. Her mind was clearer, the panic ebbing. “But you’re twice the size I am and had no business laying a hand on me.” Her voice rose again. “And I willna stay here any longer!”

  “Aye, you’re right,” he admitted sheepishly, surprising her. “ ‘Twas wrong of me to put it off so long and keep you a prisoner here. I’m sorry. I’ll settle it tonight, I promise.”

  “Why no’ now?”

  “I’m to leave shortly, to get back the horses that were lifted the other night.”

  “You mean you’ve a raid to do? Today?”

  “Aye. But as soon as I return, I’ll settle it.”

  “‘You swear, Colen?”

  He nodded and turned to leave. At the door he stopped, absently rubbing his cheek. “I’ve never been slapped by a girl ‘afore.”

  “Then ‘twas high time, for you’re a stubborn brute if I’ve ever met one.”

  “And you’re a spunky lass,” he chuckled. “You wouldna catch a MacKinnion woman slapping back. She’d get a fair beating if she did.”

  “Is that what your wife should expect?”

  “Och, Sheena, I wouldna hurt you.”

  “Of course not,” she replied sarcastically. “You’d only have to have everything your way all the time, as you have so far.”

  “Will you give me this one last day without makng a fuss?” Colen asked in parting.

  Sheena hesitated, but only to make Colen nervous. There was no question anymore about her causing a stir. She couldn’t risk it, not when a MacKinnion might come to investigate. Maybe even The MacKinnion himself!

  “This one day and no more, Colen,” she said at last.

  He grinned. “If I’m no’ back by dark, a girl will bring you food. And dinna fret, lass.”

  He left, and she was free to take in fully what she had just learned. For six days, she’d been living in the midst of Clan Kinnion! Her family’s great enemies were outside that door . . . in the next room . . . all around her. And The MacKinnion was among them. She sat down on the bed and let the realization take hold of her. She was living a nightmare.

  Chapter 12

  COLEN’S brother had returned to the hall after speaking to the gatekeeper and learning there was no sign of Colen yet. He was not worrying over the men, just the success of the raid. One of his prize stallions had been lifted, and the laird wanted it back. He ought to have gone himself, he knew that, but Colen had been so nervous all week, his brother felt he needed the diversion.

  It was a quiet night. There were no guests, so only one long table was filled. These were castle retainers. Servants bustled about, refilling trenchers, pouring ale.

  The laird’s own table had yet to be served. It was considered a crime to serve the laird’s food before he was ready for it, for if there was anything that could turn James MacKinnion sour, it was a cold meal. New servants learned this the hard way. Jamie’s wrath could be quite entertaining‑as long as one wasn’t the recipient of it‑and no one volunteered the rules to newcomers.

  Right then, Jamie’s table was empty except for Jessie, who sat looking sullen. Jamie had kept her waiting, and she didn’t like that one bit. Jessie Martin was first cousin to Jamie’s brother­in‑law, Dobbin, and she had come to Castle Kinnion with Dobbin and Jamie’s sister Daphne when they visited, three weeks past. But she had not left with them. During those three weeks she had made it known that she was available to Jamie, and he had finally taken her up on her offer.

  He had had his fill of her by yesterday‑or so he thought. But seeing her now in a low‑cut burgundy velvet gown, he admitted he’d never found a better mistress. If only his Aunt Lydia hadn’t taken such a dislike to Jessie. But she had, staying in her room in the north tower and almost never coming out. Aunt Lydia couldn’t tolerate a forward, brazen woman.

  But sometimes a man needed such a woman in his y life, especially a man who was not looking for a wife. She was experienced in ways of pleasing a man, Jessie was. After four unsuccessful handfastings, she claimed she had given up on marriage. Jamie wasn’t sure about that. He’d never yet met a woman who didn’t pine for marriage. But Jessie would be disappointed if that was what she was after.

  “Can we begin now?” Jessie said petulantly as soon as Jamie took his chair.

  He didn’t care for her tone and replied, “They’ll serve, now I’m here. But you didna have to wait for me, lass.”

  “They’ll no’ serve this table until you’re seated,” she reminded him tartly, regretting it when she heard his reply.

  “There’s ample room at the lower table, and plenty of food.”

  It was a privilege to eat at the laird’s table, and Jessie knew she was being reminded of that. Jamie could be very hard. But she wanted James MacKinnion. She wanted him badly. She had never known such a handsome man. Handsome and rich, a laird, he was everything she desired. She had realized that when she first saw him at her cousin’s wedding, and from that time she had nagged and begged and cajoled Dobbin to bring her with him to Castle Kinnion. It had taken three years for him to agree, and now that she was finally here, she had no intention of ever leaving.

  “Och, Jamie, dinna mind me.” She smiled sweetly. “ ‘Tis a sour nature I have when I’m hungry. But I’ll no’ take it out on you again.”

  Jamie was not fooled. “I hope I can count on that, Jessie, for I’ll tell you now, I’ve no liking for a bitchy woman, nor one who argues and nags. I dinna have to put up with that sort of nonsense, nor will I. You’re a bonny lass to be sure, and I’ll take care of you as long as you share my bed. But you’ve no other hold on me, Jessie.”

  “I know. And I didna mean to anger you,” she quickly assured him, desperate to drop the subject. “Look. The girl comes with our. . .”

  Jessie didn’t finish, for the girl who came in from the kitchen with a platter of food walked toward the end of the hall and the bedchambers. The laird’s table was not her destination. When the girl
, Doris, went through the archway at the end of the hall, Jamie’s curiosity was aroused.

  “And where are you off to now?” Jessie demanded, already forgetting her apology.

  Jamie didn’t answer. As he left the table, another servant came from the kitchen tower with his food.

  “Gertie.” He stopped her with a grin. “Go on and serve Mistress Martin, even though I’m not there. She’s nigh to fainting from what I’ve been hearing.”

  The old servant looked up at him and said sol­emnly, her eyes twinkling, “Aye, Sir Jamie, we wouldna be wanting that.”

  “And where is young Doris off to?”

  “Doris? I dinna know. She said your brother set her to some task if he wasna back ‘afore dark.”

  “Did he now?”

  Jamie followed Doris up the stone steps to the sec­ond floor. His own bedchamber ran along one side of the building, and there were two smaller guest chambers opposite. But Doris had not stopped there. He caught sight of her at the end of the corridor, turning up the stairs leading to the top floor, where Colen had one of the four rooms.

  “Doris!”

  She poked her head back around the corner and then came into full view under a torch set by the en­trance to the third floor.

  “Where are you off to with that?” he asked when he reached her. “We’ve no one ill up there that I’ve no’ been told about, have we?”

  “Nay, I dinna think she’s ill.”

  “She?”

  “The lass young Colen’s keeping in his room,” Do­ris explained. She was wary, but she couldn’t keep anything from the laird.

  “He’s keeping a lass there? Who?”

  “I dinna know, Sir Jamie, I’ve no’ seen her. But ‘tis strange. He told me to be sure and lock the lock after I left the food in there. Now why would he be locking the poor lass up? It dinna seem right.”

  “Why indeed?” Jamie laughed. “Here, give me that. I’ll see she gets fed, and I’ll find out what I can.”

  Jamie chuckled as he carried the tray up to the third floor. So his brother had found himself a mis­tress! One he wanted all for himself. No wonder he had been acting so strangely. The lad was probably having his first love. Jamie had gone through the same infatuation at Colen’s age and could remember it well. But it had passed, and he’d never felt that way again. He could almost envy Colen the heart­throbbing experience. Time enough for the boy to learn it wasn’t true love. Time enough for disillu­sionment later.