The Accidental Highland Hero

  “Only that which His Lairdship wishes to hear.”

  ‘Twas good that she spoke of naught that James would be interested in hearing in Fergus’s presence. Eilis entered the guest chambers with Fia and waited for Fergus to shut the door. Once the latch clicked, she said to Fia, “Our best chance at escape is to climb over the wall they are rebuilding.”

  “They have a guard or two there every night. But, Eilis, you must consider James wishes to wed you.”

  “We had a fight last night, I tell you. One little fight, and he sees me as too much of a challenge and returns to the woman he wanted in the first place? There are bound to be more disagreements after marriage. What then? Would he seek another woman’s arms for comfort? Mayhap he wouldn’t even need that excuse if he becomes anything like his sire.”

  Fia wrung her hands, her brow wrinkled in thought. “I know you well enough to believe this has more to do with worrying that our uncle and Dunbarton will join forces and destroy the MacNeills. That this has nothing to do with your concern that James no longer desires you.” She sighed. “I have to agree with you about our uncle and Dunbarton’s combined forces and how brutally they could deal with the MacNeills. But what if James offers a bigger bride price to our uncle for you? Mayhap this is all for naught.”

  “Think you Dunbarton will give up that easily? That our uncle will agree to receive anything less from James than the sun and the moon and the earth, too?”

  Fia snorted softly. “Aye, once he learns James loves you, our uncle would stop at naught to get the most out of the bargain.”

  “All right then, ‘tis agreed. Where the wall is still being rebuilt is the only place we might be able to climb over. The gate is closed tight in the eve,” Eilis said, feeling less decisive about this than she wanted to be. In fact, deep in her heart, she had the traitorous hope she and Fia wouldn’t succeed. But she had to at least make the effort to protect the MacNeills in any way that she could. .

  Fia stared out the window. “But how are we to get past the guard at our room?”

  “We go through James’s bedchamber.”

  Fia’s eyes widened.

  “Before he has retired this time. His door is slightly beyond the bend in the wall. All we need do is slip out of here after we finish the evening meal.”

  Fia looked back out the window and gasped.

  Eilis hurried over to peek out and stared at the redheaded man astride his black horse, accompanied by several other hardy Highland warriors. “Who is he?”

  Fia gaped at her. “Do you not recognize him?”

  Alarmed at Fia’s worried response, Eilis asked again, “Nay, who is he?”

  “Och, you have not regained all your memories. ‘Tis our cousin, Broc. Uncle MacBurness’s only son. His being here is not a good sign. Agnes’s brother must know you are here, or he would not have come. Oh, Eilis, I fear we are doomed.”

  ****

  James stiffened as he listened to Eanruig give him the grave news in the great hall. “You say he is Agnes’s brother, Broc MacBurness?”

  “Aye.”

  “And he believes we have his sister, Agnes, here?”

  “Keeping her safe, my laird, and he wishes to take her off our hands now.”

  “He does, does he?” James ran his hand over his chin. “And you have told him?”

  “That we have no lady like that here, my laird.”

  James glanced at his mother, standing quietly in the entrance of the great hall. He took a heavy breath. “My mother, please ensure the kitchen staff prepare meals for two of our ladies in their chambers for evening meal.”

  “You should have married Eilis already and not have been dallying with Catriona all morn.” Frowning at him, she inclined her head and hurried off to the kitchen.

  Mayhap, but he’d hoped if he’d shown no interest in Eilis this morn, she would realize the error of her ways, capitulate, and agree to wed him.

  “You intend to keep the ladies’ presence here secret?” Eanruig asked.

  “Possibly Fia should come to the meal, although I am afraid she might be too nervous to face her cousin, Broc. But he may know she is staying with us.”

  “Aye, the word must have reached his father that you have shown some interest in marrying Fia, and he wonders why.”

  “Or the word is out that she has come here to see her cousin, whom she cares for a great deal. I assumed it would come to this eventually but not as soon as all this.” James sighed.

  “How will we keep this Broc from taking Eilis away with him?”

  James raised his brows.

  Eanruig smiled.

  ****

  A knocking at the bedchamber door made Eilis and Fia jump.

  Tavia entered. Her face looked so grave, Eilis feared the worst concerning her cousin Broc, but she didn’t speak a word.

  “’Tis not good news I fear for you, my lady,” Tavia said, wringing her hands.

  Her heart sinking, Eilis sat down hard on the cushioned bench.

  “What is wrong?” Fia asked.

  “A Highlander has come to call. He says he is searching for his sister, Agnes MacBurness, and he described you, Eilis.”

  Eilis frowned. “Aye, because our mothers were twins, and Agnes and I looked verra much alike.”

  “He says,” Tavia continued, her voice small and disconcerted, “that rumors abound in Glen Affric that Agnes survived the sinking of the ship she traveled on. He says he believes some kind family has taken her in. He wishes to bestow coin on the family who cared for her, but ‘tis now time for her to return home to her own family.”

  “He wants naught of the kind! He intends to deliver me to Dunbarton and force me to marry the man who is betrothed to Agnes, not me!”

  “He is waiting at the evening meal. Lady Akira has given instructions servants will bring food to you both in your chamber.”

  “James cannot hide me here forever.”

  “I am certain he does not intend to. I am sure he will come up with a plan that will work out well for all concerned. He is quite clever.”

  “Nay. My clan will say I am Agnes. No one will go against my uncle. And then my uncle will wage war against Laird James and his people.”

  Tavia looked at Fia who nodded.

  “James is an honorable man. For now, he is keeping quiet, but I am certain he is afraid someone will let it slip that you are here. He will do everything in his power to keep you out of Dunbar’s clutches, but…”

  “But?”

  “What if ‘tis the way you say, and your uncle does wage war against us? He would only have to gather Dunbarton’s men as well and crush us.” Tavia looked at the floor and then sighed as she raised her gaze to meet Eilis’s. “Not only that, Catriona might tell Broc you are here if she can get word to him somehow.”

  Eilis’s heart nearly stopped. Catriona would do everything to cause trouble for her.

  Tavia took a deep breath. “I will help you to leave here now.”

  ****

  Broc strode into the great hall with his men, his walk confident, outwardly arrogant, as if he were laird of the manor. He greeted James with guarded respect then sat beside him at the head table while his men took seats at one of the lower ones.

  At once, James recognized the brutish Highlander with the scar across his face, giving him a perpetual scowl and realized just who was staying in the chamber next to his. The girl he’d searched for in vain until he’d left the Highlands to fight in the Crusade. With the utmost restraint, he remained seated and glanced in the direction of her chamber abovestairs.

  She was the sweet lass he’d rescued from drowning in the caves by the sea, weighed down by a wet gown and a bag of rocks. And Broc had mistreated her, as injured as she was. The girl James had wanted to kiss again, hold, protect, and never let go.

  Ah, ‘twas a sign that he should rescue her first in the briny sea, and then a few summers later, his seneschal and cousin fish her out of the sea once more and return her to him. His prayers had bee
n answered. Which proved she belonged with him.

  James leaned back in his chair and eyed Broc with contempt. The whoreson would never touch Eilis in a brutal manner again. In truth, the lass would be his as soon as he could make the arrangements.

  Aye, ‘twas the only solution. She would never marry Dunbarton.

  As a man served mead, Broc said to James, “You know I have come for my sister, Agnes.”

  “Aye.” James carved off a slice of bread for Broc but did not comment further, waiting for Eilis’s cousin to explain in his own words his mission—although ‘twas all a lie.

  Broc observed James’s people. Counting the number of able-bodied men? Seeing if he had enough men of his own he could call up to do battle if necessary?

  “My sister is betrothed to Laird Dunbarton. He is anxious to have his bride at Lockton,” Broc finally said.

  “As any man would wish, to be sure,” James said, disguising any hint of emotion. Although deep inside, he wished to fight Broc for treating Eilis so shabbily.

  Normally filled with conversation, the hall was silent except for the clanking of goblets against the wooden trestle tables.

  Lady Akira moved a slice of stag around on her trencher but failed to eat a bite. Lady Catriona, on the other hand, devoured everything in sight. When she wasn’t stuffing her mouth with succulent morsels of deer meat, chomping on bread, or sipping leek soup, she was casting smug smiles at Broc.

  At once, James knew what the woman had in mind. As soon as she could, she’d alert Broc or one of his men about Eilis staying with them.

  An herbal draught that would make Catriona sleep was needed, but James noticed then that Tavia wasn’t eating her meal at the hall. Was she dining with Eilis and Fia? He had the uncanny feeling something wasn’t right.

  In fact, ever since Eilis had arrived, his people had acted differently. Curious as to who Eilis was. Amused to see his attentions toward the lass, even though it had been purely a ruse in the beginning. Worried that this Broc might take her away. James had never seen his people so interested in anyone not of their own ilk.

  Niall was sure to be upset about Broc coming for Eilis also. James glanced at the seat his cousin normally occupied, but he was absent also. That did not bode well.

  “Where’s Niall?” James asked his mother, knowing Niall would not purposefully miss a meal unless he had good reason and had already let James know of it.

  His mother shrugged but avoided eye contact.

  James frowned. His gaze swept over the length of the elevated table where he normally sat with his family, advisor, and special guests. His advisor. Eanruig. Where was he? Now that James considered the table where Eilis, Fia, his cousin, and Eanruig were absent, it looked rather barren.

  “Where is Eanruig?” James asked his mother.

  Again, she lifted a shoulder in resignation but wouldn’t look at him.

  If Broc hadn’t been sitting beside him, James would have insisted on answers. The truth of the matter was he feared whatever they were up to had to do with Eilis. And again, as when they brought the lass half-drowned to his castle, they were hiding their dealings with her from him when he was the laird of the clan!

  James motioned to a servant, and when the young man joined them, he said, “Find my cousin. I want him at the meal.”

  The man glanced at Lady Akira, who poked her spoon into her soup and ignored the look the fearful servant gave her.

  Was everyone but James in on the conspiracy?

  His head pounded with irritation. “Find him and have him attend the meal at once.”

  “Yes, my laird.” The lad took off at a run.

  “Having family troubles of your own?” Broc asked, his tone amused.

  “My cousin sometimes forgets the time of day because he is so busy with other important matters.”

  “Yes, well, as to this business with my sister, word has reached me from Glen Affric that Agnes was rescued from the ship that sank. My cousin, Fia, is supposed to be here as a bride choice for you.” Broc glanced at Catriona. “I am surprised she is absent from the meal.”

  “She had a hectic day, and sleep eluded her last eve. So the lass retired to her bedchamber early.”

  “She is Agnes’s favorite cousin.”

  “Really?” James said. “She has mentioned how attached she is to her cousin, Eilis, but said nary a word about Agnes.”

  Broc’s face clouded. “Really. Well, the lass is a bit willful at times.”

  “Eilis or Fia?”

  Broc leaned back in the chair. “I am sorry. I suppose Fia has not heard. Eilis died of a fever the morn Agnes had to set sail. A terrible tragedy. Eilis was most disconcerted about having to leave after her cousin’s sudden death.”

  “You mean Agnes was?”

  Uncomprehending Broc, stared at him.

  “You said Eilis was disconcerted. But she was the lass who died, so you said.”

  Broc stabbed another slice of meat. “Aye, I meant Agnes.”

  “I will make you a proposal.”

  Broc’s calculating eyes widened some. “Aye, what have ye to offer then?”

  James glanced at Catriona who hung on their every word. “In my solar we shall discuss the business. For now, eat and drink.”

  Catriona’s eyes darkened. “You know Eilis resides here, Broc?”

  He gave a smug smile. “Aye, so I have heard.”

  James shoved his trencher aside, wishing now he’d seen this side of Catriona earlier, before he’d invited her visit. He supposed she’d always been this way, but he could not see it prior to this or she’d been on her best behavior in his presence.

  “Eilis is well?” Broc asked, although he chomped on a piece of brown bread and washed it down with a mug of mead. He did not appear truly interested.

  “She was injured in the shipwreck.”

  Broc’s knife paused midair above his slice of deer meat. “Badly?”

  “She looked more than well to me.” Catriona sniffed.

  James could imagine what Broc was thinking. If Eilis had been injured badly, she might not be worthy enough to marry to Dunbarton.

  Unable to wait any longer, James ended the meal. “Come, we will talk.” He motioned for Broc to join him.

  Catriona glowered at James. ‘Twas time to send the woman away. And he would make his wishes known to her once he had given Broc his intentions in regards to Eilis.

  ****

  Tavia hurried Eilis into James’s bedchamber.

  “What is going on?” Eilis asked, her skin prickling, hopeful that Tavia had a plan of escape that would truly work this time.

  “Shhhh. Fergus is waiting beyond your door as usual. But here,” Tavia said then moved a small chest, “there is a passageway to a tunnel that leads beyond the castle wall. ‘Tis meant for the laird and his family’s escape should ever the need arise and was built a hundred years ago when erecting the original timber castle.”

  Tavia lighted a candle while Eilis pulled the trap door open. The smell of damp earth rose from the dark pit.

  “‘Tis chilly and wet down there. Have a care where you step. Some stones have become dislodged over the years.” Tavia climbed down the ladder first. “When I was a wee lass, some of the others and I would explore down here. We made a map on the wall to guide us to the tunnel that leads outside.”

  Eilis hugged her arms around her waist and shivered. “Where do we go from here, Tavia? Once we are beyond the castle walls?”

  Turning, Tavia smiled, the candlelight flickering off her dark brown eyes. “Why I have told you Niall speaks of you every minute of the day. The ladies who normally catch his eye are driven to madness over his interest in you.” She continued to splash through the ground water accumulated on the stone floor. “He is rescuing you from Broc.”

  “But what will James do? Will he not be angry with his cousin?” Eilis couldn’t help worrying about the two of them. She’d never want anyone to hurt her relationship with her cousin, Fia. Certainly, she didn’t w
ant to harm James’s with his cousin.

  “Niall is a grown man. He will do what he feels in is heart is right. And James, likewise.”

  “I do not want them to be angry with each other over me.”

  “‘Tis not your concern, my lady. They have their rows from time to time, and they always mend their ways.”

  But Eilis didn’t believe James would easily forgive Niall over this.

  A light shown through a doorway, and Tavia handed the candle to Eilis then slipped a key into the lock. “Niall gave me the key as soon as he saw Broc arrive.”

  Tavia pulled the door open, and it creaked on rusted hinges.

  The fading sunlight shown in Eilis’s eyes, blinding her for an instant.

  Niall hurried forward, while Eanruig held onto horses’ reigns nearby. James would be furious, to be sure, that his seneschal was in on this also.

  Another lad she didn’t recognize stood some distance away, wringing his belt through his fingers.

  “Tell His Lairdship you could not find me,” Niall said to the lad, while helping Eilis onto a horse.

  Eanruig assisted Fia onto another.

  “Lock the door to the tunnel and return things the way they were,” Niall said to Tavia.

  “He will know I helped the ladies escape. Can I not come with you, Niall?” Tavia asked.

  “Nay. Our clan needs you for your healing skills.” Niall mounted his horse. “Besides, traveling with two women will be difficult enough.”

  Tavia reached up and squeezed Eilis’s hand. “Godspeed, my lady. I pray thee find protection wherever you go. And you, Fia, as well.”

  “Thank you, Tavia, for everything,” Eilis said, her stomach churning with nervousness as she glanced back at the castle tower looming above them.

  Tavia closed the door to the tunnel entrance then the four rode off.

  “Where will we go?” Eilis asked, the hope returning that she truly would get away this time, away from her family, leaving James behind who would be glad some day that he was not faced with a battle on two fronts. Yet she couldn’t help wishing she could be his wife, staying with him and his mother, with his kin, the first time she’d ever felt at home and cared for. Loved even, except when her mother and da lived.