“Aye, you get my meaning. Send a messenger to inquire as to Catriona’s health and have him remark, perchance, about lovely Eilis, who is brazenly attempting to catch your eye. I would think Catriona would mount her swiftest horse and find out who the lady is. Although to ensure Catriona does not know her, have the messenger describe Eilis’s beauty, but he must not reveal her name or clan’s name.”
“Which we know not anyway.”
“Aye.”
“I like this idea of yours.”
His mother again smiled, and he wondered why his father sought mistresses to pleasure him up until the time of his death instead of loving James’s charming mother.
“I fathom fair Catriona will be here without delay,” she said.
James leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Here I thought you were trying to get me to commit to Eilis.”
“Eilis indeed.” His mother laughed. “She is too much for you to handle.”
James frowned. He did not think the lass too much for him to handle one whit. “Niall has not put you up to this, has he?”
“Think you he is interested in the lass?” The unbridled amusement on his mother’s face indicated she already knew it was so.
“Aye, I know he is.”
“Nay, he did not put me up to this as you say, James. But I believe Catriona is delaying the marriage because she thinks you have nay other choice but her. ‘Tis a game she plays. See if you become desperate enough to force the issue. Eilis is bonny enough that she should make Catriona think twice about the way she is treating my son.”
“But what if the ruse angers Catriona, and she refuses me?”
“Then she is not the one for you.”
“I am not interested in my distant cousin.” He glanced in the direction of the stairs that led to the chamber. “What about Eilis? Will she go along with this?”
“I will speak to her and ask if she will play the game. ‘Tis the least she can do for us for providing her shelter for a few more days.”
Not one to play games, James wasn’t overmuch interested in the prospect. But if it would force Catriona to see him, it was worth a try. “Aye. I shall send a messenger at once.”
But the business concerning his brothers also still troubled him. He motioned to Eanruig. “What news have we of my brothers?”
“Nary a word, my laird. Mayhap they are already enroute from Brecken Castle. Or possibly they are still trying to solve the mysteries there.”
“Send a messenger to Brecken. I wish to know if I can rely on my brothers’ help or not.” James knew his brothers would help him anytime he needed their assistance, which meant something must have gone wrong.
****
Early that evening while melting tallow scented the bedchambers and the flicker of candlelight cast shadows against the bare stone walls, Eilis stared at Lady Akira, not believing she understood the lady correctly. She had never heard anything so absurd in all her life, although in truth she still couldn’t recall her past. The very idea she would have to pretend to care for James in an attempt to make his real intended envious seemed ludicrous.
She looked at the healer, Tavia, who gave her a slight smile. Turning to Lady Akira, Eilis folded her arms. “I thank you for your kindness and generosity in taking care of me after I nearly drowned, but I do not see how acting smitten with His Lairdship will aid him in obtaining Catriona’s hand. ‘Tis folly I wager to believe this. I would more than likely anger her instead and ruin His Lairdship’s chance with her.”
“Worry not your bonny head, dear,” Lady Akira responded. “You just play your part well. Act the adoring lass, besotted with the laird of the manor. Should be easy to do as handsome as James is, and the fact he is chief should help also. The better you play your part, the sooner James will marry. The clan will forever be in your debt.”
“His Lairdship can barely abide me. How can I act infatuated with him when he only returns scowls?”
“He will be well-studied in returning your simple gestures of affection. Never fear. As soon as Catriona arrives, the game shall be a success. In the meantime, you and James shall practice the deception.” Lady Akira patted Eilis’s hand. “I have to ready some of my daughter’s gowns. They should fit you well. I will have a maid fetch threads and material so that you may embroider while you stay with us once you feel well enough.” She touched Eilis’s head. “Your fever has abated, but I worry about you taking a ride just yet. Mayhap a short stroll in the garden with His Lairdship would suffice for now.”
Eilis’s stomach twisted into knotted hemp. She didn’t think any man had ever attempted to “woo” her, even if it wasn’t really the laird’s true intention. Yet, she hadn’t a clue as to what to do. Had her da made sure no clansman ever approached her? What if she were betrothed to someone important? He’d want James’s head.
****
Early the next morning, Dougald MacNeill glanced at Gunnolf, blond-haired and bearded, brilliant blue eyes, looking like one of the Viking warriors who had landed in Scotland some years earlier as they now made their way to his home at Craigly Castle.
Gunnolf had served as James’s bodyguard until he became laird of Craigly Castle, and Dougald and his brothers sought English brides with lands to make their own. Now Gunnolf served Dougald, though he never thought of the Norseman as anything but the best of friends, in many respects like a brother.
“Has Malcolm sent word ahead, telling Laird James he has married Lady Anice?” Gunnolf asked.
Dougald shook his head.
Gunnolf grunted. “He will not be pleased that you are the only one returning to aid him against the raiding Dunbarton.”
“Malcolm had to stay behind to protect his bride from the Robertson Clan who still seek her head. Angus will not be able to use his sword arm for a fortnight after the clash with Lady Anice’s enemies. Besides, you make up for our fewer numbers.”
‘Twas oft said Gunnolf shared the berserker traits of his forefathers. He could kill four men for every one Dougald or any of his brothers put down. ‘Twas good the Norseman was on their side.
“What about Lady Akira?”
Aye, his mother would have a fit to learn Malcolm had taken a wife without a word to her. Her first son finally married and to the cousin of Queen Matilda at that. He had done himself proud, despite the trouble he could have gotten himself into over the matter. Well and had gotten into.
Dougald smiled to himself. ‘Twas he who normally got himself into a mess with the ladies, not any of the rest of his brothers.
“I will tell my mother the situation when we arrive.”
Gunnolf slowed his horse. “All of it?”
Dougald shook his head. “Nay all of it, although I will give a full accounting to James. He would appreciate a good laugh.”
“He will not believe the saga.”
Dougald chuckled. “I still do not believe it myself.”
The men had kept a wary eye out for thieves and Dunbarton’s men on the way home, but when they reached the MacNeill clan border near dark, Dougald finally relaxed a bit in the saddle.
But the relief he felt at reaching his clan’s border instantly vanished when they spied Dunbarton clansmen rustling sheep in the distance.
Neither Gunnolf nor Dougald said a word but unsheathed their swords. They were outnumbered six to one, but they would not allow this affront to MacNeill sheepherders and to James’s good name. If they went for help, the Dunbarton clansmen would already have stolen the sheep and been safely away.
With the MacNeill’s mighty battle cry, Dougald shouted, “Buaidh Na Bas!”
“Aye, to conquer or die!” Gunnolf echoed.
They galloped toward the raiders, intending to stop the thieves anyway that they could.
****
Tavia helped dress Eilis in a pale blue gown with a girdle of dark blue fabric criss-crossing her bodice in the fashion that showed off a lady’s curves. After attaching a gold belt, Tavia stood back and admired Eilis. “Aye, my lady,
ye are bonny indeed. Niall will surely be taken with you.” Tavia opened the door to the guest chambers, paused then crossed the room to a chest.
“Niall? I thought His Lairdship was the one whose eye I was to catch.” Eilis finished plaiting her hair.
The woman choked on laughter and pulled a gold brooch out of the chest. “His Lairdship is too hard to please. ‘Tis Niall who speaks of you every hour of the day.”
“Then this shall be an interesting game. I have nay interest in His Lairdship, and he has none in me.”
“Is that so, Eilis?” James stood in the entryway, filling it as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms folded across his broad chest, one dark brow raised in question.
His dark eyes studied her reaction as much as she tried to slow down her hastily beating heart. She wanted to melt into the rushes. Her face felt so hot, she was sure the fever had returned.
Tavia quickly curtsied to His Lairdship then grinned.
“Can you manage a walk in the gardens, Eilis, or are you feverish again? Your cheeks are positively crimson.”
Her mouth dropped. She didn’t believe she had ever been so overwhelmed by a man’s beauty, the way he carried himself so regally, or observed her like she was his for the taking. ‘Twas only a ruse they were to play, yet the way he looked at her, well, Lady Akira did say he would be well conversed in how he was to handle her to make it seem as though they were smitten with each other. But the look of pure lust that filled his expression made her heart flutter wildly like a caged bird.
Now she really didn’t believe she could do this.
“I can manage a brief walk, my laird.”
James eyes sparkled with mirth. He held out his arm, and after she rested her hand on his sleeve, he walked her down the stairs. She tried to ignore the way touching him heated her thoroughly. They were fully clothed, for heaven’s sakes. But it was the long looks he gave her, like he was ready to devour every inch of her, that sent a ripple of tension down her spine.
How could she pretend to care for someone she didn’t know, who had earlier scowled and spoken to her angrily? She was certain she would have a devil of a time attempting to play his intended false.
Yet, the way her body reacted to his professed interest in her unnerved her. ‘Twas a sign no one had ever courted her, or she wouldn’t feel so…so lightheaded with the way he watched her. She would have to keep her wits about her if she was to pull this off.
James couldn’t believe how beautiful the lass was dressed in the elegant gowns befitting the queen herself. ‘Twas his duty to look at her like a besotted dolt, yet the pleasure he felt in observing the lass, made it all the more easy to feign interest. She moved like an angel, gliding down the steps, her narrow hips swaying slightly, the movement of her skirt rustling, her hand feather light on his arm. She had the bearing of a fine lady and would give Catriona a good deal of competition. Except that he had no knowledge of who Eilis truly was, and he would exercise no true interest in her, except to attempt this pretense.
He recalled the look on her face, flushed with embarrassment when he had overheard her comment in the guest chamber.
Then this shall be an interesting game. I have nay interest in His Lairdship, and he has none in me.
Yet, he did not believe she was uninterested in him. Not the way she had challenged him earlier with her entrancing eyes. Although for now, she avoided looking at him and seemed much more demure. Had the fever, mayhap being delirious, emboldened her? And now that the fever had passed, she was like so many of the other women he had considered in marriage, afraid of him, unable to measure up?
He sighed deeply. ‘Twould not be soon enough before Catriona arrived.
His mother and Eanruig watched from the first floor of the keep, as if he was leading his bride to the feast after the celebration. He was only taking a walk with the lass, naught more. He wished his people wouldn’t insinuate further than that.
They walked outside into the inner bailey where the blacksmith pounded a sword on an anvil, sending sparks flying and stone masons worked on the south wall, heaving the heavy stones in place. But everyone stopped what they were doing to watch His Lairdship walking with the lady, an unusual sight for him to be sure, but they need not be so obvious about it.
Eilis seemed mortified, staring straight ahead, looking at no one, as if terrified to see what they thought. Was it so bad to be seen with him?
Aye, she said she had no interest in him, yet, he had observed the way she looked at him with those sea green eyes of hers. He intrigued her, even if she tried to deny it. Unless, she was truly a Dunbarton and was afraid he would discover the truth.
He took a deep breath. If she did not quit acting so afraid of him, the ruse would not be a success when Catriona arrived. “Have you regained any of your memories, Eilis?”
“Nay.”
Her answer was not what he wished to hear. Walking her into the herb gardens, he asked, “Have you found everything to your liking here?”
“Aye.”
Och, if she did not help with the conversation at all, he could not suffer another moment with her.
“Does it truly distress you to be putting on this charade, lass?”
“I…” She looked up at him, her eyes misty with tears. “I…I have never been courted before…I do not think.”
For a moment, he stared at her in surprise then he couldn’t help smiling. “Ah, that is the only difficulty.” He had to remind himself she might still be wed, or that men might have courted her, but that she couldn’t remember. Still, the notion he might be the first filled him with a sense of intrigue.
Her innocence was refreshing—since ladies oft made their interest in him known, although for many he had no intention of dallying with the likes of them—but she did not push herself on him like the others did. She neither batted her eyelashes nor gave him winsome smiles designed to solicit his interest. That was what intrigued him most about her, he thought.
“Mayhap I can help your memories return.” He motioned to the variety of flowers blooming in the garden. “Which, if any of these, is your favorite?”
She pulled away from him, knelt beside creeping ladies tresses, and touched the creamy white petals. Her golden red hair swept the flowers, and she looked as pretty as any of the varieties blooming there. “The sweet scent of the blossoms and the way the flowers look like ladies’ braided hair is why I like these the best.” She waved at purple heather planted nearby. “And the flowers of the heather also.” Looking up, she smiled like the sun sparkled on a clear blue loch, refreshing and inviting. “I think I like all flowers, my laird.”
He couldn’t help but smile back, which made him realize it had been many months since he had felt so lighthearted. “Call me James, lass.”
She rose to her feet and clutched her hands. “I fear our plan will cause trouble with your Catriona. I have already told your mother this, but she would not listen.”
He shrugged and tried to sound as nonchalant as he could. “Then I shall seek another lady’s hand in marriage.” But it was his most fervent desire Catriona would quit this foolishness and agree to marry him.
Reaching out to Eilis, he pulled her hands apart. Her eyes widened, but she did not step back. He leaned over and brushed his lips against hers, not sure why. Mayhap to see her reaction, to judge whether their ruse with Catriona would succeed.
‘Twas the most chaste of kisses, although even so, he feared her refusal or quick rebuke. Neither occurred, and when he pulled away from her velvet mouth, she leaned forward as if expecting more.
‘Twas not at all what he anticipated, and his lips curved up.
Was she more well-versed in dalliances than he had at first presumed? Yet, there was something innocent and naïve about her reaction. Mayhap a ruse as well? He had known women to act one way and feel another.
Did she truly fear for her life if he should learn she was a Dunbarton?
Taking a deep, settling breath, he put space between them. She d
idn’t look shyly away but studied him with widened eyes. Even with such an unpresuming kiss, she had started a slow burn deep inside him. He reminded himself ‘twas only the fact he had left the lassies alone for a fortnight, readying himself to take a wife to the marriage bed that sparked his desire for the lass.
His lips curved up at the sight of her, the silky strands of hair fluttering against her cheek, her skin flushed like a blushing bride, and her eyes darkened. Whatever clan she was from, she was remarkably attractive.
He reached up and touched her hair, remembering the way it looked splayed upon the pillow in the chamber adjoining his. She tilted her chin up, her eyes challenging him to go further, yet her hands clung together again in a death grip. She didn’t reach out in an attempt to force his hand, to get him to partake in more. No, this one was innocent all right.
He should have left off where he had begun until he knew which clan the lass belonged to, but what harm would it do to kiss her once more?
Cupping her face, he leaned down and kissed her again, only meaning to press his mouth against hers more firmly, naught more. But when her fingers tentatively touched his waist, the notion concerning which clan she belonged to and the fact she was probably an untried maiden were tossed asunder. Instantly, he deepened the kiss, wishing to plunder the lady from the sea, his treasure, his find. He expected her to swoon, or step back, or slap his face, but she parted her lips and gave a soft mew.
‘Twas his undoing as his trewes tightened uncomfortably. And again, he had the incredible feeling he knew her. He moved his hands to her shoulders in case she became faint while he pressed his advantage.
‘Twas he who was shocked when she gave into his probing tongue and mated tentatively with his. Her lashes brushed her cheeks, hiding her eyes while her fingers clung to his waist. Aye, she was ready to swoon, the beat of her heart rapid and wine-sweetened breath shallow.
If she had been one of his usual conquests, a lass who wished a quick romp and no attachments, they would have been naked and buried in the fragrant flowers already. Seemed strange to be with a lass, plying her with kisses, wanting to take his actions further, but knowing he could not, even if she wished it so.