Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) (16 page)

The sun’s power would aid her chant with its
glowing rays. She raised her hands to

its warmth, letting the rays play over her
extended fingertips. “Brightness assist me.

Sunshine of yellow, call forth my fellow. Let
my image instill in his mind.

Oh, would that you let it be kind. He shall
remember me.”

Douglas was on a covert mission to
avoid everyone, but that wasn’t to be.

His mother waited for him to come
out of his chamber. It was late enough that he should have risen by now, and
she stood sentry by his door before deciding to knock. Her hand rose to strike
the door when he stuck his head out, but she shoved him back inside.

“Why are ye lurking outside my
door? I could hear your every move.”

“Douglas, I must to speak to ye.”

“You don’t have to hold me hostage
in my room,” he said when she closed the door and backed against it, keeping
him trapped inside.

“Aye, I do. You’ve been hard to
talk to lately. Why are you hiding in here?”

“I’m not hiding. What did you
want?”

“I want you to take Rachel home at
the soonest. She has been trouble lately, and I deem it’s high time she
returned to her clan.”

“I thought you enjoyed having her
here. What did she do to cause your ire?”

“I don’t have time to entertain
her, what with Candace’s wedding coming. Candace and Isabel don’t particularly
enjoy her company. I know you like her, but I beg ye to take her home.”

“If it means that much to you, then
I’ll take her home today.” Douglas realized his mother meant what she said, by
her bluntness. Besides, he hadn’t cared whether Rachel stayed or not. Not since
his conversation with Brendan at the loch.

“Aye, it means much. Do take her
home today. Ye be careful around her. I don’t trust her—”

“Mother, she’s a woman, for God’s
sake. I can take care of myself. I don’t know why you’re so concerned. I’ll
return her today, and be back by the afternoon. ‘Tis a fair and sunny day for
the ride.”

“Good. It is bright today, warm
enough for the trek.” His mother gave him a kiss on his cheek, tapping it
afterward, and left his room.

Douglas followed his mother to the
hall, and waited for Rachel to come down for her breakfast. He was confused by
his mother’s attitude, but he wanted to please her. His sister seemed annoyed
having Rachel there, too. Since they were the ladies of his keep, at least for
now, he would try to appease them. He ate his morning fare, and gave
instructions to Gil and Cedric for the day’s duty. They left the hall when
Rachel came forward. She set a tray down and sat beside him.

“Good morn, Laird, may I refill
your trencher?”

Douglas shook his head. “Rachel,
you’re to go home today. I must apologize for keeping you from your family for
so long. Surely you want to return to them.”

“Have I done something wrong?” Rachel’s
eyes misted, and she lowered her head, but he wasn’t about to fall for her
woman’s tears.

“Nay, my mother asked me to return
you. She says a lass should be with her family. I have been remiss. It isn’t
your fault our clans are feuding.”

She frowned and looked as though
she’d argue, but she didn’t. “Thank ye for your kindness.”

“Get your things, and we’ll meet in
the stable. Don’t dally.”

He left and went to ready their
horses. Rachel didn’t waste time and met him there a few minutes later. She was
given her own mount and rode beside him. He had taken thirty men with him
because her cousin was his most hated enemy. Irving Dunmore would do anything
to get his hands on him. Douglas wanted to get the chore done. Since the
Dunmore land lay only a few hours away, it wouldn’t take much time to get there
and return home.

“Candace is happy about her
marriage to Wills.”

Douglas tried to ignore her while
they rode along, but he couldn’t be rude. “Aye, Rachel, she is happy. Wills is
a good man.”

“Are you going to wed soon?”

Rachel placed her hand on his arm
and rode so close that her leg touched his. He watched her suspiciously. “Mayhap,
I don’t know if I’m wanting a wife right now.”

“Have you someone in mind, Laird
Kerr?”

Douglas knew why she’d asked. Was
his mother right about her? “Nay, not really. Why the sudden interest in my
matters?”

“I’m just making conversation,
Laird Kerr.” She pouted.

He pulled his steed’s reins to get
the horse to move faster, not wanting to broach the subject further. Why hadn’t
he noticed her brazenness before? He recalled Brendan’s words.
She’s good at
pretending
.

They reached the walls of the
Dunmore keep in the early afternoon. Irving Dunmore staggered forward and
assisted Rachel from her horse.

“Douglas,” Irving shouted. “You
have the audacity to come here? ‘Tis about time ye returned my cousin. I should
kill you here and now for what you’ve done to her.”

“Don’t be an arse, Irving, my men
would cut you down before ye could make a move. Aye, I am returning Rachel.”

“You bastard. How could ye mistreat
her so?”

“She hasn’t been mistreated. You
are fortunate that we are returning her.”

“So you say, Kerr. I grow weary of
your attacks.” Irving spat on the ground.

Irving looked as though he itched
to take his sword out, but he held firm. He’d be dead before he could strike. Douglas
kept his gaze directed on him, and his men had their swords drawn. Several had
arrows notched at the ready, pointed directly at Irving.

“I’d get used to it, Irving. I’ll
continue my attacks as long and as oft as I wish. Keep your clan off my land. The
next time I find a Dunmore on my soil, I’ll return him with a rope around his
neck.” Douglas glared. “And he won’t be walking.”

“Laird Kerr, can I … come back for
a visit?” Rachel stepped forward with a sad look in her eyes.

“You need to be here with your
family.” He felt badly for returning her to the Dunmore.

Irving gave Rachel a hard look then
turned a smile on him. “Aye, Douglas, come back for her. She’s been used, and
is the rabble of our clan now.”

Rabble
. Hadn’t Irving’s father called his mother rabble? Douglas’
father’s words resounded.

“You’re fortunate that I don’t kill
ye now, Irving.” He wanted to put his fist in Irving’s face, but instead, he
turned his mount and motioned to his men.

Irving had grown into a drunkard. Douglas
could smell his foul odor and see the glazed look in his dismal brown eyes. What
did he care? Irving’s carelessness would cost him dearly, if he thought Douglas
would relent. He decided to put the Dunmores from his mind, and felt Irving’s
eyes searing his back, when he kicked his horse’s flanks and rode swiftly
toward Kerr land.

The day dawned rainy and dreary. Douglas
went about his duties, checking to make sure the men went about their training.
He ran through the puddles, taking the steps into the hall, and found his
sister sitting with Isabel in the chairs near the hearth. His mother was absent
and likely off in the kitchens.

Douglas noticed their boredom and
almost laughed when he saw Candace sigh every other minute. Isabel kept her
task on her sewing, and he smiled, thinking what a positive influence she had
on his sister. Aye, she was ladylike and serene, unlike his sister who often
got in trouble with her mischief, although she had become more mature in the
last year.

He heard Candace complaining about
Wills’ delay in returning, and Isabel’s retort that if she complained once more
she’d bash her with the banker she sat upon. Standing near the buttery, neither
could see him, and he stifled a laugh. Mayhap in his sister’s company, Isabel
was just as mischievous. Taking a long drink of ale, he listened.

“I have to get out of here, Isabel.
Honestly, I’m about to go mad.”

“Let’s walk in the rain, it’s not
too cold.”

His sister said, “I would enjoy
that.”

He watched as Isabel pulled her
plaid over her head and ran outside into the rain.

Most clans-people tended to do
chores inside on such rainy days, and none milled about the bailey. Douglas
hurried to the rampart to keep an eye on them. He climbed to the top of the
castle and went through the door that led to the rampart. He stood watching.

Isabel spotted a huge puddle, ran
through it, and splashed a large amount of water at Candace. Her slipper became
instantly drenched. Candace shrieked with glee, returning the splash. They were
both soaked within minutes. Both let their plaids fall to the ground, and they
ran around the bailey like wee children splashing and laughing.

Douglas leaned against the
crenellation, smiling at their childlike antics. The rain felt cold on his
face, but he enjoyed the spectacle below in the bailey. He couldn’t contain a
chuckle as he watched them. They were into their play, and didn’t notice him
looking down.

“You’re in for it, Candace.” Isabel’s
voice echoed from the wall. She took a bucket beside the wall, and dipped it
into the barrel that sat next to it.

“Do not, if ye …” Candace didn’t
finish because she was too busy trying to get away. Shrieking, she tried to
flee.

“Take that.” Isabel dumped the
contents over his sister’s head.

Candace sputtered water. “Why you
imp!” She returned the favor, soaking the front of Isabel’s gown, the material
clung to her.

Douglas thought he’d fall over the
stone wall and land in the courtyard below. He groaned at the sight of the
clinging material. Aye, she was very appealing. He was about to call down to
them when he heard his mother, right on time. Thank God. He didn’t want Isabel
and his sister standing about the courtyard soaked through, with their gowns
molded to their bodies.

“What in God’s name are ye doing? You
are filthy, dirty, and soaking wet. Put those buckets down and get inside.”

Both girls lowered their heads at
his mother’s shaking finger. They knew they were in for it, another lecture on
the propriety of being a lady. Douglas wanted to laugh out loud, but instead
leaned to listen.

“Aye, Mother, we were only having
fun,” Candace said.

“Fun. You’ll be sneezing for a
sennight. I’ll heat bath water for ye. Thank the Lord your future husband isn’t
here to see this,” she carped at them all the way inside.

Douglas watched his mother
reprimand them, and they disappeared inside the keep. His mother wasn’t one to
allow disobedience. Even he, being laird, didn’t disobey her. The lassies had
been enjoying themselves. He hadn’t seen Isabel act in such a way before, not
since … well, not since the time he’d first met her at Stan’s. He remembered
the hay she had in her hair, and he recalled Stan saying she and his sister had
been drinking. He’d have to observe Isabel more closely. He wished he’d been nearer
so he could feel the fabric plastered against her body. The cold rain seeped
into his body, and cooled his adore. He went to his chamber to change out of
the now soaked garments, and along the way, he heard his mother yelling at
Candace and Isabel from within her solar.

Later that day, he entered the hall
for the evening meal and noticed that both ladies were dressed in dry gowns and
their hair had been arranged. He never would have known they’d bathed in the
bailey earlier. The rain kept his soldiers in their cottages or in the
barracks, and many hadn’t come to eat in the hall. Douglas took his place at
the head of the table. Brendan and Gil sat on each side of him, conversing
about various training tactics. He watched Isabel and Candace with interest,
because they whispered words he couldn’t hear.

“What are you lassies up to?”

“Nothing, Douglas,” Candace said.

He couldn’t help noticing Isabel’s
attire. She looked as though she belonged dressed as she was in their plaid. Aye,
she looked like a Highland lass. His glance returned to her, and she actually
blushed. Aye, she was a sweet, bonny lass.

They had a light meal of rabbit
stew and vegetables, served with chunks of cheese, black bread, and a sundry of
dried meats, but Douglas barely paid attention to eating the meal or those
around him.

Helena leaned toward him. “Laird,
did ye hear me?”

Douglas’ eyes rose. “Aye, Helena?”

“I asked if you were finished with
your food.”

He lifted his trencher, handing it
to her. “I’m finished, Helena. Thank you.” He saw Helena’s smile as she turned
to leave.

The servants cleared the food and
dishes. Candace and his mother sat beside the hearth, putting the finishing
touches on the gown they sewed for her wedding. Isabel remained at the table,
holding a small book, but she wasn’t concentrating on reading. Nay, she kept
looking at him. He tried to avoid her gaze. After the meal was cleaned away,
Brendan and Gil moved to a smaller table across the room. The table was setup
with a chess board. They quickly became absorbed in a game.

Douglas sat by himself at the main
trestle table, considering his duties for the next day. At least, he tried to. The
day grew darker, and the sunset brought forth the winds from the surrounding
mountains. He walked to the two windows and pulled the hide coverings closed to
ward off the brisk chill.

“Isabel, join us,” Brendan said,
motioning to her.

Douglas didn’t like the fact that
he asked her to join him, but what could he do? He was losing much ground in
his effort to keep his distance from her.

Isabel set her book aside, and
hesitantly walked toward Brendan.

“Care for a game?”

“You know how to play chess,
Brendan?”

“Of course, Milady.”

“I didn’t think a hardened warrior
like you would give in to a game such as chess.” She laughed.

“It’s a warrior’s game, you’ll
see.” Brendan moved his chair close to hers, and leaning forward, he whispered
something to her.

Isabel gave a slight nod, while
studying the board, and moved a pawn forward one space.

Gil stood and stretched. “I’m
headed to the barracks.”

Brendan nodded to him. “I enjoyed
our time in the forest the other day, Isabel. Do you want to join me for a ride
tomorrow? I’ll take you to a secluded place I know where the foliage is so
thick.”

Douglas’ head popped up, his eyes
blazing. What was his cousin up to? When was he with Isabel in the forest? Thick
foliage? His demeanor turned rigid.

“Aye, I enjoyed the day, too, and I
thank you for your escort. The woods are lovely this time of year. You’re quite
skilled, Brendan, but I’m sure all the ladies tell you that.”

Brendan grinned. “There’s only one
lass I’m interested in.”

Douglas cast a searing gaze at his
cousin, but Brendan appeared to be enjoying himself—in fact, he even smiled.

Isabel giggled. “And who might she?”
She smiled when he captured one of her pawns.

“You know her well enough.” Brendan
touched the tip of her nose with his finger.

Douglas’ chair fell backward when
he stood, making a racket. He couldn’t help shouting. “Brendan, can I see you
outside for a moment?”

“Not now, Douglas, I’m talking to
Isabel. We’re playing a game. Later.”

“Nay you’re not. I said
now
.”

Brendan squeezed her hand, and
walked to him. Douglas practically shoved him through the hall’s exit, outside
the doorway into the courtyard.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Playing chess with Isabel. What
has you surly?”

“Nay, you all but implied …”

“I implied nothing. Were you
listening to our conversation? Why do you have a bee up your arse, Douglas? What
does it matter to ye?”

His arm jabbed out, clipping
Brendan below his left eye, but he didn’t even flinch.

“Stay away from her. She’s here at
my keep, and is my sister’s best friend. You keep yourself …” Douglas couldn’t
finish, but leaned against the wall, glowering.

“Cosh, Douglas, what’d you hit me
for? I thought the lass was available. She’s not attached to anyone, nor
claimed. You’re not interested. I thought you liked Rachel. What do you care
who the lass is with? I’ve decided—”

Douglas grunted. “I am
not
interested in Rachel, and you have no right to decide anything when it comes to
Isabel. What did she mean you’re skilled? You better not have touched her,
Brendan.”

“Oh, that … We practiced targets in
the forest. If I didn’t know better, cousin, I’d say you were interested in the
woman.”

“Damned right I am, but she’s my
sister’s friend. I can’t be attracted to her—”

“Why the hell not?” Brendan poked
him.

“She holds herself proper and is a
gently bred lady. It would be wrong of me to …”

“Mayhap she’s not as ladylike as
you think?”

“Dare you insult her? I swear,
Brendan, if you dallied with her, you’ll regret it.” Douglas poked him back,
but Brendan threw back his head and laughed like he never had before. Douglas
frowned, wondering if his cousin had gone mad. Brendan slapped his back and
walked away.

He marveled at why his cousin acted
so oddly. Why had he laughed? He never smiled, let alone laughed. His confusion
set his frown, making him feel like an addled arse himself.

*****

The next day, Brendan avoided
Douglas most of the morning. He wouldn’t see him until supper when he would
flirt with Isabel again. That should make Douglas cross enough to finally do
something about his attraction. Inside the stable, he grinned while rubbing down
his steed. The white horse had been given to him by his friend, Walter Ross,
the MacKinnon’s commander-in-arms, an important member of their clan. Brendan
was proud to be the warhorse’s owner, whose coat was as pristine as newly
fallen winter snow. He checked his hooves and tended his legs, looking him over
to make sure he was sound.

As he went about the task, he
thought of the other night when Douglas wanted to kill him for his
interference. Brendan found it so comical, he laughed several times that night,
and thought Douglas a fool. He whistled as he completed his task and heard
Douglas calling him.

“In here.” He closed the gate to
the stall when Douglas and Burk entered.

“Brendan, I’ve a message from
Colin. You’re needed home immediately,” Burk said.

“What’s happened?” Brendan’s chest
tightened.

“It’s Bonnie, she went missing in
Londontown, and Julianna returned home. Colin wants you there to protect her
and Kevin until he returns.”

“She’s missing? How did this
happen?” he shouted.

“They attended the king’s festival.
I don’t know how she disappeared. You’ll have to ask Julianna when you get
home.”

Brendan’s body stiffened at the
news. His sweet wee niece was missing? “Douglas, tell Gil I’m leaving, and if
he wants to come, I’ll be leaving shortly.”

Douglas nodded and left to relay
the message to Gil.

He leaned his head against the beam
that stood in the center of the stable. “Bonnie, my bean-sith, where are you? Burk,
is Colin still in England?”

“Aye, milady said he won’t return
until he finds her. She is distressed. Likewise, as I’m sure our laird is. Colin
has a good number of MacKinnons with him searching, including Robin. Milady
said he doesn’t feel safe with her home without one of his brothers there. That’s
why he sent me for ye.”

Brendan’s mind reeled. His sweet
bonny niece, alone in England of all places, the place he most hated. He grew
even more rigid. “I’ll return shortly. I have to take care of something. Ready
my horse.”