Fated Hearts 02 - Highland Echoes (27 page)

Bram slept that night with Grace in his arms. Nothing had ever felt so perfect. He woke just before dawn but simply continued to lay with her, holding her a bit longer while all was still. Somehow he would find a way to convince her to marry him tonight. Then she would be his forever. He rose silently, tucking the plaid around her. Ian had taken the last watch. He walked to where his brother leaned against a tree.

“Did ye persuade her?” Ian asked.

Bram hadn’t said anything to the men when they returned from the loch. “Not yet.”

“Ye know it isn’t Michael,” said Ian.

“Aye, I know that. It’s Da.”

“Does that surprise ye? If it weren’t for Kristen, I’m certain she’d never set foot on Sutherland land again.”

“I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. What shocked me was the threat Da used against her.”

“Michael told me he intended to force Grace into a marriage to prevent ye from marrying her.”

“Aye, but that’s not the worst he did. He told her if we eloped, he would kill her before my eyes, banish me, and Kristen would be left in his care.”

Ian laughed. “She didn’t believe him?”

“Aye, she did.” Bram told him about Grace’s mother.

“By the saints, that explains a few things. It wasn’t that Tristan feared a single man. He would have been up against an army. One warrior, no matter how skilled, could not defend himself or his loved ones against that.”

“Aye, and her mother believed the threat was real.”

“But ye know Da wouldn’t kill Grace. And ye also know, even if something did happen to her, he would never harm that bairn. Mother would kill him first. Besides, he likes the little imp.”

“Grace doesn’t believe that. Ye know Da wields intimidation better than any man alive and he has terrified her. On top of what she believes about her grandda and what that evil bastard Morrison did, she is willing to believe the worst. But I have to change her mind, and soon. I want to marry her at the abbey tonight, before we go home.”

Ian sucked in a sharp breath. “Ye’re sure this is the best course, Bram? “Da will be furious. He won’t kill her, but neither will he accept it lightly and she’s bound to get hurt in the process.”

“I don’t see another option. I won’t risk losing her again and the only sure way to prevent that is to marry her before we return.”

“Aye, I suppose ye’re right.”

Bram frowned. “He may banish us, Ian.”

“After all he has done to keep ye from leaving, I don’t think he will.”

“I’m not certain either, but if he does…”

Ian shook his head. “We’re not going to talk about this. He won’t.”

After a few moments of quiet, Bram said, “Ye needn’t be a part of this. There is no reason to make Da angry with ye as well. As long as I can convince her to, Grace and I will go to the abbey alone. Ye’ll be home by midday tomorrow. We won’t be too long behind.”

Ian looked at him incredulously. “Ye’ve lost yer mind. First, I will stand with ye when ye marry. I don’t care if it does anger Da. And second, there is no way I’m facing him alone with the news ye are on yer way home by way of the abbey.”

Bram grinned at him. “Well then, I guess we will face the storm together.”

“Aye,” said Ian. “Maybe he’ll banish both of us and make Boyd his heir.”

“Not until he has that betrothal to Kara MacNicol signed and sealed. He won’t risk this again.”

Ian laughed. “I guess Boyd is doomed to suffer any lessons Da learned from us.”

Bram chuckled. “Poor lad.” They sat in silence for a moment before Bram said, “Ian, since ye agree that it is best for me to marry Grace before we reach Sutherland Castle, I may need a bit of help convincing her that Da isn’t the monster she thinks he is.”

“I’ll do what I can. As far as Highland lairds go, he certainly isn’t the worst.”

*

Bram had set an easy pace the previous day. He knew Grace was anxious to reach Kristen, however, he and his men had pushed their mounts relentlessly to reach Durness. They would have risked injuring the beasts by continuing to push them. Although they might have been able to safely travel a little faster today, Bram still needed time to convince her. Not to mention that he wanted to keep Grace in his arms as long as possible and she seemed content to be there.

The casual pace allowed for some banter between the men and Bram decided to raise the issue of his father’s threat head-on. “Gentlemen, I learned something last night that distresses me, because it terrifies Grace.”

She gave him a horrified look. “Bram!”

“What is it?” asked one of the men.

“Ye are fully aware that Grace broke my heart by turning me away a little over a week ago.”

“Bram, stop.”

Bram put a finger to her lips. “I think it is important for us both to hear this. Maybe I am blinded by the love I have for my Da.”

She huffed in frustration but nodded.

“So, where was I? Ah, yes, ye knew she broke my heart but ye also knew my father was behind it and he had threatened her in some way. Last night I learned the worst of the threats. Apparently, Da was shrewd enough to know if I knew what he had done, I would have married my precious lass immediately and left Sutherland forever. So, he told Grace if we eloped, he would find us and kill her.”

“He wouldn’t do that,” said one of the men. At Grace’s affronted look, the man added, “what I mean is, I’m absolutely certain he would make that kind of threat. But he would never follow through. He wouldn’t kill ye, Grace. He might beat the shite out of his wayward son.”

“He’s always been a great one for intimidation,” said Donal. “Have ye ever seen him stare someone down, waiting until they looked away before making a move?”

Bram had seen him do this to Grace. He caught her eye and raised an eyebrow in question. She acknowledged the unspoken comment with a slight nod.

Ian snorted, “The only one who isn’t susceptible to that is mother.”

Bram noticed that Cam, a slightly older guardsman, had a furrowed brow. “Cam, is there something ye wish to say?”

“Ah…well…aye, I suppose there is. Ye told Grace it was important for both of ye to hear the answers.”

“I did.”

“Well, I don’t disagree that yer da uses intimidation extremely well and I also don’t believe he would make a public threat which he wouldn’t be willing to carry out. He would never be taken seriously again if he did that. However, I will admit there is a difference between an openly stated threat and one that’s unwitnessed. So the question is, if he wanted to intimidate Grace, would he have threatened her privately with something he would never consider doing?”

“What do ye think?” asked Grace.

Cam seemed to contemplate it for a few moments before answering. “I think he believed two of the things he values most, his family and his clan, were in jeopardy and he would have done anything to safeguard them—even threatening a lass he had no intention of killing…but I’m not absolutely sure. However, I am absolutely sure if ye enter Sutherland territory and ye aren’t married to Bram, ye will never be married to him. Laird Sutherland will force ye to marry someone else on the spot.”

“God’s bones, Cam, I wouldn’t allow that to happen,” said Bram.

“Ye are one man and he’s the laird. Ye won’t be able to stop it.”

“Why are ye so sure of this?” Asked Ian.

“I’m one of the men he discussed his plan with and to whom he offered Grace’s hand.”

Grace gasped. “
One
of the men? I thought it was just Michael.”

Cam nodded. “The laird thought Michael was the best choice and if push came to shove, that is who he would have married ye to. However, if ye did as ye were asked and things went well, he considered giving ye a choice.”

“Well, wasn’t that thoughtful,” said Grace with disdain.

Ian laughed uproariously and even Bram couldn’t hold in a chuckle.

“Ye find this humorous?” demanded Grace.

Bram tried to school his features but failed miserably. “Ah, nay, pet. Well, I guess, aye, it’s funny. But only because it helps make my point. No matter how…misguided…Da saw this as a kindness. I don’t think it’s in him to kill ye before my eyes.”

Ian managed to regain some control and in his best imitation of his father said, “Why yes, Grace, it is yer duty to break my son’s heart for the good of the clan, and even when ye do, I must insist that ye marry someone else immediately. But I’m not all bad, lass, I’ll let ye pick between these three.” Ian doubled over in spasms of laughter again.

In all seriousness, Cam said, “Ian, she would have had her choice of six men.”

That only made Ian laugh so hard Bram feared Ian was going to fall off his horse.

Grinning, Donal chimed in, “Now, Grace, lass, ignore the laughing eejit, I know forcing ye to marry was repugnant to ye and I understand that. But in fairness, if ye fouled it up at all, yer punishment would have been to marry Michael MacBain, one of the finest men I know. And if ye did well, ye’d have had yer pick. I realize it doesn’t change the fact that the laird was forcing ye to marry, but I do believe he was trying to make it as tolerable as possible. This is not a man who would follow through on a threat to kill ye.”

“He handed me over to the Morrisons.”

“That’s a fair point,” said Donal. “I’ll also agree the evidence was weak when examined. There is no doubt he wanted rid of ye and believing the story they told was expedient. But the point is, he did believe it. Even wanting rid of ye, I don’t think he would have handed ye over if he had known what lay in store.”

Bram felt the tension in her body. He kissed her head. “Sweetling, my father has behaved abominably. He thought his reasons were good, but it doesn’t change what he did to ye. For that I am sorry. I also think to give the devil his due, he tried to show ye some consideration regardless of how far he missed the mark. But I also think Cam makes an excellent point. He is the laird, all Sutherland men, even those riding with us now, have sworn him fealty. If we enter the village or the castle and are not married, I won’t be able to stop him from forcing ye to marry someone else any more than Michael could help ye alone when the Morrisons arrived.”

“So my choices haven’t changed. Marry someone else or risk death by marrying ye.”

“Nay lass, they have changed. I don’t believe my father will kill ye for any reason. But if ye are not convinced, I won’t expect ye to marry me. Either way, we’ll go to the abbey tonight. If ye fear marrying me, I will leave ye there for yer safety until I can bring Kristen to ye. Then I’ll take ye back to Durness if ye wish. However, my preference, my fondest desire, my most heartfelt prayer, is that ye marry me. I won’t push ye for an answer now. Think about what ye’ve heard. We’ll talk alone, before we get to the abbey.”

For the next few hours, Grace’s head and heart went to war. She loved Bram with everything in her. Being his wife, linking her life to his for the rest of her days, was also her fondest desire and dare she think it, her most heartfelt prayer.

Her head still told her it was wrong. She was a bit less worried about Laird Sutherland killing her over it. When she recovered from her outrage over his plan to offer her a choice of six men, she could almost see the humor in it. She also had to acknowledge that while she didn’t love Michael. If she had been forced to marry him, it would not have been a fate worse than death. Perhaps Laird Sutherland was trying to protect his clan and his son, while still showing a bit of compassion for her.

The weapon her head still wielded against her heart was the pain and anguish she knew her parents’ decision had caused.

They had stopped to rest the horses several times throughout the day and Bram didn’t raise the issue again. However, when they stopped in the early evening, he spread a plaid on the ground for them away from his men. She knew the time had come to make a decision.

Before he said anything, Bram cupped her head in his hand and gave her a soul-stirring, toe-curling kiss. She melted under his touch, her hands wandering over his muscular chest.

He broke the kiss far too soon. Smiling at her he said, “So it is agreed, ye love me as much as I love ye.”

She rested her cheek against his chest. “That was never at issue.”

“Then please marry me, Grace.”

Grace started to protest but he put a finger to her lips. “Before ye tell me one more time all the reasons why we can’t marry, I have one question and I want ye to answer with absolute honesty. Will ye?”

She nodded. “Aye, I will.”

“Good. Then I want ye to tell me, if yer parents were both here and ye could ask them if they would make the same choice to marry, even knowing everything they do now, what would they say?”

The question stunned Grace. She had wrestled all afternoon with the terrible consequences of their choice, from the outside looking in. Would they have done it all over again? She remembered her father’s words from his letter.
I love her more than life itself I cannot imagine living without her
. Then she remembered the last conversation with her mother.
I’m sorry we caused so much pain, but God help me I would do it again
. Bram had asked for absolute honesty and the answer was clear.

“They loved each other deeply. I believe that in spite of everything, they would have made the same choice to follow their hearts.”

“Then do ye suppose they would advise ye to do the same?”

Grace remembered her mother’s last words to her,
I love ye so much. Be happy, Grace
. She sighed. “Aye, they would.”

“Then it is decided. Ye’ll become my wife when we reach the abbey and if there are consequences, we will face them…together.”

She nodded. “It is decided.”

When they rejoined his men, Bram announced, “To my great relief and complete joy, Grace has agreed to become my wife.”

After the men had offered their congratulations and good wishes, Bram continued, “We all know how angry my father is likely to be over this. Ye are all sworn to him, not me. If ye would rather not be a party to this, I fully understand. We can part ways now and those who wish to can travel straight to Castle Sutherland.”

Ian said, “I have already told ye, I will stand with ye.”

Donal grinned. “Bram, while the laird may have tried to prevent it, he has never issued an order forbidding us to see ye wed. However, it is our sworn duty to protect ye and Ian. Leaving ye to the perils that might await between here and the abbey would be a dereliction of duty.” The other men laughed at the idea that any serious perils awaited them on the short ride to the abbey but they all agreed with Donal.

They arrived at the abbey a few hours later, just after sunset. The men dismounted and stood back ten paces or so with the horses while Bram approached with Grace and rang the bell at the gate.

A tall man of about two score wearing the robes of the order, with hair and beard that were whiter than brown, answered the bell. Grace was more than a little surprised by the friar’s appearance. The only religious men she had ever encountered were bookish and not particularly well built. This friar was every bit as tall and broad shouldered as Bram. “Good evening, gentlemen, my lady. I’m Father Colm. What brings ye to our abbey this evening?”

“My lady and I wish to be married tonight.”

He looked at Grace for a moment. His bright blue eyes caught her gaze, giving her a discerning look. “Ye will need the abbot’s permission for that. We’ve just finished vespers. I will find him for ye. Ye can all enter and wait here in the courtyard. The well is here, and there is a trough there in front of our stable. Ye can water yer beasts while ye wait.”

Father Colm left, returning before long with an elderly, short, slightly portly friar who had ruddy cheeks and a bulbous nose. He appeared a bit doddering. “Good evening and welcome to our abbey. I’m Brother Christy, the abbot here. Father Colm tells me ye wish to be married.”

“Aye, Brother Christy, we do,” answered Bram.

“Well, that is nice, very nice. But Father says, ye wish to be married tonight and I’m afraid that isn’t possible.”

“Please, Brother, there must be a way,” said Bram.

Grace’s heart fell. “Why do ye do this to me, God?” she muttered.

Father Colm arched an eyebrow, but Brother Christy didn’t seem to have heard her and went right on talking. “Nay it isn’t possible. We must post the banns for three weeks first.”

“Brother, I know the banns are supposed to be posted in advance, but we must be married tonight.”

“I’m sorry, ye see, there are rules to be followed. It simply isn’t possible.”

“Please, Brother, I understand that but the banns are to ensure that there are no impediments to marriage. I assure ye, there are none.”

“Young man, everyone who wishes to be married assures me they have no impediments.”

“My men, my brother here can vouch for us. It is imperative that we be married this evening.”

Brother Christy’s manner shifted from convivial to shrewd in a matter of moments. “It is
imperative
is it? Well, young man, I’d like for ye to come with me and explain more about why it is imperative that ye marry this evening.”

“Certainly, Brother,” Bram said, taking Grace’s hand.

“Not her. Ye. Alone. Father Colm will speak to yer lady.”

Bram brushed her cheek with a kiss. Her dismay must have been written on her face because he whispered, “Don’t worry so. It will be fine.”

Bram followed the abbot. Father Colm said, “Gentleman, the chapel is open if any of ye wish to pray.” He grinned at their surprised looks. “I just thought I’d offer, but since none of ye seem so inclined, the lass and I will chat in there.”

He took her elbow, leading her to the chapel. Grace knew he had heard her comment about God and figured she was in for a lecture. When they entered the chapel, Father Colm lit several candles before saying, “What’s yer name lass?”

“Grace. Grace Breive.”

“Ye wear a kertch. Are ye a widow?”

“Aye, Father. My husband was a fisherman and he died in a storm.”

“I’m very sorry for yer loss, Grace. God rest his soul.” Father Colm made the sign of the cross, offering a silent prayer before addressing her again. “Now, please sit down, and don’t look so distressed. When couples come to the abbey requesting to be married immediately, Brother Christy always refuses three times. If they persist beyond his refusals, he speaks to each of them alone before he agrees. He wants to make certain all is well. It is getting late, so tonight he asked if I would speak with ye.”

“Oh,” said Grace. Somehow this didn’t exactly quiet her nerves.

“So, is all well? Do ye wish to marry this man?”

Unable to lie, Grace answered, “Father, those are two separate questions. I wish to marry Bram with my whole heart. But all is not well.”

“Tell me, why.”

Grace launched into the story. She had just intended to give him the important details, but she found herself telling it all, from the night she lost her husband and father to ringing the bell at the gate. When she had finished, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“Ye have been through quite a lot, Grace, and now I understand yer comment to our Lord earlier. I feel we need to discuss a few things, but first I want to assure ye, if the abbot is happy enough with Bram’s answers, I will marry the two of ye.”

She sighed with relief. “Thank ye, Father.”

“I’d like to talk about yer belief that God has abandoned ye. I could give ye a lot of pious rhetoric about how we can’t understand the ways of God and that He has reasons for everything including our suffering, but I don’t believe that.”

His words shocked Grace and it must have shown on her face.

He chuckled. “Grace, if yer wee daughter reached to touch a hot pot, what would ye do?”

“I’d tell her no, or pull her hand back.”

“What if ye were too far away or she couldn’t hear ye, and she burned her fingers. Then what would ye do?”

“I would put cool water on them, try to give her comfort, and just in case she hadn’t learned her lesson, I’d tell her not to do that again.”

“The fact is, we live in a world in which bad things happen, sometimes caused by the evil one himself, and sometimes by people who chose evil. Just like ye would wish to keep Kristen from burning her fingers, God doesn’t want to see us hurt. Sometimes it happens anyway. Then He is there to comfort us, and to help us learn.”

Grace harrumphed. “What I learned is God doesn’t listen to me.”

“Child, He listens better than ye think He does. He didn’t send ye all these trials, but He did give ye the strength to get through them and the people ye needed to help ye.”

“But Father, He couldn’t even grant the simplest request.”

Father Colm laughed. “If Kristen asked for something that was bad for her, would ye give it to her?”

“Nay, but how could protecting me from the pain that inevitably comes with love be bad for me?”

“Think of all the people ye love, the ones ye’ve lost as well as those ye still have. Would ye be better off if ye had never loved any of them? If ye could go back and change things, would ye choose to prevent the pain by never knowing their love?”

It was hard to imagine not loving her parents but Grace thought of Callum—her quiet, gentle, soft-spoken husband. Would it have been better never to have loved him? Tears welled in her eyes. Even knowing their time together would be short, she certainly would have chosen to love him and marry him again. She shook her head. “Nay.”

“So, I don’t think it was a case of God not answering yer prayer—it’s just that sometimes, the answer was ‘Nay.’ And the truth is, we can’t pretend to know God’s ways, we just have to believe that He will give us what we need. In fact, I suspect ye have been completely frustrating Him. He sent ye someone He believes ye need and ye’ve been dragging yer feet. So shall we get that young man out of his misery?”

She chuckled and wiped the errant tear from her cheek. “Aye, Father.”