Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (15 page)

Edina shook her head. There was no point in trying to talk to her father or her brother. Neither was prepared to listen. Thankfully she had taken matters into her own hands and sent for Duncan’s former lover.

“I heard about Callum.” Edina decided it best to change the subject for the time being. “Is it true he fell tae his death?”

Her father lowered his head and gave it a slow nod. “Aye. The fool attacked the guard, nearly killed the bugger, then made a run for it. He should have known better than tae try. I sent out a party of men at dawn tae search for his remains. However, I dinna think they will find him. The current is strong and the tide has gone out, likely taking his body with it.”

Edina placed her hand on her father’s forearm. “I am sorry he let you down, Da. I know you put your faith in him.”

“He and I have been friends since we were lads. The fact that he would betray me came as quite a shock, but I was bent on seeing him punished. I suppose his death has saved me the task of deciding his fate.”

“The blackguard got what he deserved. Had I gotten my hands on him, I’d have lopped off his ballocks and fed tae the dogs,” Jayden interjected. “Even that would have been too good for the bastard.”

“His fate was not yours tae decide, son. But we dinna have tae worry about that now.” Sinclair pointed to the platters of meat, cheese, fruit, and fresh bannock that were placed on the table before them. “Cook has gone to a lot of trouble tae prepare your favorite foods. Eat, Edina.”

“I’m not hungry,” Edina replied softly. “If you dinna mind, I am still verra tired and wish tae return to my chamber.” She stood to leave, bowed to her father, and was about to exit the room when a messenger entered.

“I bring word from Duncan Sutherland,” the man announced.

Laird Sinclair ushered him in with a sweep of his arm. “Tell us and make haste.”

The messenger bowed, then plucked a piece of vellum from his sporran, and handed it to her father. Edina waited with baited breath while he read the note.

A broad smile crossed her father’s face as he read the missive. “Duncan has been delayed, but will be here first thing in the morning. It appears you have another day tae prepare for your husband-tae-be’s arrival.”

Chapter 17

Edina now understood the angst and desperation a condemned man must feel as he awaits execution. Duncan’s delay gave her a brief reprieve, but an extra day didn’t change the fact that she would be forced to marry upon his arrival. Unless her plan to reunite him with his true love succeeded, she’d have no options but to follow through with her father’s arrangement.

An attempt to busy herself with needlework failed, as did walking about the parapets and castle grounds until she was exhausted. She hid out in her chamber for hours, brooding about her fate, wishing she could find the answer to her dilemma. She refused to join the clan for the evening meal, opting to eat in her chamber, then retired early. But she was unable to sleep.

Despite being angry with Alasdair for the way he’d abandoned her and showed no concern for her plight, she could not get him off her mind. An unsavory mix of antagonism and desire churned in her belly. The voice in her head told her that she should curse the ground he walked upon, and be thankful he would soon be out of her life forever, but her heart told her otherwise.

He’d managed to keep his distance. Since their confrontation prior to the morning meal, she’d not seen a sign of Alasdair. Mayhap he’d spent the entire day sleeping off the effects of too much whisky? Nay, her gut told her the man was deliberately avoiding her.

The possibility that he may have left to rejoin the Bruce without saying goodbye crossed her mind, causing her heart to plummet. But surely Jayden would have told her if he’d departed.

Fretting over things she could not change was a fruitless task, so she closed her eyes and prayed for sleep.

Morning came far too quickly. Edina arose before the sun, still toying with the idea of running away before Duncan arrived. But her sense of duty and honor would not allow her to humiliate her father in that way. At least by facing the situation head on, she’d have a chance to reason with Duncan.

A commotion in the bailey prompted Edina to move to the window. She threw open the shutters and peered into the inner courtyard. Her stomach clenched and her breath caught as she beheld the elaborate entourage proceeding through the iron gates.

Bright colored flags flapped in the breeze. A tall, handsome man on a white destrier led the group of warriors. He sat proud in the saddle, his back straight, and his head held high. He wore a saffron tunic that stretched across a broad muscular chest and a sash of Sutherland plaid. His shoulder length, blond hair hung loose and was tousled by a gust of wind. Helen was correct. Duncan was a striking man and an impressive sight.

But it mattered not. Edina did not wish to marry this man and hoped he would feel the same way once she’d had a chance to speak with him in private.

As she drew in her head, the patter of feet approaching from behind caused her to spin around.

“I hope I dinna startle you, m’lady. Since you were looking out the window, I guess you’re already aware of your betrothed’s grand entrance. Your da sent me tae help you get ready tae meet the young laird and bid you join them in the great hall as soon as possible.”

“Aye. I saw him enter the bailey.” Edina moved toward the bed and sat.

“From what I’ve observed, he is a braw warrior. You are verra lucky tae have such a dashing man ask for your hand,” Helen said cheerfully. She selected two gowns from the shelf and held them up for Edina’s perusal. “Do you fancy the blue or the green? Both would look lovely.”

“I have no desire tae impress the man. There is a grey, wool servant’s frock hanging on a hook in the kitchen, mayhap that would be my best choice,” Edina replied.

“Och, you dinna mean tae wear that old rag.” Helen chose the green gown, then returned the blue one to the shelf. “I think this will complement your bonny eyes and beautiful flaxen locks.” She placed the garment on the bed beside Edina, before retrieving a pair of matching slippers.

“I canna believe your lighthearted attitude. I thought you were my friend.” Edina rose, threw her hands in the air, and began to pace. “You know I am opposed tae this union.”

“Aye, I am your friend. But until William returns with the Mackenzie lass or you come up with another plan tae get your father tae reconsider this arrangement, best you approach the arrival of Laird Sutherland with an open mind. Defying your da and insulting your betrothed will only make a bad situation worse.”

Edina offered a hesitant nod. “You are verra wise, Helen, for a lass so young. If I anger my father, he will be even more intent on seeing me wed as soon as possible. I must stall until William returns.” She reached for the hem of her nightrail and tugged it over her head. “I will meet with Duncan as Da commands and be as cordial as possible. Hopefully he is a reasonable man and will listen tae what I have tae say.”

Edina donned the gown and allowed Helen to assist her with her hair, but as she readied herself to meet the man she was to marry, she was revisited by thoughts of Alasdair. Despite his strong aversion to marriage, she held out a glimmer of hope he might have a change of heart.

“Have you seen Lord Fraser this morn?” Edina had to know if he was still at the castle.

“Nay. I havena seen him since yesterday when you spoke with him in the hallway.” The young maid’s face flushed red. “That is a conversation I willna forget.”

“Do you know if he is still in the keep?”

“I heard rumors that he spent the entire day in his chamber, drinking.” Helen shook her head and clucked her tongue. “Cook told me that when the maid went tae change his bed clothes, she dinna return for some time. When she did, her hair was a mess, her cheeks flushed, and her gown rumpled. She refused tae say what, if anything, happened. But then again, the knave is only living up tae his reputation.”

“What do you mean by that?” A mix of anger and jealousy tormented Edina’s stomach. How could he humiliate her so and take a maid into his bed when he knew how she felt about him? Mayhap Jayden was right about Alasdair’s morals or lack there of.

“My brother was with him at Methven and Loudon Hill. While Darius says Lord Alasdair is a brave, fierce warrior, he also told me the man likes his whisky, carouses with tavern wenches, is crude, and certainly not known for his manners. I am surprised you found him tolerable.”

“I heard similar things about Alasdair, but once you get tae know him, and if given a chance, he can be quite charming.” Again she found herself defending his character and actions.

“Do you plan tae stay holed up in here for another full day?” Jayden asked as he stomped across the room and threw open the shutters. “High time you got up.”

“What does a man have tae do around here tae get some sleep? First there was a ruckus in the bailey and now you barge in.” He threw his arm over his eyes, shielding them from the unwelcome sunlight. “Leave me be,” Alasdair growled.”

“I’ve left you be too long by the sorry look of you. Not tae mention the chamber smells like some sort of animal lives in here,” Jayden commented, then whacked the bottom of Alasdair’s foot with flat of his hand. “You need tae get up and take a bath.”

Alasdair glared at his friend. “I dinna need you tae tell me what tae do.”

“Obviously someone has tae point you in the right direction, afore you drink yourself tae death.” He picked up an empty jug from the floor and then another. “I see you managed tae find Da’s supply of whisky. No wonder you dinna come out of your cave.”

Alasdair grunted, then rolled over, turning his back to Jayden. Despite what people thought, he did not usually drink to excess unless he had a very good reason. “I said leave me alone.”

“Nay. I insist you get out of bed and wash up. Now.” He yanked the pelt from the bed, leaving Alasdair naked and shivering. “Da will be expecting you tae join him in the great hall tae break your fast and tae greet Duncan Sutherland.”

A rock-sized knot formed in Alasdair’s stomach at the sound of the man’s name. So Edina’s betrothed had arrived. “That would explain the noise in the bailey. The bride’s future husband has finally come tae claim his prize. I am sure your sister will be pleased.” He was unable to curtail the cynicism in his voice.

“I canna speak for Edina. She may not agree with Da’s decision, but I know she willna do anything tae embarrass him. I suggest you honor him in the same manner . . . with your presence.”

Jayden retrieved a large bowl from the shelf, then filled it with water. “I would suggest you wash and mayhap shave afore you come down. You look like a bear and smell like one as well.” He threw back his head and laughed.

“As far as hosts go, you are sorely lacking.” Alasdair groaned when he sat up, quickly dropping his throbbing head into his hands. He spied the jug on the table beside the bed and reached for it. Just as Jayden snatched it away, marched over the window, and dumped the remaining content.

“No more whisky. Get up and ready for the day,” Jayden snapped. “And for God sake, put on some clothes.” He tossed the pelt over Alasdair’s lap.

Alasdair licked his parched lips and coughed to clear his throat. “Then we are in agreement. The time has come for me tae leave. I will clean up, pay my respects tae your da, and be on my way. Robert will be engaging the MacDougalls soon, so I shall be returning tae camp and will prepare for battle.”

“There is no need for you tae go. We have had verra little opportunity tae catch up on old times. Besides, my father has invited the chiefs of several prominent Highland clans tae the wedding and is expecting you tae represent Clan Fraser.”

“I am not the Laird of my clan, Connor is,” Alasdair snapped. “I need to rejoin the Bruce.”

“That may be, but you are still the eldest son of my father’s dear friend. If you depart after the wedding, I will
join you in the fight against the MacDougall’s. The time has come I had my chance at the buggers.”

The more Alasdair thought about Edina’s upcoming nuptials, the more eager he was to depart. He could not offer her a future, but he sure as hell did not have to stick around and torture himself. Seeing her wed to Duncan Sutherland, knowing she’d warm his bed, and grow round with his bairns, was more than he could handle. While Laird Sinclair might find his abrupt departure offensive, it was a risk he was willing to take.

“I canna make any promises. My brothers were expecting me tae visit afore the confrontation. I have not seen them in over a year and dinna want tae disappoint them.”

“Are Connor and Bryce not joining Robert in the fight? You mentioned they were.” Jayden cocked his head to the side and waited for an answer.

“Aye, but I’d hoped to see my nephew and Bryce’s daughter as well. Andrew was a babe, only a fortnight old, when last I saw him and he has now seen two summers. I have yet tae see Bryce and Fallon’s wee lassie and according to his last missive, Connor and Cailin were expecting another tae be born any day.” Alasdair was making excuses, looking for reasons to justify his hasty departure. Anything but the truth.

After rising to a wobbly stance, he trudged across the chamber to the washbasin. “Once I’ve cleaned up, I’ll meet you in the great hall.” He dipped both hands into the bowl, then splashed water on his face.

“I’ll hold you tae your word. Dinna take too long,” Jayden replied, then left the chamber.

Alasdair washed his face several times before picking up the pitcher and pouring the remaining liquid over his head. Rivulets of cold water running down his back made him shiver, but it felt refreshing. After rinsing his teeth and scraping two days worth of stubble from his chin, he was ready to don his clothes and face Edina and her father for the last time.