Her Highlander's Promise (5 page)

Chapter 7

Laurel tossed and turned, sleep evading her as Deirdre’s threats and insinuations kept running through her mind. While she found the idea of being married to Allan deplorable, the comment about her parents learning their lesson troubled her even more. Judging by the swift way her cousin had ended their discussion and exited the chamber, it was clear she had disclosed more than she intended.

Laurel had heard rumors about Deirdre’s obsession with her father, fits of jealous rage, and hatred for her mother, but no one dared challenge her. Not even when those servants who worked directly with her mam had mysteriously disappeared right after her death. She was but a wee bairn when her mother passed, and her da was so overcome with grief, he asked no questions.

The morning sun had yet to rise when a soft rap on the door disturbed her musing. “Lady Laurel, are you awake?” a woman asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Isla, is that you?”

“Aye. Are you able to come closer to the door? I dare not shout for fear someone will hear me. If the mistress finds out I’ve left the kitchen, there will be hell to pay.”

Laurel sprang from her bed, then began to shiver. The room was so cold she could see her breath. After wrapping a length of plaid around her shoulders, she hurried across the room. “Deirdre has locked the door. Can you let yourself in? She could come along at any minute. Finding you here would not bode well for either of us.”

“Och, Mairi told me you were confined to your chamber, but I’d hoped it was just hearsay. The key is not in the lock. The old hag must have taken it with her.”

“Are you well, Isla? I have been beside myself with worry. I am so sorry they punished you for my tardiness.” Pressing her ear to the door, she waited for a reply.

“I’m fine, m’lady. The mistress has me doing the work of three people, but so far, I have managed to finish all the tasks she has thrown my way. You are not to blame,” the maid answered. “What about you? I canna believe she is going to make you marry Allan. I cringe just thinking about it.”

“Then you’ve heard the dreadful news. The wedding is set for three days hence.”

“Is there nothing you can do? Mayhap speaking to your cousin Murray would help. Surely he wants his son to be happy.”

“My cousin knows nothing about happiness. I’ve tried to reason with him, but he willna listen or challenge his wife’s decisions. Besides, Deirdre refuses to let me out of here until the morn of the nuptials. I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.”

“What about Lord Cameron? Is there a way to get word to him? Perhaps he could intervene.”

“I never told you this yesterday, but Blair asked me to meet him in secret by the postern gate this evening. But there is no way I can be there,” Laurel said.

“You must try. Maybe he can help you to escape. You could return after your eighteenth Saints’ Day. Being spirited away by the man you love sounds so romantic,” Isla said, sighing.

“I am confined to my chamber so canna meet with him. But maybe that is for the best. Murray and Deirdre will never reconsider their decision, and I wouldna do anything to put Blair in danger.”

“What if I were to meet him for you? I’ll tell him you are imprisoned in your chamber and need his help. I am sure he will come to your aid.”

“Nay, Isla. It would be too risky for you and Blair. I shouldna have agreed to see him in the first place. If Deirdre finds out, there is no telling what she might do.”

“I believe the two of you are meant to be together. So whether you give me leave or not, I plan to meet with Lord Cameron on your behalf. Best you tell me what to say,” the maid replied adamantly.

Laurel could almost picture her friend standing with her hands on her hips, the proud jut of her chin confirming her conviction. There was no mistaking the determination in Isla’s voice, so Laurel finally relented. “You’re a thrawn lass. If you insist on this fool’s mission, inform Blair that I have decided to marry Allan. Tell him he must forget about me,” she replied, but failed to hide the tremor in her voice.

“Please dinna ask me to lie, m’lady.”

“Deirdre threatened to punish me further if I chose to defy her. We both know she will make good on that promise. I care not what she does to me, but fear she might take her anger out on Blair.” Laurel began to pace nervously. “When last we spoke, she mentioned some things that left me wondering if she may have done something to harm my mother and father. While I have no proof, I willna risk putting anyone I care about in danger.”

“Like you, I was a wee lassie when your mam died, so remember verra little about that day. However, I once overheard my own mother talking to another maid. She said that the mistress was born in the depth of the netherworld and practiced witchcraft. She claimed that anyone who had dared speak against her was sent away or disappeared altogether.”

“Alas, I’ve heard similar rumors.”

“When I questioned my mam, she refused to talk about what happened. Like most Highlanders, she is verra superstitious. And like many of the servants, fears the mistress’ wrath. Do you think your cousin’s wife was responsible for your parents’ deaths?”

“I canna be certain, but my mam was a young, healthy woman. There was no reason she couldna carry a babe, in fact, many babes. Yet, she was as weak as a newly born colt when she passed. I’m told that on their wedding day, Deirdre made no secret of the fact that she thought my da should have married
her
instead. Because she dabbled in potions and called herself a healer, my father asked for her help when my mother experienced an upset stomach upon rising, as many women do when they are breeding.”

“Some called her a healer, but others claim she is a sorcerous. Jealousy can be a powerful evil, but if your mother was no longer a threat, why harm your da?” Isla asked.

“My father ignored her advances. Even when she offered to divorce Murray and marry Da. Everyone knows she only married him out of spite, what she thought was a means to get back at my parents. But when my father told her outright that he felt no attraction and never had, she was furious. It wasn’t long after he informed Murray that he thought it best they move out of the castle, then Da took ill.”

“So you suspect Deirdre is responsible for his death?”

“I dinna know what to think. Even if she were, I would never be able to prove it.”

“All the more reason for you to leave. Once she sees you and Allan married, and has solidified her position within the clan, she might decide it is better to be rid of you as well. Please, m’lady, let me ask Lord Cameron for help,” Isla pleaded.

“My mind is set. Tell Blair we can never see each other again.”

“What are you doing here?” A deep masculine voice echoed in the hallway. “Weren’t you confined to the kitchen?”

“I was on an errand for the cook and was headed there now,” Isla replied.

“Then be off with you, before I tell the mistress,” the man growled.

“Promise you will deliver my message, Isla, but dinna put yourself in danger,” Laurel muttered, but not loud enough for the man to overhear.

There was no reply from her friend, only a heavy pounding on the door.

“Who is it?” Laurel asked, thinking it best to act surprised.

“I have brought you something to break your fast. May I come in?” the man asked.

“I’m not hungry. Please take it away.”

“I canna do that, m’lady. The mistress left specific orders for me to deliver your food at first light and to wait until you’d finished it.”

“Verra well, you may enter.” She tugged the plaid around her shoulders before stepping back.

The door swung open and a burly male servant she had never seen before stepped into her room. He carried a wooden tray containing porridge, a slice of bread, cheese, and a small tankard.

Glancing past him to the hall, the thought of running immediately crossed her mind, but she figured she’d not make it to the stairs before he stopped her.

“I’ve just awakened and have yet to wash and dress. If you would be so kind as to put the trencher on the table and return in a wee bit, I would be most grateful.”

“My orders are to wait,” he replied gruffly. “I am not to leave until you’ve finished your meal.”

“If you could grant me some privacy, I promise to eat everything.” She crossed her fingers behind her back.

“The mistress gave me specific orders. I am not to let you out of my sight.”

“I understand and respect your sense of duty. But my chamber is atop the tower. Unless I sprout wings and learn to fly, there is nowhere for me to go. If you remain outside the door, I dinna see a problem.”

The man grunted, put down the tray, then headed for the door. “Be sure and eat it all. I will be in the hall making sure no one else comes along who isna supposed to be here.”

“Thank you. I dinna recall seeing you in the castle before. Are you new here?” She nibbled on her lower lip while waiting for an answer. If she distracted him with conversation, he might not tell anyone he’d seen Isla. She could only hope.

“My name is Andrew. I was passing through the area a few days ago when I happened upon the castle. I was looking for work and heard the mistress was in need of a few new servants. She offered me a position. So it is important that I follow her instructions.”

“Aye, and I find it verra admirable. I will tell my cousin you did exactly as she asked.” She had no intention of heralding the man’s obedience, but hoped to get on his good side.

He nodded and exited the room, locking the door behind him.

Laurel examined items on the tray before bringing the spoon to her lips and tasting the porridge, but she had no appetite. Next, she raised the tankard to her mouth. She was thirsty, but hesitated before taking a sip. She sniffed the contents. After the discussion she’d had with Isla, she was not sure she should eat or drink anything sent by Deirdre. Deciding it better to err on the side of caution, she dumped the liquid into a vase near the window, then hid the food in scraps of linen. She’d dispose of it later.

Chapter 8

The rustling of branches and crunch of leaves beneath approaching footfall disturbed the silence. Crouching behind a tree, Blair scanned the area. He couldn’t be too careful. When a petite figure stepped into a clearing near the postern gate of the castle, he blew out the breath he’d been holding.

“Laurel, is that you, lass?” Blair could hardly contain his excitement at seeing her again.

“Nay. Lady Laurel couldna come, so she sent me in her stead.” Isla lowered the hood of her cloak as she moved into the moonlight. Bringing her hand to her brow, she searched the bushes. “Show yourself.”

He stepped out of the shadows. “Why did Laurel not come herself?” Blair asked, finding it impossible to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Isla shifted her weight from one foot to the other and studied the ground before she answered. “My Lady asked me to give you a message. She canna see you again and thinks it best that you forget about her.”

Her words hit him like a blow to the chest. He’d counted the minutes until he could hold her in his arms, inhale her delicate lavender scent, and feast upon her luscious lips. “This canna be. I’ve waited eight summers to be with Laurel, ignoring all others.”

“I’m sorry, m’lord, but I’m only the messenger.”

He grabbed Isla by the upper arms. “Is she ill? Has she decided upon seeing me again that she doesna find me appealing? She must have given you a reason.” He tightened his grip.

Isla’s teary eyes widened and she stared at him as if he were an ogre.

He softened his grip and released her. The last thing he meant to do was frighten the lass. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. But I need to know. Please.”

“Och, m’lord, despite my promise, I canna lie to you. Lady Laurel is well, and I have no doubt she finds you verra attractive and desirable. But she—” Isla hesitated and turned her head, lowering her gaze.

“But what? Tell me, lass.”

“She couldna come herself because the mistress has locked her in her chamber and refuses to let her out until the day of her wedding.”

“Her what?” Had he heard Isla correctly?

“Her wedding, m’lord.”

“I dinna understand. She told me she wasna betrothed.” He raked his fingers through his hair.

“She spoke the truth, but she has since found out that her cousins have other plans. She is to marry their son, Allan, in three days.” She clucked her tongue. “It will be a sad day for the clan.”

“She has agreed to this daft idea?”

“Lady Laurel has no choice. It is Lord Murray’s right to choose a suitable husband. As you must be aware, it is tradition for the laird to select his daughter’s husband.”

“He’s not her father. And one could hardly consider that pathetic excuse for a man a suitable husband. I am certain this is not what Brandon MacClay intended when he asked his cousins to care for her.”

“I must agree wholeheartedly, m’lord. But he dinna count on the mistress’ hunger for power and her dogged determination to remain in charge.”

While he was not totally surprised that her cousins would do everything in their power to maintain control of the clan, it still didn’t make any sense. “If she marries Allan, he will become laird, and Laurel the chatelaine. Deirdre will be forced to relinquish her position.”

“Most would assume the same thing, but Lady Deirdre has always wanted to be the woman at the head of Clan MacClay. Her son, like his father, has no backbone, and does what she tells him to do without argument. Despite appearances, she is the one governing the clan. Murray and Allan dinna make a move without her say-so. That willna change once her son is wed. Who knows what will become of poor Lady Laurel. I fear for her safety.”

“Surely they’d not do anything to harm her. The elders of the clan wouldna permit it. I’m surprised they havena stepped up on Laurel’s behalf already.”

“The elders have fallen for the mistress’s deception and if not, they have ignored the truth. Rumor is she pays them well for their loyalty. If you could see the way my lady has been living these past eight summers, you would be appalled. And—”

Blair balled his fists, anger churning in his belly. “There is more?”

“They ousted her from her chamber the same day she laid her father to rest. She now lives in a dismal room with only enough comforts to survive. Certainly not a place befitting the daughter of the laird.”

“How could this happen?” Blair paced the small clearing. Based on their first meeting, he didn’t like or trust Murray and Deirdre, but he never dreamed they would be so cruel. Nor could he believe the clan did nothing to intervene.

“When Laird Brandon first passed, Deirdre told people that m’lady was so distraught over the loss of her father that she chose to remain sequestered. Those who believed differently were afraid to say or do anything, convinced she’d banish them or worse.”

“Worse?”

“Everyone is aware that the mistress dabbles in witchcraft. As you know, Highlanders are a verra superstitious lot. Most believe if they cross her, she will cast a spell on them or harm their loved ones. Lady Laurel has also been the brunt of her cousin’s ire on more than one occasion. This is one of those times.”

“And Murray allowed this to take place? Would that I had but one minute alone with the spineless blackguard.”

“He tends to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear when it comes to his wife’s behavior.”

“I will speak to Murray and set him straight. Tell him I wish to marry Laurel and spare her any further grief.” He spun around, then headed toward the castle, but Isla rushed ahead of him, blocking his path.

“Get out of my way, lass.”

“Please, m’lord, you mustna rush in without giving this careful consideration. Murray and Deirdre willna give consent for you to see Lady Laurel, let alone marry her. They might take their anger out on her or see you imprisoned.”

“On what charge? Love?”

“They dinna need a good excuse to throw you into the pit. Poor Angus is there now because we were late returning yesterday from the festival. Besides, Lady Laurel told me to send you away. She would be furious with me if anything were to happen to you.”

As much as he wanted to storm into the castle and demand Laurel’s release, Isla was likely right. He would not risk putting Laurel at risk. He threw his hands in the air in frustration. “I canna stand by and watch her marry Allan. Not unless she tells me to my face that this is what she wants.”

“Why, that would be impossible, m’lord. There is no way for you to speak with her. Mayhap it is best you honor her wishes and leave.”

“You dinna know me, Isla. I can be as stubborn and determined as Deirdre, more so. Where in the castle is her chamber?”

He stared up at two tall, stone towers, surrounded by a curtain wall, and what he assumed would be a heavily guarded parapet. Getting into the castle unnoticed would be a challenge; locating Laurel without being caught, even more difficult. But he had to find her, and was prepared to die trying. “Either you tell me or I will search for her by myself.” He took a step in the direction of the keep.

“Wait.” Isla scooted in front of him, blocking his way, again. “Her chamber is atop the north tower. But the guards have instructions to kill any intruders on sight.”

“I am going with or without your assistance, Isla.” He cocked his head to the side and studied the young woman as she pondered his request. “What will it be?”

“Verra well. I will get you inside, but you must do exactly as I say. No matter what. Is that clear? Lady Laurel is not going to be pleased with me. And I shudder to think what will happen if we are caught.”

Blair nodded. “Understood. We will keep our heads on a swivel.”

“You must also promise that if Lady Laurel tells you to leave, you will honor her wishes.”

“Agreed. Let’s go.” While he had no intention of leaving without Laurel, he needed Isla’s knowledge of the castle to find her chamber. He hated to lie, but would deal with that if and when the time presented itself.

Being careful to remain in the shadows, they made their way along the curtain wall, then entered the herb garden behind the kitchen.

“Halt! Move one muscle and I will run you through,” the deep male voice rumbled.

Blair stopped dead and looked at Isla. Then pulled her into an embrace before kissing her soundly. “Can a man not find a place to be alone with his woman?” he mumbled against her lips.

“Show your face,” the guard demanded. But Blair kept his back to the man.

Isla peeked over Blair’s shoulder. “It is I. Isla. Please dinna tell the mistress you’ve found me here with my. . .”

Blair thumped his open hand against his chest. “Och, you wound me, lass. Do I mean so little to you that you are ashamed to let people know about our love for each other? You make it sound like a tottery tryst.”

“Forgive me,” Isla said, then addressed the guard. “We have been in love for many summers, but alas, his father forbids us to marry. Can you not find it in your heart to look the other way? He is leaving the village tomorrow and this is our last chance to be together.” She brought her hand to her cheek as if wiping away tears. “Please.”

“You are a cool liar when cornered,” Blair whispered, smiling.

After a few moments of silence, the guard backed away. “See that you find another place for your dalliances in the future. Be off with you now.”

Isla bobbed a curtsy. “Thank you. I am forever in your debt.” She grabbed the sleeve of Blair’s tunic and dragged him toward the back entrance to the keep, through a large door, and down a set of stone steps.

Once inside a storage room filled with crocks and barrels, Blair blew out a sigh of relief. “That was close.”

“Too close,” she stammered. “You still have time to change your mind about this fool’s errand.”

“Nay,” he replied adamantly. “I intend to find Laurel.” Glancing around the room, he asked, “Where do I go from here?”

Isla pointed to several wooden kegs stacked in the corner of the room. “Behind those is a passageway that runs under the main floor of the castle. It is a means of escape for the laird and his family should they keep be overtaken by an enemy.”

“Good. Let’s go,” Blair said as he slid one of the large barrels to the side, revealing a small wooden door.