Highland Belle (20 page)

Call me Percy, he said as Rizzio slipped away. All my friends do.

She smiled winsomely. In that case, call me Sheena.

All yer friends do?

They would if I had any.

Come now, Percy scoffed gently. A lady such as yerself must have a mob of friends.

No, Sheena told him. Im newly arrived from my home, Weem Castle. And where is yer home?

Would ye care to dance? Percy asked, ignoring her question.

Yes. Hand in hand, they joined the dancers.

Lords James Stewart and Murdac Menzies were deep in conversation in a shadowed corner of the chamber. As usual, ye were wrong, Stewart sneered. There was nothin clandestine aboot MacArthur visitin England.

Angry disappointment whitened the scar on Menziess face. What business did he have there?

He was chasin his recalcitrant wife. Stewart snorted derisively. Her stubbornness willna be a good example for my sister.

Menzies opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out; across the chamber Sheena was dancing with the younger MacArthur. Without a word, Menzies started forward, intending to separate the two, who by the look of it had eyes only for each other.

Stewarts hand shot out and stayed him. Dinna create a scandal in the queens presence, he warned, then added silkily, If a MacArthur can partner a Menzies, why no a Menzies wi a MacArthur? Murdac looked blankly at him.

Claim Lady MacArthurs next dance, Stewart suggested. Theres nothin her husband can do while his brother partners yer sister.

The cruelest of smiles spread across Murdac Menziess face, and an unholy light glowed from the depths of his black eyes. He nodded to Stewart, then left to entrap his prey.

As the music ended, Brigette smiled wanly at the Earl of Lennox and scanned the hall for Iain. Her stomach was revolting queasily against the days excitement, and her aching head felt strangely light. The chamber was much too crowded and noisy, and Brigette was almost desperate for a breath of fresh air, an alarming sensation of suffocating nearly overwhelming her.

Lady MacArthur? Menzies touched her arm lightly. Id be honored if yed dance wi me.

In spite of her woozily functioning brain, Brigette recognized the scar-faced man from MacDonalds Tavern. I — I, she stammered, uncertain what she should do. I dont think —

Come now, Menzies interrupted. A dance could go a long way in kindlin renewed friendship between our clans.

Against her better judgment, Brigette nodded and accepted his hand. However, her wildly churning stomach had a will of its own, and she gulped, fighting the sickness back.

As they danced, Menzies studied her through veiled eyes. Her green eyes, flaming hair, and enticing breasts combined in the most delightful manner. Lady MacArthur is lovely, he concluded, much better than her husband deserves. If only she wasnt so pale.

I heard ye recently traveled to England, Menzies commented, trying to detect a covert reason for the trip.

Yes. Brigettes voice was no louder than a whisper.

A visit to yer family?

In a manner of speaking. Purposefully evasive, Brigette was as uncomfortable with his questioning as she was with the airless chamber.

He arched a brow at her. A cryptic statement if I ever heard one.

In the next instant, the chamber became unbearable. Desperate to escape it, Brigette whirled away from Menzies, who misunderstood her reason for flight. His hand snaked out, grabbed her upper arm and twirled her about, none too gently.

Oh! Brigette cried out and collapsed. Well honed for battle, Menziess reflexes were sharp, and he caught his swooning partner before she hit the floor.

What did ye do to my wife? Iain demanded, materializing at the sound of Brigettes cry.

Nothin!

This is no time for accusations. The queens voice was heard. My own physician will attend her.

Iain carried Brigette through the antechamber into the royal privy chamber. As the queen and several of her ladies looked on, he set her gingerly on the couch.

Lord Ramsey, the queens personal physician, rushed in. Ye must wait outside wi yer kin, he said to Iain, who bristled silently at the order.

This is all Menziess doin, Iain growled as he passed the queen on his way out.

Lord Ramsey wafted a vial beneath Brigettes nose. It twitched at the sharp, reviving smell. Her eyes fluttered open and mirrored her confusion.

How do ye feel?

Ghastly.

Im goin to examine ye, the physician explained, and ask a few questions. Brigette nodded.

Iain paced back and forth in the antechamber while Magnus, Percy, and James Stewart grew tired watching him. This is Menziess doin, he snarled at the queens brother.

The words had no sooner slipped from his tongue when the door opened. The queen and Lord Ramsey walked into the antechamber.

Well? Iain asked.

I sincerely hope what ails yer wife isna Menziess doin, the physician remarked.

Do not tease the man, Ramsey, the queen chided, her amber eyes sparkling with merriment. Tell him what her malady is. Baffled, Iain looked from one to the other.

Lady Brigette is pregnant, Ramsey announced baldly.

Pregnant? Iain was stunned. He glanced at the grinning faces of Percy and Magnus, then turned to the queen. By yer leave, Id like to take my wife home to Dunridge.

No, MacArthur, Lord Ramsey cautioned. Wait until the second trimester. Travelin willna be so dangerous for the bairn.

Come, the queen said, turning to her brother. Let us assure the court that all is well.

Iain entered the privy chamber. The queens ladies left, but not without a few arch looks and knowing smirks. He sat on the edge of the couch and smiled at Brigette.

Ive made a spectacle of myself, she moaned.

That isna so. Iain reached out and caressed her cheek. Im the one whos made a spectacle of himself.

I dont understand.

Iain grinned. From the moment ye swooned until just now, Ive been rantin like a madman that this was Menziess doin. A horrified giggle bubbled up from Brigettes throat.

Leaning over, Iain pressed a kiss on her forehead. When he would have drawn back, she touched his cheek with the palm of her hand. Anxiously, her eyes searched his. Are you happy about this, Iain?

What kind of a question is that? he asked. I want a lassie as bonnie as her mother. Brigette smiled, reassured. Then he added, Of course, I dinna want the lassie until yeve given me several sons to help control her.

Brigette flew into his arms. I love you.

And I love ye, Iain whispered as his lips met hers.

Anticipating the announcement of marriage between Queen Mary and Lord Darnley, the MacArthurs and their Campbell kinsman became regular visitors at the court. Brigette pitied Percys hopeless attraction for their enemys sister and made it a point to seek out Sheena Menzies. Opposites in appearance and temperament, the two became fast friends. Sheena replaced Brigettes absent sisters and cousin; Brigette became the sister Sheena had never had.

One rainy afternoon Brigette walked through the Campbell great hall and discovered Percy. He sat alone, staring dejectedly into the fireless hearth. How now, Percy? she called. What are you doing?

Nothin, he answered, without looking up.

Her lips quirked. Claymore or dirk?

What?

You appear suicidal. Shall I fetch a claymore or would you prefer a dirk? Poison might be pleasant.

Percys head snapped up. Why is life so verra difficult?

Life is simple, Brigette disagreed, until we make it otherwise.

Breedin women are always content. He dismissed her with a casual wave of his hand.

What an outrageous lie!

Its easy for ye to speak of lifes simplicity, Percy snorted. Ye arena in love wi Sheena Menzies.

Iain would be terribly jealous, Brigette quipped, and Percy chuckled in spite of himself. I wasnt going to tell you this, she added. I dislike breaking a friends confidence.

What is it?

Brigette hesitated, then took pity on him. Sheena admitted she has a certain fondness for you.

Percy leaped out of his chair and lifted his startled sister-in-law off the floor, then whirled her around and around. Finally, he set her down and planted a smacking kiss on each cheek. Yeve renewed my hope. Ill have Sheena, even if I must resort to one of the Highlands most ancient customs.

Ancient custom?

Abduction! Percy fairly danced out of the hall and, in his glee, almost knocked his brother down.

What the hell was that aboot? Iain asked.

Brigette glanced at the empty doorway and then at her husband. Percys in love.

Iain rolled his eyes. Whos the puir lady?

Sheena Menzies.

That certainly wiped the smile off his face. Iains expression was thoughtful, almost calculating.

That look bodes ill, Brigette thought. But ill for whom?

On the twenty-ninth of July, Queen Mary married Lord Darnley in a sunrise ceremony. Following the service, the MacArthurs left Edinburgh for Dunridge Castle. With his brothers blessing, Percy stayed behind to continue his pursuit of Sheena Menzies.

13

The garden at Dunridge Castle was lush with summer. Amid the vibrant colors and greenery, two blond heads were close together. Lady Antonia and her brother, Finlay, were speaking in hushed tones.

So Iain wed the Sassenach, Antonia was complaining. I tried comin between them, but it didna work. When she ran away, he went after her. Theyre together now in Edinburgh.

Ill luck, to be sure, her brother sympathized. Finlay MacKinnon was weak, both inside and out. Smaller than his sister, he was almost delicate looking. He had inherited the same blond hair and blue eyes, but his skin was bloodlessly white. Ambitious, sneaky, and cruel, Finlay was devoted to his older sister.

I was to be the countess, Antonia burst out. What can we do aboot it?

Give me a moment to think.

Out for his daily stroll with Glenda and Sly, Black Jack walked into the garden. Finlay MacKinnon, he called. Its been a verra long time. When did ye arrive?

This mornin. Finlay shook Black Jacks hand. Yer lookin hale and hearty, my lord.

I feel good too, Black Jack replied. For an old mon, that is. He looked at Glenda and said, Greet yer Uncle Finlay, lass.

Studying her mothers brother, Glenda decided she didnt like him, and stayed close by her grandfathers side. Good day to ye, Uncle Finlay.

Yer as bonnie as yer mother. Finlay smiled at the image of his beloved sister as a child, then held out his hand to her. Would ye care to walk aboot and become reacquainted?

Glenda stared at the hand, then up at him. No.

Antonia gasped at her daughters rudeness, and Finlay lost his smile. Black Jack chuckled, pleased to be loved above all.

Shes a bit shy, he explained.

Well, I suppose shyness is appropriate in a female, Finlay remarked. Whats this wild beastie doin here?

Sly isna a wild beast, Glenda corrected tartly.

Hes Lady Brigettes pet, Antonia added in a disapproving voice.

A messenger arrived earlier, Black Jack told them. Iain and Brie will be home before the weeks gone.

What wonderful news! Antonia exclaimed.

That isna the best part. Lady Brigette is wi child. Black Jack turned to Finlay. How long will ye be stayin?

Only for the night.

Its grand seein ye again. With Glenda and Sly in tow, Black Jack walked away.

Curse and rot her, Antonia spat. Ill never become the countess now.

That isna necessarily true, Finlay disagreed.

What do ye mean?

He smiled coldly. If a terrible fate befell the Sassenach, yer path to Iain would be clear.

And if she drops a lad, Antonia said, returning her brothers smile, I willna be obligated to fatten wi child. What are ye plannin?

I believe, Finlay replied, the Sassenach has a fateful appointment wi the Ladys Rock.

Ladys Rock?

Remember the old tale of what the MacLean did to his Campbell wife when he tired of her?

No, I dinna recall the story.

Located in the Sound of Mull is a large rock that becomes submerged when the tide is high.

Verra creative and efficient of ye, Antonia grinned. There willna be a body to bury.

Finlay preened at his sisters praise. Of course, he added, his expression clouding, the Campbell wench had a happy endin. A couple of passin fishermen rescued her, and the Campbells revenged themselves by killin MacLean. Do ye think such fantastic luck could happen twice?

Why tempt the fates? Antonia returned. Grow a beard and wear the Menzies plaid. If Bries somehow saved, the blame will fall on them.

Finlay nodded. Send word to me after shes whelped the brat. Now, tell me what she looks like.

Well . . .

Speak honestly, sister. I dinna want to snatch the wrong woman.

Bries much shorter than I, Antonia told him. She has red hair and green eyes —

Green eyes! Finlay made the sign of the cross. Its surely the mark of a witch.

Dinna be absurd. Theres nae such thin as witches.

There are, he insisted. Yed have me snatch a witch? Whats to prevent her from dispatchin me before I dispatch her?

Finlay! Antonia exclaimed, exasperated. Her voice softened. Do ye actually believe Id send ye to yer death?

No.

Theres nothin magical aboot the Sassenach, she assured him. Trust me.

The guards who patrolled Dunridges walls cheered and waved as the MacArthur entourage approached the castles outer curtain. The troop passed through the outer gate and proceeded to the inner courtyard. Family and retainers waited there to greet them.

In their enthusiasm, Glenda and Sly rushed forward, heedless of being trampled by the horses. Black Jack grabbed his squealing granddaughter while Spring restrained the excited fox.

Iain dismounted and turned to assist Brigette, who made his task difficult by waving and calling out to Glenda and Sly. Deeming the courtyard safe, Black Jack and Spring released their struggling captives.

With a whoop of joy, Glenda leaped into Brigettes open arms. All eyes in the courtyard riveted on the heart-tugging picture of the woman and the child clinging to each other while the pampered pet gamboled around and around, whining to be included. Kneeling in the dirt to accommodate her two favorites, Brigette held them close; the girl and the fox nuzzled her neck. Brigettes eyes filled with tears and an unexpected sob caught in her throat.