Highland Belle (21 page)

Ye left me, Glenda accused, and I missed ye terribly.

And I missed you. Brigette gulped back her throbbing emotion. Ive brought you a special gift. Will you forgive me?

Do ye promise never to leave me again?

I promise.

Glendas gaze drifted to the fox. Slys been feelin puirly too.

Brigettes lips twitched. Ive also brought Sly a gift. Do you think hell forgive me?

I believe so.

Brigette laughed and gave her a resounding kiss on each cheek. Sly whined for his share of attention. Astonishing everyone but Glenda, Brigette planted a smacking kiss on the wet tip of the foxs muzzle.

Brigette rose finally and greeted Spring, whose face was damp with tears of relief. The cousins hugged and kissed.

I was beside myself with worry, Spring admitted.

Im sorry for that, Brigette apologized, glancing sidelong at Antonia, who was just walking into the courtyard. It was a horrible misunderstanding. Will you forgive me?

I havent decided, Spring teased. Did you bring me a bribe?

That I have, Brigette said, laughing. I purchased fabrics in Edinburgh and thought we could share them.

I forgive you, then.

Turning away, Brigette approached Black Jack, who was speaking with Iain. Im sorry, she offered hesitantly, uncertain of her father-in-laws welcome.

Well have none of that, Black Jack chided gently, then drew her close and kissed her cheek. The babe yer carryin more than adequately makes up for yer foolishness. He patted her hand, then scanned the crowded courtyard. I dinna see Percy. Where is he?

Percy remained in Edinburgh, Iain told his father.

Why? Black Jack asked. My spies tell me Menzies returned to Weem Castle.

Hes in love, Brigette blurted out.

In love? Black Jack threw back his head and shouted with laughter. Whos the puir lady?

Sheena Menzies, Iain mumbled, hoping his father wouldnt catch the surname. She serves the queen.

Sheena Menzies? Black Jack echoed.

Shes a sweet girl, Brigette added. Youll be proud to call her your daughter.

Charmin though he may be, Percys a numbskull who never travels the high road. Black Jack shrugged fatalistically, knowing some things were beyond his control.

Hinny, Iain said to Brigette, will ye do me a favor?

Anything.

Wash out yer mouth before I kiss ye. I dinna relish the taste of fox.

Refreshment is waitin in the hall, Antonia called cheerfully, determined to behave as if she werent the reason her sister-in-law had fled Dunridge.

Brigette went into the great hall with the others. Glenda refused to relinquish her hand, and Sly insisted on brushing himself against her legs as a cat would. Brigette could hardly walk, but neither child nor fox was willing to chance losing her again.

Everyone sat at the high table, except Spring, who preferred to sit with Jamie. As soon as Brigette sat down, Glenda scrambled onto her lap.

Get down, Iain snapped at his niece. Bewildered and hurt, Glendas bottom lip trembled.

Whats wrong? Brigette asked Iain, her arm encircling the little girl.

Shell hurt the babe.

Black Jack, seated beside his daughter-in-law, chuckled at his sons zealous concern. He recalled an earlier time when he had faced impending fatherhood, and knew his sons anxiety would intensify with the advancing months.

Glenda is fine where she is, Brigette assured her husband. Im not as delicate as you believe, and neither is the baby.

What baby? Glenda asked.

Brigette guided Glendas hand to her gently swelling stomach. Ive a baby — your new cousin — growing inside me. The little girls expression was sheer delight. Soon hell be strong enough to live outside my belly, and all of us will play in the garden — you, Sly, the baby, and me. Do you think youll enjoy that?

Yes, but where was he before?

With the angels in heaven.

Glenda frowned. How did he get from heaven into yer belly? Black Jack and Iain chortled loudly.

It was Uncle Iains doing, Brigette answered, blushing. She smiled at him, adding, Tell her, Uncle Iain, how your son got inside my belly.

Iain frowned. It happened, Glenda, when I showed her my love.

I ken, Glenda said. Iain smiled smugly, but nearly toppled off his chair at his nieces next words. Ive got nae babe in my belly, she said loudly. Dinna ye love me, Uncle Iain?

Brigette giggled, then explained, Its a different kind of love, angel, that an uncle has for his niece.

Oh. That seemed to satisfy Glenda, but then she peered curiously at Brigette. But how will the baby get out of yer belly?

Iain, I think we should present our gifts now, Brigette suggested, ignoring the question.

I agree wi ye. Iain bestowed the gifts theyd brought from Edinburgh. Glenda shrieked with joy over her new doll, promptly named Lady Autumn. When questioned about the unusual name, Glenda explained that Brigette had come to Dunridge in the autumn, and she wanted to forever remember that happy day. No one noticed Antonias lips curl in a silent snarl.

Spring admired the beautiful fabrics. When she left the hall a few minutes later to order Brigettes bath, she carried them away almost reverently.

Iain lifted Sly onto the table and removed the old yellow collar, then fastened the new one around the foxs neck. There now, he said. What do ye — ?

Slys tongue darted out and landed in his open mouth. Yuck! Iain wiped his mouth on his shirt-sleeve and took a swig of ale, then set Sly on the floor.

Dinna forget to wash out yer mouth, lovey, Brigette mimicked her husbands burr. I dinna relish the taste of fox.

The family gathering soon dispersed. Glenda went reluctantly to her lessons with Father Kaplan, and Brigette went upstairs to bathe and rest. When Black Jack retired to his study, Iain took a draft of ale and sat in front of the hearth. Relaxing, he stretched his legs out, then closed his eyes and fantasized about the son that he was certain Brigette carried.

Yer wife is a whore. A voice sneered.

Iains eyes flew open and focused on Antonia, who stood before him. Dinna speak such vile lies to me or anyone else hereaboots, Iain warned. If ye do, yell regret it.

Regret speakin the truth? Antonia countered.

No, meddlin in my life, Iain said, his voice deceptively calm. Yeve caused enough problems between my wife and me. If it happens again, Ill have ye returned to the MacKinnons.

And lose Malcolms daughter?

Glenda is a MacArthur and remains at Dunridge.

Ye bastard!

I can assure ye, dear sister-in-law, Iain said, Black Jack and my mother were well and truly married.

Can ye also vouch for the brat yer wife is carryin? Antonia asked, ignoring the murderous expression on his face. Bries traveled the road, and I warrant a few men traveled hers.

Shut yer mouth, Iain snapped. Brie was well protected by Magnus Campbell.

Antonia arched a brow at him. Was she now? And who, might I ask, protected her from Magnus Campbell? With that, she walked away.

Shocked, Iain sagged in his chair. What had Brigettes accommodations been along the road to London? he thought for the thousandth time. Would he ever be certain his firstborn was really his?

After shed bathed and napped, Brigette dressed for supper. For the first time since leaving Edinburgh, she felt clean and pretty, but her gown was uncomfortably snug across her bosom and waist. None of her garments fit properly, and Brigette made a mental note to start letting out the seams.

Hoping to speak privately with the earl, Brigette went directly to the great hall, but Black Jack was nowhere in sight. Next she tried the study. Relaxing in his chair in front of the hearth, Black Jack seemed to be expecting her.

Ive been daydreamin of seein my first grandson, he told her. How are ye feelin?

Well enough, now the sickness has passed. You wont be upset if I deliver a girl, will you?

No, but I dinna think Iain will let ye give birth to a lassie first.

Brigette smiled. Youre probably correct, she agreed, then stammered, I — Im sorry for leaving Dunridge. I realize —

Theres nae need, Black Jack insisted, waving her apology aside. Will ye tell me why ye ran away? Had ye quarreled wi Iain?

No, I — I . . . Antonia —

Dinna go on, Black Jack interrupted. That one word says it all. Perhaps I should return her to the MacKinnons.

No! Brigette cried, surprising the earl, who knew his daughters-in-law could never be friends. Id be unhappy without Glenda.

Glendas a MacArthur and would remain at Dunridge.

You cannot separate a mother from her child, Brigette said, her hands wandering instinctively to her stomach.

Yer more of a mother to Glenda than her own has been.

Antonia would not see it that way. Shed claim we stole her daughter, and thered be hostilities between the clans.

Black Jack nodded. Yer wise for one so young.

Im a peahead, Brigette confessed. Why else would I have run away?

If ye recognize yer folly, then yer nae longer a peahead, Black Jack disagreed. Magnus Campbell escorted ye to London?

Yes, hes a good friend and an honorable man.

The lad takes after his father. The two sat in companionable silence for a time. Im an old mon whos seen a lot of things, some good and some bad. Black Jack broke the silence finally. My advice is to concentrate on deliverin a healthy heir for Iain. Frettin aboot whats past willna help the future. Do ye recall the day ye arrived at Dunridge? Black Jack chuckled at the memory. Lookin worse than a beggar, ye marched into this study and ordered me to keep my nasty hounds penned, lest yer precious pet be terrorized.

Brigette blushed.

Be patient wi him, Black Jack counseled. Like me, Iain isna easy to live wi, but hell mellow wi age. Shall we see aboot supper?

Brigette smiled. Yes.

Black Jack escorted Brigette into the great hall and past Antonia, who was seated at the end of the high table. As Dunridges ranking lady, Brigettes place was between the earl and her husband. Iain was nowhere in sight.

Glenda, invited to eat with the adults for this one night, scampered into the hall. Sit next to me, Brigette bade her. Uncle Iain will sit on your other side. Wont that be fun?

Wearing a dour expression, Iain strode into the hall, and Brigette wondered if there was a problem. Her gaze drifted to Antonia, whose expression was placid. Shes angered him, Brigette concluded. The witch is only happy when someone else is suffering.

When Iain sat down and ignored her, Brigette forced a pleasant smile on her face and turned to Glenda. I dont see Lady Autumn among us, she said. Where is she?

Lady Autumn is suppin wi Lord Sly, Glenda told her. Shes taken a fancy to him.

Brigettes smile was genuine. Is that so?

Yes. Dinna tell grandfather this, the little girl added, but Lord Sly has taken shockin liberty wi Lady Autumn.

The knave, Brigette exclaimed, trying hard not to laugh. What has that furry scoundrel done?

Hes been so bold as to hold her hand.

No! Surely he hasnt held her hand? Brigettes tone was suitably dismayed, but her lips twitched.

In his mouth.

Brigette and Black Jack burst out laughing. Even Iain cracked a smile.

This is a happy group, Moireach commented, arriving with their supper. After serving the family, the housekeeper lingered at the high table to help Glenda. She beamed proudly when Brigette praised her haggis.

Mmmm . . . delicious, Brigette complimented. Of what does it consist? Ive forgotten.

Dinna ask, just eat.

Slowly, Brigette chewed another bite, then swallowed. Well, it tastes good. She patted her stomach and looked at her husband, saying, Our baby takes after his Scots father.

Iain stared coldly at her, then turned away. Yes, he thought, but which Scotsman is the father?

Is he angry with me? Brigette wondered, bewildered. Have I done something, or not done something I should have?

Has Spring told ye the good news? Moireach asked loudly, attempting to smooth things over. She and my Jamie have handfast.

Handfast? Brigette looked over at Spring, who was blushing furiously. Beside her, Jamie was grinning. Is that like being betrothed?

Its a marriage of sorts, Moireach explained.

The fork that was en route to Brigettes mouth halted, and then returned to her plate. A marriage of sorts?

Its perfectly legal, mind ye, the housekeeper assured her. Theyll live together for a year and then decide whether or no to wed permanently.

Your man is dishonoring my cousin! Outraged, Brigette turned on her husband. I insist they wed immediately!

Iains expression darkened even more. Jamie isna forcin Spring to do anythin. For once in yer misbegotten life, mind yer own business.

Misbegotten life? Brigette would not mind her own business, but she would ignore her husbands insult. He would pay for it later. This is scandalous, she wailed, appealing to the earl.

Black Jack sat back in his chair. If he didnt settle this now, he was certain to develop indigestion before supper was finished. Moireach, tell Jamie and Spring to come here. When they stood before him, Black Jack addressed his man. Would ye be willin to wed Spring in front of Father Kaplan?

Who else would wed us?

The earl smiled pleasantly. I mean, immediately followin supper.

Ye — ye mean tonight? But —

Lady Brigette isna happy wi yer arrangement, Black Jack interrupted. If ye dinna wed Spring proper, shell be sent home to England.

Send me home? cried Spring.

That bein the case, Jamie agreed without hesitation, Ill wed my lassie now.

Supper resumed. Brigette peeked at Iain. His disdainful stare pierced her heart more deeply than any dagger could. If hes angry, she wondered, why doesnt he tell me and have done with it?

When we spoke earlier, Brigette said to Black Jack, an imp entering her soul, did you say mellow with age or sour?

Black Jack laughed, and Brigette joined him. Iain watched them sullenly, positive their jest was at his expense.

Uncle Iain isna happy, Glenda piped up, noting his displeasure.