Highland Belle (29 page)

Brigette opened her mouth to reply, but Magnus filled it with porridge. She chewed and swallowed, then leaned back, saying, I can eat no more. A Menzies warrior abducted me and left me there to wash out with the tide.

Are ye certain he was a Menzies?

He wore the black and white plaid.

I see. Magnus held up a spoonful of porridge. Ye must eat a little more.

I cannot, she insisted.

Ignoring her words, Magnus aimed the spoon at her mouth. She turned her face away, but the spoon gave chase.

No! Brigette laughed, and the spoon slipped into her mouth.

The door swung open unexpectedly, and a grim-faced Iain filled the doorway. He was unpleasantly surprised by the sight of his wife, obviously naked beneath the blanket, laughing and enjoying herself with his cousin. She did not, at first glance, appear to have suffered at all.

Iain, Brigette cried, so relieved that she failed to recognize the forbidding glint in his dark eyes. She held out her arms, then remembered her state of undress and pulled up the blanket.

By all thats holy! Iain roared. What the hell are ye doin wi my wife?

Magnus stood and faced him. What do ye mean, cuz?

What are ye doin, Iain growled, sittin wi Brie on that poor excuse for a bed, and she bare-arse as the day she was born? And why are ye always the one who rescues her?

Bries been out of her mind wi fever, Magnus ground out. And I rescued her by chance — or would ye have preferred her washed out to sea?

Washed out to sea?

Aye, Magnus snorted. Shed been left on a rock in the middle of the sound.

Ive been sick wi worry, Iain said, holding up his hand in a gesture of apology.

Brushing past his cousin, Iain sat on the edge of the cot and gathered Brigette into the circle of his arms. Her face was pale and haggard, he noted, and her eyes, usually sparkling emerald-green, were dull and sunken in her small face. Iain tilted Brigettes face up and kissed her tenderly.

Are ye feelin better? he asked, holding her tightly.

Feeling secure in her husbands embrace, Brigette nodded and relaxed against him.

Iain kissed the top of her head and confessed, I came so close to losin ye, hinny. I dinna know what Id do wiout ye. Yer my life, my reason for livin.

Brigette sighed. Your words make almost being killed almost worthwhile.

Iain chuckled. Im glad ye havena lost yer sense of humor. He glanced at Magnus, saying, Sit down, cuz, and tell me what ye were doin wi the MacDonalds.

The queen granted them amnesty, providin they willna pirate our Scots vessels.

Ye missed the excitement, Iain told him. Rizzio was assassinated and the queen held prisoner.

What! Magnus leaped to his feet. We must do somethin!

Its been done, ye dolt.

Magnus sat down again. What happened?

The queen persuaded that mewling husband of hers that the conspirators would dispatch him next. Darnley helped her escape, and they joined wi Bothwell and others still loyal. The conspirators should be put to the horn, but Jamie Stewart is spoutin forgiveness and mercy.

Forgiveness is folly, Magnus remarked, shaking his head.

I agree wi ye, but Jamie has his sisters ear. She canna see the danger in trustin her power-hungry brother.

What about me? Brigette piped in.

If ye dinna mind, Iain said to Magnus, smiling, Id like some privacy wi my puir, neglected wife.

Tell me what happened, Iain said when Magnus had gone.

I rode to the loch, Brigette began, then shivered recalling that frightening day. A Menzies warrior ambushed me and left me to die on that rock in the sound. The tide kept rising and I kept screaming for help, but no one came. I was nearly submerged when the MacDonalds found me.

Yer certain the mon was a Menzies?

He wore the black and white plaid.

Ill kill the bastard wi my bare hands!

Dont bother, Brigette announced matter-of-factly. Ive dispatched him already.

Ye what! Iain was stunned.

While he was attempting to drown me, she proudly informed her husband, I drowned him.

Ye bloodthirsty wench, Iain chuckled and caressed her cheek. He didna touch ye? I mean —

No, I frightened him.

I canna credit that, hinny. Iains voice mirrored his disbelief.

But its true, Brigette vowed. He thought I was a witch. . . . The MacDonalds wife fed me herbs to dry my milk. How will I feed Dubh?

Dinna worry about that. Moireach willna let the lad starve.

And Sly! A sob caught in Brigettes throat. My precious Sly is dead!

Sly isna dead. Iain laughed, thinking of the fox. Hes alive, albeit a mite bandaged. When I left Dunridge, Glenda was tormentin him; she and Lady Autumn are in charge of his convalescence.

Early the next morning, Brigette sat alone in the cottage. Dressed in a borrowed skirt and blouse that had seen better days, shed plaited her hair into one thick braid and then tidied the chamber. There had been nothing left to do except await her husbands return.

Are ye ready, hinny? Iain asked, walking through the door.

Yes.

Pulling her into his embrace, Iain lowered his lips to hers in a passionate, earth-shattering kiss. I swear to guard yer safety with my life, he vowed. Yell never be frightened again, I promise ye.

Please, dont feel guilty, Brigette begged, her heart wrenching at the desperate anguish in his voice. The folly was mine. Im sorry my careless behavior has caused you worry.

Thank ye for that, hinny, Iain said. He kissed her again, then grabbed the borrowed woolen cloak off the cot and wrapped it tightly around her. Keep that close aboot ye. I dinna want ye catchin another chill.

Outside, Magnus and ten MacArthur warriors, including Bries cousins husband, Jamie, were mounted and waiting. Alasdair, his wife, and several of the MacDonalds stood in their midst. Taking Ina MacDonalds hands in hers, Brigette kissed the older womans cheeks, then thanked Alasdair and his son, Rob, whod swum to the rock and saved her life.

Iain lifted Brigette onto his horse, then turned back to the pirate chieftain. He produced a hefty pouch from his plaid and handed it to Alasdair, then offered his hand, saying, I pledge ye my friendship for all time.

Yer a rare one, MacArthur, Alasdair commented wryly. Many a mon wouldve become my sworn enemy for savin his wife. The countess must be very special.

No, Iain disagreed, mounting behind his wife. When its healthy, her tongue never rests. Everyone but Brigette laughed. Turning their horses east, the MacArthurs began their journey to Dunridge.

Leaning against her husband, Brigette relaxed and enjoyed the feel of his strength at her back. She peeked at Jamie, riding on their right, and wondered if he or Spring would ever speak to her again. Jamie, she apologized, Im sorry for the trouble I caused you.

Jamie glanced sidelong at her and nodded. What else could he do? A mere warrior, angry though he was, could not throttle his lairds countess, foolish though she was.

And, Brigette continued expansively, Im glad my husband refrained from sharpening his sword on your flesh.

Im too even-tempered to act so rashly, Iain insisted. Riding on their left, Magnus chortled, earning an admonishing glare from his even-tempered cousin.

Several miles passed in silence. The steady motion of the horse lulled Brigette, and she closed her eyes. Sleep did not come, but rather the trancelike daze that bridges consciousness and sleep.

What did you give Alasdair? Brigette asked drowsily.

Gold.

Gold? She perked up at the word.

The rascal demanded a ransom for savin ye, Iain told her.

Brigette giggled at the mans audacity, then fell silent for a long, pensive moment. Well? she asked finally.

Well what?

What is my worth in gold?

Iain smiled down at the top of her coppery crown. Accustomed to his wifes maneuverings, he knew her casual tone belied a burning curiosity. The questions unfair, sweetie, he replied evasively. It was an uneven exchange.

Some of the best things in life are expensive, she said. Exactly how much did I cost you?

Trust me, lovey. Yer nae bargain.

Brigette frowned, uncertain if shed been complimented or insulted. My price must have been great, she decided, a delighted smile gracing her lips. Im certain, she said modestly, your high opinion of me is based on love, not necessarily worth.

Chuckling, Iain nuzzled the side of her neck. I love ye, he growled against her ear, but Id love ye better if ye cost less.

Oww! Youre impossible.

But ye love me?

As if you didnt know it.

Their entourage arrived at Dunridge at dusk. Weakened by her illness, Brigette slept with her head nestled in the crook of Iains neck.

As they passed through the outer gate, the guards shouted a greeting. Brigette stirred, but did not awaken, and Iain nudged her gently when they halted inside the courtyard.

Shall I carry ye inside? he asked.

No. She yawned and stretched.

Iain dismounted and reached to lift Brigette, whose eyes were sultry with sleep. Merciful Christ! he thought, feeling his manhood stir. I can hardly wait until suppers done and were alone in our chamber.

With her husband on one side and Magnus on the other, Brigette walked into the crowded great hall. Shrieking with joy, Glenda threw herself into Brigettes open arms.

Im sorry I went away, Brigette said, holding the little girl close. I did not intend —

That bad mon snatched ye!

Yes, you must thank Cousin Magnus, for he saved me from drowning.

What aboot Uncle Iain? Glenda asked loudly. Uncle Iain frowned at the reminder that his cousin had a talent for rescuing his wife.

Uncle Iain brought me home, Brigette added hastily.

Thanks for savin Lady Brie, Glenda said to Magnus, then looked at Iain. And thank ye, Uncle, for bringin her home. She tugged at Brigettes sleeve, saying, Come on. Slys waitin for ye.

Smiling at her husband, Brigette shrugged her shoulders and was led away.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Slys bushy tail whacked the floor in greeting when Brigette knelt beside him. She reached out to pat him, but the foxs tongue was quick, licking her hand.

My poor, poor Sly, Brigette crooned, inspecting his bandage. The fox whined pitifully, gaining even more sympathy.

Brigette stood to greet Moireach and Spring. Im sorry for causing trouble, she apologized, hugging her cousin and then the housekeeper.

It wasna yer fault, Moireach said.

Spring nodded. You dont look well, Brie.

Ive been ill, but Im much better now, she told them. In fact, Im famished.

Sit down, the housekeeper said, and Ill bring supper.

Fetch Dubh, please, Brigette said to Spring, then held out her hand to Glenda. Sit with me while I eat. Sly hobbled after them.

Brigette sat between Iain and Magnus at the high table. Glenda was glued to her side until Iain lifted her onto his lap and ordered her to stay. Slys whines for attention bothered Brigette. She lifted him onto her lap, and he licked her chin, making the others laugh. Magnus took the fox when Dubh arrived.

My son, Brigette cried, reaching for him. Dubhs tiny arms and legs flailed about, making it difficult for her to snuggle him close. He remembers me.

Iain laughed. Did ye think hed forget his own mother?

Brigette kissed Dubhs cheeks. I missed you, my son.

What aboot me? Glenda asked pettishly.

I missed you terribly, Brigette answered. Sly whined. And I also missed you, my pet.

What aboot me? Iain mimicked Glenda.

Brigette cocked a brow at her husband. Especially you, my love. Tonight, youll know exactly how much. She turned to Moireach, and asked, Did you hire a wet nurse for Dubh?

The housekeeper grinned and shook her head. Hes been drinkin warmed goats milk from a wineskin.

Lady Antonia arrived then and cast a blatantly insincere smile at Brigette. Yer back — how wonderful!

Refusing to let her homecoming be spoiled, Brigette ignored her.

Cousin Magnus, Antonia said, its grand seein ye again. Yeve a talent for rescuin my dear sister-in-law.

Magnus grinned. Its grand seein ye also, Lady Antonia. Yer always of such good cheer. As for the other . . . He shrugged. Lets say it was fate.

Tell us what happened, Antonia urged.

Let me say first, Brigette began, what happened was my own fault, not Jamies. I was foolish to ride unescorted. Anyway, when I rode to the loch, a Menzies warrior shot Sly and knocked me unconscious. He left me to die on a rock in the Sound of Mull. Fortunately, the MacDonalds happened by and rescued me.

Were ye frightened? Glenda asked, wide-eyed.

Would you have been frightened? Brigette countered, and the little girl nodded. So was I.

Do ye intend to let Menzies get away wi this? Antonia asked Iain.

Ye know better than that.

What of the warrior, Brie? Antonia asked, her tone casual. Can ye describe him?

Theres nae need for descriptions, Iain said loudly. My fearless wife dispatched the bastard. Thunderous cheering shook the rafters.

Antonia paled. Finlay! The Sassenach murdered my brother! Nobody noticed when she slipped away.

The conversation at the high table turned to other, more pleasant subjects. Dubh was passed from mother to father to godfather and then back to his mother.

Its bedtime, Brigette announced, for wee children and convalescing beasts. With Glenda glued to her side, Brigette carried Dubh out of the hall. Sly limped after them.

Dugie! Jamie! Iain called, and when the brothers stood before him, ordered, First thin in the mornin, prepare the men for war.

Aye, Dugie grinned.

Wi pleasure, Jamie added, then walked away with his brother.

Yeve a happy family, Magnus commented, stretching his legs out. It makes me yearn for Inverary.

Who wouldve guessed a Sassenach twit could make me happy? Hows Avril?

I havena seen her these past two months, Magnus replied, but after I report to the queen, Im for Inverary. Its past time I settled down and gave Argyll a few grandsons to coo over.