The Highlander's Bargain (21 page)

“Great idea.” True struck flint and steel together, blowing on the spark that landed in the wood shavings and dried grass. “I’ll talk to Malcolm about it. I’m sure he’ll put the castle carpenters to work on them right away. You and I can talk to a few of the women who make pottery. It’ll be a great winter project.”

“If I’m still here . . .”

“Right.” True’s expression darkened. “I hope you are. I know it’s selfish, but . . . I can’t help hoping you’ll stay here with us.”

Her throat tightened. True was the first truly close friend she’d had for a very long time, and she didn’t want to lose her either, but what could she say? She had absolutely no control, especially if she and Rob put off confronting Giselle until the spring. “What do you know about the fae? Are they . . . killable?” Her heart thumped painfully at the thought of Rob doing battle against the faerie warrior, but she knew he would attempt it if he had to.

“I only have the stories I’ve been told since I came here, but as I understand it, they can only die by their own weapons. They’re pretty much immune to ours.”

“Of course. Makes sense.” They had to talk to Giselle now. The sooner the better, and definitely before the faerie showed up for her husband. Blinking back the sudden sting in her eyes, she focused on the rafters, matching the pictures to the plants. “It’s the roots we need from the ginseng. Right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I have it.”

Next she searched the book for antiseptics. “Barberry and mountain cranberry. Hmm, do cranberries grow here? They’d be great to have on hand for bladder infections.”

“Not that I’ve been able to find. Mountain cranberry is an evergreen bush that grows in sandy soil.”

“Do you have any of the berries?”

“I do. They’re in a basket along the wall near the rosehips.”

“You’re really something, True.” Appreciation for her friend swelled in her chest. “Amazing.”

“Not really. I’m just doing what my grandfather, grandmother and my relatives have always done, only on a larger scale. I spent many a summer and fall out in the bush, gathering medicinal plants with my family, so it comes naturally.”

“Did you gather all of this on your own?”

“No. I have lots of help here with the gathering part. Our clan is not without knowledge of the healing properties of the plants around here. They’ve taught me a lot. According to them, the thistle plant will cure just about anything.”

“Will it?”

“I have no idea. It’s not in Gran’s book, but the locals say it’s used for tumors, all kinds of joint complaints and illnesses.”

“I hope I get the chance to gather with you.” She kept her eyes on what they needed. “We make a good team.”

“We do.” True came up next to her and nudged her shoulder. “Have I thanked you today for saving me and my sons?”

Erin shot her a wry grin. “You don’t have to keep thanking me. I’m glad it all worked out, and I’m even kind of glad I had the experience.” She toyed with the plants in front of her. “I’m not going to be nearly as apprehensive about cesareans now, and you know yours won’t be the last. I’ve already begun stocking my bag with embroidery silk, needles and a sharp dagger. That’s one of the reasons I want to learn how to make your salve.”

“I’ll teach you.”

They continued to work side by side, gathering, cutting and mixing the herbs and roots they needed for the tea until they had a good-sized batch for the afflicted couple. Erin couldn’t remember a time when such contentment filled her. Maybe it was because she and True shared so much in common that their friendship had blossomed so easily. She’d never met anyone else with abilities similar to hers, and it was a relief.

“I hope this works.” Erin went for an empty basket to carry their remedy. “Do you have some kind of cheesecloth or linen to line the basket?”

“Yep. In the trunk at the end of the cot.”

She rummaged through the trunk full of strips of cloth for bandages and squares for bundles until she found the right size. Placing the square inside the rush basket she’d chosen, she brought it back to their pile of the loose tea on the worktable.

“Do you want to take this to them, or do you think it would be better if we went together?” True asked.

“You have to get back to your babies. They’ll want to nurse soon. Besides, it’s important that I be the one to bring them the tea. They need to know I’m invested in finding a solution.”

“Arlen might still be here,” True said. “He often spends time visiting his sister’s family while on the island.”

“Good. If you’ll take me to him, I’ll ask him to take me to the mainland. I’m procrastinating an argument I know I’m going to have with Robley. I need a little time to formulate my thoughts. We need to head to Inverness to confront Giselle together, and we need to do it soon.”

The evening had been long, and Erin’s eyelids drooped. Still, she was determined to have it out with Robley before they slept. His family had tried and failed to reason with him earlier in the evening, and now it was her turn. Erin followed the family procession out of the solar and again formulated the argument she needed to have with her stubborn husband. Once they were within the privacy of their own chamber, she turned to him. Her palms grew moist, and her heart crept up her throat.

“I can’t live with this threat constantly hanging over our heads, Rob. I know you believe everything has been resolved, but I don’t agree. I want to go to Inverness as soon as possible. If we leave in the next few days, we can be back before Christmas.” She doubted their visit with Giselle would be that simple, but for Rob’s sake she had to put it out there as if she believed it would be.

“Nay.” He sat on the chair and removed his boots. “There’s no need. ’Tis done.”

“No, Rob. It’s not, and judging from the emotionally tangled vibes you’re giving off right now, you don’t really believe it’s over either. What’s going on in your mind?”

He rose from the chair and strode toward her. “What is really going on in my mind is the thought of you naked and in my arms.” He drew her close. “I dinna wish to discuss this any further, babe. We are no’ going anywhere but to bed, where I plan to make love to you until we both fall asleep.”

“Nope.” She disentangled herself from his arms. “We need to resolve this. Giselle is back, and the faerie warrior could make an appearance at any moment. Making love leads to babies. With the prospect of your death riding herd on us, I don’t want to get pregnant.” She crossed the room to the pegs on the wall and began to undress. “If you won’t come with me, I’ll arrange to travel to Inverness on my own.”

“Nay. You will do no such thing. I am your husband,” he snapped. “I make the decisions for the both of us now, and I say this can wait ’til spring.”

“Huh. I don’t recall that being a part of the vows we took. I’ve always made my own decisions, and I’m not about to stop just because I’m living in your century.” Her insides knotted. “Don’t you get it? I can’t bear the thought of losing you. I can’t live with that fear every single day while waiting for the other shoe to drop. The stress is too much. I can’t sit idly by knowing Giselle is in Inverness. How can you?”

“Och, woman.” He plowed his hands through his hair. “I canna bear the thought that this fragile peace might be upset if we
do
confront her. Leave it be.”

“I can’t.” She bit her lip, wondering just how far she could push him. Dammit. What choice did she have? “Ignoring the problem isn’t going to make it go away.”

He tugged his shirt off and dropped it on the floor. “Stirring the pot might bring the faerie to us.”

“He’s going to come for you one way or the other.” She shot him an incredulous look. “Having Giselle on our side is the only hope we have.”

“Ignoring the entire affair may make it disappear. The fae are a capricious lot.” He unbelted his plaid and let it fall where he stood. “I am certain they’ve been distracted by other more pressing intrigues.”

He drew her into his arms again and nuzzled her neck, trailing kisses to her jaw. His warmth, bare skin and obvious arousal wreaked havoc on her resolve, and at the same time she wanted to shake him so hard the stubborn fell right out of him. “I doubt it. The pensieve belonged to their king. They’re not going to let it go.”

“Humph.” He yanked at the tie to her chemise, and it soon fell to the floor to join his pile of wool and linen.

“Robley.” She pushed against his chest. “I mean it. We have to travel to Inverness, or I’m moving back to the room I started out in, and the door will be barred on a nightly basis.” She reached for her chemise and brought it to the pegs, ignoring his pile of garments.

The muscles in his jaw twitched, and anger pulsed from him in waves. He strode toward the hearth and gave her his back. “You think to issue ultimatums to me, wife?”

“I guess so,” she whispered, her heart aching. She’d never meant to issue any kind of threat. It just sort of slipped out, but she had to follow through, or they would continue to be at an impasse.

“I will no’ allow it.”

“Robley,” she pleaded. “Please be reasonable. You can’t just stick your head in the sand and hope that everything will pass us by. Life doesn’t work like that, and I’m pretty sure you know that.”

He swallowed hard and shook his head. “You dinna understand.”

“Explain it then. Help me to understand. I can feel your stress and unhappiness, but I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“My da’s health. You. Responsibility to my clan and kin.” His shoulders slumped. “What does no’ weigh upon me at present? The faerie has left us alone. I dinna want to risk drawing his attention by being anywhere near Giselle. He tracked me through centuries, lass. Surely he can track me from Moigh Hall to Inverness.”

He glanced at her, his expression determined and stony. “He kens I dinna have the pensieve. I’m naught but a mortal who was ill used by one of their own. What use am I to him when I dinna ken Giselle’s true identity? He’s had time to think upon the matter, and I’m certain he’s come to the same conclusion. I’m of no further use to him.”

Fear and despair. The emotions filled her husband and flowed straight to her. A rush of empathy and understanding surged through her. He feared losing his father to another stroke, and he feared losing her to the future—more than he feared losing his life. Never had her insights and impressions from another been so clear. Her soul wept for what he was going through, for what they both must face.

“Oh, Rob.” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his stiff back and absorbing his tension. “I get it. I really do. Let’s do what we can to put all of this faerie drama behind us once and for all. I have your father on a daily dose of True’s willow bark tea. He’s getting stronger every day. You’re not going to lose him anytime soon.”

“Aye? And what about you? Can you guarantee I willna lose you should we confront Giselle?” He turned in her arms, crushing her to him. His mouth found hers in a hungry kiss, and his hands roamed over her as if he meant to memorize her by touch. She caved. So much for her ultimatum. He needed her right now, needed her loving touch to soothe the fears and lessen the weight of all that rode upon his broad shoulders.

He backed her to their bed, and she let him. They fell onto the mattress in a tangle of limbs, heat, need and love, losing themselves in each other. Their lovemaking was frenzied and intense. She welcomed the respite from the grim reality they faced. Immersing herself in the sensations of their joining, she gave herself up to the love they shared, trusting in the strength their bond had woven. He’d voiced his worst fears, and she knew he’d soon come to see things her way.

Sated and spent, he wrapped himself around her and settled, as he did every night. She smiled into the darkness. He loved to spoon, and the sense of peace and security it gave her evoked a resonating hum within her. She wanted forever with him. Didn’t she deserve to be happy? Hadn’t she paid her dues with an unstable childhood and a lonely adulthood?

“I’ll travel to Inverness to speak with Giselle, lass,” he mumbled into her ear, “if it will put you at ease.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Nay. You’ll stay here where I ken you are safe.”

“Nope. I’m coming with you to bargain with her. I did what she wanted me to do, and now she owes me a favor.”

“Humph. Do you mean to take me from one argument to the next, woman?” He smacked her bare bottom. “You are a wee, managing termagant.”

“OK. Whatever.” She snuggled closer. “So long as I get to be by your side while I’m a
wee termagant
, whatever that is.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

R
obley turned his mount from the lead of their party and cantered back to where Erin rode in the wagon with the supplies. “Are you well, love? Warm enough? Comfortable?”

“I’m fine,” she grumbled. “You don’t have to ask me every half hour. I have my jeans on under my woolen gown, my Harley jacket, the shearling wrap and the mittens True loaned me.” She scowled at him, eliciting a grin from the soldier driving the ox cart. “It’s not even that cold.”

“Mayhap you’d like to ride in my lap for a time. You can join me at the head of the line.” True’s gentle mare was tied to the back of the cart. He’d secured the horse for their journey in the hopes Erin would learn to ride along the way. They’d been on the road toward Inverness for days, and still she’d opted to sit in the back of the wagon to be jostled about with their tents, gear and food.

“I’m good. Thanks.”

“Do you fear the horses?” He couldn’t understand why anyone would chose bumping along in a wooden cart over riding.

She shrugged. “Maybe. I’ve never been on one.”

“Ride with me for a bit, lass. I desire your company.” Her brow rose at his suggestion, and heat crept up his neck. Memories of last night’s lovemaking in the privacy of their tent flooded his mind. His desire for her was insatiable, and he thanked the powers that be that her passion equaled his in every way.

“Remember how you reacted to riding in my car”—she glanced at the men accompanying them on their journey—“er, wagon? I didn’t give you a hard time.”

“Aye, I do remember. My
reaction
did no’ stop me from continuing to ride with you, did it? Come, lass. Having you in my lap will keep me warm.”

He wore soft, fur-lined boots, trews and a tunic for the journey, along with a parka designed by True. He was comfortable and warm enough, but aroused. He wanted his wife. He always wanted her.

She glanced up at him. “Oh, I don’t know.”

He brought his gelding up beside the wagon, leaned over and scooped her up into his arms.

“Hey!”

“Wheesht, ye wee termagant. We’ll see Inverness ere long. Surely you can indulge me for a short while.” He drew her close and settled her on his lap. “’Tis no’ so bad, is it?” Truth be told, he needed the physical contact to assuage his mounting anxiety. Nothing good would come of their meeting with Giselle; he was certain. Erin’s expression grew pensive, and she focused upon him in that way she did when trying to gain some idea of his physical well-being.

Slipping her arms around his waist, she snuggled against his chest. “It’ll be all right, Rob. I don’t believe Giselle is evil, and keeping us around is good for True, Hunter and the rest of our clan.”

“Humph. ’Tis against my better judgment that we travel here. Betwixt you, my parents, uncle, aunt and cousin, what choice did I have in the matter? With all of you haranguing me daily, I could find no peace.”

“You’ll thank us once all of this is behind us.”

He rested his chin on top of her head, hoping with everything within him that she was right. They rode on in companionable silence, and by twilight, she’d fallen asleep. His arms ached from supporting her, yet he had no will to place her elsewhere. She belonged in his embrace, sheltered and protected by his strength. His chest ached, and the backs of his eyes stung. He did not want to face a life without her. Mayhap he’d lock her up in one of the dungeon cells in the keep when he went to Giselle’s cottage. Erin would be furious, but she’d still be there when he returned—if he returned.

The castle came into view as he continued to ponder his options. If he did lock his wife up, he’d have to let someone know where he’d put her in case he didn’t return. Mayhap one of the turret chambers would suffice. He grunted. What was he thinking? If he met his end, surely she’d want to be returned to her life in the twenty-first century. ’Twas selfish to think of locking her away. Doing so would not alter his fate or hers. His heart heavy, he shook her gently. “Wake, love. We’ve arrived.”

She stirred, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “It’s dark.”

“Aye, but look you there.” He pointed. “The lights ahead will guide us.” Torches burned upon the ramparts, and candlelight shone from several narrow windows of the keep. “We will sleep in a bed this night.”

“A bath too? Can I have a bath?” She straightened.

“Aye, and a hot meal before a warm fire.”

Sighing, she began to fuss with her gown and then her hair. He chuckled. “No need to fash about your appearance, lass. They’ll ken we’ve been on the road for days.” A snowflake drifted down to land on her shoulder. He brushed it off. Another landed in her hair, and soon fat white flakes began to fall in earnest. “It appears we’ve arrived just in time.” He squeezed her shoulders. “What do you think of riding horseback?”

“It’s OK, as long as you’re holding me. Horses are so big, and we never had any kind of pets when I was growing up. I guess I’m just not used to being around animals.” She shrugged. “I never had a puppy or a kitten—no sleepovers or birthday parties either.” Regret laced her tone. “If we ever have children, we’re going to make sure they know with absolute certainty that they are loved.”

“For certes our bairns will know we love them.” She glanced at him, her expression vulnerable, and his heart tumbled. She was so beautiful, and more than anything he desired to have a family with her. Any son or daughter of theirs would surely be adorable. If they had a daughter, he hoped she’d have her mother’s eyes, and if by chance any of their bairns should inherit her fae gifts, he’d be sure they would ken those gifts were cause for celebration.

“For certes, love.” Robley hugged her close. “But since you never had a pet of your own and are uncomfortable around horses, I’d like to teach you to ride. I believe you’d come to enjoy it, and I’ll secure a gentle palfrey for your very own. Your first pet.”

She bit her lip, and even without special abilities he sensed her anxiety. They’d just been talking about bairns of their own, and what had happened with True and the ferry master’s daughter must be fresh on her mind, as it was on his. Mayhap ’twas the thought of childbirth in the fifteenth century worrying her. Or mayhap thoughts of what might happen once they confronted Giselle vexed her. “First thing on the morrow we’ll set out to see Giselle. Let us no’ dwell on our worries this eve. This is your first visit to Inverness.” He nodded toward the keep. “What think you of the castle?”

Against the starry sky, the darker outline of the imposing structure stood out. Situated on the banks of the river as it was, Inverness was the hub of commerce for the entire region, and that his clan had the keeping of it for their king filled him with pride. As seneschal, ’twould be within his power to make Inverness even more profitable—for the good of the clan and their people.

“It’s hard to say in the dark, but it looks huge.”

“It is quite imposing.” He kicked his horse into a canter, leaving the rest of their group behind with the wagon. Erin clung to him, giving a little cry of alarm at their pace. “I’ve got you, Erin.” They were close enough to the keep now that he had no worries for their safety upon the road. He approached the portcullis and greeted the guards. He and Erin passed through to the bailey, and he instructed the guards to keep the gate up for the rest of their men. An hour later, he and Erin were awaiting a hot bath and food to be brought to them in the chamber usually reserved for his parents.

“It’s nice to be inside again,” Erin said while hanging her jacket on a peg. “Not that I have anything against camping out. All things considered, I was never terribly uncomfortable.”

She sent him a beguiling smile just as a line of servants entered the chamber, two bearing the tub and the rest carrying buckets of hot water, soap and linens. Yet another started a fire in the hearth, and a groom from the stable set their trunk against the wall.

The head housekeeper came in last and greeted them with a tray in her hands. Her curious gaze fixed upon Erin. “Welcome tae Castle Inverness, milady. We all wish ye happy. ’Tis good tae see our lad wed at last.” She set the tray on the table. “I’ve hot stew, bread, cheese and mulled wine for ye tae sup. Is there aught else ye’ll be needing before retiring?”

“Nay. Our thanks, Margaret. That will be all.” Truth be told, he wanted them all gone so he could have his wife to himself. Thoughts of a meal consisting of more than jerky and oatcakes elicited a rumble from his empty belly. He poured two goblets of the spiced wine and brought one to Erin.

She cupped her hands around the warmth of the goblet and took a sip. “Mmm. This is good.”

A flurry of activity went on around them, and once again his mind wandered to thoughts of locking Erin away while he pled with Giselle. Finally, the last of the servants departed, closing the chamber door behind them. “Come eat, Erin. The bath will stay warm enough by the hearth.” He pulled out a chair for her.

“Just a minute. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’ve grown used to wearing gowns every day, and these jeans gotta go.” She lifted her skirts and unbuttoned the denim, sliding the trews down her hips and legs. She kicked her jeans up and snatched them from the air with one hand. “Ah, that’s better,” she said, folding the garment and setting it on the trunk.

His breath quickened at the glimpse he’d caught of her bare legs, and his blood rushed to his groin. Soon. He’d have her in his arms soon, but first a meal and a bath for them both. To distract himself, he tore the bread in two and placed one of the pieces beside Erin’s bowl. Then he took the dagger from his waist and cut slices of cheese. “Erin, if aught happens to me—”

“Nothing is going to happen to you.” She scowled. “I won’t let it.”

“Och, aye?” He grinned at the ferocity in her tone. “Have you brought the pepper spray with you? Think you we’ll have better luck with the stuff this time ’round?”

“I have it. It’s in my purse. Maybe I’ll bring it tomorrow just in case.” She took her seat. “I plan to stage a sit-in on Giselle’s doorstep until she agrees to protect us both.”

“Humph.” He sat across from her. “Back to my question. If aught happens to me, would you want to return to your own time or remain here with my family?”

“Don’t ask me that. It’s not like I’d have a choice either way.” Her eyes glistened with the moisture filling them.

“I need to know.” His heart thudded against his ribs. If she wished to stay, mayhap locking her away was not such a foolish notion after all.

“I don’t know.” She blew out a breath and leaned back in her chair. “Life is precarious in your time. One unfortunate infectious disease and it’s all over. We have hospitals and antibiotics in my century. We have vaccinations against most of the diseases that kill people in your era. Plus, I’m not a noble, Rob. I have nothing to offer to anyone other than my skill as a midwife, and I don’t know that I’d enjoy being a burden to your family forever. Without you, my future here would be pretty bleak.” She averted her gaze. “Besides, I did have a life before you traveled through your time to fall into mine. I guess I’d want to finish my education. Like I told you before, getting that midwife certification has always been very important to me.”

“What if you’re already breeding?”

“If I am, the argument for returning is even stronger.” She sent him a pleading look. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Of course.” He dipped his bread into the savory stew and took a bite. “Mmm.” He gestured toward her steaming bowl. “’Tis good. Eat, and then I’ll wash your hair for you.” He’d lost his appetite, but he didn’t want her to see how her words affected him. He’d brought her back in time against her will, turned her life upside down and all on a whim—or mayhap a fae-induced compulsion. Forcing his thoughts away from the path they’d taken, he focused upon more pleasant pursuits, like bathing Erin.

Washing her hair had become one of his favorite intimacies, and he did so as frequently as she’d allow. The groans of pleasure his ministrations elicited, the sensuous feel of her silken locks tangled in his fingers and the erotic picture she presented while relaxing in a tub all acted to heighten his desire for her to a fever pitch. Anticipation had him growing hard, and he too found his trews restrictive. Her face flushed, and she graced him with a knowing smile.

“I forget sometimes that you sense how you affect me physically.”

“I do pick up on your reactions, but it’s OK.” She took a mouthful of her stew. “This is good.”

Their meal finished, he refilled their goblets and set them on the mantel. “I packed some of True’s shampoo and soap. I ken how much you favor them.” He rummaged through their trunk until he found the ceramic jar and the wrapped bar of fragrant soap. “Come, love. Let me help you out of your travel-encrusted clothing.”

“If you insist.” Grinning, she unbraided her hair and moved to stand before him.

Her eyes smoldered with the same anticipation stirring within him. “Do you ken ’twas first your emerald eyes that enticed me? There I was, entangled in your arms and legs, fresh through time, and all I could do was stare into them. You are an enchantress,
mo céile
.”