Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) (7 page)

Torrian’s misgivings blossomed into frightening possibilities. “I’m not sleeping in there tonight. I’ll stay on the floor in here. What if she returns and brings a witness? I do not wish to become the victim of her craftiness.”

“We’ll not run away. ‘Twould be rude. If we go, I’ll tell the Buchan why.” Quade addressed both of them, one hand on his hip and the other stroking his jaw.

“Husband, I would not advise anyone of our plans. If everyone knows when we are leaving, you may force the lass to act quickly. We must not give her the chance.”

“You have a good point, Brenna. Sleep in here tonight, Torrian, and we’ll leave at first light. I wished to speak with you before we left, so this will give us a moment to discuss your thoughts on the betrothal. Glenn of Buchan wishes the match to go forward, and until this moment, I saw no reason to deny him. But, after the discussions I’ve had with your uncle, I worry about this. If this is her plan, then she is not the lass for you, nor would I welcome her into the clan. However, we must deal with our king. I’m afraid he will still support the marriage. ‘Struth is any trouble by the Buchans may make the match more desirable. Alexander is keen on the idea that this marriage will allow us to maintain a modicum of control. What were your thoughts before this happened?”

Quade returned to his seat by the fire and waited for Torrian’s response. He thought of many different answers he might make, but he expected most of them would bring disappointment into his father’s gaze. He decided to plunge forward.

“Da, I do not think our personalities are a good match. Davina is lovely, but she is a forward lass, the verra opposite of my own nature.”

Quade said, “You make a fine-looking couple. She will give you handsome bairns, and a strong-willed woman is preferable to one with a weak, shy personality. Someday, you’ll be chieftain, and your wife must be able to run the keep should you leave for battle or head to court. She must be strong and independent. Those were my thoughts before this new development.”

“I will not disagree with you, Da, but I still do not think we suit. The thought of living with such a deceitful lass does not settle well with me. What kind of life could we have together if I had to question all she did, all she said?”

Quade ran his hands through his hair, still thick after many years. “I cannot argue with your reasoning, Torrian. You realize the king may decree this match. If so, it could be considered treason to refuse, or at the verra least, a cause for the Buchans to attack us to retain their dignity. ‘Tis an embarrassment to refuse a betrothal ordered by the king.”

“I would like to speak to our king before I agree.”

“I wish to speak with our king as much as you do, but he is not here. And despite how you feel today, you must not refuse Davina on the morrow before we leave. The Buchan talks as if the king has promised him that this marriage will happen. If you sever the connection now, you could bring repercussions down on me and the rest of your clan. After all we’ve seen and heard, mayhap the king does need our help to maintain peace. Your uncle believes the king may order the marriage in an attempt to control these clans, although I am not convinced it will work as he wishes. Logan believes this to be the case, and he finds conditions here less than favorable.”

Torrian wrung his hands as the words settled on him. Marry her or anger their king, cause embarrassment to his clan. In other words, he had no choice in the matter.

Brenna did her best to soften the blow. “I agree with your father that this is not the time to refuse, nor is it the place to refuse. We are in their castle, surrounded by Buchan guards. The safest response is to agree to the match and then postpone the marriage for as long as we can. We all need to take a closer look at the implications of refusing before you make that decision. Mayhap Uncle Logan can speak to the king on your behalf. Or mayhap he will escort you to Edinburgh to talk with the king directly.”

Torrian let his breath out between pursed lips.

It seems he would be officially betrothed on the morrow.

Chapter Seven

Torrian descended the staircase just before dawn, his sire and stepmother directly behind him. Logan met them at the base of the stairs.

Kyle waited not far from the door. “Are we truly set to leave soon?” he asked. “All the guards were informed of the change in plans just now. Word has already passed through the Buchan guards that we are rushing home and they are ready to pass bad judgment on us. What say you? Why has this been decided so quickly?”

He glanced at his parents before whispering to his friend. “I’ll explain later, but suffice it to say that I feared the lass would entrap me. Do not tell another soul.”

Kyle’s eyes widened, but he did not speak except for one whispered word. “Truly?”

Torrian only had time to nod as a booming voice carried across the balcony.

Glenn’s voice echoed through the hall. “Good morn to you all. Are you not pleased with this pending betrothal? Is this a meeting I should have been invited to attend?” The Buchan met his daughter at the top of the staircase, and they descended the steps together.

Quade squeezed Torrian’s elbow and moved him off to the side of the door, a tactic to encourage him to keep quiet, he was sure. Kyle stepped aside to make room for him, and they stood to the back as the two chieftains squared off, Brenna at her husband’s side and Logan at Torrian’s side.

Glenn of Buchan said, “You leave so soon? Before we have made our decision?”

He crossed his arms in front of his chest, a move Torrian did not think boded well for them.

His sire acted completely unperturbed. How Torrian envied the way his father could hide his thoughts and feelings. He paused before he spoke, a power move for certain. “My wife has been called home, a personal issue she must attend to as our healer, and we shall all escort her. As far as we are concerned, the betrothal will continue if you are agreeable.”

Glenn of Buchan grinned and squeezed his daughter’s shoulder at the same time. She gave Torrian a sweet, almost modest smile. “Verra well. Then we shall plan the wedding to take place at your castle. When is your preference?”

Torrian was amazed by how quickly the Buchans had agreed. He’d wanted to argue and cast as much doubt as possible on the betrothal, but his parents’ way was wiser. Leaving was their top priority, and agreeing to the betrothal would speed their departure. The rest could be sorted out later.

“A fortnight?” Quade posed the question to Brenna. Torrian held his breath, giving his sire a pointed look, but both of his parents ignored him.

Brenna gasped. “A fortnight? We could never prepare for such a grand affair so quickly. Mayhap two moons?”

“Two moons?” the Buchan chieftain barked. “‘Tis way too long. I say one moon.”

Brenna thought for a moment, then said, “Aye, I am agreeable to that.”

They all looked at Torrian, so he nodded, then Davina added, “That sounds wonderful.”

Torrian nodded to his betrothed and said, “I look forward to that day, my lady.” He almost choked on his words, as he did not care to lie, but he had planned his phrasing intentionally. In his mind, that day would mark the end of this fiasco.

He would see to it.

***

When Heather awakened a few days after returning to her cave, there was a sinking feeling in her gut. It did not take long for her to realize why. Nellie was burning up again. She could feel the fever her wee body fought through her clothing, and Nellie had cuddled close to her in the middle of the night. The sun was just peeking out over the horizon, so she gathered her daughter and carried her out to her horse that Gwyneth had left with her. She had no choice but to bring her back to Brenna Ramsay. Before positioning the ropes across the mouth of the cave to deter birds and animals, she decided to bring a few more belongings than she had the last time, not wishing to be a burden to the generous clan.

When she arrived this time, she had to stand at the gate for a few minutes before she was allowed to enter. Gwyneth came out to greet her, yelling at the guards to open the gate.

“Sick again, is she?” Gwyneth asked, her concern evident as she rushed toward them, accepting Nellie into her arms before she leaned down to press her cheek to the wee one’s forehead. “Poor lass is burning again.”

“Aye, and she will not awaken. I do not understand what could be wrong. Has Mistress Brenna returned yet?”

“Just last night. Head to the stables and once you’ve dismounted, I’ll give her back and carry your satchel for you.”

Heather did as Gwyneth asked, and the two made their way toward the keep as quickly as possible. They were nearing the great hall, making haste to find Brenna, when a familiar voice called out from behind her. “Heather, may I assist with aught?”

She swung around, only to be hit by her body’s quick response to Torrian Ramsay. His essence washed over her, giving her unexpected comfort.

“Here, I’ll carry her while you get your things. I’ll take her directly to Brenna. Does that suit you?” Only then realizing she had frozen in response to his presence, she readily relinquished Nellie to his strong arms. Surprised by that telling move, she glanced up at Torrian, comforted by his strength. Even if Nellie awakened in his arms, she would accept him, something that was amazing given Nellie’s inexperience with men.

“Aye.” All she could do was gaze into his green eyes as he took Nellie from her. Gwyneth handed her satchel back to her, and once she was able to collect her thoughts, she hurried to follow Torrian’s long strides. “I’m so sorry to bother you, my lord.”

Torrian glanced over his shoulder. “‘Tis no bother. I’m here to help.”

The moment they stepped inside, Brenna rose to greet them from the hearth. “Och, nay. The lassie is sick again?”

“Do you want her in the same chamber?” Torrian asked his stepmother.

She nodded. “Aye, we’ll follow you in a moment. Heather,” she said as she wrapped her arm around her waist. “Does it appear to be the same or something different?”

Strangely comforted by just the presence of Lady Brenna and the compassion on her face, she leaned into her, almost collapsing. “The same.” The tears that had threatened to spill onto her cheeks finally overflowed. Heather had the odd trait of not crying until after the imminent danger had passed. “She is the same as before. I cannot awaken her. She went to sleep without a fever last night, but this morn she was burning with it and she cuddled close to me in the middle of the night. I probably overheated her.”

“Nay, when bairns have fevers, they seek more warmth. I’m sure you did naught to cause further harm. Let’s bathe her again, then I’ll place the salve on her chest. I also managed to find some tuberous comfrey, which may help her.”

At the mention of her special herbs, Heather rummaged through her satchel and then handed Brenna a small sack. “Here, I’ve been foraging in the woods near us to find some of the herbs you taught me about. I wanted to make sure you had plenty to help with the illnesses in your clan. It’s the least I could do.”

Brenna peeked into the bag and smiled, “You did well. Mint leaves, coriander for fever, licorice, basil, and yarrow. My thanks, Heather. I will make great use of these.”

“How was your trip, my lady?”

Brenna hesitated before answering. “The trip went as expected. Torrian is betrothed, but I will tell you in confidence that I intend to do all I can to release him from his betrothal. She is a beautiful lass, but I do not trust her, and neither does Torrian. In fact, I will do all I can to see him with another. They do not make a good pair.”

“Oh, I am sorry your trip was not a good one.”

“Aye, ‘twas good enough to help us understand why the king pushes this match. Something goes on there that does not seem right. We will forge ahead with the intent of finding Torrian a more suitable lass, but try to do it without offending anyone.”

She locked gazes with Heather, who did not begin to know how to respond to her.

“Heather,” she took a step back to gather some linen squares from a chest near the hearth, “I do hope you will consider Torrian as a possible match for you. I know Gwyneth spoke to you about my stepson. If you have any interest in him at all, I beg you to consider accepting his suit, if he feels the same way. We will have to find a way to handle this situation delicately so as not to offend anyone, but my wish is for my stepson to be happy.”

Heather stared at Brenna, unsure of how to answer her. “I think ‘tis best to see how Torrian feels. Of course, I would be willing to speak with him.”

They headed upstairs together, and followed Torrian into the chamber that had become Nellie’s sick room. Just as they reached the door, he left the room, giving her a nod and a serious look before he slipped past them. Heather couldn’t think clearly enough to wonder what he felt for her. She couldn’t deny her body’s response to him, but right now she could only focus on making her daughter well.

Once inside the small chamber, Brenna placed the bag of herbs on the chest and motioned for Heather to sit in the chair that was still positioned next to the bedside. The chamber was also furnished with a small table and two stools arranged along the opposite wall. But as Brenna busied herself with filling a basin with water and herbs, Heather sat on the bed directly beside her daughter and tugged Nellie onto her lap to undress her, tears misting her eyes as she felt the frailness of the wee one’s body. She’d lost too much weight during her last bout of sickness. What would this one do to her?

Together, they bathed Nellie, but she still did not awaken. Brenna fiddled with her vials, carefully covering the wee one’s chest with a paste smelling of potent herbs, and then left Heather and Nellie to rest together. She did not know how much time had passed when she was awakened by a knock on the door. No light came in through the furs, so she must have slept for a while.

“Enter, if you please.” Heather rubbed her eyes and released her daughter since her fever had abated a bit, moving to the chair next to the bed. Torrian entered the chamber, carrying a trencher of pottage that he set on the chest next to her. “My lord, you do not need to wait on me.”

He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “That’s to remind you that we know each other well enough for you to call me by my name, not my lord.”

She couldn’t stop the blush from heating her cheeks as she stared at him. Hell, but he was enough to take her breath away. “My thanks, Torrian.”

“You must eat to stay strong for your daughter. Is there any improvement?”

“Her fever seems to have improved, but she still sleeps.” She glanced at Nellie. “She looks so innocent and peaceful, does she not?” She swiped a tear away from her eye.

“Aye, she’s a beauty like her mama.” Torrian pulled a stool over to the bed. “Does Brenna have any idea what is causing her illness?”

“Nay. She thinks it’s related to the blood and phlegm, but I’m grateful she doesn’t believe in bleeding. She has a cough, and when we were here before, Brenna gave her something to help her breathe.”

“I’m going to say something that may upset you, but only because I’m trying to help. Do you think it would be better for your daughter to stay here where she could sleep inside instead of out in the cold? I know ‘tis summer, but the nights can still be cool. ‘Twas chilly last night. Mayhap she feels it more keenly since she’s been so ill recently.”

“I’ve considered the possibility. ‘Tis why I brought more of our belongings. I may decide to stay longer…for Nellie.”

Neither of them spoke for a few moments. Heather enjoyed the small comfort of having him there by her side.

“I was sick for a verra long time as a bairn, Heather, and I was kept hidden in a cottage away from all but my closest family. I can tell you from experience that part of my improvement came from being around others. I do not mean to judge you as a mother, as I know you would do aught for your daughter, but living alone is hard for a child. I had no idea what friends were when I was a laddie. Besides my mother and sire, I only knew my sister, and we were often kept apart. Mayhap in a small way, Nellie’s mind wished to be back with her friends.”

“Are you suggesting that she is making herself ill?” Heather was shocked at his words, but mayhap he spoke the truth. After sharing so much with the Ramsays, even she had missed their presence once they had returned to the cave.

“Nay, not at all. I’m suggesting that she’ll heal faster around friends, and in truth, she may be happier to live in a larger group now that she knows the difference. I know from my own experience how much happiness and friendship can improve everything about your life. She’s too young to question what you do, but she could have the hidden desire to be with her new friends. I could be wrong, of course. I speak from my own experience.”

Heather didn’t know what to say, but mayhap he had a point about Nellie’s wee body wishing to be near her friends. Besides, it made practical sense to keep Nellie at the keep for the time being; the caves were cold, though she wrapped them both in furs each night.

***

Lily came in later that evening and pulled a stool up close to Heather.

“I’m sorry to bother you when your daughter is so ill, but I must speak with you.”

Heather said, “Of course, Lily. I welcome you. Thank you for helping my daughter with the pup, Bretta.”