A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (16 page)

“He was here nary a few hours ago. Find him. Now.” Sean tossed him near the doorway and he scrambled away. He didn’t like the way the man dismissed him, and he’d be damned if would be shown the exit without at least being given an opportunity to state why he’d come.

The longer Sean waited, the more he paced and became frustrated by the lord’s absence and detainment. As he paced the long table in the hall, he reasoned the matter and decided it was best if his suspicion be hidden. He’d send someone from his clan to watch the man and report back his movements. Bantrum would make a mistake that he was sure of, and likely it would lead to his guilt.

After waiting for nearly half-an-hour, Lord Lombard returned. He removed his shield and sword, and placed them with a bang on the table. He retreated to the buttery and dunked a cup into the ale barrel. No greeting was spoken, and Sean was about to make his presence known when Lombard, with his back to him, spoke.

“My man tells me you threatened him. I will not have ye intimating those within my clan, young Hume.” Lombard chugged his ale, belched, and tossed the cup to the floor.

“I intimidate when it’s called for.”

“Why have you returned? Were you not here only this morn? You’re becoming a pesky neighbor, Hume. I have no time to entertain you.”

“We found Winifred.”

If he was surprised by this news, Lombard didn’t appear so. His expression changed little with his lips firmly closed and his eyes staid.

“It is not good news I come baring.”

“I expected not,” Lord Lombard said, without a hint of remorse.

“I wanted to return her body to you so she could be buried properly.”

Lord Lombard walked around the massive table with his hands linked behind his back. Two servants came into the hall to set out items for the night’s supper. He seemed not to notice them, but when they noticed him, they fled.

Sean didn’t like the demeanor of the man. “My men await me. If you’ll tell me where to take her, I’ll be on my way.” He was beginning to sense the man misunderstood him. His silence unnerved him.

“You can take her back to where you found her. You may not bring that … that here. I care not where you take it. Dump it off the nearest cliff.”

“You don’t mean that. She’s your daughter. Surely you want to make certain she’s laid to rest.” Sean approached and wanted to grab the man and start shaking some sense into him.

“I will not be haunted by her. Aye, the good Lord condemned the lass and so shall I. Take her away.” Without another word, Lord Lombard left the hall.

Sean stood shocked for a few minutes, barely able to understand the man’s impudence. How could a man disrespect his own daughter? He’d never comprehend such a disparaging sentiment as not caring for one’s own child. He shook away the absurdity of his encounter with Lombard, and hastened to where his men waited. None of the men questioned him when he mounted his horse.

“He refused her.”

James took the lead and said as he passed, “I wouldn’t bury my enemy on this land. Superstitious lot, they are. When Jacob told the steward here that we had Winifred’s body, everyone within hearing distance made off.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being superstitious,” Jacob said.

Sean’s jaw flexed. He kept the rage inside at how disturbing it all was. “Nay, but there’s wrong when you deny the dead their right.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The day grew warm, so much so that many only wore light tunics, shorter robes and worn breeches. Sean was glad for the coolness his tartan afforded. He stood with his legs braced apart, happy for any breeze that found its way there.

He stood beside Frances yet again at a grave site.

James and Jacob took care of procuring a box and two of his soldiers dug a hole large enough near the copse of trees where they’d buried Lord William.

The burial was sparsely attended. Father Cleve came and said many a prayer.

When word spread of their excursion, villagers and clansmen and women alike, strolled toward the services. By the end of Father’s sermon, there were at least fifty people present. All bowed their heads in respect for the departed. Sean found himself appreciating his clan’s reverence, because it meant they had good hearts and decency amongst them.

“Would
ye like to say a few words, my lady?” Father Cleve motioned to Frances.

She stepped next to him and turned to the crowd. Sean was proud of the way she’d held herself strong. Winifred’s death greatly affected her. He’d heard her sobbing when he returned from Lombard’s keep.

“Many of you knew Winifred, she’d come to visit me often. She was my dear friend. Please pray for her. Her death wasn’t easy and we can only hope for her acceptance into God’s house was. For she was kindhearted, generous, and full of goodness. Thank you for coming.”

The rest of the service went by quickly and Winifred at long last was laid to rest. Frances remained reticent on their walk back to the keep with him. He was dismayed by her heartbreak.

* * *

Sean was appeased by Frances’ calm acceptance of her friend’s death. She didn’t say much about it the night before at supper or this morn, when he held her in his arms before he’d left their bed. At first, he considered she was distraught, but she seemed to be accepting it. Mayhap she was cried out and there was no room for more anguish in her heart.

After dispatching Angus, his stable lad, to infiltrate and watch Bantrum, he walked the lane that meandered to the village. He looked for Jacob who he’d been told went to get supplies for a cart he was making.

Sean also wanted to talk Sabine’s parents about her disappearance while he was there. The closer he got to the smith’s hut, the louder the noise became, but it wasn’t coming from the bang of the smith’s hammer or billows.

A large crowd gathered and many shouted blasphemous names at a man who stood in the center of the commotion. Sean couldn’t see who it was and hence he made his way through the crowd.

Sir John stood near another who held an ax at the crowd, keeping them at bay.

“I say, ye all return to your homes and businesses. This is an unlawful gathering,” Sir John said, his face grew angrier by the minute.

“Nay, we want answers. Someone is killing our lassies. What are you going to do about it?” A large man, whom Sean met, tended the Hume fields and had a cottage beyond the main keep. Archibald stood firm, glaring, as did many of those around him.

“I will … I am investigating the matter.”

Archibald stepped forward. “Aye, are you? Ye be the sheriff. How many more of our women need to disappear before you do anything?” He pointed a sharp pitchfork at the sheriff, almost reaching his chest with the sharp points.

Sir John’s comrade swung the ax, but missed Archibald’s pitchfork. Tensions rose and Sean knew he had to do something or all hell would run amok.

“I was just as upset about Winifred as the rest of ye. Now be off, I say, and let me do my duty.” Sir John appeared flustered.

The crowd didn’t budge.

Sean approached Sir John and helped him exit the crowd. Many were still wary of him, being the new lord, and didn’t remark on his actions. “I’ll speak with the sheriff. Let us pass. Go on to your homes now. I’ll see what can be done, you’ve my solemn oath.”

One by one the crowd dispensed.

“Thank you, Lord Hume. I thought they’d flay me alive.”

“They might have, Sir John. Och you can understand how troubled they are.” Sean stopped down the lane from the smith’s hut and found it odd he heard no sounds from within or smelled the burning fires needed to do the tasks of a smithy.

He watched those around him, waiting for Sir John to explain what he’d do about the situation.

“Aye, I do understand. I haven’t found a person who knows anything about the young maid’s disappearance. I heard tell you found the Lombard lass?”

“Aye, we buried her last eve. Not much to tell. We found her near the border of our land and Lombard’s. Seems her father wanted nothing to do with her burial. My wife was aggrieved by the loss.”

Sir John set his arms behind is back and began walking toward the gate. “I wish to speak to my lady about the matter. I shall go see her at once.”

Sean stepped in front of him, stopping his progress and blocking his path. “I cannot permit it.”

“Is she unwell?”

He wasn’t about to allow the man near Frances. “She is well, but … I wish to give her time to mourn. With her uncle’s passing and now her friend’s, she won’t want visitors.”

“I’m not a visitor, my lord, but a confirmed agent of the King’s, and should be allowed to question your wife.” His voice lent to his outrage.

“You should question the men who found the body and those who are closest to the maid and the Lombard lass.”

Sir John smirked. “Do ye presume to tell me how to do my duty?”

Sean turned to face him, he stood close. “Nay, why don’t ye try doing your duty before the crowd does more than demand answers? Be gone, Sir John.” He dismissed him and started walking toward the smithy’s hut.

Sir John called after him. “Give my lady my sympathies, my
lord, I will let you know if I find out anything.”

Sean found the man an odd sort. The last time he’d seen Sir John at the border meeting, he’d behaved in an unfriendly manner. This day he acted as if he were somewhat civil. Of course Sean did save him from being torn asunder by the crowd.

It didn’t appear the sheriff was wont to do anything about the happenings and that gave him pause. Sean would do what he could because he didn’t like the fact that such evil took place near his home.

Home.
Sean considered the Hume keep his home and it struck him that it had taken little time to become accustomed to his new role.

He reached the smithy’s hut, but Herbert, the smith, wasn’t there. Sean stood outside and saw Mistress Ina approaching.

She sang in Gaelic: “‘Young man that came from over the sea, you are not welcome here, Come lay your head on my knee, and I will play harp and sing for you. She snatched the sharp sword from her belt, and sliced his head from his shoulders; That is the end of my tale, and as the Sweet Sorrow would sing it.”’

Sean raised a brow for that was not a song a mistress should be singing, and he’d recognized the ballad which wasn’t meant for a woman’s ears. The song foretold how Finn Mac Cool and his warriors won the day, overcoming the monsters from the north.

“Mistress,” he called with amusement.

“Oh, my lord, I didn’t see
ye there. Good day.” She curtseyed and grinned. “The smith and his wife went to stay with his wife’s family if that be who you’re looking for. Poor lady is distraught.”

“Aye she must be.”

“My lady is taking Winifred’s death better than I thought she would.” Mistress Ina tisked. “Such an indignity, what happened to Winifred.”

“Frances realized it was likely she was gone and has accepted it. I must be off, Mistress.” Sean had no time for small talk, he had plenty of duties to attend to and he hadn’t seen Frances for hours.

But Mistress Ina stepped in front of him before he trekked off. “Shame, my lord, Winifred was indeed a lovely lass. She was the prettiest lass too when she was wee. I heard tell that her father betrothed her to Sir John.”

“He said nothing of it and neither did Sir John.” An instant awareness came. Sean’s gut had been incisive. The man had a connection to Winifred.

“Oh aye, my lord, and he wouldn’t. Lord Lombard wouldn’t accept the bride price. Said it was too little for the likes of his daughter. He shamed Sir John in front of many a guest at his keep at the betrothal feast. I heard tell that Lord Lombard was dishonored by her, because she should’ve gained him more wealth. ‘Tis truly disgraceful, my lord.”

Sean listened carefully to the woman’s rushed words. “I suspect Sir John didn’t take that well.”

“Oh, nay, my lord, he didn’t. Sir John boasted he’d seek revenge and … there be bad blood betwixt the two of them now.”

Bad blood indeed.
And even though the man had reason enough, there was no evidence to indicate his guilt. “What of Bantrum, the Lombard steward? Was he angered by the betrothal?” Sean realized there was a web of deceit among the Lombard clan and Sir John.

“He was smitten with the lass, but all the men were smitten by her. If he was upset, he never let on. Och, my lord, listen to me gossiping akin to a kitchen maid. I should be off. Must see to ensuring Maddie gets supper started soon or you’ll be hungry this eve.” She curtseyed again and hurried off.

Sean stared after the woman. He was gladdened he’d run into her, because no one told him that bit of news. Sir John had secrets, and now that Sean knew this one, he’d figure out the rest of them.

Lord Lombard didn’t remark on his recent dishonor, and why would he. No man would admit to such. Mayhap Bantrum was an innocent bystander. Each man had a motive for wanting to hurt Winifred, and Sean would have to do what he could to ferret out the truth.

The afternoon heated the ground, and Sean felt sweaty. What he wouldn’t do for a swim in the sea near Gunn land. And with that in mind, he decided Frances and Trudy could do with some cheer. They all deserved a respite from such depressed events and the summer heat.

Before Sean reached the keep, the guardsman at the gate whistled to him. He hurried to the entry and saw Lord de Percy standing beside his horse.

“Lord Hume.”

“Sean, my lord, call me Sean. What brings you by, Richard?” Sean waved a stable lad forward and asked him to attend to Lord de Percy’s horse. “Come inside. It’s too hot to be standing out
here.” Sean led the way to the keep and into the darkened great hall where it was indeed much cooler than outside.

“My lord, Mistress Ina had us prepare a fresh batch early this morn, cooled off it is.” A lanky lad refilled the ale barrel near the buttery.

Sean took a cup and dipped it and offered it to his newfound friend. He then took one for himself. After drinking down the refreshing brew, he sat at the table and bid Richard be seated.

“I came with news. All the suggestions for the new treaty were rejected by King Henry. Our Alexander is peeved. We’re all to meet again in a few weeks or so to decide what to do. I’m told Alexander will be present. He’s returning from his travels.”

Sean was glad to hear that because the king’s presence would ensure some progress would be made. “Was he not meeting with King Henry?”

“Aye, but they had other matters to discuss and I do not believe Alexander had time to sway Henry’s mind concerning the amendments. We’ll present more changes when next we meet.”

“I shall come. Is there anything you need me to do?” Sean hoped the meeting would be put off, because he didn’t want to leave Frances.

Richard shook his head. “Nay, nay, but I was thinking mayhap it’d be best for your to attend your home … I heard there’s some strife around this area lately.”

“There is and it’s perplexing.” Sean went on to tell him about the missing lassies. “… we only buried the lass.”

“What a shame. I met Lady Winifred at her betrothal feast.”

Madam Ina came bustling into the hall, carrying food. “I just heard ye had a guest, my lord, and wanted to bring a bit of edibles.”

“Thank you, Mistress Ina,” he called after her. Sean went and refilled their cups, and handed Richard a trencher when Madam Ina set a tray of foodstuffs in front of them. “I only learned of that news today, Richard.”

Sean found it odd how the woman could be so fast on her feet for as aged as she was. She’d beat him home and had time to see to his comforts. The mistress bustled from the hall as fast as she’d come.

“Oh what a tragedy that day turned out to be. I never saw Lord Lombard so angry. His daughter was shamed before all and he cared not a whit.” Richard plucked a sweet cake from the tray and set about eating it.

Sean didn’t know what to think of the matter. “I was told Sir John swore vengeance. Do you deem it was enough to murder the lass?”

Richard clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “Don’t rightly know, but the man holds weight in the realm and with England’s crown. He saved milady Joan from abductors and returned her to King Henry. England’s king as well as ours holds him in esteem and yet …”

“Lord William didn’t trust him.”

“Nay, he wouldn’t. Sir John is not an honorable man. He oft only seeks rewards for his own benefit. I meant to speak of him to Alexander about his misdeeds, but I haven’t seen him since his return from England. We’ll need to watch him when it comes around to tax collection.”