A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (6 page)

Dejected, Frances rode for home. She thought about her upcoming nuptials and the man who she’d met the night before. At first she thought him to be the lighter-haired man, James. There was something about the darker-haired man that intimidated her. It wasn’t that he did anything to inflict such a sentiment, but an apprehension grew within her when she looked at him.

He certainly was tall, muscular, and hard. His eyes dark eyes bore into hers as if he read her thoughts. Mayhap she was afraid of the passion she saw in his eyes. Could she handle such a man? She reasoned she could for she wasn’t wont to admit such a fear. The entire meeting was uncomfortable for her and yet …

She scoffed at herself. He was beautiful, but not cocksure like Adam Armstrong. Sean Gunn didn’t need to dress finely to appear attractive. He exuded strength, handsomeness, and masculinity. Unlike the men near the border, which she supposed she should be thankful.

Most of the lords in these parts lofted their high rank and often brandished their wealth. They cared not about being fit or having to defend themselves. They had enough men in their employ to care for such matters. She didn’t consider a man like Sean would flaunt his prestige and that made her heart lighten toward him.

What concerned her was the fact that she may not appeal to him. Mayhap she should take care to dress in a manner to draw his attention and have her hair done by one of the servants. Anything to ensure he beheld her as a worthy wife. Then a sad thought came. Why would such an attractive man be enticed by her?

Her horse slowed at the sound of approaching riders. Frances looked ahead and saw Lord Lombard and a group of men riding through on their way home.

“Lady Frances, I just came from your holding and was told Lord William is not receiving visitors.” Lord Lombard inclined his head. He sat upon his enormous warhorse and looked down upon her.

She stopped her horse near his and bowed her head in return. “Good day, my lord. Nay, he is not currently.”

“I wanted to speak with him, but will come by at a better time. There’s to be another treaty meeting soon. I thought to travel with him to Edinburgh. There are other matters … I wish to speak to him of, but they can wait.”

Frances nodded and kept a serene expression on her face. Winifred alluded that her father was considering a new wife and that he wanted to court her. She hoped not, because he was the last person she’d want to wed. He had not a kind heart, from what Winifred told her. And now with her impending marriage, she was at least gratified she wouldn’t have to entertain such a proposal.

“I just came from your holding, my lord. You’ve not found her? Winifred?”

He shook his head. “Winifred? Ah, I deem we never will. I am defeated.”

His sorrowful words tugged at her heart. Her dear friend met with a foe, she was sure of it.

Frances moved closer to him and took his hand. “I am sorry, my lord. You haven’t ceased the search, have you?”

“Nay, but I have other matters to see to and haven’t joined my men in their search. The king’s men only finished their rounds and returned to Edinburgh by order of the chamberlain. Mayhap she ran away. She was not a dutiful daughter. I worry for her, but what can I do?”

She forced herself not to scowl. “I do hope you’ll continue to search. I shall ask Lord William to supply more men.” Frances wasn’t one to give up hope, but alas there seemed to be none.

“’Tis not necessary, my lady, for I’ve disbanded the search parties myself. I’m to be the emissary for King Henry and am off to France in a few months. I need my men for other purposes and needed to cease the search.” His voice boasted with pride.

Lord Lombard’s allegiance went to whoever paid more generously. It appeared England’s king currently won his favor. Frances wanted to yell her affront and call him a traitor, but she understood the times they lived in called for necessary political contention. Still, to go against one’s own king was a risky move regardless of the monetary reward.

“I’m sorry, my lord, that you are so inconvenienced. I’m certain Winifred did not mean to be a burden. Please let me know if I can do anything or if she returns. You know how important she is to me.”

He squeezed her hand to which she pulled away. “I will have one of my men ride back with ye. You shouldn’t be traipsing the forest alone. It is not safe.” His gaze lingered on her a little longer than necessary, causing her to stiffen. “If you’re not careful something ghastly could happen to
ye akin to my poor daughter.”

Frances nodded and started off, but looked back at him. His words taunted her as if he implied something ghastly indeed happened to Winifred. If he was hiding something, he surely acted as if he cared about Winifred even if a wee bit. He’d never shown such regard for her friend before.

Often Winifred commented that he’d left her for months, weeks, and days without word. Having lost her mother when she was young, her friend was often alone and barely tolerated by the keep’s servants. Winifred was not one to throw caution to the wind and Frances’ heart tightened, knowing she’d never behold her dear friend again.

Lord Lombard’s man-at-arms followed at a decent pace behind her. She felt somewhat safer now that she was away from Lord Lombard’s unscrupulous gaze, and had an escort.

As she continued to ride toward home, she realized how tense she’d grown. By the afternoon she would be wedded to Sean Gunn, the Highland warrior, and her life likely changed forever.

CHAPTER SIX

Sean disliked deviance, and was used to sleeping on the stiff cots in the Gunn garrison. Not on a lord’s soft bedding. He spent an uncomfortable night in a large chamber meant for the lord. He knew that to be so by the furnishings within, and because Davy boasted it. Lord William hadn’t used it in years and preferred to be near the steps given his age. Still a few more feet down the hall didn’t really much matter.

The chamber held a large bed to the one side of the room with the most comfortable bedding. It should have lent to a restful night but sleep evaded him. He’d turned over his meeting with the woman that would be his wife, which verily left him unsettled. Whenever he closed his eyes, he heard her sexy voice, and stared into her lovely green eyes.

Throughout the long hours, he lay looking up at the rafters, avoiding the inevitable–admitting that he was indeed attracted. He considered all that happened to him within one day. He’d become a laird of a wealthy holding, be the leader to a good number of clansmen and soldiers, and be wedded to a woman he barely knew.

Hell, he didn’t know her at all. Trifling questions plagued him. Was she a good-hearted woman? Was she averse when it came to love-making? The last thing Sean wanted was a woman who abhorred sex. He enjoyed it far too much to not want a willing, equally enthralled partner in bed. Could he win her affection?

When Sean considered a taking a wife, he wanted what his friends had. He longed for a woman such as Grey, Duff, and Kenneth had wed. His woman and he would share a look and discern exactly what each other was thinking. He hoped along with intense nights in bed, they’d also share common interest and companionship. He hoped to God she wasn’t a shrew.

If he’d spend his life with her, he hoped it would at least be enjoyable and fulfilling. He wanted them to be content with each other, similar to the way he felt when he wore his favorite tartan—the one that fit him perfectly and was washed to softness.

Lady Frances was a mystery as of now, and there was only one way to find out about her. Sean decided to face the day and his newfound life. He’d meet the woman and get some of those questions answered.

Not only did his future wife daunt him, but also being thrust into the role of leader to so many. Sean would never retreat from a challenge, and with his friend’s help, he would be sure to make progress in that matter.

James preferred to occupy a cot in the barracks, and thought he could learn more about the keep and the men within Hume’s employ. He’d agreed that it would be beneficial if he had some insight as to their allegiance.

Sean would eventually learn who each and every person was within the walls. He wanted to ensure their safety as well verifying outright what kind of lord he’d be. As of that moment, Sean wasn’t really too sure himself, but he’d figure it out.

During the night, he’d thought he heard the sound of a lassie’s giggle. Sean considered the strong ale he’d drunk at supper had clouded his mind and he was hearing things. He should have limited his drink.

He left the chamber unsure what to do or where to go. As he distended the stairs, he saw James standing in the hall speaking to Davy, the old man they’d met when they first arrived. The old man tottered toward him, taking forever to cross the hallway.

“My lord, you have risen. Today is a bonny day to wed. Aye and you’re marrying our sweet lass this afternoon. Father Cleve is in residence.”

Sean scowled at Davy because he hadn’t known it would be so soon. He thought he’d have a chance to get to know the woman before they’d speak the vows. Hell, at least another day so he could reason it if he decided to return home. As if reading his mind, Davy shook his head, the long wisps of white hair moving with the action.

“Och my Lord William wants it done this day. Says he don’t know how much time he has and he will see it done before he departs. There’ll be no changing your mind.”

Sean gave a curt nod and headed for the hall. There he saw an older woman who came to stand before him. The woman had red curly hair laced with touches of grey, and a winsome smile. She stared long and hard and grinned at him the entire time. It made him uncomfortable and awkward, and he shifted his stance.

“Oh, my lord, look at you. What a handsome devil ye are. Why it would be my pleasure to care for you. You just tell Mistress Ina what ye likes and I’ll make sure our cook, Maddie, prepares it. You seem like a man who relishes good food for as tall and built as you are.” She grabbed his bicep and squeezed. “Stronger than I imagined. Why I know a few ditties that would apply to ye.”

James chortled behind him and went off to view the swords hanging on the wall, leaving him to his discomfiture.

“I’m sure anything you decide to have cook prepare, Mistress Ina, will be delicious.” Sean could’ve laughed at the way the woman looked at him, as if she undressed him in her mind’s eye. Aye, she was a saucy woman.

She blushed and patted her hair. “Och ye be a charmer. I say our lady will be pleased with the likes of you.” Mistress Ina moved the platter of food toward the center of the table and when
a young lass came into the room, she scolded her. “Sabine, hasten now, and set the bread there. This is the new lord. Best greet him properly.”

The woman couldn’t be more than ten and seven, and she couldn’t look him in the eye. Sean did suppose he intimidated others, but he didn’t like that the lass was afraid of him.

“Hello, Sabine. Thank you, Mistress Ina. Will Lady Frances be coming down anytime soon?”

“Oh nay, she eats her morning meal in her solar. We don’t see her until suppertime usually. She’s always about doing her tasks or in the village.”

“Tasks? Surely it is not safe with Lord William being ill for her to be away from the keep.” Sean was about to turn to go after her when Mistress Ina stopped him.

“Oh, she’s already returned, my lord. Heard tell, she stopped in the kitchens and inquired about this eve’s supper.”

“How does she spend her time?” Sean didn’t like that she spent the day alone.

“You can find her in the upstairs solar likely. She likes to read and be by herself. We don’t bother her. I imagine she’s visiting with my lord, since this is her wedding day and he being so close to death.”

“My lord, she is probably with—”

“Sabine!
Be off to the kitchens. Cook is awaiting you. You have chores. We both do. We shan’t keep his lordship from his morning fare. Good day, my lord.” Mistress Ina curtseyed and began singing in Gaelic, which surprised him. He wondered if the woman was from the Highlands.

Sean scowled at what she’d said for he wasn’t sure Lord William was really that close to death. If he had to wager on it, he’d lean toward mischief on the old lord’s part. There was nothing he could do about any of it except to accept the gifts.

“Gifts, hah!”

“What say you, Sean?”

“Nothing.” Sean piled his trencher with the delicious looking fare and took a seat on the bench on the long side of the table. After eating a good amount of food, he and James went outside to inspect the fortification.

Sean wanted to meet the guardsmen and to ensure no one entered. He met the large man who had posted the gate upon his arrival. The brisk man reminded him of Duff, and that reminded him of Gunn land … Home.

“The name’s Benson, my lord. Davy told me that the lord is dying and that you’ve come to replace him. We’re all glad you’ve come. Wouldn’t want to be set upon by the wolves waiting for Lord William’s holdings. Good of my lord to tie up loose ends before he departs. If I can be of service …”

Sean nodded.
“My thanks, Benson. Be sure no one is permitted within the walls. Lord William still lives and we don’t want any … disturbances.”

“We’ve turned away all visitors. Do you think we’ll be set upon? Being close to the border, we always expect it. I should prepare for a siege.”

“Nay, Benson. I don’t think we’ll be besieged. But it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. I always like to be ready for anything.” He wasn’t really concerned that anyone would come seeking information on the lord’s health, because the old lord kept it secret. Still, he didn’t want to have to handle a siege should someone come sniffing after his inheritance.

“Likewise, my lord.
Aye, I’ll have the men set a watch and keep the gates closed. I’ll show ye around if you like. Many of the clan are at prayers, hoping it’ll help my lord. I don’t deem it will, will it?” Benson led the way toward the huts behind the main keep.

“I doubt it.” Sean took up the pace and followed the man. James meandered behind him, barely listening to the man explaining where and what each hut housed. Many of the cottages were empty, and he’d have to return to meet the military trainers and soldiers, amongst others.

He and James checked their horses and met the stable lads and gave instructions for the care of their warhorses. Several lads swanked of their experience and finally Sean hand-picked two lads to handle the chore. His choice was a strapping lad named Angus. He seemed fit enough to care for his warhorse.

After the lengthy exploration of the fortification, Sean wanted to return to the keep. He needed to meet Frances again before they spoke the vows. Surely she had questions. He certainly did.

As he entered the hall, he noticed the quiet. It was now late afternoon and supper would soon be served. Davy snored at his post, sitting in the chair near the entrance.

With his foot, he nudged him. Davy’s eyes shot open.
“Aye, my lord. I was giving my eyes a wee bit of rest.”

“Where might I find Lady Frances?”

“Don’t rightly know. You’ll be seeing her at supper, I’m sure. Or if they call ye for the wedding.” The old man showed his grin.

Frustrated at her absence, Sean went to the hall where they supped and waited. He paced the long table, deep in thought. The woman barely said a word to him the night before. Mayhap she was apprehensive at marrying him. Of course she was.

He supposed he should be gallant and let her know there was nothing to fear. Even so, if he could find the wayward woman … Sean flinched because all he really wanted was to hear her speak again. Her voice did something to him. It turned his thoughts lusty.

At that moment, the maid, Sabine, came into the hall and set a pitcher of ale on the table. Her attire was far too revealing and molded her ample breasts and showed a good bit of cleavage
for a lass her age. She certainly was endowed. Sean closed his eyes. He berated himself for even noticing.

James, on the other hand, looked his fill. He rose from his position near the window and leaned close to her. He should have warned off James, but who was he to deny his friend an amorous night?

Davy stood at the doorway, his breath heavy from his exertion from walking the two feet to the great hall. “My lord, Lord William asks you to attend him.”

Sean left James in the sexy maid’s company and took the stairs. When he entered the lord’s chamber, he found it quite crowded. The chamber brightened with many a candle lit, so many he couldn’t count them.

Then he noticed Frances. Her eyes stared into his briefly before lowering to gaze at the floor. Sean wanted to clasp her hand and pull her from the chamber so he could speak to her, but he noticed those within and hesitated.

A clergyman stood on the right side of the bed, the healer to the left. Frances stood at the end of the bed along with the two nuns. He never felt so out of place in his life. He closed his eyes for a second envisioning the vast
sea near the Gunn keep. How he longed to be there right at this moment in the expanse of its open space where he had to account to no one.

“Sean, come. It is time.”

He took his place next to Frances and watched her. She kept her expression serene and didn’t take a glance at him. Then the room became more crowded as Davy, Mistress Ina, Sabine, the cook, Maddie, and James came inside.

“We need as many witnesses as possible,” Father Cleve said, “For it will be noted there was a grand wedding party.”

Who were they jesting with? Sean would have laughed, but because Lord William seemed to be weakening, he kept his amusement to himself.

“Take Lady Frances’ hand, Sean.”

He did as bade and reveled at the smallness of her palm in his. Her hand was chilled. She was a delicate lady. How was he, a Highland guardsmen, supposed to act around a spine-stiffened lady? He’d figure it out soon enough. His only concern at that moment was getting through the ordeal of the ceremony.

As they stood there listening to the sacramental words, Sean felt her squeeze his fingers. She kept shifting from one foot to the other and cleared her throat at least three times. Granted, he didn’t present the best husband a woman could want, but he wasn’t that atrocious. Sean found a grin and then suppressed it.

The Father droned on about spousal duties and some such nonsense. He gave the necessary retorts when prompted. Frances’ voice still affected him and he found himself waiting eagerly, to hear her responses.

Once it was announced they were wed, Father Cleve gave him permission to kiss her. Sean turned to face her, and continued to cast her eyes on the floorboards. He raised her chin with the tips of his fingers, and looked into her beautiful green eyes. They were of the fairest color with flecks of a golden hue in them. She was wont to give him a chaste kiss, a quick peck of the lips.