Child of the Mist (21 page)

She had just settled on the rough wooden bench positioned to afford an impressive view of the rolling, tree-covered hills surrounding Loch Awe, when Caitlin exited the tower stairway. The girl's gaze slammed into hers. Anne stiffened. Caitlin hesitated, then resolutely gathered her skirts and approached.

"Well, are you quite happy with yourself?" the black-haired girl demanded with a sneer. "You knew o' Hugh's hatred for you and yet you insisted on riding out alone, luring him into what he'd no control over. Now he's banished, and all because o' you!"

"Because o' me?" Anne wasn't prepared for an argument over Hugh. "I nearly drowned because o'
him
. I'd hardly say that was much o' a plot to lure Hugh to his destruction. If it hadn't been for Niall's timely"

"Exactly!" Caitlin swept Anne's protest aside with an imperious wave of her hand. "You knew he'd come to your aid. Why, ever since your arrival my brother acts as if he's a ring in his nose and all you've to do is tug on his rope and"

"Och, Caitlin!" Anne laughed. "If you think I've such influence over your brother, you've been sadly misled. Niall's his own man and beset with far more important problems than when and how high to jump at my behest." Her eyes narrowed. "And 'twas never my intent to get Niall to banish Hugh. Hugh needs help, not punishment."

Caitlin faltered momentarily, then gathered new ammunition and forged on. "It all comes down to the same thing. You're not wanted here. Even if my brother is temporarily entranced with you, he'll soon lose interest. You'll never be half the woman the Lady Anne Stewart was. Niall will realize that in time."

Anne calmly eyed her. "Only time will tell, won't it?"

"Och, aye." Caitlin sniffed. "But in the meanwhile you could well destroy him. Every day the rumors grow that you've bewitched Niall, that you have him under your spell. By the time he assumes the chieftainship, no one will want to follow him."

"And are you one o' those who believes I'm a witch?"

The softly couched question gave the girl pause. "II'm not sure I believe in witches." She tossed her head in defiance. "It doesn't matter what I think anyway. The rumors are beginning to undermine my brother's position. If you care even a fig for him, you'd leave, and be quick about it!"

"And if you cared even a fig for me, you'd have made more o' an attempt at hospitality toward Anne," a deep voice dryly interjected.

Both women turned to find Niall standing in the tower doorway, a grim expression on his face.

"Now, brother, 'tisn't what it seems" Caitlin began, hurrying to him.

" 'Tis more than evident what's going on here," Niall growled. "And I won't have it, do you hear me, Caitlin? Properly wed or not, Anne's now the lady o' this castle. She'll be treated as such."

"You're not chieftain yet!" Caitlin snapped back at him. "Although you seem more than eager to forget that o' late. I need only obey Father's orders, not yours."

Niall grabbed his sister's arm. "Then why not pay him a visit? Let him decide Anne's proper treatment in this castle."

"N-nay." Caitlin jerked away. I don't want him upset, as frail and sickly as he's become these past few weeks. Besides
she's
won him over, too."

"Och, and has she now? Then more the reason for you to treat Anne well. 'Tis past time you gave up this foolish nonsense."

"Nay." Anne moved toward Niall. It was time to end this battle between brother and sister. "I will not force my presence where 'tisn't wanted. I know you mean well, m'lord, but 'twould be too humiliat-

ing, having others coerced into including me when they'd no wish to.''.

Soft color bloomed in her cheeks as she held his strangely piercing gaze. "Let it be, m'lord. You can't force friendship or respect. It has to be earned."

"Aye, that it does, lassie." Niall's calloused palm caressed the silken line of Anne's jaw. "And you've certainly earned mine."

Caitlin glared at Niall, an expression of youthful distaste twisting her pretty mouth. "Och, if you could only hear yourself! You're so besotted"

"Enough!" Niall immediately silenced her. "I care not for your opinion, only for your compliance. I asked you before and I ask you one time more. If you cannot find it in you to obey, mayhap you need time to think upon it. Say, while visiting a few months with the Lady Mathilda in Edinburgh?"

Caitlin blanched. "But that's so far away, and you know what a puss Iain's mother is about chaperones. Why, I'd hardly ever be able to see Rory, and I'd never have any time alone."

" 'Tis your choice."

She stamped her foot. "Och, and you're a hard one, Niall Campbell!" Then, noting the unrelenting glint in her brother's eyes, Caitlin's slender shoulders slumped. "Och, what choice have I? 'Twill be as you ask. Your lady will suffer no further slights from me."

"Good. Now leave us. I've a wish to speak with Anne alone."

They watched Caitlin's departure, then turned to face each other. Anne wet her lips, wondering how to put her next words. She decided no matter how she said it, it would probably sound like a rebuke. "I thank you for your kindness, m'lord," she murmured, "but the difficulty between your sister and me is too insignificant to concern yourself over. You've problems o' greater import"

Niall took her into his arms. His head lowered until his warm breath wafted across her face. "Hush, lass. What I choose to do in regard to you is my decision not yours." His dark eyes slowly surveyed her. "You look well rested. Have you recovered from this morn's swim then?"

She grinned. "Och, aye, except for a tender jaw and sore throat." Anne touched her neck. "I fear I'll wear this circlet o' marks for a few weeks, though."

Niall's gaze dipped to the blue-tinged impressions of Hugh's fingers. He bent and gently kissed Anne's bruised neck.

At the soft brush of his lips, Anne gasped. Her eyelids slid shut in pleasure. "MM'lord!" she breathed, then gave herself up to the welcoming haven of his arms.

But only for a moment. Then Anne pulled back, firmly removing Niall's hands. Brushing a windswept lock from her eyes, she stared up at him.

At the perplexed look on Niall's face, a small smile touched her lips. There was one matter more between them, until now overshadowed by last eve's scene with Nelly. One matter more, and then she'd give herself up to him without reservation.

"I've a question that weighs heavily upon me, m'lord," she began. " 'Twas the reason I followed you belowstairs last eve."

A glimmer of what was to come darkened Niall's eyes. "Did you mayhap desire the reason for my behavior in your chamber?"

"Aye, m'lord."

He sighed and motioned for her to sit beside him on the bench. " 'Twas many things, lass. Lust . . . anger . . . hurt."

"Hurt?"

At the startling admission, Anne's heart skipped a beat. He'd admitted to his lust, that no longer surprised her. She could understand how she angered him; he spared no words in reminding her of that quite frequently. But to have distressed him in some way!

Her eyes, bright with concern, searched his face. "Pray, how have I hurt you, m'lord?"

Niall turned from her. Leaning his head back against the tower wall, he studied the scene beyond the castle for a long moment. Finally he spoke, his voice low and controlled. I was a fool to have thought this but I had hoped to forget about last night, and the reason for my confused feelings. But it cannot be. It stands between us as surely as the abyss between heaven and hell."

He turned to her, anguish burning in his eyes.

" 'Tis but part o' our ongoing battle over your healing, lass. I came upon you and Davie yestereve in the hall outside my father's chamber. I heard you tell him to meet you later, so you could treat his hand."

At the sadness in his voice, Anne's heart twisted in her chest. Holy Mary, the one and only time she'd tried to heal someone in Kilchurn, and Niall had to witness it! She'd indeed helped little Davie, but all the while had felt so guilty she'd. made a vow never to do it againat least not until she had Niall's permission. And now to have the painful sacrifice been for naught!

"I didn't want to go against you in this. Truly, I didn't," Anne said, placing a hand upon his arm, "but he was such a wee lad and in so much pain. How could I, or anyone, turn from him? Could you, m'lord?"

Niall shook his head. "Nay, I couldn't. I suppose I was unfair to expect you to. But I meant well, lass. Surely you can see that. Already the rumors about you are spreading. Caitlin's words just a few moments ago must convince you o' that. And now that I've banished Hugh, well, tongues are sure to wag. Your healing folk would only add to the talk."

I know that, m'lord. I try, truly, I do. But it hurts to see folk in need and know I've the skills to aid them, yet not be able to do anything." Anne bit her lip to keep the sob from her voice, but her words trembled nonetheless. "It fair t-to tears my h-heart out!"

"Och, lassie." Niall took her into his arms. "I'm sorry. You know I wouldn't cause you pain." He paused to stroke her cheek tenderly. "You do know that, don't you?"

She managed a tremulous smile. "Aye, m'lord, I think I do."

"Then will you trust me in this for a while longer? Give my people time. Things will die down. Then we'll see about your healing."

"Aye, m'lord. I'll try."

Niall frowned. "One thing more."

Anne's eyes widened. "Aye?"

"Could you find it possible to call me Niall, rather than 'm'lord' all the time? I know 'tis quite proper but it strikes me as rather cold." He crooked her chin with his finger. "And, if 'tis acceptable, I'd rather things not be so 'cold' between us from now on.

Anne's heart sang with delight. "Aye, 'tis quite acceptable to me, m'lorNiall." She grinned.

Niall stared into her eyes, the look smoldering there igniting an answering flame in hers. His lips, firm and sensually molded, caught Anne's attention as they moved forward. Excitement rippled through her. He was going to kiss her!

The harsh sound of a throat clearing interrupted their heated reverie.

"Er, m'lord," the tartan-clad man began when Niall and Anne turned to meet him. "The Campbell requests your immediate presence in his chambers."

Unconsciously, Niall gripped Anne's hand. "Is there something wrong with my father. Has his condition worsened?"

The man shook his head. "Nay, m'lord. A messenger has arrived from the queen with an important document. Sir Duncan is already with your father. They require only your presence as tanist before breaking the royal seal."

"As you wish." Niall looked at Anne. "This should take but a short time. We'll finish what I began when I return. Will you wait for me here?"

Anne smiled brightly, her whole heart in the action. "Aye, m'lord. I'll wait."

Niall never returned. Instead, he sent Davie to tell her he'd be detained longer than he'd originally anticipated and that he'd meet her at the evening meal. Anne was disappointed, then consoled herself with the thought it was only two hours to supper time. They'd have the rest of the evening together.

The rest of the evening,
she thought dreamily, as she dressed. Anne hardly noticed when Agnes slipped the pale blue silk gown with the square, lace-trimmed neckline over her head, or when she fastened the sapphire pendant necklace about her throat. Her thoughts were far away as the maidservant plaited her hair, then tucked it beneath a matching blue silk cap. All Anne could remember was the touch of Niall's lips upon her neck, of the promise that burned in his dark eyes.

Would tonight be the night he'd finally bed her? Instead of the dread she'd first experienced that day of their handfasting, all Anne felt now was eager anticipation at the thought of Niall's hard-muscled body, lying naked and ready, beside hers. How she wanted him, ached to hear him groan her name like he'd done that night with Nelly.

"There, all done," Agnes murmured as she dabbed a bit of lavender scent at the base of Anne's throat. Her brow wrinkled as she glanced once more at her mistress's bruises. "I only wish ye'd allow me to hide those marks with a bit o' tinted lead powder. 'Tis quite the fashion at court these days."

Anne firmly shook her head. "Nay, Agnes. I won't cover the bruises Hugh gave me. 'Twould seem I've something to be ashamed o'. Besides, if I'd a need to hide anything, 'twould be with one o' my herb concoctions, not that foul lead powder."

Agnes shrugged. "Have it yet way, lass." She gave Anne a small shove. "Now, get on with ye. 'Tis time for the meal to begin and ye dinna want to keep Sir Niall waiting."

No, she certainly didn't want to keep Niall waiting, Anne thought in happy anticipation as she hurried down the corridor. Even the occasional glares and whispered comments as she strode into the Great Hall failed to dampen her rising excitement. Only when Duncan appeared at her side and offered his arm did Anne's happy bubble finally burst.

She eyed his proffered arm. "Thank you, Sir Duncan, but I'd prefer to wait until Niall can escort me to table."

"And 'tis at Niall's express request that I am here, lady." A flatly courteous smile touched Duncan's lips. "He is still in conference with my brother, and said to tell you he didn't know when he'd be done. I'm to lead you to table and commence the meal."

Anne's heart sank. What could possibly be so important that Niall would miss the meal? The hope of a pleasant evening with him vanished before her eyes. It seemed there was always something, some duty or important event, that arose to thwart their budding relationship.

With a deep sigh, Anne accepted Duncan's arm and followed him to the main table, trying mightily to hide the heavy sense of dejection that had sudden-

ly engulfed her. She barely tasted the sumptuously prepared food or noticed the boisterous laughter and talk from the lower tables, so immersed was she in her disappointment. Little by little, as her natural optimism slowly resurfaced, Anne dragged herself out of her misery.

For the first time she paid note to the elegant dress at the main table and the larger than normal amounts of wine being served. With a puzzled frown, Anne turned to Duncan. "Have I imagined it, or are the people more merry than usual this eve?"