Her Highlander's Promise (12 page)

Chapter 20

Laurel curtsied before the king. “I am honored by your presence, Sire. I canna believe you are here.”

“Your father and his brothers fought valiantly for the cause. As did John and many other brave Scots. After I heard what was about to transpire, I couldna stay away. I owed your father that much,” Robert said, then turned to her uncle. “Hello, Lachlan. It’s good to see you. Thank you for coming. I know it wasna easy.”

“I may not have been here for Laurel and the clan when her father died, but like you, when I found out what was going on, I was hell-bent to stop the wedding,” Lachlan replied. “I’m just glad I arrived in time.”

“As am I, Lachlan.” Robert shifted his attention to Deirdre. “As for punishment, Madame, you will pay the maximum price for murder.”

Deirdre knelt before the king. “Please, have mercy, m’lord. I beg you.”

“Mercy? The same kind you showed Lady Katherine and Brandon?” he asked, then shook his head. “Nay! You cut short their lives for your own selfish gains. There are no excuses for your heinous acts, and something tells me, these are but a few of the dastardly things you’ve done. While standing here, listening to the accusations against you, I can add many more to the list, including treason.”

Robert waited for the shouts of anger from the crowd to die down. It seemed that almost every clan member present had something to say about how Deirdre treated them.

“She will be punished, but how, I have yet to decide. Maybe we should leave it up to the one most affected by all of this. Lady Laurel, what say you?” the king asked.

“I am in full agreement, Your Majesty. She must pay for what she’s done. I ask only that she receives the same treatment and consideration she has shown others. I am sure Angus would like to see her spend some time in the pit, and have no doubt that after being flogged for helping me, Isla would like her to meet with the lash,” Laurel said. “I was wondering if you could please have someone release poor Angus.”

“Consider it done.” Robert summoned one of his guards. “See he is set free at once.” He waited for the man to leave before addressing Deirdre. “As for your penance, we will start by sending you to take Angus’ place. On the morrow, you will be given ten lashes before you are sent to my castle for execution.”

“Am I not entitled to a trial?” Deirdre sobbed.

“Madame, given the evidence and number of crimes you have committed, many of which are punishable by death, I dinna see the point in prolonging the inevitable.”

“Murray. Say something. You too fought for the cause. That must account for something,” Deirdre demanded.

Robert faced Murray. “As for your part in all of this—”

“I knew nothing of my wife’s treachery, Sire. I beg of you, dinna hold me responsible for her actions. After all, I did take care of Brandon’s daughter and the clan when he died.” Murray bowed his head. “Please.”

“You’ve not changed, Murray. Still a spineless coward, concerned more about your own welfare than others. By rights, I should sentence you to the same fate.” Robert paused.

“But, King Robert, I—”

“Silence,” Robert growled. “Listening to you whine hurts my ears. What I was about to say is that after hearing Elise’s and Laurel’s stories, I believe you were oblivious to what your wife was doing.”

“Oh thank you, m’lord,” Murray said as he grabbed Robert’s hand in gratitude.

Robert wrenched free. “However, there is no accounting for stupidity. While I canna prove it, I do believe that when something was amiss, you ignored it. For that you will be banished from MacClay land. And you can take your pathetic excuse for a son as well. If either of you ever return, you will be executed.”

“I will leave at once, m’lord,” Murray said, then raced out of the hall. Allan followed.

“I canna thank you enough,” Laurel said as she approached the king. My parents’ deaths have been vindicated, and I am no longer faced with an abhorrent marriage.”

“There is a priest and friar here. Chiefs and noblemen from all reaches of the Highlands, too. Not to mention the king. There could still be a wedding if you wish,” Blair said, a broad smile tugging at his lips.

Laurel’s heart soared. “You still wish to marry me?”

“Aye, if you’ll have me.” Ignoring the fact that they were not alone, he slid his arm around her waist and hauled her against his chest. He gazed into her eyes. “I am but the fourth son, and hold no land or title. I bring nothing of value intae the marriage, except a heart so filled with love it is about to burst.” He released his hold on her and dropped to one knee. “I love you, Laurel MacClay, always have and always will. Would you do me the honor of becoming my bride?”

“Marry the man. Put him out of his misery,” Ian called out.

She’d waited so long to hear those words, to allow herself to believe this union could happen. She yanked him to his feet. “Aye, Blair. I would be proud to call you my husband.” She turned to face her uncle, John Cameron, and the king. “That is, if we have your blessings.”

“I canna think of a better match. What say you, John?” Robert asked.

“I agree. Blair has been pining for the lass long enough. About time they are joined,” John said, then thumped Lachlan on the back. “But you are her uncle and the final say goes to you.”

Lachlan didn’t respond right away. After taking a few minutes to ponder his answer, he took Laurel’s hand. “Are you certain this is what you want?”

“Oh, aye, uncle, it is,” she answered on a breathy sigh. “I do wish to marry Blair.”

“And you, young Cameron, are you willing to take on the MacClay name? I’m told it is the one request her da made before he died. That any man she marries must be willing to change his name. Laurel is the sole heir to the MacClay lands and wealth. The responsibility of seeing that the clan name doesna die with her father falls on her shoulders. And yours if you decide to marry her,” Lachlan said.

“What about you, m’lord? Now that you have returned, it would be expected that you take over as laird,” Blair pointed out.

While he was unable to do so with his left arm, Lachlan held his right out to the side. “Look at me. I am a shell of a man. Not only am I hideous to look at, but I am old, and for the most part, unable to defend myself for the clan. No foe would consider me worthy.” He blew out a heavy sigh. “What Deirdre said is true. It would be best if I returned to the cave from which I emerged. A place where no one must gaze upon my scars.”

Laurel went to his side, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed his scarred cheek. “You must not say such things. You are a fine man and have much to offer the clan in way of wisdom. Strength in Honor, is that not the MacClay motto?”

He squeezed Laurel’s hand. “It is, lass, and I have lived my life by that code. There was a time before the war when I envisioned myself as the leader of Clan MacClay. The eldest son, my father groomed me for the position. But fate has its own plans. Now is the time for you to take your place as lairdess. If willing to honor your father’s request, I think young Cameron will make a fine laird.”

“If that is your wish, Uncle, but you will stay at Thistledown Castle, will you not? Now that I’ve found you, it would break my heart to see you leave. You will always have a home here.” She hoped he would listen and agree to remain, but something in his solemn expression told her differently.

“I am pleased and honored that you wish me to stay, but I must go.”

“But where? Who will look after you?” Laurel asked.

“Home. After the victory at Bannockburn, and Scotland was freed, Robert made certain that his captains, those that survived, were well cared for. Upon my request, once I remembered who I was, he kept the fact that I was alive a secret. The king arranged for me to live in a small, abandoned castle on the bank of Loch Ness. There I have stayed all these years and have found a modicum of contentment.”

Tears ran down Laurel’s cheeks. “Had you come home, my father would have welcomed you with open arms. He’d have seen you cared for and—”

“I am a warrior, Laurel, not a man to be coddled. I dedicated my life to the cause and knew the risks. Fate dictated that I survive the fires of Hell when I should have perished. However, when first I awakened, I was in agony the likes of which I never imagine existed. Convinced that this was my penance for the pain I inflicted on others in battle, I cursed the Almighty for sparing my life. I even tried to end it a couple of times, but failed.” He lowered his gaze, obviously aware that suicide was considered a mortal sin.

His words cut through her like a blade. He’d suffered more than any man should and carried a burden of guilt and despair she wished she could ease. But she couldn’t find the words.

“Once you’re married, I will return to my home,” Lachlan said.

“I canna bear to think of you living there alone. Please consider staying with us,” Laurel pleaded.

“I willna be alone, and you can always visit. I will be anxious to see my great nephews and nieces.”

“I dinna understand. I know you have servants, but they canna be considered in the same way as family.”

Lachlan smiled. “I am blessed to have a lady that warms my bed and keeps me company. If I were to stay here, who would care for Ann?”

The idea of her uncle having a companion lightened her heart, but with his obvious insecurities about his appearance and limitations, the woman must be a saint. “It pleases me to know you have a lady in your life. But I dinna understand how—”

“How she stands the sight of me, or can bring herself to touch me?” He completed her sentence before she had the chance.

“I dinna say that. You are a wonderful man and any woman would be lucky to have you,” Laurel countered. “You just dinna seem comfortable enough with your injuries to allow a woman into your life.”

He patted her hand again. “You are verra sweet, Laurel. Ann is a special lady. She is also blind and has been since birth. Her father was a peddler and stopped by the castle one day. He was told to leave, but his horse came up lame, and he needed a place to rest the beast. I could never turn my back on an injured animal so agreed they could stay until it was well enough to travel.” He began to waver on his feet.

“Someone bring my uncle a chair.”

“I’ve one here, m’lady,” one of the servants said as he did her bidding.

Laurel ushered her uncle to the seat. “You must be exhausted after your long journey.” She did not want to make him feel any less able than he already did, but she could see he was waning fast.

“I am feeling a bit weary,” Lachlan admitted.

“Tell me more about Ann.”

“I was going through a verra low period in my life, dinna want to live. I met Ann and things changed. She made me realize that I was not the only one with obstacles to overcome. What I found most intriguing was despite her blindness, she considered herself blessed. She is the purest hearted woman I’ve ever met and she doesna care that I am disfigured or have lost the use of my left side. We spend hours chatting and the first time she took my hand, I knew she was a gift from God. She sees with her heart, not her eyes.”

Laurel swallowed against the lump of emotion welling in her throat. “Then you must return to her,” she said, finding it hard to speak.

“Aye. But young Cameron hasna answered my question. Are you willing to take on the MacClay name and assume the duty of laird?”

“With pleasure and without reservation. I will dedicate my life to the clan and to making Laurel happy. As for the bairns, I will do my best to accomplish the task as well,” Blair replied. He pulled Laurel into his arms and kissed her with the all the passion of a drowning man about to draw his last breath.

“Then I grant my permission.”

Blair lifted Laurel and swung her around. “I am the happiest man in all of Scotland. I canna wait to make you my wife.” He looked to the priest. “Can you perform the ceremony now?”

“If everyone is in agreement, I dinna see why not,” the priest replied.

“I understand your enthusiasm, Blair, however, marriage isna something to be entered into lightly. While you both claim this is what you want, taking a little more time to think on it will only solidify the decision in everyone’s mind.”

“If that is your wish, Uncle,” Laurel said.

“It is. Not to mention the hour grows late and I am verra tired.” He patted her hand, then glanced at Blair. “I know it is a lot to ask of a young virile warrior, but can you wait until the morrow?”

Laurel heard the strain of exhaustion in her uncle’s voice. “Aye, Uncle, we can wait,” she replied before Blair could speak.

“She’s making the decisions already, I see.” Keenan threw back his head and laughed, gaining him an elbow in the stomach from Ian and a dour look from Blair.

Blair nodded. “While it will be a chore to wait another minute to make Laurel my wife, we will honor your wishes.”

Lachlan frowned. “Is there need of a bundling bag?”

Keenan snickered, while Blair cleared his throat. “No, sir, your niece’s chastity will not be in jeopardy.”

“See that it isn’t,” Lachlan replied, narrowing his gaze.

Laurel felt the heated flush of embarrassment rising in her cheeks. While marriage to Blair was all she ever dreamed about, the wedding night and details of their joining was something she found uncomfortable to discuss in public. She had never been with a man on an intimate level and had no idea what to expect. She hoped if and when the time came, it would be something shared with Blair alone, not his entire family.

She was as anxious as Blair to see their union completed, but she could appreciate her uncle’s request. And while it might seem selfish on her part, this was her wedding they were talking about. She wanted the day to be special, not a hurried ceremony with little or no fanfare.

“This works well for me. If you’d excuse me, I bid you all good night. I’d like to check on Isla before I retire.” She bobbed a curtsy, then kissed Blair on the cheek. “Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wait. I will accompany you,” Blair said. “That is if you have no objections.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips.