Highland Sparks: Logan and Gwyneth (Clan Grant Series Book 5) (9 page)

When they reached the girls’ chamber, Maddie followed the laughing lassies inside and Gwyneth stuck her head in the room to make sure they would all fit.

Ashlyn turned to face her. “Look how big the bed is, and how many furs are on it.”

A voice from behind her caught her attention. “Come, Gwyneth, I’ll take you to your chamber.” Brenna led her down the passageway carrying her daughter, wee Bethia, who was about a half a year old.

“How was your journey?”

“Not too bad, though ‘twas a bit cold for the bairns.”

Brenna stepped inside the room, holding the door open for Gwyneth. A fire had been started in the hearth and the bed was covered with warm furs. “Will this chamber suit you?”

Gwyneth nodded, rubbing her arms at the chill and moving toward the flames in the hearth. She had to admit the bed looked very inviting, though she usually didn’t mind sleeping on the ground.

“The cold didn’t bother you sleeping outside?”

“Nay, I prefer the outdoors.” She gestured to her clothing. “‘Tis why I dress this way mostly.”

“Logan is my husband’s brother. I hope he wasn’t too difficult on the trip.” Brenna motioned her over to a nearby chair.

“Nay, he was helpful, but he can be a bit stubborn at times.”

Brenna sat down next to her in front of the hearth, settling Bethia in her lap. “How did you two meet?”

“We met when…” Gwyneth made a quick decision to trust Brenna. “Well, he was with Robbie when they came to Ayr to escort a group of us to Glasgow.”

“I don’t mean to pry, but you don’t look like someone who would need an escort anywhere. You seem self-sufficient to me.” Her eyes sparkled and a wry grin spread across her face. The wean on her lap gave Gwyneth a smile as well, as if she could sense her mother’s good mood.

“I am. We were attacked by the Norse. Most of us were wounded.”

Brenna’s brow furrowed. “I’m so sorry. That must have been terrible for you. I’m a healer. If you ever need my help, please ask. You are well now?”

“Aye. I keep telling Logan I am fine and can take care of myself, but he doesn’t believe me.”

“Then there must have been some sparks flying on your trip between the two of you. He’s a strong minded man, and I can tell you are a strong minded woman. I couldn’t help but notice his gaze followed you downstairs. I’m sure after your ordeal you are wary of men, but you can trust Logan.”

“Aye, he is stubborn, but I do find him trustworthy.”

“One more question, if you don’t mind. I haven’t seen my brother in a while. Robbie has an interest in Caralyn? Is that why he sent her daughters here?”

“Aye, I think the feeling is mutual, but Caralyn’s situation is unique. I’ll let them explain it to you. Caralyn is verra nice and a good friend to me.” Gwyneth folded her hands in her lap, unsure of what else to say. “Captain Grant was verra helpful.”

“Again, welcome to Clan Grant. None of us here will mind that you wear warrior’s clothing.” Brenna smiled at her as she bounced Bethia on her lap. “There can never be too many warriors. Usually we reside in Lothian, but my husband and brother both wanted us here for the duration of the battles with the Norse. If you need anything, just ask.”

“My thanks.” Gwyneth nodded then glanced at the door. “Am I able to bar the door from the inside?”

“Aye.” Brenna paused for a moment. “Do you have any sisters or family?”

“Nay, just a brother.”

“So you aren’t used to being around so many girls.”

Gwyneth shook her head.

“I would be happy to bring you clean clothes, but I don’t know if we have warriors’ clothes that will fit you. There’s a bathing room down the passageway you are welcome to use.” She stood and moved over to the door, Bethia on her hip. “If you need anything at all, or if you just wish to talk, please come find me anytime.” She went on to explain where her room was.

For some reason, Gwyneth liked Brenna Grant. “I’m fine, and my thanks for your hospitality. I won’t be staying long, just until Caralyn and Robbie arrive.”

As soon as Brenna left, she barred the door. She hoped the others would get here soon. She was used to spending time on her own and didn’t know how to handle herself in this huge keep filled with all these people.

After a trip to the bathing room, she felt much better. On the morrow, she would clean her clothes. She climbed into the pile of furs and luxuriated in the feel of the soft material on her skin. But something was missing. She was loathe to admit it, but she had become accustomed to sleeping near Logan’s warmth. His glance in the cottage in Glasgow had told her he would protect her, so she had slept hard, not worrying about Duff Erskine. She had not had any nightmares when she was wrapped in Logan’s arms.

She wondered where he slept tonight. Would he even think of her?

***

The next morn, everyone sat at the family table in their great hall, enjoying a feast while they all talked at once. Logan was pleased to have been able to tell the Grants—Brenna in particular—that Robbie would arrive in just a few days.

Since the night before had been chaotic, this was the first chance they would all have to get acquainted. Lady Madeline had told Cook to prepare a feast and had specifically requested pastries for the two girls.

Gracie and Ashlyn ate in sheer delight. The wean had started with porridge, then moved on to freshly baked brown bread with coddled eggs, and was presently devouring goat’s milk and boar stew. Ashlyn hadn’t eaten quite as much, but she’d definitely filled her belly. It was a pleasure to see them this way.

Lily sat on his lap, chattering with Gracie on one side of him and Ashlyn on the other, and Gwyneth sat across the table from them, taking everything in without comment. He thought she still looked tired, but better.

Lily’s excitement overflowed. What spirit she had. “Uncle Logan, I am so glad you brought me new friends to play with.” She turned to give him a kiss. “Will you play stones with us?”

“I think Gracie would rather play stones with you. Uncle Logan needs a rest after his long travels,” he said, patting her back.

Gwyneth snorted but didn’t say anything.

Quade raised his eyebrows as he peered at his brother. “Did you have a difficult journey, Logan?”

“Och, nay, just a different journey, as I was traveling with three lassies.” He grinned at Gwyneth, earning a frown in response. He had kept his promise not to banter too much with her on the journey. Now that they were here, he was ready to tease her again. He continued to stare at her and she ignored him.

The servants brought out the apple and cherry pastries for the girls and set them on the table. Lily leaned down to Gracie and said, “Cook makes the best pastries here. Do you like apples or cherries better?”

Gracie nodded and Logan laughed. She probably hadn’t enjoyed anything like a pastry in a long while.

“Which one?” Lily asked, waiting patiently for an answer.

Gracie finally pointed to a cherry tart made of oats with a honey glaze over it. Lily set it in front of her and said, “Here, I’ll show you how to eat it.” Lily filled her mouth and said, “Yum. Here, Gracie, you can eat the rest.”

Sticking a wee finger in the tart, Gracie then plopped her finger in her mouth. Her eyes widened as she tasted the sweet delicacy inside and everyone at the table giggled.

Ashlyn said, “Is it that good, Gracie? Let me try.”

The girls all fussed over the sweets, and Logan caught Gwyneth’s gaze again. “Och, try a pastry, Gwyneth. Mayhap ‘twill sweeten you up a touch.”

Her gaze threw daggers his way and he laughed.

Alex said, “How could you hunt with all these lasses to guard, Logan? Couldn’t have been easy.”

Gwyneth answered, “He didn’t hunt. I did. And I could beat him at hunting any day.”

Logan jumped in, “She did well, Alex, but she was only competing against Neil and Gilroy. My job was to protect the lassies while the others hunted. Had I gone with her, I am sure I would have speared more rabbits than she did, though she did well and killed four the first night. And with my help, we caught the pheasant we brought back with us.”

Gwyneth bounded out of her seat. “Take me to any range, any day, Ramsay, and we’ll see who the best archer is.” Apparently embarrassed by her fervor, she blushed and sat back down.

The whole table had quieted, awaiting Logan’s answer. He glanced at Quade and saw the twinkle in his brother’s eyes, challenging him to accept her offer.

Logan smiled and nodded. “Naught would give me greater pleasure than to accept your challenge, lass. Just promise me you won’t get upset when you lose.”

Gwyneth barked, “I won’t lose.” She glanced at Alex. “’Tis there a sound field nearby we could use in an hour or so, Laird Grant?”

Alex’s chuckled. “Aye, I’ll find one for you. Sounds like great entertainment for the afternoon.” He smirked at Logan. “Just so you know, Ramsay, I’ll be rooting for the lass.”

Gwyneth directed her next comment to Alex. “Will you find an unbiased judge for our contest and come up with a fair target?”

Quade jumped up. “I would love to help set up a target for you, Gwyneth, but I probably shouldn’t act as the judge since Logan is my brother. What say you that we find three judges, just to be fair?”

Logan and Gwyneth both nodded their agreement. “Then it’s settled,” Logan said. “You get one hour of practice before the start of the competition, Gwyneth.”

“I don’t need practice, Ramsay. You have no idea who you are up against.”

Logan just winked at her for an answer.

As everyone got up to prepare for the challenge, Logan overheard Quade as he leaned over and whispered to his wife, “You’re right. There will be some
real
sparks flying this afternoon on the field.”

What in hell was that supposed to mean? Could it be that Gwyneth returned his interest? Had she said something to Brenna? He would have to do everything very carefully on the field this afternoon if he didn’t want to push Gwyneth away. He didn’t think she would like losing.

***

By the time Gwyneth walked out to the lists, a good sized crowd had gathered. The Grant had chosen a large meadow with several trees at the end to hang various rope targets for the contest. The trees were at different distances, but they both appeared to be good lengths for her.
Good, I will embarrass him even more with a crowd.
The crowd sat down the side of the meadow, with no one allowed at the end except the judges.

Gwyneth’s entire family had practiced archery for fun. She had initially been taught by her father and her brother, Gordon. They had held many competitions, and it had been a long time until she was ever good enough to win a contest. After their deaths, her archery had taken on different meaning for her and she had trained daily. Uncle Innis had worked with her until he was no longer able. Then Rab had trained her at the butts near the Kirk. She had been forced to cut back once she was employed by the Crown, but she still managed at least three trips a sennight to the butts.

Naught had driven her more than the thought of putting an arrow through the heart of Duff Erskine. Aye, she had an arrow saved for the man who’d tried to sell her as if she were an object. But her goal for today was to prove that women could be just as good as a man. Ramsay was about to eat crow.

It was a glorious day, with a slight breeze that swirled the fallen leaves around her feet. She waited, pacing occasionally to help gather her strength, while the clan gathered off to the sides.

A voice broke into her thoughts and she looked up in time to see an exuberant Loki leaping and running across the field. “I’m one of the judges. My laird chose me.”

She couldn’t help but smile at the lad. “Does that surprise you, Loki?”

He came to a quick halt in front of her, gasping in excitement. “Aye. I just became a Grant.”

Gwyneth’s brow furrowed as she stared at the lad. She had heard part of his story, but not everything.

“You see, I used to live in a crate behind the tavern in Ayr, and Brodie Grant found me, and I helped him find missy angel, Celestina, and then we saved missy angel from the surly pig-nut—” his eyes grew wide as he swung his fist in the air, “—and we fought the mean Norse together, but I had to get my sire to the healer ‘cause he was wounded.” He paused to take a breath. “Then I went to tell my mama Brodie was wounded, but she wasn’t my mama yet.” He stopped to point at Celestina and gave her a huge grin. Tipping his head to the side, his hand came up to his mouth in thought. “I… helped her come here and....” He stopped, a scowl across his face as if he had missed something in his tale. His face lit up. “Then my laird had a ‘ficial cereminny and made me a Grant. So now I have a sire, Brodie Grant, and a mama, and I am Loki Grant.” He pounded his chest with a smile.

“After this contest, I’d like to hear more about that. Tell me, you don’t have a problem with a lass beating a lad, do you, Loki Grant?” She smirked as he stared at her, his eyes wide.

“Nay, my lady. I will vote for whoever is best. I promise to be honest. ‘Tis part of being in the Grant clan. I must always tell the truth.”

Gwyneth ruffled his hair. “I trust you will, lad. Why don’t you check the targets to make sure everything is set up properly?”

“I will, my lady.” Loki yelled back over his shoulder as he took off down the field.

Alex came out onto the meadow carrying a chair over his head, which he set up on the side of the field. He disappeared again before returning with his wife, whom he settled in the chair with a fur over her lap.

Maddie raised both arms over her head and shouted, “Go, Gwyneth! Yay for lassies.”

Gwyneth bowed to her and waved as the crowd continued to grow. Quade and Brenna settled in near Maddie with Gracie, Ashlyn, and the rest of the bairns—Jake, Jamie, Torrian, and Lily. Kyla and Bethia had stayed inside with Alice, Maddie’s maid.

Gracie and Ashlyn ran over to wish her luck, and the elder lass gave her a hug. “I hope you win, Gwyneth. I wish our mama was here to watch you. Will you teach me someday?”

Gwyneth gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Of course, I will.”

The wee one tugged on her skirt, so she leaned over to pick Gracie up and sat her on her hip. Gracie kissed her and smiled. “My mama come soon.”