The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) (11 page)

Donnal interrupted. “If it pleases you, Laird Grant, I would like to insist on a wedding before the next moon, as we are in need of some organization at our castle. Seems our staff have become quite slovenly and lazy. We need someone who can crack the whip, shall I say?” His smug expression did not speak well for him.

A small commotion took place over in the bairn’s area, so Maddie promptly got up to tend to them.

“Truly, Laird,” Donnal said, glancing over his shoulder at the unruly group. “Is there a reason you have the weans nearby? Are they not too young to act appropriately around guests?”

“Aye, there is a reason,” Alex said gruffly. “They’re my weans and I want them here. They’ll learn to act appropriately in time.”

Jennie stifled a giggle, wishing she could hug her brother over his declaration. He was a good sire and a good leader.

“Mama!” Braden screamed. Maddie whispered something soft in his ear, then sent Loki away with him.

“You see. They are too young.” He nodded his head, apparently in affirmation of his previous statement, but no one volunteered to agree with him.

“That wean is my brother’s first born lad, and I prefer to have him here. Please do not concern yourself, Boyd.”

Donnal let out a loud belch and excused himself. “Must find the garderobe.”

Coll reached for her hand under the table. “My apologies for his rudeness. ‘Tis unforgiveable. I love weans and hope to have many.”

Jennie turned to look into his kind eyes—he was such a better lad than the other suitor—but she still pulled her hand back. She noticed Donnal was headed in the same direction as Loki. Her intuition told her to follow them so she excused herself and did just that, trailing him toward the passageway that led to the tower rooms where Brodie and Celestina lived.

Once she left the great hall, she caught sight of Donnal a few steps behind Loki, who was desperately trying to manage an unruly Braden.

“Here, lad. I’ll handle the wee twit.” Donnal reached for Braden, but his wee protector was faster.

Loki pulled his small sword from his sheath. The weapon connected with the skin of the suitor’s hand and drew a drop of blood, causing him to yank it back. “You will remove your hand from my brother, my lord. No one touches him without my permission.”

“Why, you ungrateful cur.”

Jennie rushed up to them just as Donnal was about to wrest away Loki’s sword. “Leave him be, my lord. They are not bothering anyone.”

He spun around to glare at her. “They’re bothering me. Weans should not be heard from. They should know their place.”

Jennie nodded to Loki. “Why do you not continue and take Braden to his mama.”

“Nay, I will not leave you unprotected with this brute, Lady Jennie.” His chin came up and he squared his shoulders, just like his sire did so many times, his sword still drawn at his side. Braden had stopped crying and was staring at the stranger with wide eyes.

Jennie smiled. “My thanks, Loki, but I can handle myself.”

Loki nodded and continued on his way, tugging a whining Braden behind him, but he watched Jennie over his shoulder. Loki had grown quite a bit over the last couple of years, and he was mighty protective of his adopted family.

Once he was gone, Donnal took a step closer. “Aye, ‘tis much better to be alone.” He reached for her and pulled her close enough so his lips could descend on hers. One quick taste of him was all Jennie could tolerate before she shoved against his chest to push him away. He didn’t give up easily, but he finally stepped back. “You needed a taste of how wonderful our lives could be together.” He winked at her.

Quite sure Alex would support her, she made a bold move. “Forgive me, my lord, but I have no interest in you as a husband. Please feel free to spend the night at the keep to gain a restful sleep, but I would like you to leave immediately after breaking your fast on the morrow. Good eve to you.”

She had turned around to head to the great hall when she felt a hand on her shoulder. “How dare you tell me what to do? We are not done, and
I
will decide if we suit, not you. Do you not understand a woman’s place? You are to do as you are told and let the men decide your fate. You have no right to reject me.”

A booming voice echoed down the passageway. “‘Tis where you are wrong, Boyd. Remove your hand from my sister. I expect you to do as she requested. You are welcome until the morn, but then I will expect to see the last of you. You have offended both of us. My sister will not be marrying you, and that is
my
final decision.”

Donnal Boyd left in a huff, heading down the passageway, his footsteps echoing on the stone.

“Jennie,” Alex’s hands settled on her shoulders. “My apologies. I should have spoken to him first.”

“My thanks for respecting my opinion, Alex. Even you must realize many men are completely different around lasses. Mayhap he would have been quite gracious with you.”

“Aye, but I will do anything to save my sister from a life of drudgery and servanthood. I believe ‘twas his plan for you.”

She hugged Alex and they ambled together toward the great hall. But her mind repeated the same expression over and over.

One down, one more to send away.

Chapter Eleven

Tomas flew into the great hall straight over to the Cameron. “There is a situation in the glen not far from the abbey. You are needed immediately. Neil has already left.”

Aedan bolted out of his seat and headed for the door, Tomas directly behind him. “Anything more you can tell me about this situation?”

Tomas waited to speak until they were almost to the stables. Both of their horses were already saddled and ready to go. “It involves someone I know and trust, but I would like you to be there as a witness.”

“And what am I to witness?” Aedan swung into the saddle and spurred his horse out through the gates, Tomas right beside him.

“Logan Ramsay has one of the attackers. He plans to force him to tell all he knows. His ways are a bit different. He requested you be there for the man’s confession.”

Aedan couldn’t help but get a wee bit excited. His heartbeat sped up in the hopes that he would finally have some answers. After another meeting with the four neighboring lairds—Drew Menzie, Dermid MacLean, Hamish Henderson, and Irvine Fletcher—they were still no closer to finding the leader of the skirmishes. The bulk of the attacks had taken place on Cameron soil, and they had a good idea of the reason for the attacks, but still no clue as to who was in charge. He waved for Tomas to lead the way, and they galloped across the meadow until they came upon the glen. As they neared the location, an occasional shout echoed through the trees. Aedan forced himself to be prepared for anything, especially after hearing of Ramsay’s reputation.

Aedan reined his horse in as soon as he saw Logan Ramsay. Ramsay had a reputation as a ruthless, clever archer. He’d heard Ramsay had the ability to convince any lad to talk. Aedan paled when he found the source of the occasional yell.

Logan Ramsay sat and leaned against a tree trunk. The inquisitor was someone else altogether.

Aedan whispered, “Who is the lad with him?”

Tomas smirked. “The lad is actually a lass. Ramsay’s wife, Gwyneth. She’s an archer of such talent she’s even capable of beating her husband.”

Aedan stared at her back, just now noticing the long plaited hair draped over the front of her shoulder. She was a wee thing for one with such a huge reputation.

With the leggings and tunic she wore, she could indeed be mistaken for a lad. That was, until she turned around. Aedan gasped at her beauty. She wore the tunic and leggings far better than any lad could ever wear them, as they molded to her lithe form in a most provocative way. But he doubted anyone would dare breathe a word about it to her after watching her release two arrows toward the source of the desperate yells.

She had the lad tied to a tree, but hadn’t hit him once. There were presently five arrows lodged in the wood of the tree between his legs, just close enough to incite panic in any man. Aedan covered his own bollocks in a defensive move before realizing what he was doing. Then he shook his head and dismounted from his horse.

Tomas strode ahead of him as Logan stood. “Gwynie, we have company. Come meet the chieftain.”

Gwyneth returned her arrow to its quiver and swung her bow onto her back. She strode over to Aedan and bowed her head. “Cameron.”

“Lady Ramsay, ‘tis a pleasure. I have been near your lands many times.”

“I heard about your visit a few years ago,” Logan said with a grin. “My wife, Gwyneth.”

Aedan nodded to her, almost afraid to go near her.

A loud crazed voice interrupted their round of introductions. “Get her out of here. I’ll tell you everything I know. Just keep her away from me.” The lad tied to the tree pulled against his bindings, his wrists already bloody from his attempts to escape.

“I do not know why he yells so. I have yet to touch him or hit him.” She shrugged her shoulders and moved away from the man. “But I think he is ready to tell you what he knows.”

Aedan marched over to the lad. He was young, English, and frightened as hell. “Who hired you?”

“An Englishman. Came through the border lands asking for anyone who wanted easy coin. So I came, but I promise to go back now. Keep her away from me. I do not want to lose my bollocks.” His eyes darted back and forth between Gwyneth and Aedan.

“And how long were you to work for the coin?” Aedan asked.

“When he came through, he said there was to be only a skirmish or two where no one would get hurt. He’s paying more for a large number of men to come to fight in a moon.”

Aedan glanced at Tomas. “The same attack we already heard about.”

Tomas asked, “And naught before a moon?”

“Aye, not much before then. The largest attack will be in one moon, and ‘tis to be between the abbey and Cameron land. Most will head to Cameron land to draw away from the abbey. They want the coffers of the abbey.”

“Lochluin Abbey?”

“The double one, ‘tis all I know. We need to be at the ready. He wants hundreds for the one big attack.”

Tomas, Logan, and Gwyneth all stared at Aedan, but Aedan kept his gaze glued on the villain.

“And others say there’s a treasure coming to the abbey, but the leader hasn’t said anything about it. Just rumor. He just wants the riches of the abbey once we bring Cameron down.”

Suddenly, all made sense.

Logan asked, “What’s being delivered?”

The marauder spit out, “I have no idea. No one knows. Just that it’s worth a whole lot of coin. Has others talking about going out on their own.”

Tomas turned to Aedan. “Do you know?”

Aedan shook his head, his gaze still locked to the prisoner’s, hoping the action would serve as answer enough and no one would suspect his lie.

Logan said, “Go talk to the monks. They’ll tell us. We need to know if there is more to this than their coffers.”

Aedan said, “Who’s the leader?”

“Never seen him. Some Scot, but we take our orders from a hired Englishman.” The information cohered with what they’d already learned. The prisoner squirmed against the tree. “Now can I go? Please? I’ll go straight back to my lands. I want naught to do with that daft woman over there. You Scots are savages to let your women be like that one.”

Aedan pulled the men over to where Gwyneth was standing. “Tomas and I’ll go to the abbey to see what I can find out. Logan, I’m told there’s a traitor among us. As long as you’re here, would you consider following up on that to see if you can uncover any information about the identity of the traitor?”

Gwyneth jumped away from the tree. “Aye. We’ll do it, won’t we, husband?” Her eyes lit up as she peered at Logan.

“Aye, we’ll see what we can find out for you. Gwynie, untie the man first.”

Aedan mounted his horse, but before he left, he said, “You and your wife are welcome at my keep this eve. Join us for ale and supper, and we’ll pool our information.”

Logan nodded, and Aedan and Tomas rode off. They had traveled for a while before Tomas said, “Are we not headed in the wrong direction?” His brow was furrowed with confusion.

“Nay.” Aedan continued on.

“The abbey is the other way.” Tomas tipped his head in that direction.

“Aye, you are correct.” He kept his gaze focused straight ahead. He had to think about exactly what he should do, and for that he needed time.

Tomas sighed. “You know what the treasure is, aye?”

Aedan nodded. “Aye, I’m afraid I am the cause of some of this, but there is naught certain yet about it.”

“Why?”

“Because I sent for the treasure. And if you speak of it to anyone, you’re a dead man. No one must know.”

“Is it large?”

“Nay, and it isn’t aught they would want, if they knew what it was. I’m not going to focus on that. ‘Tis still a rumor to the others. We need to focus on the fact that in moon there will be an attack on my land to destroy me and to get the riches of Lochluin Abbey. We have to stop them.”

***

Donnal Boyd left the next day without much fuss, other than the angry glances he cast Jennie’s way when Alex could not see. It was a relief to be rid of him. She’d had another nightmare the previous night about the wailing of wounded Grant soldiers. She just wasn’t ready to handle company in the morn, so she took food back up to her chamber.

Two nights later, after the end of their evening meal, Coll stood and spoke to Alex. “If you are willing, I would like to escort Lady Jennie for a short walk. ‘Tis a lovely eve.”

Alex glanced at Jennie. As much as she wanted to refuse the offer, she could not come up with a sound reason for doing so. She accepted by nodding to her brother. Perhaps she could come down with some strange illness on the morrow.

Caralyn cast a smile of encouragement her way, while Maddie nodded. Both served as reminders that this was a good way to discover her true feelings for Aedan. True, she had been protected by her brothers. Was it possible that her reaction to Aedan was because he was the first lad to show any interest in her? Perhaps Maddie’s suggestion was sound.

Coll held his hand out to her and she took it. His palm, warm and sweaty, clasped hers for a moment before setting it on his forearm and leading her out the front door of the keep. Jennie had to admit it was a lovely evening, though she wasn’t interested in spending any time with Coll. He was a pleasant man, but there was no fire, no intrigue. He did not hold the same draw for her that Aedan did.

“Lady Jennie, have you made up your mind yet?”

Jennie sighed. “Nay. I am just getting to know you. Tell me about your keep and your family.” She wished she could just send him away, but after sending Donnal away so quickly, she wished to be fair to Coll, and she had agreed to be tolerant. If she fairly judged two men, she hoped her brother would end this foolishness and allow her to wait for Aedan’s arrival.

“Certes. My sire died some time ago, but my mother still lives. She is an invalid, which is why I have two healers. Neither quite know what is wrong with her, but she rarely makes it out of her chamber. Sometimes she cannot even leave her bed. She needs constant tending.

“My eldest brother is chieftain, and he has agreed to provide me with a cottage just outside the bailey for my wife and, hopefully, bairns.”

“Do you work with your guards in the list?”

“Nay. I received a leg injury a couple of years ago that prevents me from heavy physical labor. I do help my brother with the collection of coin from his tenants.”

Jennie wondered what Alex, Brodie, and Robbie would do if they did not work in the lists every day training their guards to protect the clan. “What do you like to do with your time?”

“I read to mother once a day. I’m hoping you would share that chore with me, as she insists on being read to daily. I believe your brother informed me that you love to read. Of course, you can help tend to her as well. I go to chapel daily, as you should, too. Then it’s usually time for the evening meal, and I head up to my chamber right afterwards.”

Jennie turned her head to the side to hide her scowl. That sounded like quite a boring day. “Does your brother have a family? Any weans running about?”

“Nay. He has instructed his wife to give him a son, but he believes she has cursed him.”

“Cursed him?” Jennie’s eyes widened at the thought.

“Aye. She often casts evil looks his way. And from the way she mutters to herself on occasion, my brother believes she is daft.”

Jennie stared straight ahead, wishing she hadn’t agreed to this walk, but realizing it was too late. If she could convince him to turn around soon, she would. They strolled through the light breeze and Jennie glanced up at the sky, suddenly reminded of Aedan. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so she stared up at the bright blanket of stars, attempting to find the shapes they had discussed that night.

“What are you doing, Lady Jennie?”

“My apologies, my lord. Do you not ever look at the stars and wonder about them? What they are made of or where they come from?”

“Stars?” He gave her a queer look. “I’ve never considered it. Does it carry a significance to you?”

“How far away do you think they are? Have you ever searched for certain shapes made by them?”

“Nay. I am usually in my chamber at this hour of the night.” He patted her hand. “Once we’re married, I think we’ll go to our chamber early.”

A devilish grin crossed his face that frightened her.

“If you do not mind, my lord, I would like to return to the keep. I seem to have taken a wee chill.” She’d suddenly had enough of this conversation.

She turned around to head back to the keep. Coll reached for her and wrapped his arms around her tight. He was just a wee bit taller than she was. Her tugged her in close until her breasts pressed against him, causing her breath to catch. “Jennie,” he panted. “You are lovely. May I kiss you?”

Jennie shook her head fervently. “Please, do not. I am not ready for this yet.” She shoved at his chest and he released her, his smile fading to a grim line.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Nay, but please take me back.”

Robbie appeared out of nowhere. “Jennie. I wanted to ask you something. Excuse us, will you, MacNab?”

He stood there with a baffled expression on his face, almost appearing pathetic. “Of course. Shall I wait?”