The Brightest Star in the Highlands: Jennie and Aedan (Clan Grant Series Book 7) (16 page)

***

The next morning, Jennie came down to the great hall to break her fast, only to discover that Ennis MacKenzie had been sent home by her brother.

“Why did you send him home, Alex?” Not that she wished he were still around, but she couldn’t help but ask what reason he had given MacKenzie.

“He’s not meant for you. No sense in keeping him here, and he agreed.”

“Did you send Aedan home, as well?”

Alex stared at her, waiting to see if he could pull more from her, but she didn’t relent. She knew her brother’s tactics by now. Robbie coughed and got up to walk over to the hearth, propping a giggling Roddy up on his shoulders.

After a long pause, Alex finally responded tersely, “Nay, he has gone out riding with the head of his guard. I plan to meet with him midday.”

“Why?”

“‘Tis not your concern.”

“Hmmm.” She stirred her porridge. “My guess is that it is my concern.”

“Do you prefer Aedan to the others?”

She stirred again, noticing that her family members had stopped their conversations and were waiting for her answer. “Over the others? Aye.” She licked the honey off her finger. “But I would like to hear how Aedan feels.”

Alex frowned but didn’t speak. Just then, Ashlyn came barreling down the stairs and ran over to her mother, Caralyn, and whispered in her ear. Caralyn got up and motioned for Jennie to follow her.

Rising so quickly he knocked his chair over, Alex bellowed, “Where are you off to? Is aught wrong with my wife?”

“Nay, Alex. We would let you know if there was. Womanly issues. Do not concern yourself.” Jennie hurried up the stairs behind Caralyn. Maddie was carrying again, bairn number five, and she was having more trouble with this one. Up until her departure for the abbey, Caralyn and Jennie had worked together as healers for the Grants, and they’d delivered Braden, Brodie and Celestina’s son, and Connor, Alex’s third son. Alex was quite sensitive about anything concerning his wife. He would move heaven and earth for Maddie, no one doubted that fact.

Once they reached the passageway, Caralyn said to Jennie, “Maddie’s cramping terribly this morn. Will you take a look for me?”

They guessed her to be about two moons away from delivery, but they didn’t know for sure. Jennie knocked on the door and walked inside to find Maddie curled up in bed, clutching her lower belly.

“Maddie, tell me what you are feeling,” she said.

“Jennie, something is not right. I have so much cramping with this bairn. How do I stop it?”

“Will you allow me to check your progress?” Jennie brushed Maddie’s hair back from her sweat drenched forehead. She knew Maddie never expressed it when she was feeling pain, so the sweat told her how difficult this was for her. Jennie had to use her best healer’s skills with Madeline.

“Aye, go ahead. Do what you must.” Maddie repositioned herself in bed to give Jennie access to do what she needed.

Once she finished her exam, Jennie covered Maddie up with several blankets. “I don’t see any cause for the cramping. The sac seems to be in place, and there is no blood, so you appear to be fine for now. But I would suggest you be extra careful and stay in bed for a few days, getting up for your needs only.

“But I must talk to Cook, and then…” Maddie’s hand rubbed her forehead.

“Nay, Maddie. You’ll stay here. We’ll see to everything.” Caralyn rubbed her shoulder, attempting to soothe her.

Just then, the door flew open with a bang and Jennie and Caralyn both jumped. Alex stood in the doorway, his hands on his hips, concern etched in every line in his face. “Maddie? Why are you still abed?”

Jennie stood up and said, “Alex, Maddie will be staying abed for a few days. She’s having some womanly issues and I have recommended that she stay flat to make sure the bairn is fine.”

The color drained out of Alex’s face in an instant. “Maddie?” He rushed over to the bed and sat on the edge, cupping Maddie’s cheek in his big, callused hand. Jennie loved to see her brother like this. The great swordsman of the Highlands could only be brought to his knees by one thing—his wee wife.

“Alex, I am sure I will be fine and the babe will be fine, too. I need some rest. I am tired with this one. Please take care of the lads for me? Jennie and Caralyn will watch Kyla.” She leaned her head against her pillow, and within a few moments, she was fast asleep.

“Maddie?” He leaned over and placed a tender kiss on her forehead and covered her with furs, tucking them up under her chin.

Her brother looked so lost. Maddie had been healthy as a horse for her other pregnancies—on her feet until the day she delivered and up again in less than a sennight. He gave Jennie a look that broke her heart, but she held firm. “Alex. Your wife has taken care of all of us for many years. It’s time for us to take care of her for a wee bit. She’s a strong woman, but she still needs her rest.”

Alex turned and left the room with a dazed expression that Jennie guessed would not leave him for a while.

Chapter Sixteen

Jennie headed outside after making sure Maddie was resting comfortably. She hadn’t seen Aedan yet, and wished to thank him for holding her the night before. In fact, she could not even recall going back to her room. He must have carried her. The first person she saw when she walked into the stables was Mac, their stable master for many years. Mac was married to Alice, Maddie’s maid she had brought from her home. They were getting up in years, but Jennie loved them both.

“Mac, have you seen Aedan?”

“Aye, sweet lassie, he is off to the lists.” Mac gave her a quick hug. “I’ve missed you.”

“Aye, ‘tis lovely to see everyone again. I guess I’ll go for a wee ride and see for myself.”

He smiled. “Every lad who comes to the Grant keep wishes to see the lists for themselves, especially after the battle with the Norse.”

“Saddle me up, my friend. ‘Tis time for some wind in my hair.” Jennie couldn’t wait to see what Aedan was doing with her brothers.

Once she was mounted, she rode outside the portcullis and lifted her head toward the clouds, loving the fresh smell of the Highland air. As she approached the lists, she slowed her horse, thinking her eyes deceived her, but they did not.

She stopped a short distance away from the lists and dismounted. Her mouth turned dry at the sight of Aedan without his tunic. He practiced with Robbie on the periphery, the muscles in his chest slick with sweat, the fine hairs glistening whenever the sun burst through the clouds. Though they were both yelling loud enough for a crone to hear, she found she could not hear their conversation. She was too focused on Aedan Cameron and his bare chest. True, she could see his wounds, which seemed to be healing nicely, but the rest of his skin taunted and teased her. This was lust, pure and simple lust. Wasn’t it?

She forced herself to look at the other lads practicing. There were many worthy of admiration, but none excited her like the Cameron chieftain. She had to fight to pull her gaze away from him, but she finally decided to relent and enjoy the sight in front of her. Nay, not lust then. This was
love
. She admitted this to herself as she took the time to peruse Aedan from his head to his toes, and all in between. If she’d had any doubts before, this confirmed it for her—her heart swelled just from the sight of him and the memory of how sweet he had been to her in the parapets.

A short time later, she overheard him thank Robbie and then he headed directly toward her, his head down. As soon as he was close, he lifted his gaze to hers, his eyes gleaming.

“You like what you see, Lady Jennie?”

Stunned to have been caught in such a compromising position, she blushed a deep red and mumbled, “I’m not sure of your meaning.”

He came within an arm’s length of her and whispered into her ear, his warm breath heating her insides. “I think you do.” He wiped the sweat off his face with his forearm. “Shall I leave my tunic off for you?”

Jennie decided to go along with his game. “Nay, I quite like you as you are.” She lifted her chin in a challenge, but he grinned and grabbed her elbow.

“Walk with me, my lady?” He pointed to a direction away from the lists and the loud shouting.

She agreed to join him because she had much to say. Once far enough away from prying ears, she whispered, “Many thanks for holding me last night.”

“Believe me, ‘twas my pleasure.” He found a rock under a broad oak tree and settled her next to him. “I believe we are more alike than you think.”

“I was quite surprised to find you here. Why the lists?”

He drank from his skein before he answered her. “You do not believe I need the practice? I’d like to avoid being toppled from my horse in battle again. I spent some time with Brodie yesterday, as well. Mayhap I’ll join him later for more practice.”

She reached for his wound, running her fingers across the scar on his abdomen. “No pain? It appears to have healed nicely.”

“Aye.” His voice turned husky. “I had a fine healer who stitched me.”

She swallowed hard, staring at his lips. Hell, but she wanted this man and here they were in front of a crowd, though she noticed none of the warriors appeared to be watching. “You mentioned we are alike. How so?”

“Your confusion with healing is much like my confusion with leading.”

“I do not understand.”

“Are you not confused about whether you wish to continue healing?” His thumb brushed her cheek. “And whether ‘tis the reason for your dreams?”

“Aye, but how does that fit with your problem?”

He stared off at the lists. “I’ve not admitted this before, but I did not want my sire to die for selfish reasons.” His gaze returned to hers. “I was afraid to lead.”

A stray leaf had found its way amidst his auburn locks. She reached for the piece of greenery buried in his thick hair and allowed herself the brief pleasure of running her fingers through the strands. “You, Aedan? How could that be? You are such a fine leader.”

“Am I? I’ve been felled from my horse twice, and my land is being threatened by invaders who think me weak.” He stared at the ground in front of him while he rubbed his chin.

“But you had no alternative.”

“True, ‘tis why I hoped my sire would live until Ruari was old enough to take my place. Ruari is much more motivated. I have said as much to my mother, but only my mother.”

Jennie took a moment to think about how it would feel to be put in such a position. Had her brother felt the same way about becoming laird? “I disagree with you,” she finally said. “Ruari doesn’t have the patience necessary in a leader. You do.”

“Do I? And you think patience is what makes a good leader? I’d not agree on that.” He reached over and grasped her hand in his, caressing the soft skin on the back.

“You are wise enough to know you need help, and you have many by your side. You will fight off your attackers. I am certain of it.” She intended to support him the way he had supported her last night.

“I appreciate your faith in me. I also have faith that you will conquer your bad dreams.”

They both stared at his thumb rubbing circles across her hand, enjoying the peaceful interlude.

“Jennie, as I started to say yesterday, I plan to ask your brother for your hand today. If he agrees, will you be my wife?”

Jennie’s heart skipped two beats. She so wanted to say yes, but she wished to step into a partnership with him knowing she was loved. Still, she was afraid to ask the question. What if he said no? Would he change his mind and not offer for her?

Unsure of what to do, she stumbled for words.

“Jennie?”

“Do you love me, Aedan?”

“I…I’m not sure…Jennie, you know words are difficult for me.”

Her shoulders slumped just as Robbie’s voice rang out. “Will I be interrupting if I join you two?”

She glanced at Aedan, her heart shattered by his answer. Where would they go from here?

***

Aedan came from the loch fresh from a swim, struggling to move about without groaning. His time in the Grant lists had been brutal, but he had learned much from Brodie and Robbie. He hoped it was enough to keep him up on his horse in the upcoming battles. They had given him good advice about practicing, and how to lead his men in practice. His skills were definitely improving, which gave him much more confidence. Neil had been there with him through much of the afternoon, learning more about training their men.

But he had failed Jennie. Why couldn’t he have just agreed? Of course, he loved her. He just didn’t know how to say it. Women and words. He growled at the thought as he made his way over to the table the family was gathered around.

The group sat around the dais with a sense of loss. He sat on a bench at the end of the table near Jennie. Maddie was not with them, and everyone could feel Alex’s tension. At one point, their three lads, Jamie, Jake, and Connor attempted to sneak up the stairs in pursuit of their mama.

A booming, “Lads!” caught them in the midst of their journey, and all three stopped instantly.

“Papa,” Jamie whispered. “We want our mama.”

“Lads, you will not bother your mother. She is ill and abed, and you will stay here.”

Jake turned to look at his father. “But Mama reads one of her storybooks to us every eve.”

Alex pointed to the bottom of the stairs and all three of the bairns rushed back down the stairs, their hands clasped behind their backs as they gazed up at their da. Kyla strolled over and grabbed her sire’s hand. “Papa, you can read us the story tonight. Please?”

Aedan watched with bemusement. He leaned toward Jennie, “Maddie has storybooks?”

Jennie nodded. “Aye, she makes them herself, drawing pictures. They are quite beautiful. She has read from them for many, many moons. All the bairns of the clan love them.”

All of Alex Grant’s bluster had been taken out of him by his four bairns and his wife’s illness. He didn’t know what was wrong with Maddie, but this couldn’t possibly be the first time she had been abed.

Connor tipped his head back as far as he could as he stared up at his sire. “Please, Papa?” he asked in a small voice.

“Please?” Jamie added. “We do so love it when Mama reads to us.”

Jake nodded his head.

“Connor, you shall choose the book.” Alex strode over to the hearth and sat in his chair while three of his bairns followed him and Connor scampered off to choose a book. Gracie, Robbie and Caralyn’s daughter, followed with Roddy in hand, and Braden toddled over on his own.

Aedan found himself glancing at Jennie to see how she was reacting to the scene. He most enjoyed catching her unaware. Jennie couldn’t help but smile when her brother’s booming voice echoed through the room. The tale was about some monster, and Alex’s interpretation had all the weans staring at him with wide eyes. He noticed Loki had made his way over a bit closer so he could hear the story. He was quite sure that Maddie would have told the tale differently, and the weans would probably beg him to read many more books to them in the future if they managed to survive the night without haunted dreams.

Aedan moved over and took the seat next to Jennie. “Your brother is lost without his wife, I see. She has never been sick before?”

“Nay, never. She has the constitution of a horse, and if she is forced to bear any pain, she never lets on. Maddie has been invincible up until now.”

“She’ll get better? ‘Tis not some unknown sickness?”

“Aye, she’ll improve in a few months, after she delivers the bairn. Mayhap this will be their last.”

“She’s increasing? I was unaware.” Aedan stared at Jennie as she kept her gaze fixed on the bairns, her chin resting in her palm as she listened to her brother’s story. If only she would look at him with so much interest. His mind wandered to the conversation he’d had with Neil earlier that day. He’d asked him more about the words lassies wished to hear after he had failed her out near the lists.

The first words out of Neil’s mouth had been, “Trouble with the courtship, Cameron?”

Neil had teased him ruthlessly, but he’d plunged headlong into his endeavor nonetheless. “You said you’d assist me, now ‘tis time to carry through with your offer. What words would she most like to hear?”

“
Most
like to hear?” Neil had indulged in a long snicker, but when he finally answered, his tone was thoughtful. “That you love her, but only if ‘tis true. Do you?”

He was not going to discuss his feelings with Neil. “And what else?”

“That she is beautiful. Ladies like to hear about your feelings.”

Hellfire, how was he supposed to describe his feelings? Should he tell her how much he wanted to sink into her flesh to make her his? How he wanted to bury himself inside her until she cried his name out? Or how he would walk through fire to pleasure her? Would she consider it a compliment if she knew he dreamt of sleeping with her, his nose nestled between her sweet creamy breasts?

Or should he confess to how proud he would be to have her by his side? How her mind excited him? Truth was, he couldn’t wait to look at the stars with her again, to listen to her share her curiosities about the world and her thoughts about his clan and his leadership. But perhaps she wasn’t the least bit interested in any of those things. Maybe it wouldn’t sway her to know he wanted to share his life with her.

He didn’t know what women put in their hair or what aromas they liked. That’s what MacKenzie had talked to her about.

“Aedan?” Jennie touched his hand on the table.

He pulled himself from his thoughts. “My apologies. What did you say?”

“How much longer are you here? Are the problems against your clan resolved? There have been no more attacks?”

Aedan rubbed his neck, wishing she hadn’t reminded him of all the duties he should be addressing instead of losing himself in the sea of freckles that danced across a nose, in the sparkle in her eyes as she watched her brother with the bairns. “Nay, the attacks continue, and I have been informed there is a traitor among my neighbors. ‘Tis now believed one of my friends is paying English warriors to fight my men in the hopes of drawing attention away from himself. ‘Tis probably best if I head back soon.”