The Accidental Highland Hero (The Highlanders #2)

Chapter Four

James barely had time to question his seneschal further about the lass when his mother approached. Thinking she had some word about the shipwrecked lass, he waited for his mother to speak. Her brown eyes sparkled, and her lips curved slightly upward, making him think his mother had good news. Yet her cheerfulness seemed subdued.

When she did not speak but wrung her hands, he frowned. Her actions were not what he wished to see. “She is a Dunbarton?”

he fairly roared.

Several servants carrying fresh rushes into the hall stopped and watched him.

His mother shook her head. “She says nay. Her name is Eilis, which I believe.”

James thought about her name. Eilis. A good Irish name and since the MacNeill clan originally came from Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland in 379, the name suited the lass.

“And the clan she hails from?”

“She remembers it not.”

James didn’t believe it for a minute. How could a woman know some things and not others? “And you believe her?”

“Aye. I have an idea, my son.”

The glitter in her eyes told him she was up to some match-making mischief.

“What is it that you have in mind, my mother?”

“Until the lady has recovered and we can return her to her people, why not have her ‘serve’ as an enticement to Catriona to see you? Eilis is a lovely lass. Mayhap Catriona needs a nudge to encourage her to come forthwith?”

James considered his mother’s devious smile. “Aye, she might be jealous to learn I am considering another lass to wed.”

“Aye, you get my meaning. Send a messenger to inquire as to Catriona’s health and have him remark, perchance, about lovely Eilis, who is brazenly attempting to catch your eye. I would think Catriona would mount her swiftest horse and find out who the lady is. Although to ensure Catriona does not know her, have the messenger describe Eilis’s beauty, but he must not reveal her name or clan’s name.”

“Which we know not anyway.”

“Aye.”

“I like this idea of yours.”

His mother again smiled, and he wondered why his father sought mistresses to pleasure him up until the time of his death instead of loving James’s charming mother.

“I fathom fair Catriona will be here without delay,” she said.

James leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Here I thought you were trying to get me to commit to Eilis.”

“Eilis indeed.”

His mother laughed. “She is too much for you to handle.”

James frowned. He did not think the lass too much for him to handle one whit. “Niall has not put you up to this, has he?”

“Think you he is interested in the lass?”

The unbridled amusement on his mother’s face indicated she already knew it was so.

“Aye, I know he is.”

“Nay, he did not put me up to this as you say, James. But I believe Catriona is delaying the marriage because she thinks you have nay other choice but her. ‘Tis a game she plays. See if you become desperate enough to force the issue. Eilis is bonny enough that she should make Catriona think twice about the way she is treating my son.”

“But what if the ruse angers Catriona, and she refuses me?”

“Then she is not the one for you.”

“I am not interested in my distant cousin.”

He glanced in the direction of the stairs that led to the chamber. “What about Eilis? Will she go along with this?”

“I will speak to her and ask if she will play the game. ‘Tis the least she can do for us for providing her shelter for a few more days.”

Not one to play games, James wasn’t overmuch interested in the prospect. But if it would force Catriona to see him, it was worth a try. “Aye. I shall send a messenger at once.”

But the business concerning his brothers also still troubled him. He motioned to Eanruig. “What news have we of my brothers?”

“Nary a word, my laird. Mayhap they are already enroute from Brecken Castle. Or possibly they are still trying to solve the mysteries there.”

“Send a messenger to Brecken. I wish to know if I can rely on my brothers’ help or not.”

James knew his brothers would help him anytime he needed their assistance, which meant something must have gone wrong.

****

Early that evening while melting tallow scented the bedchambers and the flicker of candlelight cast shadows against the bare stone walls, Eilis stared at Lady Akira, not believing she understood the lady correctly. She had never heard anything so absurd in all her life, although in truth she still couldn’t recall her past. The very idea she would have to pretend to care for James in an attempt to make his real intended envious seemed ludicrous.

She looked at the healer, Tavia, who gave her a slight smile. Turning to Lady Akira, Eilis folded her arms. “I thank you for your kindness and generosity in taking care of me after I nearly drowned, but I do not see how acting smitten with His Lairdship will aid him in obtaining Catriona’s hand. ‘Tis folly I wager to believe this. I would more than likely anger her instead and ruin His Lairdship’s chance with her.”

“Worry not your bonny head, dear,”

Lady Akira responded. “You just play your part well. Act the adoring lass, besotted with the laird of the manor. Should be easy to do as handsome as James is, and the fact he is chief should help also. The better you play your part, the sooner James will marry. The clan will forever be in your debt.”

“His Lairdship can barely abide me. How can I act infatuated with him when he only returns scowls?”

“He will be well-studied in returning your simple gestures of affection. Never fear. As soon as Catriona arrives, the game shall be a success. In the meantime, you and James shall practice the deception.”

Lady Akira patted Eilis’s hand. “I have to ready some of my daughter’s gowns. They should fit you well. I will have a maid fetch threads and material so that you may embroider while you stay with us once you feel well enough.” She touched Eilis’s head. “Your fever has abated, but I worry about you taking a ride just yet. Mayhap a short stroll in the garden with His Lairdship would suffice for now.”

Eilis’s stomach twisted into knotted hemp. She didn’t think any man had ever attempted to “woo”

her, even if it wasn’t really the laird’s true intention. Yet, she hadn’t a clue as to what to do. Had her da made sure no clansman ever approached her? What if she were betrothed to someone important? He’d want James’s head.

****

Early the next morning, Dougald MacNeill glanced at Gunnolf, blond-haired and bearded, brilliant blue eyes, looking like one of the Viking warriors who had landed in Scotland some years earlier as they now made their way to his home at Craigly Castle.

Gunnolf had served as James’s bodyguard until he became laird of Craigly Castle, and Dougald and his brothers sought English brides with lands to make their own. Now Gunnolf served Dougald, though he never thought of the Norseman as anything but the best of friends, in many respects like a brother.

“Has Malcolm sent word ahead, telling Laird James he has married Lady Anice?”

Gunnolf asked.

Dougald shook his head.

Gunnolf grunted. “He will not be pleased that you are the only one returning to aid him against the raiding Dunbarton.”

“Malcolm had to stay behind to protect his bride from the Robertson Clan who still seek her head. Angus will not be able to use his sword arm for a fortnight after the clash with Lady Anice’s enemies. Besides, you make up for our fewer numbers.”

‘Twas oft said Gunnolf shared the berserker traits of his forefathers. He could kill four men for every one Dougald or any of his brothers put down. ‘Twas good the Norseman was on their side.

“What about Lady Akira?”

Aye, his mother would have a fit to learn Malcolm had taken a wife without a word to her. Her first son finally married and to the cousin of Queen Matilda at that. He had done himself proud, despite the trouble he could have gotten himself into over the matter. Well and had gotten into.

Dougald smiled to himself. ‘Twas he who normally got himself into a mess with the ladies, not any of the rest of his brothers.

“I will tell my mother the situation when we arrive.”

Gunnolf slowed his horse. “All of it?”

Dougald shook his head. “Nay all of it, although I will give a full accounting to James. He would appreciate a good laugh.”

“He will not believe the saga.”

Dougald chuckled. “I still do not believe it myself.”

The men had kept a wary eye out for thieves and Dunbarton’s men on the way home, but when they reached the MacNeill clan border near dark, Dougald finally relaxed a bit in the saddle.

But the relief he felt at reaching his clan’s border instantly vanished when they spied Dunbarton clansmen rustling sheep in the distance.

Neither Gunnolf nor Dougald said a word but unsheathed their swords. They were outnumbered six to one, but they would not allow this affront to MacNeill sheepherders and to James’s good name. If they went for help, the Dunbarton clansmen would already have stolen the sheep and been safely away.

With the MacNeill’s mighty battle cry, Dougald shouted, “Buaidh Na Bas!”

“Aye, to conquer or die!”

Gunnolf echoed.

They galloped toward the raiders, intending to stop the thieves anyway that they could.

****

Tavia helped dress Eilis in a pale blue gown with a girdle of dark blue fabric criss-crossing her bodice in the fashion that showed off a lady’s curves. After attaching a gold belt, Tavia stood back and admired Eilis. “Aye, my lady, ye are bonny indeed. Niall will surely be taken with you.”

Tavia opened the door to the guest chambers, paused then crossed the room to a chest.

“Niall? I thought His Lairdship was the one whose eye I was to catch.”

Eilis finished plaiting her hair.

The woman choked on laughter and pulled a gold brooch out of the chest. “His Lairdship is too hard to please. ‘Tis Niall who speaks of you every hour of the day.”

“Then this shall be an interesting game. I have nay interest in His Lairdship, and he has none in me.”

“Is that so, Eilis?”

James stood in the entryway, filling it as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms folded across his broad chest, one dark brow raised in question.

His dark eyes studied her reaction as much as she tried to slow down her hastily beating heart. She wanted to melt into the rushes. Her face felt so hot, she was sure the fever had returned.

Tavia quickly curtsied to His Lairdship then grinned.

“Can you manage a walk in the gardens, Eilis, or are you feverish again? Your cheeks are positively crimson.”

Her mouth dropped. She didn’t believe she had ever been so overwhelmed by a man’s beauty, the way he carried himself so regally, or observed her like she was his for the taking. ‘Twas only a ruse they were to play, yet the way he looked at her, well, Lady Akira did say he would be well conversed in how he was to handle her to make it seem as though they were smitten with each other. But the look of pure lust that filled his expression made her heart flutter wildly like a caged bird.

Now she really didn’t believe she could do this.

“I can manage a brief walk, my laird.”

James eyes sparkled with mirth. He held out his arm, and after she rested her hand on his sleeve, he walked her down the stairs. She tried to ignore the way touching him heated her thoroughly. They were fully clothed, for heaven’s sakes. But it was the long looks he gave her, like he was ready to devour every inch of her, that sent a ripple of tension down her spine.

How could she pretend to care for someone she didn’t know, who had earlier scowled and spoken to her angrily? She was certain she would have a devil of a time attempting to play his intended false.

Yet, the way her body reacted to his professed interest in her unnerved her. ‘Twas a sign no one had ever courted her, or she wouldn’t feel so…so lightheaded with the way he watched her. She would have to keep her wits about her if she was to pull this off.

James couldn’t believe how beautiful the lass was dressed in the elegant gowns befitting the queen herself. ‘Twas his duty to look at her like a besotted dolt, yet the pleasure he felt in observing the lass, made it all the more easy to feign interest. She moved like an angel, gliding down the steps, her narrow hips swaying slightly, the movement of her skirt rustling, her hand feather light on his arm. She had the bearing of a fine lady and would give Catriona a good deal of competition. Except that he had no knowledge of who Eilis truly was, and he would exercise no true interest in her, except to attempt this pretense.

He recalled the look on her face, flushed with embarrassment when he had overheard her comment in the guest chamber.

Then this shall be an interesting game. I have nay interest in His Lairdship, and he has none in me.

Yet, he did not believe she was uninterested in him. Not the way she had challenged him earlier with her entrancing eyes. Although for now, she avoided looking at him and seemed much more demure. Had the fever, mayhap being delirious, emboldened her? And now that the fever had passed, she was like so many of the other women he had considered in marriage, afraid of him, unable to measure up?

He sighed deeply. ‘Twould not be soon enough before Catriona arrived.

His mother and Eanruig watched from the first floor of the keep, as if he was leading his bride to the feast after the celebration. He was only taking a walk with the lass, naught more. He wished his people wouldn’t insinuate further than that.

They walked outside into the inner bailey where the blacksmith pounded a sword on an anvil, sending sparks flying and stone masons worked on the south wall, heaving the heavy stones in place. But everyone stopped what they were doing to watch His Lairdship walking with the lady, an unusual sight for him to be sure, but they need not be so obvious about it.

Eilis seemed mortified, staring straight ahead, looking at no one, as if terrified to see what they thought. Was it so bad to be seen with him?

Aye, she said she had no interest in him, yet, he had observed the way she looked at him with those sea green eyes of hers. He intrigued her, even if she tried to deny it. Unless, she was truly a Dunbarton and was afraid he would discover the truth.

He took a deep breath. If she did not quit acting so afraid of him, the ruse would not be a success when Catriona arrived. “Have you regained any of your memories, Eilis?”

“Nay.”

Her answer was not what he wished to hear. Walking her into the herb gardens, he asked, “Have you found everything to your liking here?”

“Aye.”

Och, if she did not help with the conversation at all, he could not suffer another moment with her.

“Does it truly distress you to be putting on this charade, lass?”

“I…”

She looked up at him, her eyes misty with tears. “I…I have never been courted before…I do not think.”

For a moment, he stared at her in surprise then he couldn’t help smiling. “Ah, that is the only difficulty.”

He had to remind himself she might still be wed, or that men might have courted her, but that she couldn’t remember. Still, the notion he might be the first filled him with a sense of intrigue.

Her innocence was refreshing—since ladies oft made their interest in him known, although for many he had no intention of dallying with the likes of them—but she did not push herself on him like the others did. She neither batted her eyelashes nor gave him winsome smiles designed to solicit his interest. That was what intrigued him most about her, he thought.

“Mayhap I can help your memories return.”

He motioned to the variety of flowers blooming in the garden. “Which, if any of these, is your favorite?”

She pulled away from him, knelt beside creeping ladies tresses, and touched the creamy white petals. Her golden red hair swept the flowers, and she looked as pretty as any of the varieties blooming there. “The sweet scent of the blossoms and the way the flowers look like ladies’ braided hair is why I like these the best.”

She waved at purple heather planted nearby. “And the flowers of the heather also.” Looking up, she smiled like the sun sparkled on a clear blue loch, refreshing and inviting. “I think I like all flowers, my laird.”

He couldn’t help but smile back, which made him realize it had been many months since he had felt so lighthearted. “Call me James, lass.”

She rose to her feet and clutched her hands. “I fear our plan will cause trouble with your Catriona. I have already told your mother this, but she would not listen.”

He shrugged and tried to sound as nonchalant as he could. “Then I shall seek another lady’s hand in marriage.”

But it was his most fervent desire Catriona would quit this foolishness and agree to marry him.

Reaching out to Eilis, he pulled her hands apart. Her eyes widened, but she did not step back. He leaned over and brushed his lips against hers, not sure why. Mayhap to see her reaction, to judge whether their ruse with Catriona would succeed.

‘Twas the most chaste of kisses, although even so, he feared her refusal or quick rebuke. Neither occurred, and when he pulled away from her velvet mouth, she leaned forward as if expecting more.

‘Twas not at all what he anticipated, and his lips curved up.

Was she more well-versed in dalliances than he had at first presumed? Yet, there was something innocent and na?ve about her reaction. Mayhap a ruse as well? He had known women to act one way and feel another.

Did she truly fear for her life if he should learn she was a Dunbarton?

Taking a deep, settling breath, he put space between them. She didn’t look shyly away but studied him with widened eyes. Even with such an unpresuming kiss, she had started a slow burn deep inside him. He reminded himself ‘twas only the fact he had left the lassies alone for a fortnight, readying himself to take a wife to the marriage bed that sparked his desire for the lass.

His lips curved up at the sight of her, the silky strands of hair fluttering against her cheek, her skin flushed like a blushing bride, and her eyes darkened. Whatever clan she was from, she was remarkably attractive.

He reached up and touched her hair, remembering the way it looked splayed upon the pillow in the chamber adjoining his. She tilted her chin up, her eyes challenging him to go further, yet her hands clung together again in a death grip. She didn’t reach out in an attempt to force his hand, to get him to partake in more. No, this one was innocent all right.

He should have left off where he had begun until he knew which clan the lass belonged to, but what harm would it do to kiss her once more?

Cupping her face, he leaned down and kissed her again, only meaning to press his mouth against hers more firmly, naught more. But when her fingers tentatively touched his waist, the notion concerning which clan she belonged to and the fact she was probably an untried maiden were tossed asunder. Instantly, he deepened the kiss, wishing to plunder the lady from the sea, his treasure, his find. He expected her to swoon, or step back, or slap his face, but she parted her lips and gave a soft mew.

‘Twas his undoing as his trewes tightened uncomfortably. And again, he had the incredible feeling he knew her. He moved his hands to her shoulders in case she became faint while he pressed his advantage.

‘Twas he who was shocked when she gave into his probing tongue and mated tentatively with his. Her lashes brushed her cheeks, hiding her eyes while her fingers clung to his waist. Aye, she was ready to swoon, the beat of her heart rapid and wine-sweetened breath shallow.

If she had been one of his usual conquests, a lass who wished a quick romp and no attachments, they would have been naked and buried in the fragrant flowers already. Seemed strange to be with a lass, plying her with kisses, wanting to take his actions further, but knowing he could not, even if she wished it so.

She did not know who she was, whether she was betrothed or widowed, or in love with another man, who her family’s clan was, naught much at all. He would not take advantage of the lass.

Separating from the kiss that left him agonizing for much more, he again stepped away from her, his own breathing just as ragged.

Her cheeks flushed anew, and after looking at him with a mixture of fascination and surprise, she finally had the good grace to look demurely away. ‘Twas more than disturbing to feel so hot and bothered for a lass he had no intention of bedding. Catriona’s arrival and getting this charade over with would not be accomplished soon enough.

He took the lady’s arm and walked her farther along the garden path, waiting for her to say something, expecting small talk but having only silence.

“What think you, lass?”

he finally asked to break up the insufferable silence stretching between them.

“You are well versed in kissing lassies.”

This bit of witticism brought a smile to his lips. Her cheeks again blossomed with color. Was she thinking he had gone farther with the others? She would think right. With an eager lass, he would have made sure they were somewhere private before the kissing began. ‘Twas only natural what would follow.

“May I ask you a personal question?”

Her voice was very small, mayhap a little reluctant.

He couldn’t wait to hear her query. “Aye, ask away.”

“Do you kiss Catriona the same way?”

Her gaze snagged his.

What could he say to that? Catriona had buried her first husband at the age of six and ten. She had not given up men for the last four years of her life, pretending to be the sweet, grieving widow languishing for her dead husband. ‘Twas an arranged marriage, and she had even lured James to her bed on occasion when her old husband had been away.

That’s why James presumed Catriona would do sufficiently as his wife. She was well-versed in pleasuring a man. Taking an eager woman to bed was much more satisfying than bedding a lassie who was not, he assumed.

“I see by the smile on your face ‘tis so,”

Eilis said.

Emotions fluttered across her face, but he couldn’t tell what they were exactly—condemnation, fascination, envy?

She didn’t know him and wished to escape from her captivity here. Why would she feel anything about his relations with Catriona at all? He had never understood the female mind. Even with Catriona he thought as good in bed together as they were and because of being the chief of his clan, she would jump at the chance to be his betrothed.

‘Twas his duty, though to consider other Highlander’s daughters. No, more than duty. ‘Twas necessary to keep the clans from taking offense should he have not considered other leaders’ daughters. Now he had done so, and Catriona was the one to receive the prize. She should have been more than pleased.

“I…I do not think I have ever been kissed before.”

James brought her to an abrupt halt. “Your memories are returning?”

She touched the tip of a slender finger to her full lip and stroked it like he wished to do with his tongue. “I think I would have remembered.”

“Did my kiss give you pleasure then?”

He had no need to know the answer to his question. He wasn’t sure why he even asked. Mayhap because he might have been her first and wished to know if he met with her expectations or exceeded them. And why it should have mattered was another point he didn’t wish to consider too closely.

Footsteps approached, and they both turned to see one of his men hurry into the garden. Ian bowed quickly. “I beg your pardon, my laird, for, ahem, interrupting you, but Niall wished me to bring this to you at once.”

“Aye, what is the matter, Ian?”

“My laird, the lady of Castle Craven sends a missive.”

His heart pounding, James ripped open the parchment and took a relieved breath. “Catriona is coming this way in just two day’s time. Splendid.”

He took Eilis’s small hand in his. “We have much work to do, lass, if we are to pull this off. But first, we must decide on a clan name for you. The situation would be odd not to have one in mind when Catriona comes to call. But we can think on the matter later. ‘Tis time to break our fast. You shall sit by me and tell me all the foods that you favor.”

Two days. In so much time, he hoped the lass and he could learn enough about each other to play the game. Two days. The time left would have to suffice then Catriona would no doubt give up her procrastination and accept his hand in marriage.

Ian waved another missive. “And this came also, my laird. The missive is from Eanruig.”

James read the message, his blood boiling. More sheep had been stolen near the MacNeill border. Blood littered the heather, and the plants trampled mightily as if a mighty battle had been waged. None of the MacNeill living nearby had seen or heard anything because they had been attending a wedding feast in one of the villages too far away. And none of the clansmen were missing. Eanruig surmised it would not have been the sheep’s blood because the raiders liked to keep the meat on the hoof until they needed it.

The situation was more than strange. Particularly since no bodies were left behind. Although if the Dunbartons had lost a man or two, they would have taken their wounded or dead with them. Still, who had fought them if none of his own people had died, been injured, were missing, or owned up to fighting the Dunbartons?

Intending to discover more about the situation, he kissed Eilis’s hand and led her back to her chamber. He had meant to stay with her longer and learn more about her, but Dunbarton was wreaking havoc on his lands once more, and James would stand for none of it. The time had come to discover what had happened at the Macneill lands bordering Dunbarton’s again.

****

Like before, James and his men could find no sign of anyone along his boundary with Dunbarton’s. Although he questioned his people again, they all offered the same story. None were in the area when the thieving occurred. Unsure as to what to think of the situation, James and the party returned to Craigly Castle to partake of the supper.

By the time James and Eilis sat at the high table overlooking the rest of the tables set up in long rows stretching outward from the dais that eve, the sconces were lighted, and the smell of tallow filled the hall.

Lady Akira gave Eilis a gracious smile and took her seat next to her while James sat on the other side of her. “We have good news, aye? That Catriona will soon be here?”

Lady Akira asked.

Eilis didn’t think it was good news, rather, that she could not pull this off. And what was more, she kept feeling it was the second time she’d had to live such a lie. But as much as she tried to recall the circumstances of her past life, she came up empty.

“My son says we must come up with a clan name to make your own.”

“MacNeill,”

Eilis said quickly. She thought she had heard the MacNeill were an affable lot, though she remembered hearing they were thought of as being prideful. She didn’t think her clan had ever had any trouble with them.

“MacNeill,”

she repeated, hoping God wouldn’t strike her down for lying. Mayhap MacNeill was her clan name after all. She just could not remember.

Lady Akira’s mouth dropped slightly, and she glanced at James. James’s mouth hung agape as well.

The situation was not good.

“You have remembered your clan’s name, then?”

Lady Akira asked, frowning.

“Aye, my lady.”

Although Eilis was certain the name did not bode well with James and his mother, she couldn’t think of a way to get herself out of the quandary she was now in.

Lady Akira seemed to ponder the notion then asked, “Where from?”

“Glen Affric.”

Eilis knew the area well enough, having spent many a summer with a cousin there. And why she knew that, but not the name of the cousin? The gaps in her memories bewildered her, yet as hard as she tried, she could not fill in the details of her past life. Why did she remember Glen Affric so well?

If she visited a cousin there in the summers, it must not have been her home. Why could she not remember her home?

“Glen Affric. Hmmm, that is very interesting, my dear. My other sons are there, helping the Lady Anice of Brecken Castle. Know you her?”

Lady Akira lifted a piece of brown bread and buttered it.

Eilis gulped. James had family there. ‘Twas not good. “Aye, everyone in the area knows of the lady. She is known to be kind to those who serve her.”

And again, she couldn’t fathom why she could recall Lady Anice of Brecken Castle, but not her family’s name.

“Have you served her?”

Lady Akira asked, her brows lifted. “Do you have word of my sons?”

“I…I have not been back there for sometime, I do not think. And I do not know anything much about her except…”

She frowned, trying to dredge up the elusive memory. “Her uncle died, and she became King Henry’s ward.”

“Aye, ‘tis true. Know you, Eilis,”

Lady Akira said, her words said deliberately slow, “we are of the Clan MacNeill?”