The Accidental Highland Hero (The Highlanders #2)

Chapter Sixteen

“My uncle was too intent on making arrangements for Agnes. He had made no betrothal plans for me,”

Eilis said to Catriona, her back stiff as they rode back to Craigly.

Did Eilis truly remember this, James wondered.

“But if he were too busy, how did he come to choose James for you?”

Eilis didn’t hesitate to reply. “James had seen me visiting Fia in Glen Affric. Some of Fia’s kin married into the MacNeill line—you know, his seneschal, Eanruig’s. After James saw me, he wished to consider me as a bride choice.”

James offered a small smile. Eilis was perfect in her role. She would make a bonny wife.

Catriona tilted her chin up, her blue eyes growing as dark as the sky. “And Fia?”

“Aye. If it were not for Fia, James would never have noticed me.”

Catriona frowned at James. “I am sorry for delaying my journey to be with you. My favorite horse had become lame.”

James noted the tone of her voice, as sweet as the honeyed mead he drank and the definite intimation was she wished to be with him, alone. Aye, a romp in his bed, to renew old acquaintances? To prove she still had what he desired?

“I see.”

James didn’t believe she had a favorite horse that was lame. Nevertheless, he realized just how much her delay had bothered him, more than he’d wanted to allow himself to believe. And he realized just how much she was not the one for him. Would she smile at others that visited his abode like she did Keary after she and James were wed? Most likely. Just like his da fawned over other lassies while he was married to his mother.

None of it mattered now.

“When we return to Craigly, will you walk with me in the gardens, James?”

Catriona asked.

“He has already asked me,”

Eilis said. “Although if it rains, he and I will have to find some other means to entertain ourselves.”

The lass was quick. “A game, Eilis,”

James responded. “I have a Norman’s chess game. Have you ever played chess?” Although why he offered was beyond his comprehension. He’d never known a woman who knew how to play.

“I have,”

Catriona said, looking hopeful that he’d ask her instead.

Eilis frowned, and he assumed she didn’t know the rudiments of the game.

“Eilis?”

Although he preferred to best someone who could challenge him, James wished to find any means that he could to spend more time with Eilis before they exchanged vows. “I can teach you, if you have never played, Eilis.”

If the word reached his clansmen that he was teaching the lass the game, he’d never live it down.

“Mayhap I could watch you and Catriona,”

Eilis said.

Catriona gave a smug smile.

“Nay, I insist.”

He just hoped Eilis would catch on quickly as he didn’t wish to embarrass her should she not be able to master the rules.

When they rode into the inner bailey, most of his people had already taken refuge inside the keep, except for a few stalwart men, speaking to each other in the blustery wind. James helped Eilis down from her mount while one of his men helped Catriona.

Eilis gave him an odd look, but she didn’t say a word.

Fia and his mother joined them as soon as they walked inside the keep. Servants scurried to close the shutters over the windows.

“I have asked Father Rivers to stay with us the night. Did you have a nice ride?”

his mother asked, looking from Eilis to Catriona then settling her gaze on James.

He knew she intended he and Eilis wed on the morrow. He had every intention of doing so also. “Cut short by the impending storm, my mother. But Eilis and I shall play a game of chess.”

The strange expression Eilis and Fia shared made him again wonder what the matter was.

“Do you play well?”

his mother asked Eilis while they walked to the solar. “James usually only engages the very best in the game. Niall and Ian tend to challenge him the most. Although Dougald is the only other I know who has bested him.”

James’s stomach tightened.

Eilis’s expression made her appear as though she was concerned. She looked at James as if waiting for him to release her from her nightmare but didn’t say a word in reply to his mother.

He gave Eilis’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I am teaching the lady the rudiments.”

His mother failed to hide a smile. Fia still looked as worried as Eilis.

As if the walls had ears, Niall appeared out of nowhere and grinned at James. “You are teaching the lass chess? This I have got to see.”

James was certain the word would soon spread throughout the keep.

Once he and Eilis were seated at the gaming table in his solar, James carefully explained the rules of the game to her. As they played, he surmised she was either really adept at chess or she already knew it beforehand. Every move he made, she countered with speed and decisiveness.

Before long, several of James’s men joined them and a few ladies also, but everyone watched in silence. Eilis captured a significant number of James’s more important chess pieces, and every time she acquired another, several of his men studying their moves nodded. The room stayed quiet, until she grabbed another of his pieces in triumph. Then a murmur of comments rippled through his men.

Either in absolute awe or dumbfounded, the ladies remained silent. He assumed Fia already knew something of Eilis’s skill. Twice he caught Eilis looking up at him with the most woeful of expressions. Did she fear he’d be angry with her for doing so well?

He loved competing with those who had the ability and competitiveness to wish to beat him. Niall and Eanruig came close, but James had never played a lass before, and, therefore, he’d never thought one could come near to besting him. The idea was so novel he wondered if other lasses were just as gifted. But what puzzled him was whether Eilis had picked up the game that quickly or if she’d known all along how to play.

Yet when he was showing her the rules, not once had she told him she already knew the rudiments of the game. Did she not wish to embarrass him?

He couldn’t figure her out. In fact, everything about the lass intrigued him more. He found his desire to learn everything there was about her growing every minute of every day. Catriona no longer garnered his attention in the least.

He tore his gaze away from Eilis, as she concentrated steadily on her next move, her red-gold curls dangling over her shoulders, which were hunched forward. She made her move.

“Checkmate,”

Niall said, almost as giddy as a wee lad catching his first fish in the loch.

Eilis looked up slowly at James as if she were afraid he’d be angry.

He smiled at his good fortune to find so skillful an adversary, and he had every intention of besting her the next time. He bowed his head in acknowledgement of her prowess. “‘Tis not oft anyone can beat me, Eilis.”

“‘Tis luck, my laird,”

she quickly said.

“Aye, luck.”

But he didn’t believe it at all.

Niall laughed. “If only I had that kind of beginner’s luck.”

Blinking her hardened blue eyes, Catriona crossed her arms. “I thought you did not know how to play.”

Fia stood taller. “She beats all of our clansmen.”

Aye, the truth of the matter then. “Why did you let me think you could not play, Eilis?”

James asked, his voice gentle.

Fia supplied the answer. “The men do not like it that she can best them.”

She shrugged. “But they insist she play again and again when she visits Glen Affric just to see who can until my da makes them stop.”

“I want to match my wits against you next, Eilis,”

Niall said, grinning broadly.

“The lady needs her rest; ‘tis late,”

James countermanded.

Eilis relaxed her tense shoulders. It seemed James had rescued her from his cousin. Besides, James had it in mind that he, not his cousin, would play the nymph again. His pride would not allow otherwise.

James signaled to his people. “Please, leave us. I wish a moment alone with the lady.”

The rest of his people took their leave while his mother said, “Remember the priest.”

She gave him a pointed look then quit the solar.

Catriona glowered at Eilis, turned on her heel, and stalked out of the chamber.

“Think you I would be angry, Eilis, if you beat me at the game?”

James asked.

“All the men I have ever played, except for my da, became angry with me.”

“You played with your da?”

“Aye, he taught me the game.”

“Did you beat him also?”

“Once, but—”

“You could have feigned the inability to play.”

James leaned back in his chair.

“No more than you could, my laird.”

She sighed. “In all seriousness, I see not how your actions will capture Catriona’s heart. You should pursue her instead of me.”

“Nay. You heard my mother. She has invited the priest to stay. We will be wed on the morrow.”

“I must leave here. When my uncle learns I am here—”

“Do not speak further on the subject.”

“I will, my laird. You do not seem to understand how dangerous my uncle can be.”

“He has not promised you but Agnes to Dunbarton.”

James waved aside her concern. “He does not frighten me, lass.”

Eilis’s eyes were round and her voice soft when she spoke. “He frightens me.”

James reached over and took Eilis’s hand, wishing she could understand he would let no harm come to her. “You are safe with me.”

She jerked her hand away. “Catriona is not here to see this, and I must insist you make some effort to court her.”

Unable to fathom why the lass could not see that he would protect her and she had naught to worry about, he narrowed his eyes. “You insist.”

She clenched her hands and glowered back at him. “Aye.”

“You will not dictate to me, lass. You will be mine on the morrow.”

“Your stubbornness will earn you a battle on two fronts, my laird.”

“So be it, Eilis. I would not be honorable if I were to turn you over to either Dunbarton or your uncle. We have an agreement, you and I. And that is what I will honor.”

Eilis eyes filled with tears, and she gave her head a little shake. Without another word, she stood, whipped around, and stormed out of the solar.

Wondering how it happened, James had the distinct impression he’d lost more than a chess game with the lady this eve.

****

Mulling over the conversation he’d had with Eilis during the evening meal, James sat with Eanruig before the fire in his solar following the chess game.

James took a swig of his mead. “If Eilis was offered to Dunbarton as his betrothed, it seems the precious cargo that went down with the ship Dunbarton was waiting on was our very own Lady Eilis.”

“Aye. And as your seneschal, I must advise that offering the lady for your brother and Gunnolf’s release may be enough to earn their freedom.”

James downed the rest of his drink and shook his head. “The lady is not truly Dunbarton’s betrothed. So no, I will not give her up in exchange for my brother. If Dunbarton learned her uncle had deceived him, no telling what he might do to her.”

On the other hand, James was concerned Dunbarton would want the lass anyway, as lovely as she was. But more so than that, because James wanted her also. Would Dunbarton demand concessions from her uncle—for his attempted swindle—in regards to allying against the MacNeills in battle? Most likely. The question then: would her uncle agree to Dunbarton’s terms?

“We have not have time to hear back from the messenger. Think you Dunbarton will want his son back?”

Eanruig asked, breaking into James’s grim ruminations.

“Truly?”

James queried.

Eanruig nodded.

“Nay.”

James stared into the fire. “’Tis only wishful thinking that Dunbarton would change his mind about Keary.”

Niall knocked on the door and poked his head in. “A word, James.”

“Aye, come in.”

Niall stalked in and took a seat. “Lady Akira is distressed that Allison is upset and wishes you would have a word with the lady to ease her concern.”

“I will speak with her. But I am sure I will not ease her discomfort.”

Niall nodded and poured himself a mug of mead. “One of Keary’s companions attempted escape in a keg bound for the village. The gate guard checked it when one of our men discovered Keary’s companion had slipped away.”

“And?”

“He will stay below stairs until you say so, James. Mayhap the others will learn from the example. But the worst of the matter is that Keary found something to write with and penned a missive to his father about Agnes being kept hostage here. I destroyed the missive, but I wanted you to be aware of the trouble Keary is trying to stir up.”

“He knew who she was? Or assumed she was?”

“Seems so. Most likely he overheard something a servant said.”

James considered Niall’s rumpled appearance and the lines under his eyes. He looked as tired as James felt. “If you have no other news, you may retire, Niall. I need you well rested for the morrow.”

“Catriona may try to send word to Dunbarton as well.”

“Aye, you are right. Eanruig, see that none of Catriona’s people leave the grounds until after we hear back from Dunbarton concerning the bargain over his son.”

“Aye.”

Eanruig finished his mead and set the mug down. “I will see you on the morrow.”

“Aye.”

James turned to Niall. “Get some sleep, Niall. No dallying with the lassies tonight.”

Niall smiled. “Since Eilis arrived, I have had no interest. Remember that, should you not wed her. I will gladly take her to wife.”

James rose and slapped Niall on the shoulder. “If she was not already spoken for, I would give her to you. Although I suspect you would have to fight Dougald for her also.”

Niall chuckled and finished his mead. “When it comes to the fairer sex, he would beat me.”

He headed toward his chamber.

James went to speak with Allison, although the hour was late. The guard bowed his head, and James acknowledged him then knocked on the door.

“Aye, yes?”

a lady called out.

“’Tis Laird James wishing to speak to Lady Allison a moment.”

A faint light flared to life in the chamber, and women’s hushed voices filled the air. Then after much time, Allison, very pale of face, opened the door and bobbed a curtsey. “My laird.”

She wouldn’t look at him and watched the rushes at her feet instead.

“What trouble were you in at Brecken Castle, and how was Eilis involved?”

“The lady was mistaken, my laird. I have already told Niall thus.”

“Aye, and the lady’s memory is returning. I would rather hear the truth from your lips before she recalls what had happened. When my brother and Gunnolf return, they will also be able to vouch that you were the one who released them from Dunbarton’s stronghold. Try me, lady, and the situation will only worsen for you.”

The lady’s eyes filled with tears, and he believed his mother would not approve. What had Niall said? His mother wished James to lessen the lady’s discomfort? Then Allison would have to be honest with him first.

She shook her head. “Eilis was wrong.”

“Know you she is MacBurness’s niece?”

Allison’s eyes grew round. He couldn’t tell if she had known who she was then and couldn’t believe he’d found out, or didn’t recognize the name.

“Lady Allison?”

“Nay.”

Allison shook her head vehemently. “I knew only her first name, Eilis.”

He tilted his head back. “I see. So you knew her.”

Allison’s cheeks even seemed paler if ‘twas possible.

“Allison, how did you know her?”

She let out her breath in a tormented way. “A man…a man tried to have his way with me when I went to see to my horse in the stable. The mare was new and nervous. She seemed to enjoy my saying goodnight to her before I retired for the eve. But one night, a man followed me into the stable unbeknownst to me. He…he forced me down hard. I bumped my head and was momentarily dazed. But Eilis heard me squeak and came to my rescue. He…he took her from the stable, and I did not see her again. I had only seen her once before in Lady Anice’s chamber speaking privately with her. She was a pretty girl but terrified of her family. ‘Twas none of my affair, and I was not prone to gossip.”

Allison trembled slightly, and her eyes remained downcast. “I…I wished to know what had become of her after the incident in the stable, but Lady Anice would not speak of it. Only said there had been trouble, and that a cousin had taken Eilis from the grounds. She had no choice. Her uncle wished her returned at once. I never inquired who her uncle was. I was afraid the cousin might have been the one who attacked me in the stable. Still, I feared whoever it was might try again, so I left there, seeking employment here instead. I have never had any trouble here, my laird. I do not wish to leave.”

She hastily brushed away tears.

“What about your connection to Dunbarton?”

She sniffled. “My half brother is one of his men, aye. Since I had lived there as a young girl, but most thought I still served Lady Anice, I was able to slip into the castle, ply the guards with a draught to make them sleep, and free your brother and Gunnolf. None, not even my brother, know I work here. I cannot risk returning.”

“And there is no lady to serve there.”

“Nay, my laird.”

He took a deep breath. “Your secret is safe with me.”

She curtsied, and he left her at her chamber to see Fia. But he would continue to have Allison watched, to ensure she had not lied to him.

****

Furious, Eilis stalked across the guest chamber while Fergus remained outside their chamber door.

“He really cares for you, Eilis.”

Fia put her hands over her heart. “To be Laird James’s wife.”

For James’s sake, Eilis had to leave Craigly. She wouldn’t even hazard being his wife. Why couldn’t he see how dangerous a game he played? Battles on two fronts? He’d never win, not with the difficulties he was already having with Dunbarton and his men even without her uncle’s interference.

She had already fallen in love with James, his mother, his cousin Niall, even his brother Douglas and friend Gunnolf, and the healer Tavia, too. And so many more of his people. Nesta and her gabby ways, and Ian, the sweet lad that he was. Everyone’s well-being was in her hands. She couldn’t be the cause of their downfall.

“James and I have just fought,”

Eilis said to her cousin. “But even if that were not so, what will happen if our uncle learns I am here? He cannot. What if he and the rest of our kin deny I am Eilis? You know they will. Then it will be as before. I will have to wed Dunbarton. I must leave here at once. But I would not wish you to share the same fate as me. Try for James’s hand. Or return home to your family.”

Fia’s brown eyes studied hers then she smiled. “James does not even know I exist. He only wished my presence to learn who you were. So no, I will not return home but journey with you instead. We have had adventures before. I would not wish to be left out of your next one.”

“The door is guarded at night. I have a guard with me at all times when I am not in the guest chambers.”

Fia raised her brows. “And you think His Lairdship is not interested in you? Why not? If he cared naught about you, he would let you leave, not confine you.”

Unsure as to what to do about escaping, Eilis sat down hard on the cushioned bench. “Would your brother aid us?”

“Ha! He would never go against our uncle.”

“‘Tis only a couple of lasses who will,”

Eilis said, disgruntled.

“He is a powerful clan chief.”

“Aye.”

Eilis rested her head on her hands. “I tried to slip past the guard, but he does not sleep on duty.”

Fia walked over to the window and looked out.

“If we had a rope—,”

Eilis said.

“Och, you know how I fear heights.”

“Aye, after you took that tumble down the cliff.”

Eilis sighed. “I already tried to slip through James’s chamber.”

Fia turned and stared at her. “Nay.”

She elongated the word, emphasizing her surprise.

“Aye, I did. Ran right into him.”

Fia’s eyes widened. “Was he…was he dressed?”

Eilis shook her head at her cousin. “Of course he was, Fia.”

“All the way?”

Eilis’s cheeks heated.

“You are blushing. He was not dressed all the way?”

“He wore breeches.”

Eilis had no plans to tell her about the other times.

Fia smiled. “And did he kiss you?”

If Eilis said no, her cousin would know the truth of the matter. Instead, she looked at her embroidery.

“Oh, Eilis, he must marry you if he has compromised you in any way. You must tell me what happened.”

When Eilis wouldn’t speak, Fia smiled at her and touched her arm. “I…I think you love him. ’Tis the best thing that could have happened to you.”

“Nay, ‘tis not,”

Eilis said sharply.

A knock sounded on the door, and both looked in that direction.

“Laird James is here to see Mistress Fia,”

Fergus said.

Eilis swallowed hard. “What does he want?”

she whispered.

Fia patted her arm. “To know more about you, I suspect.”

To Fergus, she called out, “I am coming.”

“You must not say anything.”

“Aye, I will be careful.”

As soon as Fia left the chamber, her eyes wide as she joined James, Fergus shut the door, and James began questioning Fia in earnest. “Tell me what happened when Eilis was at Brecken Castle. About the incident in the stables.”

James drew her away from Eilis’s chamber so she did not overhear their conversation.

“I know naught about it, my laird.”

Fia seemed sincere, bothered even as she glanced back at the chamber and wrung her hands.

“Lady Allison told me about an incident there. Who was the cousin who took Eilis from Brecken Castle?”

“I promise I do not know. Eilis was quiet about what went on in the family. I tried to get her to tell me, curious as I was because her da had been the clan chief before his death. Then her uncle took over. I lived such a simple life on a farm near a village, far from castle life. Yet she loved to be with me, weaving, feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, spinning yarn, anything to get away from our uncle. We have many cousins so I do not know which it would have been. Nor did she ever tell me of a time when she visited Brecken.”

James considered Fia’s sincerity and nodded. “Think you could learn what happened?”

“Most likely, nay. Even if I can help her to remember, she might not wish to speak with me about it.”

“Aye.”

“Can I ask you something, my laird?”

He nodded.

“Do you intend to wed Eilis? She loves you if she has not told you. She fears our uncle more than anyone, but if it were not for that, she would gladly be your wife.”

“Did Eilis put you up to this?”

James asked, although he already knew the answer to his query.

“Nay, my laird.”

Fia smiled. “She would strangle me if she knew I had told you thus. Is that all you wished of me?”

“Aye, lass. Eilis will be my wife. One way or another.”

Fia grinned and kissed him on the cheek. “Praise be to thee, my laird. You will be good for her.”

Then Fia curtseyed and hurried back to the chamber.

James stared after her, wishing tonight when he returned to his bed, Eilis was once again snuggled underneath the covers. Only this time he would know ‘twas her. And he would do more than just kiss the lass’s sweet lips.