The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain (Clans of Mull #2)

Chapter Forty-Two

Meg

Two days after she’d arrived, Meg was in the kitchen working with her sister, learning how to make a fruit tart, when Magni came inside. “Lady MacVey is here to see you, Meg. She’s by the hearth.”

Startled, Meg said a quick prayer that Lennox was hale. She had to hope that nothing had happened to him. After washing and drying her hands, she turned to Tamsin. “Do I look fine? No flour on me anywhere?”

“You look beautiful. I’ll be there in a few moments to join you. I’d be pleased to meet Rut. I’ve heard much about her.”

Meg hurried into the hall, glad to see it was nearly empty so they could speak privately. “Good day to you, my lady. I hope there is naught wrong at your castle. Lennox is hale?”

Rut waved her hand and said, “All is well. Fear not, Meg. Don’t you look lovely today, my dear.”

“My thanks. May I get you a goblet of wine or anything else?”

“I’d love a bit of wine.”

Meg gathered two goblets and handed one to Rut, also handing her a fur for her lap because of the chill in the hall. She decided not to say anything, that Rut would let her know the reason for the visit.

And she was correct.

“My dear, I hope you haven’t decided to stay here with your sister. You would surely be close enough to visit from Dounarwyse Castle. We’d love to have you back where you belong.”

Eight, nine, ten … Her fingers began to tick away the numbers, something she hadn’t done in a while. Thinking carefully before she spoke, she needn’t have worried because Rut had more to say.

“Oh, lass. Forgive me. I know you handfasted, and Lennox misses you terribly. When will you be returning? I’d be happy to hand over some of the duties to you as soon as you arrive.”

“But I don’t know how to do any of the duties…” Fifteen, sixteen …

“Of course you do. Any simpleton could do the job.”

Meg could feel the blush deepening on her face. “I’ve never lived in a castle, my lady. I’m afraid I won’t know what to do at all.”

Rut let out a small gasp. “Forgive me. Of course I knew that.” She stared at Meg for a long time, then said, “You listen to me, young lady.”

Meg wished to yell for her sister to come help her. What was she to do now when the woman was about to holler at her for being a terrible wife to Lennox? Her hands kneaded in her lap, twisting the fabric in and out. Sixty, seventy … Lordy, the woman had her counting by tens.

“Lennox has been a patient man. He has waited for you to come into his life for a verra long time. Countless women have thrown themselves at his feet and he’s ignored all of them. Then you step into his life, and he falls in love with you so hard and so fast.”

“Forgive me…” Her tears were coming, and she wasn’t going to be able to stop them.

“Just a moment. I’m not finished. You may have your say soon enough.” Rut straightened the folds in her skirt. “My son adores you, and I can see why. You have more backbone, more compassion, more wit, more intelligence than any other woman he’s met, and I’ll not allow you to walk away. You’re a beautiful girl who has a strong moral character, one who battles for those who are weaker.” Rut paused to pull a linen square from the fold of her skirt to dab her eyes. “Now, I know you were taken ill, you were forced to travel across half of Scotland, and you even had to battle fools to find Lia, so I understand you needed a rest. You are tough and sweet, yet kind. One who will always stand up for her beliefs and not allow a man to put her asunder.

“One who has the strength of character to run his castle well, to stand by his side, to carry his sons and daughters in her womb and raise them properly. You are everything he’s ever wanted in a wife. He just didn’t know it until he met you.”

Rut stood and looked down at Meg. “Now, when are you going to come home to him? He’s heartsick without you by his side.”

Meg’s tears erupted and she stood, threw her arms around Rut, and hugged her. “Soon, verra soon. Will you promise to help me, my lady?”

“Rut. Call me Rut. Eva and I will both help you. And your sister.” She waved her hand over toward the kitchen door where Tamsin stood with a wide smile on her face. “Surely she will come to visit. You may share holidays. She will not be far.”

Meg wiped her tears and said, “I love Lennox. I’ve been exhausted.”

“I can attest to that, my lady. My sister has been exhausted, sleeping half the days away. I’m Tamsin.”

“Good day to you, Tamsin. I met you, but you were unconscious at the time. What a beautiful lass you are.”

Meg said, “I’d like to send a message home with you to Lennox, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. I’ll head back first thing on the morrow. Take your time.” Then she cupped Meg’s cheeks in her hands and kissed her forehead. “Lass, I’ve been waiting for you as long as Lennox has. Fear not, you will fit in well with our clan and our wee family. Welcome to Clan MacVey.”

Tamsin said, “Come, Rut. I’ll show you to your chamber.”

Meg went to find her writing utensils.

It was time to go home to her husband.

She entered her chamber, searching for what she needed to pen a short note to Lennox. Her heart ached for him in a way she didn’t understand. A knock sounded at the door.

“Enter, if you please.”

Turning around, she was surprised to find Lia there.

“Greetings, my lady. I’m so happy to see you are completely healed now.”

“I am? I guess I am, Lia. I still feel tired.”

“You are going to send a note to someone?”

“Aye, to Lennox.” She sat down, her implements now set on the table.

“I’m glad. You know you and Lennox have two hearts, but you are meant to be one on the same journey. The two of you are one of the reasons I came to the Isle of Mull.”

“But I thought you were Magni’s sister?”

“I told Magni to say that because it is an acceptable explanation to all, but I know you can understand my existence. My purpose is to guide you in the right direction, which was to the bairns and then to Lennox. So, I am here to give you that final push.”

“You came for me? Truly? As a faery?”

“You were part of my instructions. Some people are dealt more than they deserve in this life, so we are sent to change things. To redirect destiny. We cannot do it for you, only guide you. My goal was to help many—you and Lennox, and your sister and Thane, his siblings, their parents, and Magni. Such a group who are all in the same area. So unusual for us to see.”

Meg was so overcome with emotion that she couldn’t speak.

“Angels send you pushes too, but some evil forces are too powerful to overcome. So, you will return to Lennox? His heart belongs with yours.”

“Aye, I love him. But will you go back? I don’t want to lose you, Lia. And if you go, Magni will be devastated.”

“No, I am not finished yet. I have another wee one I must protect. He is not here yet, but he’s on his way. And you are correct. Magni still needs me, and I am happy to fulfill that need for a short while longer.”

Still speechless, Meg stared at Lia who sat with her hands folded demurely in her lap. Within seconds, a green aura surrounded her, as if to convince Meg that she was indeed something special.

“Oh my, Lia. The aura is impressive.”

“I have to stop it most times, but I thought you might enjoy it.” She stood, the aura disappearing. “Now, you need to appear out front. You’re needed there but trust me that the angels will take care of everything for you. And you can put the note aside. Lennox is on his way.”

Magni burst in the door. “The baron is here for you, Meg. Don’t go out. Hide. Thane is arguing for you, says he’ll send him away, but you cannot leave us.” He ran over and wrapped his arms around Meg’s waist. “You saved us.”

Lia said, “Calm down, Magni. I’m sure Thane can handle everything, and if he cannot, I’ll tell you a wee secret. But only if you promise not to scream out there. Thane will handle everything until the others arrive.”

“I promise. I promise. What’s the secret?” Wide-eyed, he hopped from one foot to the other and back again. “Lia, tell me, please. The baron has at least a score of men out there coming for Meg. Who are the others? When are they going to get here? Meg can’t leave me. I’ll cry.”

Lia leaned forward. “There are many men coming.”

“More men for the baron? How many more?”

“Nay, not the baron’s men. Lennox and the MacVey guards and your grandfather are all coming with the Grant guards.”

“Grandsire Logan! I love him.” Magni whirled and ran out the door, yelling behind him. “Come on, Meg! You too, Lia.”

Meg looked to Lia, gave the wee lass a hug, then asked, “Lennox is on his way?”

Lia nodded, taking her by the hand and leading her outside.

Meg followed her down the steps and met Tamsin and Rut at the door. Tamsin said, “Meg, please do not go out there. Those men remind me of Raghnall. I can’t lose you again.”

She turned to her sister and said, “I must go. I refuse to go with that man, so fear not. I have faith that this will put an end to the baron’s threats. I will not marry him.” Then she looked to Rut and squeezed her hands. “I have a husband whom I love dearly. I belong with Lennox.” Then she squared her shoulders and headed out the door of the keep toward the gates.

Rut and Tamsin followed, Rut wearing a wide grin. “She’s the one for him, Tamsin. I’m telling you that. She’s lovely in that blue gown. The baron will drool over her.” She grinned and squeezed Tamsin’s arm. “Naught like a wee bit of jealousy to force my son to be decisive.”

Meg stopped in the courtyard, a short distance from the gates, watching as the two men bantered about her life, making decisions for her as if she were but a bairn in her mother’s arms. She strode over to the bridge, but Thane waved her back.

Tamsin tugged on her sleeve. “Meg, don’t go. If you get close enough, he’ll have his men grab you, throw you in the boat. Men can be horrid that way.”

“Nay, Tamsin. This is my life, and he doesn’t have the right to decide for me. I don’t want him and won’t marry him.”

She was not a child. Why did they not understand that? Tears misted her gaze, but she fought them back, thinking of the one person she loved with all her heart.

Lennox MacVey.

Now that she’d stepped away from him, she knew his value. Knew she loved him. Knew he was the only man she’d ever allow in her life. Why had she left him? If he were here, surely he could find a way to get rid of this derelict.

She had to believe that Lia told the truth and Lennox was on his way. Until he arrived to offer her assistance, she would stand tall as a woman who would make her own decisions. Marry whom she wished, live where she chose. No old man was going to order her around.

The baron shouted to her, “Margret, you will come here right now. I paid for you, and you belong to me. I will have my men carry you here if you do not do as I tell you to do immediately.”

Tamsin gasped, whispering to her sister. “I never liked that name Margret. You’re a Meg.”

His men continued to walk across the beach, exiting their boats with their paltry weapons, forming a semicircle behind the baron.

“I’m not going to marry you, my lord,” she said in as loud a voice as she could.

She could almost hear the man grit his teeth. “Your opinion does not matter. You will bear me the heirs I was promised if I have to lock you in a chamber until you’ve given me the three lads pledged to me.”

“I did not promise you anything. I will not marry you.” She took two steps forward and lifted her chin. “I’ve already committed myself to another.”

“Then that will be annulled. The one who owns you made me an oath, and I expect it to be honored. Just stop talking, Margret. Your words have no bearing on this conversation. This is between men. Your job is to follow instructions.”

She didn’t know what else to say, but the baron’s attention wavered, turning to the side as a group of horses came down the path.

Lennox approached, a line of guards behind him, quite regal in their green plaids, looking far more impressive than the unsightly baron standing in front of her. Could Lennox discourage the baron?

“Who the hell are you?” the baron bellowed.

“I’m Meg’s protector. Chieftain of Clan MacVey, the name is Lennox.”

“I will be her protector as her husband,” the baron growled.

Lennox laughed and said, “She’ll never be yours. She handfasted with me. Meg does not wish to marry you. I heard her tell you so twice.”

Meg’s heart swelled listening to the man she loved defend her. Would the baron listen?

“Handfasting,” the baron said, spitting off to the side. “A practice used by savages that won’t stand up in the English courts. You’re a bigger fool than she is, whoever you are. You Scots do not intimidate me.” He made a motion for his men to cross over to the other side of the moat. “Bring her to me.”

Lennox moved his horse in front of the bridge, and Thane joined him. Their two horses were wide enough to keep anyone from crossing.

Meg’s hands began to sweat because she wished this to be over, and she surely did not want anyone hurt because of her. But she would not go with the baron. The way his eyes raked over her body made her feel dirty, unsavory. Eighty-one, eighty-two, eighty-three … Her fingers ticked away, but her sister reached over to still her. Meg glanced at Tamsin, so beautiful and strong, a testament to how much a woman could bear. Her sister was an inspiration.

Lennox’s men surrounded the baron’s men, though he was so pompous, it didn’t seem to faze him. “Do as you wish. I’m not leaving without her.”

“I’ll return your coin, but she’s not going with you. She’s much too intelligent for you.” Lennox dismounted, his hand now on his weapon’s hilt.

The baron laughed, throwing his head back. “You have not seen her with her hands in the dirt pulling weeds like I have. She’s a woman, and women’s brains are smaller than men’s. Everyone knows that.”

Lennox’s sword came unsheathed so quickly that Meg jumped. “That is my wife you are insulting.”

“You know nothing of her. She’s half daft and will service me well. I have my king’s writ giving her to me. Hand her over or my men will attack, killing anyone who tries to stop me. Margret, get yourself over here. Do as I say or pay the price for your insubordination to your master.”

Lennox moved closer until the point of his sword was at the baron’s throat. “You will apologize for insulting her. Meg, not Margret, is the most intelligent and caring woman I have ever met. She has an uncanny understanding of how to deal with bairns and warriors alike. You are not worthy of eating the crumbs that fall from her bread.”

The baron said, “Bertram, get my betrothed so we can be on our way.”

The thunder of horse hooves echoed from both sides of MacQuarie Castle, and Lennox let his sword fall from the baron’s neck. A sea of red plaids surrounded the baron and his men, a sea that kept coming and coming, a few blue plaids mixed in.

Alasdair and Alaric led the charge of guards. Alasdair said, “I believe you were told to leave MacQuarie land, and we’re here to escort you.”

The baron glared at the man, then headed across the bridge, pushing everyone out of his way. “I’ll get the fool myself.”

He shoved at Lennox’s horse, an act that caused his beast to dance. As Lennox was forced to calm his horse first, the daft fool was able to get past him, but once Lennox had the beast settled, he chased after him and grabbed the baron from behind, throwing him to the ground. He set his foot on the man’s chest and placed his sword at his throat. “You will not touch my wife.”

“Fine. You may have her. She’s just another whore to me.” He glared at Meg, his fists clenching by his side.

Lennox stepped back, making sure Meg was still behind him, when he allowed the man to his feet, though it was a trial. Once the baron finally made it to standing, his face was reddened and swollen, but he said nothing. He turned and headed toward the beach, and the group broke apart.

As soon as Lennox turned toward Meg, he caught the lying bastard out of the corner of his eye. The baron whirled and ran straight for Meg, a dagger held high enough to strike her heart.

Lennox swung his sword and cut off the man’s hand.

“You fool! Look what you’ve done!” The baron held up his arm, then grabbed the end in a futile attempt to stem the flow of blood. “Help me, Bertram!” His scream echoed across the area as he fell to his knees in agony.

A man appeared at de Wilton’s side, removing his coat to wrap around the baron’s bleeding stump, but it was too late. He’d lost too much blood, enough for him to crumple to the ground. Bertram barked orders at two other men who came along to lift him and carry him back to his galley.

Meg heard one soldier ask another, “Shouldn’t we attack since he attempted to kill the baron?”

“Apparently, you haven’t noticed the number of warriors and warhorses around us. If you’d like to commit suicide, then please do attack, but not until I can get away, fool.”

The English cavalry returned to their boats, and when Lennox was certain it was safe, he turned around, his gaze scanning the area just as a lovely figure flew across the bridge. Meg launched herself at Lennox and buried her face in his shoulder, clinging to him. The baron was gone forever, if she were to guess. “I’m so glad you came. I was penning you a note to come for me just before the baron arrived.” She tipped her head back to look at him. “I’ve missed you so much. You are the other half of my heart, Lennox MacVey. We belong together.”

Lennox dropped his weapon and wrapped his arms around Meg, taking in her sweet scent, then kissed her. “I love you, Meg. Come home with me, please. Marry me. Make it official with the church?”

“Aye,” she said, grinning from ear to ear. “Naught would make me happier.”

She swore she heard someone clapping behind them again.