Lady and the Scot, Moriag Series, Book 3 Read online

  Lady and the Scot

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing, Augusta, Georgia 2014

  Lady and the Scot

  Amazon Bestselling Author

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Cover Artist: Robin Ludwig Design Inc.

  Editor: Tina Winograd

  Copyright Hildie McQueen 2014

  ISBN: 9781939356307

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

  If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  The McDougalls, Highland Historical Novellas

  Highlander's Captive

  Seducing Her Laird

  Enticing Her Highlander

  Ravished by the Laird

  In the Warrior's Arms

  Highlander Unkilted Anthology

  Moriag Series, Highland Historical Novellas

  Beauty and the Highlander

  The Lass and the Laird

  Lady and the Scot

  The Laird's Daughter*

  Fords of Nashville

  Even Heroes Cry

  The Last Hero

  Her Hero*

  Nobody's Hero*

  Heading West Series, Western Historical

  Where the Four Winds Collide

  Westbound Awakening

  Where the River Flows*

  Historical Western, Shades of Blue Series

  Big Sky Blue

  A Different Shade of Blue

  The Darkest Blue

  Every Blue Moon

  Blue Horizon

  Montana Blue

  * Not published as of this publication

  Dedication

  I have a beautiful life, filled with amazing friends and family. I dedicate this book to my wonderful Street Team members, McQueen's Moonlighters. Thank you for your constant support.

  Chapter One

  Moriag Forest, in the Northeast Highlands of Scotland

  Just before he loosed his arrow, the buck jumped and dashed away. The day of hunting had become a total waste of time. Aiden Stuart let out a big huff and slapped his leg in frustration.

  "A restless man is a dangerous thing," his friend Ian McRainey of Gordon clan stated as they crouched behind trees and bushes waiting for another shot at prey. "You have yet to stop fidgeting. They hear all the noise you make." Ian put down his bow and stared at him. "Do you starve every winter?"

  He gave the man a droll look. "It could be the blinding shine from your golden tresses keeping the beasties away."

  Ian was right of course. This life of leisure was excruciatingly boring. If there were such a thing as death by boredom, he was close to it. Of all people, Ian would understand. The seasoned warrior, who now lived in Moriag with the new laird, Declan Gordon, had to be having trouble adjusting to life in a place where peace reigned for decades.

  Aiden's small keep to the south of Laird Gordon's lands made them neighbors. Often, he joined Ian and Declan for outings to hunt or visit the townspeople. But this day it was just him and Ian hunting. The Gordon had his hands full now that his wife, Aiden's sister, had given birth to their first child. A boy.

  "Mayhaps I should take to the sea again. I miss my life aboard the ship." Aiden peered into the forest thinking he spotted movement. "I am indeed restless."

  "Or just in need of a distraction," Ian said with a bark of laughter. "A woman may help with what ails ye."

  "It may," he reluctantly agreed. "I've not lain with a woman in almost a fortnight. My hand grows tired." Aiden chuckled at his own joke.

  The men laughed and gave up the pretense of hunting. Ian pulled out a wineskin and took a drink. "It is a good thing your guardsmen are good hunters," Ian said passing the skin to Aiden. "Else you would indeed starve."

  He took a long drink and gave it back. "They train and hunt, which keeps them in shape for whatever comes. Let us go to town for our evening meal."

  Within moments, they mounted and headed to the small village of Moriag.

  Lanterns illuminated the interior of the small inn within Moriag. Every table was filled with either local townsfolk or travelers. A man sat in the corner and played a stringed instrument, the soft music created a soothing atmosphere. Exactly what Aiden didn't need. He rolled his eyes when the man began to sing a song of love and sorrow.

  Ian lifted his tankard. "To you, my dangerous friend who needs a woman or two to lessen the boredom of his life."

  Aiden grunted and drank from his own. "It's more than that. Although I appreciate the peace of this land, I do not govern over a village nor do I have many tenants to care for. My duties are few."

  "Aye, I can imagine. Even with the many duties of Moriag townspeople and the keep, ‘tis not the same as our life used to be." Ian looked to him. "Perhaps you should consider growing your lands, supplementing plots for farmers."

  "It’s an idea." Aiden doubted that would be enough to keep him busy though.

  Across from him on the other side of the inn's room sat a woman dressed in deep blue. Her midnight tresses caught the light from the lanterns, giving it a soft glow. She sat erect, not eating. Her regal stance made her social stature obvious. Yet at the same time, there was a vulnerability about her that made him look to her every so often. Her dark eyes met his not for the first time and he lifted a brow in response. Her eyes widened slightly and she looked away. The beauty looked past him to the doorway and he wondered what waited for her once she and her companion left.

  At her table, across from her, sat a robust man who laughed too loudly and continuously lifted his tankard for a refill. The man's meaty hand pushed her cup closer. "Drink up, Breena, tonight we have much to celebrate."

  He noted her hand shook when she reached for the cup. Her gaze slid across the room, without stopping, as if searching for an escape.

  She was a rare beauty. By the glances from all the men in the room, she did not go unnoticed. With light olive skin, almond shaped brown eyes and a slight lift to her upper lip, she was exotically appealing. The beauty was not slight, but tall with a long graceful neck. Both she and her companion were dressed in expensive fabrics that cost plenty of coin to acquire. Her gown's long sleeves were decorated with lace and brilliant jewels hung from her ears and neck. Aiden felt bad for her as women like her rarely had a choice in whom they wed. He wondered if she had just married the man who accompanied her. A pity.

  Although she held her head high and shoulders straight, there was something about her that made him look to her again and again. She called to a part of him, he thought long ago dormant.

  None of his business. Aiden stood from the table. "Need to take a piss." He exited the inn and rounded the corner to relieve himself.

  He unfastened his britches and released his cock just as he heard footsteps approach.

  "I need your help, please." The woman touched his back. "Can you help me? I
must escape."

  It was dark and he couldn't see her face clearly, but he knew instinctively it was the woman he'd just admired in the inn. Even with a full moon bright, its light could not penetrate the space where they stood. "A bit busy right now."

  She lifted her skirts and stood aside waiting until he finished. A new experience for him, a woman standing by while he pissed. Especially a finely dressed one.

  A lady.

  He fastened his britches and closed the distance between them. Her delicate fragrance tickled his nose, enticing him. "What happens, lady?"

  "I--I..." She looked toward the front of the inn. "I am brought here by force. The man with me. He is not a good man. Please, help me escape." A tear slid down her cheek and she grabbed for his hand. "We must hurry, they will come after me."

  Aiden looked around. There was only one way to leave, to the front of the alleyway where they were sure to be seen. Still he rushed toward it only to stop when two men appeared and blocked the exit. He pushed the woman behind him and shielded her with his body.

  He swayed a bit and let out a frustrated breath. He had too many tankards of ale to even consider that he could fight off the men. If he were completely honest, one opponent could prove a feat for him on this night. "Allow me to escort the lady back inside." He looked to each man, not recognizing them. "She is not feeling well."

  "Our laird will ensure she is well cared for." One moved toward him. "Allow her to pass."

  "Who is your laird?" Aiden challenged when the woman leaned against his back, trembling. Not exactly a time to have, her body against his. Especially since he'd not been with a woman in so long. He fought the urge to reach for her. "Not from these lands, I presume?"

  "Laird Robertson is on his way to visit the McNeil."

  "Liam McNeil is a good friend of mine. As I said, I will accompany the lady inside and speak to your laird."

  When they parted, he took the woman's elbow and pulled her alongside and walked back inside the inn. The guardsmen followed on his heels to ensure he did indeed make his way to their laird.

  When he entered, the Laird Robertson met them at the door. His shrewd eyes moved from Aiden to the woman who shrunk back into him.

  "The lady is not feeling well," Aiden told the man who grabbed the woman's upper arm and yanked her forward.

  "Is that so?" He ignored him, his attention on her. "What happens to you now, Breena?"

  "I felt faint. My stomach churns, I am going to be sick." She met the man's gaze without expression, daring him to not believe her.

  "I grow tired of your difficulties," Robertson's hand dug into her arm.

  "Not as tired as I. Let us go." She yanked her arm from his grasp and pushed past Aiden. They followed her outside while he watched.

  Aiden remained at the doorway and watched. A maid came forward immediately and assisted her into the carriage. Just before the door closed, she looked toward the inn, her eyes locking with his. The sadness in them took him by surprise. If he could have helped her, he would have.

  Had he made a mistake by allowing her to leave? What if the woman was in danger? The only way to find out was to visit the McNeil. He'd have to come up with a good excuse and go to the McNeil keep early in the morning.

  "What was that about?" Ian asked when he sat.

  He motioned to a bar wench who leaned over him to pour his ale, her breasts practically spilling over the top of her bodice. She smelled of sweat and dirt and Aiden looked away. "She asked me for help," he replied. "Quite strange."

  "Help?" Ian straightened. "Did you?"

  "No, I don't believe so. She claimed the loud man she was with took her against her will. The guardsmen told me they go to visit the McNeil. I plan to go there on the morrow to ensure all is well."

  "A reluctant bride, I bet." Ian looked past the bar wench to the door, his face softened. "Ah there is a perfect distraction for you."

  Two women entered, similar in look with long braids down their backs. He knew them to be a local farmer's daughters who often entertained Ian and Dugan, another of Gordon's guardsmen. At least his night would not be wasted. The women would ensure he and Ian were well taken care of.

  "Good night, good sir." One of the women sat on his lap. "I find myself parched for a drink."

  The innkeeper's wife glared at the women who ignored her. Aiden motioned the now pouting bar wench forward. "We must take care of it at once."

  Later in his keep, Aiden paced the great room. He could not stop wondering of the beautiful woman's fate. A guard appeared and Aiden handed him a missive. "Please take this to the McNeil. I will visit in the morn."

  The guard left, and yet he continued to feel restless. While the farmer's daughter, back at the inn had sucked his cock, he'd pictured the dark haired beauty the entire time. What did she do now? Was she safe?

  He walked outside into the night air to clear his thoughts and looked to the star filled sky.

  Tomorrow he'd seek the beauty again. If she asked for his help, this time he would not turn her down.

  Chapter Two

  Breena McGalen held back the urge to throw up. Although it would serve the blowhard right, she didn't want to ruin her new dress. "Please stop the carriage. I am going to be ill."

  She dove out the door as soon as the carriage stopped and bent over. She threw up for a long time while her maid, Ita, held her and soothed her. "You will be right as soon as we get ye in the bed to rest, milady."

  There would be no rest for her. The handfast ceremony was completed between her and Robertson. She was to marry him in a fortnight unless he sent her back to her clan and he'd already confessed time and again he'd never release her. The thought of lying with the huge distasteful man sent her to dry heave.

  "Enough!" he called from the carriage. "We will be on our way. If you get sick again, do so into your particle."

  "My laird, my lady requires to lie down." Poor Ita dared to speak up for her once they were in the carriage again.

  The maid cringed when Robertson leaned forward, his face mere inches from the hapless woman's. "She will sleep when I allow it." His hard eyes moved to her. "Ensure you present yourself well before the McNeil." His lips curved into a cruel smile when he grabbed Ita by the forearms and pulled her into his lap, his hand delving between her legs. The maid's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. He growled, "You will ensure she is settled and then come and warm my bed." His other hand crushed the maid's breast. He continued to fondle her until Ita’s breathing hitched. Then pushed her away.

  Breena looked away, disgusted at the display, while at the same time feeling horrible for Ita who was now moaning.

  "Come to my bed tonight." Robertson's hoarse words made Breena's already tender stomach lurch and she pressed a hand to her mouth.

  Ita flopped forward when he shoved her back to sit next to her. "Yes, my laird."

  The poor girl had lived with Robertson for years. Unlike Breena who'd arrived just the day before they left to the Highlands. Breena felt ashamed at planning her escape without Ita earlier. When escaping, she'd do her best to bring the maid with her.

  Finally they came to a stop. She heard men's voices as the guards announced the Robertson's visit. Men peered into the window and before long the carriage moved forward into the McNeil's keep.

  It was too dark to see clearly the size of the enclosed courtyard, but it seemed quite large. Breena climbed down and faced her new hosts.

  The McNeil was a nice looking man. He looked to be in his forties by the graying at his temples, with kind blue eyes and a bit taller than Robertson. Next to him stood an attractive woman who had to be his wife and a beautiful young blond girl. The women studied her in return, but remained silent, waiting for the men to speak first.

  The McNeil grasped Robertson's hand and smiled. "It has been along time, Robertson. Your missive announcing your visit was surprising, but of course welcome news."

  By the look on the women's faces, they did not agree with their laird's pronouncement. Bo
th looked to each other and then to her. She saw pity in their eyes. It was hard to keep her head high, but she managed to. "Lady Breena McGalen." When Robertson introduced her to the laird, she curtsied low, bending her head forward.

  The laird's warm gaze met hers. "I've not heard the name McGalen before. Welcome to our home, Lady McGalen."

  "Thank you," she whispered. "I am from the border with Ireland, perhaps that is why."

  The laird motioned the women forward. "May I present my wife Grisella and my daughter Elsbeth." The women lowered, both bending heads just enough. Obviously they did not hold Robertson in high regard by the lack of warmth in their expressions upon straightening.

  Breena at once felt kinship with them and she went to stand next to them. Elsbeth took her hand and pulled her toward a doorway. "Come, let us have tea. You look pale."

  She was more than happy to oblige. Lady Grisella came to her other side. "We have prepared a bed chamber for you and your maid. I am not sure of the nature of your relationship with Laird Robertson, so I did not put you in adjoining chambers."

  Her knees shook with relief. "I am eternally grateful to you." She gasped at the outburst. "What I mean to say is that it is perfect. We are just handfasted two days ago and I am not used to his presence yet."

  "I see." Lady Grisella looked over her shoulder to ensure no one heard. "So your family agreed to the match?"

  Breena lowered her voice. "My father and he made the arrangement. I am not aware of the particulars, only that I am to marry him. I managed to convince my father into a handfast first. I am not sure what I will do, but I will find a way to get away from him."

  "Now, now. It cannot be so bad," Grisella said with a neutral expression. "Once you bare his children, they will take all of your attention and perhaps he will become distracted as well."