The Laird's Daughter, Moriag Series, Book 4 Read online

  The Laird's Daughter

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing, Augusta, Georgia 2015

  The Laird's Daughter

  Amazon Bestselling Author

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Cover Artist: Robin Ludwig Design Inc.

  Copyright Hildie McQueen 2015

  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

  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

  Chapter One

  "I want you to be my first," the pretty lass said, batting her eyelashes at Ian McRainey and leaning forward so he could look down her bodice. Her breasts already halfway spilling forth, just a bit of the pink circles peeked. "Come with me, just over behind the shed. It’s private there." With amazing strength, she wrapped her arms about his waist and yanked him against her. "Ye are the most handsome man, I've ever seen. That you would be my first would be a dream come true." Her breathless words set him into a panic and he searched for the right words.

  How he got into the situation evaded him. On his way to the stables, he'd been deep in thought and meandered for a bit toward a nearby creek. He'd stood but a few moments watching the rippling clear water when the lass, Gertrude, if he remembered correctly, appeared. He'd noticed her plenty of times as she'd always served him when he and laird Gordon came to visit the McNeils. He’d always been cordial when she flirted and had never led her to believe he was romantically interested.

  The lass peered up at him. "Ian? Why do you hesitate? Is something amiss?"

  "You are a beautiful lass, but I cannot accept your generous offer. I am not one to deflower a virgin, even one so sweet and tempting." He attempted to disengage from her hold, but the girl did not budge. She blinked rapidly as if to keep from crying and he cringed. One thing he could not be indifferent to was a crying woman.

  "Gertrude, release mister McRainey and see to your duties." A smooth voice snapped the maid's attention from him and she quickly released him. Ian let out a breath of relief when the lass took a step back and sulked before walking away. Gertrude was gracious enough to nod her head to her lady when passing by the young mistress.

  "I thank you," Ian said brushing at his tunic. "She was quite amorous I'm afraid."

  Elsbeth McNeil's expression was impassive. "You must have done something to garner her attention. I do not believe a woman would be so adamant in her pursuit unless feeling sure of the outcome."

  It was probably useless to argue the fact. Although Elsbeth's opinion of him mattered, he doubted she'd believe he'd never encouraged Gertrude's advances. "Would you believe me if I told you I have not in fact done anything to give her such ideas?"

  Elsbeth let out a sigh without comment. Her clear blue eyes took him in for a few moments before moving toward the creek. Dressed in a gown that matched her eyes with her hair swept up with the same color ribbons, she was a beautiful sight. Her elegant neck took his attention as she looked away, seeming to ponder her words before speaking. Finally when she looked to him, her lips quivered with mirth. "You looked quite uncomfortable; I find it interesting as I am sure many a willing wench approach you regularly." It was true, but Gertrude's request was something new.

  She slipped her arm through his and they walked toward the water's edge. Ian sensed it was not coincidence she'd come to seek him.

  He shook his head. "A man is allowed his secrets, but I will say the tales that I am a willing participant in many a tryst are greatly exaggerated."

  That she looked pleased at his remark lightened his chest though he pushed the feeling away. Elsbeth McNeil was out of reach for him romantically. She was the laird's daughter and her father, although a kind and fair man, had made it abundantly clear that only a titled man could aspire for Elsbeth's hand.

  Ian couldn't quite put his finger on it, how and when they had grown close as friends. But now he regularly visited the McNeil keep and they spent many an hour walking and sharing everyday occurrences. Neither ever spoke of the future, for they were fully aware that one day she'd leave; marry and move to wherever her new husband lived. Meanwhile Ian would remain in Moriag, the leader of the guard for his laird and friend Declan Gordon.

  A bird fluttered across their path, and he followed its ascent to the trees. It was a pleasant day, the sunrays streamed through the clouds, threading through the branches before touching the ground. The lace sunlight patterns around them gave the area a magical feel and his companion's beauty completed the setting, which he committed to memory. Not wanting to lose the image he wished to be gifted with the ability of art.

  "It breaks my heart to think of leaving," Elsbeth said interrupting his musings. "I love Moriag and can barely withstand the idea. Do you think I will be happy elsewhere?"

  The imploration in her eyes took him aback. Strong and assured, she rarely showed this vulnerable side. She was twenty and by society's standards should already be married and mothering a bairn or two. Yet she'd been fiercely against marrying until she felt ready. And surprisingly, the McNeil had conceded to his only child; at least for now.

  "What brings such melancholy about?" He tipped her face up and pressed a chaste kiss to her nose. "It's not at all like you to be in such spirits."

  When she jerked away, putting space between them, his brows shot up. Perhaps he'd pushed her too far with the kiss, past the rules of propriety. "I apologize. I should not have done that."

  "Tis not that." Her smile was wane. "I just find myself confused after current developments."

  His chest constricted at her words. "What happens?"

  "Nothing unexpected," she said, her eyes meeting his. "Do not look so worried. It is just that I will marry soon and go with my husband. The Seton is due here in a few days with a proposal and I have to accept it. I’ve put off
marrying much too long as it is."

  A strange tightness enveloped him and he found it hard to breathe. "Of course, it is only natural that you marry and settle with a family. I understand your love of homeland and have always wondered how a lass feels at having to leave all she has known, to go live with another clan. I have not lived in Moriag long, but have grown fond of it."

  Whatever it was he'd spouted didn't seem to please Elsbeth, but instead put her further into a melancholy mood and she heaved a long sigh and looked away down the path, before her gaze moved to the sky. "Knowing that one day I would leave was supposed to have prepared me for the day that it actually happens. Yet now I understand the many times after a wedding feast when the bride becomes hysterical upon departing."

  "You will accept the Seton as your husband then?" He pictured the older laird he'd met many months ago. From what he recalled, the laird had a wife. "I thought Calum Seton was married."

  Elsbeth shook her head. "Not Calum Seton, his eldest son, Kiernan."

  "He is but a boy!" It was Ian this time who moved away, pacing before balling his hands into fists and glaring at her. "You cannot be thinking of accepting marriage to a boy who doesna know his stem from the apple."

  Her laughter rang out at his lack of subtlety. "He is the same age as I am and if he is pliable then the better for me. I do not want a brute who will order me about."

  "Neither do you want a husband who when faced with havin' to defend ye will cower and wet 'imself. Ye will probably be the one to fight off any attackers, with better swordsmanship I am willing to wager." In his anger, his Highland burr became stronger.

  His outburst only served to make her laugh harder. He growled in frustration at her lack of regard for the truth he spoke. "That yer father is actually considering it makes me wonder why."

  She stopped laughing, but her eyes sparkled with mirth. "Come let us return to the keep. I am sure Declan searches for you as they were prepared to leave when I came out to seek you." Elsbeth threaded her hand through his arm again and they walked back, both in silence. Just before they approached her home, she turned and smiled up at him. It was hard to decipher the emotion in her eyes. Fondness and sadness, if he had to guess. "Ian I will miss you just as much as I will Moriag. Never have I considered having someone like you in my life, a good...friend." She cupped his jaw as moisture filled her beautiful eyes and she blinked and moved away, the warmth of her touch on his face dissipating.

  "Ah there you are." One of the guards approached with Ian's steed. "We depart." He nodded to Elsbeth. "Milady."

  "Good day to you Tristan," Elsbeth seemed to know every man's name, always warm when speaking to everyone, never speaking down to a person regardless of station.

  The guard flushed under her scrutiny, nodded again and shoved the reins into Ian's hands and walked away with his.

  "When you see me next, I should have news of when I depart." Elsbeth said watching Tristan's departing figure, "unless I see you at the town festival in a few days."

  "Ah yes, the festival. I had not given it much thought as I plan to spend a few days at my cottage hunting and such." He'd not planned such a thing until just then, feeling the need to spend time alone to think. For whatever reason, his mood had darkened and he wished to steal away and consider what the future held for him. He never planned much further than the present, as he'd learned long ago most plans could easily be crushed by circumstances beyond a person's control.

  Elsbeth's face fell. "Very well then, until soon." Before she could move away, he pulled her against him in a fierce hug, shocking them both. Yet she did not push away, instead relaxed against him and laid her head upon his chest. Ever so slowly her arms encircled his waist and they remained there without speaking, the breeze gently caressing their faces. Finally he took her shoulders and moved her away. "Until soon Elsbeth."

  If anyone noticed his darkened mood upon joining the eight guards and Declan, no one mentioned it. The distance to the Gordon keep was half a days' ride at a leisurely pace, which normally didn't bother Ian, but today he wanted to race back; arrive only to take his leave to the cottage in the forest where he rarely went. Only when hunting did he go there either alone or with another guard.

  "I cannot guess what brings about your dark mood, but whatever it is must be serious." Declan did not look to him, but kept his gaze forward. "Did you and the fair Elsbeth have a disagreement?"

  "No," he replied curtly hoping to convey he didn't wish to speak on the matter.

  Unfortunately it was lost on Declan, who would argue not to be a curious man. Ian had another opinion on the matter. "I think to know the news she imparted on you. She will accept marriage to the Seton's son and you are fiercely jealous after finally accepting you feel more than friendship for the beautiful Elsbeth McNeil."

  "You should consider becoming a traveling bard," Ian replied dryly. "You spin everything into a romantic tale."

  Married almost two years and very much in love with his wife, Meredith, Declan had settled into his new role as husband and father quite well, much to everyone's surprise as the man had been a ruthless womanizer and without much honor to speak of. Now he was greatly admired by his men and good laird to the townspeople entrusted to him.

  Declan kept a neutral façade, but the trembling at the edges of his lips told another story. "I am only stating what neither of you will admit. You are in love my friend. For the first time since I've known you, you have dedicated hours to a woman, spending every free moment seeking her out and she you in return. That neither of you admit to it is what is quite puzzling."

  He clamped his jaw so tight his teeth ached. No matter what Declan said, he would not admit to feeling more than caring for Elsbeth. Yes he was in a dark mood, and admittedly it had to do with her upcoming marriage, but not for the reason Declan said. Elsbeth was a jewel, a woman to be treasured, cared for, and protected; none of which a twenty-year-old boy could or would do. How long would it take the lad to learn her ways? Would he even take the time to speak to her and discover her intelligence? What about her likes and dislikes? She hated the dark and indulged in long walks to clear her head and ponder through situations. Elsbeth was an accomplished archer and could wield her small sword with surprising agility. Yes he did not like that she would marry a man not worthy of her, but mostly because she was his friend. Besides Declan, who knew him better than anyone, she was the closest he'd ever allowed himself to get to anyone.

  "I hear Kiernan Seton is a bra lad now. Yet I doubt someone as young as he will be able to handle the strong willed Elsbeth. It could prove entertaining to witness the first time he attempts to bend her to something against her wishes." Declan's chuckle grated at the already tender hold on his temper.

  "I am going to my cottage in the morning and hunt for a few days." He purposely left the comment without the usual invitation. Thankfully Declan did not push the issue.

  "You deserve time to relax. We have worked hard this past season."

  They'd spent weeks traveling the lands, visiting clans to not only collect rents, but for Declan to ensure all was well and there was nothing amiss. After returning, they'd gone straight to completing needed repairs to the keep stables and guards' quarters.

  Ian let out a breath of relief. Time away would serve a double purpose; relaxation and honing his hunting skills and he'd spend time doing repairs to his small home.

  They returned to find the keep bustling with activity. Meredith's brother, Aiden Stuart, emerged into the courtyard to greet them. Aiden had a smaller keep not too far, where he lived with his wife Breena. The man had become not only Declan's friend, but Ian's as well. They clasped forearms and Declan welcomed his brother-in-law not asking for a purpose of his visit since the man and his wife often came. Other times Declan and Meredith went to visit them. Often they included Ian in their gatherings, which suited him fine. He enjoyed the company and camaraderie that came from being around family. Estranged from his, he appreciated the closeness of kinship.

&nb
sp; Stable lads rushed away with their steeds leaving the three men to make their way inside. Aiden slapped Ian's back and smiled broadly. "How did you find the fair Elsbeth today?"

  Declan let out a chuckle, "I would not ask him such today."

  He couldn't help the grunt of annoyance. "Elsbeth is doing well; she is planning to attend the festivities in town. I imagine your wife is planning to go as well."

  Thankfully the distraction worked and the men began speaking of how to avoid much more than attending a few moments and perhaps assigning guards to keep their wives safe while they stole away to the pub in town.

  As soon as the evening meal was over and he could disengage from the visitors, he made his way to his chamber. All through the evening he couldn't help but think of the emotions in Elsbeth's eyes, as if she’d tried to convey a message to him. She'd been upset at the thought of leaving Moriag and perhaps that was what brought her to touch his face and lean into him. When he'd held her, she’d trembled. He’d half expected her to shove him away and laugh at his display of affection. Instead she'd collapsed against him trembling.

  After a discreet knock a male servant entered. "I apologize for not starting a fire in the hearth sir. I will do so right away." The older man rushed to the hearth and began placing logs into the hearth.

  Ian narrowed his eyes. "Firth?"

  "Aye?" The servant replied while continuing his task.

  "You are married correct?" When the servant nodded, he continued. "When yer wife wishes to convey a message to you, when she wants you to understand something, but doesn't voice it, how do know what she wishes?"

  The slender man straightened and frowned in thought. "Tis one of the hardest things sir, to understand a woman. They rarely speak out loud what they wish and if you do not guess correctly, are quick to anger. I tell my Mairead to tell me. I cannot read her thoughts. It does little good."