Declan's Bride: A Highland Romp Read online

  DECLAN’S BRIDE

  A Highland Romp

  USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR HILDIE MCQUEEN

  Contents

  Copyright

  Also by USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Excerpt from Beauty and the Highlander

  About the Author

  Pink Door Publishing

  Cover Artist: Dar Albert

  Copyright Hildie McQueen 2019

  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

  Created with Vellum

  Also by USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen

  Highland Romps

  Declan’s Bride

  Ian’s Bride

  Highland Mists

  Moriag Series

  Beauty and the Highlander

  Lady and the Scot

  The Lass and the Laird

  The Laird’s Daughter

  Clan Ross*

  The Heartless Laird

  The Hardened Warrior

  The Hellish Archer

  Other Books

  The Duke’s Fiery Bride

  The Sea Lyon

  The Sea Lord

  Highland Archer

  *Releasing soon

  Chapter One

  Isle of Uist, 1400s

  Despite the chattering of her teeth from the frigid air, Cairstine Reid looked forward to the holiday festivities hosted by Laird Murray, the large keep was situated not too far from her small village home.

  Excited at the prospect of seeing the laird’s second born, Declan, she leaned forward and peered through the side of the wagon at her brother who rode alongside.

  “Do ye wish for a blanket to put over yer shoulders?” Pity filled her at his glum expression and hunched shoulders.

  “Nay,” Ethan replied. “We are almost there now. Look.” He pointed to the right where the glow of torches glowed in the distance.

  “Oh aye.” She sat up straighter allowing her own blanket to slip away. “I cannot wait to be warm inside.”

  Her brother nodded, a slow grin splitting his face. “I as well.”

  Perhaps her brother would find a lass who’d interest him. Cairstine made a mental note to keep an eye out for a possible match. As it was the Yuletide celebration and Hogmanay, all of the clanspeople would be in attendance.

  Continuing along the uneven path, the wagon swayed side-to-side threatening to put her back to sleep. Sorcha huffed. The last portion of the ride seemed to take forever, but soon they were at the enormous gates to the Murray keep.

  Massive gray bricks were stacked one atop another to form the impressive walls and building housed within.

  Mists wafted through the air from the loch to the rear of the keep and then just a bit further behind that, rugged mountains jutted high into the clouds. The Murray’s had chosen well. Their home was very well protected.

  The clan boasted of hundreds of warriors with a reputation of abilities to overtake even larger armies.

  As far as Cairstine knew, there hadn’t been a threat against the clan for many years. Now looking up at the tall walls surrounding the keep, she wondered who would be brave enough to try to overtake this keep.

  With Murray guards as escorts, her family would be admitted readily. She watched as the guards atop the gates wave at recognizing the men and the drawbridge was lowered.

  The horse’s hooves clip-clopped across the wooden drawbridge bringing them into the courtyard. Within the gates was an entire community. People went to and fro, some huddled by fires, while others hurried inside small structures to avoid the cold air.

  Life within a keep had always interested Cairstine, although admittedly, she preferred the freedom of village life.

  After a moment, Cairstine and her mother were assisted down from back of the wagon. Although the walls kept he cold air at bay some, it remained much too frigid to be outside long.

  Both she and her mother pulled their cloaks tight around themselves as they made their way to the front doors of the main house.

  Her brother and father remained. Her father would drive the wagon to the stables to unhitch his horse and ensure it would be housed. Her brother would do the same with his steed. As the stable master greeted her father, Sorcha watched and shivered.

  “How fare ye lass?” A young Murray guard had approached. His gaze razed over her. When he continued to ogle her, she decided he was much too forward for her taste, Cairstine glared at him, not responding.

  Although she had no aspirations higher than a well place guardsman or tradesman, Cairstine refused to be easy prey for men like him, who obviously just wanted to lay with a woman for pleasure.

  “Be away with ye,” she finally said only to be astonished when he laughed.

  “What a brute,” she mumbled looking to her mother who kept an eye on the now retreating man.

  “He means no harm. Tis the way of men ye must accept it, but not respond in kind. Come Sorcha, let us go to the entryway and seek shelter. Tis too cold to remain out here,” her mother took her hand with her own icy one and they scurried toward the front entrance.

  As soon as they got to the doorway, a serving woman appeared. “Ye can wait inside for yer husband,” she told Cairstine’s mother.

  The sound of voices, rattling dishes and laughter drifted out when the doors opened as well as the all-encompassing aroma of roasted meats.

  “My stomach growls with hunger,” Cairstine whispered to her mother who nodded in agreement.

  “Aye, mine as well. However, we must wait on yer da and brother before we can make our presence known to Laird Murray. It won’t be long.” Her mother’s keen gaze swept over her. “Smooth down yer hair, darling. One good thing about the cold is that it has added color to yer cheeks.”

  It was embarrassing how obvious it was that her mother hoped to get her married off to an eligible man. Of course it went without saying that if Cairstine managed to get the attention of one of Laird Murray’s sons, her mother would be ecstatic.

  Laird Murray’s sons were both handsome and would be a prize for any woman who managed to get a marriage proposal out of them.

  Gordan the eldest would no doubt be wed by arrangement. The younger son and in Cairstine’s opinion much more handsome, was Declan. Declan would be freer to make a choice in wife. However, given his meandering eye and roguish reputation, he was not keen on marriage. Probably wouldn’t be for several years.

  It was much warmer and Cairstine could feel the warmth seeping through her damp cloths. Servants came and assisted in removing their cloaks and thankfully handed them warm shawls to place over their shoulders.

  Cairstine pus
hed her mother’s hands away when the woman attempted to pull the front of her blouse down. “Mother really. It is much too cold to be half-bare.”

  “Tis the fashion,” her mother insisted giving her blouse one last tug.

  Finally her father and Ethan appeared at the entrance and walked toward them with one of the Murray’s guardsmen. The warrior’s gaze swept over her and Cairstine felt her face heat from the scrutiny. Had the men there always been so bold?

  Cairstine looked to her mother who smiled indulgently. “Mother, did you see that?”

  “Of course dear,” her mother whispered. “The men here are well aware you are old enough for marriage now.”

  She slid a look to the guardsman measuring his appearance. He seemed a bit older than her, perhaps thirty. But he was not unattractive and was built like a warrior.

  When the guard caught her looking, the audacious man had the nerve to wink

  Cairstine gasped.

  “Hurry, let us go inside,” her mother said to her husband. “Cairstine and I are cold and quite hungry.”

  Servants pushed expansive wooden doors open and immediately the warmth of the room engulfed their small group.

  Cairstine inhaled the aroma of food and her lips curved at the warmth that would soon seep into her frozen limbs.

  The great room was crowded. Long tables lined up in rows were full with revelers flanking both sides and eating their fill from trays piled with meats and other steaming fares. Maids weaved in and out with platters of food, serving guests who motioned them forward.

  Cups and tankards were lifted in toasts as families who’d not seen each other in months shared news.

  Cairstine could not see who sat at the high board as her brother stood in front of her. As customary, her father and brother would approach the laird first, representing their family. She and her mother would remain behind them until acknowledged.

  “Och, Reid, there ye are,” Laird Murray announced. “I was about to send a second set of guards to find ye.” The laird and her father had been friends for years and often hunted together.

  The other men at the table looked on with interest as her father greeted the laird.

  Seated next to the Murray was his first, the eldest son, Gordan. On his left was the laird’s wife. Lady Murray smiled warmly at both she and her mother, stretching out her hands toward them.

  “I am so happy to see ye,” the laird’s wife exclaimed looking over for a maid. “Ellie, find them a place to sit.”

  The maid scurried off to a nearby table to ensure the seats were saved for them. Her brother would join the guard at the rear of the room, but she would remain with her parents.

  Although she’d been a good friend with Murray’s daughter, Moira, for years, the table where her friend sat was filled, so Cairstine could not join her.

  Unable to keep from it, Cairstine slid a glance down past the eldest son Gordan to find that Declan studied her family with interest. His blank expression did not divulge his thoughts.

  After a second or two he looked away, to speak to a man on his left.

  Seeming to sense her regard, his dark gaze met hers. Cairstine lost all ability to breathe. She gave a soft nod hoping her cheeks were not blazing red since her face instantly felt overheated.

  In return, his eyes roved from her lips to her chest and finally down the length of her body. Wherever his gaze lingered, it was as if he physically touched each place.

  There was a slight lifting to the corner of his lips when he finally lifted his hooded gaze to hers once again.

  Declan was devilishly handsome and he knew it. With midnight black locks that cascaded in thick waves to his shoulders and bright blue eyes under slanted eyebrows, he was breathtaking. Of the three siblings, he was the only one with black hair.

  How any man could be so gloriously handsome and infuriating at once, was a puzzle she’d not solve. Declan could send her to swoon, while at the same time, her hand itched to slap the handsome face for being overly bold.

  Three times already she’d been ogled and just newly arrived. Whatever these men drank here, the water perhaps, made their blood run hot.

  It was well known many a woman had fallen at Declan’s feet and that with but a lift of a brow, lasses would join him in his chambers. Someone like him would never suffer for female companions. And unless forced, Declan would take his time settling with a wife. Cairstine couldn’t help but feel sorry for whoever ended up married to the rogue. He did not seem the type to remain faithful for long.

  At the thought, Cairstine looked away, pretending not to be affected by him. Of course, she probably didn’t fool anyone. It wasn’t just by the coloring of her cheeks, but her parted lips and inability to catch her breath gave her away.

  “Come Ladies Reid, I have seats for ye.” The maid’s announcement, punctuated by her mother’s nudge, startled her. With her head high and her shoulders back, she followed her mother to their seats.

  They went to a table near the center of the room where a family she’d never met was already seated. A woman introduced herself and her daughter, Arabella. The mother was cordial when greeting Cairstine and her mother. However, the daughter, Arabella, gave her a cool look and mumbled a barely audible greeting.

  Arabella was a striking lass. She was about the same age as Cairstine. With bright red hair that competed with pouty lips and a full bosom she probably caught every man’s attention.

  “I like yer hair.” Cairstine attempted to make conversation. “’Tis a beautiful shade.”

  Arabella arched a brow. “Thank ye.” She looked Cairstine over, seeming not to find anything worthy of a compliment. “Do ye know the Murrays well?”

  Cairstine smiled. “Aye, all my life. We live less than a day’s ride away. Through the years, we’ve often been invited for festivals and clan gatherings. My da is good friends with Laird Murray.”

  “Oh.” The short yet haughty reply made Sorcha look to her mother. Unfortunately, she was in conversation with another woman who’d come to sit next to them.

  The food was flavorful and, despite the dour company, Cairstine enjoyed herself. It was always exciting to get away from her smaller home and local people. Although she adored small village life, it was just that, only a few farmers and families.

  When musicians began playing, she tapped her feet to the music until she couldn’t bear remaining seated. Cairstine rushed to where Declan’s sister, Moira, sat.

  “Let us dance.”

  Moira’s eyes sparkled with excitement and she jumped to her feet. “I would love to.”

  Laughing and holding hands, they rushed to the area that had been cleared off for dancing and joined the other women in a circle. Within moments, Cairstine was twirling, arms in the air and feet keeping with the beat of the music.

  Declan watched as the pretty lass, Cairstine, circled and swayed, her lovely auburn tresses flying around her head as she whirled. Every year, the lass got his attention and again this year he’d watched from afar noting everything she did.

  It wasn’t often a woman took his attention like she did. From the time she blossomed as a teenager, she seemed to grow more beautiful each day. Cairstine was a rare beauty.

  If he were one to settle down, which would not happen for many a year, she was the type for him.

  At the moment, however, he had other pressing matters and a man’s only daughter was not one to dally with.

  “She has grown to be a beauty,” Gordan said as he watched the women dance. “Don’t ye agree?”

  “Which one do ye speak of?”

  By the chuckle, his brother knew he’d been watching Cairstine. “Reid’s daughter, Cairstine. Quite bonnie. I had not noticed the color of her hair before.”

  Cairstine twirled, the lighting in the room seeming to reflect from the rich reddish-brown tresses.

  Through narrowed eyes, he watched his brother as Gordan admired the lass. “Aye, she is. But her da would demand marriage immediately if anyone were to try anything.”<
br />
  So yes, he meant to deter his brother. Gordan was not the type to do anything impudent. However, by the gleam in his eyes, Declan wondered. “Remember yer station, Brother.”

  Gordan turned to him with eyebrows raised. “Ye don’t need to remind me, Brother. I know my duty is to the clan. Both of us will marry whoever Da decides.”

  The words sunk in and his gut tightened. All his life, he was aware that, as the laird’s son, he was bound to many duties. The thought of an arranged marriage had always sat wrong with him.

  “I hope never to marry. The thought of being tied to one woman for life makes me shudder.”

  When Gordan burst out laughing, it caused several people to look in their direction. “I pity the woman ye marry.”

  Once again, his brother chuckled with mirth. “Be careful of what ye fear, Brother. Could be, ye will be the one to marry first.”

  No, he would not. Scanning the room in search of a conquest for the night, Declan stood and made his way to where the guardsmen sat. Women often came to the table, and not just to offer a dance.

  Just as he passed between two long rows, a woman touched his hand. A comely redhead smiled up at him.

  “How fare ye, Arabella?” His lips curved and he slid a glance to her ample bosom.

  The young woman had constantly sought him out. Although he preferred to be the hunter, every once in a while being the prey was enjoyable.

  “Declan, are ye going to dance with me?” she asked. Her bold gaze moved over his body.

  After taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips. “Only if ye will accept my offer.”

  There was a sparkle of delight as she nodded. “Of course.”

  “Then I will return for ye.”

  He continued on to the back of the room until someone called out.

  “Ay, Declan, coming to get a closer look.” One of the guards motioned for him to sit at an empty place. The table was close to where the women danced and he lowered himself to the bench where several archers watched with interest.

  Cairstine Reid seemed to be the center of the men’s attention and he scowled, not liking it one bit. Yes, he had no claim to the lass, but he’d known her since they were young. Although he’d rarely spoken to her as of late, the idea of anyone else courting her, was not to his liking. She deserved more, a good man by her side. Perhaps one of the men there would be a viable partner for her, but for the life of him he couldn’t find one that merited her.