The Lass and the Laird Read online

  "Aye, quite different." Ian shrugged. "Perhaps he has a daughter you can marry."

  "Or you." Declan laughed when Ian scowled.

  Ian had not married, claiming to wait for Declan to do so first. The man, in Declan's opinion, much preferred a variety of women to settling with one. Not that he could blame him, as Ian never suffered for lack of interest from the fairer sex. Most of the time, he'd decline offers much to the delight of the other guards, who usually had to settle for second best.

  The other guardsmen waited for Ian to give orders. The leader of his guard looked to him. "There's time for them to ride into town and return by supper."

  "No need," Declan replied. "Allow them to go and return as they please. As reward for finding the hound."

  Ian nodded and instructed the men to do as they wished. The men split in two groups. Three went toward town, the other two toward the loch. Declan studied the departing men. "Why are Dugan and Conor not going to town?"

  "I believe they are going to bathe and then battle for a maid's attentions."

  "Ah."

  "And you?"

  "I don't have to battle." Ian snorted at Declan holding back a chuckle and rode off.

  The next morning after breaking his fast, Declan decided it was time to see about the surrounding farms and village. He descended the stairs to the great room and found only two of his men in attendance.

  Ian and Dugan looked up from a table at his entrance. His friend's gaze followed his progress and then looked past him and darkened. Declan didn't have to turn around to know the maid, Awena, must have come down the stairs behind him.

  As lusty as Ian was, he was sure she'd already warmed the male's bed. Finally his friend's attention returned to him. "Fare thee well, Laird?"

  "Aye, Ian. We will ride to the village today. Unless you are too tired to ride again so soon." He emphasized the word ride and lifted a brow. "Or should I allow you to remain here and look into the upkeep of the bedding?"

  It was hard not to laugh when Ian's brows lowered and he mumbled low curses. "I have already asked for our mounts to be brought around. Two of the men will ride with us."

  This was not to his liking. Declan had always detested lack of freedom and the need for guards was something new. It would not sit well with the simple people of Moriag that he thought to need protection.

  "I will not ride about with guards at my side today. I will only ride with you." He looked to Dugan. "Go to the west and ride as far as the loch goes. My lands end there. Report to me at the evening meal what you find."

  "I don't agree. As you are now laird, you must be guarded," Ian protested.

  "Nay. My brother assures me it is safe here and you saw the Campbell. He traveled alone." They walked outside and he looked to Dugan and the other four who'd already mounted. The men looked to their leader, Ian, as if for confirmation.

  Declan didn't give Ian the opportunity to talk. "You will do as I say or return to Gordon Keep today."

  The men left without a backward glance.

  "If you get pierced by an arrow, I will push it further in," Ian told him, reaching for the reins and mounting. "You stand warned."

  Declan found his seat before replying with wide, innocent eyes. "You say such beautiful words to me, darling."

  "To the village first?" Ian gritted the words out.

  "Aye."

  "Care to ride ahead of me, milady?" Ian waved a hand forward.

  "I wonder at the folly to have asked you to accompany me to live here."

  "It would have been worse not to have me to look after your foolish ways."

  "Hmmm."

  Chapter Two

  Meredith Stuart should have been enjoying the day at the village square. It was warm with slight breezes that cooled her heated skin. The atmosphere was light and people mingled about sharing stories and greetings.

  Traveling musicians were set up in the center of the square on a small platform and played a lively tune while children ran around dancing, their little faces gleaming with joy.

  Spotting wooden bowls, she lifted her skirts and moved across a muddy spot and neared a vendor. She picked one up and admired the workmanship of the dish and then absently turned to her companion. "Is it not lovely?"

  The maid, Lily, held up her large basket and Meredith placed two bowls into it. She smiled at the couple who thanked her profusely for paying full price and wished her a good day.

  With a deep sigh, she continued to the next stand to inspect their wares. "Milady, why don't we sit for a spell? You are moving from stall to stall without taking a rest.” Lily's breathless words made Meredith realize that, indeed, she was winded as well.

  "I had not considered how much walking about we are doing and how fast. Surely I am not in a hurry to return home. I am sorry, Lily." The vendor held up a stained glass ornament that reflected the sunlight. "I will take it." Meredith paid for it and placed it in Lily's basket.

  "Come, let’s get something to drink and sit a spell.” They walked to a small inn in hopes of refreshing drinks and freshly baked goods.

  Lily helped Meredith settle and joined her at the small table by a window. "This is nice." The girl fanned her plump, red cheeks. "I just need to sit a bit and then we can continue all you wish, milady."

  Cider and fresh bread were placed on the table. The innkeeper's wife, Hannah McGregor, gave her a cheerful smile and asked about her brother.

  Meredith drank from her glass, but ignored the bread and peered through the window to the square. "I feel restless, Lily." She let out a sigh and slumped forward.

  "Are you unwell?" Lily asked. "I know you've had a hard time of it of late, but ‘tis a beautiful day to be about. I am in need of more ale, I fear. My throat is dry." She lifted a pitcher and refilled her glass.

  Meredith felt pity for how she'd brought the maid who rarely complained to do so. "I am a bit overanxious today. A ride out may have been a better choice than coming here."

  The maid nodded, a sympathetic expression on her face, and took loud gulps from the cup. "I understand, milady. It’s not every day one's betrothed comes to marry ye and then promptly dies three days later." Unfazed, the girl slathered an enormous amount of butter on her piece of bread and stuffed it into her small mouth.

  Meredith's mouth fell open at the maid's lack of decorum. "Lily, you must not speak so openly about my husband's death in public. I didn't know him well, but imagine he was a...nice man."

  Once again the maid nodded. "Aye, he seemed...well born...and yes, a bit nice."

  "Indeed." Meredith pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. Nice was not a word she'd thought of when first meeting her betrothed. She'd sobbed in Lily's arms until falling into a fitful sleep that night.

  The immediate dislike of the older man, who looked down his nose at her, convinced Meredith she'd never grow to love the unattractive and pompous man.

  Unfortunately, her headstrong brother believed his sister should get married promptly on her twentieth birthday. Her brother, who was forever attempting to grow their small clan and make for a stronger front if ever needed, insisted on marrying her to a larger one in the surrounding area.

  Personally, Meredith would have preferred death by sword than years of marriage to the horrible Farquhar Murray she'd been forced to marry. Fate's cruel sense of humor had granted her wish in a way. Only three days after marrying, she'd been thrown into seclusion to mourn a man she barely knew. So, yes, now she craved fresh air and being outdoors. And admittedly, the freedom being a widow brought. Short lived as it was to be. Her brother insisted she not remain unmarried.

  She let out a sigh. "I am not in a hurry to return home at all. My brother is planning a visit to the new laird at Moriag." She shuddered. "He is a second born son who lucked into land. Given to him by the laird of Clan Gordon, his brother, Carrick. The last thing I want is to be paraded before him in hopes he'll marry me."

  "It is said that Declan Gordon is a fetching man who never suffers for a woman's compan
y," Lily informed her with wide eyes. "A lusty sort, that one."

  Meredith bit her bottom lip to keep from reminding the maid to not speak so freely because, right now, she was interested. Lily had been her handmaid and confidant since she was fifteen and Lily twelve. Now five years later, it was too late to try to change their relationship. Her brother reprimanded them constantly, telling Meredith that her husband would not stand for such a free-speaking maid.

  "What else have you heard about the Gordon?" Meredith tore a piece of bread from the loaf, buttered it and bit into the delicious crust. "Tell me."

  "Well..." Lily clutched her hands together with glee. "I hear the younger laird, Declan, is not honorable. He openly disliked his brother and even bedded his late father's wife."

  "No!"

  "Yes, that is what the chambermaid, Awena, overheard when the older Carrick Gordon and his wife, Analise, lived there."

  Meredith felt the room tilt and she ran both hands over her face. "God help me. I didn't think it was possible for things to get any worse." It was doubtful the new lusty laird would be interested in marrying someone like her, of a lesser and tiny clan with a modest dowry. The thought gave her hope.

  Lily continued. "Awena told me the new Laird Gordon is a beautiful devil. It is said he is even more attractive than Laird Carrick, if that's possible. Just his presence makes the most reasonable of maids swoon at his feet."

  "And, no doubt, tumble into his bed as well," Meredith grumbled. "I must find a way to keep my brother from visiting the Gordon.” An idea came to mind and she let out a breath. "Come, Lily, surely there is another man here in the village worth marrying. I must shop for something altogether different now." She placed silver coins on the table and rose.

  "What do you mean to do, milady?" Lily grabbed her basket and held it up blocking Meredith's path. "Don't do anything that ye will regret."

  "Don't be silly. I am stopping my brother from marrying me to a lust-filled, dreadful man.” Meredith was losing time and patience with her maid. "Come with me or stay, it matters naught. It may be best if I do this alone." She moved around the basket-wielding maid and headed to the door.

  Meredith stepped through the door already scanning the surroundings for the man who'd help her out of a bad situation. A handsome and nice husband was exactly what she needed. Someone who worked his land and kept a good home. She didn't require he be rich, her small dowry would ensure a good start for a comfortable life.

  "What are you planning?" Lily hurried to stand before her with both arms outstretched. She made a comical sight, her cap askew, basket hanging from an arm and her shawl off one shoulder. "I will not allow ye to do something that will be harmful to yer honor and future, Meredith."

  In her consternation, Lily forgot to address her properly and for some reason, it made Meredith giggle. "I'm not, Lily," she said and Lily relaxed, lowering her arms. "I plan to find a man of my choice and then I will ensure he compromises me and is forced to marry me. That is all." She waltzed around the slack-mouthed Lily and headed toward the town square.

  Unfortunately, she lost bravado quite fast. The men in the square left a lot to be desired. Two men, one lanky and stooped, the other broad of chest with a large belly stood arguing over a sad looking cow. A farmer wearing a lopsided hat and a scowl strode across her path; a woman scurried behind with a bawling babe in one arm and another child dragging behind. There was a vendor who sold his wares with a loud voice. He was younger, but Meredith could not see herself spending her days standing next to the cart touting the wonders of sheepskins. An attractive man stepped into view and she perked up only to lose interest when he lifted a tankard, screamed in slurred words for the band to play a jig to which he immediately began to hop around in a circle to.

  Two horsemen neared, both at once catching her attention.

  A tall, dark-haired, broad-shouldered man dismounted. His companion, just as tall with lighter golden, wavy hair did the same. They tethered their horses and began walking. Whoever the men were, they commanded attention. Children scurried to them and she watched the darker one place a coin in their outstretched hands.

  The lighter man did no such thing, by his scowl seemed to disapprove and, instead, tracked a tartlet walking to the well.

  It was possible the fair-haired man was the new laird. Her future husband would be handsome, caring, and generous like the dark-haired one. She turned to Lily, who'd caught up. "Is that the new laird?"

  "I believe so, milady." Lily narrowed her eyes at the men. "Both are quite bonnie are they not?"

  "Yes, but it's obvious who is the laird by the scowl and how he tracks that woman." Meredith looked to the tart, who hesitated upon noticing the blond man's notice.

  While the laird lingered with the horses, a bored expression on his face, the other man bent to talk to a young lad and petted a dog, obviously the boy's pride and joy.

  Meredith's lips curved. Now to find a way to get the darker man alone, away from people and to ensure one of her brother's men, who now barely paid her any mind, find them alone and in a compromising position. The guards had grown bored with her and Lily's wanderings and stood under a tree looking at the goings-on in the square.

  With careful steps, she went closer.

  Her maid caught up with her. "Milady, we should go. Your brother will be cross at you being gone so late."

  "My brother barely notices my comings and goings. Give me a few moments, I have a plan." She pulled the maid to stand beside a cart. "Remain here and once you see me head to the side of the inn, get one of my brother's guards and come to find me."

  Lily's eyes darted from her to different places around the square as if she were trying to decide whether to run or remain. "Whatever you plan, it can't be good. You should wait until yer brother meets the Gordon. You may change your mind."

  "I will not.” Meredith let out an impatient huff. "I see with my own eyes, although he is indeed handsome, he is a lusty sort who will not settle anytime soon. He will be an unfaithful husband. Now, Lily, wait here. Do as I say.”

  The maid let out a long sigh and hunched her shoulders in defeat. "Very well then.

  The dark-haired stranger stopped and spoke to a vendor, who presented him with a wrapped bundle. He placed it in a sack slung across his body.

  It was time. Meredith hurried from her maid who said something along the lines of "oh no” and continued forward until she bumped, none to gently, into the tall, dark-haired man.

  Meredith didn't bother to look up. Instead, she leaned toward him and swayed. "Kind sir, can you help me. I feel faint."

  "Of course." His voice was deep and refined. She attempted to turn her face to get a better look, but he was looking away as if trying to decide where to guide her.

  "To the inn, the second doorway there...yes, that's it. It will be shaded and cool so I can regain my balance. The innkeeper keeps a bench there." She took slow steps and prayed the guards didn't notice her yet. She snuck a peek from beneath her lashes and saw they were turned away, both ogling a woman passing by. Perfect.

  Once she and the stranger arrived at the inn, she staggered to the side of the building and went slack, her legs giving out. The man lifted her easily and carried her further into the dimness.

  He held her against him and turned this way and that. "There is nowhere to lay you down. I don't see a bench. Perhaps the inn would be a better choice. "

  "J...just need a moment." She inhaled dramatically and held on to his neck. "I feel better already."

  "Milady!" Lily cried and Meredith caught a glance of her wide-eyed maid and approaching guards. Before the stranger could put her down, she grabbed the man's face, turned it toward her and took his mouth with hers.

  Chapter Three

  Confused, Declan allowed the woman to kiss him. The sloppy attempt at seduction failed. It became apparent she wasn't experienced, but giving it her best effort, turning her face this way and that, her lips pressed hard against his. Why would she think a kiss would make he
r feel better?

  A trio rounded the corner and now blocked the opening. Two men glared and drew swords while a plump maid jumped up and down attempting to see over their shoulders while calling out. "Milady, get down."

  The lass had yet to release his face so he pulled back and looked at her. She was beautiful, beyond words actually. Her long-lashed green eyes took him in, while her rosebud, pink mouth formed a perfect “O”. She looked as surprised by his appearance as he was at hers.

  The sword-wielding men stopped in their tracks and seemed unsure as to how to proceed. Obviously they'd not attack while he held their mistress, so he ignored them.

  "I've never been told kissing brings one around from fainting." He smiled at his burden. "Did it work?"

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. "Yes, I feel much better, thank you."

  "What happens here? Unhand the lady, sir." One of the men pointed his sword first at him then at the woman ensconced in his arms. "You will answer for this mistreatment to our laird."

  Unsure if the woman would fall, he held her still. "Allow me to draw my own sword to defend myself." Declan attempted to pull the woman away, but she remained latched to him, arms around his neck. "I would hand her over to you, but she seems attached to me at the moment."

  The second man, an older, burly sort stepped forward. "Mistress Meredith, release the man so we may fight."

  The lass looked to them. "I will not allow you to hurt him." She finally released his neck and he lowered her feet to the ground, finding she was quite stable. His new protector held an arm in front of him. "He merely rescued me from fainting."

  "By kissing ye?" The younger man once again emphasized his words with the sword.

  "Your brother will have much to say about this." The older man pushed the younger aside and looked at Declan. "You will be brought before the new laird of Moriag for your actions.” He then gave the lass a patient look. "Come along, milady. We must go now."