Blessing The Highlander Read online

  Garrick scrutinized Angus as he walked back to camp. He discerned that he was right. There was not one man in the highlands who would call it dishonorable. He would give it more thought after he spoke with the lass. Perhaps she favored someone in particular. He fisted his hands till his knuckles turned white. Nay! He could not accept that. She will wed me...one way or another! With his mind made up, he went to her.

  Seonaid groaned when he removed the bandage. As the tension slackened a chill shuddered through her. He replaced it with a cool, damp cloth gently positioned alongside her brow soothing the persistent ache. Rough knuckles caressed her cheek. Garrick. She felt him pause as his name crossed her thoughts. As if he had overheard her. That was not possible...was it? She did not know.

  Her lids opened to find dual, dark sapphire eyes sparkling blue flashes, staring back at her. As she searched his face to see if she recognized him, she saw compassion in his features sprinkled with desire... and consumed with possessiveness. She sucked in her breath at the intensity, instantly regretting it as pain streaked through her bruised ribs.

  Concern was etched on his face as he asked, “What is it, Lass?”

  “My ribs...they burn,” she whispered breathlessly.

  “I will check if ye will countenance it.” She nodded warily. The handsome young chief slowly raised the tunic she wore over her gown, placing it bunched up beneath her full breasts, baring most of her midriff through the tattered fragments of the fine cloth. His breathing grew ragged as he exposed her ribs to the light of day, revealing massive bruising to her waist.

  Seonaid grit her teeth as he ran his fingers the length of each bone to be certain that none were broken. “They seem ta be but bruised, lass, I need ta bind them. Twill ease the pain some.”

  “If it will help ease the pain then aye, please do.”

  Garrick glanced around the camp spying Jamie tending the horses. “Jamie. Fetch me the salve for the horses and something ta bind her ribs.” In a few moments he had the supplies he had requested. He bound her ribs quickly. “Is that improved, Lass?”

  She inhaled a slow deep lungful of fragrant pine, smiling for the first time since he had encountered her. It was like the sun abruptly struck him. Heat spread to his groin in a rush leaving his head with scant blood for thinking. His heart thundered in his chest. Lord she was devastatingly beautiful!

  Her head jerked up as she perceived his thoughts. Then she just as swiftly glanced away. She knew this was not typical. She would need to be vigilant of this curse and pray that it goes away. Her next predicament was much worse.

  She cleared her throat blushing as she expressed to him in a hushed voice, “I need some privacy, m’laird.”

  “Ye can nae walk. If ye think ye can manage it on your own then I will carry ye and wait nearby.” Her face was red with embarrassment as she agreed.

  He swept her into his arms mindful of her bruises and removed her to a secluded spot. Cautiously surveying the surroundings for danger and reassured that she would not fall, he gave her as much privacy as he dared.

  A few moments later they returned to the encampment.

  “Are ye hungry lass? We were traveling light but we do have some oatcake ye could have. Me men are hunting so there should be a hot meal presently.”

  “An oatcake will do. Please do nae go to any trouble on my account.” As she nibbled on the cake she asked, “Who are you? Forgive me but I can nae seem to recall you.”

  Garrick studied his fingers as he thought about the best way to reply. He decided to dive in with both feet. He would make her see logic. It was the best way.

  “I am Garrick Brodie, chief of Clan Brodie. Angus, there, is me cousin and captain of the guard. O’er there is Jamie McNab, he does nae speak often, Robert is another cousin of mine. His brothers, William and Henry are hunting. And ye are Seonaid...?” He looked at her expectantly… studying her expression. Searching for any deceit which might appear.

  She, also, looked askance at him, hopeful that he could tell her what she sought. Finding no answers in those blue depths she shook her head. “How do you ken my name?”

  “From this,” he said as he offered her the parchment. He had considered destroying it but then he would lose his argument for wedding her. She needed to know that she was free to choose. Even if she did not know her ancestry.

  Seonaid read the missive shaking her head. “It gives me nae solutions. The first thing I recollect is you reading this parchment across the fire. All else is an empty void.” Tears of frustration sprung to her eyes.

  “Sweet lass,” he crooned. Garrick caught a tear on his finger as it wound its way down her cheek, “do nae fash yourself. All will be well. Rest now. Ye are nae well enough ta travel just yet. We will speak of the future later.”

  She rested against his side as he held. She felt safe there, she thought as her heavy lids closed. She drifted off with the scent of pine and Garrick filling her senses, heeding the sturdy beat of his heart.

  Seonaid woke to the aroma of meat cooking, opening her eyes a bit disconcerted. It was gloaming. She had slept all day. She looked around the camp but saw no one familiar. Garrick! Where was he? There were two men conversing by the fire but she did not know them. Where has everyone gone? Did they abandon me? Her breath was raspy as she skirted a panic attack. Then she perceived Garrick’s voice in her thoughts. Easy lass. I am near ta ye. I would, under nae circumstances, abandon ye. Do nae fret.

  I must be going mad! How can I possibly be hearing his voice when he is nae here? Tis nae possible to hear a person’s thoughts. Mayhap I am cursed.

  Then I must be as well.

  Seonaid sensed, more than heard, Garrick as he came to stand behind her. He stood there with his arms crossed over his broad chest as she turned to face him. He raised a brow daring her to deny what had just occurred. She attempted to rise but he shook his head. “Nay, Seonaid, rest while ye can...unless ye require some privacy.” His eyes twinkled. She blushed, briskly shaking her head.

  “Hungry?”

  “Aye, very.” Her stomach grumbled stridently. She blushed again self-consciously.

  “‘Tis nae shame in that, lassie. I will bring some food and drink so we may speak.”

  In a few moments he returned, sitting next to her on the thin pallet. They sat quietly as she devoured the tasty hare washing it down with water… after smelling it first. Garrick chuckled, a deep throaty sound, as he observed her from the corner of his eye. “Tis truly sorry I am about the uisge beatha.” She smiled.

  “Aye. I ken you did nae give it to me on purpose. I was just startled at the burning.”

  A few moments later, she drew her courage up, squared her shoulders and ventured to ask him about what distressed her furthermost. “This thing betwixt us...is it your doing? The thoughts I mean. Have you done this afore?”

  Garrick slowly turned his head toward her and murmured, “Never.”

  Seonaid’s eyes darted away in alarm as a tremor ran through her. “Then it must be me. I do nae understand it. I feel as if it has certainly nae occurred beforehand. I do nae ken how I ken this but I am certain!” She gnawed on her lower lip as she dug her toe into the soft earth.

  “Do nae fash yourself, Seonaid. Tis a wondrous thing. But I would nae speak of it among others. They may nae comprehend...even me clansmen are a bit superstitious. “Twill be our secret, aye?” He quirked his dark brow at her.

  Seonaid nodded anxiously as she decided that what he proposed would be best. “I do nae like lying though.” She furrowed her brow. “Tis sinful.”

  He studied her solemn face appreciative of her adherence to the truth. He knew he was making the correct choice about being honest with her on the next issue they must discuss. “This is nae a lie, me lady, but a matter that nae one need ken.” He watched her worry her lip as she struggled with his rationality. Finding it sound, she agreed with him… nodding.

  With that established, it was time to convey to Seonaid his plans for her future. He inhaled deeply
as his entrails quaked. Jesu! He had never been this anxious...not even in battle! But it was essential that he received a response. He plunged head first.

  “Do ye remember anything at all about your father...or clansmen, lass?”

  Seonaid shook her head as she thought long and hard on the question. Her head dipped to her chest as despondency overwhelmed her. Garrick placed a finger under her slightly rounded chin raising her eyes to his. The vivid green pools awash with unshed tears sparkled blue and gold in their depths. Lost in the moment, he held to himself, I could drown in those eyes. So ravishing.

  Seonaid lurched back. “Forgive me, me lady, but me thoughts are true.” he stated boldly. She tilted her head… regarding him.

  Garrick smiled at her tenderly asking, “So from the missive ye carried I would say tis safe ta accept that ye are nae promised ta any man and perchance, nae held any in high esteem?”

  Seonaid considered the question, searching her heart as best she might under the circumstances, finding no sense of loss that she might anticipate. “Nae. I feel nae loss in my heart.” She turned guarded eyes on him. “Why do you ask, my laird?”

  This was it! He must word this just right to have her as an agreeable bride. He would still wed her, but if she was willing twould be best. He cleared his dry gullet, sucked in a great gulp of air, and then cleared his throat for a second time. He had never been so anxious before.

  Garrick looked deeply into her eyes and began.

  “Ye are a stunning woman, Seonaid. So lovely that if I take ye ta Brodie Castle as a maiden me men will be fighting each other instead of tending ta their duties. And I fear the wives may be unkindly ta ye, as well.”

  “You need to be free of me,” she whispered as a sense of loss washed over her. “I understand. I will go in the morn if you will lend me a horse...or I could walk if you show me the way.” She discerned this sensation of being a burden… unwelcome. She sensed the familiarity of it deep in her core. Unshed tears leapt to her emerald eyes as she hopped up to run off.

  Garrick rose with her seizing her arm to stay her flight. “Nay, me lady.” he all but shouted getting the attention of all his men. He glanced at them. Angus raised his skin in salute, chuckling and shaking his head.

  Garrick led her into the bushes to keep their talk from inquisitive eyes. Exasperated with himself, he ran his hand through his hair as he gathered his thoughts more clearly.

  “Ye misjudge me lass. I said twould nae be wise ta take ye as a maiden.”

  Seonaid’s eyes bulged as she slowly receded in distress. “You mean to shame me?” She screeched. “You would have me sin? How will that benefit? Your reasoning is severely flawed, sirrah!”

  Garrick scowled. This was getting out of hand! Why could she not read his thoughts now?

  “Nay, me lady. I mean ye need be wed when ye come ta me household!”

  “And who would you be thinking to have me wed? Angus? Or one of the brothers perhaps?” she asked incredulously.

  “Angus has a wife!” he roared. “Would ye prefer him?”

  “He...oh!” she sputtered in outrage with her hands akimbo.

  “Jesu woman!” Garrick bellowed. “Are ye daft? I wish ye ta wed with me!”

  “You?” She was stunned. “Why would you want to wed me?” Seonaid’s heart pounded as the prospect seized footing. She could do worse. True…he was a stranger. But women of rank often wed strangers. It would not be uncommon. And she could not refute that there was a connection concerning them.

  Garrick felt like he had just run considerably. His heart was thundering in his chest… his breathing tortured. As he strove for composure he cautiously thought of his response to her query.

  “Have ye ever seen your reflection, Seonaid? Ye are stunning lass. A man would need ta be blind ta nae desire ye...or dead. And, trust me, I am neither. I was on a bride search when we found ye and I think we will suit.” He stepped nearer. “And I want ye,” he murmured as he drew her into his arms kissing her sinuous lips.

  Seonaid’s eyes closed as she savored the contact. Brightly colored flashes of light danced behind her eyelids as a thunderous bolt of lightning streaked through her. Her legs gave out on a moan as Garrick’s embrace tightened about her to prevent her falling.

  He drew back in awe. He was trembling with his need of her. Resting his brow against hers, he gasped for breath. “What say ye, me lady?” he rumbled low in his throat. He was certain she would deny him. She did not know him. But he needed to hear her refusal. Until then he had hope.

  “Aye, my laird, I will wed you.”

  He must have misheard her. He shook his head to clear it. “Did ye say ‘aye’?”

  She nodded shakily.

  Joy flashed through him as he controlled his response. He smiled, contented that she would be his, kissing her once more. Restraining himself with a great deal of determination, he walked her back to her pallet. “We will wed on the morrow. I ken of a priest in Nairn.”

  Seonaid bobbed her head in agreement.

  As she drifted to sleep, she smiled when she overheard Angus snicker at Garrick. “Ye undoubtedly have a manner with the lasses. For a moment there I thought she might gut ye. Tis a good thing ye do nae do this often.”

  They all roared with laughter at Garrick’s red face. Then he puffed out his chest and said, “I may have prepared it poorly, but in the end… she agreed.”

  Chapter IV

  It was early evening as they topped a ridge peering down on the hamlet of Nairn. It was typical for the time with thatch-roofed huts made of waddle and daub. It appeared large enough to host lodgings, a blacksmith and a small chapel… but not much more.

  Seonaid was snuggled under Garrick’s plaid securely held in his arms as she slept. He reveled in the feel of her soft curves nestled against him. Her lush breasts pressed alongside his chest. This eve she will be mine. He his groin swelled with the thought.

  William met them as they entered the small village. “Is all secured?”

  “Aye, m’laird. Here are the items ye requested. The priest awaits ye in yonder church.” He passed the cloth bundle to Garrick.

  He nodded his thanks urging his destriar toward the small chapel. He nudged Seonaid awake once they arrived. She yawned and stretched as she smiled sleepily into his handsome face.

  “We are here, lass,” he murmured.

  She came instantly awake as she realized what he had said. Her head jerked about to see that they had halted in front of a small quaint chapel. On the steps stood a short rotund priest wearing a brown wool robe tied at his waist with a rope.

  “Greetings, Laird Brodie. Would this be your bride?” he asked as he noted her state of dishevelment, as they dismounted, with a critical eye. Seonaid blushed in discomfiture as she hastily tried smoothing her clothes and hair.

  “Aye, Father Warren,” he said proudly. “Twould be appreciated if we could refresh ourselves here afore the ceremony.”

  His head bobbed up and down excitedly as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the monetary boon he would receive for this service. The boost to his reputation would be welcome, too. Laird Brodie was an earl, after all, and his family favored by the king. King Malcolm himself awarded them their lands and title.

  They were led inside the simple stone structure to separate chambers, which were not much more than alcoves with doors. As Seonaid turned to enter the one allotted her, Garrick stopped her with a touch to her arm. He handed her the cloth bundle that William had given him.

  “What is this?” She asked with wonder.

  He replied gruffly, “Just some things I thought ye might need. Go along with ye now.”

  She entered a room lit by one candle. It was sparsely furnished with a small plain table that held a jug of water and a bowl. In the corner was a straw-filled pallet covered by a thin blanket. Above it, a plain wooden cross on the wall.

  This certainly was not how she had visualized her wedding day, she sighed. Her hair was a tangle, her clothes were in
tatters, she was dirty… and she was wedding a virtual stranger. She giggled. He may be a stranger to me but I burn for him. He is so strong and fine-looking. He carries himself like a king. Something draws me to him. I seem to ken him deep down inside...in my soul. Besides, I can nae even summon up how I pictured my wedding. Seonaid laughed softly as she set the bundle on the pallet.

  As she exposed the contents of the parcel, tears leapt to her eyes, her heart stilled. Inside was a linen chemise so thin she could see her fingers through the cloth. Beneath it was a kirtle the color of fresh churned butter… the over tunic a rich cranberry red. There was, as well, a braided leather girdle with tasseling on the ends and a fine bone comb. Tis wondrous! She exclaimed.

  In his chamber, Garrick stilled. She was contented with the gift, he thought to himself as he perceived her outburst in his mind. He continued his shave whistling happily.

  Garrick waited at the altar a short time later while Angus procured his bride. He was a little concerned about how she would take the news that she would be a countess. Mayhap he should convey it to her before they wed. Nay. I will nae give her a reason ta back out of this wedding. She had much to learn to fill that role. But she had grace, beauty, intelligence and kindness in her favor. The rest could be learned.

  Seonaid found Angus awaiting her when she departed her alcove. He whistled long and low drinking in the image of her. She blushed profusely.

  “Oh, m’lady, ye are a vision! Laird Brodie will likely be dumb-struck at the sight of ye. Ach! Well, I be here ta escort ye ta your betrothed. Be ye ready?”

  She nodded tensely, taking his arm to be led into the tiny chapel. It was beautiful, she thought, as she glanced about the room. The entire aisle was lit with candles. Following the path of flames with her eyes led her to her raven haired, six foot five highlander standing straight and tall at the altar. She sucked in her breath at the sight of him. He appeared so regal and proud. She noted that he had shaved his scruffy whiskers making his strong jaw more squared. She trembled slightly beneath his penetrating gaze.