Forever and Beyond: Highland Hearts Afire - Time Travel Romance Page 16

  “I was told to keep an eye on her while Lord Grant and Lord MacConnery attended to some business. But she managed to get away,” the guard said.

  Fearing the worst, Katherine’s stomach twisted with dread. Tending to business could mean only one thing. Now, more than ever, she needed to find Ayden, to make sure he was okay.

  “Do you have any idea where she might have gone? Lord MacConnery will have my head on a pike when he finds out I’ve lost her.”

  “I dinna think it proper to discuss delicate personal matters of the mistress with men, but if it eases your concern and that of the lords, I suppose I should tell you what I know,” Cora said.

  “If you have information to share, Madame, I suggest you tell me at once,” the man said, not bothering to hide the impatience in his tone.

  After waiting another minute Cora spoke. “I will tell you, and only you. Lady Catriona is…”

  “Is what?” He cut her off abruptly “I insist you tell me at once.

  Cora cleared her throat, and lowered her voice. “Unfortunately, it appears she has a malady, sir.”

  “She looked fine to me,” the warrior charged with watching Katherine barked. “If you know where she is, I demand you tell me.”

  “It is not that sort of illness.”

  “My patience wears thin. Tell me what is wrong with the lass and where we might find her,” he demanded.

  “My guess is the poor lamb has gone to her chamber to rest and wail in peace,” Cora said, grinning. “She looked very pale earlier today and was resting when I went to help her get ready for the feast.”

  “We pounded on her door, but she dinna answer,” the second man said.

  “It doesna surprised me. Lady Catriona would be too embarrassed to tell strange men of her ailment,” Cora continued. “It is a curse that young ladies must endure when they reach a certain age, and continue to do so until they are too old to breed. And Lady Catriona is one who suffers greatly during this time. However, the dear lamb has never been one to complain. But best you let her rest.”

  Katherine covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. She couldn’t have come up with a more clever idea if she’d tried. Men always seemed to shy away and give a wide birth to a woman with PMS

  “She’s right,” the second guard said. “I’m na married, but have four sisters and stay clear of the croft when any of them are suffering from the flux. They dinna call it a curse for naught.”

  “Will you swear she is ailing?” the first guard asked.

  “I will do even better,” Cora said.

  Katherine held her breath. Until now she’d been relieved, even amused by how well Cora was playing the two men, but she couldn’t imagine what she had in mind now.

  “If you promise to wait here, I will go to her chamber and check in on the poor wee thing. Then you can go back and explain to her father and Lord MacConnery that she had no choice but to leave the feast.

  “Very well, if you’ll go check, then give us your word she is in her bed and will stay put, we will explain to the lords,” the first warrior said.

  “While the old woman is gone to check the chamber, maybe we should take a look in here,” one of the men said.

  When Katherine heard the sound of heavy footfall approaching the door, panic squeezed her chest. In need of a quick place to hide, she crouched behind a barrel when the door latch wiggled.

  “Lily, would you be a dear and take some warm compresses, a bucket, and a mug of ale to Lady Catriona?” Cora said. “I’m afraid she is feeling worse than expected. The poor thing was unable to hold down what little she ate at the feast, and is laying on her bed moaning.”

  Katherine exhaled sharply. Cora’s timing couldn’t have been better.

  “We’ll tell her father,” the warrior said. “If she wakes up and is feeling better, but is still na able to return to the feast, tell her to stay in her room.”

  “Aye. You can count on it,” Cora said cheerfully.

  After another short wait, the door opened and Cora returned. “You can come out now, lamb. I can be pretty certain no one will try to bother you this night.”

  “I heard,” Katherine giggled, then threw her arms around Cora’s neck and hugged her. “You were brilliant.” She lowered her gaze and her voice. “I must try and find Ayden.”

  “I understand your concern for Lord Ayden. But be careful, Catriona. If your father finds out we have deceived him, he will be furious and will surely take you to task.

  “I’ll be careful.” She reached for the door then hesitated. “You may have deceived the guards with this ruse, but what if my father does come looking for me?”

  “Dinna fash. “If your da comes to check for himself, I will tell him what the warrior said was true. You suddenly took ill and are asleep in your bed. Your mother suffered when she bled, so he is aware it does happen. He has no reason to question my word.”

  “Thank you,” Katherine kissed Cora’s cheek and prepared to leave.

  “Wait.” Cora grabbed her wrist. “The guard might be outside the door. Come with me.” She led Katherine to her chamber and shoved open the door.

  “What are you doing here?” Katherine asked when she saw Lily sitting on the edge of her bed.”

  “Lily will serve as your diversion. She will climb into your bed until you return. With your similar builds and hair coloring, she could easily pass for you if under the pelts. If any one comes to check, she will moan and thrash about, and I will insist whoever it is leave and let you rest.”

  “You are so clever, Cora. But I would hate for either of you get into trouble for helping me.”

  “Dinna fash. We are both happy to help you,” Lily said, smiling. “Anything for true love.”

  “Change quickly, then climb out the window. Your chamber is at the back of the cottage, and mind you keep to the shadows,” Cora prompted as she handed Katherine a skirt, leine and arisaidh. “These will be less cumbersome than your gown,” she said, and pushed open the shutters.

  “I will.” Katherine changed her clothes, then turned to leave, when Cora grabbed her wrist again.

  “See to Lord Ayden, but be sure to return before dawn. I’d suggest you be present for the sunrise service. If your da asks, I’ll tell him you spent the night in your room. If he questions you on the morrow, dinna say any more than you must. Once you return, I will send Lily on her way, and you can climb into your own bed.”

  ~ * ~

  Once outside, Katherine slinked along the rear of the cottage, keeping her spine pressed tightly against the stone wall. As she neared the stables, the sound of men, speaking in harsh tones floated on the cool night air, masked by the music and merriment going on at the feast. Staying as quiet as possible, she crept around the side of the structure and came to an abrupt halt, her hand shooting to her mouth. Her father and MacConnery were there, but they were not alone. Two of her betrothed’s men held Ayden captive, as Lord Grant thrust his fist into Ayden’s stomach.

  “I will tell you once and na again. If you dare come calling for my daughter, sniffing and pissing on the trees like a dog in heat, I’ll flay you where you stand,” he threatened, then threw another punch, this one connecting with Ayden’s jaw.

  Ayden groaned, doubled over at the waist, but refused to call out for help or to ask for mercy.

  “Agree, Ayden. Please. Say whatever they want to hear,” she pleaded beneath her breath. He’d been disarmed and he was outnumbered four to one. And while she was certain if on a battlefield the numbers would be even in Ayden’s eyes, right now, he was at a huge disadvantage. She wanted to run to him, to demand they let him go, but knew she’d only make things worse. She could go and tell Laird MacAndrews and his men that Ayden was being beaten, but before they could secure Ayden’s freedom, lives could be lost, including the man she loved.

  “Shall we kill him, Lord Grant?” one of the warriors asked. “If you want to be certain he doesna bother your daughter again, it’s the best way to make certain.”

  A h
uge lump lodged in her throat as she bit back the urge to shout out. Instead, she remained silent, hoping Lord Grant would show mercy. If caught, she could be of no help to Ayden and it might even force his captor’s hand.

  Lord Grant stroked his chin and paced before the guards, Ayden hanging limp in their arms. He halted and moved forward, grabbed a fistful of Ayden’s hair and snapped his head back. “You will never have my blessing to marry my daughter. Come near Catriona again, and I will not only kill you, but she will be thrown in the dungeon until her wedding day.”

  “You bastard,” Ayden spat, blood dripping from his mouth. Then he glared at MacConnery. “And you are worse. You dinna deserve Catriona. She is far too fine a lass for the likes of you. If you werena a coward and—” His words were cut off by a backhanded slap.

  “Insolent fool. Lord Grant asked you a question, MacAndrews. Do you understand that if you dare speak to my Catriona again, your selfish action will be result in your death and her imprisonment?” MacConnery warned.

  “I understand,” Ayden replied, then sucked in a shallow breath and began coughing.

  “A wise answer.” MacConnery ended the discussion with a final blow to Ayden’s chest, then spoke to his men. “Let him go.”

  “What if he returns to the feast and tells his clan what happened?”

  “He knows better. Besides, I doubt he has the ballocks to crawl into the bailey and let people see how the almighty have fallen. We have naught to worry about.” MacConnery curled his arm around Lord Grant’s shoulders. “Shall we return to the feast and finish our meal?

  Grant nodded. “Aye. I’ll have a jug of my best whisky brought up from the cellar and we’ll toast your upcoming nuptials.”

  The guards released their hold on Ayden and he crumpled to the ground.

  At that moment, she wanted to go to him, but she held back. She didn’t fear for herself, but knew if she acted on impulse, it would likely result in Ayden’s death. At which point, she’d not want to live either.

  The revelation hit her like a blow to the chest. She knew she had feelings for Ayden, but had no idea she’d go to such extremes were he to die. Was that how Catriona felt when he learned he’d been killed in battle, then hurled herself off the cliff? For the first time, she understood the depth of Catriona’s love and grief.

  But she couldn’t think about that now. Ayden was still alive and needed her to be strong and there for him. She sucked her lower lip between her teeth and waited for the men to round the corner of the stable before rushing to his side.

  When she arrived at Ayden’s slumped form, she squatted and lightly stroked his shoulder. “Can you hear me? Can you stand?” She choked out the words, fighting back tears.

  “Catriona, you must leave,” he rasped, his words hoarse.

  “Not on your life. I’m not leaving here without you.” She slid her arm around his waist and clutched his leine with the other hand, then tried to lift him. “You need to help me here. I know they hurt you, but we can’t stay here. When they find out I’m missing, they’ll come looking for me. And I fear my father will once again take his anger out on you.” She grunted, planted her feet firmly in place, and heaved again. But to no avail.

  “I can do this on my own. I just need a minute,” Ayden rasped.

  “You’re hurt and need my help. I saw what they did to you. You must get up before they come back and find us here together.” She tried again to haul him upward and this time when she tugged, he slid his feet beneath him and managing to rise to a shaky stance, clinging to her for support. “Can you walk?”

  “Aye. It’s na as bad as you think. I was more winded from the blows than injured.”

  “They were brutal. And I know you are lying for my sake,” she said, fighting back tears. “You are lucky to be alive.”

  “Normally, I wouldna give in so easily, but there are times when a man is sorely outnumbered and knows he must bide his time and take the blows if he wishes to live to fight another day,” Ayden said.

  “I’m so glad you did.”

  “For me to die would serve no purpose and there would be no one to protect you, Catriona.”

  “I wish you’d never tried to speak with my father.”

  “I couldna stand there while he announced your betrothal to that bastard, MacConnery, and say naught. I had to try.” Ayden braced his arm across his ribs and straightened. His brow furrowed. “And what of you? You risk a beating by coming to my aid. If they are looking for you and they find us together—”

  She gently placed her finger to his lips. “I was very careful and no one will come looking for me this night.” She grinned at the thought of Cora’s lie. “I won’t tell you how or why, just know that my father believes I am asleep in my chamber, and with good reason.”

  “Best we get out of here. If they come back to check, they will think I have crawled off into the bushes to lick my wounds.” He brought a hand to his cheek and winced.

  She cupped his chin, catching a glimpse of his face in the moonlight and gently touched his split lip. “Does it hurt?

  He forced a smile. “I know when it is time to lay down and play dead, but never did learn when to shut my mouth. I’m sorry I let you down.”

  Her heart ached. He’d been beaten because he loved her and wanted to marry her, saving her from a life of misery with a man she didn’t love. She raised up on tiptoes and brushed his lips with her mouth. “You could never let me down. You are the bravest, most selfless man I have ever met. I … I love you, Ayden.” She rested her cheek against his chest and listened to the thunder of his heart.

  Steadier than he had been when he first rose, he no longer needed to lean on her for support. “And I love you. Will you marry me this night, before I must leave for Stirling, Catriona?” He enveloped her in his arms and rested his chin atop her head.

  She reluctantly eased back a little and glared up at him in disbelief. “You want me to marry you, tonight?”

  “I want to carry the memory of a night making love to you locked in my heart while I am away. Knowing my wife is awaiting my return, and that we will have the rest of our lives together, will give me courage and hope. And if the Almighty doesna see fit for me to return, we will have had a night as husband and wife.”

  Pangs of despair gripped her heart. “How can we marry tonight? The priest will never agree to perform the ceremony without my father’s blessing. And if you and I are caught together, you will be killed.” She straightened and looked him in the eye. “If need be, I will lay with you this night, Ayden. We will say our vows before God and the stars. I will be your wife in body and in my heart.”

  “I told you, I had another plan if your father refused my request,” Ayden said. “I have a friend, Brother Thomas, a friar at the monastery on the outskirts of my father’s land. I spoke to him after we met this afternoon and he has agreed to marry us.”

  Taken aback, she stared up at him. “I don’t understand. You have already arranged for us to wed? Even before you asked for my father’s blessing? But why put yourself in such peril? You could have sent me word, told me of your plan, and not been beaten.”

  “It was only as a last resort.” Ayden said. “Nothing had changed since we met at the stream this afternoon. I told you then that I planned to marry you this night. I had just hoped to get you father’s blessing,” he said. “I knew it was important to you.”

  “Not enough to risk your life,” she replied. “After my betrothal was announced, you could have waited and sent word to me of your plan to have Brother Thomas marry us, rather than meeting with my father.”

  “Tha gaol agam ort. I love you with all my heart, Catriona, and the thought of you married to another is like a dagger through my heart. I couldn’t think straight or see past the rage,” he said, then lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I want you for my wife, and believe with all my heart that you feel the same way. But I sense some hesitation. If I am wrong, tell me now and I will set you free. But if you share my love, marry
me this night.”

  She wanted to accept. But she couldn’t help wondering if she was being selfish. She wanted to stay with him, to be his wife, but she wasn’t from this time period and still had no idea if and when she’d be returned to the twenty-first century. And as much as she would love to take him with her, she didn’t know if that would even be possible. If only she could tell him the truth. She hung her head. “I dare not leave my father’s estate. And I promised Cora if she helped me come to you, I would return to my room by first light. She said she’d make excuses for me, should anyone come to check. But I could never live with myself if I didn’t return and she was punished because of me.”

  “You dinna have to leave the estate. I will fetch Brother Thomas and meet you in the caves near the stream. There, we will marry and spend our wedding night. In the morning you will return to you father’s cottage and say nothing about the ceremony. No one need know but us yet,” he said. “Na until the time is right to tell them.”

  “People will have to know we are wed at some point. We canna keep it a secret for long. Lord MacConnery expects to marry me and willna just go away.”

  “If you pretend to be happy about the marriage, but insist on a large elaborate wedding and time to prepare, it will buy us some time. When I return from Stirling, will tell everyone well before you are expected to wed him”

  “What if my father petitions to have our union annulled? He is within his rights to do so, and I would still end up betrothed to MacConnery,” she pointed out.

  “We will face that problem if we come to it. But, once our union is consummated, I’d wager Lord MacConnery will no longer want you.”

  “I hope you’re right and it doesn’t make him more determined to own me. He strikes me as a very competitive man. Men who must win at all cost, do not give up easily.” The similarity between Ewan and Ethan crossed her mind. “Not to mention we’ll have my father’s ire to contend with. I can only imagine how furious he’ll be when he finds out I have gone against his decree. He may even try to have our wedding dissolved by the kirk.”