A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) (26 page)

Peter ran beside Sven’s horse. “You’re riding by yourself now?”
Peter shouted to Sven.

A large smile broadened across her son’s face. “Aye. The chief
says I need to train to be a warrior.”

Maidie’s heart grew heavy with Sven’s words, but she would
broach the subject of her son’s training with the chief in due time. Andrew had
been only a gentleman on the return trip, even distant. He seemed taken by the
small child he held close on his horse, so Maidie had no idea what to expect
from him. Briana had captured the hearts of the entire party. Sven enjoyed
playing with her. Although she could neither hear nor speak, Briana showed
signs of high intelligence. She mimicked actions and learned the people she
could trust quickly. Although she clung to Andrew, reaching for him when he was
in her sight, she was beginning to trust Maidie, and seemed content to be in
her care.

Andrew told Maidie of his spiritual experience with the Lord
in the dungeon of Castle Lach. She thanked the Lord over and over for saving
her beloved’s soul. Her prayers for Andrew’s salvation were answered. She would
be eternally grateful to Colin for sharing his faith.

Warriors who lived in the village left the group, calling
their farewells to the chief and tanist, who in turn called back to them. A
small band comprised of the chief’s
luchd-taighe
remained to accompany the returning party to the castle.

The gloaming came much too quickly, enveloping the landscape
in grey hues. Trees barren of their leaves looked like quiet, dark sentinels
guarding the entrance to the castle. The large gates opened wide for the group
to enter. Huzzas and welcomes rang from the ramparts and inside the
bailey—a lovely welcome home, to be sure. People stopped their activities
to call a welcome to the chief. A sense of contentment only home can bring,
filled Maidie’s soul. She wished to never leave this wonderful place again.

Inside the inner bailey and under his daughter’s protests,
Andrew handed Briana to a servant then dismounted. He told Gavin to take Tavish’s
horse to the stable then have the warrior’s body brought to the chapel. Andrew
walked briskly to Maidie’s horse, helping her down. Sven managed by himself,
grinning when his short legs reached the ground. The remainder of the group
dismounted while stable boys led the horses away.

Andrew seemed in no hurry to remove his hands from Maidie’s
waist when he turned her to face him. He stood close. His warm breath fanned
across her face. Looking directly into her eyes with his bright grey ones
shining, he smiled. “Welcome home, Maidie. You will never have to leave this
place or me again.”

She returned his smile. “I shall be content to stay here with you
for the rest of my life.”

“And that you will,
a ghràidh
.” Andrew bent to kiss her
forehead.

Briana made a cry, stretching pleading arms toward her father.
He turned from Maidie to take the child from the servant, but then returned and
took Maidie’s arm, escorting her toward the castle. Sven followed. Gavin and
Erskin disappeared into the stables. A servant opened the large door to the
great hall now buzzing with activity. Tables were being arranged and set for
the evening meal with the smell of delicious food permeating the air. All
activity stopped when Andrew entered. The smiling servants hurried to form a receiving
line for their returning Laird. One called to the cook who rushed out of the
kitchen wiping her hands on her large apron.
 

The menservants bowed and the maidservants curtseyed as they
expressed welcomes to Andrew and Maidie. Andrew acknowledged each one, conveying
his happiness at returning home to Fàrdach Castle, his friends and family.
Briana’s eyes widened with anxiety over seeing so many strangers, so she buried
her face on Andrew’s shoulder.
 

A beaming Nellie approached Maidie, curtsied, and said,
“Madam, what a treat to see you. You’ve come home.”

Maidie reached for the handmaiden’s neck and embraced her,
then Nellie returned to the receiving line. Maidie also embraced Anne. “How is
wee Randall?”

“He fairs well, Madam. I canna tell you how happy I am you are
home.” Her large dimples creased more.

“I’ll be anxious to see him and visit with you, Anne,” Maidie
said while Effie and Dan ran to Sven with hugs and news about the hound pups.

Sven pulled at Maidie’s skirt, “Mam, may I go with Effie and
Dan to play with the pups in the kitchen?”

Maidie looked down at her son. “You’ve been riding all day,
Sven. You must bathe before the evening meal, so dinna be long.” Sven rushed
toward the kitchen with his friends, giggling and chatting.

The other servants expressed their welcomes then returned to
their work, happily talking and nodding toward the couple. Davina descended the
stairs, putting a hand to her mouth to cover a gasp when she saw Maidie with
her brother.

Andrew called to his sister, “Davina, look who’s back with us.”

She remained at the foot of the steps, her face ashen. Andrew
called once more, “Sister, Maidie’s returned. Come here. What is wrong with you?”
He looked at Briana. “I want you to meet my daughter, Briana.”

Davina moved slowly toward the group, so Andrew caught Maidie’s
arm and brought her to his reluctant sister. He coxed the frightened child in
his arms to raise her head. Davina looked from Maidie to Briana to Andrew then
stroked Briana’s small hand. The child clutched the larger hand in her own.
Davina kept her face turned away from Maidie.

Andrew moved closer to his sister. “Davina, this wee lassie is
my daughter. She can neither hear nor speak. ‘Tis our job to make her
comfortable and teach her the best we can to communicate with us.”

“Aye, Brother. She’s a lovely lassie. I will enjoy helping her
learn the Munro ways. Where is her mither, Tara?”

“She’s to wed Hugh MacKenzie at Christmastime. I saw her at
Castle Lach while I was imprisoned there.”

“So Tara is to wed the MacKenzie. Stands to reason. He has
money and she needs it.” Davina smiled at Briana, but continued to ignore
Maidie.

If Andrew noticed Davina’s coolness, he didn’t say anything.
He probably knew his sister well enough to ignore her moodiness, but her
attitude made Maidie feel unwelcomed and uncomfortable. Maidie could not
imagine what had happened to make Davina act so toward her. Mayhap her monthly
flux contributed to the lass’ sullenness.

She suddenly stopped playing with Briana’s hand and looked
around the great hall. “Where is Tavish?”

Andrew motioned for a servant and ordered, “Find Nellie. Bring
her to me.” He turned to Davina as the man rushed away. They exchanged gazes
for a moment before Andrew said in a quiet voice, “Sister, Tavish was killed in
Castle Lach.”

A screech left Davina’s throat, resounding throughout the
great hall. Servants stopped their work to look in her direction. Davina’s face
drained of all color, then she collapsed to the floor. Maidie bent over the
girl, patting her hand and colorless cheeks. Nellie emerged from the servant’s
quarters and rushed to the group. She curtsied in front of Andrew.

“Nellie, this is my daughter, Briana. Take her to the empty
chamber beside mine. Prepare the guest chamber for Maidie. She has returned to
us.” A faint smile curled Andrew’s lips.

Nellie took Briana from his arms. The child made the guttural
sound of a cry and reached for her father, but Nellie clung to her as they ascended
the stairs. Andrew turned his attention to Davina, who lay curled on the floor.
A servant brought Angus who held a small bottle that he opened and passed under
her nose. Pungent fumes penetrated the air, making her stir. Maidie sat on the cold
stone floor, holding the young girl’s dark head in her lap, stroking her
forehead.

Davina’s dark eyes sought her brother. “What happened to
Tavish?”

“We’ll discuss that later, Davina, when you feel better and
are able to hear the account.” Andrew squatted beside his sister, stroking her
hand with a deep line between his heavy brows.

“Why did Maidie return? She left here to marry the MacKenzie’s
son. Why did she return?” Davina’s voice reached a high pitch.

Andrew looked at Maidie. She returned his gaze, hardly
believing Davina’s words. Maidie thought Davina to be her friend. She had acted
distraught when Maidie left Fàrdach Castle. Thinking back on her departure,
however, Maidie remembered how Davina’s sad farewell had not matched the girl’s
almost happy expression. They did not fit, but Maidie had not the inclination
to think about such with her own sadness over leaving Andrew and Fàrdach
Castle.

Gavin entered the great hall followed by Erskin and others of
the
luchd-taighe
. Two of the men carried Tavish’s body toward the
chapel. When Davina saw the plaide-draped body, she screamed. Maidie held her
tightly.

Andrew stroked his sister’s arm. “Davina, get hold of yourself,
lass. Tavish is gone. He died a warrior’s brave death, fighting to save Maidie.”

Davina sat up, scorching Maidie with her eyes. “He died saving
you?” she cried. She began slapping Maidie’s arms and chest and tried to slap
her face before Andrew seized the distraught girl’s arms, holding her close to
him. Her fists beat on his chest, “I hate her, I hate her.”

“’Twas no’ Maidie’s fault. I’ll no’ have you yelling and
hitting her. Tavish wanted to help rescue her from the MacKenzie’s clutches.”
Andrew held his sister tightly. “Now calm yourself, lass.” Andrew stood and
helped his sister to rise, but held fast to her arms. “Go to your chamber and
stay there ‘til I come. I’ll have someone send food for you.”

“I want no food, and don’t come to my chamber.” Davina
scorched Maidie once more with her eyes. “And don’t let that black witch near
me!”

Andrew turned to Angus. “Do you have a potion for Davina? She
needs calming.” Angus nodded. “Then take her to her chamber and stay until she
is quieter.”

Angus turned to a nearby servant. “Fetch my physician’s bag.”
The servant hurried off, and Angus took Davina’s arm to lead her away.

Davina turned back to Andrew as she ascended the stone steps
of the stairwell. “Get rid of that witch. She will bewitch all of us. She
already has you under her spell. Get rid of her!”

Andrew turned to Maidie and took her into his arms. He stroked
her hair. “I’m so verra sorry for Sister’s behavior. I ken she had feelings for
Tavish, but had nae inclination of her resentment of you.”

Maidie could not keep tears escaping her eyes and spilling
onto Andrew’s vest. She sniffed. “I, too, am sorry I came back. I am naught but
trouble for you, sowing discord among your family.” She looked up at her love’s
face, now mirroring the distress in his heart.

Andrew held her at arm’s length. “Dinna say such a thing,
a
ghràidh
. You sow love within my heart, and I will never let you go again.
Never!”

He pulled Maidie toward him, lifted her head to his and
planted warm passionate lips on hers. Maidie’s entire being vibrated with his
caress. Her stomach turned a flip while her heart skipped a beat. She wanted
nothing more than to stand in his arms forever and feel his ardent lips on
hers.

A gruff throat cleared behind them. Both had forgotten about
Gavin and the other men. Andrew released her and motioned for her to go up the
stairs. “I will see you later.”

Heat rose to Maidie’s face. He smiled at her blush. She turned
and climbed the stairs to her chamber with warmth filling her heart to
bursting. Home felt so very good. She loved everything about Fàrdach Castle
including the clan chief who resided here. She intended to do her part to mend
her relationship with Davina, and show forgiveness and kindness toward the
lass.

The entire castle would mourn Tavish’s untimely death. Maidie’s
own heart broke at the thought of the faithful warrior who treated Sven and her
with such graciousness. A sad, dark cloud crept in to steal away the happiness
of returning to Fàrdach Castle and Andrew.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Andrew answered the knock on the
library door. “Enter,” he called. Gavin walked in with a swish of his great
plaide and a brown leather bag clutched in his hand. “How are you this fine
eve?” Andrew asked with the joy of being home spilling over to his greeting.

His brother gave him a questioning look. “Verra well. How are you
after such a harrowing experience in Castle Lach?” Gavin moved to sit in the
chair across from Andrew. He put the bag on the floor beside him.

Andrew eyed the leather parcel, but waited for his brother to
mention it. “No worse for it. In fact, I met the Lord in the dungeon there,” he
said matter-of-factly.

Gavin lifted his brows. “So I heard, Brother. Colin mentioned your
experience to the
luchd-taighe
. Are you ready to tell me about it?”

“I met the Lord in the MacKenzie’s dungeon. He’s given me
peace like I’ve never had before. I’ll tell you the story later. Right now, we
have pressing matters to discuss.” He gave Gavin a half-smile, and his brother
smiled in return. The two men returned gazes, then Andrew stared into the fire
for a while before speaking. “How do you feel about Maidie and me marrying at
Christmastime?”

Gavin hesitated, his face stoic. Finally he spoke, “I think it
a fine plan, seeing how the two of you crave each other.” A small laugh escaped
from lips firmly pressed into a line.

Andrew looked into hazel eyes pooling with emotion. “Do you
love Maidie?”

“Aye, that I do, Brother, that I do.” Gavin cleared his
throat. “I love her like a sister. She’s an easy one to love with her gentle
ways and handsome looks. Seems everyone in the castle is taken with her since
she delivered Anne’s bairn. All of the household maids love her now. The men ogle
after her as well.”