Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) (12 page)

He’s interested in someone else.

Isabel regarded the exterior of the
Kerr keep. The large stone castle, with a long rampart between two towers,
didn’t appear to be old. A banner flew on a post outside the portcullis. Beside
it, a wooden plaque with foreign writing held the image of a boar on it. The
drawbridge opened, and a guardsman shouted a welcome. Guards posted themselves
beside the gatehouse, as well as upon the wall, beyond the crenellation. The
green grass that once grew along the outside walls yellowed, as autumn drew to
an end. The land seemed stark, but held a beauty of its own.

She saw Douglas nod to a man when
they rode past, and then she saw his sister run at them. She hoped Candace
would stop before the horses ran her down. Douglas called a halt. He glanced at
her, but she continued to look at Candace even though she knew he watched her. Her
face changed from mild curiosity to extreme delight at seeing her longtime
friend. She couldn’t help revealing the love that she had for his sister.

When Isabel was safely placed on
the ground, Gil was shoved out of the way. He grinned, stepping backward, and
watched their happy reunion. Candace wrapped her arms around Isabel, hugging
her close.

“Isabel, you’re here. You’re safe. I
was so worried.”

Candace yelled so loudly, Gil
covered his ears. Isabel giggled at his action.

“I can’t breathe, Candace. Aye, I’m
safe, thanks to you.” Isabel grunted at the force of her hug.

Candace immediately released her. “Are
you well? Was there any problems?”

Isabel gave her the ‘all’s well’
sign by winking. She heard Candace release her sigh of relief, when she looked
beyond her to see if Douglas was still nearby. He watched them, too, along with
Brendan, who stood beside him, speaking so low that she couldn’t hear what he
was saying.

“I’m well, and happy to be here at
last.” Isabel listened to Candace’s chatter, but she made no sense whatsoever.

Douglas walked away, and for some
reason Isabel felt she’d never see him again. He didn’t spare her a glance and
hadn’t said a word to her—not goodbye or fare-thee-well, nothing. Why she felt
like crying was beyond her. It was a ridiculous sentiment given that he lived
there for God’s sake. She picked up her skirts and ran toward him.

“Laird Kerr, wait,” she called
breathlessly.

Douglas turned around, and she
stepped in front of him. “Aye, lass, what is it?”

“Thank you for um … bringing me here,
and for rescuing me.” She spoke so quietly, only Douglas could hear her sweet
declaration.

He pulled her into his arms and
hugged her. Isabel was surprised by his action, but she hugged him back. His
face looked down at her as though he would to kiss her, but he held himself
still. When she leaned upward and kissed his cheek, he appeared taken aback. He
frowned, and seemed not to know how to react to her boldness.

“You’re welcome.” He turned
quickly, and handed his mount to one of his men, then strode inside the keep
without looking back.

“What was that about, Isabel?” Candace
had a hint of laughter in her voice.

“I was thanking your brother for
coming for me. Now tell me … Are you really marrying a man named Willard?” Isabel
laughed, knowing she’d turned the topic on her friend. She smiled when Candace
laughed at her quick wit. She placed her arm around her friend, and was glad
that Candace didn’t remark on her brother’s hug.

“Aye, I am. He’s Wills MacIver. You’ll
meet him tonight. He’s supposed to come for a visit. I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I look forward to meeting him. What
have you been up to? Have you gotten into trouble, like me?” Isabel laughed,
knowing she probably did.

“I’ve been good, too good, but now
that you’re here … I missed ye and worried that Douglas wouldn’t make it in
time.”

“His timing was perfect.”

They linked arms and walked inside
the keep, and hurried to the second level.

Isabel spun in her friend’s arms,
so happy to at last be hugging her. Their reunion was short-lived when someone
knocked at Candace’s chamber door. Isabel smiled when she saw Lady Kerr
entering. She approached, sat next to Candace, and took her hand.

“Isabel, it’s nice to finally meet
you. Candace hasn’t stopped talking about you since Douglas went to fetch ye. I
hope you had a safe journey.” Lady Kerr hugged her.

“Thank you for allowing me to come
to your home, my lady. Aye, our journey was safe. How could it not be with
those warriors protecting me?” Isabel smiled, curtseying.

“Candace told me how you two met,
and how fond she is of you. I’m grateful you befriended my daughter. You know
she’s not always engaging, and doesn’t make friends so easily.”

“I am happy she’s my friend. We
shared many wonderful childhood moments together.” Isabel smiled tenderly at Candace.

“I know all about your childhood
moments. Laird Gordon was kind enough to tell me of your antics. Aye, what you
lasses did to that poor man.”

“What did my uncle tell you?” Isabel
laughed.

“Oh, nothing much, dear, only that
you were delightful, and that he enjoyed having you two there.” Lady Kerr
laughed, and Isabel knew she teased them.

“Has Candace been a good girl?”

Lady Kerr smiled. “You must know
her well to ask such a question.”

Isabel looked at her friend. “Once
she got to know me, there wasn’t a shy bone in her body.”

Candace interjected, “Tell me what
happened. Did Nigel really try to—”

Isabel shook her head then nodded
at Lady Kerr.

Candace colored. “Oh, ah … it is so
good to see you again.”

Lady Kerr rose and went to tidy up
the chamber. She hummed as she went about hanging up some of Candace’s
garments, and didn’t seem to mind them.

Isabel recounted the happenings of
the last few months, leaving out the more sordid details. They would only upset
Candace’s mother, or make her pity her. Neither would do well for her first
impression. Candace patted her shoulder, and nodded occasionally, giving her
support. It felt good to be amongst people who cared for her.

“What a dreadful experience, dear. I
can’t imagine. You shan’t return, and will be safe here. Nay, ye shan’t
return,” Lady Kerr said.

“If only you knew all of it,
Mother.”

Isabel gave Candace a glare and
elbowed her arm, their signal to hush.

“What about Laird Kerr? Won’t he be
angered, if we don’t gain his permission? I don’t want to cause problems.”

“You’ll not cause problems. My son
is a fair man. He leaves that sort of thing to me anyway. I’m sure you’ll be
welcomed, Isabel. Make yourself at home, for it is now so.”

Isabel smiled at the kind lady. Lady
Kerr was aged, though it seemed she took care of herself. Candace looked like
her mother, and Isabel thought perhaps Lady Kerr looked like her when she’d
been younger. Her auburn hair streaked with silver, yet she had the look of a
young lady, where it mattered most, in her eyes.

“We should let Isabel rest. She
looks tired, and I’m sure her journey was difficult. Let her have a respite. You
can see her later at supper.”

“Aye, Mother. I’ll come for ye at
supper, Issy.” Candace and her mother left the chamber.

Isabel rested on the comfortable
bedding, reassured to know she was safe from Nigel. He couldn’t find her here,
and even if he did, he couldn’t enter the keep. Its walls were well protected,
and she’s been relieved by the sight of the sentry when she arrived. She fell
into a well-needed slumber.

Douglas marched inside the keep,
bewildered as to why he’d hugged Isabel. He shook off the tenacious nagging of
his desire, and went to the barrel. He stood by the buttery, and watched them
enter and immediate take off up stairs. Once they were inside, he relaxed his
stance. He realized that he was used to watching after Isabel, but he didn’t
know why the felt so tense when she wasn’t within his sight. Now that she was
safely in the arms of his sister, he could try to forget her once again. He could
get back to the business of attending his clan.

Gil and Brendan watched him from
the table as they listened to news of the clan. Douglas didn’t care for their
shifty smiles, but he continued to gaze across the hall, looking at the stairs.
Cedric came inside and joined them. His mother finally came down from her visit
with Isabel, and had food and ale served. She sat beside him and smiled.

All seemed normal, but he knew it
wasn’t. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, everything would change now
that Isabel was there.

“I’m glad you’ve bought Isabel for
a visit, Douglas. You’ve made Candace happy. Isabel is a sweet lass, and she
has such fondness for your sister.”

“It seems so, Mother.” Douglas continued
to watch the steps, waiting for her to appear.

Douglas scoffed at his absurdity,
and returned his attention to the table. He noticed his mother’s gaze turn to
Rachel. Rachel refilled everyone’s tankards. His mother often called her a
nuisance, and had hinted that she should be returned to her clan, but Douglas
thought she was sweet.

“That reminds me, Douglas, I need
to talk to you about a household matter.”

“What is it?”

“It will wait until later. Did you
have trouble on your journey?”

Gil and Brendan grunted at her question,
and she turned to ask them. “What’s amiss, lads? Were their difficulties?”

“Difficulties? Aye, Douglas had
discord aplenty, Milady,” Gil said.

Douglas wasn’t in the mood to be
teased, and he scowled at Gil, who got the message. Gil quickly grabbed his cup
and chugged his ale.

“Don’t pay them attention. They’re
out to make me daft.”

Rachel refilled everyone’s tankards
again, and he smiled at her gentle look. She just might be the one to divert
his interest from the green-eyed minx. He didn’t like feeling so beguiled,
especially by a woman and if it took him weeks, he would do what he could to take
his mind from Isabel.

“Rachel, how are you?”

“Laird Kerr, it’s nice to have you
home once again. I’m well, and ye?” Rachel smiled widely at Douglas. His notice
must have sent her to an edgy state, and she spilled ale over the side of Gil’s
cup.

“Well enough.” Douglas grinned at
her mishap. She was a lovely lass with a sweet temper. Though she never showed
that side of herself to him, his mother regaled him of her attitude. He thought
of taking her as wife for revenge against Irving, but he would give it more
consideration before he decided.

As long as she was faithful, what
more could he want? Aye, that trait was his only requirement in a wife. Since
Morna’s transgression, he’d decided on a less comely woman for his wife—one
that wasn’t likely to copulate with others.

“Douglas, I’m off to the barracks. Come
on, Gil.” Brendan put his cup down.

“Aye, I’ll see you later.” Douglas
continued to drink his ale.

Rachel took the seat vacated by
Brendan, and flirted shamelessly with him. He could see his mother frowning,
but paid it little mind. When it came to Rachel, he could take care of himself.

When Isabel awoke, she was
disoriented and for a moment had forgotten where she was. A smile came to her
when she remembered. She noticed the darkness of the window. Had supper been
served and she’d missed it? It would be rude to not attend supper with her
hosts. She rose quickly, straightened her garments, and redid the ties in her
hair. She rushed from the room and bumped into a lady.

“Oh, pardon me, my—”

“Watch where you are going.”

The lady huffed, and turned to walk
away before Isabel could apologize. She watched her saunter down the hallway with
angry steps. The noise from the lower level indicated that many people were all
ready inside. She rushed down the stairs, thinking she was late for supper,
knowing her disrespectfulness would surely be observed by Douglas. That
wouldn’t do at all. Candace stood next to the steps, when she reached the
bottom.

“I was just coming to get you. How
are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Candace. Thank you for
letting me rest. I actually feel well-rested now.”

She gazed the hall looking for
Douglas, and was disappointed that he wasn’t there. She was tempted to ask
where he was, but wouldn’t let Candace think she was interested in her brother.

“Who was that lady, I just ran into
upstairs?”

“Probably, Rachel. She’s a crone.”

Isabel laughed. “A crone? Are you
plaguing her?”

“Hah, plaguing her. She deserves
worse than that, but I’ll tell you about her later. Come, I want you to meet
Wills. He’s here.”

Isabel watched her friend’s face
light with an emotion she’d never seen before. Candace pulled her to the table,
and they took their places. She noticed the handsome man with light hair, and
brown eyes who sat beside her friend’s seat. Candace had found a good husband,
and she seemed to be in love.

“Wills, this is my friend, Isabel
Calvert. Isabel, this is my betrothed, Wills MacIver.”

“Milady Isabel, Candace has told me
all about ye. I’m gladdened that ye came for our wedding.” Then he said to
Candace, “I wish it were sooner, love.” Wills lifted Candace’s hand and kissed
it.

“Me, too, Wills,” Candace
whispered.

Isabel smiled, eying the lovers. “Laird
MacIver, it’s a pleasure to meet you also.”

“Nay, lass, call me Wills, since
we’re sure to be friends.”

“Only if you call me Isabel.” She
smiled, thinking how nice he was.

A hearty supper was served with
courses of meats, soups, and vegetables. Isabel hadn’t eaten such a meal in a
long time. It took hours to eat, with each course coming from the kitchens
located behind the keep. Douglas hadn’t attended, and probably wouldn’t dine
with them. She missed him, though he’d only been out of her sight for a few
hours. She wondered where he went, but he had said that he wasn’t there often.

Brendan and Gil sat next to her,
one on each side, and they wouldn’t let any of the men near her. It was
disconcerting, yet endearing, the way their hard looks sent the men running
from their table. Brendan MacKinnon didn’t say much during the meal, although,
he moved his seat close to hers. Gil spoke to her, which helped take her mind
away from thoughts of Douglas. He engaged her with his witty sense of humor,
making her laugh with his delightful tales. Gil was far more intelligent than
she thought, and he amazed her with his knowledge.

Many people had left the hall, and
Isabel felt it respectful to leave. She wanted to retire to Candace’s chamber,
and since Wills was visiting, her friend wouldn’t likely retire for some time. When
she pushed her chair from the table, both men jumped from their seats.

“I’ll walk you to your chamber,
Milady Isabel,” Gil said, taking her hand.

Douglas had just come inside, and
was about to take a seat at the head of the table, when Gil made that comment
aloud. He seemed to ignore them, and began filling his trencher.

“I’m walking her, Gil. Now take
your hands off her.” Brendan shoved Gil’s chest.

“I can go myself. Good eve to ye.” Isabel
was pulled between them. She yanked her hands from theirs and walked away.

Douglas caught up to her. He
grabbed her hand and led her from the hall. Both Gil and Brendan smiled after
them, and she turned to glare at them.

“I must apologize. They’ve no
manners around bonny women.”

Isabel stared in wonder. “Are you
saying I’m beautiful?”

A slight grin came to him. “Aye, I suppose
I am. Don’t pay attention to them. I think I’ll have to keep them busy so they
won’t bother you whilst you’re here.”

“Thank you for walking me. We’re
here.”

“So we are.”

An awkward silence fell between
then and Isabel wasn’t sure what to say or do. She should open the door and
retreat, but looking at him was so enjoyable. She found herself looking at his
hard mouth, the way his jaw line made him so attractive. Douglas didn’t release
her hand. He pulled it toward him—she went along with it. She landed against
his chest, and felt his arms surround her. He lowered his head and kissed her. Isabel
became consumed by the kiss. She was so happy to be kissing him again; her
heart was ready to burst. His mouth made her feel hot, like she stood by the
smithy’s bellows. He kissed her forcefully, yet gently. She didn’t want it to
end, and held onto him firmly. His hard body sent her spiraling, pressing hers
against the wall.

Isabel splayed her fingers through
his hair, mindless of the texture, because his lips moved over hers in fierce
kisses. Feeling his mouth pressed against hers wasn’t enough, she wanted more. Douglas
stopped kissing her and stared into her eyes. She quickly set her mouth back on
his and he ran his tongue along her lips until she parted them, letting him
invade her with his searing tongue.

She was completely breathless, and
whimpered until he released her mouth. He pulled back and looked into her eyes
again. His hands held her head, and he lightly caressed her cheeks with his
thumbs. Leaning in, his mouth brushed hers again softly then he deepened the
kiss. She felt him pulling her hair tie out, and her long locks tumbled down. Douglas
caressed her hair, like he’d done two years before, in the stable. Isabel
shifted her hands to his shoulders, holding on for dear life.

She became as unbridled in her
reaction. Her hands moved along his chest to his hard biceps. She gripped his
arms in an effort to keep herself from sinking to the floor, because her knees
went weak, and she felt herself shaking inside. He groaned low in his throat. She
felt his hands move to her bottom pulling her closer.

“Douglas, let that lass be, unhand
her, I say.”

Isabel barely had time to register Lady
Kerr’s voice before Douglas released her. She looked up at him with a bemused
look, and swept her tongue over her rosy lips. He scoffed when she did so, but
then he grinned.

“I shouldn’t have done that.”

From the wicked smile on his face,
Isabel could tell that he wasn’t sorry in the least. Neither was she. He had an
endearing dimple on each of his cheeks. She’d never seen him smile so, and
found herself wanting to see him smile like that all the time.

“Darned right, ye should not. Douglas,
get away from her. That’s right, lad, step back now. Give the lass some
breathing room, that’s it.”

Douglas turned and looked at his
mother. Lady Kerr stood beyond him, ready to whack him with the large bowl that
she carried. Isabel watched a look of mortification cross Douglas’ face, and he
left the hallway as quickly as he could.

“Did he hurt you, Isabel?”

She watched Douglas walk away, and Lady
Kerr asked her again. “Did he?”

She stood transfixed to the spot
where he’d kissed her, her mind whirling with the memory of his touches. His
manly scent lingered, and she felt as though his hard body still pressed her. A
blush crept upon her face. She finally looked at Douglas’ mother.

“Isabel?”

“Aye, he is … Good night, Lady Kerr.”
Isabel closed the door and leaned against it. She heard Lady Kerr talking to
herself through the door.

“What did she say? He affected her,
and I don’t think she minded either.” Lady Kerr hummed as she walked away.

Isabel thought about their wondrous
kiss. Her plan was working, and she giggled into the darkened room. She ran to
her bed like a silly girl, throwing herself onto it. If only her dream could
come true. Ever since she’d seen Douglas two years ago, she’d prayed so hard
that this day would come. Secretly, she hoped he was the man for her. Now here
she was in his home and he’d kissed her. She had to be resigned. Patience was
definitely not one of her virtues, and many times she’d been hasty in her
decisions. Not this time. She would have patience—even if it killed her.

Tempt him with kindness then she
could reveal her true self. By then he’ll be too interested to care about her
unusual ways. Perhaps she could tempt him enough to give up on the other lady
that he was interested in. Isabel fell asleep smiling.