Medieval Ever After (86 page)

And the line continued…

Another pelt from the tanner.

A sleek jeweled dagger from the man in the armory.

Maddie’s tears were flowing freely at that point. But she always managed a smile and a polite “thank you” for each of her visitors. There were so many, she lost track. Some were there just to thank her for saving the wee ones. Others apologized for misjudging her. Her gifts filled the table.

A bouquet of fresh flowers.

Embroidered cloths for the tables.

Scented candles.

A jar of honey.

Pastries.

Apple tarts.

Apple bread.

A beautiful shawl.

A pair of beaded slippers.

Embroidered chair cushions.

Embroidered linen squares.

But the last gift was for wee Jennie.

“A new puppy?”

It was from Emma’s father. “For always watching over the wee ones, Jennie.”

Jennie jumped up and down as she cuddled her new puppy in her arms.

“I had no idea. All these gifts are beautiful!” Maddie exclaimed.

“My clan is full of good people. They do get confused at times, but they are honest, hard-working people.” Alex’s eyes shone with pride as he gazed at her.

“Alex, did you tell them they had to apologize to me?”

“No.” He kissed her cheek. “Had I thought of it, I would have. But I was too busy worrying about you and Jennie.”

RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

In just a
few days, Maddie would be Alex’s wife. Despite Alice’s ranting and raving, Alex went to Maddie’s chamber every night and hauled her down to his own, returning her before dawn. Maddie found she did not mind at all. Actually, she had grown accustomed to falling asleep in his arms since he was very warm and she knew it was the safest place for her.

At first, she was afraid he would try something improper, but other than a few kisses, he behaved like a perfect gentleman. Truth be known, she was becoming quite fond of his kisses and actually ached for them at times. But she never let him know. At least now she did not feel panicked over the thought of their wedding night. She knew the bedding would take place, but she trusted Alex. Even though it might hurt, she knew in her heart he would never humiliate or hurt her.

Maddie and Brenna were laboring in the vegetable garden together one afternoon, harvesting what they could for the wedding, when they heard a commotion at the gates. They strolled down in time to see Father MacGregor dismounting from his horse.

“Father, is it really you?” Maddie cried.

“Och, my child, are you no’ a beautiful lass!” he shouted in his usual boisterous way. “How long since I have seen you, lass? And what has happened to your arm?”

“At least two years, Father. I promise to tell you about my arm later. But I must know, why did you leave us?”

Father MacGregor put his arm around Madeline’s shoulder. “Maddie, your stepbrother ordered me to stay away. I could not believe he would speak to a man of the cloth as he did, but it did not stop him. I knew your people needed me more than ever after losing your parents, but his threats were quite clear. I did not wish to endanger anyone. But why are you here, lass?”

They turned to make their way toward the steps of the castle.

“Because I am betrothed to Alex—I mean, Laird Grant. He has asked me to be his wife and I have accepted.”

“Och, that is wonderful news. I am so glad to hear that you are safe from that cruel man. But were you no’ already betrothed?” Father MacGregor asked, giving her a puzzled look.

“Father, let me settle you inside where it is warm and arrange for some food for you. Then I will tell you all that has transpired. But it is so good to see you!” She hugged him and led him up the stairs to the keep.

***

Alex did not return until dusk. Traipsing into the hall, he immediately welcomed Father MacGregor. Brenna called for food and they enjoyed the meal together with much laughter. Afterwards, Alex took Father MacGregor aside.

“Father, will you walk with me outside for a bit?”

“Why, certainly, Laird, I would enjoy a walk.”

As soon as they distanced themselves from the hall, Alex asked the questions he needed answered.

“Father, have you heard anything about Madeline’s stepbrother, Kenneth? Do you have any idea where he might be hiding?”

“Nay, Laird, I have neither seen nor heard anything about the man. At least, not since he left his home to visit Niles Comming. I heard about the Comming’s death, and I thank you for saving Madeline from
two
horrible men. Her parents would be sick if they knew how poorly her stepbrother treated her. I was at the MacDonald keep for about three months after their death. Eventually, I was told in a threatening manner to leave and never return.

“It broke my heart as I was very fond of Madeline, and I knew Kenneth did not like her. It encouraged me to know that she at least had Mac and Alice to watch over her. Alice would protect her until her death.”

“I have already seen the evidence of that, Father.” Alex grinned as he thought of the old woman hitting him in the head with the parchment and calling him swine. “But even Mac is no’ a match for Kenneth.”

Alex then brought up the subject that had been burning inside him. “Father, I need to ask you another question, and mayhap you will not have an answer for me, but I still have to ask. I’m not sure what you know of the cruelty Madeline suffered at the hands of Kenneth and the Comming? I worry that she will have trouble putting such things behind her once we are married.”

“Och, you ask difficult questions, Laird. But I will share with you what I know. Kenneth was a very sneaky, deceitful man. While I was still there, he decided to sell some jewels Madeline had inherited from her mother. I recall a pearl necklace that her mother wore often. They were gifts to Madeline, though, and she would not part with them. He finally concocted a scheme of allowing her to visit an aunt in England.

“Madeline was so excited at the prospect of escaping Kenneth, I’m afraid she was not thinking clearly. He hired someone to take her on the journey, loaded her trunks, and sent them on their way. The next day, he set out on their trail, beat up the driver of the wagon and ransacked through Madeline’s possessions. He found all the jewels, but ‘twas not enough punishment. He beat her and left them both to die.”

Alex’s rage flew at the image of Madeline lying alone on a dirt road, beaten. How could someone treat an innocent woman in such a way? Kenneth was a madman. Alex clenched his fists, wishing they were wrapped around the MacDonald’s throat. He forced his attention back to Father MacGregor. “What happened?”

“Maddie is a fighter, and she was found several days later wandering just outside the keep. Mac found her and brought her back. He and his wife hid her and nursed her back to health. I was actually called to pray over Madeline’s body, as they did not think she would survive, but she did. That was when I had my conversation with Kenneth. I reminded him of what the Lord would think of men taking advantage of weaker creatures. Rather than listen to me, he banished me from the keep.

“My guess is that Maddie does not trust easily after all she has suffered. The Comming is another bad story, but I will only tell you that I did hear what happened, and I cannot be sorry that he met his fate. Kenneth is a sick man, and I do not doubt that if he is still alive, he is plotting against Madeline. He truly hated her, but I do no’ know why. So I wish you luck, my son. I hope you find him before he finds her.

“As for your question about the marriage, I cannot think of a finer woman for you. Madeline truly has a heart of gold. She is one of God’s true gifts in my eyes, and he has finally sent her in the right direction. You may need a little more patience with her, but you will not regret it.”

Alex nodded and felt a little weight lift off his shoulders. He relaxed as he thought of all Father MacGregor had said. The man was right. Maddie was special.

As they turned to go back to the keep, he said, “Thank you, Father.”

Father MacGregor answered with a smile. “I vow you will not regret your marriage, Laird Grant.”

As Alex opened the door for him, he said, “And Father?”

“Aye, my son?”

“Thank you for being there for her when I could not.” Alex smiled at him.

Father MacGregor beamed.

RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Father MacGregor left
the next morning to visit a few of the neighboring clans, but Maddie did not mind. She was so excited he would be performing their ceremony. Only two more days remained before she would become Alex’s wife, and she found she was not as nervous as she had expected she would be. Alex and his men left early again, so she spent the morning putting away her wonderful new gifts. The embroidered cloths she saved for the wedding since she would not be able to finish her own with a broken arm. She found very special places for her flowers, both fresh and dried. One arrangement was placed on the hearth in the great hall and another on the main table. Her favorite earned a place in her chamber.

Her lavender-scented soap, however, was special and would be saved until the day of the wedding.

She was holding the beaded slippers in her hands, thinking of where to stow them, when Jennie flew down the stairs toward her.