Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Read online

  Sara was a head shorter than Julianna, and she looked over her friend’s head at all the guests. The hall was crowded with both Scots and English.

  “There is Steven, my love.”

  “Oh, your love, aye?” Julianna laughed. The tall, light-haired man smiled broadly as he spoke to the men nearby.

  He wore his attire in the typical Scot’s fashion: a shirt covered by a tunic which ended at the tartan worn on his hips. The most impressive element, his plaid, was folded so neatly over his shoulder and belted. Julianna tilted her head to get a better look.

  “Is he not handsome? I cannot believe I’m marrying him. His kisses are so—”

  Julianna pretended to be shocked at her friend’s admission. Sara blushed, linking her arm in hers. “Come, let us get a drink. Ye must be thirsty after a long journey.”

  “Sara Langton, I cannot believe what you said. I should pinch ye.” With a laugh, she let Sara lead her to the buttery. “He kisses ye? You allow him improprieties? I should have known you would what with all that practice on your pillow.”

  Sara shoved her. “I did not practice on my pillow. That’s not fair. There were never any boys around, what was a girl to do?”

  Gazing at the men in the hall, there were certainly enough of them around now. Julianna couldn’t help smiling. Sara’s husband looked tall, strong, and muscular. Sara would find such a man—a protector, a lover, a man who would be affectionate and caring.

  “I do admit he makes me want to…”

  “Are ye saying you want to sleep with him?” She hadn’t meant to say it so loud or in such a serious tone, but the thought of a woman subjecting herself to such was cause for concern.

  “Aye, of course, Julianna. ‘Tis every wife’s duty.”

  “Duty. Aye, but why do ye sound like you’d enjoy it?”

  “Let us not discuss it. Look, there’s Bleeth.”

  Julianna let the discussion turn, “Oh, I meant to ask if he can stay inside the hall. I promised he wouldn’t have to sleep in the stable.”

  “He’s welcome inside if he can find room. I fear there won’t be much room for many in the hall this night.”

  Bleeth stepped in front of them and bowed. “Lady Sara, ye look well. Who is this man you’re to marry? Will I approve?”

  Sara grinned and pointed across the room. “Steven is the tall one, and who says I need your approval?”

  They laughed at the objectionable tone she’d taken.

  “He looks protective, I’ll give him that. That’s well and good considering where you’re going. He’ll do.”

  “Bleeth, I don’t need your approval. And be quiet, I don’t want to remind Julianna I’m leaving.” She glared at him.

  Wrapping her in her arms, Julianna held back tears. “You shall leave. You’ll be so far away in Scotland of all places.”

  Sara sighed, continuing to berate Bleeth. “Must ye always point out the worst, Bleeth? Julianna, don’t listen to Bleeth. You will see me again, I promise. Let us retire to my chamber so you can take rest. I’m sure the journey was tiresome. Bleeth, make yourself at home and whatever ye do, don’t …” she trailed off.

  “Don’t what, my lady?”

  “Nothing. I’m sure you are thirsty, here’s a cup of ale.” After handing him the cup, she grabbed Julianna’s hand and they fled to the upper floor.

  Julianna tried to appear cheerful. She placed a smile on her face, yet her pretense was for naught. Sara noticed. They hurried through the mass of people in the upstairs hallway and stopped at Sara’s room.

  “I cannot believe I am at your betrothal feast.” Julianna rubbed her temples, sensing an oncoming headache. She didn’t want to cause Sara’s concern and covered up the action by opening the door.

  “You don’t fool me for a minute, Julianna.” Once inside, they stood by the doorway.

  Lightening the mood, Julianna asked about her intended. “Steven seems happy about marrying you. I saw him smiling.”

  “When my da contacted him about the arrangement, Steven came directly. He remembered me from visits when I was young.”

  “Seems you remembered him as well?”

  “Oh, aye, I did. Remember I told ye how I’d sneak down the stairs to listen to the meetings? I only talked to him once, and that was when he put out the fire I started next to the hearth.”

  Julianna laughed, recalling the tale. “Hah, ye set your chair on fire.”

  “I’d moved too close to the hearth and when the chair began smoking. I thought I was on fire.”

  “Maybe you were.”

  Noise from others inside the room drew their attention. Ladies gathered in the chamber for a respite from the celebration that would continue through the night. They sat around the chamber, and beyond them, lined tapestries and banners hung on the walls. The room’s conforming mien didn’t allay Julianna’s headache.

  “Come and sit. I have much to tell you.”

  Julianna sat on a cushion. “The convent is boring without you. There’s no one to make me laugh or get me into trouble. I miss ye.”

  “Mother Superior will be glad when we’re both gone.” Sara’s smile faltered.

  The headache Julianna was trying to avoid came on stronger. She tried inconspicuously to hide it, but she knew Sara noticed.

  “Ladies, please, I wish to be alone with my friend for a few minutes,” Sara said. One by one the girls reluctantly left the chamber.

  Julianna closed her eyes against the afternoon sun that streamed through the window casement. She didn’t dare look at Sara but could imagine her pitiful look.

  “I’m sorry, they’re boisterous.” Sara handed her a cool cloth. “Tell me why you are so forlorn? Your headache is telling. I know ye well enough to know …”

  “’Tis probably from travel. I’m not forlorn, see …” she smiled, though half-heartedly.

  Sara pursed her lips. “I don’t like seeing you despondent. One day you’ll find a man who will sweep you off your feet like I did. Then you’ll be free of your despicable father. I wish ye wouldn’t worry so.”

  Julianna took her friend’s hand. “You always make me forget my worries. But soon I’ll have to leave the convent and face him. Even now he must be searching for someone to foist me on. He threatens me whenever I’m at home. I should become a nun. Aye, that would solve my problem. Imagine his happiness were I to do so.”

  They both laughed. Sara squeezed her hand. “Mother Superior would fall to her knees if ye even hinted at becoming a nun. What about Bleeth? I see how he looks at ye. I’ve always thought him a handsome devil.”

  “Don’t jest, Sara. Bleeth is my friend and I’m not attracted to him. He’s like an older loveable brother who teases me and looks out for me.”

  Sara laughed heartily. “You do not see him as I do. He’s tall, has a slight build, but is not weak, nor fat around the middle. He’s only a handful of years older than ye. I do adore his dark hair, so black…black as night, and his dark, mysterious eyes.”

  “He’s not the man I envision when I …” Julianna lowered her gaze to her lap.

  “You envision a man? Do tell.”

  “Nay, forget I said that. I’m certain Bleeth doesn’t feel attracted to me. Why, only this morn he teased me.” She stood and paced the chamber. “Aren’t you afeard of what’s to come? Steven is going to hurt you and …” She searched Sara’s brown eyes for a sign. “I cannot bear that happening to you.”

  “Julianna, Steven would never hurt me. I look forward to what’s to come.” She smiled sheepishly. “I love him with all my heart. Edwina was a witch for telling ye about the marriage act. She’s wrong and I’ll prove it to you. Marriage is a blessing and is magical, so is love.”

  Julianna kept thoughts of her stepmother to herself. “You believe that nonsense? I don’t believe in magic or love. At least I will never have that kind of love when he finds the most horrid man to marry me to.”

  “Have Bleeth turn him into a toad.” Sara giggled at her jest.

 
The corners of Julianna’s mouth turned. “Ye always make me laugh.”

  “You mustn’t be distressed. When ye marry, you’ll finally be safe. You’re so beautiful. How could your husband not love you?”

  “Sara, you are kind. Nay, I shan’t marry, not now, not ever. I cannot risk it no matter how much I might love a man. There’s something that I haven’t told you.” She tried to hide the tears forming in her eyes.

  “Does this have something to do with your father?”

  “I cannot speak of it, but one day I shall tell you. Why don’t we get ready for the feast? I’ll try to be merry for your sake. I do care for you and only want your happiness.” Julianna couldn’t divulge her secret or that she believed the monster killed her mother. No one could know about the king and what her mother had done.

  “I care for you, too. Now I have a few promises I want from ye. We might not get a chance to talk before the ceremony tomorrow and after …”

  Julianna sighed and waved her hand for her be forthcoming. Sara’s promises were usually many.

  “If ye meet someone you can be happy with, don’t think much about it. You’ll find happiness and love. If ye need me, find your way to the KirkConnell clan. Keep the dagger with you at all times. Promise?”

  “Very well, Sara. I promise on our friendship. But I don’t like the thought of using the dagger. It makes me uncomfortable, knowing I could hurt someone.”

  “I do worry about you every time you go home. Use the dagger for your protection, Julianna. I will worry if ye don’t.”

  “I promise, now can we go?” She could hear music as they neared the great hall.

  People crowded the hall from wall to wall. In full swing of celebration, noise from the well-wishers shook the rafters. A raven squawked, provoked from his post. Julianna watched Sara dance with Steven. Her friend’s dream of marrying the Highlander was coming true. At least someone’s dreams were being fulfilled. In a way, she was a little envious of Sara’s life.

  Sara waved from across the room. Julianna waved back and swore she would enjoy herself. Pushing her worrying thought of her father aside, she decided to join in the dance. Ladies waved sheer scarves as they circled their partners. Men danced with an arm behind them, their movements practiced and elegant.

  She tried tapping her foot to the music and forced a smile. The music stopped and the dancers blended into the room. She turned to see Sara talking to her betrothed, who motioned to the musicians. The next song began and Julianna was asked to dance by a man. She joined in and took someone’s hand.

  Women formed an outer circle around the men, who made another circle within theirs. When the music stopped, whichever woman held the white cloth dropped it in front of the man standing face to face with her. He would retrieve the cloth and receive a kiss for his gallantry. The music began again, and another woman was given the cloth to repeat the game.

  Julianna grimaced in pain. The oaf she danced with stepped on her foot. It wasn’t the first time he’d done so. Her toes throbbed from his drunken missteps and he couldn’t seem to stay on the gentleman’s side of the line.

  “I need refreshment,” she said, excusing herself. Before she could step away, the oaf took hold of her hand and forced her to stay in line. She wanted to unleash her temper, but another dancer came to her rescue. A man wearing a dark tartan pushed the dolt aside. The oaf crashed into a table and ended up on the floor, causing the table’s occupants’ outrage.

  When the line stopped again, she stood in front of her rescuer, a tall, light-haired man with the bluest eyes. She didn’t recall being given the cloth and lifted it in surprise. She had no choice but to drop it. Stepping forward, she placed a kiss on his cheek when he handed it back to her. Her face had to be as bright as a plum. The Scotsman didn’t speak during the dance, but she felt his eyes following her. He smiled devilishly when she returned to him. Julianna would usually be alarmed by the attention of such a man, but he seemed harmless.

  Finally the dance ended and she took the chance to flee before the man approached. She saw Bleeth standing next to the door and gave him a reproached look. “Where have ye been?”

  “You look like ye could use some air.” Bleeth laughed when she pursed her lips. Taking her arm, he led her outside, walking a good distance before stopping. “Didn’t ye like your dance partner? He certainly liked ye. I was about to turn him into a gnat.”

  She frowned, hoping he’d notice. “I said absolutely no magic. You promised.”

  “Do ye see a gnat astir?”

  The mischievous look in his eyes made her laugh. “Thank you, Bleeth. I needed that.”

  “I know.” He took her hand and led her around the courtyard, avoiding the carts and horses. “Did the Scot offer for ye?”

  “Nay, of course not.” She almost burst with laughter. Bleeth sounded jealous, but that was ridiculous. “He’s probably one of Steven’s crofters. I wonder what he would have used for barter.” She couldn’t resist teasing. “Oh, mayhap a horse, or nay, a cow. He didn’t speak to me, Bleeth, but he did rescue me. I suppose I should be grateful.”

  “You, my lady, are being witty. I’m not sure I like it.”

  Chapter Two

  Colin MacKinnon was in a surly mood. He wasn’t much of a reveler, but what could he do? He noticed his brother’s gaze and knew Robin had to be giving the ladies attention. A grin came when he saw his brother shove an Englishman aside. The crash could be heard throughout the great hall. Dancers blocked his view of Robin’s partner, but knowing his brother, she had to be a beauty.

  He wasn’t here for pleasure, and remembered the reason for his attendance. He’d traveled a great distance to attend the meeting, which would be held in secret after the wedding. The celebration was an excuse for his presence, but truly the bride’s father, Lord Richard, sided with the Scots. Richard wanted to discuss the never-ending riffs with the border lords and so invited many Highland lairds to his daughter’s wedding. Colin had been assured his enemy, the McFie, wasn’t invited.

  Steven’s excitement over the union seemed overzealous. His friend acted as though he’d achieved a great victory. Mayhap Sara was a prize worthy of boasting of, but marriage as far as Colin was concerned wouldn’t much matter nor be so celebrated. He was young enough to let the matter rest, but knew one day he’d need a wife to bear heirs. That day would come soon enough.

  Being saddled with a wife was not a pleasant thought. Childhood memories flooded him as he watched Sara and her father. His own mother’s face filled his mind. He’d never suspected her cold-hearted bearing. His da ingrained the painful lesson: a woman would break your heart and employ self-serving wiles to get her way. Steven hadn’t heeded his warning and tomorrow he’d bind himself to Sara—tightening the noose around his neck.

  His brother returned to the table and picked up a cup of ale, downing it. “Did ye see the lass I danced with?”

  “Nay, I didn’t, Robin.”

  “Some fop forced his attentions and I rescued her.” Robin set the cup on the table and obliged him to move aside so he could sit on the bench.

  “You’re always saving some lass. Does it matter which?”

  “Oh aye, it does when she’s comely. Where’s Brendan?”

  “Off in the barracks, the only place he enjoys himself.” Their youngest brother relished fighting with soldiers at whatever holding they happened to visit. Colin hoped he’d join the festivities, but he had yet to see him inside the hall.

  “Brendan is a stupid ox, aye, he is. He could be in here with the ladies. I’m enjoying myself that I am.” His brother grinned and stood up to take a cup from a passing servant.

  “I’m sure ye are,” Colin mocked. “I’ll be back. I want to talk to Steven.” He stood and scanned the room for his friend. When he turned back to look at Robin, his brother was moving toward the ladies. Giggles and murmurs reached his ears. If anything, Robin knew how to make the ladies happy.

  Steven was dancing with his intended, and so Colin stood close
by, waiting for the dance to end. His friend left his future bride’s side and walked toward him. Damned if he didn’t look as pleased as a clootie. Colin scoffed at his friend’s grin and poured them each a drink. He waited for Steven to take the cup he offered.

  “Seems everyone is enjoying themselves,” Colin said.

  “Everyone but you. Of course I’m enjoying myself, look at her. Is she not the bonniest lady here?” Steven burst with enthusiasm and made Colin want to pity him.

  “Aye, she’s bonny, Steven.” He looked at his friend’s betrothed and hoped she would not be the type of lady his da warned him about.

  “Why aren’t you having a good time?”

  “I’m damned well trying to.”

  Steven finished his drink and set his cup down. “I appreciate you putting matters aside by attending my wedding and the meeting, Colin. I know how important your feud is. But I have to ask, why in God’s name did you bring your brothers?”

  “They wanted to come. We’re only staying a short time. The feud can wait a few days.” Colin tipped his cup, savoring the crisp-tasting ale. His feud with the McFies went back years and he supposed a few days absence wouldn’t matter. Avenging his da and achieving his vow meant everything. He lived for the day when that promise was fulfilled.

  “I wanted to introduce you to someone, but I don’t see her.” Steven rose slightly and searched the room. “Mayhap she retired.”

  Colin punched Steven’s arm. “Are ye matchmaking, Steven? Never thought I’d see the day when the mighty KirkConnell would lower himself to such a level.”

  Steven cursed and then laughed. “Mayhap I am, but I thought ye might be interested. She’s beautiful. Aye, with bonny hair, blue eyes, attractive figure. I haven’t spoken to her yet, but I wonder … How has she avoided you? Then again, I haven’t seen you dance at my celebration. Aye, you’re offending me, damned if ye are.”