Highland Pride Page 8

  “Och, you would?” The idea sounded more appealing than staying in the dreary fortress. Her mind rushed to decide what she would do once she got to the market place. Her first priority was to find a trinket for her sister. “I would love tae go,” she said.

  “Then ‘tis done,” he said, sending her a lopsided grin. “Meet me near the stables tomorrow morning, and we’ll have a grand time in the village.”

  Until she met Iagan, she was starting to regret her decision to come here. But it seemed that things were beginning to look up. And there was a chance that she might find love after all.

  When dinner had finished, Fearghas sent a maid to accompany her to the guest chamber. But her feet barely touched the ground. William and his cousin were as different as night and day. She already knew that William wasn’t interested in marrying her. But none of that mattered. She might have already found the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

  The servant opened the door for her, and she stepped inside.

  “Kila,” Alys said, rushing over to her. “Ye are back!”

  “It looked as if ye were getting cozy with the MacTyrnell clan,” another voice said.

  She whirled around to find her brother slumped in a chair by the fireplace.

  “Where were ye?” she demanded. She then narrowed her eyes and looked at her friend as well. “Where were both of ye?”

  “I got intercepted along the way. A servant thought I was part of the serving crew and commanded me tae help bring out the food. I couldnae make my escape and was led into the kitchen. When I finally made it back tae the bedchamber, ye were already gone.”

  “I forgive Alys.” She turned to her brother. “But I cannae forgive ye. What is your excuse, Ewan?”

  “I was tending the horses when I met someone who needed my assistance,” he said.

  “Does this person happen tae be bonnie and wear an arisaid?” At this question, a telltale blush suddenly rose to his cheeks. She shook her head in disgust. “What a fine escort ye are. Ye are fortunate that supper wasnae a disaster.”

  “Aiya, I didnae want tae come here in the first place,” he said, an unhappy look appearing on his face.

  She bit back her retort as she considered his misery. He was only trying to make the best of the situation. Coming to Castle Domlainn was her idea, so it was up to her to finish what she needed to prove and go back home.

  Chapter 11

  “Are ye certain ye dinnae want tae come with me tae the village?” Kila asked Ewan. “It will be fun.”

  “Nay, I told ye. There’s nothing there for me,” he said. “Besides, I’m meeting some lads in the courtyard for some archery practice. Why dinnae ye take Alys?”

  “She has unexpectedly fallen ill,” she said, frowning. Her friend had eaten something disagreeable the night before and was now recovering in the servant’s quarter.

  “Ye are on your own then,” he said. “I’ll meet with ye later.”

  She let out a sigh and made her way outside. It was probably not a good idea to visit a new location without her escorts, but the village wasn’t far. From what she could tell, she needed to cross the bridge, make her way down the worn path, and ride toward the cluster of houses. And she wouldn’t exactly be alone. Iagan would be with her.

  Kila wandered toward the stables and waited by the empty peat cart. She could hear the horses moving in their stalls; however, the courtyard was strangely quiet. A movement caught her eye, and she looked over to the stairs that led into the great hall. A servant had just emerged and was carrying a bucket of slop for the pigs.

  A flock of small birds flew overhead. Since there was nothing else of interest, she looked up to watch them soar through the air. The sky was overcast, but periodic sunlight broke through the dark clouds.

  Kila didn’t know how long she waited, but she saw no sign of Iagan. For a moment she wondered whether she had gotten the details of the meeting mixed up. As she tried to recall their conversation from the night before, she became certain that he told her to meet him by the stables after dinner. She hadn’t seen him in the main hall, but she still had no reason to think that their plan had changed. Did she somehow miss something?

  “I’m sorry I’m a wee late,” he said as he rushed toward her. “Are ye ready tae go?”

  Kila nodded, relieved that she hadn’t gotten the details mixed up, although she noted that he was more than just a little tardy. Still, she was keen on finding a gift for Mairead.

  “Aye, I’m ready.”

  “Excellent. Wait here,” he said and brought two mounts from the stable.

  They set out. The rhythm of her horse relaxed her, and her earlier apprehension melted away as Iagan recounted the history of the property. Kila liked learning about the past. She scanned the structure and saw that even though it required many repairs, it had been glorious at one time. With renovations, care and attention, it might even rival Tancraig Castle.

  As they crossed over the stone bridge, the sound of rushing water became loud and forceful.

  “How did William come tae be the clan chief?” she asked when they made it to the other side.

  “William’s brother became the clan chief when their father died. But then Lachlan fell ill, and experienced an untimely death.” A shadow crossed his face, but it was gone in the next moment. “This is why William is our new leader. He’s our savior.”

  “Ye dinnae think he’s a guid leader?” she asked cautiously.

  “Och, he’s an adequate one, but his brother died under mysterious circumstances, and so did his two wives. Everyone would like tae ken why sae many deaths surround the man. ‘Tis most unnatural.”

  “Are ye saying that William killed those individuals?” she asked, her voice hushed. Perhaps all the gossip about him was true. And she made a reckless decision in coming here.

  “I’m nae saying anything, but when there are too many deaths are associated with someone, you begin tae wonder about him…” His voice trailed off. He looked meaningfully at her, leaving her to make her own conclusions.

  The new information about William made her stomach turn. It confirmed that not only did he kill his wives, but he killed his brother too. What kind of coldhearted man would murder those closest to him?

  “Come, let’s nae talk about my cousin. There are other more pleasant things tae speak about,” Iagan said, coming to a stop. He got off his horse before helping her to dismount. “This is our humble village. I’m sure ‘tis much smaller than the one ye are used tae.”

  “Nay, ‘tis perfect,” she said.

  Kila looked around and saw several farmers and villagers streaming toward the market square, their packhorses, and carts in tow. Typically during market days, the number of people in the district swelled. They walked toward the central square where a group gathered. As they moved through the lane, she took in the colorful stalls that were full of wool and other animal hides.

  The rumble of chatter, snorting pigs and barking dogs caught her ear. To the right of her, she saw six wicker baskets that were full of squawking chickens.

  It had rained the night before. And the area in front of the stalls was trodden down and muddy. But even with the damp conditions, the sellers had set their produce and goods in various hampers and containers, hawking their wares.

  She let out a contented sigh. Even as a young lass, she relished going to the market with her mother and sister, and watching them bargain with the merchants.

  Kila began to trail after Iagan when she paused to watch a juggler toss some balls in the air. Many bairns surrounded him, and several delighted adults also watched the spectacle.

  Iagan looked behind him as if he suddenly realized that she wasn’t following him.

  “Come, lass,” he said beckoning to her.

  She took one last look at the animated performer and hurried to catch up with Iagan.

  “The market feels like a fair,” she said happily.

  “Ye are right,” he said, surveying the busy square. “�
�Tis more like they are weekly fairs.”

  Kila was always on the hunt for something to buy. And here was an opportunity for her to find something unique for Mairead and maybe for herself as well. She paused to browse at a vendor who sold dyed wool and was inspecting the quality of the yarn when the sound of bagpipes started up. The shrill noise rose above the normal din of the market.

  “Och, someone is playing my favorite song,” Iagan exclaimed. “We need tae see this.”

  He dragged her through the crowd and found the spot where a man performed his bagpipes. A few people were already there, dancing to the upbeat tunes.

  “Let’s join them,” he said, pulling her closer to the dancers.

  Kila got caught up in the excitement. Since she loved to dance, she threw herself into the impromptu reel.

  When the music ended, she couldn’t stop laughing. “That was the most pleasure I’ve had in a long time,” she said.

  “Stick with me and ye will find more pleasure,” Iagan grinned.

  For a moment her heart skipped a beat. There was no doubt about it. William’s cousin was an exceptionally attractive man. Although some men put on their kilts out of necessity, he wore it as if it was tailored to show off his build. The excessive part of his great kilt was pinned to his shoulder, and even though he wore the same plaid as his clansmen, he carried himself differently. In fact, he almost had a regal air to him. And she could easily see him as a legendary hero from the past.

  “Where did ye learn how tae move like that?” Iagan asked as they made their way from the dancing crowd.

  “We have many festivals and fairs at home. ‘Twould be impossible nae tae learn the steps.”

  They passed a wooden barrel that was set between two thatched houses. A hungry dog was going through the rubbish, looking for discarded scraps. They started to advance past it when it glanced up and growled at them.

  “Get away!” Iagan said, lifting his booted foot to kick at it.

  The mongrel jumped back, narrowly missing the attack. It gave an angry bark, the noise echoing in the lane separating the two houses.

  “Maybe we shouldnae go this way,” she said, looking nervously at the ferocious dog. Fortunately for her, it directed its ire at Iagan and not at her.

  “We’ll go back,” he agreed.

  As if to make sure they would not enter its territory, it moved forward. Somehow its stance became even more menacing. They quickly retraced their steps and returned to the crowded market. Iagan led her to the other side of the lane where more stalls were located. After browsing several booths, Kila still hadn’t found anything unusual. Just when she was about to give up, she came across a table that sold a variety of hairbrushes. One brush caught her eye.

  “Och, this is charming,” she breathed.

  She picked one up, examining the exquisite detail carved into the wooden handle. She noted the three faeries frolicking among the flowers. This artwork was surely inspired by the fae. Also on display was a metal comb that was engraved with some other magical scene. Her sister was a practical woman, but even she would appreciate the cleverness that was either etched or carved into the items.

  She was about to make her choice when something else caught her eye. She picked up another hairbrush and let out a delighted laugh. The carving on this handle was different. Instead of pretty creatures, she saw ugly, misshapen characters that were covered in hair. The carving was done in such fine detail that she could see the mischievous looks on their profiles. One creature was milking a cow while another was doing the wash. She recognized instantly that these were brownies or house spirits.

  “’Tis hard tae decide which one is lovelier,” she said.

  The seller was conscious of her intent to buy and said recklessly, “Take all three, and I’ll give ye a discount.”

  “How much are ye asking?” she said.

  He quoted her a price. She hesitated, not knowing whether she was actually getting a deal. But then she decided that she couldn’t get these hair accessories anywhere else.

  “Fine,” she said. She dug into her purse and gave him the money he requested.

  A surprised look appeared on his face. “Ye made an excellent decision,” he said.

  Kila nodded her head, although guilt touched her as she recalled Mairead always advising her to bargain with vendors. But this wasn’t a skill she possessed. She dropped the coins in his hand, although his expression now became slightly disappointed, as if he regretted not asking for more.

  With her transaction finished, she moved away from the merchant before he could persuade her to buy something else. As she strolled down the narrow path, another table showcasing a variety of leather boots caught her attention. She started to head to the booth and view the goods when Iagan seized her arm.

  “Do ye think ye will be fine on your own for a while?” he asked.

  “Of course,” she said, a little taken aback by his question. “Ye dinnae have tae follow me in my shopping.”

  “Ye are a terrific lass,” he said, giving her a lopsided smile. “I just have some business tae take care off. I’ll meet ye by the well yonder,” he said, pointing to the center of the square.

  “Certainly,” she said, beaming back at him.

  Kila returned to her browsing. She had finished looking over more interesting trinkets but didn’t buy anything else since she was already pleased with her purchases. Even so, she wanted to continue looking at the delightful items for sale.

  The sound of clapping and laughter drew her attention. There was just so much to see. She noticed a group gathering in one section, and she became curious to see what they watched. Going on her tippy toes, she was delighted to see a puppet show. Everyone present was enraptured by the comical performance of two characters engaged in conflict. And when all the fighting and bickering ended, the audience clapped enthusiastically. A bairn came around to collect donations, and she gladly contributed a coin.

  The sky was beginning to clear, and the sun peeked through the remaining clouds. For a day that appeared almost gloomy, it had become an enjoyable and fruitful one.

  Kila started to retrace her steps and head toward the well when an old woman with a walking stick abruptly pushed in front of her. Since she wanted to avoid a collision, she stepped aside, and bumped into a stand, knocking several bundles of dried peat to the ground.

  “I’m sae sorry,” she said to the merchant and helped pick up the peat.

  When she straightened again, she caught a movement between a set of thatched houses. She might have continued on her way except she recognized Iagan’s tall frame. He stood in the shadow of a large cart, slightly away from the crowd.

  She was about to call out to him, but she hesitated when she saw that he looked impatiently around him as if he expected someone to turn up. Certainly, it wasn’t Kila he waited for. A moment later, a man appeared. The men exchanged words, but neither of them appeared happy. The new arrival handed Iagan a small sack and continued to talk.

  Suddenly, the stranger turned his head as if he sensed her looking at him. He said something to Iagan, and they blended into the crowd and away from her line of sight. The man’s glare had made her feel small. It was never her intention to spy on them. In all actuality, whatever Iagan did was none of her business. She forced herself away from the spot and made her way to her appointed destination.

  A few minutes later, she reached the well. There was a trickle of market-goers around the spot, but she willed herself to be patient. She would have left the village long ago, except she had promised William’s cousin that she would wait for him.

  “What are ye doing here alone, lass?” a deep voice said behind her.

  Chapter 12

  Kila turned her head, and William caught his breath at seeing her exquisite countenance. Normally, he tried not to look at her, and he stayed as far away from her as possible. But no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t deny his attraction to her.

  “William,” she said, her voice filled with ast
onishment. She glanced at Isabel. “And your daughter is here with ye.”

  “Isabel wanted tae come tae the market and see the hound,” he said.

  A movement caught his eye. He glanced past her shoulder and seeing the dog, he let out a piercing whistle.

  Kila let out a startled cry when she saw the animal charging over to where they stood.

  “The hound is going tae attack us!”

  “Nae this hound,” he said.

  It came to an abrupt stop and sat on its hind legs, its tail sweeping the dirt on the ground. He chuckled at seeing its eager face, and he reached to pat it on the head.

  “How did ye do that?” she asked in awe. “I saw this mongrel in an alley, and I was certain ‘twas going tae rip me apart.”

  “’Tis harmless,” he said. He nodded to his daughter. “Ye can give it the bone, lass.”

  Isabel set the basket she carried on the ground. Then digging inside the hamper, she took out a soup bone and set it in front of the eager dog. When it saw the treat, it dropped to the dirt and began to happily gnaw on it.

  “Ye came tae the village just tae see this dog?” Kila asked, unable to keep the wonder from her voice.

  “Aye, we come every week tae visit it. It used tae live in the tower, but ‘twas removed. My mother couldnae stand it, sae we brought it here. One of the clansmen takes care of it.”

  Looking at the dog, she could barely tell that it was domesticated. It appeared gaunt and hungry. But she was more surprised by William’s actions. Out of all things, she never thought he would indulge his daughter or the animal like this.

  The small girl sat on her haunches, stroking the mongrel while it continued to savor the present she had brought.

  The scene made Kila smile. They had lots of stray animals at Tancraig Castle, and she had fond memories of playing with them. But she was struck by the fact that this hound was a completely different creature compared with when she first encountered it in the lane.

  She noticed something else too. Today was the first time she saw the lass exhibiting any emotion. As an outsider, she recognized that the bairn was starved for companionship, and somehow this straggly creature offered it to her.