The Highlander’s English Woman (The Stelton Legacy) Read online

  Sparks flashed by and confused Laura until she realized Lisbeth’s charms hung from the trees. If only The Ancestors could help them. She glanced over Jamie’s shoulder and forgot about the charms.

  “Rider behind us.” Jamie urged his horse on. How much faster and longer could his destrier continue? If they didn’t stop soon, the animal would collapse.

  Another glance. The rider was close enough for her to see the sneer on his lips.

  “He’s gaining ground.” Think, she told herself. The fluid strides of Jamie’s horse took them out of the dark forest and into a small meadow. Sunlight bounced off Jamie’s sword. A vision of her brother and her practicing drills came to mind. Could it work? She stiffened at the challenge. It had to.

  “Put your sword on your left shoulder, then make a quick half-turn to your left. Face the rider. Don’t stop. Charge,” Laura said as she lay as close to his horse as possible, her arms around the animal’s neck, to give Jamie more room to maneuver.

  “Don’t look. This is not going to be a pretty sight.”

  She closed her eyes tight. Please, let this work.

  Her body swayed to the left as Jamie completed the turn. Beneath her, the animal’s muscles bunched and exploded as they sprang forward. With the full weight of the charging horse behind his sword, Jamie hit the raider hard, severing his right arm. Jamie’s horse turned behind their attacker and advanced. With a quick slash, the man’s body fell to the ground. The disembodied head rolled into the mist. Jamie spurred his horse into the woods.

  Laura sat up. Trees sped by. “Why aren’t we stopping?”

  Jamie didn’t answer. She began to panic as a tall hedgerow emerged out of the mist in front of them, sparkles from Lisbeth’s charms interspersed on the branches.

  Their direction didn’t waver. Rather than slow down, the animal gathered speed. Jamie crushed her in front of him and held her head against his chest.

  “I won’t let anything happen to you.” The horse’s front hooves reached for the top of the hedgerow. Jamie rose in his seat taking her with him. The horse’s hind legs kicked out from under him as he carried them over the barrier.

  The sensation of flying through the air both frightened and exhilarated her. For three heartbeats everything moved at a funeral pace until they came down with a jarring thud. How they landed without the horse falling or them being thrown was beyond her, but they did.

  The horse slowed to a halt. Lathered and blowing hard, its leg muscles quivered from the chase, but she swore the animal smiled. Jamie’s men gathered around them. The exhilaration of a safe get away quickly turned to concern. She searched the faces of Jamie’s men and let out a sigh of relief. She accounted for every man.

  “The raiders didn’t want to fight once Donald appeared leading a troop of Robert the Bruce’s men. As soon as we joined forces, the reivers turned and ran. Donald followed them. He should be here soon.” Sean helped Laura down. “How did they know where to find us? We covered our tracks well.”

  Jamie turned at the rumble of horses galloping toward them. He stepped in front of Laura, sword drawn. A troop of men flying an azure lion on a gold field, Robert the Bruce’s colors came into view.

  “Jamie.” The leader, sitting tall in his saddle and dressed in battle leathers, walked his horse into the thicket.

  “Donald. You arrived at the right time.” Jamie relaxed and sheathed his sword. Donald dismounted and walked over.

  “Anything to save your sorry arse.”

  She stepped out from behind Jamie. Donald looked from Jamie to Laura. Panic rushed across Donald’s battle-worn face.

  “Oh, I beg your pardon, Lady Laura. I didn’t see you with Jamie.” Donald’s gaze turned tender. “I was sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. He will be missed.”

  “Thank you, Donald. I appreciate your kind words.” Donald gave Laura a slight bow and turned to Jamie.

  “We followed the raiders. I see you took care of their leader. I didn’t recognize him.” Donald handed Jamie a battered sword.

  Jamie hefted the sword. Laura looked on. The weapon was a light, single handled sword, adequately balanced. The blade, for both thrusting and cutting was badly nicked and rusted in spots. It had not been well maintained. He handed the weapon to Sean.

  “A common weapon without any distinct markings,” Sean said handing the blade to Donald.

  Laura didn’t recognize the sword, but she remembered the man.

  “He was the innkeeper,” Laura said. “He knew where to find us because I mentioned our destination to his wife last night.”

  The men turned to her. Blood pounded in her temples as she looked from face and face. They didn’t hide their hostile stares. She didn’t blame them. As soon as she saw the man’s sneer she knew what had happened. Her innocent words resulted in a traitorous act, as unintentional as it was.

  “I made polite conversation when she served me supper.” Her expression begged for forgiveness, but that didn’t stave off their anger. “I had no idea... I would never have forgiven myself if any of you had been injured.”

  “Intended or not, the results could have been deadly.” Jamie said. Her cheeks burned at his reprimand. Her mouth slammed shut.

  Donald cleared his throat and pulled the men’s attention away from her. She was thankful for his assistance, but she had no idea how to make amends with Jamie and his men. Trust was hard to earn once it’s been dashed.

  “I saw your maneuver. Impressive,” Donald said. Relieved, but still smarting, she stepped away from the group.

  “You can thank Laura for that.” She stopped. “I followed her instructions,” Jamie said.

  Everyone turned to her and waited. What did they want her to say? She looked to Jamie for guidance. His small nod was all she needed.

  “Richard and I practiced that tactic often. The reverse maneuver was a favorite of his. I’m glad it worked.” The memories of Richard swept through her along with an overwhelming sense of loss.

  “Richard saved the day,” Jamie said. He held her hand, providing an anchor. But his simple statement brought back Richard’s loss in a rush of agony. Her chin quivered. Jamie squeezed her hand and gave her strength as she fought to keep her composure.

  “Laura would make a warrior a good wife,” Donald said and set the men laughing, lightening the mood.

  “We have some supplies. You’re welcome to them,” Jamie said.

  “Get what you need,” Donald instructed his men. “We leave for the border.”

  “I suspect you’re on your way home to Caerlaverock,” Donald said to Jamie.

  “Yes. Would you like our new warrior to escort you on your journey?” Jamie asked.

  Her face colored fiercely and she gave him a hostile stare. The twinkle in his eye assured her he meant to tease.

  “Laura would be an asset to any man, but the rest of my journey would bore her. No wild chases or reivers,” Donald said.

  They walked toward Donald’s men, who were mounting up.

  “You can save me a trip and give something to Herbert.” Donald said.

  “What would you like me to give him?” Jamie asked. Donald mounted his horse. His men formed behind him.

  “Information.” Donald bent to speak to him. “Tell Herbert to watch his back, especially the next several days. I have the information from a reliable source. A traitor is in his midst.”

  A muscle on Jamie’s jaw flicked angrily.

  “I will tell him. There are many new faces since moving into Caerlaverock,” Jamie said.

  “Safe travels,” Donald said and straightened in his saddle.

  “And may the wind be at your back,” Jamie said.

  Donald gave his troop a signal. They left the thicket and headed for the English border.

  “Do you think his message is accurate?” Laura asked. Jamie watched the last of Donald’s men fade into the mist.

  “Donald’s sources are never wrong.”

  Chapter Five

  Laura sat upon her palf
rey and could not draw her eyes away from the vision before her. The smudge of clouds that gathered around the setting sun were several shades of vivid red against a dark sky and cast a warm glow on Caerlaverock’s sandstone walls. The inverted reflection of Caerlaverock and sky in the still moat created a breathtaking view.

  The stronghold in the middle of a wide moat had twin towers on either side of the north gatehouse and one tower at the south. Lofty battlements connected to towers with an overly high curtain wall created a unique triangular fortification. Built for defense, the imposing fortress appeared impossible to breach.

  The design touched her heart. Along with its strength, the beauty in its lines and position created a grand picture. Put everything together and, as Laura waited for Jamie’s order to proceed, she was overcome with emotion.

  Jamie came up beside her and moved the group forward. “The castle is impressive even in the darkening sky,” Jamie said with pride. “This is your first visit since the building’s completion.”

  “Caerlaverock pulls at my heart with its beauty and purpose. It represents all I hold dear in a person, if that’s possible, heart, soul, and strength. I understand why Father was taken with Herbert’s plans. He sat with Herbert for hours and discussed the design. After our last visit, he talked about the castle all the way back to Glen Kirk. Mother, on the other hand, hoped the place didn’t flood like the old one.”

  He laughed, deep, warm, and rich.

  They crossed a timber bridge and rode through an arched stone gateway, emerging into a courtyard settling down for the night. Behind them, the lattice oak portcullis with metal daggers strained on its chains as it slid down the groove and settled into place with a final thud.

  A stable boy helped her down from her mount while Sean saw to the horses and men. She shook her skirts to dislodge dust from their travels, but didn’t bother with wrinkles as Jamie escorted her into the gatehouse to reunite with the family.

  “Caerlaverock is as fine inside as out,” she murmured. They walked into a large solar, a private family room.

  “Ah, Laura. How good to see you. When the battlement guards reported a woman with Jamie, I assumed he brought Darla. You are a pleasant surprise.” Herbert rose ignoring the papers strewn across his table.

  She gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Cousin Herbert. Mother and Father remained at Glen Kirk. They weren’t ready to travel yet.”

  “How insensitive of me. Of course, she’s still in mourning. We all feel your sorrow.” He put a fatherly arm around her and led her to a chair.

  “My wife left with your three cousins and her staff to visit family in Pencaitland. I’m afraid you’ll be visiting just with me.”

  “That’s fine,” she said and smiled through disappointment. She was familiar with Lady Maxwell’s staff and could easily ask them questions about Evan and Angel. Now starting those conversations may be more difficult, but she accepted the small setback. She had every intention of putting Evan’s ghost to rest.

  “Jamie mentioned Evan and Angel’s deaths. I understand a ghost haunts the castle. Mother sent me in her place.” She didn’t miss the pleading look Herbert gave Jamie. Was he also a non-believer of magic?

  “Of course. Your help is greatly appreciated. Why don’t you get settled and we can talk about how you can help at supper?” Herbert said.

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’m here for a purpose.” If her cousin had a pleading look for some assistance before, he downright begged Jamie for support now.

  Laura pulled a letter from her pocket and handed it to Herbert. “Mother asked me to deliver this to you as soon as I arrived.”

  Herbert took the letter and set it on his desk. A soft knock at the door announced a housekeeper. “I’m sure you’ll want to clean up before we eat. Mrs. Turner, show Lady Laura to her room.”

  Mrs. Turner led her out and closed the door behind.

  “We met Donald at the Annan River,” Jamie said. “He asked that I tell you to watch your back, especially for a few days. His informant says there’s a traitor at Caerlaverock.”

  “Yes. Donald confirms my suspicions. I’m glad I had Oliver take my family to Pencaitland.” Herbert returned to his seat. “I fear no one in the family is safe. Keep close to Laura. If she’s anything like Darla, she’ll trample anyone else. You know how to handle her.”

  He chafed at Herbert’s order. How could he not see his value in finding the traitor?

  “I can better serve you and the family hunting for the traitor rather than playing the courtier to Laura. Perhaps someone on Mrs. Turner’s staff would be better suited.”

  Herbert read the letter. It was from Wesley. “No.” He looked at Jamie. “I don’t want to worry about her. You’ll see to her well-being.”

  Jamie glanced out the window and spotted Laura and Mrs. Turner crossing the courtyard to the guest house. Why did he agree to bring her to Caerlaverock? The thought died as soon as he acknowledged it. If he hadn’t, she would have found another, more dangerous, way.

  “Laura said Evan’s ghost must be put to rest within thirty days of dying.” He turned to Herbert. “That’s five days from today. Perhaps I could do both.”

  Laura examined intricate stonework and relief carvings on the buildings as she crossed the courtyard. The guest house and other structures were built near the curtain wall, with a walkway between the wall and buildings that enabled troops to move. It was clear the primary function of Caerlaverock was defense, not to keep her cousin or mother dry.

  “We haven’t seen you in a long time. We’re all sorry to hear about your brother.” Mrs. Turner brought her to a room on the second floor. They waited at the door while two footmen filled a tub with hot water.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  Richard. He’s everywhere. She should take comfort in knowing Richard’s maneuver saved the day. And there was satisfaction in being instrumental in stopping the reiver. She couldn’t bring Richard’s murderer to the same, but she silently vowed to give Evan and Angel the justice they deserved. That would give some meaning to her mission, put Evan’s ghost to rest.

  She fingered the beads around her neck and was comforted by their warmth. The truth, she would find justice for Evan and Angel. So mote it be, she whispered in her head.

  Getting out of clothes she’d worn for two days and soaking some of the soreness from the harsh ride out of her bones—to say nothing of grit—sounded like heaven.

  Mrs. Turner led her into a modest-size cozy room with whitewashed walls. Her satchel sat on a single bed pushed against the inner wall. Her other satchel lay across a colorful chest under the window that faced the courtyard. A fireplace, which the footman had lit, was next to the window.

  “We were all surprised when Lord Jamie brought us news of Evan and Angel. Mother found it hard to believe Evan would kill Angel,” Laura said.

  Mrs. Turner opened her satchel and held up a very wrinkled sky blue silk gown. A few hard shakes didn’t help the wrinkles at all. Mrs. Turner headed for the door.

  “No one knows what to believe. Poor Mary. She found their bodies. The woman is a seasoned soldier’s wife, who’s seen many a horrible wound, but seeing those two… The image still haunts her. We’ve all tried to help her.”

  “Do you think speaking to me would be of any help?” She hadn’t thought about speaking with someone who had been so close to the tragedy. Laura tried to temper her excitement.

  “I’m sure she would speak to you. Now get into the tub before the water cools. I’ll leave you to your bath with some lavender soap, and take your dress to the laundry to freshen.” She closed the door behind her.

  A large wooden tub filled with hot water was next to the fireplace. Laura undressed and sank into warm water. She scrubbed the dirt and grit off with lavender scented soap. Done washing, she leaned her head back against a small pillow and let the heat ease her stiff muscles. The crackling fire and warm water soothed and relaxed her to the point of nodding off.
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  “Excuse me, Lady Laura. I’m Sonia.” A young woman entered carrying her dress. “I’m here to help you.”

  Laura, started awake by the girl, sat up splashing the water. “You saved my life. I would have drowned if you didn’t come in.”

  “M’lady, my sister always falls asleep in her bath after a day at work. Once or twice her head slips underwater, but she come up quick enough sputtering like a fish.”

  Laura stepped out of the tub and into a linen Sonia proceeded to wrap around her.

  “Have you been with the Maxwell’s long?” Laura sat next to the fire and combed her fingers through her hair and rubbed it with a silk cloth to dry it.

  “Like many others, my parents worked for the family. When The Maxwell moved to here, Mrs. Turner asked if I wanted to join the staff. She said since I was around the kitchen with nothing to do, she might as well put me to work.”

  Laura stopped rubbing her hair. The girl was personable. Mrs. Turner was willing to speak about Evan and Angel, perhaps Sonia could provide information. What she needed to do was more than make conversation. She had to be careful.

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” Sonia said. “Burying someone you love is not easy.” Sonia turned away and gathered Laura’s clothes, but not before Laura saw the pained expression on the girl’s face.

  Laura ran her hand through her hair to determine if it was dry enough to be brushed. She put down the silk cloth.

  “Thank you for your kind words. I find it difficult to believe Richard is gone. I’m sure it’s been difficult here as well with the bad harvest and the appearance of a ghost.”

  “It’s been difficult because of Evan and Angel’s murder.” Sonia took the brush from the dresser and brushed Laura’s hair. She swept it back until the auburn hair glistened and fell into soft waves over Laura’s shoulders.

  “Murder? You don’t think Angel attempted to stop Evan from poisoning the crops?”

  “M’lady that is nonsense. Evan’s been wrongly accused of both poisoning the crops and killing the woman he loved. He won’t rest until the truth is known and the real villain brought to justice.”