“My bride will no’ be seeing your big rump.”
“Flat ears and a big rump? I think we need to have a wee sparring match with the blade.” James pushed to his feet and dusted off his hands. “Will dawn—”
The horn sounded with one long and eerie blast across the bay. Alex jumped to attention. “That’ll be Artair. I’ll take Fergus and see what he needs. Maintain a tight guard on watch.”
Something was afoot and with Uncle away, Dunscaith was his responsibility.
He wouldn’t fail him.
Chapter 2
A chilling horn shrilled through the whistling wind. Anne flung the shutters open and wedged sideways out the window. Horses’ hooves pounded across the earth through the sludge of fog then faded as the horses galloped away.
“Anne, it’s me.” Mary hurried into her room. “Oh, it’s cold in here. Let me close the window.” She bustled past, drew the shutters back then gripped Anne’s hands. “Why did James find you outside? Were you truly trying to escape?”
“No, I was—”Any talk of what had actually happened would be considered the ramblings of an insane person, or even a witch considering she was in the past. Right now, she couldn’t put any of these people offside, which meant she shouldn’t speak of Annie and her conversation with her ancestor. “I was curious. I love the outdoors. That’s all.”
“Then wait until once you’re wed afore you explore. I’ll show you farther afield. How was your conversation with Alex? Do you feel more relaxed? He would never harm you, no’ when we need this feud to end.”
“I don’t fear him. Your son is…” Well he was a strapping warrior and a rather appealing one at that.
“Mayhap you fear your wedding night then?” Mary drew her toward the bed and urged her to sit. “Since your parents passed and your mother would have had this conversation with you, if you need, I could speak of what will occur.”
In truth, she wasn’t experienced. Her parents had died after her eighteenth, and not one relationship she’d had since had jelled enough for her to take that next step. “Ah, sure, go ahead.”
“There will be some discomfort.” Mary’s cheeks flushed. “I was wed a month shy of my sixteenth, and Alex arrived within the first year.”
“Is there just him and James?”
“Oh nay. Alex is the eldest, and James the youngest, but I have a daughter between. She will come home and bring her family with her for the Twelfth Night and Yule celebrations.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Ask what you will.”
“I barely know Alex, and I’d rather…” Oh, how did she put this?
“You dinnae wish bairns yet?”
In this age, a woman who didn’t want children might seem treacherous. Plus she was protected. Best to play the part of a woman truly from this time, and really, sharing a bed with Alex did appeal. His golden eyes had been far too delicious.
“Anne?”
“Sorry. I’d like bairns, but with a handfast is it wise?”
“I’ve always wished for Alex to have a wife and kin. Should you get with child, Alex would wed you proper. I know my son.” She whispered, “The day I learnt of the agreement Alex had signed, I was terribly relieved. No matter the means which has brought you here, to me you will be my daughter.” Mary’s eyes blazed with her heartfelt declaration.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Our lives are dictated by our men, although we hold sway where we can. I shall teach you all you need to know.”
Her chest lightened. “This place is all so new to me. I’ll do my best to get to know Alex.”
“Good.” Mary squeezed her arm. “’Twill be a long day on the morrow, so get some rest. I’ll bring a suitable gown for your ceremony then.”
“Thank you. Your kindness means—” She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by how intensely her emotions had risen. “I don’t feel so alone anymore.”
She’d hated how alone she’d been. With no grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, it had been just her for so long. Traveling to Scotland had been her way of searching for a link to family, no matter how remote.
“Even surrounded by so many of your own clansmen, my dear?”
Right, Annie must have plenty of other family. “Even so.”
“I understand. Nevertheless, we must forge our place where we can, and do what we must.” She rose and swished to the door. “Rest well, and no more attempts of escape.”
“Yes, goodnight.” She must be here for a reason, even if one currently beyond her comprehension.
Alex rode hard down the trail toward the watch point Artair guarded. ’Twas hard to believe no sign had been found of Uncle.
Fergus galloped beside him, as did two other men. “What’s your plan, Alex?” Fergus shouted.