Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Of course, tell me what that is.”

“Well, I had arranged tae go fer a ride with Ivar, but I’m nae feelin’ well enough. I’ve written him a note tae explain.” Anastasia pulled a note from her sleeve and handed it to her sister. “Would ye go and meet him and give it to him, please, Cat? And I need ye tae stay while he reads it too.”

“All right, if that’s what ye wish,” Catalina assured her, tucking the note in the neck of her dress. The thought of seeing Ivar should not make her feel as excited as she was, she knew, but she could not think of an excuse not to go. “When and where are ye supposed tae be meetin’ him?” she asked, resolving to deliver the note, wait while he read it as instructed, and then take her leave before anything disturbing could happen. She did not want to leave Anastasia alone for too long if she was ill.

“Two o’clock, by the castle gates.”

Catalina baulked. “Two o’clock? But ’tis nearly that time now!” she exclaimed,

looking at the mantel clock.

“Aye, so ye’d best get a move on,” her sister said before pulling her hand away and closing her eyes with a soft sigh. “Thank ye, Cat. I appreciate yer help,” she murmured just as the clock struck two.

“I’ll go and give him the note, and then I’ll be back tae sit with ye,” Catalina promised over her shoulder as she opened the door.

“Oh, nae, ye neednae come back. I’ll be fine,” Anastasia said with some insistence, the poultice slipping from her forehead as she suddenly sat up.

“But I cannae leave ye all alone like this, nae when ye’re so poorly,” Catalina replied, truly worried for her sister’s health.

“She’ll nae be alone,” said a familiar, deep voice behind her that made her whirl about on her toes.

“Dunstan?”

“Aye, I’ll keep watch over her,” he said, coming into the chamber and taking a seat by the bed. Catalina looked at them both in perplexity. She noticed how color was flooding her sister’s cheeks when only moments before they had been pallid. Anastasia did not look ill at all now.

“Aye, Dunstan will keep an eye on me. Off ye go, ye dinnae want tae keep Ivar waitin’,” Anastasia told her, making a gentle gesture of dismissal.

“All right, if that’s what ye wish,” Catalina said with a shrug, “but I’ll be back as soon as I’ve given him the note and stayed long enough for him tae read it.”

“Thank ye, dear,” Anastasia answered just as Catalina gave the pair one last curious glance before shutting the door and setting off on her errand.

As she sped off down the hall, she was aware that, for some unknown reason, having an excuse to see Ivar and speak to him was becoming a more tempting prospect by the moment. And she was already late!

The four remaining MacLeod siblings were gathered in the family parlor following a light luncheon. Over the meal, Ivar had reported back the details of his interrogation of Adam.

“So, it seems that rather than the announcement of your marriage to Anastasia putting off this mad man Chisholm, he is even more intent on having her and he’s prepared tae attack us,” Haldor said, with an air of disbelief.

“Aye, mad man he must surely be, fer any same man knows that’s virtual suicide,” Arne observed.

“According tae Adam, Chisholm wants both sisters,” Ivar reminded them.

“But why? What can he want with Catalina?” Dahlia asked, clearly perplexed.

Ivar shrugged, the casual gesture belying his very real concern. “Adam couldnae say, but I reckon he has the idea of usin’ her as a bargaining chip tae get his hands on Anastasia,” he suggested.

Arne raised an eyebrow. “Anything’s possible, but whatever his reasons, they dinnae change anythin’. The man’s chosen tae go up against the wrong enemy. If he dares tae attack us outright, he’ll be crushed.”

“Aye, agreed, but he disnae need tae launch an all-out attack in order tae get his hands on Anastasia or Catalina. He has us under surveillance. He’s havin’ them watched and plannin’ tae abduct one or both of them when he gets the chance. ’Tis what we have tae guard against in the first instance. We cannae afford tae give him any opportunity tae take either of them. The lassies cannae be allowed tae go about unprotected as they dae now,” Ivar said with conviction.

“We must step up security around the castle, for sure,” Arne put in with a nod of agreement, “and none of the girls should leave the castle grounds without guards tae protect them.”

“What?” Dahlia exclaimed. “But surely, Chisholm is only after Anastasia and Catalina, nae me or Sofia.”

“Anastasia is his main target, aye, but if he gets his hands on any of us, any family member, he could use us in an exchange with Anastasia,” Ivar told her.

“Even Thorsten,” Arne added grimly. “So, ye can see why we all have tae be very careful and watch our backs.”

Haldor nodded. “We’ll make the arrangements for increasin’ security at once. I’ll tell Sofia tae be extra careful, and Arne, ye’d best speak tae Muriel about takin’ extra precautions with Thorsten,” he said, referring to Thorsten’s nursemaid. And Dahlia, keep the threat in mind, will ye? Nay goin’ off on any of yer excursions outside the castle until this situation is resolved, eh?”

“Aye, all right,” replied his sister, her usual ice-maidenish reserve betraying her underlying anxiety.

Haldor smiled at Ivar. “Ye did a fine job gettin’ the information out of the prisoner,” he congratulated him.

“Aye, and is it true ye never so much as raised a hand tae the fellow tae get him tae tell ye what ye wanted tae ken?” Arne asked, fixing his brother with a curious glance.

“I didnae have tae,” Ivar admitted, secretly rather pleased with the success of his new interrogation method. “It wasnae that he didnae want tae talk, he couldnae.”

“Because he kent his family would be killed if he breathed so much as a word,” Dahlia supplied. She cast Ivar an admiring glance. “But now they’re on their way here, safe under your protection, Braither. I cannae tell ye how proud I am of ye showing yer soft heart.”

Ivar glared at her. “’Twas naethin’ tae dae with me soft heart, woman, so dinnae get yer hopes up on that score. It made sense tae offer tae protect Adam’s family rather than beat him half tae death tae get the information I needed, that was all.”

Dahlia smiled. “Och, go on and deny it, but there’s nae need tae be ashamed of yer kind heart. We all ken ye have a softer side that ye so carefully hide from everyone else.

Ivar muttered in mortification, while Arne sniggered. “Aye, look at the way ye galloped off tae the healers in a panic when Cat got stung by that wee bee,” he said teasingly.

“Ach, shut yer noise, man, what d’ye ken about it? Ye were nae there,” Ivar started up, riled by his brother’s mockery.

“I mean, a bee sting?” Arne laughed outright. “D’ye nae think ye went a bit far?”

“Did I nae just tell ye tae shut yer hole?” Ivar grumbled, his temper rising, though he was not quite sure why since he was used to his brothers’ teasing. “She was hurt! I saw a giant soldier die once from a wee bee. I just took her tae the healer’s, that’s all.”

“Ran with her, ye mean. Ran all the way with her in yer arms,” Haldor pointed out, a big grin on his face.

“Ye two should mind yer business before I—” Ivar declared, rising from his seat.

“All right, that’s enough from the lot of ye,” Dahlia interposed. She shot a warning look at Arne and Haldor. “Leave him be. He did what he thought was right.”

There was a moment or two of silence, during which Ivar hoped his sister’s words had quietened the other pair. But he was soon disappointed.

“So, Ivar,” Haldor said, leaning back in his chair, his tankard in his hand, “tell us, what exactly is happening with ye and Cat?”

Still on his feet, Ivar bristled. He struggled not to show how the question disturbed him when he answered as calmly as he could, “I dinnae ken what ye mean by that. There’s naethin’ happenin’, as ye say, between me and Catalina. Why, I hardly even like the lass.”

Ignoring the skeptical glances of his brothers, he glanced at the clock. It was almost two. He made for the door. “Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I have an appointment tae keep with me betrothed.”

“Och, how nice. What d’ye have planned?” Dahlia asked, her light eyes sparkling with interest.

“We’re goin’ fer a ride. I’m gonnae show her some of the places where we played as bairns.”

“Are ye takin’ some men with ye, fer protection?” Arne asked, frowning suddenly. “Chisholm’s out there watchin’, ye ken.”

“Nay, but I’ll be sure nae tae venture too far and tae keep her safe,” Ivar said, certain he was more than up to the task. He did not fancy a bunch of men following them about, whatever the risks.

“Have a nice time, then,” Dahlia said as he opened the door.

“Ivar,” Haldor called after him.

Ivar stopped and turned, sure he was about to be the target of more

mockery. “Aye?” he answered with a sigh. Three sets of vivid blue eyes were fixed on him.

“Ye ken, we all have yer back, nae matter what ye decide tae dae, and The Bruce can go tae hell with his arranged marriage,” the Laird said, raising his tankard slightly in his direction and giving him an enigmatic half smile.

“Ach, tae hell with ye,” Ivar grumbled and shut the door with a bang.

As he made off down the hallways, heading for the stables, he thought he heard laughter from the other side of the door and scowled.

He approached the stables to collect the two mounts prepared for him and Anastasia that afternoon, trying to put his family’s teasing out of his mind.

I have a pleasant ride with me betrothed tae look forward tae, he told himself, trying to lighten his spirits. Just her and me, and that little witchy sister of hers will be naewhere in sight tae cause me any bother.

It should have been an appealing prospect, he knew. But as he led the horses to the castle gates to await Anastasia’s arrival, he could neither explain nor rid himself of the cold lump of disappointment that lodged somewhere in his chest.

It inexplicably lifted when he spied that very same annoying little witch come out of the keep, pause as she fixed him in her sights, and then start determinedly off across the courtyard towards him. He watched her as she advanced, careful to betray no emotion that might hint at his admiration of her curves. The tight dress she was wearing was the same color as his favorite claret, and it showed off her figure to perfection as she strode along, her loose, dark hair bouncing with vitality at her every step. Something stirred deep in his belly, something like desire. He crushed it, feeling guilty and wrong.

“Where’s yer sister?” he asked as Catalina came up to him, her face flushed prettily. With her sparkling eyes and pink cheeks, she radiated life and energy.

“Anastasia cannae come. She’s nae feelin’ very well. She sent ye this. I’m tae await yer answer,” she said as their eyes met, handing him a note.

Taken aback, he unfolded it and scanned the neatly written lines. As they sank in, try as he might, he could not help the smile that broke out on his lips.

“What is it? Why are ye smilin’? What does she say?” Catalina asked, watching him attentively.

“Read it fer yersel’,” he told her, handing her the note. He observed her as she read her sister’s words and was secretly delighted. She also smiled and gave a small, melodic laugh.

“The schemin’ minx,” she muttered, shaking her head. “She thinks she’s so clever, pretending tae be sick fer me tae take her place. This is her way of makin’ us spend time together and bury the hatchet, is it?”

“It would seem so,” Ivar said, finding his spirits suddenly buoyed at this unexpected situation. “She’s a clever one, yer sister.”

“Aye, she is,” Catalina agreed, and they looked at each other and laughed. It gave Ivar a strange warm feeling inside, and all his former disappointment dissolved. “So, it looks like we’re goin’ fer a wee ride together instead, eh?”

“Fer Anastasia’s sake, it would seem we are. She clearly wants us tae sort out our differences, so we should show willing and dae as she wishes. I suppose we could agree tae have a wee truce just tae make her happy.” She gazed up into Ivar’s eyes, and what he saw there made his heart do a somersault in his chest.

“A truce? Aye, that could work, fer a few hours,” he found himself saying. “Shall we go?”

When they mounted up and slowly rode side by side out through the gates and into the world beyond the castle walls, Ivar could not account for the happiness that suddenly settled upon him like a gossamer web as the sun and warm breeze warmed his face. Suddenly, for a change, all felt right with the world. It was almost as though he was his old self.

The main road leading from the castle unraveled before them into the balmy afternoon, with the fields, forests, and moorlands surrounding them, all ablaze with summer color. The exquisite, liquid song of the skylarks drifting down from beyond the white, cottony clouds provided a musical counterpoint to the steady clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. The blackbirds and thrushes added to the pleasant cacophony, along with the sheep.

“Och, ’tis so beautiful out here,” Catalina breathed. He glanced over at her

finely cut profile. She was smiling as she looked around admiringly at the countryside. “I must admit, I’m grateful fer me sister’s scheming ways in this case. I cannae think of a nicer way tae spend the afternoon than out here in the fresh air and sunshine.”

“Even if the company’s nae exactly ideal?” he could not resist asking teasingly.

“We have a truce, remember? Besides, I’m nae gonnae let ye spoil me enjoyment of the day,” she said, shooting him a playful glance that warmed his insides.

“And I’ve nae wish tae dae so. I’m willin’ tae put up with ye tae please yer sister,” he replied jokingly.

“I suppose we must have given her a few headaches, the way we’ve been carryin’ on,” she said with a contrite air. “I feel bad about it. Her happiness is very important tae me.”

“We should try harder tae get on then,” he suggested.

“Aye. I feel bad because I ken that most of it has been my fault. I mean, kickin’ her groom in the head was nae a good way tae start off.”

He could not help smiling. He rubbed his head. “Well, the lump’s gone down a bit now.”

“So, d’ye accept me apology fer that finally? Ye ken it was a mistake,” she asked, looking at him with a trace of worry in her eyes.

“I suppose I must. Ye were only lookin’ out fer the fawn, just as I was. Ye had nae idea who ye were assaultin’,” he said, wondering if she would take the bait.

But she just laughed and said, “I probably deserve that. Anastasia is always tellin’ me off fer bein’ too hotheaded. But I just want ye tae ken how sorry I am fer all the trouble and misunderstandings. I didnae mean fer any of it tae happen.”

“Apology accepted. But ye cannae take all the blame. I’ve been at fault too. I could have been kinder,” he admitted, glad to get it off his chest at last.

“Well, ye were very kind when I got stung by the bee,” she said, smiling across at him. “I’m grateful fer that.” They rode for a while in companiable silence before she spoke again. “How did ye get on with yer interrogation?”

“Och, it went very well.” He explained about Adam and his family and how successful his new approach had been in eliciting valuable information. “The guards kept lookin’ at me as if I’d lost me wits, wonderin’ why I wasnae beating’ the man tae a pulp as usual,” he mused. “But I kept thinkin’ on what ye’d said earlier.”

“About nae lashin’ out in defence, d’ye mean?”

“Well, more about seein’ the good in the bad. I saw a better way tae get what I wanted.”

“And it worked.”

“Aye. And that’s thanks tae what ye said,” he admitted, realizing he owed her that at least, for he felt something had changed inside him, something positive. He was grateful for it.