Chapter Five

W hile dressing in attire suitable for riding, Nala went over the activities of the night before. Despite her lack of enthusiasm at her mother inviting so many marriageable men, she'd enjoyed the evening. Her only regret was having stomped on Alex's foot. He would get back at her, she was sure of it. For the next few days, she'd have to be on guard and ensure to keep her wits about her.

Surprisingly, he'd not told her parents about her exploits in the forest. Of course, it was not a good tale for a man to share. How she'd saved him from attackers. The laird of Clan Ross, rescued by a lass. The corners of her lips tugged upward. It was comical, she supposed.

Once she finished lacing her leather boots, Nala tossed her quiver over her left shoulder, grabbed the bow, and slipped from the room. Skirting past her mother's sitting room and down the stairs she hesitated once reaching the bottom of three floors. Flat against the wall, she peered from her hiding place. A quick glance assured her there was no one about, so she raced outside and made her way around the house, the entire time staying close to the exterior walls to keep from being seen through the windows.

She left the shelter of the house and ran to the stables finding the stableman, Finis, sitting on a stool, back to the wall, and feet up on a stack of logs. He snored softly as he often napped after the midday meal.

Nala skirted him and grabbed a saddle. Then quickly as possible made her way out to the corral to find Shadow.

It wasn't until she rode over the hill just north of her home that Nala was able to let out a long breath of relief to have gotten away unnoticed.

Her parents were fair and reasonable people. She understood why her father insisted she take the stableman with her when out riding, but the man was older and rarely rode the horses. She'd be hindered having to wait on him and more importantly, he would inform her father if she went anywhere other than directly to Sencha's house.

For goodness sake, she was two and twenty. It seemed like bairns barely out of diapers had more freedom than women. Where was the fairness in that?

It was a windy day, and she was glad to have worn a cape. Although the article of clothing would make it hard to climb a tree and hide. She looked in the direction of the forest and then to her friend's house. Sencha would be expecting her, they had much to discuss about the night before.

She'd excused herself to go to her room to write letters to her friends in London, so it would be at least two hours before her parents discovered her gone. She decided to go for a short ride, then to Sencha's. By the time either the stableman or her father rode out to find her, she'd be at her friend's home.

Nala considered Alexander's warnings. If she were caught alone astride, she'd be an easy target for the group of evil bastards that were going about killing people who could not defend themselves.

At the same time, old Finis, wouldn't be much help. If anything, the poor man would serve as a distraction. Someone to leave behind as she escaped. Not that she'd do that, but it was highly doubtful the man could outrun anything.

Nala let out a huff and turned Shadow in the direction of Sencha's house. Alexander was right, it was not safe, too many attacks had occurred.

"What have ye been doing today?" Sencha greeted Nala with a wide smile. "I expected ye would have an escort."

It was impossible to lie to Sencha, at the same time, Nala had not told her the entire truth of what she'd done. It was best that her friend did not know every detail that occurred.

"I should have waited, but the thought of it annoyed me. I know it may nae be safe, but I am careful. I am sure once Mother finds out I rode here alone and will soon send Finis to fetch me."

"Ye are rebellious to a fault," Sencha stated, crossing her arms. "Anything can happen to ye, and no one would be the wiser."

"What has our Nala done now?" Sencha's mother walked into the room.

Sencha and Nala exchanged looks. Her friend spoke. "She insists on never wishing to marry. Her mother is most cross."

"Oh, Nala," the older woman soothed. "It is nae that ye dinnae wish to marry. It is that ye have yet to meet the man who will change yer mind."

"That may be true," Sencha said. "The right man will instantly change the way ye think."

"Bah," Nala replied. "There is nae such a man."

The older woman laughed and looked at her with a knowing expression. "It will happen, ye will see."

They began discussing the gathering at Nala's house the night before. Mostly they talked of which men and women seemed interested in one another and of course what Knox and Alexander did while there. Nala was swept up in the conversation, welcoming the distraction from thinking about her future.

By the time Finis arrived, she was prepared to return home.

Her mother kept stealing worried glances at Nala the following day as they headed to Keep Ross for a visit. "I would have preferred if ye would have worn something more colorful than dull serviceable clothing."

Nala peered out the window of the coach. "I prefer to be comfortable. Besides those large stone buildings are always drafty and cold."

Despite worries about her mother once again attempting matchmaking, Nala looked forward to seeing the keep again.

"I am sure some changes have been made since I was last there," Nala added.

"Aye, it is bigger. The rooms are kept warm with large hearths, tapestries, and rugs on the floors."

Nala peered out the window at the passing shoreline, noting fishing boats bobbing in the water. It was a sunny day, as spring gave way to summer. Soon the days would stretch longer, and the weather would be warmer.

A narrow bridge led to the entrance gates that were guarded by warriors. Atop the surrounding keep walls archers kept watch. Though for some reason they did not seem menacing to Nala.

With the sea behind it and a steep cliff to the right side of the keep, it was a secure place for refuge from attacks. Somehow Alexander's home matched him, a mixture of savage and beauty, security and danger.

They rode into the courtyard where they were greeted by stable lads, who assisted both Nala and her mother from the coach.

At the front door, Lady Ross and Ainslie greeted them warmly. Ainslie's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I cannae wait to talk."

Nala couldn't help but grin at her, knowing her friend would share tidbits of whatever she'd overheard in the great room.

"I am so glad ye came," Alexander's mother stated, her eyes bright. "I'd just complained to Ainslie that I didnae wish to spend the afternoon doing chores."

Nala had always loved Lady Ross, even as a child. She found her to have a calming presence.

They walked into the great room and Nala's breath caught. She'd forgotten the elegance of Scottish castles. The majesty of the clan coat of arms on the walls, and the beauty of intricately carved tables, benches, and chairs used for dining. The arched windows on two walls allowed plenty of sunlight into the space, giving the room an airy feeling, not cloistered and dark like most castles with their stone walls.

On the opposite side from where they stood, Alexander sat at the high board with men on either side. Her father, who'd arrived a day earlier, was also there. She drew her gaze away—before he caught her looking—and took in a hearth so huge, a man could easily stand inside of it.

Fire in the hearth kept the room at a pleasant temperature so there was no need to wear cloaks or even shawls.

Nala and her mother followed the Ross women to sit in overstuffed chairs in front of the hearth. Lady Ross motioned a servant over and asked that bread, cheese, and honeyed mead be brought for them.

Without looking Nala sensed Alexander's gaze and she turned to look toward the high board. Alexander gave a barely perceptible nod when their eyes met, then he returned his attention to the pair of men who stood before the council.

Ainslie, ever perceptive, caught Nala looking. "Those two are nothing of note. They wish to have land to sow."

Noting there were several people standing about waiting, she couldn't help but to acknowledge how heavy the burden of being laird was. Yet, it seemed, Alexander kept his attention on those in front of him, not seeming to hurry them along.

"Ye can have a small sector. See the scribe about it. More will be given if ye produce a good harvest. It is late in the season now, so I give ye until the end of next harvest," he told the men.

Nala lost track of what the women spoke about, her interest on the proceedings, as each person or group approached Alexander. She understood why Ainslie enjoyed sitting and listening to this.

More than anything, she admired the way Alexander proceeded over each task. He listened intently, asked questions, and referred to the other men sitting next to him before considering how to proceed.

Ainslie and the other women stopped speaking when a woman cried out. Hands over her face, she cried as her husband accused her of adultery.

"I was never unfaithful," she said between shaky breaths and hiccups. "He wishes to do away with me so that he can take up with a harlot from the village. We have three bairns and very little to call our own. What will I do?"

"Ye should go back to yer parents. Or to whomever ye are lying with," the man said, pointing a finger at her. When she attempted to reach for her husband, he shoved her away. The children surrounding them began to cry, a very young one clinging to his mother's skirts.

"Oh, goodness," Lady Ross said in a sad voice. "That poor woman."

The room went silent when Alexander stood, rounded the table, and walked closer to the family. Every eye followed each of his movements as he lowered to one knee and spoke to the oldest child, a boy, who looked to be about ten.

"Are ye home with yer mother every day?"

The boy nodded, eyes wide. "Aye, Laird."

"Have ye ever seen a man come to yer home when yer father is nae there?"

The boy shook his head sliding a look to his father. "Nae. Never Laird."

"Does yer mother ever leave ye and yer siblings to steal away?"

Once again, the boy stole a glance at his father who glared down at him.

"Dinnae look at him," Alexander said in a low voice. "Look at me."

"Wherever Ma goes she always takes us with her, Laird. To the market, to visit the old lady, Una, even when we dinnae wish to go."

Alexander rose and towered over the husband, whose eyes rounded. "When exactly is it yer wife has time to be unfaithful in yer estimation?"

The man huffed, taking a step back. "I cannae see her all day. I work. Perhaps she is nae, but she is failing as a proper wife."

Alexander shook his head, his disappointment obvious. "Marriage is a privilege, nae a burden. Yer bairns are a gift, nae a hindrance. If ye persist in wishing to send yer family away, then ye cannae remain in the house. Ye will go live elsewhere and no longer have rights to work the lands."

The man's mouth fell open. "Ye dinnae understand, Laird. I have done nothing wrong."

Alexander motioned to the two men who'd asked for land to plant. "I can grant the lands to them."

The man looked around the room, seeming at a loss for words. "That would nae be fair."

"Is it fair for yer wife and bairns to be sent away because ye are lying with another woman? That ye send them away and leave them without safety, food, or home?"

Managing to finally look abashed, the man looked at his feet. "Nae, Laird."

"Go home and work yer land and care for yer family. I will send my men around to ensure yer wife and bairns remain well cared for. If not, then ye will be banished." Alexander waited for the man to meet his eyes. "Am I understood?"

The man nodded. "Aye, Laird." He motioned for his wife, who lifted the smallest one to her arms and grabbed another's hand to follow after him.

The eldest child lingered and gave Alexander a solemn look. "One day I will be a guard for ye," the boy said. "I will care for my mum until then."

"I am sure ye will," Alexander replied placing a hand on the boy's skinny shoulder. He spoke to the boy in a whisper so that only the child would hear. Standing straighter the boy turned and followed after his family.

Nala couldn't drag her gaze away from Alexander. The same man who was stern with his clan's people giving orders and mandates, took time to speak to a child, openly praising him. It was rare that men took time to consider young ones, that Alexander took time from his duties to do so… well it was inspiring.

When he returned to sit at the sideboard he motioned to a man. "What is it this time Lionel?"

"Ye see why I enjoy sitting here and listening?" Ainslie said, breaking Nala's attention away from what occurred before the laird.

"Aye," Nala acquiesced. "It is certainly interesting."

Lady Ross stood and smoothed her skirts. "Let us go out to the garden. It is too beautiful a day to remain indoors."

As they walked through the great room to the main doorway, murmurs arose. Nala was fully aware that she and her mother didn't look like anyone else on the isle. Her mother's skin was a deep brown, Nala's a lighter shade, but still darker than most of the paler skinned people of Skye.

The fact that her mother didn't seem phased by looks of open curiosity and sometimes dislike, never ceased to amaze Nala.

When she was young she hated being different from everyone else. Her hair was curlier, her skin darker, lips fuller. She stood out whenever going places about the isle, whether markets, gatherings, or fetes.

The seasons in England helped as she met several other women with features like hers. Despite being different—or as her aunt insisted "exotic"—because of her father's wealth, she was popular with suitors. That was until she disregarded their attempts, turning down all offers.

She wasn't so na?ve as to not understand that men found her attractive, and yet, at times, she wondered if it was her beauty or that she was what would be considered unusual. Looking at some of the onlookers' faces, she relaxed when she saw nothing more than curiosity and warmth.

The garden was surprisingly large and well maintained, especially when Lady Ross confided that she and a young servant girl were the only ones who worked in it.

"I dinnae care for someone traipsing about who does nae ken about flowers," she quipped as they strolled past fragrant flowers.

Nala stopped to admire the collection of contrasting colors. Some were growing from bushes, others spilling from planters hung on wooden arches built to provide shade.

"I could spend hours here," Nala said looking about. "It is absolutely beautiful."

When her mother and Lady Ross exchanged a conspiratorial look, the hairs on the back of her neck stood alert.

"It is interesting that ye would say that," Lady Ross said with a wide smile. "Please stay for a long visit. Ainslie could use yer company as I am about to go and visit family for a fortnight or two."

Nala's mouth fell open, but no sound came out.

Of course, that had to be the reason her father had come a pair of days early. It wasn't just to be part of the newly formed council, he no doubt spoke to Alexander about her staying there.

She couldn't possibly remain there; around Alexander, who affected her in a way she wasn't prepared to think about. And then there was the fact that this was probably part of her mother's plot to find her a husband.

"What a fabulous idea, of course Nala accepts yer gracious invitation," her mother interjected when Nala had yet to reply.

Words were stuck in her throat. There was no greater offense in the Highlands than to turn down an invitation by a member of the laird's family to visit.

Despite the trepidation, Nala managed to force the corners of her lips to inch up. "Thank ye for the kind invitation, of course I would love to remain for a bit."

"Ye have known my sons since bairns. I remember ye and Cynden spending hours playing in the courtyard." Lady Ross' face warmed at the memory. "Those were delightful times."

Nala was sure the woman thought of her husband, and she hated to see the hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Cynden led me to trouble many times," she said, and Lady Ross chuckled.

"He did indeed."

They continued strolling through the garden and then sat under an umbrella of shade provided by a huge tree that hung over the short wall. As the discussion turned to what had occurred with the attack of Clan MacLeod and the assailants from Armandale, Nala was astonished at how well-informed both Lady Ross and Ainslie were.

Lady Ross had delicate sensibilities, often taking to her bedchamber for long periods when battles or other strife occurred. So when she spoke of the challenges the clan faced in a calm tone, it surprised Nala. Perhaps over the years, the woman had changed.

"I imagine it has been very difficult for ye, surrounded by battles as well as the attacks on the clan," Nala said to the woman. "Most of us are nae aware of what occurs, other than through messengers or gossip."

Lady Ross looked toward an open field where guards practiced with swords. "I detest violence. But it seems the way of men."

In the field, men grunted as they thrust weapons at one another. They were well trained, formidable, and effortlessly intimidating. It was a good thing they were so threatening since their primary purpose was to defend an entire clan.

"Aye, some men seem to seek violence. And then it is up to other men to protect us from it," her mother added.

Nala let out a breath and considered that not all protectors were men.