Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series, Page 4

  Blue eyes snapped to his. “I understand.” She moved to the other side of his bed and removed her nightdress then slipped in between the covers and turned to her side facing him.

  For a few moments, Carrick was not sure how to proceed. The woman intrigued him. Her thoughts and motivations did not make sense. Just days earlier she asked to live separate from him and this night she asked to share his bed. He almost smiled when he lowered to his back and she immediately snuggled against him and released a sigh.

  “Do you miss your late husband?” He cringed, not sure why he’d asked the question.

  He felt her nod against his chest. “Aye, it’s been almost two summers since his passing but I miss this. Having someone to speak with in the darkness. A firm body beside mine.” She gasped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep by speaking so freely.”

  “I asked you.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

  She sighed, her arm draped across his waist. “I wish things did not have to be so complicated.”

  When he stiffened, she attempted to move away, but he held her fast. “Get some sleep Analise. We have a long two days ahead.”

  He was surprised when his own eyes began to droop immediately. At the same time he was grateful, hopefully it meant his body would relax as well.

  Chapter Eight

  Weariness fell over her like a heavy cape and Analise almost wept with relief when they stopped to make camp. It had been a long day of riding.

  A curse escaped her once again at being too proud to ride in the wagon. Now, after an entire day astride, her bottom throbbed mercilessly.

  Carrick seemed to understand her hesitance to dismount and came to assist her down. Without expression, he held her upright, his strong arms around her waist until her legs stopped wobbling.

  Once he had ascertained she’d not fall over, he motioned to her maid while keeping a hand under Analise’s elbow.

  “Go with her to the river’s edge. Ensure she doesn’t fall.” He waited, his gaze scanning the area.

  The maid, Erin, about five years older than Analise, hurried to her side. Unlike her, Erin was sure-footed since she’d ridden in the back of the wagon.

  Analise kept from looking to see where Carrick went. He’d not spoken to her since they’d left the keep.

  After breaking their fast and brief farewells to only Declan and Gritzel, he’d guided his steed to the front of the small procession, leaving her to ride behind him with two of his men flanking her.

  “Here we are, milady.” The maid pulled her toward the water. “Would you like to wash your face and hands?”

  “What I need is to soak. I fear I will never sit again.” Analise moaned when she bent to cup clear water with both hands. “Whatever shall I do? I can barely walk.”

  Erin frowned. “Let’s pull off your skirts and do just that. There is plenty of privacy here.”

  Once she undressed to just her chemise, she allowed Erin to assist her back down the slight slope until waist deep. Although the chilled water made her shiver, it soothed her sore muscles perfectly.

  When they returned, a large fire was lit and several tents had been erected. Analise neared one and peered inside. Many pallets were made for sleeping. Just as she neared a second one, Carrick came out of it. His eyes darted to her and then toward the fire.

  It was more than obvious he didn’t want to be near her when he took a step back.

  She wanted to understand him, know what he thought, but she didn’t dare ask. Her chest tightened at his rejection and she hoped the feeling would abate over time.

  “I made a pallet for you in here.” He pointed into the tent. “You must be tired. I will have someone bring you food.” Carrick walked past her toward where his men stood around the fire.

  “Should we go and join them?” Analise asked her maid who shook her head.

  “No, milady, it’s best you remain away.”

  With one last, longing look at the fire she went into the tent. It would have been nice to warm her chilled bones in the fire’s heat.

  Almost immediately, a young lad entered with food for her and Erin. They ate while sitting on her bedroll. Before she finished eating, her eyes began to close. Carrick was right, she was quite tired.

  The next day, Analise was smarter and rode in the wagon with Erin. She asked her maid questions about Carrick. Unfortunately, Erin was new to the Gordon Keep and had not a chance to learn much about the laird’s eldest son. She did know, however, that Carrick was well regarded by the servants, unlike the laird who was a cruel man.

  The day was almost over when the maid shook Analise awake. “We arrive, milady. There’s Moriag.”

  Analise scrambled to the side of the wagon and pushed away the coverings.

  Before a backdrop of mountains, mist, and lush forest, stood Moriag. The gray, stone dwelling, although much smaller than Gordon Keep, remained imposing. Tall turrets jutted toward the sky. But here, there were no walls or any type of barriers. “Why does he live without protection?” Analise questioned the maid.

  “I was told by one of the men the nearest town is a day’s ride away. Although we are on the edge of Gordon lands, the surrounding areas are not claimed by any clan.” She pointed away from Carrick’s home. “Over there is another large parcel of land. It belongs to a McNeil.”

  They traveled along over long, short-walled bridge toward the front of Carrick’s house. Analise, once again, pulled skins that kept the back of the wagon covered aside and peered over the side to take in the surrounding grounds. There were only a handful of people present.

  Two of the accompanying clansmen entered the small courtyard first, followed by Carrick and the wagon and lastly four additional men.

  Once they dismounted and the horses and wagon taken away, Analise waited for Carrick.

  She stood by the wagon, her throat dry and hands trembling, not sure what to do or where to go.

  Carrick came alongside her and took her arm, guiding her to where the small staff of five stood side-by-side waiting to meet her.

  Each either bowed or curtsied when she was before them, except for a curvy maid. The woman narrowed her eyes at Analise and remained stock-still.

  She’d seen this type of proprietary look before and didn’t allow it to affect her. Analise lifted her chin and waited for introductions.

  Her husband introduced her to the cook, the chambermaid, two lads who helped around the house and lastly, Lisbeth, who, in addition to keeping the home, must have kept Carrick’s bed warm by her heated regard of him.

  Plump and tall with large breasts, the woman held very few charms. Her mouth remained twisted as if she’d smelled something rotting which, for some reason, made Analise want to giggle.

  They entered the great room and Analise was astonished at the lack of housekeeping. The room was musty and dark. The rushes were old and several chickens pecked through them for food, their droppings evident everywhere. She took a deep breath and regretted it.

  Carrick’s gaze slid to Lisbeth before meeting hers. “I’m sorry. I gave clear instructions for the house to be prepared for you. I will deal with this.”

  “No.” Analise placed her hand on his forearm and leaned toward his ear. “I ask that, as your wife, you allow me to oversee the tasks inside the home.”

  His gaze on Lisbeth, Carrick nodded and guided her to a staircase whereupon he hesitated and turned to the chambermaid. “I hope my chambers are in good condition.” The threat was left unsaid, but the young maid heard it clearly. She wrung her hands together blushing. “Aye ’tis, milord.”

  Two days later, Analise woke once again to an empty bed. At least Carrick slept with her, but he’d not made any effort to touch her.

  No matter, she knew he’d not wanted the marriage. It was out of duty to his clan that he’d married her. Admittedly she missed his touches and wished for a husband that cared for her, desired her. But nothing could be done about it. With a sigh and not looking forward to what had to be done this
day, she slid from the warmth of her bed.

  She’d rested enough. Today, she planned to see if her orders had been followed. The two lads had been directed to sweep all the old rushes from the great room and to scrub the floors.

  Today, she’d oversee the cleaning of the tables and chairs as well as the washing of the fireplace. She didn’t particularly care for the use of rushes, instead she preferred a floor to be swept and mopped regularly.

  After dressing, she went downstairs to the kitchen. The red-faced cook blustered at her appearance. “Milady, I don’t understand why you insist on eating in here. Lord Carrick eats in the great room. So should you.” Thankfully, the cook kept the kitchen pristine, so she did not fear becoming ill from some sort of rotted portion.

  Analise wrinkled her nose. “I don’t see how he can eat in there. It’s much more pleasant in here.”

  With a pleased smile, the cook served her and continued her tasks while Analise ate. Lisbeth entered, her steps faltering at seeing her. “Milady, I did not…”

  “Yes, I am aware, the lady of the house should eat in the great room. It seems you prefer my husband and me to eat amidst the chicken droppings and dirty rushes of the great room. Is that correct?”

  The woman’s nostrils flared and her lips tightened in a straight line, but she was intelligent enough not to speak with disrespect. “I will see to the great room being cleaned.”

  Analise took a sip from her cup. “There is no need. I’ve already ordered it. I hope the lads did as told, otherwise they will be replaced.” She cocked her head to the side and studied Lisbeth, who began to fidget. “Tell me, Lisbeth, what exactly are your duties?”

  The cook cleared her throat loudly while Lisbeth’s eyes rounded. “I—I oversee the house, of course.”

  “Hmm, by the condition of the house, the task is beyond your capabilities.” Analise waved her hand when Lisbeth opened her mouth to speak. “I am here now. The home is not large enough for two overseers. Your tasks will have to change.”

  Lisbeth let out a huff and placed both fisted hands on her ample hips. “Carrick should be the one who decides. Not—not you.”

  “Is that how you address my husband?” Analise kept her tone even.

  The maid swallowed visibly. Instead of a reply, she turned on her heel and fled.

  Analise let out a breath. Her hand trembled when she lifted her cup again. Why would Carrick keep the woman around, especially now that his wife was here? If he chose to keep a mistress, it would not be under the same roof as his wife. The sooner she dealt with the matter, the better.

  She got up, no longer hungry. The cook turned from the side counter. “Milady, may I speak freely?”

  With trepidation, Analise nodded. “Of course.”

  “Lisbeth has been given too many liberties. Lord Carrick is a good master, but rarely gives a care about what goes on in the house. The woman is lazy and rarely lifts a finger to do anything around here. And Lisbeth…well she took advantage.”

  “And took to his bed.”

  At her statement the cook nodded. “Lord Carrick was lonely, especially during the long, winter months. He is a man like others with needs. I believe so, yes.”

  Was he still lying with Lisbeth? Her chest constricted and Analise closed her eyes. The situation was beyond hurtful. His disregard for her feelings was insulting.

  “Where is Lord Carrick now?”

  Chapter Nine

  Sweat trickled down his temples. A river of it dribbled down the center of his back as well. With a final heave, he and his men finally downed the tree. A smile split Carrick’s face at seeing the troublesome oak fall.

  The men lifted their axes and began the job of chopping it in to smaller pieces. “Have care with the trunk. It will be used to make new tables, the other half for chairs.” He pulled a kerchief from around his neck to wipe away the perspiration.

  It was time to replace the three tables in the great room. It wasn’t until he’d walked in with Analise and seen her reaction to the current furnishings that he realized how much in need of repair everything was.

  Analise instructed the house lads to drag the tables outside to be cleaned. But even after much scrubbing, they remained in horrible shape.

  Movement caught his eye. His breath caught at the sight. Analise walked from the front of the house. She held her skirts up with one hand with the other she shaded her eyes and scanned around. Did she look for him?

  If only she’d not requested to live separately from him, he would have thought they had a chance at a closer relationship. But her words cut him deeply.

  It was understandable, even expected, that she was repulsed by him and did not wish to be in the same household. He’d considered having another bed made so that he could sleep in a different chamber, but then changed his mind. As long as she remained under the same roof, they would share a bed.

  He’d yet to take her again. Not that he’d not been tempted. Especially in the middle of the night when she’d snuggled against him for warmth. He’d run his hands over her body while she slept, appreciating the dips and curves of her waist and hips. But he remained too angry with her to make love.

  She spotted him and headed his way with purposeful strides. It was hard to see her expression as the wind blew loose tendrils of hair across her face.

  Carrick put his ax aside and met her halfway. “You are out early, wife. Is there something you require?” He tried to keep his tone even.

  Her bright eyes flashed at him. “Yes, there is.”

  He took note that she blinked more than necessary, her posture rigid. Was she about to cry? “Would you like to sit?”

  She looked around to the flat ground and it was then he realized there was nowhere to sit. “No, Carrick, I would not like to sit.” She took a calming breath. “But we can walk. I could use some fresh air.”

  He waited until they walked a few yards away from the men who, after studying them just for a moment, continued their task.

  “Is there a problem with the household?” He was glad to have something to discuss with his wife and have the opportunity to spend time with her. Hopefully, it wouldn’t turn out to be another request to live separately.

  “I am not sure how to speak to you about the household. You have not given me clear instructions. Nor have you explained to me what you expect from me.” Her voice trembled. He could not tell if she was angry or sad. More than anything, he wanted to take her in his arms, but, of course, Carrick refrained.

  Instead he walked alongside her, his hands behind his back. “As my wife, you are free to make whatever changes you see fit. I do not place any restrictions on your choices. The household decisions are yours to make. Anything to do with the staff, furnishings and food I trust you to handle.”

  Analise stopped without warning and he took a step back to her. She looked up at him, her eyes lingering on his lips before moving. He cursed inwardly at his disfigurement.

  How he wished the slight coloring of her cheeks came from interest and not disgust. “Carrick, does that include sending Lisbeth away?”

  “Why would you want to send her away?” He wondered if Analise suspected that, in the past, he’d lain with the woman. It had been months since he’d done so, finding the woman expected more from him than their agreement to keeping it purely physical. Then again, it was obvious Analise had not liked Lisbeth on sight. Women had strong intuition.

  “She doesn’t do anything. The house is in horrible shape and she seems to hold herself in the role of…er, I’m not sure what actually.”

  “I see.” He didn’t, but wasn’t sure what else to say. “If you wish to send her away, it’s your decision.”

  “You are not upset?” She leaned forward looking into his eyes. “Isn’t she more to you than just a servant?”

  Was she trying to upset him? Carrick frowned. “If you mean to ask if Lisbeth is my lover, then ask.”

  Her eyes widened at his blunt words. “Is she?”

  “She was at o
ne time, but I have not lain with her in a long time. Months. I understand why you’d want her to leave. I apologize. I should have sent her away before bringing you here. I will speak to her at once.” He sidestepped his wife, not sure if her mouth agape and shiny eyes expressed disappointment at his lack of emotion or not.

  He entered the empty great room. The floors were scrubbed and white washed. There were no rushes on the floor and other than one small, clean table and chairs, the expanse remained without furnishings. Tapestries were pulled down from the windows allowing for fresh air. The lads, who currently scooped ashes from the fireplace, got to their feet at seeing him.

  “Where is Lisbeth?”

  One of the lads extended his skinny arm. “She just went downstairs, milord.”

  He took the steps two at a time coming to the landing in a few seconds and went to Lisbeth’s door. At his knock, she opened the door, her lips curving. “Carrick. You come to me today? Please enter.” She moved from the doorway, clearly expecting him to walk inside.

  He remained at the doorway. “You must go. I will give you enough money to help you settle in the village. My men will escort you once you have finished packing.”

  “No!” Lisbeth threw herself against him, her fists pounding his chest. “That bitch is not worthy of you. You are mine. Do you not see it? How she holds herself above everyone.”

  Carrick took her fists in his hands and held her still. “Stop. Of course Analise is above everyone. She is my wife. The laird’s wife. You were always aware I would marry and it would not be to you. That is why I have not been with you of late. It’s time.”

  She sniffed and yanked her hands from his hold. “How often do you join with her Carrick? Because from what I see, you two are rarely in the same room. Does she touch or kiss your misshapen face? I bet not.”

  Lisbeth turned on her heel. “I will be gone, but mark my words. You will wish for me back.”

  “Do as I say. Be gone.” Carrick took a step back and turned away.