A Gentle Feuding (5 page)

The ladder slid all the way down, and Jamie climbed it quickly, stiff though he was. The boy was gullible to believe him, yet Jamie had meant what he said. If he could safely escape Tower Esk, he’d owe the lad, and he wouldn’t forget that.

“Och, but you’re bigger than you seemed,” Niall said, awed, when The MacKinnion was standing next to him.

“And you’re as wee as I supposed,” Jamie grunted. Now that he was out of the dungeon, he wanted to get away. “If you’ll just show me where the stable is—”

“Nay, you canna go there!” Niall gasped, already regretting his decision. “Men sleep in there. You’ll be discovered, and I will have risked all for naught.”

“I’ll no’ be leaving without my horse, lad. But dinna fear. I’ll kill no one unless I have to. I’m out of that hole, and I’ll no’ be put back in it.”

“But the alarm will be given.”

“It doesna matter, lad. Once on my horse, they’ll never catch me. Ah, lad, you worry over minor things,” Jamie said as he started moving through the
storage area toward the stable. “I’ve told you I’ll no’ be caught.”

Niall was right behind him. “’Tis myself I fear for, MacKinnion,” he admitted reluctantly. “You’ll be gone—but I’ll be left here to take the blame.”

Jamie turned around sharply, and Niall nearly ran into him. “You’re welcome to come with me, lad.”

“I’m no’ a traitor!” Niall said, aghast. “What I did I did for my sister’s safety. Otherwise, I’d no’ have let you go.”

“I know that,” Jamie said softly. “And, in fairness, there’s something I must tell you. Your oldest sister, she wasna—”

Jamie didn’t have a chance to finish his confession because light appeared on the stairs nearby, and Niall pulled him back between two large casks of meal.

“Niall,” a girl’s voice called out. “Niall, if you’re down there, answer me. Niall!”

“Who is it?” Jamie whispered.

“My sister. She probably went to my room and found me gone, so she’s looking for me.”

Jamie straightened from his crouched position. “I think I’d like to see the lass who warrants such devotion.”

“Nay!” Niall panicked and held on to Jamie’s arm for dear life. “She’ll scream if she sees you. She’ll give you away ’afore you even reach the courtyard. You’ll be trapped down here, and without a weapon.”

“I suppose,” Jamie relented. “And now that you mention a weapon, I’ll be needing one.”

“I’ll no’ help you there, MacKinnion. ’Twould be helping you kill my kin. That I canna do.”

“Aye, you’ve done enough. I’ll make do.” Jamie had seen a board he could make use of once the way was clear to mount the stairs.

But the light on the stairs was still there. The girl didn’t call again, however, and after several moments, the light dimmed, but only a little. Then there was another voice at the top of the stairs, and Jamie steeled himself.

“What do you here at this hour?”

Jamie heard Niall groan.

“And who is that?”

“My cousin William.”

“Will he come down here?”

“I dinna know. Shh!”

“Well, cousin?” The man spoke again.

“I was…’tis none of your affair, Willie!” the girl snapped.

“Gone down for a peek at your future husband, eh?” William chuckled.

“I’d no’ go near him, and you know it well.”

“No,” William conceded, but added spitefully, “you’ll be seeing him soon enough—when you wed him.”

“You’re a bastard, and no mistake, William MacAfee!” the girl hissed. “Let me pass.”

“You still didna answer. What were you doing out here?” William’s tone was sharp.

“I couldna sleep. I went for a walk.”

“Sure you werena trysting with MacDonough ’afore the betrothal’s broken?”

“If I was, that is none of your affair! Many things are none of your affair!”

The light moved away, but it was several minutes before the man’s footsteps moved away, as well. “Your sister doesna like her cousin, eh?”

“Nor do I,” Niall replied bitterly. “’Twas his idea she be given to you, and for
spite
. He wanted her for himself, you see, but she wouldna have him. The arrangement with you was only for spite.”

“And The MacDonough’s here? Your cousin said she might be trysting with him. Would she?”

“She wouldna do that!” Niall replied indignantly. “She doesna even know her betrothed. But aye, he’s here. He came this evening.”

“You know I have a treaty with Sir Alasdair,” Jamie chuckled. “If he’s here, he’ll no doubt be blamed for setting me free.”

“You think so?” Niall asked, hopeful for the first time.

“Aye. Your father would naturally suspect a MacDonough ’afore a Fergusson.”

“But The MacDonough doesna know you’re here.”

“He could have overheard talk. Cheer up, lad. And dinna take the blame unless you have to.”

Jamie picked up the board, and Niall led the way to the courtyard and pointed out the stable and gatehouse. “They should all be asleep,” Niall whispered.

“You’d best be off to bed yourself, lad. If the alarm is given, you dinna want to be found outside your own room. I just hope they won’t know I’m missing till morning.”

“I’ll no’ see you again then, will I?” Niall said regretfully.

“Nay, lad, ’tis doubtful we’ll meet again. You’re a brave one, Niall Fergusson, and no mistake. I won’t forget you.”

“And you’re a mean one, James MacKinnion,” Niall returned with a grin. “I won’t forget you, either. You wouldna have made me a good brother-in-law, but you’re a fine enemy.”

“Or perhaps a friend,” Jamie said, and tousled the boy’s dark red hair. “I meant what I said about that. But I’m off now. Truly, I hope you dinna suffer for my freedom.”

“Maybe I willna have to. As you said, The MacDonough is here and will be suspected. My sister doesna want to marry him anyway, so I’ll no’ mind if he takes the blame.”

Jamie laughed. “Always you have your sister in your thoughts. And I never even learned her name.”

“If my father didna tell you, I’ll no’ do so. Goodbye to you, and Godspeed, MacKinnion.”

S
heena woke later than usual, for which she blamed her midnight search for her brother. The sun was already peeking through her tiny window as she dressed and hurried to Niall’s room. He was still abed.

It took several hard shakes to stir him, and even then he groaned but wouldn’t open his eyes. Sheena was not daunted.

“Come on now, little brother.” She shook him again.

“Och, Sheena, leave me be,” he grumbled. “I didna get much sleep.”

“I want to know why,” she said sharply, remembering her fear when she couldn’t find him in the middle of the night. “I came here last night to talk to you, but you were gone. Where were you, Niall?”

He didn’t answer. He had fallen back to sleep. Impatient, she slapped his backside, none too gently.

“Where were you, Niall?”

“I canna tell you, Sheena,” he mumbled. “Truly, you dinna want to know.”

She frowned. And then a chill raced through her. Where else would he have been that she wouldn’t want to know about but with The MacKinnion?

“Och, Niall, I pray you’re no’ found out,” she whispered, but he wasn’t listening.

She left him to his sleep. The hall was nearly empty. Only one servant was there, looking at the half-eaten breakfasts scattered over the tables. Sheena viewed the cold bannocks and barely touched bowls of porridge and cream, and her uneasy feeling deepened.

“What is going on, Alice?” she asked the servant. “Where are my father and his men?”

“’Tis what I’d like to be knowing, lass,” Alice replied testily. “There was a to-do in the courtyard, and the bailie came running in to see your father. Then everyone ran out of here.”

Sheena headed for the small courtyard, but before she reached the doors, Margaret and Elspeth stepped through them, blocking her way.

“So there you are.” Margaret took her usual disagreeable tone. “Where were you during all the fuss?”

“I only just came down,” said Sheena. “What has happened?”

“You havena heard?” Elspeth gasped. “The MacKinnion escaped. Father’s no’ said so yet, but of course The MacDonough helped him. Who else?”

“This better no’ break your betrothal, Sheena,” Margaret added coldly. “I’ll no’ stand to have my wedding delayed any longer. Nor will Gilbert.”

They left Sheena without noticing her reaction. She was standing stock-still, and her whole body tingled from a rushing of blood, as if it were flowing right out of her. Alasdair hadn’t known The MacKinnion was there, so Alasdair couldn’t have released him.
Oh, Niall, Niall
, what have you done? Sheena cried silently.

She didn’t have to ask him. Somehow, she knew her brother had let The MacKinnion go. But why? She took a deep breath, steadying herself against the doorway. She knew the answer. It was William’s threat and her father’s decision. Rather than let her wed the cruel enemy, Niall had released him.

Astonishment and fear turned to relief, and Sheena wanted to rush upstairs and shower her brother with grateful kisses. She need no longer fear the savage Highlander! Just possibly, The MacDonough would be blamed, and she wouldn’t have to wed him, either.

She was smiling happily when the hall began to crowd and she met her father’s frowning countenance.

“Why are you so happy? There’s naught to be cheerful about,” Dugald said coldly.

“I’m glad he’s gone.” Sheena wasn’t afraid to admit that much. “You would have wed me to him, and I’d never have forgiven you for it.”

Sheena hadn’t seen William’s tall frame because
her back was to him, but he moved to stand beside her father. “You wanted a reason, Dugald. Now you have it.”

Sheena looked from her father’s stern face to William’s accusing expression. “What do you mean?”

“Do you deny you were in the courtyard late last night?” Dugald asked silkily.

“I couldna sleep, Father, so I went for a walk. Where is the harm in that?”

“An easy excuse,” William replied, his tone deliberately dry.

“And what was your excuse for being there, cousin?” Her eyes shot sparks at him. “You were up and about at the same time. You failed to mention that.”

“I dinna need an excuse.” He glowered at her. “’Twas no’
I
who wanted The MacKinnion gone. You’ve already admitted that you did.”

Sheena gasped, his intention clear. “So you think
I
let him go?”

“Either you or your brother did,” William said sharply.

Outraged, Sheena demanded, “How dare you accuse Niall? He was forbidden to go near the dungeon, and he wouldna have disobeyed.”

“She’s right,” Dugald said gravely. “The lad is no’ in question.”

“But I am?” Sheena turned to her father, incredulous. That he could even consider such a thing!

When he didn’t answer, Sheena began to panic. His silence accused her. But how could he?

Others had gathered around to hear the exchange, and Sheena could see herself being condemned. Even her betrothed had appeared, looking thoroughly appalled. How dare he? And why had her father not accused him?

Sheena’s temper had ignited. She pointed at her betrothed. “I want to know why I am accused ’afore
him?
He had more reason than I!”

Alasdair’s gray eyes stabbed Sheena with their sudden intensity. “I’ll no’ answer that charge,” he said stiffly. “Nor will I marry a wench who turns on her betrothed and betrays her own family, as well!”

As he stalked from the hall, Margaret screeched, “He’s broken the betrothal! ’Tis certain she planned this!”

The faintest satisfaction reflected in Sheena’s darkly glowing eyes, but her father mistook it and growled, “Is that true, Sheena?”

She stiffened. “I didna want to marry him, as you well know, but I wouldna go to such lengths to prevent it. Now tell me why you’ve let him go without questioning him about this?”

“With such an important prisoner below, do you think I’d let an ally of his roam about freely?” Dugald’s reply was sharp. “MacDonough’s room was watched, and I am assured he didna leave it once all night.”

That left only her with reason enough to free the
Highlander—her and Niall. But Niall wasn’t suspected, and she would keep it that way. He had done it for her. She wouldn’t let him suffer for that. She thanked heaven he was not there, for he would have spoken up. It hurt that her father was so quick to believe her guilty.

“Have you done this thing, Sheena?”

“’Tis too late to be asking me that, Father,” she said, her voice choked. “You’ve already found me guilty. I see it in your eyes. How can you believe this of me?”

“There, she canna deny it,” William said quickly. “She deserves hanging for the traitor she is.” He was thinking fast, knowing he mustn’t give Dugald time to consider.

“I’ll no’ be hanging my daughter for something she did in desperation,” Dugald growled. “She thought she was to marry The MacKinnion, and since I didna tell her so, only you could have told her. You’re as much to blame as she is, so I’ll thank you to stay out of this from here on.”

William had the sense to remain silent.

“You canna mean to just forget this, Father!” cried Margaret. “You’ve always favored her over the rest of us, and look how she’s repaid you.”

“That’s enough, lassie.”

“Nay! I’ll have my say,” Margaret insisted. “I’ll no’ have my wedding delayed more because of her. You’ve made me wait because you didna want to shame her, but now she’s shamed us all. Her betrothal’s broken, and no other man will ever have
her, for if she’ll betray her own family, she’ll betray her husband. She canna be trusted ever again.”

“You’ll have your wedding as planned, Margaret,” Dugald said in a tired, saddened voice. Perhaps he knew he’d been too hasty in blaming Sheena. But it was too late to reconsider.

“She’ll be leaving Tower Esk,” he said, resigned.

Sheena stared at her father, disbelieving and horrified. Banishment? To be sent away from her home and family?

“Dinna look at me like that, Sheena,” Dugald said in a ragged voice. “’Tis no more than you deserve.”

“Where am I to go?” she asked, her throat constricting.

“You’ll go to your aunt in Aberdeen. A nunnery’s a good place for you to contemplate the wrong you’ve done your family. To your room, now. You’ll stay there until tomorrow, when you’ll be taken north.”

Sheena ran from the hall, refusing to let anyone see her tears. Fortunately, no one followed, and she dried her eyes before she reached Niall’s door. He was still asleep, and she stood quietly for a moment, trying to compose her thoughts before she woke him.

At last she sat on the bed and said, “Niall, you have to wake and listen to me ’afore someone comes.”

The seriousness in her voice alerted him, and he sat right up. He took in her expression, and, all at once, he knew what was wrong.

“The alarm’s been given?” he began. “They know he’s gone?”

“Aye, they know,” she said miserably.

He mistook her tone for disapproval and blurted, “I had to do it, Sheena! The MacKinnion said he’d beat you and rape you and make you suffer all your life if he was forced to marry you!”

“My God!” Sheena gasped. It was worse than she had known.

“You see, I had to let him go, for he wouldna listen to reason. He was furious, and no mistake. He said you dinna force a MacKinnion against his will and no’ suffer for it. It didna matter to him that you were no’ to blame. He swore he’d make you suffer and suffer, Sheena.”

“Then I’m doubly grateful to you, Niall,” Sheena said, her voice soft.

“Grateful? You’re no’ angry?”

“I knew you did it for me. ’Tis thankful I am, and no mistake. And you’re no’ to feel bad when I tell you…I’ve accepted the blame.”

“You? But The MacDonough—”

“He was watched, Niall,” Sheena explained. “They know he didna do it, and William managed to make our father blame me.”

“But Sheena—”

She held up her hand. “Listen to me. I’ve come out of this better than you think. The MacDonough broke the betrothal, so I dinna have to marry him. And thanks to you, I’ll no’ be given to The MacKinnion.” She grinned. She really was better off than
she had been. “I’m being sent away as punishment, Niall, but to Aunt Erminia in Aberdeen. ’Tis not so bad. I’d rather that than marry!”

“You’ll become a nun?” he gasped.

“Father didna say that, so dinna worry. And I havena seen our aunt for years. ’Twill be a pleasant change, and I’ll no’ have to worry about a husband being forced on me, at least not for a while. Truly, Niall, I’m no’ unhappy.”

“But you’ll come back?”

“Father was very angry, so I canna say. But even if I am forced to become a nun, I think I would prefer that to a loveless marriage.”

“You dinna mean that, Sheena.”

“Yes, I do. Our parents didna love each other, Niall. You never saw them together, but I remember well enough. Without love, I’d rather never marry.”

“I’ll talk to Father.”

“You willna!” she said sharply. “If I stay here, he’ll only find another man for me. I’m going, Niall, and you’re no’ to try and prevent it. And you’re never to confess what you did, you understand? You promise me?”

He nodded, but reluctantly. This was not the way it was supposed to come out. But he no longer had any control over events. Everything had been decided. He had acted on impulse, because of his love for his sister. But the outcome was not his to determine after all.

“I’ll come and visit you soon,” he said.

“If Father lets you, I’ll be glad of it.” She smiled.

Suddenly Niall threw his arms around her, tears coursing down his face. “Och, Sheena, I’m so sorry!”

“Hush now, m’dear. This is no’ your fault. And you’re no’ to fret for me. I’ll be fine in Aberdeen. I’ve never been so far north ’afore. I’m actually looking forward to going, ’Tis better Father and I part, at least for a while. I couldna live here with him now.”