Stolen by the Rival Scot (Preview)
Chapter One
Castle MacGregor, 1578
“She has tae marry,” Laird Baird MacGregor declared. “If she wants tae rule as Lady Campbell, she hasnae any choice.”
Edward MacGregor was standing in his father’s study, his back against the cold, stone wall, his thick muscular arms crossed over his equally muscular chest, watching his father, Laird Baird MacGregor, address all those present.
He shared his father’s brown eyes and thick black hair. But while they were both tall, he had an imposing physique, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He enjoyed sparring and, being a ferocious warrior, was often the first on the battlefield. On many occasions, he had been told that he exuded quiet strength and authority. Today was no different. The fleeting glances in his direction, some of consideration, others of concern, had not gone unnoticed by him.
“She was going tae marry,” said a member of the Campbell Council in reply. A Campbell clan councilman, he was a thin man with sharp eyes and a stern expression. “It was yer son who reneged on the agreement.”
The laird nodded. “I am very well aware o’ that. But yer clan chose tae go intae battle with us. Ye lost. Now, ye must face the consequences.”
Always a calm but decisive figure, the laird towered over the table, his brown eyes piercing all those who were gathered. He looked intently between the councilmen from both Clan Campbell and Clan MacGregor. He was also used to being in control, something that seemed to have slipped from his grasp over the last few weeks.
The group of men sat around the table in the laird’s study, doubt and concern dancing across many of their faces. The day was dreary as rain battered against the windows outside. But the raging fire that burned in the large fireplace warmed the room and all those in it.
The tension crackled as loudly as the logs on the fire. The same tension that had surrounded the castle for the preceding weeks, for nothing had gone to plan.
James, Edward’s older brother, had returned to Castle MacGregor after missing for many weeks. Upon his arrival, both clans were relieved, for they had feared that he had been killed and might never be seen again. The relief was short-lived, however.
When he returned, everyone had imagined that he would marry Evelyn Campbell, Laird Campbell’s niece. The arranged union had been agreed between the clans while he was away. He and his father had talked of him taking a bride, and although they had not chosen one yet, James had left to get the blessing from Saint Cuthbert’s relic before marriage, as all MacGregor future lairds did. Thus, his parents had had no doubt that James would acquiesce to their choice. Evelyn had arrived at the castle to meet her betrothed but had later been informed that he had gone missing, so her uncle had joined her there to be by her side during that time of uncertainty.
Instead, James had returned, and he had balked against the union, and blankly refused to marry. Having fallen in love with the lass who had returned with him, a village healer by the name of Freya, his brother’s heart was now lost to another. Infuriated by the broken agreement, the Campbells had retaliated with a battle. As bloody and furious as the fight had been, it had not gone well for them.
Laird Alistair Campbell was now dead. Slain by James on the battlefield.
It was a mess. A mess that had left a power vacuum, for Clan Campbell was now without a laird. Without a leader, their clan was open to attack, and even a takeover.
In fact, that was the very reason the Campbell Clan councilmen were in that very room. There was only one solution, which had to be discussed. Evelyn Campbell was the sole remaining member of the Campbell family, and to save her clan and her people, she needed a husband.
None of the other councilmen offered a word after his father had spoken, and thus, the laird continued. “The battle is now over. It is time we came together and mended wounds. Fer us tae focus on both our clan’s futures. We have been steadfast allies fer years. There is nay reason that the alliance has tae end.”
Michael, one of the most senior and respected council men, sighed. “I cannae see how what ye propose is possible. If yer son willnae marry the lass, what are we tae dae?”
“Has yer son reconsidered the match, me laird?” Craig Ainsley offered.
At six and twenty, Craig was the youngest councilman for Clan Campbell. He had sandy brown hair and a sturdy, athletic build. Having spent some time with him over the last weeks, Edward had deduced the man was both loyal and pragmatic.
His father glanced over to Edward; his brow raised in an unasked question.
Continuing to lean against the wall, Edward shook his head. “Me braither has nay intention tae marry Miss Evelyn,” he said firmly. “I ken that isnae going tae change.”
Some of the men looked at him a second longer than the others. Eventually, however, they all turned their attention back to Laird MacGregor, as though he had the answer to the dilemma.
“There is only one solution,” his father said, reacting to their inquisitive expressions. “There needs tae be peace between the clans. As the defeated party, and tae safeguard yer clan’s future, Clan Campbell will offer Evelyn in marriage tae me son, Edward.” He gestured toward Edward with an open palm.
Edward stiffened, but swallowed any telling expression.
It had always been the likely outcome. Hearing it spoken aloud, however, felt different. James had known he was to be married. There had been time for him to become accustomed to the idea. But with James now determined to be with Freya, Edward was being thrown into a future he had been given little time to come to terms with.
Marriage had not been in his plans, and at four and twenty he thought he would have had more time and the freedom afforded him by being the second son and not the heir. Well, as much freedom he could have being a laird’s son, helping him run the castle and take care of the lands. Still, his life had been his own. He made his own decisions, decided where he wanted to go, what he wanted to do, and with whom he wanted to do it.
Not anymore.
On the other hand, perhaps the circumstance would give him an opportunity to show his worth to his father. As the second born son, he had always felt a little inadequate. Not that he had ever voiced that, of course. Those kinds of thoughts he kept firmly to himself. For the most part, though not today, Edward tried to see the lighter side of a situation.
“This union will strengthen the Campbell clan,” his father continued. “It will allow our alliance tae flourish. As Evelyn’s husband, Edward will become laird o’ Clan Campbell, uniting yer lands with ours.”
Murmurs dripped from the lips of the Campbell councilmen as they consulted each other in low tones. It was difficult to tell, by their expressions, how they felt about his father’s proposal. But Edward had his own ponderings.
We have just slain their laird, and now, I am tae replace him. I’m hardly going tae be welcomed with open arms.
He understood his father’s proposal, and the laird was not wrong about anything he had said. The Campbell Clan did need a laird, and it would be better for all concerned if the clans retained the alliance they had spent many years nurturing. But to have a MacGregor taking over as their laird?
And then, there is Evelyn.
She was a beautiful woman, no one could deny that. Long golden locks framed delicate features, and her bright green eyes radiated a mixture of determination and vulnerability. With a slender figure, she was graceful in her movements, her presence attracting the attention of many men in the castle. And yet, she appeared so very serious.
Besides all that, she would now be faced with marrying the brother of the man who had slaughtered her uncle. Edward could only imagine how well that was going to be received.
The councilmen were still muttering between themselves when his father spoke again.
“Without a marriage tae clan MacGregor, the Campbells’ rule is effectively over. I am being more than generous with this offer, fer I could have simply seized the Campbell lands after yer defeat in battle.” His father looked from one councilman to the other, and then sighed. “I dinnae want tae dae that. I would much prefer the Campbell Clan flourish, and we retain the alliance we have shared fer these many years.”
Moving away from the table, Baird limped over and joined Edward. The pained leg being the result of a wound from a battle fought many years ago. Looking at him intently he said, “I’m sorry, me son. I ken I ought tae have discussed this with ye first.”
Edward shook his head. “I kent it was coming, Faither. We both did. Besides, ye’re right. There is nay other way.”
His father nodded. “I ken that, but still. Yer braither has put me and yer maither in a precarious position. Ye, even more so.”
“He is in love, Faither. Anyone with eyes can see that. Besides, she did save his life. Though at this moment, I wonder if ye wish she hadnae,” Edward joked with a smirk.
The laird smiled weakly, but it did not reach his eyes.
His father was usually entertained by Edward’s lighthearted wit. But not this time. He was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders. A burden he could not rid himself of until the councilmen came to a decision that only had one outcome. Even if they were taking their time to admit it, everyone in the room knew it to be true.
His father forced another smile. “On the other hand, this will be a great opportunity fer ye.”
As the second-born son, Edward would never have been laird. That would always have been James’ place, and then his heir after him. With circumstances as they were playing out, however, Edward would now take on that position, even if it meant leading another clan.
“Thank ye, Faither,” Edward replied evenly.
“Ye dinnae sound pleased, son.”
Taking a long breath in, Edward nodded. “I think I just need some time tae get used tae the idea.”
Baird nodded solemnly. “Aye. It has been pressed upon ye suddenly.”
Edward lifted the corner of his mouth. “Another thing I can thank me braither fer when I see him.”
Noticing the councilmen behind his father, Edward nodded. “I think they’ve made up their minds.”
The laird turned around and fixed his attention upon the men who now looked up at him.
“It is clear, we have little choice. This peace treaty is best for all,” Michael said, speaking for the others. “We dae, however, have some requests.”
“Please,” Baird said, gesturing for Michael to continue.
“We propose that the wedding tak’ place on our land, so our people can celebrate the union o’ the new laird and lady.”
“Agreed,” Baird replied.
“We also need tae send a message tae arrange the necessary formalities,” Michael added.
The laird nodded. “Indeed. I concur wholeheartedly.”
Michael looked around the table, and the men nodded their agreement. He then looked back to Baird. “Then I believe we have naething more tae dae other than begin drafting the terms o’ our treaty.”
“Very well.”
His father sounded satisfied, even relieved. If the councilmen wanted to keep their clan, this had always been the conclusion they would have had to reach. Clearly, his father had doubted that they would agree to it.
“Given that Evelyn is now betrothed tae me son,” Baird continued. “She will remain here at Castle MacGregor during her mourning period and she and Edward will then join ye back at the castle.”
Michael nodded. “Very well.”
For the next hour, the councilmen from the two clans worked together. They discussed each point in great detail, and, once agreed upon it, they penned it down on parchment. Edward could do little but look on.
The decision had been made, and he now had to come to terms with it. Of course, becoming a laird was a great opportunity, one that excited him. But excitement was not the only emotion swirling around him. Becoming a laird of one’s own people was different. James had grown up and was known by the people he would eventually rule at their father’s demise. Edward, on the other hand, would be faced with leading a people he did not know.
Then there was the small matter of his brother murdering their laird.
Winning them over was not going tae be easy. But never mind the people. What about his future wife?
It was a long and laborious undertaking, but when they were finished, the men congratulated each other. Each councilman stood and clasped hand against forearm with both the laird and each other in a ritual of unity and acceptance.
“And so, it is done,” his father finally declared.
Pushing himself off the wall, Edward said, “I will go and tell Evelyn the news.”
“Actually, Edward,” Craig stepped forward, “I think it might be better if she hears it from one o’ her own.”
The concerned expression dancing on Craig’s face told Edward many things, not least of which was how his soon-to-be wife was going to take the news. Craig and Edward had spent some time together since the battle. While at first there had been tension, given their clans had just fought so ferociously, the two men had since nurtured a mutual respect for each other. Edward might even go as far as to say that it was the beginning of a strong friendship. Which was fitting, for he was going to need a good advisor when he took on his role as Laird Campbell.
“This willnae be easy fer her tae hear,” Craig added.
Edward nodded. “I agree. Ye’re right. It will be better coming from a member o’ her own clan.”
Craig flashed a solemn smile, and then turned on his heels and made his way to the study door.
After he left, Baird approached Edward once more. “Soon, ye will be Laird o’ Clan Campbell, me son.”
Edward shifted and gave his father a steady look. “And may the gods be with me.”
Chapter Two
Evelyn Campbell sat gazing out at the pouring rain as it lashed against the windows. It was like the weather mirrored her heart, for she felt nothing but heavy sorrow now the tears had passed. There would be more, she knew that. But for now, she had released all she could.
Five days before, her uncle, Laird Alistair Campbell had been slain by James MacGregor. The man she had been betrothed to marry. The man who had broken the arranged union. The man whose family had completely upended her life.
Being given to another as a way for the clans to be united was a common practice. Still, it did not make her anymore delighted about the notion. But she knew it was her duty and she took some pride in helping her clan. Over the previous weeks, she had spent many a day trying to uplift herself and then bemoaning her circumstances. On the one hand, wondering how she could ever live and be married to a man she hardly knew, never mind, loved. On the other, knowing that it was the only way to keep her clan secure and praying she would someday come to care for him. At times she had felt hopeful, at others, sad and selfish.
Now, sadness didn’t even begin to describe the heavy, lethargic weight that seemed to smother her at every waking moment. And the selfishness had been replaced by anger that raged in the pit of her stomach. James MacGregor had not just turned her life upside-down. He had ruined her clan’s future and murdered her only living relative.
Now, she was all alone.
Staring mindlessly out the window, watching the droplets trickle down in rivulets, Evelyn was hardly aware of what was going on around her. She physically jumped when Caitlin, her maid, a pretty young lass with auburn hair framing a round face, placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Craig Ainsley is here tae see ye, Miss.”
Evelyn hadn’t even heard the knock at the door. Slowly, she stood from her chair. After straightening her dress and clutching her handkerchief tightly in her hand, she turned to face the councilman.
As much as he smiled at her, she could see the concern in his eyes. He had been a fine strategist for her uncle, and Alistair had always spoken well of him. But Evelyn knew he was also a fine warrior, as his muscular athletic frame showed.
“There is news, Lady Campbell—”
She lifted a swift hand. “I am nae Lady Campbell yet, Craig. Dinnae bestow that title upon me until it is fitting tae dae so.”
Craig inclined his head apologetically. “Very well. But that is the very reason I am here. The Council members o’ both clans have agreed tae a peace treaty. They desire the previous alliance we shared with the MacGregor’s.”
Craig paused a beat, causing Evelyn to lift an eyebrow.
“And?” she pressed, knowing that she had something to do with this treaty, for surely, that was the reason Craig was in her chamber.
“They have decided ye will marry Edward MacGregor,” Craig replied.
“What?” Evelyn cried, her eyes flying wide. For a second, she could hardly speak as the shock washed over her. If one brother didn’t want her, they would just marry her off to the other. “Are they going tae just pass me ontae any man that has a heartbeat?”
“Miss Campbell,” Craig said, taking a tentative step forward.
“I cannae believe me clan has come tae this,” she spat, now pacing back and forth. “James MacGregor goes intae battle with our clan and murders me uncle, and I am just expected tae marry the man’s braither. Are me feelings nae considered at all? How am I supposed tae even look at him, let alone marry him?”
Craig wisely remained silent for a long moment while Evelyn, having turned her back to him, now glared out the window, trying to let the news sink in. The battering rain hammered even harder against the window pain. A little like her heart.
This cannae be happening. It just cannae.
“Miss Campbell, it’s the only way,” Craig said quietly behind her.
Evelyn stiffened at his words and his approach.
“Without the union, Clan Campbell will be nae more. Ye are the sole member o’ the family.”
“And whose fault is that?” she spat, spinning to glare at him.
Craig looked saddened and nodded. With his hands raised in supplication, he said, “I ken. And I truly am sorry. But what is done is done and cannae be undone. We have tae look tae the future now.”
“That’s easy fer ye tae say, ye’re a man. Ye’re life isnae used as a pawn tae make and break treaties.”
“I’ll leave ye now, fer I’m sure ye need some time.”
Evelyn did not reply, and instead, watched as Craig hurriedly retreated from the room.
But time would not solve this problem, she knew that very well. She had little time left as a free woman. She had already come to terms with James wanting to marry his true love, Freya, and Evelyn had told her she had no intention of interfering and ruining their happiness. She has said that there would be other suitors, and she had told Freya that she would convince her uncle to leave the castle. Which they had, but Alistair Campbell had been furious and he had taken his revenge by attacking Clan MacGregor. James had killed him, and despite Evelyn knowing that her uncle had been impetuous, and had thus paid for his fury and actions, he had still been her only family and had cared for her her whole life.
She did not know how to deal with the anger growing within her. She did not want to ruin the friendship that had blossomed with James’ sister Morgana and Freya, so she decided to direct all her rage and fear and unhappiness at James, and even more so at his brother Edward, whom she would now be forced to marry.
***
Three weeks later
Evelyn had mourned her uncle for three weeks. She as a young woman without family, so it was decided she would spend the mourning period in the home of her future husband. She had tried to put on a good face through it all, but she knew that now she would be allowed no more time. Apparently, the clan was eager for Evelyn and Edward to wed, and to that end, she and her betrothed had to return to Castle Campbell, as planned. It would be there that they would marry.
Since Craig’s visit that day, Evelyn had spent a lot of time alone. Cailtin, Morgana and Freya had made attempts to get her out for walks, telling her it would do her good to get some fresh air, but Evelyn had often refused. She had of course taken part in the celebration of James and Freya’s marriage and, whenever asked about her own betrothal, she had smiled graciously and behaved as was expected of her. She was a lady and had accepted her fate, but anger raged inside of her at the injustice of it all.
The day of their departure had arrived, and the carriage was laden with their luggage. At the top of the wide, stone staircase, however, Evelyn was surprised to look down and see Laird MacGregor waiting for her at the bottom of it, while Lady MacGregor stood several feet behind him. Evidently, the laird wanted to speak to her alone. Taking a steep breath in, she gracefully made her way down each step until she reached him.
“Me dear Miss Campbell,” the older man said, taking hold of Evelyn’s hand, much to her chagrin. “I truly am sorry that ye have suffered so greatly over these last few weeks. If I could tak’ it all away, I would.”
“I appreciate yer kindness and hospitality, but surely, it is yer son that ought tae be here giving me this apology,” Evelyn said, careful to keep her tone even. He was a laird after all.
He smiled down at her and nodded. “Perhaps. But I hope ye can accept mine. Our clans will soon be united, which makes me heart happy. Yer uncle and I had many years o’ peace.”
“What a pity it ended the way it did,” she replied in a clipped tone.
Seeing her demeanor, Laird MacGregor wisely brought their discussion to a close. “I look forward tae seeing ye in the coming months. I ken Edward will tak’ good care o’ ye and yer clan.”
After a polite but short farewell, Evelyn made her way out of the castle. It wouldn’t be the last time she would see Laird MacGregor, but she did feel some relief that she was finally going home to her own people. A place she would not have to hide in her bedchamber.
Caitlin hurried beside her as they crossed the courtyard, but voices caught Evelyn’s attention.
“Dae ye anticipate any trouble upon our arrival at Castle Campbell,” Edward said.
With a glance, Evelyn noticed her soon-to-be husband was talking to Craig. It was evident that the two men appeared quite amicable and agreeable.
When did those two get so close?
“I think ye only need tae worry about Miss Campbell,” Craig replied. He was trying to keep his tone low, but his voice echoed off the stone walls that surrounded them. “The councilmen have already agreed tae the treaty. Besides, there’s nae room fer opposition if they want the clan tae survive.”
Evelyn eventually arrived at her carriage and was just about to climb inside, when someone came running toward her.
“Evelyn,” Morgana cried, coming to a breathless stop beside her.
Evelyn had barely seen her over the previous three weeks, for she had chosen to remain in her bedchamber. Like her brothers, she was tall, with thick black hair, but her eyes were a striking ocean green. She was almost always happy and smiling. Now, however, she looked rather sad.
“I’m so sorry that we didnae get tae spend more time together, Evelyn, but I understand that ye have been devastated by yer loss. Perhaps we can see each other again soon, given that we’re family now.”
Evelyn had immediately liked Morgana when she first arrived at the castle, as James’ betrothed.
Struggling to control her feelings, Evelyn took a breath and said, “It was lovely tae get tae ken ye, Morgana and I shall miss ye, but so much has changed…”
Morgana looked hurt and that made Evelyn feel guilty. The could hardly be blamed for her brother’s actions so Evelyn squeezed her hand, although she could not bring herself to say more. Steeling herself, Morgana managed a small smile.
“Edward is a good man. It might go better fer the both o’ ye if ye were willing tae be more open with him.”
Evelyn clenched her jaw and tried to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.
“Farewell, Morgana.”
And with those parting words, she grabbed the carriage door and climbed inside. Caitlin swiftly followed, and once the two were seated, Evelyn sat staring dead ahead of her. She hoped that if she did so, no one else would try to converse with her. She did not need any more advice or to hear words of how wonderful Edward MacGregor was.
Not long after that, however, a movement caught her eye, and she glanced across the courtyard. Edward was now seated upon his horse with Craig riding beside him, and the rest of the party following behind. Edward must have asked where she was, for Craig pointed directly at her.
Edward looked in the direction Craig pointed, and a second later, Evelyn and Edwards’ eyes locked. He was now only a few feet away, and for fear he might begin talking to her, Evelyn quickly shifted back in her seat to break eye contact.
“Driver, it is time we left,” Evelyn called out loud enough for Edward to hear.
But she couldn’t help herself and peeked forward to make sure Edward was indeed, not going to approach any further. Just as the coach jolted forward, she watched Craig pat Edward on the back with a laugh. It made her angry to see a person she trusted befriending the man she could not bear to talk to, yet in a strange way it intrigued her, making her feel slightly more at ease. The young councilman was speaking, but they were just far enough away for Evelyn not to be able to hear his words.
As the carriage continued on, Evelyn gazed out of the window, looking up at the large gates that now stood wide open as they travelled through them.
If I have me way, I will nae return here, at least nae fer a long time. This place has caused me naething but pain and despair.
The gates loomed past, and eventually, the carriage passed the boundary of the castle walls. They were now on their way. Evelyn felt relief that she was going home, to see people she knew and loved. However, she could not rid her mind of what her future held. She might well be returning to her homeland, but once she arrived, she would be forced to marry Edward. Craig had been right earlier. It had been decreed, and thus, there was now little she could do about it.
Not half an hour had passed, when she heard the sound of thundering hooves approaching the carriage. Worried that something was wrong, she leaned forward to gaze out of the window, only to be startled by the sudden arrival of Edward.
“Are ye well, Miss Campbell?” he said. “Is the carriage comfortable?”
She could hardly believe her ears, and her eyes widened at his question. Was that the best he could do? Was he really so desperate to talk to her that he would ask her something so very mundane?
Almost offended at his lack of effort, Evelyn ignored his question and sat back in her seat. Caitlin appeared mortified at her mistress, for her mouth dropped open as she gawked at her.
“I’ll tak’ that as an aye, then,” Edward replied jovially, his tone unchanged.
He was choosing not to be offended at her rudeness, and instead, continued in his pursuit.
“Ye must be looking forward tae returning home,” he offered again.
“Is that a question or an assumption?” Evelyn snarled.
“Och, a woman of wit,” he quipped. “How delightful. ‘Tis a question,” he said, his tone betraying part surprise, part delight that she had bothered to answer him this time.
Evelyn had to bite her lip to stop herself from smirking. He was persistent, she would give him that, and not so easily put off.
Edwards’ voice danced into the carriage once more. “What is it that ye are looking forward tae when ye return?”
“Och, fer the love o’ all the gods,” Evelyn hissed.
Turning to the curtains beside her, she yanked them together, forming the best barrier possible between herself and the man who could not take a hint.
“Och, Evelyn. Now I cannae see ye.” His tone was laced with sarcasm, but still lighthearted.
Clearly he was entertaining Caitlin, for the maid pressed a hand against her mouth to stifle a giggle. Even Evelyn could not hide her smirk this time. But the smile faded as quickly as it had arrived. She would not let this man manipulate her. She could not. The anger of what had happened to her only remaining family member remained, and it was not likely to leave her at any time soon.
“Please, Miss Campbell. I cannae have a conversation with ye when I cannae see ye.”
“Please leave me in peace,” Evelyn snarled.
“Ye willnae open the drapes?” he pressed.
“I willnae,” she snapped. “And all yer begging willnae mak’ a difference.”
“Perhaps I ought tae ride with ye in the carriage then,” he quipped, the light mockery evident in his tone.
“Indeed, ye willnae,” Evelyn snapped.
“Aye. Probably nae a good idea. I’m certain ye’d throw yersel’ from it if I did. Just tae mak’ a point.”
Evelyn now rolled her eyes.
“We have several days tae travel. Please tell me ye’re nae going tae be like this all the way?”
“I might,” he replied. “Who kens? Ye are going tae be me wife. I’d like tae ken ye a little ‘afore we mak’ our vows.”
Evelyn clenched her jaw at that remark. “Over me dead body,” she whispered, causing Caitlin’s eyes to widen and the maid to gasp in shock.
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