Highland Vixen by Mary Wine

Author:Mary Wine [Wine, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical, Scottish, Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2017-02-06T18:30:00+00:00

Five

The monthly court was drawing to a close. Marcus felt as though it had drawn on for an eternity, but there were fewer cases than normal. The last of the MacPherson clansmen had their say before his father passed judgment. Marcus had never struggled so hard to maintain his focus, nor had his damned cock ever been so hard within an hour of losing his load.

He ground his teeth in frustration, trying to rein in his thoughts and keep his attention on the men in front of them seeking justice.

At least there were signs of the court drawing to a close. At the far end of the hall, people were starting to lose their serious expressions in anticipation of mead being served and the music beginning. But Katherine stepped forward, lowering herself before Shamus.

The English girl drew everyone’s attention. However, she proved her worth by standing straight and still under the scrutiny. Marcus realized she was still wearing the rags of Helen’s clothing that she’d escaped in.

“Do ye have a matter to bring to me attention, Mistress Katherine?” Shamus asked.

“If I am allowed,” she answered strongly and clearly.

There were curious looks sent her way, as well as a few nods of appreciation for her boldness, at least from the men. Marcus considered the way the women shifted back into the shadows.

“As me son Marcus’s sister”—Shamus stressed the last word—“ye do have the right to be heard if ye feel someone has transgressed against ye.”

There was a rise of hushed comments from the back of the hall.

“Not against me,” Katherine explained. “Yet I witnessed such an act.”

The hall grew quiet as people moved in closer to hear the case. Shamus made a motion with his hand. “Let’s hear it, lass.”

“Duana struck Mistress Helen across the face. Many saw it, and you could see the mark it left if Mistress Helen was not wearing a partlet.”

Marcus felt his temper straining to break free. He was out of his chair and beside Helen before she realized what Katherine had said in front of all. He moved the collar of her partlet aside, revealing the dark bruise.

“Duana,” he rasped out. “Present yerself.”

The crowd parted as the Head of House came forward. She lowered herself before her laird.

“Helen,” Shamus called over his shoulder since she was seated on the high ground beside Ailis.

Helen stood and joined Katherine. She lowered herself as well, and Duana lifted her chin confidently.

“Now,” Shamus began, “what manner of quarrel moved ye to strike me daughter-by-marriage?”

Duana opened her hands wide. “There has been talk of forced vows, but no proof of a wedding celebration,” she said clearly and loudly to the approval of many. “I agree full well that Helen did what any decent soul would under the circumstances, but that does nae grant her the right to interfere in the way I run the kitchens. Not when the McTavishes are telling one and all that they heard the union was unconsummated, and there has been no sheet flown nor has her kin been here to agree to contracts.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.