Highland Beginning

By Cait Perez

Seamus has had his own share of bad luck. His betrothed left him for a richer lord. He is not happy about that and decides to seek out a woman who will not be as willing to leave him.

Laila McCrory is a divorced noblewoman, above standard marriage age, but perfect for Sherman. He takes her to his home and weds her even as her father is not pleased with her. He finds her lacking.

Both Laila's father and her dead husband's younger brother want to use Laila for their own profit. Only Sherman's desire for Laila will help save her from the greed of the Scottish lords.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Rider
• Release date: Feb 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310481017

Cait Perez

About Cait Perez. That is a big story. Born in the 1960's, she was taught to be a housewife and mother. She was creative most of her childhood, although her talents lay in visual art, painting, coloring, and drawing. By the time she was a teenager she read everything she could get her hands on. She also found out she was quite the convincing storyteller. Writing has never been a problem for Cait. She was quite good at putting words together on paper. She loves different styles of writing, from adventure, to academic, to fantasy and historic. Using her vast tastes she decided one day "What the heck?" and wrote a book. From there another and another. Currently she has completed many books and has been told she is prolific if nothing else. Her life is full of change and diversity,too. As a shy and understated child, she kept to herself and was only pulled out of corners by others who wished to spend time with her. Low self-eseem made her think very low of her own value, but it seemed that other children and adults saw something in her that she didn't see in herself. No matter her own low self-image, Cait understands how intelligent and capable she is. She is kind of an oxymoron in that way, bu it's alright--it works for her. She enjoys history so much that her genre is Historic fiction adventure with a bit of love and romance. She tries to use historically correct landmarks and names as much as is possible, but of course with the literaray license she can use. Scotland is her love. She has never been, but one day will go, only because she's never been. The Highlands, with the rough mountains and rougher people,compels her. Writing books is now something she does a lot. She gets up and writes. Comes home from work and writes. She takes most of her time reading for ideas and then writing. Her hope is that you will enjoy what she writes. After all, Cait is a giver, above all things.

Book preview

Highland Beginning

Copyright 2015 Cait Perez

Published by Cait Perez at Smashwords

Edited by Karstina Poff

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer

The locations, movies, products, and such, are mostly all real. I looked up much of these using internet search engine, Google. The active story characters, however, are not. If I accidentally managed to make any one of my characters seem like you, it was not intentional, and I hope they are the good guys.

Dedication

As I look back at my life I find that I have done things based upon the perceptions family members have had on my life.

To my older brother, Verle, who taught me to read. To my mother who taught me the value of books. To my younger brother, Robert, who taught me I was not quite good enough. To my baby brother Michael, whose life I held in my own hands. To my uncles who convinced me of my own self-worth and value.

I thank each of you for building me into the person who I have become. Afraid, I may be, to venture into new things, but successful I will be because of who you are to me.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Disclaimer

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

Special Thanks

About the Author

Prologue

Lass, do ye ken what ye are about? he whispered.

Aye, ‘tis still night. I ken ye are sleeping so I thought I would touch the body of a Norse god.

Lass, I amnae sleeping. I am talking to ye. He smiled.

Ye would think so, but I am nae so certain. Ye appear sleeping to me. She said.

Are ye going to take advantage of me sleeping person, then? he asked quietly into her ear.

I thought I might. She said, cautiously.

Then explore away, Lady. I willnae awaken.

Thank ye. She said before returning to caressing his skin.

Suddenly his eyes snapped open when he felt her lips on his. He wrapped his arms around her, and clasped her close to him. He tilted his head to more fully kiss her soft, sweet lips. His tongue stroked her bottom lip and hers opened to welcome him in. She then wrapped her arms around Sherman’s neck and he deepened their kiss. Their tongues were dancing together as though they both knew the moves of the other.

Laila moaned into his mouth and he returned the favor with a groan. He moved his arms down until he was holding her hips and pulled her toward him. Laila, he whispered. This desire is for ye alone. I willnae force ye, and this isnae the best place, I just want ye to ken me desire is only for ye.

His soft words and hard center caused Laila’s heart to thump loudly in her chest. He felt it as it matched the rhythm of his own. Lass, we are meant to be, ye ken? I willnae have another. Please, be me bride? he begged.

Chapter 1

Papa. I dinnae ken what ye are up to. I have nae been here so long that ye are tired of yer own daughter, have I?

Laila, ye have been a burden to me for far too long. Ye are two score and three years now, and have been wed to a mon. I am nae longer required to care for ye. Jamie McDaniel told his only child, a daughter who he is not too happy to be in the company of. I gave ye to Ruadh in good faith that the mon would keep ye away and keep ye happy. The fool mon got himself killed in his own bedchamber, no less! I am nae responsible for the poor decisions of the mon, and I am nae responsible for the wife he left behind.

I have nae to do with what the minds of mon put themselves through, Papa. Ye ken that women have no control over their husbands.

I ken that a strong wench would have held the mon down in any way necessary to keep him safe. Mayhap if ye had spread yer legs wider, thrust those wee breasts forward, opened yer lips to him, he wouldnae be thinking of making enemies. His eyes twinkled. Least nae the kind with a sharp blade. He laughed at his own joke.

Laila looked at her father, tears pooling in her eyes. She knew she was weak, that she was not the kind of woman that men would find attractive. Her father reminded her often enough while she was growing up. She knew that she was a constant disappointment, having not been born a boy child; she was berated for her satin black hair, for her too-olive skin, for her too-green eyes. She knew she should have been thankful that her father found any man at all to marry her. Papa, I ken ye did what ye could to find me a husband. I didnae even give the mon an heir. I ken I am nae a beauty, nor am I fulsome enough to make a mon happy in the bed. I did do me best, though. she whined.

Lass, I ken ye did what ye could. Ye are just nae the kind that a real mon would desire. His voice softened, he tried to sound understanding, but inside he seethed with the knowledge that he must once again take care of a girl child that he did not want and did not think he would have to see again. Now, get ye to yer chambers, Laila and prepare yerself. I will be bringing suitors who promise a bride price that will help with the pain of letting ye go again.

Laila nodded and curtseyed before turning from her father and going to her bedchambers to dress. Letting me go? He cries more over me return than in me departure.

I dinnae ken why Papa goes to so much trouble. He doesnae love me, I ken that. He cannae love me. I am nae but a tiny wee lass that hasnae a thing to offer to a mon in the bedchamber or in a keep. I am nary but a woman in a child’s body. I am now even spoiled, nae longer a maid. Laila cried to her maid, Rodina, as she threw herself onto her overstuffed mattress. The softness of the furs that covered it pressed into her nose, making her sneeze.

Och, Lady. Ye ken yer papa does what he must to keep ye safe. He kens that he is nae longer a young mon and he looks to such to keep ye safe. That yer first husband, Lord Ruadh, was nae good at that is nae his fault. Rodina told her as she kindly stroked the girl’s hair.

I ken ‘tis nae his fault, but he thinks that ‘tis mine. He said just as much. She said, sitting up now, fisting her hands together in her lap.

Nay! ‘Tis nae yer fault that yer mon didnae have the good sense to keep his mouth shut. ‘Tis nae like he was offended by anything. He didnae think of ye nor yer wellbeing while he was throwing his weight around more than his sword. Rodina said. Then when Laila looked at her crossly she made the sign of the cross and then opened her arms, palms upward, in apology to her mistress.

I ken, Laila conceded that Ruadh was nae the most sensible mon, but he was keeping me in his keep instead of throwing me out into the woods to die. He wasnae that terrible. She tried to convince herself more than Rodina.

Rodina smirked at Laila and then asked her Now, lass, what is it that puts ye into this chamber in the middle of the afternoon?

I am to prepare for a suitor. Me papa thinks to sell me off to the highest bidder. I amnae a prize, though, and dinnae ken how much he can collect for a used bride. Laila said as she gestured from her breasts to her thighs.

Do ye ken who this mon is? Rodina asked. Mayhap if we kenned the mon we could make ye look more appealing to that person?

Tis a thought. I heard Papa talking to the steward. He said the name MacGowen. ‘Tis all I ken. Laila said sadly.

MacGowen. I ken that name. ‘Tis said that the new lord is a fair mon. His da died three years ago, and he has been taking care of the keep with little help. His younger brother died in a horse riding accident four years ago, too. He is a sad mon, I suspicion. He has nae family left. ‘Tis a good thing, I suspicion. He willnae be too particular in finding a bride. Rodina told her, hopeful.

I dinnae ken the mon. I thank ye for yer words. They will help me to nae be so nervous upon meeting the mon. I hope. Laila said, she then smiled at her maid who was more like a mother than a servant.

I ken more too, lass. Would ye like to hear? ‘Tis merely rumor, gossip, but it may help ye to win over the mon.

Aye, anything would help me to ken the mon who me papa wants to sell me to. Laila said. Her eyes brightened at the prospect of knowing more about a man than he knows of her.

He was betrothed to another woman. Laila gasped when Rodina told her this. Hush, now. He was betrothed, but she didnae love him enough to stay betrothed. She found a richer mon and she left the MacGowen. She walked out practically from the altar. I dinnae ken why a woman would do that except to make herself richer. But he is on the mend, and would likely take ye if ye had a pig nose and a tail.

Laila threw a pillow at Rodina and laughed at her jest. Rodina turned adeptly, missing the pillow, and smiled as she twirled toward the wardrobe that held Laila’s best gowns. Here, lass, this dress will show off yer beautiful sable hair. She said as she pulled a rich, red velvet gown from the shelf.

I do like me hair. ‘Tis one of me best features, although Papa doesnae like it, and neither did Ruadh. They said it made me look evil, dark, ruined. Laila stopped smiling and looked toward her maid. Rodina twisted her hair into a loose bun at the base of Laila’s neck and added some pearl decorated pins to it. Then she pulled some of her hair from the bun and curled it to rest at her cheeks.

As she was fussing with Laila’s hair, she responded to her comments. Nonsense! Rodina said. Ye are a beauty, and ye best be kenning that. If ye dinnae see yerself as a bonny lass, how do you think others will be seeing ye?

Laila smiled at the maid. Ye are kind, my dearest Rodina. I ken ye are trying so hard to help me. I will put on the gown. Here, give me help. She asked as she began untying the laces to the modest brown gown she was wearing.

Quickly she was undressed from the old gown and washed up before Rodina helped her put on the red one. We should do something with yer hair, too. She told Laila.

Aye, I am nay longer a maiden. I shouldnae have me hair hanging loosely. How do you suppose widows wear their hair? Laila asked.

We willnae be putting yer hair up like a widow, Lady Laila. We will put some ribbons in yer hair. I will braid it for ye and pull some back from yer face. I willnae, however, hide yer hair under a bonnet, nor hide it in a bun. Yer hair is glorious, lass, and it should be displayed for all to see.

Rodina! Laila lightly scolded. Ye are to be the death of me! she giggled at her maid.

Several hours later a servant knocked on Laila’s door. Mistress, yer guests have arrived.

Laila had been hiding in her bedchamber, trying to stay out of sight of her father. Aye, I will be down straight away. She called out through the closed door. Do ye send me with well wishes, Rodina? she asked nervously.

I willnae send ye with anything less, lass. Rodina hugged Laila and then moved to open the door. Ye will have him eating out of yer hands. Ye are bonnier than ye ken, Lady. Just pull yer chin up, tuck yer shoulders back, and smile like the weelborn lady that ye are.

With that, Rodina pushed Laila through the door and walked behind her to the hall to sup with her father and the man who might be her next husband.

Chapter 2

Sherman MacGowen was sitting in the great hall, to the right of Jamie MacDaniel. He was taking a swallow of his ale when he happened to look toward the door. He stopped immediately, taking time to stare at the beautiful young woman who was standing there.

Who is that stunning creature? he asked Jamie.

That be me daughter, Lord MacGowen. Ye think her stunning? he said in disbelief.

I do, Lord MacDaniel. I havenae seen a beauty such as that before me as I do now. Sherman replied as he finally realized he held a mug of ale to his lips. He slowly put it down, suddenly not interested in anything but Laila.

Come, girl! Jamie shouted toward his daughter. Come say good day to Lord MacGowen. He barked.

Sherman stood as she approached the dais. She would not look him in the eye, instead looking toward the floor. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment from the manner that her father chose to address her. M’ Lady. He said as she stood behind the table to the left of her father.

Lord MacGowen, might I introduce me daughter: the *ahem* lovely Laila McCrory. He said as he pushed Laila past him and onto Sherman’s right.

It is my absolute pleasure to meet you at last. Sherman bowed and took her hand, kissing her knuckles lightly as he escorted her to a chair.

Laila pulled her hand back abruptly, and looked away from Sherman. Sherman looked confused and a little astounded by her quick retreat. I am pleased to meet ye as well, M’ Lord. Laila whispered. She became frightened by how her fingers tingled when his lips touched them. She still felt the heat of his hand even after she pulled hers away from his warmth.

Sherman sat after Laila sat down, and he pulled his trencher close between them so they could share. He pulled a large and tender chunk of rabbit from the trencher, cut it into small pieces and offered them to Laila. She did not know how to respond to his gesture. Lass, ye are to take what he offers. Rodina whispered over her right shoulder.

Laila blushed and responded to his offer. Thank ye, M’ Lord. and then pulled her small tray nearer to take a bite. Instead, Sherman lifted a bit of meat to her lips and offered to feed her. His eyes were beaming, and he could not figure out why he could not turn his eyes away from her face. Ye are a bonny lass, if I may be so bold. He told her.

Ye dinnae needs be so kind to the lass. Jamie MacDaniel said. She isnae an innocent maiden ye needs woo. She has been wed afore, and she isnae in need of such kind words. He scowled toward his daughter.

I merely speaks to what I see, M’ Lord. Sherman said. Jamie nodded respectfully.

M’ Lord. I dinnae ken of ye. From where do ye hail? Laila found her tongue.

I come from the northwest, Hillston castle. It is in the Highlands. Laila gasped, and Sherman nodded. I am Lord, and am alone without kin. I would like to see you visit my keep and see if ‘tis worthy of yer acquaintance. Sherman told her while warily eyeing her father.

She can be packed and ready on the morrow. Jamie said, too anxiously.

I would like to hear from the lass, Sherman replied, Jamie bowed his head.

Lass, what say ye?

I..I would nae ken how to respond. Laila said, the fear causing her heart to beat rapidly, her eyes welling with tears. She looked away from Sherman and her father, then. I needs leave. Me head begins to ache.

Sherman looked at her with genuine concern. He stood and helped her from her chair.

Before Laila could get away, Sherman reached behind her head and pulled the two pins that were holding it in place. Her black trusses fell down her back to past her hips, and cascaded over her shoulders to frame her breasts. Sherman gasped. Truth, I like yer hair down. ‘Tis beautiful. He whispered. Laila blushed and ran from the table.

Rodina rushed to Laila’s side to usher her from the hall. Me apologies, Lords, I will be certain that Lady Laila arrives to her chambers weel. She told the men.

Sherman nodded to Rodina. My thanks..er..

Rodina the maid curtseyed.

My thanks, Rodina. See if ye can convince the lass to come with me on the morrow. Ye.. he looked toward MacDaniel are welcome to come too, if ye are nae needed here, to make the travel more comfortable for the lady. He said as he sat.

MacDaniel nodded his approval and growled as he took a drink of ale. Me daughter is a meek lass to be sure. He said in way of apology. I hope ye do find her to yer liking. As I say, she isnae an innocent maiden. Her options are sorely reduced.

I dinnae seek a maiden, I seek a companion. If yer daughter is as meek as ye say, I may nae be looking to her for long. Sherman said, but he was not convincing himself. Jamie looked disgruntled but only for a moment, then his expression became guarded.

Something about the woman who sat beside him compelled him to know more about her. He wondered if she was meek all the time or only when near her father. He wondered why her father was so critical of her and why he was so eager to seemingly sell her off to the first bidder.

So, tell me, Lord MacGowen. What are ye willing to provide for a bride price if ye choose to wed me daughter? Ye ken she is the apple of me eye. I willnae be asking for less than what she is worth to me, nae to ye. MacDaniel asked, no emotion in his eyes.

I will give ye a fair offer, Lord MacDaniel. I willnae be giving ye an offer at all this night, however. I amnae certain that the lass will have me.

‘Tis nae for the lass to decide. Ye clearly find her nae lacking in beauty, aye? Ye can get the rest out of her as ye travel back to Hillston castle. MacDaniel said impatiently. Ye want the lass? If aye, she is yers.

Aye, I ken the lass is bonny. That much is nae a question. I am in needs of a bride. I cannae see nary a problem. If the lass says she’ll have me. Howbeit, I willnae force her to wed me. Sherman said, definitively.

As ye wish, M’ Lord. Jamie replied, but would not hold eye contact with the younger man.

Aye, ‘tis as I wish, Sherman nodded and went back to eating.

Rodina escorted Laila to her chambers. Ye ken that mon was nae able to take is eyes off ye, aye? she asked.

Aye, and I dinnae ken why. Laila replied. I felt afeared as I have nae felt ever. Nae even when Ruadh was resting his body a’ top mine. I felt nervous, and like a maid again, Rodina. And when he kissed me hand… the heat!

‘Tis lust, M’ Lady. Ye blushed like a maid as weel. I cannae see this mon harming a hair on yer bonny head. It seems to me that he finds ye more bonny than ye feel. Rodina said to her as she helped her out of her gown and into night clothes. Would there be harm in visiting his Hillston castle? He has invited ye and has asked that ye leave on the morrow with him. Would that be something ye can abide?

‘Tis sudden, to be certain. Laila replied breathlessly. I dinnae ken what to decide. What would ye do? she asked Rodina.

Lass, I would jump at the chance to leave this God-forsaken place. Yer papa is nae kind to ye, and he hides ye away like ye are an embarrassment to him. If I were ye, I’d already be packed.

Then, Rodina, let’s pack and be ready on the morrow to see if we can have a new life of happiness with Lord Sherman MacGowen. She giggled as she opened her trunk.

Lass, ye lie back and sleep. I’ll pack for ye and have ye ready at first light. Might I leave for a mo’ and tell the lord ye will be escorting him to his keep?

Aye, do that. I’ll wait for ye to return. Laila said as she lay down on the soft furs covering her bed.

I will be gone for only a minute. Rodina whispered as she left the bedchamber and rushed to the hall to inform Sherman of Laila’s agreement.

Lord MacGowen Rodina curtseyed. I have word from Lady Laila. She would be most honored to accompany ye to Hillston castle. She is resting now, and I will be packing her things for her travels. How long would ye be keeping her for visit?

I would keep her as long as the lady wishes to stay. Sherman replied, and winked at the maidservant. Rodina blushed and looked away.

I will go straight away and see how long the lady will wish to stay, and will pack for her. Lord MacDaniel, if I could gain help from two men to help me to bring her trunks down in a few minutes? she