A Highland Contract: A Medieval Highland Romance: Bastards of Cawdor, #3

By Avery Maitland

The Thane of Cawdor was a busy man, and his bastards grew as wild (and as numerous) as the thistles on the hills.

 

Lennox Duncan was allergic to following good advice. That was why he was caught in the middle of a torrential rain storm with the wife of a laird draped across his saddle, riding hard for the forests to lose the men chasing after them.

It should have been easy. A quick kidnapping, a hefty ransom, and then he wouldn't need to worry about who would be paying his gambling debts or keeping the eye of his elder brother from following him across the countryside.

 

"I'd expect nothing less of a bastard."

 

Being a chambermaid wasn't exactly how Charlotte Harper had imagined her life would turn out, but it was a living, and it kept food in the mouths of her younger siblings. But nothing could have prepared her for being kidnapped on a rainy night and thrown over the back of a horse—especially by the likes of Lennox Duncan.

Charlotte just wants to return to her boring life, but that means making an uneasy truce with a scoundrel who should be in the stocks, not in her bed.

Reader beware — "A Highland Contract" features lots of plaid, possible historical inaccuracies, a case of mistaken identity, an independent heroine, and a troubled, and troublesome, Highlander to sweep her away. There is no cheating to be found here, NO cliffhanger, and a Highland HEA is guaranteed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: FireHive Media
• Release date: Jul 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201212841

Book preview

1

Lennox Duncan

Hooves thundered over the packed dirt road. Wind whipped around his ears until they throbbed, but his fingers tightened on the reins as he bent low over the horse’s outstretched neck. He knew they were being followed. It would be foolish, and arrogant, to think that the laird would not have noticed the theft. 

Lennox snorted. He did not even know the man’s name. He only knew that the young laird was tragically bad at cards, and bet too much on bad dice. 

A sharp whistle drew his focus from the road, barely visible in the dark. 

This way!

With gritted teeth, he pulled the horse to the left. The beast fought the bit, but he pulled harder and the reluctant gelding turned to follow the chestnut ahead of them.

This isnae the way! he shouted.

Stayin’ on the road is daft, and y’know it, his friend shouted back.

Lennox Duncan knew better. He knew he should have been safely behind the walls of a keep, especially at this time of night. He also knew very well that he shouldn’t have been riding with the likes of Joshua McGregor, but he had debts to pay, and Joshua held the spoils of their midnight work.

A branch whipped across Lennox’s cheek and he cursed aloud. Where’re we goin’?

A clearin’ just beyond these trees, Joshua shouted back.

Lennox ducked another branch, but his movement was ill timed. The bough struck him on the side of the head and he cursed loudly. He was far too sober for this kind of adventure. He could feel every drop of rain on his skin, and every pine needle that was now lodged in his hair. 

The chestnut gelding ahead dodged around another tree, and then, as promised, a small clearing opened up ahead of them. 

For once, Joshua had been right. But there was still time for him to make a mistake. There was always time for Joshua McGregor to mess up their plans in some way or another. 

His friend pulled his horse to a skidding stop and jumped down into the grass. He tied the reins to a low-limbed tree and set his hands on his hips as Lennox thundered into the clearing behind him.  

Lennox fought with his mount again and swore loudly as the gelding tossed its head against the tug of the reins. 

Stop, ye beast, he growled.

Joshua laughed loudly and grabbed hold of the gelding’s bridle to bring it to a halt. How is it ye managed tae steal the slowest horse in the laird’s stables—

The gelding’s eyes rolled as Lennox jumped down from the saddle and landed off balance in the grass. As soon as the weight was lifted from the saddle, the gelding tried to run, but Joshua held it firm.

The slowest, and the most insolent, Lennox muttered. 

 The perfect horse for a Duncan, a wry voice said from the trees. 

He recognized that voice, and it meant nothing good was about to happen.

Lennox whirled around and glared into the darkness. But he could see nothing beyond the trees that surrounded the clearing. 

Him? he whispered incredulously. Are ye mad?

Take the horse, Joshua hissed. He threw the reins into Lennox’s hands and strode into the clearing with his arms spread wide.

Lennox glared after him and tugged hard on the reins to drag the gelding forward so he could secure it to the tree with the one Joshua had taken. The beast’s hooves dug into the grass and Lennox let out a frustrated groan. The chestnut gelding whickered softly, but it sounded like mockery to Lennox’s ears.

Come on out Hugo, Joshua called out. I cannae see anythin’ in the dark. Where’re ye hidin’?

Not hidin’, ye whelp, the voice hissed from the trees. Tryin’ tae stay hidden. Somethin’ ye could learn a thing or two about. Ye know ye’ve been followed.

Joshua spat into the grass. Ach, the wee laird was snorin’ on the table when we left the inn.

That’s may be, but y’didnae set the horses loose after ye took these ones, did ye?

Lennox swallowed hard as he pulled on the gelding’s reins again. This time, the horse lunged forward, and he stumbled and almost fell onto the grass. Maybe they had been reckless, but there had been no time.

"And why’d ye bring him?"

Lennox looked over his shoulder and glared at the lanky figure that emerged from the trees. He was flanked by two larger men with broad shoulders and swords strapped to their backs. The hoods of their cloaks were pulled up to disguise their features, but Lennox knew them well enough. Not by name, but by reputation.

Joshua laughed and glanced back at Lennox before he approached the shadowy trio.

You know he can’t resist a good game of cards. Plus, he’s got the best set of loaded dice between here and London. You wanted tae win—

D’ye know how recognizable that face is, the man demanded.

What’re ye talkin’ about? Joshua sounded nervous now, and Lennox’s fingers tightened on the reins as he pulled the reluctant gelding toward the tree. "He looks nothin’ like the thane. I’m surprised he claimed him at all!"

Lennox’s spine straightened, but he didn’t turn. It was a sore point that he hated to be reminded of. Of all the Thane of Cawdor’s bastards, he was the only one who didn’t look like the great man himself. His mother was proud that he favored her side of the family, but that didn’t do Lennox any favors when it came to dealing with his half-brothers. They all looked at him as though he was a traitor, anyway.

Lennox could feel Hugo Swan’s stare burning into the back of his neck, but he focused on securing the snorting gelding to the tree branch instead. 

Hold still, ye beast, he muttered.

There was a long silence, and Joshua coughed nervously as the moment dragged on. Lennox laid a hand against the gelding’s neck and leaned his shoulder against the rough bark of the tree trunk.

Hugo Swan’s arms were folded over his chest as he glared at Joshua. He was not an imposing figure of a man. Tall and slender, with little to recommend him or mark him out as someone of importance. But if you knew the Swan’s reputation, you knew well enough to stay out of his way when you saw him coming.

It was in his eyes.

He had the look of a man who killed other men when it suited him without hesitation.

If Lennox had known that Hugo Swan would be involved, he would never have agreed to help his friend.

The man’s expression did not change as they approached, but his chin rose slightly. Did ye get what I asked for? His voice echoed strangely and Lennox suppressed a shiver.  

Joshua’s grin was shaky as he looked back at Lennox. In my saddlebag, he said.

Lennox’s eyebrow rose. And?

Get— Fer God’s sake, man, toss me the saddlebag, Joshua hissed.

A shrug accompanied by a rude gesture was all that Joshua deserved, but Lennox did as he was asked and unbuckled the bag in question from the chestnut gelding’s saddle. The tack they’d stolen was of fair quality. They’d be able to sell it for a good price when they arrived in Inverness.

If they made it to Inverness.

He tossed his friend the bag and smiled as Joshua stumbled to try and catch it. Hugo Swan’s expression was carved in stone, but his quick dark eyes caught every movement that was made. 

Ye shouldnae ha’ brought a Duncan tae be yer second, Hugo commented dryly. He snatched the bag out of Joshua’s hand and shoved it at one of the cloaked figures standing behind him for examination.

I’m no his second, Lennox snapped before he could stop himself.

Y’see, Hugo said without looking at Lennox. Y’can ne’er trust a Duncan tae step aside fer a greater man. Even the bastards are too much like their sire.

What’s that supposed tae mean? Lennox growled. 

Hugo’s gaze sharpened as he finally met Lennox’s eyes. It means that, like yer father, ye dinnae know when tae shut yer mouth and step back.

Lennox hadn’t realized that he’d walked toward the other men until he came up against Joshua’s raised hand. His friend’s eyes were wide. Stop this now, he whispered. We’re almost through here.

Aye, listen tae McGregor, Hugo said calmly. He didn’t appear worried that he’d insulted Lennox, and the Thane of Cawdor all in one breath and Lennox tried to dampen the anger that threatened to burst out of his chest.

Is it there? Hugo asked his men.

The hooded figure nodded and Hugo uncrossed his arms, but his hand rested on the hilt of the knife he kept at his waist. "That will cover some of yer debt." His tone was casual, and Lennox bristled again.

Some? Joshua choked out. "What d’ye mean some?"

Hugo Swan’s smile was smooth as oil. Gamblin’, whorin’, drinkin’... all the things yer mam warned y’about. Terrible things she’d cry about at night knowin’ that her dear sweet boy was partakin’ in such things.

Me mam’s dead, Joshua growled. I dinnae think she’ll mind.

Hugo’s gaze flickered to Lennox. Aye, but someone’s da might be displease tae know the kind of company his bonny wee lad is keepin’.

That was a threat.  

Lennox might have been allowed to do as he pleased without too much trouble, but if the thane knew what sort of activities he had been up to while unsupervised— That freedom could be taken away just as easily.

Especially if he knew that Lennox had been keeping company with a McGregor. 

Traitors were never in fashion, even if they had paid for their treachery with their lives as Joshua’s grandfather and uncles had.

Now, now, Joshua choked out. No need tae be like that.

Hugo pushed Joshua aside and walked toward Lennox with a swagger in his step. What will it be, boyo? What would ye do tae keep yer father’s eye off ye?

Lennox’s chin lifted. He was mostly ignored by his father and brothers except for a scolding every now and again when he was absent from what few duties he had been given. But if the thane took notice of him, even to praise him, it would mean the end of his carefree days.

He might even be forced to marry to secure a political alliance. His Aunt Liona had not been the first, or the last, Duncan that would be married away to appease some promise his father had made. 

What kind of debt still needs tae be paid, Joshua called out. He might have been angry at being pushed aside, but Lennox was not enjoying the shift in Hugo Swan’s focus.

Oh, a great deal, I’m sure, Hugo said softly. "But it’s not just your debt that needs tae be settled, McGregor. There are other matters that must be seen tae."

Lennox’s hands tightened into fists at his sides and Hugo smiled at his reaction. What matters?

Oh, just a matter of a payment that’s bein’ withheld, Hugo said casually. A man named William Norton owes me a good deal of money…

Norton? Joshua said. We dinnae know any Nortons…

Of course ye wouldnae know any Nortons, Hugo snapped. They’re a better class of people than us. His tone was sharp, and Lennox had no illusions that Hugo Swan believed that anyone was a better class than himself.

Joshua made a face. Better class of people? What’s that supposed tae mean? 

William Norton used tae be just like us— He looked Lennox up and down. Well, not like all of us. But now that he’s a laird, he thinks he doesnae have tae pay what he owes.

Joshua’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as he stared at Hugo Swan. Ye’re wantin’ us tae march up tae a laird’s door and demand payment?

Hugo shrugged. Y’were able tae take what y’needed from a laird only a few hours ago wi’out much trouble.

Aye, Lennox snorted. He was a young fool wi’ a gamblin’ problem—

No, Hugo interrupted him. "You are a young fool wi’ a gamblin’ problem. He was an easy target." 

Joshua flung up his hands in exasperation. What d’ye expect us tae do?

Hugo’s smile was slick, and a prickle of unease made the hair on the back of Lennox’s neck rise. Improvise. Prove tae me that my faith in yer ingenuity isnae wasted.

Joshua frowned, but he nodded. How long?

Oh, y’lads work quickly. I’ve been waitin’ fer this money fer a long time. Dinnae make me wait longer than I havetae.

It was not a question, but it was not an answer, either. Lennox shifted on his feet, his eyes locked on his friend who seemed to be considering his options very carefully. 

Well?

Allright. Fine. We’ll do it, Joshua blurted out. 

Will we? Lennox muttered.

Aye, y’will, Hugo said with a smile. And I’ll keep it tae myself that the Thane of Cawdor’s bastard—one of them— The hooded figures chuckled, and Lennox glared at them. That one of his precious bastards is a goodly way down the path tae debauchery. There’s hope fer ye yet, young Duncan, Hugo finished cheerfully. He slapped a hand against Lennox’s shoulder and strode back to his cloaked companions. I’d much rather see yer debt paid this way than another.

Hugo winked at him, but Lennox could only glare. He was being held hostage by his past actions, and it was highly unfair. He didn’t even owe anyone any coin. But his alliance with Joshua had dragged him farther into the muck that he would like to admit. 

Come now, Hugo laughed. Dinnae make such a face. All men are equal when there is money owing, my lads. Now, get ye gone. I’ll be waitin’ fer yer return.

Joshua grabbed hold of Lennox’s elbow and pulled him back toward the horses. Come on, he said through gritted teeth.

Ah! Not that way, lads, Hugo called out. 

What? Confusion rippled across Joshua’s dirt-smudged face. But the horses—

My horses, he said shortly. "I said ye’d covered some of yer debt."

Joshua’s eyes were wide, and Lennox could see the pulse pounding at his friend’s throat. How— How are we supposed tae get tae Inverness?

That’s none of my concern, Hugo said mildly. He snapped his fingers and the hooded figures strode past them and untied the horses from the tree where Lennox had left them.

 Good luck wi’ the gray, Lennox muttered as he watched one of the men struggle with the gelding he’d taken from the young lairds’ stable. 

Their packs were dropped onto the grass at their feet, and Lennox swept his out of the mud quickly and set it onto his shoulder. 

What? Ye dinnae want our food as well? Joshua growled. 

Hugo clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and the sound echoed in the clearing. Careful, McGregor. Ye dinnae want me tae think ye’re ungrateful now, would ye?

Joshua grabbed his pack and shoved it under his arm.

Good lad.

It was impossible to mistake the mocking tone of Hugo Swan’s voice, and Lennox could see hatred simmering behind his friend’s eyes as the slender man and his hooded companions melted back into the darkness of the trees. 

Joshua’s shoulder struck Lennox in the chest as he turned and Lennox let out a choked grunt. 

What was that for?

Fer nothin’, Joshua growled. "Ye could have said somethin’!"

Like what?

Joshua made an unintelligible noise and strode across the clearing toward the road. Joshua! Ye cannae go back tae the road! What if we’re bein’ followed?

He didn’t look back as Lennox pushed through the trees behind him. They’ll have passed us by now. 

Ye dinnae know that!

Better than bein’ set wi’ an impossible job— Joshua turned around and stabbed a finger into Lennox’s chest. D’ye know what Swan will do tae us if we cannae deliver what he wants?

Aye, Lennox muttered. Everyone knows.

Well, I dinnae like the sound of havin’ my corpse strung up in a tree fer the crows tae have sport wi’, he snapped. 

So ye’d rather be dragged back tae face whatever that arse of a laird wants tae do tae us? Lennox pushed his friend’s hand away. I’ll be thankin’ ye tae leave me out of that plan.

"Then what d’ye suggest?" 

Lennox shrugged. Let’s get tae Inverness first, then we can figure out how tae deal wi’ this laird.

Joshua pressed his hand to his temple. Ach, another laird. Why’re there so many? Yer father is too generous wi’ his titles.

Probably, but until he gives one tae me, I’ll no be judgin’ him.

If he gives one tae you, I’ll be the first tae say he’s gone too far, Joshua snorted. Let’s get tae the road. Maybe we can hitch a ride wi’ a farmer goin’ north. 

Y’can sit wi’ the pigs this time, Lennox grumbled as he pushed through the trees. There would be no other travelers until morning, of that he was certain, and if anyone had followed them, he hoped that they would have given up by now. 

And that the young laird, whose name he hadn’t bothered to learn, would have more sense than to hunt them down. But, wounded pride being what it was, there was a good chance that they would have to watch their backs until they were a safe enough distance north that the young man’s influence would be stretched too thin to have any power.

North.

As quickly as possible.

New danger is better than old trouble. That was Lennox’s motto. It had kept him out of harm’s way on more than once, but on the rare occasions where it had backfired, he chose to believe that some lessons were just meant to be learned. He had no intention of learning whatever lesson Hugo Swan seemed so eager to teach him.

He pushed Joshua forward. Hurry.

Watch it! 

They heard the hoofbeats at the same time, and Lennox clapped his hand over Joshua’s mouth to stifle strangled yelp. He pulled his friend back into the shelter of the trees as four riders thundered past. The horses’ eyes were wild, their flanks streaked with foam. But the riders did not slow, and they did not turn to look at the forest.

Heart hammering in his chest, Lennox held tight to his friend, pinning him against his chest until the riders had pulled away and disappeared into the darkness. 

Joshua, kicked, flailed, and fought against his hold, but Lennox did not release him until he was certain that the riders had gone. 

 He pushed Joshua away, back toward the road, and his friend stumbled a few steps before he wheeled around and fixed Lennox with a furious glare. 

Ye mad bastard, he spat. What did ye do that for? Y’almost suffocated me wi’ those bear's paws ye call hands!

"And y’almost wandered blithley intae the road tae be run down by a pack of men who are, most likely, lookin’ fer us."

Joshua’s head snapped around as he stared in the direction that the men had gone. Ah. Y’may be right there.

Lennox let out a disgusted groan and shifted his pack on his shoulder. They’ll be ridin’ hard for an inn. If we keep walkin’ we’re likely tae find a farm or someone tae give us a ride north. They’re lookin’ fer men on horseback. I doubt the young laird will be able tae describe us.

As long as ye dinnae laugh at anythin’. Everyone remembers yer laugh, Duncan.

If I stay in yer company, ye can be sure of that, Lennox grumbled. Start walkin’.

Joshua grumbled something that