Page 30 of Strachan (Hostage Brides #2)

Spring peeked its head out. The hills around Fellscarp lost their mantle of snow and frost, turning green and lush. The wind was still brutal, but it no longer cut through Cecily’s fur cloak like shards of ice. She blew on her hands as she headed across the yard.

Life had become just a little easier. The Warden was gone for the time being. There were fewer reports of thievery and attacks on Peyton’s tenants. He was solidifying his position as Laird Strachan, and his men seemed to have his back. Peyton was kind and affectionate, and Cecily loved him fiercely, though she had not said the words aloud. Her fear that he might not feel the same held her back. Peyton Strachan held her heart in his hand and had the power to crush it.

One thorn in her side pricked her endlessly, and it was currently lounging against the door of the wood store. Cecily’s face heated as she remembered consummating her marriage against its walls. Peyton had been magnificent, so powerful and forceful, but she had to banish her lewd thoughts as she swerved to avoid his sister.

But she was too late. Lowri shouted out, ‘Where is my brother?’

‘He rode out early to patrol his land. There have been sightings of strangers these last few days near Laggan Woods. Where have you been?’

‘Around, not that you’d have missed me,’ said Lowri, pushing off the door and walking over to her.

‘Times are uncertain,’ said Cecily. ‘You cannot just come and go as you please, Lowri.’

‘Why, because you don’t like it?’

‘Because Peyton worries about you.’

‘He need not. I can take care of myself.’ She looked Cecily up and down. ‘Not like you, always in need of protection. Though I must admit that you look very bonnie. I am surprised my brother could drag himself out of your bed.’

‘He’ll be back in it soon enough. He can’t stay away,’ said Cecily.

Lowri rolled her eyes. If Peyton’s sister was spoiling for a fight, she would get one, for Cecily was tired of her judgmental stares and sarcastic barbs. ‘Why does it vex you so much that Peyton cares for me?’ she said.

‘Because I am not convinced that you care for him,’ said Lowri, picking at a nail.

‘Well, you can think what you like, but I do, so learn to live with it,’ said Cecily, walking away.

Lowri followed. ‘I do not dislike you, Cecily,’ she said, barring her way. ‘Truly, I don’t. It is just that Peyton has more pressing duties than seeing to the happiness of a spoiled, selfish woman who thinks she is above her company.’

‘I do not think that.’

‘You think Fellscarp and all who live here are beneath you. Cecily, you turn your nose up at us, at me.’

‘I think it is the other way around. Remember that everyone here thinks I am his mistress, a slattern who serves his pleasure whenever he wants, someone shameless. You Strachans look down on me, and I cannot declare that I am Peyton’s wife.’

‘That is to keep you safe from his enemies and from suspicion of killing Edmund Harclaw.’

‘Aye, but it still hurts.’

Lowri sighed and regarded her as if she were a troublesome bairn. ‘If anyone is unkind, I will deal with them.’

‘You are unkind, and I don’t need your protection. I will endure servants whispering behind their hands when I pass, and your snipes, too, because Peyton is worth it.’

‘But you aren’t. Whatever you really think or feel, Cecily, you have unmanned my brother. He would have been far better off making an alliance with one of the clans through marriage, even the Macaulays. But now he has wed you, it is too late for that.’

‘Peyton married me because he loves me, and I make him happy.’ Could she be sure of that? He had not said the words aloud either.

‘Love! Happiness!’ scoffed Lowri. ‘What good are they if Peyton is dead? Love blinds men to what matters.’

‘And what is that?

‘Survival.’

‘There is more to life than mere survival,’ said Cecily

Lowri shook her head. ‘You know nothing. You are timid and helpless. Live your life within these walls, if you like, just a bird in a cage. I will not. I am going to ride out to Laggan Woods and find these strangers who threaten us.’

‘No. You cannot. Peyton would want you here, safe, and anyway, the causeway is flooded this late in the day.’

‘Well, I don’t follow orders from any man, and the tide has not fully turned.’

Lowri headed to the stables, and Cecily stood rooted to the spot.

What could she do? Peyton’s sister would not heed her advice, and Lowri was right.

She was timid. Since Edmund Harclaw had brutalised her, she was reluctant to venture anywhere alone.

Moments later, Lowri rode out, her horse sloshing across the causeway in fetlock-deep water.

Soon, the path would be inundated, and it would be impossible to follow.

Lowri passed Selby riding in and waved at him as she thundered past. When he entered the yard and dismounted, a reckless impulse made Cecily take his horse and gallop after her.

The moment she left the walled yard, the wind almost blew her sideways, but she kept going.

It was madness to follow, but she had to prove to Lowri and to herself that she was not timid, spoiled and selfish.

***

Lowri rode like the furies, and Cecily could not catch up.

As they drew further from Fellscarp, she began to curse her folly.

The glens were unfamiliar - soft hills giving way to dark woods ahead.

Soon, she would be unable to find her way home, and even if she did, the causeway would be underwater.

They would have to send a boat over to fetch her, and the humiliation would be terrible. And when Peyton found out, he would be so angry.

Lowri was skirting the edge of thick woodland when her horse veered sideways, and three hooded riders streamed out of the trees.

She was soon surrounded.

Cecily pulled her horse into the shelter of the trees and watched with a thudding heart as they dragged Peyton’s sister off her horse.

Though she fought and kicked, she was overpowered.

A huge man dismounted and took hold of Lowri’s arms, pinning them behind her back with one hand. Then he took hold of her face with his other hand, stared down at her, and kissed her on the mouth.

When he pulled back, Lowri spat in his face, but he just wiped it and turned to his men, his booming laughter echoing down the glen.

The big man threw himself onto his big, dapple grey horse, and the others manhandled Lowri up to sit in front of him.

He circled his hand in the air, and they rode back into the woods.

Cecily gasped.

She recognised that horse.

Peyton’s sister was in the clutches of Black Eaden.