Amanda Scott - [Border Trilogy 2]
The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Copyright © 2009 by Lynne Scott-Drennan
Excerpt from Tamed by a Laird copyright © 2009 by Lynne Scott-Drennan. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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First eBook Edition: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-446-55735-1
Contents
Author’s Note
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
Epilogue
A Preview of "Tamed by a Laird"
PRAISE FOR AMANDA SCOTT’S SCOTTISH ADVENTURES
BORDER LASS
“4½ Stars! TOP PICK! Readers will be thrilled . . . a tautly written, deeply emotional love story steeped in the rich history of the Borders. Scott’s use of real events and people enables her to subtly move readers into the characters’ mindsets, which greatly enriches the story.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“5 Stars! A thrilling tale, rife with villains and notorious plots . . . Scott demonstrates again her expertise in the realm of medieval Scotland. She combines a passionate love story with a detailed understanding of those dangerous times . . . a fascinating story. I highly recommend Border Lass.”
—FallenAngelReviews.com
“Scott excels at creating memorable characters . . . A good read.”
—FreshFiction.com
BORDER WEDDING
“4½ Stars! TOP PICK! Not only do her characters leap off the pages, the historical events do too. This is more than entertainment and romance; this is historical romance as it was meant to be.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“4½ Hearts! A very enjoyable read that is rich in history . . . Ms. Scott’s next book will be another must-read.”
—NightOwlRomance.com
“5 Stars! Amanda Scott has possibly written the best historical in ages! . . . There was not a part of this story that was not enjoyable . . . the best book to come along in a long time.”
—FallenAngelReviews.com
“A journey you won’t want to miss! Scott’s gift is her ability to create people you want to know. No matter the conflict or the story line, you’re always drawn to the people. Border Wedding, the first novel in a new trilogy, is no exception. Another winner!”
—FreshFiction.com
“Wonderful . . . full of adventure and history . . . Scott is obviously well-versed on life in the fourteenth century, and she brings her knowledge to the page . . . an excellent story for both the romance reader and the history buff. I’m anxious to read others by Scott in the future.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Don’t miss this beautiful historic tale.”
—BookCoveReviews.com
“A fun, light read . . . Scott’s vivid attention to details makes you feel as if you are indeed visiting Scotland each and every time you pick up her delightful book.”
—ArmchairInterviews.com
“A winner . . . Few authors do medieval romances as consistently excellent as Amanda Scott’s . . . brings to life the late fourteenth century.”
—HarrietKlausner.wwwi.com
“Well-written narrative and dialogue . . . exciting plot . . . Border Wedding proves great stories of Scotland don’t only arise out of the Highlands.”
—RomRevToday.com
KING OF STORMS
“4 Stars! An exhilarating novel . . . with a lively love story . . . Scott brings the memorable characters from her previous novels together in an exciting adventure romance.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“Passionate and breathtaking . . . Amanda Scott’s King of Storms keeps the tension moving as she continues her powerful saga of the Macleod sisters.”
—NovelTalk.com
“A terrific tale starring two interesting lead characters who fight, fuss, and fall in love . . . Rich in history and romance, fans will enjoy the search for the Templar treasure and the Stone of Scone.”
—Midwest Book Review
“An engaging tale with well-written characters, and a wonderful plot that will keep readers turning pages . . . Fans of historical romances will be delighted with King of Storms.”
—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
“Enjoyable . . . moves at a fast pace . . . It was difficult to put the book down.”
—BookLoons.com
“Intrigue and danger . . . Readers will enjoy the adventures and sweet romance.”
—RomRevToday.com
“Enchanting . . . a thrilling adventure . . . a must read . . . King of Storms is a page-turner. A sensual, action-packed romance sure to satisfy every heart. Combine this with a battle of wits, a test of strength, faith, and honor, and you have one great read.”
—FreshFiction.com
KNIGHT’S TREASURE
“An enjoyable book for a quiet evening at home. If you are a fan of historical romance with a touch of suspense, you don’t want to miss this book.”
—LoveRomanceAndMore.com
“Filled with tension, deceptions, and newly awakened passions. Scott gets better and better.”
—NovelTalk.com
LADY’S CHOICE
“Terrific . . . with an exhilarating climax. Scott is at the top of her game with this deep historical tale.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Enjoyable . . . The premise of Scott’s adventure romance is strong.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“A page-turner . . . her characters are a joy to read. Lady’s Choice is sure to delight medieval historical fans.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Plenty of suspense and action and a delightful developing love story . . . Another excellent story from Scott.”
—RomanceReviewsMag.com
PRINCE OF DANGER
“Phenomenal.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“RITA Award–winning Scott has a flair for colorful, convincing characterization.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Exhilarating . . . fabulous . . . action-packed . . . Fans of fast-paced historical tales . . . will want to read Amanda Scott’s latest.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Amanda Scott is a phenomenal writer . . . I am not sure if perfection can be improved upon, but that is exactly what she has done in her latest offering.”
—RomanceReaderAtHeart.com
LORD OF THE ISLES
“Ms. Scott’s diverse, marvelous, unforgettable characters in this intricate plot provide hours of pure pleasure.”
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p; —Rendezvous
“Scott pits her strong characters against one another and fate. She delves into their motivations, bringing insight into them and the thrilling era in which they live.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
“Amanda Scott writes great tales.”
—RomanceReviewsMag.com
“Ms. Scott’s storytelling is amazing . . . a captivating tale of intrigue . . . This is a definite keeper.”
—CoffeeTimeRomance.com
A HIGHLAND PRINCESS
“Fast-moving, exciting, and soaring to heights of excellence, this one is a winner.”
—Rendezvous
“Delightful historical starring two fabulously intelligent lead characters . . . Grips the audience from the onset and never [lets] go.”
—Affaire de Coeur
“Perfect for readers who enjoy romances with a rich sense of history.”
—Booklist
“A fabulous medieval Scottish romance.”
—Midwest Book Review
“A marvelously rendered portrait of medieval Scotland, terrific characters, and a dynamic story.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine
OTHER BOOKS BY AMANDA SCOTT
BORDER LASS
Border Wedding
KING OF STORMS
KNIGHT’S TREASURE
LADY’S CHOICE
PRINCE OF DANGER
LORD OF THE ISLES
HIGHLAND PRINCESS
THE SECRET CLAN: REIVER’S BRIDE
THE SECRET CLAN: HIGHLAND BRIDE
THE SECRET CLAN: HIDEN HEIRESS
THE SECRET CLAN: ABDUCTED HEIRESS
BORDER FIRE
BORDER STORM
BORDER BRIDE
HIGHLAND FLING
HIGHLAND SECRETS
HIGHLAND TREASURE
HIGHLAND SPIRITS
THE BAWDY BRIDE
DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS
DANGEROUS ANGELS
DANGEROUS GAMES
DANGEROUS LADY
THE ROSE AT TWILIGHT
To the real ladies Nancy and Averil, wonderful friends and boon companions
We’ll have moonlight again!
—Scotts of Harden, motto and reivers’ cry
Author’s Note
For readers who appreciate assistance with meaning and pronunciation:
Buccleuch = Buh-CLOO
East, West, or Middle March = Border jurisdictions on each side
Hawick = HOYK
Of that Ilk = of the same. Sir John Edmonstone of that Ilk = Sir John Edmonstone of Edmonstone
The Douglas = the (Scottish) Earl of Douglas
The Percy = the (English) Earl of Northumberland
Prologue
St. Giles Kirk, Edinburgh, 1386
“No.”
The young bride’s single decisive word silenced the rustling of the noble wedding guests’ movements and whispers.
The priest, having just asked the stout, elegantly dressed groom if he would take fourteen-year-old Lady Sibylla Cavers as his wife, now shifted his gaze to her.
“My daughter,” he said sternly, “I was asking his lordship if he would take you as his wife. Prithee, keep silent until I address you.”
The wedding guests saw only her slender back and thus could not read her expression. But her very posture expressed her indignation.
Her hip-long, wavy auburn hair glinted golden in the glow of the cressets on the arcade separating the new south aisle from the nave. That aisle, as most of Edinburgh knew, owed its existence to the generosity of the bride’s father, Sir Malcolm Cavers, Lord of Akermoor.
The groom—nearer Sir Malcolm’s age than Sibylla’s— turned to gape at her. His jowls were aquiver. His thick lower lip protruded.
Ignoring him, she faced the priest. “It cannot matter how Lord Galston answers you, Father,” she said as firmly and clearly as before. “I do have the right to refuse him, do I not? My godfather said I do.”
“A good daughter obeys the commands of her father,” the priest declared.
“I am a good daughter, but I don’t want Lord Galston for my husband. The Douglas, my godfather, said I need not have him. Was he wrong?”
The priest stared at her, his heavy frown making most of the spectators glad he had not directed it at them.
They held their communal breath, fearful of missing a word.
Heads turned toward Sir Malcolm. He stood at the foot of the chancel steps, his grim profile visible to nearly everyone save the bridal couple.
His face flamed red and his jaw jutted forward.
The priest looked at him. The bride did not.
“My lord,” the priest said. “You know the answer to her ladyship’s question. What would you have me do?”
Grimacing, Sir Malcolm shook his head. “Ye can do nowt,” he muttered.
The lady Sibylla turned, gathered her skirts in a graceful, swooping gesture, and descended the chancel steps. Head high, acknowledging no one, she turned toward the south aisle.
As the congregation watched in stunned silence, she walked with dignity far beyond her tender years outside into Edinburgh’s High Street.
Selkirk, Allhallows’ Day, 1387
As fifteen-year-old Sibylla Cavers walked beside her father toward the altar of the wee kirk, she saw that he had invited few guests. But she could scarcely blame him after what had happened the first time he’d arranged for her to marry.
With the banns mysteriously omitted this time, just two lay brothers and a few curious citizens were in the kirk that drizzly November day to view the sacred rite and help alleviate the damp chill. Shivering, Sibylla studied the handsome young man who awaited her with the priest at the altar.
She had never met the bridegroom before. But, as her father had promised, this one did seem a better choice for her than the aged Lord Galston. For one thing, this man was only six years older than she was, surely a better match for her than any rotund graybeard.
The dark-tawny hair beneath his plumed blue velvet cap was neatly trimmed. His expensively clad figure boasted broad shoulders, slim hips, and legs both powerful- looking and shapely in their dark hose. His eyes seemed a bit fierce under jutting eyebrows darker than his hair, but fierce eyes did not scare Sibylla. At first glance, she thought him intriguing.
She had enjoyed a few mild flirtations, and was growing used to men of every age—including her brother Hugh’s friends—making clear their approval of her beauty. So she waited for that familiar look to appear on the face of her intended.
He continued to regard her without any change of expression other than what seemed to be a touch of chilly impatience.
Aware that she had inherited her mother’s generous wedding portion on that lady’s unfortunate demise ten years before, Sibylla eyed the young man more intently as she offered him a warm smile.
He remained coldly somber.
At the chancel steps, her father moved away after declaring himself willing to give her in marriage. With easy grace, she went up the steps, stopped nearer her bridegroom than the priest had indicated, and said confidingly, “You might at least smile, sir. You look as if you are attending a funeral.”
Instead, he glanced irritably at the priest. That worthy said, “My lady, you should look at me and not speak except to repeat your vows.”
Ignoring him, Sibylla smiled again at her intended. “My father told me you were all eagerness, sir,” she said. “But you never came to visit me, and now you do not return my smile. In troth, I begin to doubt his word.”
“This discourse is unseemly, Father,” the groom said. “Pray, proceed.”
“Nay, then, do not, Father,” Sibylla said. “I will have none of him.”
As she turned away, her erstwhile bridegroom said testily, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Home,” she said. “You do not want me, and I do not want you.”
“By heaven, no one humiliates me like this!” he exclaimed.
The words he shouted at her then rang in her ears for days afterward:
“I’ll never forgive you, you impudent snip! You will rue this day!”
Akermoor Castle, Lothian, April 1388
After each of her two aborted weddings, Sibylla had faced her furious father and endured his rebukes. She knew she deserved them, if only for disappointing him, and had felt profound relief that his reaction had not been more violent.
On both occasions, after he had roared at her, she had tried to explain her reasons. But Lord Galston’s having been too old for her and his successor too coldly arrogant had not impressed Sir Malcolm.
The third time, she recognized her error sooner. The ceremony was to take place at Akermoor, so she simply sent a message downstairs to the priest and did not show herself. Accordingly, she expected Sir Malcolm’s wrath to engulf her.
“What manner of complaint can ye have this time?” he demanded. “In sooth, ye said Thomas Colville suited ye fine.”
“I had seen him only at court with companies of people,” Sibylla replied. “Thomas seemed charming then and kind. But since he has been here at Akermoor, I have found not one thing about which we can talk.”
“Ye’ll talk enough after ye’re married!”
“He leers at the maidservants, sir, and cares only for his own wishes,” she said. Fearing that Sir Malcolm would see nothing amiss in that either, she added, “He also complained unceasingly that Hugh was not here to bear him company.”
“Any man prefers the company of other men,” her father retorted. “His wife is meant to look after his home and his bairns, no to demand his constant attention. Moreover, if ye meant to refuse him, ye should have said as much before now.”
“I did, sir. You did not listen. Apparently, that, too, is the nature of men.”
“I’ll stand nae more of your sauce!” he roared. “Your sister Alice will soon need a husband, and although I’d a mind to see ye wedded afore her, ye’ve had your chance, Sibylla—three of them! I’ll do nae more for ye. Ye’ll always have your home here, but ye’ll look after Alice till she weds and then ye’ll look after yourself and me. So look now at your future, ye foolish lass, and weep for it!”
But Sibylla did not weep.
Instead, as usual, she took matters into her own capable hands.