“Surely they would not marry her to the Black Douglas,” Robert said. “They are the worst lot in all of Scotland. And lowlanders at that!”
“I believe he would,” Angus said. “They have a much larger fortune than the Stewarts, and only scarcely more than us. I believe the Stewart will find opportunity wherever he can. By marrying her into that clan, he can secure control over all the lowlands.”
“We cannot let Lady Annabella marry into that clan. Alexander, you know the stories, what they have allowed to happen to foreign brides on their wedding night.”
Angus had heard the stories, too, but did not want to imagine even for one second the thought of Annabella being shared among a dozen noble lords asinitiationinto the clan. He could never stomach the thought of any such atrocity happening, but had heard the story from enough sources and enough times to suppose a portion of it must be true.
“Pass me the letter,” Angus said. He held it to the flame and smiled. In faded-out letters from her potion, he read the words: ‘HELP ME!’
“We ride immediately.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The bow of the ship crashed into enormous waves, and Annabella could barely hold on any longer. Men shouted behind her as they fought hard to drive the ship forward with their meagre oars. One snapped, then another, and another. Across the deck, Angus struggled with the rudder to keep the boat steered into the wave so they would not overturn. The long, curved piece of wood snapped and the ship veered starboard. She turned her head to port just as a massive wave swept up over the ship’s side.
She screamed and sat upright. Her hair was matted to her face from sweat, though the dream was so real she would swear it was sea spray. She drew in several deep breaths to calm her racing heart. A moment later, her cousin entered her chamber and rushed to her bedside.
“They are coming!” she said. “I just received this letter from Alexander MacDonald, and he has graciously accepted my invitation. And look!” Joan pulled Annabella out of the bed and dragged her to the fire, holding the letter to its light. In faded lettering, she read, ‘COMING FOR YOU.’
Joan embraced her. “I knew he would come, I just knew it!”
Annabella did not know what to think. Her heart still raced from the violence of her dream, and this revelation was not calming to her nerves. Ever since she had returned to Linlithgow, her father and the king had been concocting a list of possible suitors for her. The king insisted she remain in Scotland and, in addition to providing much-needed company for his wife, add to the crown’s value by marrying into a noble family like Douglas.
What the king did not consider was that Annabella had heard much about this family from her cousin, and had no intention to being wed into that family. The Douglass were expected that afternoon, and Annabella was ready to lose her belly at the thought of being in their company, much less married to one of them. Their reputation for the abuse they inflicted upon the women of their clan was infamous and horrifying. She would rather die than go with them.
But it had all been arranged. Her father had told her the day before that she would marry William Douglas in a sennight. And when she had protested, he had said she needed to get used to the idea because it was happening. He had said that all maidens feared their future husbands at first, but they came around after the wedding night. She would hold a Countess title, and her father would be greatly compensated by the king for his contribution to the Scottish dominion.
It sickened her to learn just how little consideration her father placed upon her happiness. She was his property, and he did not care if she were mistreated, as long as he received his compensation.
It had been Joan’s idea to contact Angus, and though Annabella had been hesitant at first, her instincts told her that he would help her. She had worked hard to push her feelings for him aside, and would be careful not to reveal anything while in his presence.
“When shall he arrive?”
“Within a day or two, I believe. James sent a letter to them as well, inviting them to talk terms for their fealty to him,” she grinned. “I see you wonder how I managed to learn the contents of the king’s message, but I have many loyal servants in this palace, cousin. He is not the only one with a royal seal, you know.”
“What if he finds out? Will he not be vexed with you?”
“Perhaps. But my husband loves me with his whole heart. He will understand that I am bound to protect you.”
“Thank you, cousin. I truly do not know what I would do without you.”
“You are closer to me than my own sister, and I would do anything for you.” “Thank you.” Annabella gazed out the window and then at the letter in her hand.
Angus had touched this parchment, and she had to fight the urge to hold it to her breast. Could her heart cope with seeing him again?
“Annabella, you must have faith,” Joan said. “MacDonald will come for you, and then you can be together.”
Turning toward her cousin, she said, “If only it were that simple. He made it clear he did not want me. He did not apologize, say farewell, or anything to me. Just turned his back and left. I have felt empty every day since.”
“I am sure when you talk, you will understand his point of view. Perhaps he was hurting as well. Perhaps he did not want you to go any more than you wanted to.”
“His priority is his clan, Joan. He will not fight for a way to protect themandhave me. I will not allow myself to hope for something that can never be. Perhaps asking for his aid was a mistake.”
Filled with self-doubt, Annabella turned to the window and placed her hands on either side of the stone walls. The view outside was stunning. Linlithgow Loch was long and narrow, surrounded by lush grassy embankments on either side. Huge ash trees dotted the banks, and a well-sculpted garden beckoned her. She had spent many joyous hours at her garden in London as a girl, dreaming up adventures to far-off lands. It appeared her own real-life adventure had brought her nothing but heartache.
Joan gently turned her around. “You know full well it was not a mistake. Angus MacDonald will come, and he will save you from marrying a vicious brute.”
“Do you really believe that?”
