Violet had to figure out a way to get closer to Callum. She appreciated his handsomeness, but his eyes had a solemnness to them that tore at her heart. He was troubled. Henry said when he’d last seen Callum, he was dispirited. Regardless, she needed him, and if she might help him get over his despair, they’d both benefit.
She spent the rest of the day in her chamber. Gussy found the kitchen and brought food. After they ate, Violet left the bedchamber and explored the lower level of the keep. Night came, and the main hall darkened with only a few candles lit. No one was within, and she strolled around the hall until she reached the buttery. She needed a drink to calm her unsteady nerves. Nothing was left on the sideboard, and she searched the shelves and such for something to drink. There was no mead, ale, or anything stronger than water. Violet knelt and searched the lower shelves.
“What are you doing?”
Startled, she jumped at his voice, and hit her head on the wooden shelf. Callum stood in the doorway and leaned casually on the frame. How she must have appeared with her bottom thrust out at him. Violet’s face brightened. “You frightened me. I hoped to find something to drink.”
He pulled away from the door and approached the table. His limp was more prominent than it had been earlier. “You look like you could use this.” Callum set a jug on the table and retrieved two cups from the sideboard.
“It has been a hellish day and I couldn’t sleep.”
His eyes raked over her. “Me either, lass.” He poured a good amount of liquid in her goblet and handed it to her.
Violet took it and waited for him to pour his drink. She made certain to use rule one, and forced her shoulders back, and rule two, and kept her eyes fastened on his. After he filled his cup, she raised hers. “To new friendships.”
His brow twitched but his face was sedate. “Friendships.” He tapped his cup to hers and drank.
She took a gulp and hastily swallowed. The liquid burned her chest and her eyes watered. As the liquid went down, she coughed harshly. He pounded her back.
“Take small sips. I should have mentioned, this brew is a wee bit strong, lass.”
“I shall, but it’s just what I needed. What did Henry say in his missive?” Violet continued to take small sips and relished the warmth in her chest. Within seconds, all her tension eased. She sat on the bench across from him and tried not to ogle him. His handsomeness made her nervous though, but she had to make a show of confidence, especially if she was to seduce him as she planned. At that moment, she wasn’t brazen enough to evoke rule four. To touch him would bring her extreme delight.
Callum set his goblet on the table and leaned casually on his elbows. “You didn’t read it?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t intrude on your private correspondence.”
“He told me about your predicament, that the king executed your husband. You have my condolences.”
“Thank you, ah, Laird Sinclair. Your man, Clive, told me that you’re now the laird of your clan. I suppose I should call you such. Charles was a good man and for him to die as he did… He served his country and tried to make things better but was killed for it.”
Callum drank more of his drink and peered at her over the rim of his cup. “He also mentioned the betrothal the king is set to make. The man is unworthy?”
Violet wished not to talk about that horrid day when she’d gone to London. “I had to flee for my safety. He is a knave, worse actually. If I stayed and married him, he would have harmed me. It was best I leave England until both he and the king forgets me.”
“I doubt either will. The man’s reach is far? You’re safe here, worry not. No one comes on Sinclair land without our permission, and our sentry is always on guard.”
“He won’t desist in his search of me, that I’m certain. But I’m relieved to hear your land is protected. I thank you and do feel safe here.” Violet tried not to gawk at his handsome face, but her eyes wouldn’t look away.
He leaned on the table and poured more brew into his cup. “I acted poorly, didn’t I…when you arrived? I should apologize and do so. You arrived at an inconvenient time, but it matters not now.”
“I understand, Laird Sinclair. You hadn’t expected me, a woman… Henry wasn’t clear. He can be somewhat evasive when he wants to be.”
Sinclair chuckled. “Aye, that’s the truth. He can be subtle when he wants to be. Why did you kiss me?” He took a sip of his drink and kept drinking until he emptied his cup. His dark eyes fastened on hers and stayed there.
Violet swallowed hard at the way he stared at her, and at his question. She didn’t know how to answer. “Something came over me, I suppose. I should apologize for being forward and I do. Henry didn’t say if you were married. Are you? Or are you involved with someone?”
He didn’t react to her blatant question but remained composed. “I’m not married or involved with anyone, not anymore.”
“Did you not enjoy it, ah, the kiss? What if I were to kiss you again?”
He muttered something under his breath which she didn’t catch. “You shouldn’t talk like that. And hell, aye, I liked it, but I’m not in a position to court you. There’s no time for trivialities. I want you to promise to keep your distance whilst you’re here.”
She tried not to scowl, but his demand disheartened her. “I’m sorry if I have upset you.”
“You haven’t. Some matters trouble me which have nothing to do with you.”
“I see. However, I cannot promise to keep my distance. Since I’ll likely be here for a time, we shall come across each other. But I will promise to try not to be a distraction.”
Callum set his cup on the table with a bang and rose. “It’s too late, lass, because you are a distraction, one I cannot afford. I bid you goodnight, Lady Violet.” He turned and ambled to the exit. Before he disappeared through the exit, he turned and peered at her. His look smoldered and caused heat to reach her chest.
She watched him walk away and noted his strong shoulders and the way his back narrowed as it reached his lean hips. The muscle of his calves tautened with each step. Lord, he was built firmly and pleasing to look at. He had a limp, and she pondered how painful his injury was. Henry sent along the salve, but he hadn’t told her of Callum’s need. The thought of him in pain brought forth her discontent, and his words further sunk her heart. He didn’t want her affection or distraction, but she had to somehow attract him.
Violet finished the drink which helped to ease her. Sleepiness came upon her, and she returned to her bed. Beneath the covers, she tossed and thought of Callum. If only she knew what troubled him and how to please him. She hoped to see his smile; certain he had devilishly handsome dimples on his smooth cheeks. He didn’t want her kisses, but that’s all she longed to do―to feel his manly lips pressed against hers again. God help her, she was completely infatuated with the man.
She finally fell asleep, and hours later, she awoke refreshed. The journey and events of the day before exhausted her, yet thrilled her at the same time. When Henry asked her to journey to Scotland and win the favor of Callum, she hadn’t expected him to be as likable or affecting. She rose and readied for her day, and was eager to encounter him again.
Violet ate a small breakfast and retrieved her cloak. Gussy disappeared, and she hadn’t seen her since she rose. The morning brightened and called to her. The sun showed itself, and the rain that soaked the ground would probably be gone by noon. She pulled on her cloak and set out for a walk around the keep.
Behind the castle sat a low-lying wall. Beyond it situated a fenced-in garden. It was barren but would be planted once spring arrived. How she loved to garden and to bring plants and vegetables to life. Her favorite thing about gardening was digging in the soil and the scent of dirt.
She settled on the wall and gazed at the cottages beyond, which scattered near a sloped hill. Early risers scurried about their morning chores. The breeze lifted her tresses and whipped them about her face. Violet used her fingers to uncover her eyes, but the wind blew ferociously. A chilly gust of wind seemed to go through her. Someone pushed her from behind, and she fell from the wall.
Violet landed on her shoulder and arm. She lay there a moment, and when she caught her breath, she peered above to see who had pushed her. There was no one about, but she did not doubt that someone shoved her. Pain throbbed in her shoulder and arm, and she rubbed it to abate the discomfort. A screech sounded similar to the young girl she heard the day before in the hall.
Callum appeared and gazed down at her. She didn’t move because the pain hadn’t subsided, and she was embarrassed to be found in such a position.
“Lady Violet, are you hurt? Dela came inside crying and said you were hurt.”
Her cheeks heated and she lowered her gaze. “I…fell and hurt my arm.”
Callum jumped over the wall and landed next to her. He grimaced when he lifted her in his arms. “Lass, you should be more careful.”
She rejoiced at being held by him again. “I wasn’t…” Violet was about to tell him she wasn’t careless but decided against it. “You are gallant, but I only hurt my arm and can stand.” She didn’t want him to injure himself further, even if she enjoyed being in his arms. He let her slide from his hold, and as he did, she felt the hardness of his chest and torso. She stood close, and as much as the pain affected her, happiness bubbled inside.
“Who is Dela?”
Callum turned to face the door and twitched a finger. “This is Dela, my daughter.”
The girl slunk forward with fear in her eyes.
Violet knelt and held the child’s look. “Don’t be afraid. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dela.” The child couldn’t be more than five or six in years.
“Come and greet Lady Violet,” Callum said.
Dela shuffled forward and curtseyed. “I saw you…fell.”
“Yes, I did, but I shall be well. Thank you for getting help.” Violet suspected the girl saw the person who had pushed her. She also considered the child protected whoever tried to hurt her by saying she fell because she hadn’t fallen. Dela wasn’t strong enough to push her. There had to be someone else in the garden moments ago.
Callum waved the girl away. “Dela return to the hall and finish your breakfast. I must return as well. You’re certain you are unharmed, Lady Violet?”
“I am and thank you.”
They left her, and she looked down at her soaked skirts. How mortifying to appear disheveled. She returned to her chamber to change her garments. Throughout the rest of the day, she paced her chamber and considered her options. The seduction was on as far as she was concerned. Violet waited until supper to venture to the hall. Only a handful of people had gathered. A stew and bread sat on the table. She and Gussy poured a portion of the stew and took a seat on the bench.
Dela ran into the hall, followed by the woman who chased after her the day before.
Violet quickly swallowed the bread she’d eaten, and said, “We haven’t met yet. I’m Violet and this is Gussy. We’re guests of Laird Sinclair.”
The woman smirked, and her brows furrowed. “Laird Sinclair? So Callum has agreed to be the chieftain. That is news to me.”
Violet didn’t know what to make of her comment and returned her attention to the stew. The woman hadn’t told her who she was, and her rudeness didn’t go unnoticed. Obviously, she was an unfriendly sort. Yet that wouldn’t deter Violet from being kind.
“Thank you, Dela, for helping me earlier. You were brave to get your father.”
The woman’s eyes widened as if she was surprised. “Callum allowed the lass in his presence?”
Violet kept her expression serene, even though the woman’s question brought forth her confusion. “Yes, I fell, you see, and Dela went to get help. Why would Callum not allow her in his presence?”
The woman smirked again. “He doesn’t leave his chamber. I suspect he detests the lass, and for good reason. I find I’m not hungry after all.” She rose and left the hall without a farewell or parting.
Dela fidgeted with a piece of bread and was quiet.
“Is that true? Does your father detest you?” She hadn’t meant to ask the little one such a question and spoke before she gave it a thought.
Before Dela answered, Clive joined them. “Milady, Callum doesn’t detest his daughter. Why would you ask such a question? He’s only returned from the border and…he doesn’t want to upset the lass, so he has kept to his chamber.”
“Why would he upset her?”
Clive took a bowl of stew offered by Gussy. “Thank you, Mistress. He hasn’t been himself since he returned, but I expect that’s about to change.”
Violet wanted to ask questions, but she didn’t want to put Clive in an awkward position. Her curiosity got the better of her though. “Why would that change now?”
Clive shrugged his shoulder as if he didn’t want to answer, but he did so as she kept her gaze on him. “It’s about time he let go of the past, and he’s finally accepted his fate.”
The more he said, the more confusing his comments. She asked the one question she wanted answered the most. “Where is Dela’s mother?”
Clive ate a mouthful of stew and grunted.
“Mama died. Hawisa says she’s the devil’s bride now.”
Violet gasped and scowled at the girl’s dejected face and words. Why would someone say such a horrid thing to a child? “Who is Hawisa?”
“She was just here, and is our cousin and takes care of the lass. Dela,” he said to the child, “your mother is not in hell. Hawisa wouldn’t say that. You must be mistaken.” Clive said to her, “She’s a wee mite and probably mistook Hawisa’s words.”
“Does Callum eat with the family? I expected him to be here…” She hoped he attended, but he hadn’t come to dine with them.
“Nay, he never eats with us, Milady. On the morrow, I’ll be pleased to show you around the castle and grounds, if you’d like.”
She finished the meal and pushed her trencher forward. “I should like that. Dela, would you like to come along? I would like your company.”
The girl nodded and got off the bench. She appeared to want to say something, but her eyes fell on Clive and she lowered her chin.
“It’s off to bed with you, lass. Don’t make Hawisa angry.”
Violet bid them goodnight, and made her way to the chamber she shared with Gussy. They settled on the comfortable bedding. A fire lit the small hearth and sent warmth throughout. The room was unlike any she’d ever stayed in. A large bed sat in the center of the room and was covered with soft covers of various fabrics, even above with a canopy. Beneath, a featherbed lent to the comfort, and woven rugs warmed the floor.
On one side of the room, a glass window faced the back wall of the fortification and beyond lay water as far as the eye could see. On the other side, a large tapestry lined the wall next to the doorway. It depicted a scene of people where a man was being handed a sword by a lady. It was finely done and colorful and to her romantic.
Gussy pounded her pillow and settled for the night. “That woman was being attentive only to figure you out. Trust me, My Lady, I’ve run into her sort before. Beneath her false smile is a cunning woman. I wouldn’t trust her.”
“If that is so, she will show her true self eventually. A snake always sheds its skin.”
Gussy snickered. “A viper does.”
“Where did you hear of such?”
“Wycliffe’s scriptures, My Lady, there are all sorts of evil creatures mentioned in the writings.”
Violet grinned at her friend’s brilliance. Most in Gussy’s position didn’t take the time to learn to write and read, but she insisted, and Violet spent a good many hours teaching her. The only reason she had learned, was her father had wanted her to be intelligent enough to read his messages when his eyes failed.
“Best not speak of Wycliffe. I’ve heard the church frowns upon him and his reformation. He will probably be reprimanded by the Archbishop and excommunicated, or worse.”
Gussy laughed. “I doubt that because too many read his scriptures. What do you wish to do on the morrow?”
“I am forbidden to leave the castle or its grounds, but you weren’t.” She raised her brows and smiled shrewdly.
Gussy bellowed, pulled her hair back, and secured it beneath her nightcap. “Are you suggesting I mingle with the Sinclairs? That’s a fair idea, My Lady. I shall do so.”
“I need to find out more about the laird and why he hides in his chamber. How he came to be injured, and what happened to his wife—”
“Why do you want to know that? Oh, I see how it is. I could tell you were taken with him.”
“Nonsense, Gussy. I just need to know everything about him, if I’m to help him.”
“Help him? You mean to take him as a lover. You wouldn’t bother unless you weren’t taken with him. He is handsome. And golly, those lips. Never saw a man with such full sweet lips. Can you imagine what it must be like to be kissed by him? I vow he’s your kind of man.”
Violet scoffed. “What kind of man?”
Gussy laughed with a shine to her eyes. “The comely kind. You always said you’d swoon when his likeness came near us. Your laird is tall and has no belly fat, gracious be. His face is smooth, striking, and his garments tidy. He’s practically the perfect man. And his eyes were…?”
“Light brown with flecks of gold…”
Gussy snickered. “I don’t recall the color of his hair, but you know the exact shade of his eyes.”
“He had light brown hair with streaks of… Damn you, Gussy, I admit, I found him attractive.”
“Even his naked knees? Now, those I did take my fill of. You’d think with his infirm, he’d be soft and pouchy, but nay, he is strong and hard-looking. Maybe this is the man you’ve waited for all your adulthood? The man to finally draw you to his bed? If you need advice, My Lady, I am happy to oblige. To seduce a man is rather easy, just remember the rules. Once you kiss him, you’ll know what to do.”
Violet threw a pillow at her and laughed. “On the morrow, find out what you can. And I have already kissed him.”
Gussy gasped. “Well, don’t leave me in the dark. What happened? Did he kiss you, or did you kiss him?”
Her cheeks heated. “I kissed him. He reacted, so perhaps he was tempted.”
“Oh, this is scandalous but wonderful. So you were affected? Was it passionate? Did you feel it to your toes?” She snickered.
Violet nodded. “But afterward, he withdrew. I must figure out a way to draw him closer.”
“The rules of enticement should help. Just remember to use your body, eyes, smile, touch, and be confident. No man can resist a woman who uses the rules.”
“You make it sound easy.” She fluffed her pillow and laid her head on it.
“Easier than making bread, My Lady,” Gussy said and laughed. “I may search out Clive for he’s also well-favored, although, he’s a bit scruffier than your man. I wouldn’t mind staring at his naked knees either, but his red hair…” She made a sour face.
The sky hadn’t darkened, and Violet wasn’t sleepy. She tossed about in the bed and pondered how she’d seduce the laird. He had returned her kiss, and there was definitely something between them. Then she got to thinking about her mishap on the wall. Someone pushed her, of that she was certain. Why would anyone want to hurt her? Violet didn’t want to cause Callum’s concern and said nothing. Hopefully, the person wouldn’t try to harm her again.
She forced herself to close her eyes. Still, sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind settled on envisioning Callum, his haunting eyes, hard lips, and taut body. She was an enamored fool.