The music had already begun.
A haunting melody surrounded Kristen, filling her with awe. She hadn't realized what a festive event these games would be. Glancing out the window, she saw the men gathering in groups talking. The bagpipes played behind them. Such a sweet sound, she thought. Somewhere in her vague memory she remembered hearing bagpipes as a child.
Today, she truly felt like a Scot, dressed in her blue plaid. Her finger traced the fine yellow line that darted through the plaid, proclaiming for all who saw that she was a Johnstone.
Taking the long drape of plaid material, she tossed it over her shoulder and secured it, then announced herself ready.
Her hair hung loose down her back, and she was trying to decide whether to tie it or let it hang free when Keely marched through the door.
"Are ye ready?" Keely asked.
"I think so." Kristen smiled. "Should I tie my hair back?"
"I didn't."
Kristen held her hands out and twirled, showing the swirl of her skirt. "How do I look?"
"Like a Johnstone." Keely grinned. "And exactly like me."
"'Tis true. 'Tis like looking in a mirror."
Once outside, Kristen confessed to her sister, "I've never seen anything like this. Look at the colorful flags and there are so many tents. They remind me of wild mushrooms."
Keely laughed. "I never thought of it like that, but ye're right." Arm and arm, the twins strolled to the top of the hill.
"Just look at those brawny men," Kristen said. They were much bigger than the men she was accustomed to seeing when she had lived near the docks.
"'Tis the same every year. There is one in particular that is so big." Keely held out her hands. "He reminds me of a barbarian."
"Does he frighten ye?"
"Nay."
Kristen looked sharply at her sister, and she detected a special light in her twin's eyes. "I believe ye like this barbarian."
"Aye," Keely admitted with a blush. "He's almost as good looking as yer Trevor."
Kristen frowned. "I'm not so sure he is my Trevor anymore. He hasn't been tae see me or sent any word. Probably doesn't think about me at all."
"Perhaps he thinks ye dinna want tae see him."
"Why would he think such a thing?"
"Because ye dinna say a thing about going with him after the trial. Ye just meekly came with us."
"He told me to go!"
"He might have said one thing, but felt another," Keely said wisely. I know he was very concerned when he came here tae get our help. He was determined tae get ye out of jail."
"Well he accomplished that, then politely sent me on my way," Kristen huffed.
"Kristen," a youthful voice called from behind them, and they both turned.
"Look, 'tis Hagan and a groom," Keely said.
Kristen gasped. "'Tis no groom. 'Tis Trevor."
"Well, now ye have yer answer. He's come for ye," Keely whispered.
Trevor and Hagan dismounted and handed their horses over to a groom, then proceeded to the top of the hill where the women stood. Hagan seemed eager to scamper ahead, but Trevor held him back.
Unable to move, Kristen could only watch. She had wanted to see Trevor so badly and now he was here. She held her breath. Trevor was dressed casually in a white linen shirt and black britches, and, of course, shiny Hessian boots. He looked wonderful, even more so than she remembered.
Lord, how could a mon look so good? she thought. And why did she have to be in love with him?
Hagan ran up and hugged her. "Have the games begun?"
"I dinna know. 'Tis where we are headed now."
Trevor stood before her. Kristen found herself remembering the time when she had asked him to teach her how to kiss. They had certainly mastered that technique. She wondered what he would say if she asked for another lesson.
He hadn't reached out to touch her, nor had he turned from her.
He looked so handsome. His hair was a little longer than the last time she had seen him, his stubborn jaw a little more prominent. Then there were his eyes . . . those wonderful eyes with their mixture of blue and green, but a grayish turquoise. Today they were stormy, being neither blue or green.
Her heart began to hammer in her chest as he gazed at her. Why didn't he say something . . . anything? Why didn't he take her into his arms?
Trevor had gone over what he would say to Kristen when he saw her at least a hundred times in his mind. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember a word of that speech. God, she was beautiful. That glorious red hair hung in disarray around her shoulders and the sun seemed to catch each strand, making it sparkle like hot gold. Her emerald eyes seemed to trap his gaze. They glittered with uncertainty, and he realized she felt the same things he did. However, this time they were going to get a few things straight between them before they reacted.
He reached out and pulled her to him. Thank God, she responded, wrapping her arms around him. It had been too long . . . much too long. "I've missed you," he whispered.
"I've missed ye, too." Kristen's heart soared until she heard his next words.
"We have to talk," Trevor said with absolutely no emotion in his voice as Ian walked briskly toward them.
"So, you've decided tae come," Ian said.
"I told you I would be here," Trevor replied, stepping away from Kristen.
"What is this about?" Kristen asked, confusion made her frown.
"Today, yer husband is going tae prove he's mon enough for ye," Ian said as he looked at her.
"I dinna understand." Kristen looked at her grandfather with surprise.
"Since Trevor never asked me properly for yer hand, I've challenged him tae compete against these fine Scottish lads."
"He doesn't have tae," Kristen protested.
Trevor glared at Ian. "Yes, I do."
Ian chuckled. "Then, I suggest ye go and get dressed, or have ye not noticed ye are dressed differently from the rest?"
"Are you going to wear one of those skirts?" Hagan asked.
"It appears so." Trevor frowned.
Hagan laughed.
Trevor took him by the hand. "Come on young man," Trevor pulled Hagan along with him. "If I can wear a dress so can you."
Ian showed them to a tent where he had clothes laid out for them.
Kristen wasn't sure how she felt about any of this until Trevor emerged from the tent. She stared at him, feeling very proud to have him in the Johnstone colors. For some reason, Trevor looked so much bigger in the tartan. And Hagan was adorable, even though he was frowning and brushing his kilt with his hand.
Trevor took Hagan over to where the other children were playing, and Kristen and Keely followed their grandfather.
Some fifty yards in front of them, the first game had begun. Two big men nodded to Ian, then moved over to speak with him.
One had to be the barbarian Keely had spoken of. Kristen found she agreed with her sister's description. He had brown hair that hung way past his shoulders and very dark brown eyes. He was as tall as a mountain and his body just as wide, and he certainly had a glimmer in his eye as he looked at her twin.
"'Tis a fine day for the games, Ian," the second man said. He had blond hair and eyes as green as the grass they stood upon. He was no small man, either.
"I'm glad ye could come, Malcolm." Ian swatted Malcolm on the arm.
Malcolm peered around Ian, then straightened, his expression startled. "What have we here? Ye have two of the same," Malcolm remarked, his eyes never leaving Kristen.
"Malcolm Scott and Gillionan McDougald, I'd like ye tae meet my granddaughter, Kristen."
Malcolm immediately stepped in front of Kristen. "Where has Ian been hiding ye, lass?" He took her hand. "I do believe I've lost me heart."
"Then I suggest you find it quickly," Trevor said, moving beside her, and glaring at Malcolm.
"And who might ye be, Englishmon?" Malcolm asked with a frown.
"Her husband."
Malcolm swung around to Ian. "'Tis unfair, Ian. Ye been promisin' the winner of the games could have a kiss from yer granddaughter."
"Kristen has been without a husband for awhile. We were not too sure Trevor was coming. But being that he has agreed tae participate in our games, the offer still stands. The winner of all still gets a kiss from either of my granddaughters." Ian's smiled widened as he watched Trevor. "Ye havena changed yer mind, have ye?"
"I haven't," Trevor assured him. "Let's get on with it."
"Wait." Kristen tugged on her grandfather's sleeve. "Trevor doesn't have tae prove anything tae me."
"Aye, but he does tae me," Ian stated with his hands on his hips, looking very much like the laird that he was. "'Tis been three months since ye've last see him." Ian looked pointedly at Kristen, his brow arched. "And if he'd asked me properly before he wed you, he would have tae have prove himself tae me."
"But--"
"Stay out of this, Kristen," Trevor snapped. "It's time that I demonstrate to your grandfather that I can beat any of these Scottish lads."
"We'll see about that, Englishmon," Malcolm stated, then stalked over to where the game was being played.
Ian and Trevor followed Malcolm and Gillionan. No one had ever been jealous over her, and the thought filled Kristen with wonder. Trevor had most certainly acted jealous. Did that mean he did care for her, or was it just that she was his possession? Perhaps, he'd come to tell her he wanted a divorce. After all, he'd said they had to talk. Somehow the day didn't seem as bright as it had before.
Keely punched her sister in the side. "What did ye think of Gillionan?" she whispered.
"He's a fine one," Kristen admitted, trying to shake off her gloominess for her family's sake. "I think he likes you."
"I hope so. He makes my knees go weak," Keely admitted with a giggle.
"Aye, I know the feeling," Kristen confessed as they followed the men to the playing field. "What is this game they are playing?"
"'Tis the stone toss."
"That doesn't look like a stone tae me."
"'Tis a big stone," Keely said, but Kristen noticed her twin's gaze had settled firmly on Gillionan. "About sixteen pounds, I believe Grandfather said."
"What do they do with it?" Kristen asked with a wry smile, knowing her sister would rather watch Gillionan flexing his muscles than tell her about the game.
"That board there is a toe board," Keely finally said, her eyes still on Gillionan. "They canna go past it. They take the stone, place it on their shoulder and under their chin. Then they whirl around and throw the stone. They get three throws, but only the longest counts."
Kristen watched as Malcolm picked up the huge round stone. "This one's for ye, lass." He nodded toward Kristen, and winked.
Kristen couldn't help but smile. He really was being brash. But the minute she smiled, Trevor frowned.
Malcolm's throws were good. Each one further than the last.
The next five men came nowhere close to Malcolm's distance. Finally, it was Trevor's turn.
Malcolm looked at Trevor. "I believe ye'll have a tough time, Englishmon. I'll be enjoying the kiss I'm tae receive from yer wife."
"Like hell you will," Trevor ground out as he picked up the stone with very little effort and placed it on his shoulder.
Kristen was surprised at the muscles she saw in Trevor's arms when he lifted the stone. Then she remembered she'd first seen Trevor aboard a ship where he must have done some heavy work. He was just as brawny as the other men.
Trevor's first shot fell half the distance of Malcolm's shortest toss.
"Got tae do better than that, Englishmon," Malcolm taunted.
Trevor didn't bother to respond. His second shot was disqualified because his toe went over the line. This time he swore and Malcolm laughed.
The muscles tightened in Trevor's jaw as he picked up the stone again. He paused before he threw, making sure he had the stone position just right. Kristen held her breath, as he concentrated very hard. Suddenly, he spun around and heaved the stone and sent it soaring through the air. The crowd hushed as the rock sailed by them to land six inches further than Malcolm's.
Kristen applauded and cheered, which produced a big smile from her husband. Maybe the day would turn out well, after all.
The games went on all afternoon. Some Trevor won and some Malcolm won. It was as if they the only competitors.
During a break in the men's competition, Kristen and Keely decided to check on Hagan. On the way, they passed a group of ladies playing a game.
"What are they doing?" Kristen asked, pointing to a group of laughing women.
"They're tossing the Wellie."
"It looks like a boot to me."
Keely laughed. "It is. I was told the game started when the men would come home from the fields, and would enter the house with muddy boots, tracking mud onto the freshly washed floor. As ye can imagine, the women who had been hard at work all day scrubbing the floors were so angry that they grabbed up the boots, chased the men out of the house, and threw the offending boots at them."
Kristen laughed. "So now 'tis a game tae see who can throw the boot the farthest?"
"That's right." Keely nodded. "Would ye like tae play?"
"Nay. I've had no experience thus far throwing anything," Kristen admitted. "The truth be told, I dinna feel much like a wife."
"Ye've not had a normal marriage, thus far." Keely squeezed Kristen's arm. "It will get better."
They found Hagan playing with ten other children.
Hagan looked up and, spotting his sister, ran to her. "I don't have to go, do I?"
"Nay, I was just checking to see what ye were up to."
"They have all kinds of games," Hagan said, the excitement showing in his eyes. "They're going to teach me to hurl the Haggis. They like to throw everything." Hagan looked around. "Where is Trevor?"
"He is still competing with the other men. Right now they are resting."
"Is he winning?"
"Aye."
Hagan giggled.
"What's so funny?"
Hagan motioned for his sister to bend down so he could whisper. "Trevor said Hell would freeze over before he lost to a Scot," Hagan informed her, then ran back to his friends.
Kristen shook her head and then wandered over to where Keely stood. The music played, and they watched the Scottish dancers dancing around the swords. But no matter where she went in the crowd, her mind was on Trevor.
Soon it was time to eat. They spread out blankets and some food and were joined by Trevor, Ian and Gillionan. They feasted on roasted chicken and crusty bread prepared by the cooks.
"Ye've proven yerself well," Ian said to Trevor. "However, Malcolm got the best of ye the last game. Are ye worried?"
"Has anyone ever told you that you're a crafty old buzzard?"
"I believe I've heard that from ye." Ian chuckled.
Kristen marveled at what she was seeing and hearing. Her grandfather and Trevor were actually joking with one another. Maybe after the talk she had with her grandfather he had softened, but that still didn't explain Trevor's change. Before she'd only heard him say bad things about the Johnstones. What was going on that she didn't understand?"
Trevor leaned back on his elbows. "What is the next event?"
"'Tis the caber toss. The hardest game of all. It carries twice the points."
Trevor had an odd expression on his face as he asked, "When?"
"Half an hour. We'll give everyone's meal a chance tae settle a wee bit," Ian said as he got to his feet and stretched his back. "If ye'll excuse me, I'd best check on the rest of our guests."
After Ian left, Trevor leaned over and whispered something to Keely. She nodded her head in answer. Then he looked at Kristen. "I'll see you at the next game," he said, then got to his feet.
Kristen watched him go. She didn't understand her husband at all. She wanted to ask Keely what Trevor had said to her, but her twin got up and left with Gillionan.
Kristen put away the food and folded the blankets, then she made her way to where they would have the caber toss. She stared at several long poles and shook her head.
"What's wrong?" Keely asked.
"I dinna see what they are going tae do with those logs. They look heavy."
"Aye, about one hundred and twenty pounds. I dinna see how they throw them either, but they do. Look the first mon's ready."
They watched him throw his caber. It hit the ground and fell backwards. He swore and moved off.
"What's wrong?" Kristen whispered.
"They must toss the caber end-over-end so that it lands with the bottom or small end pointed directly away from the contestant."
"I dinna see the point. How did they come up with such a silly game?"
"'Tis the same thing I asked. Grandfather told me it started when the men were clearing the forest tae make fields. There were so many streams tae be crossed that the men would toss trees across the streams so that one end was on each bank. Those who couldn't toss the trees correctly ended up with wet feet all day."
Kristen laughed. "Let's hope Trevor can keep his feet dry."
He was next.
She couldn't believe how easily Trevor lifted the caber, his muscles straining with the weight of the thing. His toss was perfect. But so was Malcolm's. They went back and forth several times, until Ian finally declared a tie.
She hurried to congratulate her husband, but Trevor turned briskly in the other direction and disappeared, leaving her filled with disappointment.
Tears stung her eyes as everyone gathered round so that Ian could present the awards. Everyone except Trevor. Was he angry that she would have to kiss Malcolm, too? Maybe he didn't care and had returned home.
Malcolm eyed her from across the field as the men cheered him.
Kristen swallowed hard. She'd simply kiss him on the cheek and it would be over with . . . she hoped.
She scanned the crowd. Where was Trevor?
Ian stepped up on a small platform. "I'm proud to announce that our overall winners are two. Malcolm Scott and Trevor Claremont." Ian turned to Malcolm. "Seeing as I dinna see Trevor at the moment, ye can collect ye reward first. Which of my lovely granddaughters do ye choose for ye kiss?"
Malcolm moved up beside Ian. "I prefer the redheaded lass."
The cheers of the other men roared around her. Kristen's face heated with embarrassment as Ian looked at her, too.
"Kristen, lass, would ye come up here?"
She maneuvered through the crowd and across the field. She must get this over with, and it didn't appear that Trevor wanted his prize at all, which was a severe blow to her ego.
She'd just reached the top of the platform, when she looked up. Malcolm advanced toward her with lust in his eyes.
From out of nowhere, she heard the pounding of horses' hooves. She turned. A rider raced across the field at a breakneck pace. The crowd turned to see who approached.
The rider didn't slow as he approached the group, and they had to scatter like ants to get out of the way.
Kristen gasped when she recognized the rider. He galloped straight toward her. He had no intention of stopping. Was he going to run her down?
She hadn't meant to make him that angry.
The next thing she knew, she'd been swept off her feet and pulled in front of Trevor. His arms tightened around her as they sped off. Shouts from the crowd followed until they became a soft whisper on the wind.
Kristen felt so contented to be held by Trevor that several minutes went by before she asked, "Where are we going?"
"I wanted to speak with you," Trevor said tersely.
"Ye could have spoken with me back there."
"No, I could not."
Kristen was surprised that she wasn't worried about their talk as she'd been earlier. Just maybe she'd test his mood. "I dinna get the chance tae give Malcolm his prize."
"Nor will you," Trevor snapped.
He sounded jealous. Good, she thought and pressed for more. "He did tie with ye, after all."
"He's a bloody pain in the ass. If he wants his kiss, he'll have to choose Keely."
Kristen smiled, but Trevor couldn't see it. "But he didn't want Keely."
Trevor jerked his mount to a stop, grasped Kristen by the shoulders, and glared at her. "I'll not have you kissing another man. You're my wife."
And to prove the point, he pulled her to him, crushing her within her arms. With the swiftness of a bird of prey, his mouth swooped down on hers in the most breathtaking kiss she'd ever experienced.
Trevor tasted heavenly. After the initial shock, his mouth softened and he began to place soft kisses over her face, tender kisses down her throat until she shivered within his arms.
Looking down at her, he whispered, "We'll continue this later."
Once again, he enfolded her in his arms. He kneed his mount, and they galloped off toward Chatsworth.
Trevor reined in his sweating steed and dismounted at the front door. He said nothing, but took her upstairs to his room.
Once inside, she turned to face him. Hoping for the best, fearing the worse, yet knowing they had to talk, she could not go on. She had to know how he felt.
"Kristen." Trevor paused. "I don't know where to begin."
She watched him, afraid to say anything for fear that it might be wrong.
"I can see you're not going to help me." He didn't look happy. "Kristen, I think . . ."
Oh my God, he wanted a divorce. No, Kristen prayed. Please don't take him from me. Not the only thing I've ever wanted.
"Kristen, I--I . . . ."