The small copper tub I sat in couldn’t possibly hold two. Jeremiah lifted me out of the water and gave me a lingering kiss before he wrapped me in that cloth warm from the fire. He washed quickly and grabbed a cloth of his own then pulled me close.
“I wish we had more time before the sun rises.” His body against mine stirred me just as it always did. Our wrappings fell to the stone floor.
“Time enough, I think.” I ran my hands over his hard angles and firm muscles. My man had always been a warrior. He’d been in his prime when he’d been turned vampire and would never change.
“Ah, lass, you are right.” His grin made my heart dance as he picked me up and carried me to our bed.
“I heard the castle was a filthy mess when you arrived. I admit, I dreaded what I might find here but you have our bed as cozy as ever.” He lay me down and looked his fill then dropped a kiss on my breast, lingering just where he knew I liked it. He raised his head and smiled. “Well done.”
I grabbed his hair and pushed him to me again, humming with pleasure. “It was no easy task. We are taking a home away from the widow of the former Guardian of the Coast, Jeremiah. It is a disgrace that there seems to be no provision for her.” I pulled his head up to look in his eyes. He knew I’d once been in the same situation and had nearly starved. “Is there anything we can do?”
“I will see about her tomorrow. I really can’t think about another woman right now, my love, when I have you lying under me. Let me feast on you.” He kissed me then, deeply, with a hint of fang that made our blood mingle in my mouth.
I wanted him desperately. Just as I always did. We had a connection that I couldn’t deny. Not only did I love him, but I’d changed everything for him. Deciding to become vampire was a decision I had not made lightly. Now we could be together forever.
Forever? I tried to imagine it and failed. This love making me breathless was still new. But I wondered if time would make us tire of each other. Most men I had known liked variety. That Jeremiah might wish for another made me tighten my grasp on his shoulders. How could I be enough for him?
I offered my vein to my lover. He took me then, the pull at my neck only making the way he made me his even better when he surged inside. I was soon calling his name. Oh, I almost hated that he could drive me mad so easily. Why was I in his thrall? I’d never had the answer to that. Instead, I let go. I took my pleasure then pushed him onto his back so I could drink my own fill at his vein. It was the way we enjoyed each other. Jeremiah was not a selfish lover. I thanked the gods for that. When we both were sated and sunrise pulled us toward our death sleep, I dragged the covers to my chin.
“Did you lock the door?” I had to ask. We were in a strange place surrounded by mortals who had no idea what we were. I was new enough to my vampire state that falling into that death sleep still made me wonder if I’d ever wake up again. We were so open to attack when we died at sunrise and there were pirates . . .
“Aye. I put Valdez at the door to guard us.” Jeremiah tucked the fur robe we’d brought with us around me. “You are safe, my love. I will always do my best to keep you that way. Do not worry about the pirates. There is not enough moonlight yet to tempt them, so they say.”
“Good. We must be on our guard. The people here are full of tales of their daring. And they are led by a woman, Jeremiah!” I sat up and stared at him. “She is ruthless.”
“So I heard. The villagers were eager to talk of how the last Guardian was killed by her.” He pulled me close again, soothing me with a hand through my hair. “I know you are not afraid, my own fearless woman.”
“I don’t like to see you in danger, Jeremiah.” I sighed against his chest. “We have had to face too many dangers since we met. Too many enemies are eager to test your immortality.” I thanked the gods my love had been up to the challenge.
“The last enemy was no match for you, my love.” Jeremiah chuckled.
I could tell he was not taking this seriously and I pinched his hard shoulder. “Do not laugh about this. Lady Anne is crying herself to sleep every night. I’ve been widowed once. We may not be married, but I would still be left alone in the world if something happened to you, my lord. You think I would not grieve?”
Jeremiah rolled me under him. “I love you for your concern, Gloriana. Remember, Lord Ralph was not a vampire, now was he, with our skills? This red-haired witch who dares raid Scottish lands will not last long once I meet her.”
“You are arrogant. We don’t know what the woman is. She may be a witch for all we know. Some witches have powers that scare me.” I kissed his chin, rough with evening beard. “Fine. I will try to put the pirates out of my mind, but they are why we are here. Yes, they have come at night before, but what if they decide to change their ways and attack during the day? If they broke in while we were sleeping…”
“We are well guarded. To make sure, I have talked to the villagers. I am convinced the pirates have a spy among them. Word will reach the Irish woman that we brought many men and three ships to fight them. The pirates would be foolish to raid during the day when our cannons will have clear shots at them. Their only chance for success is at night when we passed the word that the guards will be few and most of the men will be asleep. The captain of the king’s troops is still not happy with our strange sleeping schedule but he finally saw reason.” Jeremiah chuckled. “Of course, we will be more than ready for a nighttime attack.”
“You are clever, Jeremiah. I am sure the captain will realize there is no greater warrior than you.” I smiled against his chest.
“He has not seen me fight. We will get along well enough once we are in a battle together.” He stretched and pulled me closer. “I noticed the courtyard is already looking better but the captain decided he doesn’t want his men trapped inside where the drawbridge is old and the moat a stinking mess. He will keep the horses here, but had his men cleaning out stalls first. Then he plans to build shelters for the troop’s sleeping quarters outside.” Jeremiah yawned. “I like that Captain Burnett is so careful.”
“He must show you respect, Jeremiah. Oh, excuse me, Lord Campbell.” I snuggled up next to him. “I do like the sound of that.”
“Titles are cheap. The king hands them out like ha’pennies to urchins.” Jeremiah’s arms went around me. “If I can rid Scotland of the pirates, now that will be something to be proud of.”
“Yes, indeed.” I couldn’t fight the pull of the dawn another moment. Jeremiah’s arm went slack and I knew he had fallen into his death sleep. Pirates. The word was enough to make me shudder, except I couldn’t move at all.
Jeremiah was out the door as soon as the sun set. I did not dare delay him. I knew he took his new role seriously and wanted to learn more about the pirate attacks. It had been months since the beginning of the new year and his appointment. The people had suffered without protection while we’d been delayed in Edinburgh. Plans had to be made, men sent for and supplies gathered before we could even set out for the island. Now snow was melting and we could see signs of spring.
Even though I would have liked to have lingered in our cozy bedchamber, I sent Valdez off to sleep then made my way downstairs. I wanted to see what I could do to make this castle into our home. The rest of the men who had been assigned to guard me sat at one of the long tables in the great hall lingering over platters of food.
“Good evening, mistress.” Colin jumped to his feet and nudged the man next to him until all the men were standing. “Can we get you something to eat?” Then he flushed. He knew I was vampire and didn’t eat mortal food. “I mean…”
“I have already broken my fast but, thank you, Colin. Please, sit, all of you, and finish your evening meal.” I took my place at the head of the table. “I hope the food is to your liking.”
“It’s all fish, mistress,” one of the men grumbled. “Cooked well enough but I am used to a bit of meat on me plate.”
“Colin, perhaps you can take a few men and go hunting soon. If Lord Campbell doesn’t need you for something else.” I studied what had been put in front of them. No surprise that this castle so close to the sea served fish. The Highlanders would have to get used to that. The dish did look and smell tasty.
I wasted a few moments wishing for the days when I could stuff myself with good food and the hot chocolate I loved. Well, I’d chosen love and forever over mortal meals. Not a bad trade, but the delicious smells were a torture. I pretended to sip the ale one of the men poured for me and encouraged them to talk. Most of them were from Edinburgh and didn’t know the truth about their master and mistress.
“Aye, we’ll hunt tomorrow. The cook claims there’s plenty of game to be found hereabouts.” Colin looked down the table. “I’m to be in charge. Mistress Gloriana says so. Master of the Hunt.” He grinned when one of the older men said something in Gaelic. “That’s right, Mick. I may be young but I’m a right good shot with a bow and arrow. Wait and see.”
I listened to the men spar with each other over who would bring down the most pheasant or perhaps a deer and wondered where the women of the castle could be. Lady Anne probably still hid in her solar, fearing we’d cast her out, but there should be maids filling the men’s tankards when they ran dry. I got up and shook out my skirt.
“I will be back in a moment.” I waved the men back to their seats when they stood again then followed my nose to the doorway which led to the kitchens. Some kind of fish stew was on the hob if my sense of smell could be trusted. Not that I had been served that in London. Some forgotten memory struggled to surface.
Several years ago, I’d been found on the stones near the Globe Theater, my memory lost. The only thing I could bring to mind at that time was the name Gloriana. Where had I come from? Did I have a family? It was as if my life had started at that moment. My luck had been in when kindly actor Michael St. Clair had claimed me as his wife. After he’d died, I’d been starving, on the verge of selling myself, when luck had brought me Jeremiah one night. He’d saved me and shown me a side of life I’d never imagined existed.
“Why aren’t my men being served?” I put my hands on my hips, ready to pick up a wooden spoon and lay into one of the slovenly maids sitting at a table in the large kitchen.
“Mistress.” The two jumped to their feet, bumping into each other in their hurry as they assayed curtsies. “We were waiting for the pudding to be ready.”
“It’s been ready and there is ale to be served, ye lazy slugs, so get to it.” The cook wiped her hands on her apron and rounded the table. “I’m that sorry, mistress, but these two are all who would come until the lady herself doled out some coin.”
“Thank you, Holly.” I pulled out the purse I kept at my waist and tossed some coins on the table. Jeremiah had been very generous with me. “Will that pay for some decent help? I don’t want to trouble Lady Anne with this.”
“Aye.” The cook took a coin and bit into it. Her smile lit her face. “I’ll have more maids and a sturdy lad or two here in an hour. Your Mercy took to her bed with a stomach upset. I dosed her but I’m afeared she’s got a bun in the oven if you know what I mean.” She winked.
Oh, gods, I did indeed. Mercy had been dallying with one of the town footmen during our time in Edinburgh. She’d shed some tears when we’d left but the man had claimed he had no desire to join our household or leave Edinburgh when, at her urging, I’d offered him a post. Now it seemed she was going to have his baby.
“Where is her room?” I looked around. The kitchen was clean, organized and I could see Holly knew how to run a kitchen. The first time I’d seen her she had worn a dirty apron but no more. I guess with her mistress locked away, even the cook had lost her will to keep up appearances. Now, she was tidy and stood proudly among her gleaming pots and pans. Holly showed me the way to Mercy’s door.
“How often do the pirates raid the area? Have you seen them?” I couldn’t forget Lady Anne’s husband had died at their hands. Who else had been killed?
“Ah, mistress, they are a plague on us, that they are. Any time there is good moonlight, we must be ready. They row in small boats from their ships and come ashore, screaming like wild things.” Holly shuddered. “They’re led by a woman, if you would believe it. She’s got flaming red hair and wears britches like a man! Carries a sword and doesn’t hesitate to use it. I saw it myself. Cut the arm clean off Jeremy MacAdams.”
“Gods!” I leaned against the wall, my stomach roiling. “Why? Why are they coming here?”
“For plunder, mistress. I hear their own land is barren. So they take what is ours—sheep, food and all manner of goods. Stripped the castle of most everything once the master was laid to rest. We fought them, yes, we did, but the king’s soldiers would not stay after Lord Ralph was gone. They took off right after Lord Ralph was killed and never looked back.” Holly dabbed her eyes with her apron. “We even had some of our girls taken by those pirates if ye can believe it.”
“No!” I was working up a true hatred for these murderous savages.
“That leader of theirs holds a grudge against all Scots and the English, so they say.” Holly gripped my arm. “Lord Ralph was a good fighter. He killed many a pirate before she got him. I heard one of them was the woman’s own father. Don’t know if that’s true, but the raids have been worse since she took over. Stands to reason if she’s after revenge.”
I stepped away from the wall. “Well, she’ll be sorry once my Jeremiah and the captain go against her.” I tapped on the door Holly pointed out as Mercy’s. “Rest easy on that score.”
“Poor Lady Anne shut herself in her room and wouldn’t come out until you arrived. Mistress, you can be sure I’ll not rest easy until that red-haired vixen’s head is on a pike next to the castle’s gate.” Holly turned and headed back to the kitchen.
I had nothing to say to that. Instead, I heard Mercy’s weak response to my knock and entered her bedchamber. The room was little more than a jail cell and a truly sad affair. The air was stifling and reeked of recent illness. Mercy was pale and lay on a straw pallet. There was a peg for her clothes. Her bowl and jug to wash in were sitting on the floor. I made up my mind to find her better quarters, maybe upstairs near my own bedchamber.
“Holly told me you were feeling poorly. I am sorry to hear that.” I had no place to sit so I stood in front of the door.
Mercy struggled to get to her feet.
“No, stay where you are.” I hurried to kneel by her side and brushed her hair back from her damp forehead. “Tell me the truth now, Mercy, and I will not fuss at you. Are you with child?”
Big tears rolled down her cheeks as Mercy nodded. “I was foolish. I know it. He was so handsome and I wanted to please him.” She flushed. “Please myself too, truth be told.”
“I know. He was a fine-looking man, but not the marrying kind if we are to be honest with each other.” I took my handkerchief from my sleeve and dipped it in her water jug. Then I wiped her tear-streaked cheeks. “That’s all right. You are safe here and I will make sure you and the babe will have a home and be taken care of as long as you wish to stay with us.”
“Mistress Gloriana, are you sure?” Mercy gripped my hand. “I, I have disgraced myself. My own ma would have nothing to do with me if she knew.” She bowed her head. “I cannot go home like this.”
“I could never leave you to fend for yourself. We will see this through together.” I braced myself for her eager hug and patted her back. She then insisted on getting up and going upstairs to set my bedchamber to rights.
The truth was I saw myself in her. It was only because a vampire could not sire a child that I hadn’t found myself in her position. I had made love with Jeremiah because I couldn’t resist him. What if I had been left with a child? I couldn’t imagine raising one in the vampire life. I would have had to run away and try to take care of the babe by myself.
Oh, this was a foolish fantasy! My body might envy Mercy the life she carried inside her but I had given up the chance for that when I had chosen Jeremiah and his promise of forever. I couldn’t deny, though, that I looked forward to seeing her bloom with her pregnancy and to holding her babe once it was born. Mercy was pretty and her footman had been tall and handsome. The babe would be irresistible.
I had just reached the top of the stairs when Lady Anne joined me. She still wore her black but had obviously made an effort to fix her hair and add some jewelry. The ugly cap was gone.
“Mistress Gloriana, I am glad to see you up and around. May I take you on a tour of your new home?” Lady Anne gave me a small curtsy.
I answered with a curtsy of my own, determined to show her the respect she deserved. I was sure this was difficult for her, turning over her home to a stranger. I had questions, of course. But, first, I wanted to reassure her, just as I had Mercy.
“Lady Anne, is there a place we can talk privately?” I gestured toward her room. I had been in a few castles since I met Jeremiah. In Castle Campbell, the lady of the castle, Jeremiah’s mother, had a solar where she ruled the place like a tyrant.
“Certainly, come in.” Lady Anne led the way. She actually had two rooms. The first was a kind of sitting room. I could see a bedchamber through an open door. A fire blazed in the fireplace in this one. Chairs with cushions covered in fine needlework along with a settle covered with a cushion were arranged in front of it. The remains of what had been her dinner sat on a tray on a table next to a window cut into the stone. The food was barely touched. No wonder the lady was thin and pale. I would have to find a way to encourage her to eat more, but couldn’t offer to dine with her, now could I?
“This is lovely.” I walked over to the window. A fine tapestry had been hung over the window to keep out the cold, but someone had tied it back. “You can see the sea from here!” It was a glimmer in the moonlight.
“Yes. I will not be surprised by the pirates again.” Lady Anne came to stand beside me.
“Have you seen them?” I glanced at the jeweled chain that hung around her neck. She also had a fine gold pin that held the ring with her keys. Pirates would not have left such treasures.
“I see you looking at my chain. I had my jewels well concealed. I was also hidden when they came. Ralph insisted on it.” She took off the ring that held her keys. “Here. These are the keys to the castle. They belong to you now.”
“Please, keep them. I know nothing about running a large dwelling such as this.” I expected disdain from her when I said this. I had gotten plenty of that from Jeremiah’s mother. She knew I’d spent time with an actor at Shakespeare’s Globe theater. Married or not, that was all Mag had needed to know to brand me a slut. Unfortunately, the label slut was accurate. In fact, my marriage had been a lie. Michael had invented it to give me his name and an air of propriety. One night with Jeremiah and I’d fallen into his bed. I’d never admit that to Mother Campbell to prove her right.
“Surely you will learn.” Anne kept trying to put the keys into my hands. “There must be someone you brought with you who can serve as housekeeper. I know my own mother never lifts a hand to run her own castle. She has a worthy servant who manages everything.”
I spared a moment wishing for my friend Maggie’s sturdy presence. She had given birth to her daughter after the new year and sent word she and the babe were doing well. We’d both learned to read and write in the company of Jeremiah and his man Fergus who were men of letters. I was glad she’d wed Fergus, but his family of shape-shifters had not happily welcomed Maggie, a mere mortal. Now they were eyeing the new babe for signs she might become a shape-shifter. Luckily for Maggie, the traits they waited for would not emerge until the lass turned nine or ten. Would I be selfish if I sent for her?
“I have no one now.” I pushed the keys back into her hands. “You would be doing me a service if you would continue managing things until I can send for someone.” I would do it. Send for Maggie and see if she could persuade Fergus to come back to serve Jeremiah. I knew my man would be happy to see the shifter again. They had fought battles together before and been good friends for years. There was no one Jeremiah trusted more than Fergus Turnbull.
“If you are sure.” Lady Anne sighed and gestured for me to sit. She moved a piece of needlework out of the way and took a seat in front of the fire. “I cannot believe you trust me to oversee anything. For the past two years, I have let the work here go. Before that, I spent most nights hiding.” She ran her jeweled chain through her fingers. “Ralph insisted.”
“Hiding from the pirates.” I leaned forward. I really wanted to hear more about the murderous creatures. “Where did you go?”
Lady Anne sighed. “There is a secret room under the stairs that I locked myself inside when the call went out that the pirates’ ships had been sighted. It is small and dark and,” she hugged herself and shivered, “terrifying.”
“It sounds horrible! But safe.” I reached out to touch her skirt.
She covered my hand. “I hate it but there is room for both of us in it.”
Cower in a little room while everyone I loved fought? That was not my nature. I leaned back and shook my head.
“I cannot imagine leaving Mercy, Colin, and all the people who work here to take care of themselves. I would not be so—” I stopped myself before I could say more. I wanted to say I wouldn’t be so selfish or craven. I would fight to help save the people who depended on me. But then I’m a vampire, not a soft, helpless mortal like the delicate Lady Anne.
“Pray forgive me. I realize you were only doing what your husband insisted you do.”
“Yes, he said I would distract him if he had to worry about me during a fight.” Lady Anne plied her handkerchief as her tears fell. “I hated to hide there like I had no use. I wanted to pick up a sword and do something. But what?” She stood and walked to the fire. “I know nothing of swordplay. Ralph refused to teach me. Women are not meant for such things, he said.” She whirled, suddenly angry. “That did not stop that red-haired vixen from using a sword to stab my Ralph through the heart, now did it?”
“The pirate. The people here speak of little else. I’m so sorry.” I led her to a chair. I spotted a decanter and poured her a goblet of what smelled like a very fine brandy. “Here, drink. If you like, I’ll get my bodyguard to teach us both how to wield a sword. Though I’m not sure hiding in your little room isn’t still the best thing for you.”
“If you can be brave enough to stay out and fight then why can’t I?” She drained the goblet then set it on the table.
I couldn’t begin to list all the reasons why a vampire had the advantage over any mortal but especially over one as delicate as the elegant Lady Anne. I picked up her needlework. The tiny stitches were creating a scene of seabirds over the waves. I would never have the patience or the skill to even think of making such a work of art. And this lady wanted to fight? I was afraid at the first sight of blood she would swoon to the ground.
“I have fought before. When one of Jeremiah’s enemies attacked us. It is not something I want to do again, but I believe I can persuade Valdez to train us to defend ourselves with a knife or a short sword. If you wish to learn.”
“Yes, please. I hate hiding. Waiting for endless hours in the dark while others risk their lives for me. The air was close. Sometimes I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I did not dare light a candle.” She stood, her cheeks flushed. “I say if that Irish witch can fight, then so can a Scottish one.” She walked over to refill her goblet. “Drink?”
“Not for me. I have important matters to discuss this evening and need a clear head. But go ahead. I am sure you deserve a tot or two.” I smiled as I said that and kept my seat in front of the fire. Once Anne filled her goblet, she took the chair facing me.
“These important matters. Despite your request to have me oversee the running of the castle, are you sure you weren’t planning to send me packing? I wouldn’t blame you. There is no place for me here.”
“You may stay as long as you wish. I truly know nothing of running a household. My maid is expecting a babe and will be of no use in a few months.” I leaned forward. “You are obviously well born, Lady Anne. I wonder if you truly have no one to go to, no family. Perhaps it is selfish of me to ask you to take over the management of the castle. To act as my housekeeper.”
“My father is dead. My mother remarried hastily. Her husband took everything Father built and is having a fine time gambling it away. I am afraid if I go home, he will arrange a marriage for me to someone who holds his debts.” She finished her drink in an unladylike gulp. “This is the last of the good brandy. I hid it well. The pirates got the rest. Damn them.” She shook her head. “Holly said you brought your own provisions and are sending hunters out to fill the larder.” She stared into her empty goblet. “Staying here sounds like a fine idea. I wonder that you want me, though. What you found when you arrived does nothing to recommend me.”
“You were grieving. Now it’s time for you to step out of your rooms and become the lady of the manor again. I’m sure you were doing a fine job of it before your husband was killed. Lord Jeremiah and I have our own business to attend to. We will be able to rout those pirates more handily if we don’t have to worry about the daily problems that a castle this size may present.” I took her empty goblet and set it on the tray with the dirty dishes. “We need you. Will you take on this task?”
“Are you saying you really plan to fight with your Lord Jeremiah? The way you talk…” Anne stared at me.
“Oh, he will deny it. Of course, he wants me to stay out of the way, to hide in a room like you did when the pirates attack.” I walked over to the fire. I still felt the cold and heat, though most vampires claimed not to.
“It just is not in my nature to be idle. Domestic matters don’t interest me. What does are figuring out ways we can rid the coast of these madmen and women who seem determined to leave us nothing of value.” I slammed a fist into my other hand. “I want to have Jeremiah’s back. Whether he likes it or not.”