It took weeks for me to find out what our man riding to Edinburgh would bring back to us. He finally arrived followed by heavily laden carts. Jeremiah met him down at the beach then sent one of the carts and a carriage to the castle.
“Only look, Glory! It is Madame Clotilde, recently arrived from Paris. When I was in Edinburgh, she was the talk of the ladies at court.” Flo was excited. “Come help me get her settled. I heard her talking to her assistant. She called this the wilds of Scotland. She is threatening to go right back to town.”
I hurried toward the carriage. Colin was trying to hand down a slight woman who wore the latest fashion. She was speaking in French but even from across the courtyard, I could tell she was complaining. Her dress was wider than the carriage door and she struggled to push it out without damaging it. With what could only be French curses, she jerked the skirt free.
“Careful, Madame.” Colin grabbed her hand when she wobbled as she hit the ground. She shook her hand free of Colin’s grip as if she had touched a nasty bug.
A tiny woman emerged from the carriage carrying a case. “Madame Clothilde, tu vas bien?” She hurried to fuss with the skirt until it settled into perfect shape. Wings of decorative lace surrounded the madame’s face which was set in a frown.
“I suppose we must speak English here in the land of the Scottish savages.” She closed her eyes and breathed, as if gathering strength.
I was comforted by the fact that the moat had been freshened by a recent rain. She couldn’t complain of that smell at least. I waited to approach her, in no hurry to hear complaints.
When she opened her eyes, she smoothed down the front of her skirt, plucking at a silk rosebud. “Jolie, don’t forget my bourse. I may need my salts. This place is already making my head pound.” She seemed determined to be displeased.
Flo rushed up to her and actually curtsied. Not her court one, but showy enough that I wanted to remind her that this Frenchwoman was being paid to serve us. The ladies made their answering curtsies. I was glad to see that theirs were low enough to show they understood who was to be pleased here. That made me feel better.
“Madame Clotilde, I am Florence daVinci. You are here to make clothes for me. Laird Campbell, my protector, sent for you.” Flo fluttered around the woman. She exclaimed over the rosettes on the woman’s bodice and the trim running around the bottom of the massive skirt.
A lorgnette dangling from a silk ribbon was drawn up from the front of that very low bodice. Madame looked Flo over. Finally, she smiled.
“Ah, it will be a pleasure to dress you, Madame daVinci. You have an exquisite figure.”
“Merci.” Flo said a few more words in French then turned to introduce me. “I believe you have also been paid well to make a few things for my dear friend, Madame St. Clair. Her protector is Lord Jeremiah Campbell, the Guardian of the Coast. This is his castle.”
Now I was studied through that glass. I wore one of the dresses I had bought in Edinburgh. It was the latest fashion there but apparently not up to Madame Clotilde’s standards if I read her pursed lips and frown correctly. Or was it the fact that I was a much larger woman than my tiny friend Flo that made the seamstress scowl?
“Madame St. Clair. You are more of a challenge. You like your pastries, no?” She patted her own breasts then hips, as if to show me where all those pastries had gone to live.
“I did, once.” I didn’t bother to explain. “Flo, Colin will take care of their bags. Let’s go inside and ask Lady Anne to find rooms for our guests.”
Madame Clotilde gazed around the courtyard. “It smells like the stables here. If I don’t have a satisfactory room, I will go straight back to Edinburgh. The message did not explain that I would be working in such a primitive place. I am not being paid that well.”
“I assure you, madame, we will be able to accommodate you.” I walked ahead of her. “But suit yourself.” I had spent too many hours at court listening to whispered comments not to recognize her attitude. Next, she’d be calling me a fat cow behind my back. I comforted myself that Jeremiah liked my ample backside.
“Glory!” Flo gasped and hurried to walk next to Clotilde and compliment her again.
I ignored them. There was no way that woman would agree to make the britches Flo and I were so set on. I decided then and there to put Maggie to work on them.
Lady Anne found rooms that would suit a woman she saw as a glorified seamstress. The exhausted madame started to complain but her assistant pointed out there was a fine roaring fire. The clever Jolie also managed to produce a tray with what was apparently the woman’s favorite restorative chocolate on it. Since it was late by mortal standards, a pair of maids quickly made up the bed with the madame’s own linens. Flo and I left them to settle in.
“She is not going to like how we stay up all night. She was yawning already and it was not yet midnight!” Flo led me up the stairs to Lady Anne’s solar. She was working on a miniature of that lady as a wedding present and had set up her paints there. “Anne will be here in a moment. I want to get my colors right for her skin tone. But first, what should we do about Madame Clotilde? I want my new wardrobe.”
“Pick out your fabrics. I saw them unloading reams of them from that cart. Let her measure you at night and you can select designs from her patterns then too.” I sat and watched Flo gather her paints. “She can work on making them during the day while we sleep.”
“She will want to do fittings!” Flo set out a board and began mixing colors.
“Then tell her we are unavailable during the day. Because our protectors wish our presence then. She is a woman who must work for a living. Surely she knows a mistress must be available to the man who pays the bills.” I hated to say that so baldly, but it was true.
“You are right, amica. She will have to deal with our schedule or go back to town. Angus pays well. She would be foolish to give up this job.” Flo pulled out a sheaf of papers. “Here comes Anne. I hope you aren’t tired of watching us work at this. Do you like the pose I selected? With her chin just so?” She showed me one of the sketches. “Or one of the others?”
“It amazes me how you caught her likeness, Flo. You are very talented.” I glanced through the pages. “This one. She has a secret smile. Like she knows something she will not tell.”
Flo frowned over it then handed it to Anne who had just come through the door. “What do you think, my lady? Will you like this one for the miniature?”
“Oh, surely I am not that pretty.” She stared at the sketch. “Thank you, Florence. I’m sure Malcolm will treasure it.” Her eyes filled with tears. “If the baron doesn’t arrive here and try to ruin everything.” She waved a letter. “He wrote, forbidding the marriage. I want to,” she sniffed, “keep this from Malcolm. If he doesn’t know…”
“And if the baron arrives?” I stood. “Will you show me what he wrote?” I took the letter when she held it out. “His handwriting is impossible. What does he say?”
“I am used to it. He says he has a man picked out for me. He demands I come to Edinburgh immediately.” She wiped her eyes. “I will not go.”
Flo looked up from mixing her paints. “Good. You should ignore the letter. We will send for the priest and you will marry your captain quickly. With luck you will be in your marriage bed before the baron learns that you are defying him.”
“I am not sure I have that kind of luck.” Anne sat in her chair next to her needlework. “My mother wrote as well. She claims she tried to talk to him. To no avail. The man he wants me to marry is old and a terrible gamester. Clyne owes him a vast sum. If I don’t marry Lansdale, Clyne will be ruined. He’ll sell my family home.”
“I’m sorry but you would never have lived there again anyway, would you?” I tried to be sympathetic but Anne had found a wonderful man to marry. What did a house matter?
“I suppose not.” Anne sighed. “What will happen to my mother if he does sell their home?”
“If she can’t bear to stay with him, she can always come to live with you.” Flo was ever practical. “She should leave the baron to starve. Surely she doesn’t love him.”
“No, she couldn’t. Not after what he has cost her.” Anne stared into the fire. “I find it hard to be happy about my wedding with this on my mind.”
“I understand.” I got up and walked to the door. “But, remember, you are marrying a man you love who will take care of you.” I heard those words and realized I had no idea what the captain would provide for Anne or where they would live. It wasn’t my business, but I decided to make it mine. No one else was looking out for her.
“I will leave you two to your painting. I am going for a walk.” I headed down the stairs, stopping in the great hall first. Maggie was there and I told her about the seamstress and her assistant. They were mortals who would need special treatment.
“They will expect meals during the day, like mortals do. I know you will help keep them away from Flo and me then.” I sat at the table with my friend. She had left her baby with Mercy while Maggie supervised the cleaning.
“Yes, and I will tell Holly. She’s just gotten used to what she thinks is your strange schedule. Now there will be demanding mortals to feed. I saw that seamstress arrive with nothing but complaints. The maids are already talking about her. I hope she and her little assistant don’t expect something fancy.” Maggie spoke to one of the maids about a dusty corner. “Now what else is on your mind? You look vexed.”
“I am. Flo and I have been practicing with swords but our skirts get in the way. She thought to ask the seamstress to make us britches, like the pirate wench wore, but I doubt that French madame will make anything like that for me. I am too full-figured for her taste.” I drew a shape in the damp surface of the table.
“Now there. You are just right. I know Jeremiah thinks so.” Maggie looked down at her own generous curves. They had expanded since the birth of baby Anna. “Lucky for me Fergus also likes a bit of a handful.” She laughed. “You want britches? Like the men wear?”
“Yes. You should have seen the pirate woman in them. She could run and jump and fight with ease.” I got excited. “She wore hose and a man’s shirt with them too. There were no stays that I could see, nothing in the way of her moving quickly.” I touched Maggie’s hand. “I know you made britches for Shakespeare’s company and did a fine job of it.”
“For men!” Maggie stood and pulled me off the bench to stand in front of her. “You are built differently. All women are built differently from men. Round hips and bottom. Most men are flat there.” She turned me and swatted my butt. “Then you come in at the waist. That’s a different problem. I will have to take measurements.”
“Will you do it? For Flo and for me?” I grabbed her arm. “Come to the storeroom. You should see the fabrics Jeremiah and the laird had sent from Edinburgh. Beautiful! I want blue velvet and Flo wants black for these britches. And trimmings. Can you imagine how we will look?”
“Like you are play acting on Master Shakespeare’s stage.” Maggie shook her head. “Jeremiah isn’t going to like this, is he?”
“Let me worry about him.” I dragged her to the storeroom.
We spent a busy hour going through the piles of fabrics. I found one that would look very pretty on Maggie and insisted she take it as payment for making the britches. We agreed that there would be plenty of velvet scraps for baby dresses as well.
“Come now, tell me. What does Jeremiah really think of your wearing britches?” Maggie asked as we carried the fabrics and trim to her rooms.
“I haven’t told him about them. It will be a surprise.” Though I knew he had already complained that my running around like a warrior woman would not be to his taste. Too bad. I couldn’t wait.
“You are bolder than I would be.” Maggie put down the fabric and shook her head. “Jeremiah likes your feminine ways, Glory. Why do you constantly test him? Are you trying to push him away?”
It was a good question. Was I testing him? I’d even threatened to leave here. I sat in a chair while Maggie checked on the baby and then fed her. She sent Mercy to the kitchen for a meal and then sat across from me, the baby at her breast.
“Well?”
“I guess I still can’t believe my luck. Why does this wonderful man love me? Why is he so determined to keep me?” I leaned forward and touched the back of the baby’s neck, so soft, so sweet. “Am I mad?”
“No, I feel the same way at times about my Fergus.” Maggie shifted the baby to her other breast. “How did I get so lucky? I was sure I would never find happiness. I had given up and accepted an empty life. Then Fergus decided to love me. Why? I still don’t know.” She kissed the top of the baby’s head as she patted her back. “God had a hand in it. That’s all I can think. I don’t deserve it, but there must be a plan I don’t understand.”
“I could ask the witch.” I couldn’t believe I had said that.
“No!” Maggie’s eyes widened. She managed to cross herself despite the baby in the way. “Stay away from those witches. Don’t you believe in God, Glory?”
“I don’t know.” I closed my eyes. “Yes, yes, I do. Gods. That comes from somewhere in my lost past life. I know I believe. But I am still confused. I need answers.”
“You may never get them.” Maggie put the baby on her shoulder and stood. “Stop borrowing trouble and give yourself permission to be happy. Can you do that?”
“I can try. Just as soon as I’m sure a pirate won’t come looking for my head.” I got up and let her measure me. That took a while. By the time we parted I was impatient to take my walk down to the beach. I wanted to talk to the captain. Lady Anne didn’t have a father looking out for her interests, so I would do it. What kind of home would this man provide for her? I wanted to know.
“You aren’t planning to visit that witch again, are you?” Valdez walked beside me on the path to the beach. It was a fine night with a half-moon high in the sky. No clouds were blocking the stars or moon so the shadows the trees made were a bit spooky. “I heard you mention her to Maggie.”
“No, I threw it out there to see what she’d say. No surprise that she was horrified.”
“Testing her now.” Valdez kept his hand on his sword. “You should be horrified too. About a pirate coming after you as well. Don’t be flippant about it. I’m watching for one all the time.”
“I appreciate that.” I didn’t carry a sword yet. What was the point when my skirts would likely trip me? I did have two knives, one at my waist and one under those skirts.
“Now we are on our way to bother the men at their work?” Valdez seemed in the mood for conversation.
“Yes. I suppose they are busy, putting away all the supplies they ordered from Edinburgh.” We were close to the beach and it was a hive of activity. Men were loading boxes into rowboats and rowing out to the two ships.
Captain Burnett was directing them. He stood on the beach and sent some boxes out to his ship and others to one of the buildings near the forest. I didn’t see Jeremiah and the laird. Perfect.
“Captain Burnett, good evening.” I strolled up to him like I had no purpose but to find my lover. “Have you seen Jeremiah?”
“Good evening to you, Madame St. Clair.” The captain gave me a slight bow. “He is on his ship. It sustained great damage.”
“Oh, please call me Gloriana. Your betrothed and I have become great friends. I love Lady Anne. I hope you will count me as a friend as well now that you are to be wed.” I held out my hand and he took it.
“Why, thank you, Gloriana. And I am Malcolm. Lady Anne has made me the happiest of men by accepting my suit.” He grinned and looked younger than I’d thought, not more than thirty. He must have the king’s favor to be in charge of the soldiers.
“Where are you currently living, Malcolm?” I glanced at the cluster of buildings near the forest. I knew they had been hastily built when he had arrived. “In the barracks with your men?”
“Yes, I am. Though I have my own quarters there.” He flushed as if he’d read my mind. “I suppose it is not a place to take my bride once we’re married. It is rough living when there are just men altogether.”
I thought about Anne’s lovely solar that should be mine. Was I willing to give it up to make this marriage happen? I felt Malcolm’s eyes on me.
“Captain, are you planning to stay in this position once you are wed? In King James’ service?” I turned to look out at sea, at the ships at anchor. “You did your best to rout the pirates. They seem to be leaving us alone.”
He cleared his throat until I looked at him. “I do have another choice. I wrote to my father, telling him of my wedding plans. He offered me a small holding near his own. I know it would please Anne if we settled there. It is near to her own home, where she grew up.” He frowned and looked back at the ship. “If only I could feel better about the attack on the pirates. Say what you will, we failed there.”
All right, that swayed me. “You mustn’t make a rash decision. You are right, the pirates are still out there and bound to have revenge on their minds.” I took a deep breath, that old mortal habit, and smelled a whiff of something disturbing coming from the witch’s hut. No, I would not go there.
“I think it would be perfectly fine if, after the wedding, you moved into the castle into Anne’s rooms. You must stay until you are satisfied that you have served the king well.” I made myself smile and touch his shoulder. “I’m sure that would be all right with Jeremiah but I will ask him about it when he comes home tonight. What do you think?” I wasn’t going to mention that Malcolm had already shared Anne’s bed there and most in the castle knew it.
“Really, Gloriana? You would let us live in Anne’s rooms, let her stay where she is?” He was grinning like I’d made his dreams come true. I was afraid he was going to hug me but he restrained himself as a rowboat came ashore.
“Yes, let me make the arrangements. Anne is worried her stepfather will interfere so we are going to send for the priest right away. Does that meet with your approval or are we rushing you?” I smiled when I saw Jeremiah climb out of that boat and wade toward me.
“I cannot wait to marry Anne. I know once we are wed, the baron will not be able to part us.” Malcolm strode toward Jeremiah. “Your mistress is making me the happiest of men, Lord Campbell. You are one of the luckiest, surely.”
“Really?” Jeremiah caught me in his arms. “What have you done now, Gloriana?”
“I am merely helping him with his wedding plans. That’s all.” I kissed Jeremiah on the cheek. “Are you coming back to the castle with me?” I knew we still had a few more hours before dawn. That was a luxury these nights when Jeremiah had been working so hard on his ship.
“I would love to spend some time with you.” I took his hand.
“You tempt me. Why not? Da has repairs well in hand on board the ship.” He squeezed my hand. “Valdez, you deserve the rest of the night off. I will take care of Gloriana from here.” He and Valdez stared at each other. “Unless you have something to tell me?”
“The seamstress arrived. You might ask Glory about that.” Valdez smiled and then walked into the forest.
Traitor, he was probably going to shift and leave me to explain.
“I hope you like her, Gloriana. Da and I both paid her. You are supposed to have several new gowns from her in the latest fashion.” Jeremiah took my arm and started walking us toward the castle.
“She wasn’t happy with me. She likes petite women, like Florence.” I realized I was complaining about a gift and shut up. “Never mind. The fabrics are beautiful. Maggie is making me something from one of them.”
“Maggie? I know you admire her, but she is not a French seamstress.” Jeremiah frowned. “If that other woman disrespects you, I will send her packing and find another seamstress more to your liking.”
“Forget it, Jeremiah.” I was glad to see the drawbridge. “We have time to actually do something together tonight. Can you believe it?”
“And what would you like to do, my girl?” Jeremiah always had one thing on his mind. His hand slipped around my waist then down to my bum.
“Not that, not yet.” I smiled up at him. “Can we not find an activity we enjoy doing together outside of the bedchamber?” I saw the target set up in the courtyard and dragged him to it. “You have not seen me shoot. Why not a contest? Do you think you can beat me at archery?” I called to one of the lads nearby and he came running with a bow and quiver of arrows.
“You honestly think you can outshoot me?” Jeremiah leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I have been shooting for more than a hundred years, my love.”
“We’ll see if that practice has paid off.” I grinned as an interested crowd began to gather. “Shall we wager?”
“Of course.” Jeremiah looked around at the men he knew from Dollar. “What say you, Colin? Do I dare risk a crown against Mistress Gloriana?”
“Lord Jeremiah, she can shoot straight. I am betting on her.” Colin turned to the man next to him and they did pull out coins, making a bet. Others in the crowd got busy picking favorites.
“Well, it seems you have quite a reputation. You did wound the pirate queen, though I wondered if it was a lucky shot.” He was deliberately challenging me and I knew it.
“You’ll soon find out.” I grinned, suddenly eager to show him that I did have skill.
Jeremiah nodded and began to study the different bows on offer until he picked one to his liking. He did the same with the arrows.
“All right. I believe I will make a private wager with Mistress Gloriana.” He bent down and whispered in my ear. “I win, you do whatever I wish for the hour before sunrise.”
I know I turned red and the crowd roared with laughter, easily figuring out the kind of prize Jeremiah wanted. I slapped at his arm, playing to the crowd. Why not? We wanted the men in good spirits and it was all in fun. An hour with Jeremiah was more of a reward than a penalty for me and he knew it.
“And if I win, Lord Jeremiah, I will have a pair of britches made and wear them proudly when I practice my sword fighting.” I grinned at the look on my lover’s face.
“Britches? Like the pirate bitch wore?” He gazed around the crowd. He was caught and he knew it.
“If you don’t like the idea, you’d better aim well, sir.” I waited while Colin drew the line where we were to stand. “Are we on? With the bet?”
“I’m not worried. Yes, I’ll take your bet.” Jeremiah winked at Colin. “I’m looking forward to winning.”
“Good luck to both of you.” Colin ran down to the stack of hay. Someone had drawn circles on the top bale facing us. “Winner is the one who hits closest to the center ring.” He stepped out of the way.
“Ladies first.” Jeremiah bowed and gestured for me to take my place. The crowd was quiet, everyone watching to see what would happen.
“Fine. You will find that a woman can best you.” I aimed carefully and let fly.
Colin stared at the target and looked back at us. “You will be hard pressed to beat that, Lord Jeremiah. I am leaving the arrow there. It is close to the middle.”
“Fine. If I cleave it in half, we will be tied.” Jeremiah took his time notching the arrow, sighting down it and drawing back the string.
I waited, getting nervous. I didn’t want to give up my britches. Somehow, I’d win him over, even if he bested me here. I started to speak but knew it would be cheating if I broke his concentration. Just as he let go of the string, a bird cawed. I glanced upward. Could it have been Valdez? That sound might have been what made Jeremiah’s arrow lodge just a bit to the right of mine and out of the center.
“Mistress Gloriana wins!” Colin grinned and gestured for Jeremiah to come see for himself. I stayed where I was. No need to check. I knew by Jeremiah’s frown that Colin was right. Then Jeremiah’s eyes widened as an arrow flew from the battlements. Before I had time to move, it hit me, driving me to the ground.
Pain. I heard Jeremiah calling my name but all I could do was stare at the sky above me until it blurred. Dirt, shouts and Jeremiah, still calling my name. Why couldn’t I move? Were we under attack? Was I dying?
I waited for my life to ebb from me like the waves falling back from the beach. I could smell my own blood and Jeremiah. Close, his hands on me. No! Don’t touch me. Hurts.
“Gloriana, I’m going to have to pull out the arrow.” Jeremiah’s voice shook but his hand was steady as it pressed on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
Tearing, wrenching, endless pain. Then…nothing.