The chapel did look very nice, though it was small and would have been dark if it had not been for the dozens of candles set along the walls. The small altar was placed in front of a single cross made of carved wood. It had been decorated with dozens of spring flowers and leaves. The bishop wore a long white robe, heavily embellished, and a conical hat. I was surprised at how formal he looked. He seemed prepared to preside at one of the grand abbeys in Edinburgh.
“Where did this priest come from?” I whispered to Jeremiah as we waited for the ceremony to start. I was not familiar with the procedure but he whisked Anne and the captain over to an alcove to sign the register as soon as we arrived. It became clear to me that this was an important part of the ceremony.
“Not a priest, a bishop. I don’t like it, but the only man available who could marry the two was staying at the MacDonald castle. He came from there. Look at him. He’s one of the king’s spies, I’m sure.” Jeremiah glowered, not an appropriate look for such a happy occasion. On his other side, Lady Rose was weeping again.
“Why didn’t your man put Clyne on a ship to France, Jeremiah? He caused more mischief tonight and sent Lady Rose a letter.” I passed her a fresh handkerchief.
“There wasn’t one in port. You can tell me what he’s done later. Here comes the bishop.” Jeremiah put on a solemn but approving face. He was standing in for Captain Burnett as his best man. “I cannot believe what I’m seeing.”
A group of men and a lady entered the chapel from a side door. They were also dressed in finery. The men wore kilts similar to Jeremiah’s. But that certainly was not the Campbell plaid I’d come to recognize.
“Is that—?
“Robert MacDonald and his bride.” Jeremiah had his hand on his sword. He’d explained that, as best man, tradition held he be ready to defend the groom from anyone who might interfere with the wedding. Was this what he would use as an excuse to start trouble?
“What could they want here? I doubt they know either Lady Anne or the captain.” I liked Robert and Fiona and was glad she looked so well. When we’d left Edinburgh, she’d been secluded after claiming she’d lost their child. Naturally, it had been a hoax since vampires can’t sire children. Fiona had desperately wanted to marry Robert and had used the ruse to get the king, her very close cousin, to insist upon a wedding. Then King James had sent them to this island with the charge to get along with the Campbells. Jeremiah’s own appointment as Guardian of the Coast had been a reward for losing Fiona as a potential bride.
The reward of a fine title had been the one bright spot in the situation. Living together here? Not an easy task when the Campbells and the MacDonalds were sworn enemies. I heard the laird, who stood behind me, curse when he saw the MacDonald party.
Jeremiah turned to warn his father. “Da, we cannot start trouble. I gave the king my word I’d stop this feud with the MacDonalds.”
“I am head of our clan, son. Or did you forget it?” Angus glared at Jeremiah. “If I want to lop off the bastard’s head and stick it on a pike, I’ll damn well do it.”
Flo gripped his father’s sword arm. “And ruin the wedding? No, you will not. Lady Anne has dreamed of this night. Spoil it and I’ll be done with you.”
“You don’t understand, leannan. One of that clan killed my oldest son.” He glanced at Jeremiah. “And others dear to my heart.”
“I am sorry, mio amore, but this is not the time or place to get your revenge. The son you have left here has asked you to behave. Will you do it?” Flo stared up at him, obviously saying more with her eyes.
“Listen to her, Da. You know how I feel, but I must put my feelings aside and greet MacDonald as a guest. We will have a reckoning someday, I promise you. But not tonight.”
Jeremiah pulled me forward to greet the bishop and his entourage. “Sir, thank you for coming.” He nodded. “MacDonald.” He kissed Fiona’s cheek. “Fiona, it’s good to see you looking so well.”
“Lord Campbell.” The bishop smiled at everyone as if this was a wonderful evening. “I know you are anxious for us to start the marriage ceremony. Shall we proceed, sir?”
“Yes, of course.” The captain held Lady Anne’s hand and eyed the lofty group that stood near the altar. He didn’t know those who had arrived but now had more witnesses than any of us had bargained for. He was clearly surprised at the way they were all well-armed and glowering at each other.
“Captain, Lady Anne, may I present the Earl of Leven and his countess who have honored us with their presence.” The bishop made the introductions and everyone did the necessary.
“Fiona, you look beautiful.” I was delighted when she rushed forward to grasp my hands.
“I was about to say the same about you, Gloriana. I must know the name of your dressmaker.” She turned me around. “I have never seen such exquisite workmanship. Look at me, I am drowning in fussy lace and could barely fit into the carriage. Robert complained all the way here.”
“It is very pretty lace.” I did admire the full sleeves on her silver gown. “How long is the journey between our castles? Jeremiah won’t consider a visit, though I was hoping we’d make one soon.”
“It is a few hours. Not long at all.” Fiona leaned in. “I had to remind Robert that the king has spies who will report if we don’t make an effort to show unity here. He cannot forget that feud. When he heard the bishop was requested, Robert decided this wedding was the excuse he needed to come and show support for the fight against the pirates.”
“You’re sure the king has spies? Jeremiah just mentioned it but it’s a good reminder that he must pretend to get along with Robert.” I knew it was unlikely Jeremiah would set foot in a MacDonald stronghold though.
I was sorry about that. Fiona knew I was a vampire and I liked her. I really enjoyed having a female friend to confide in who knew what I was. I didn’t fool myself that Flo would stay much longer.
Fiona frowned. “I heard you were attacked by the pirates and wounded. I’m glad to see you seem healed. How do you feel?”
“I am fine now, thank you.” I gestured for Flo to join us. “It was an ordeal, I don’t mind telling you. But come, meet my friend Madame Florence daVinci. Flo, this is the Countess of Leven, Fiona MacDonald.”
Flo sank into one of her court curtsies. Fiona matched her. Soon they were talking like old friends. In Italian. I realized we were keeping the wedding from going forward and gestured to Jeremiah. He was busy keeping his father from hurling insults at Robert.
“We must let the wedding proceed. Can you do something?” I realized Jeremiah had managed to call in some of our own guard, besides my ever-present Valdez, and the chapel was now crowded with armed men.
“Of course.” He raised his hands and shouted. “Attention. We are ready to begin.” There was a quick shuffling of feet and everyone settled into place. The bishop stood at the altar with Jeremiah and Captain Burnett in front of him. Lady Anne had her mother by her side. Anne did look lovely and I was happy to notice that the captain couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
Soon they were saying vows. Jeremiah kept his hand on his sword and eyed the MacDonald group warily as if sure they had evil intent. Malcolm had just slipped a ring on Anne’s finger when we heard shouts from outside.
“Pirates! Pirate ships in the harbor!” Then the boom of cannons.
I hoped the bishop had finished and made it legal, because the captain pushed men aside as he ran for the door. Lady Anne stared after him, her heart in her eyes.
Jeremiah didn’t spare a word to me, just ran after him. The rest of his men surged toward the door, clearing out the chapel except for the party from the MacDonald castle.
“What should we do?” Fiona looked excited, like we’d arranged this for her entertainment.
“Come inside the castle where you will be safe.” Valdez began urging us toward the door. “We can protect you there.”
“Go with him, my dear.” Robert MacDonald was surrounded by his men. “I’m going to see how I can help with this. I don’t want to have to worry about you.” He kissed her cheek. “Stay safe.”
“What if I could help? You know I’m an excellent shot.” Fiona touched his face. “Be careful, darling. Don’t be surprised if you see me on the battlements.”
“Now Fiona…” He grinned at her. “Don’t shoot anyone in a kilt. Remember that.” He stopped by me and kissed my cheek. “Gloriana, you are radiant. I heard you were hurt by a pirate that Campbell let inside the gates. Incompetent turd. If you get tired of him, you’ll always have a home with us, won’t she, Fiona?”
“I don’t know, Robert. Not if you keep looking down her bosom. It might be best if we help her set up somewhere close by.” Fiona tugged on his plaid. “Go kill some pirates. Jamie would love a report that you did that for Campbell.”
“No, for Scotland, my love. I fight pirates for the king and for Scotland.” He winked then led his men out of the chapel.
I heard more cannon fire in the distance. Were the ships shooting at each other? Or had the pirates found our ships unmanned and taken advantage of that fact to severely damage them? I was sure Jeremiah was on his way to the beach to check on it now.
“Valdez, make sure there are guards on the hill. At the entrance to the secret passageway.” I couldn’t help reliving that attack inside our walls. I didn’t blame Jeremiah. He had defended us as well as he knew how. I saw guards everywhere, but the drawbridge was still down. I stopped in front of it. Fergus was talking to a group of men there.
“Surely you are going to raise the drawbridge.” I ignored Valdez, who was trying to push us into the castle. The bishop hurried inside on his own, murmuring prayers.
“I gave the order as soon as Jeremiah and the captain left here.” Fergus stalked over to one side of it and pointed at the chain that made it rise and fall. “See here. Damaged beyond a quick repair. Someone knew what they were doing.” He kicked the pulley in frustration.
“I’m sorry, Gloriana. They had to open the drawbridge to let our carriage through. And our escorts on their horses, as well.” Fiona took my hand. “But there were guards then. Why didn’t they stop this mischief?”
“A good question.” I was afraid I knew the answer. “Lady Anne, why don’t you take your mother to your bedchamber? I think she needs to rest.” That lady was still upset. Had she received another message from Clyne? I didn’t have time to deal with that now.
“Yes, that’s a good idea. Come, Mama.” Anne nodded. “I will order a bedchamber prepared for our guests. One or two, Countess?”
“Robert and I do not like to be apart. One will do.” Fiona released me to approach Anne. “Felicitations on your marriage, Lady Anne. We met once before, in Edinburgh. And I know Lady Rose from card parties. I’m sorry you seem upset, my dear.” She patted Lady Rose on the shoulder. “It is certainly a fine night for your daughter. Captain Burnett’s family is a distinguished one. This alliance should make you happy.”
“Yes, I am happy for her.” Lady Rose smiled through her tears. “I am being foolish.” She gazed around the courtyard, full of armed guards. “I am perfectly safe here, I know it. Thank you, Gloriana, for taking such good care of us. Now I think I will lie down for a bit.”
The two ladies disappeared into the castle while Valdez and Fergus studied the ruined pulley and chains.
“Are you sure it won’t go up?” Valdez walked over to look at the chains more closely. He had women to deal with and he knew we were not going to meekly sit in our bedchambers with a war going on outside. He looked harried.
“You think we haven’t tried? Someone was very thorough when he broke it this time. Broke both of them. Clearly we have a pirate working in our midst.” Fergus ground his teeth.
“What about the guards on the drawbridge?” I was afraid of his answer. The last time the drawbridge had been tampered with, the guards had met a bad end.
“We’d doubled the guard since the last problem. This night word got out that Colin MacLean was getting married. There was a bit of free ale passed around in celebration.” Fergus gazed around the courtyard. No one was making merry now. Every man was holding a weapon and intent on the road to the castle or the forest surrounding it.
“Two who were supposed to stand guard couldn’t resist the chance for a pint and left their posts. That left two at the bridge.”
“They’ll be punished, I’m sure, the ones who left,” Valdez said then exchanged a look with Fergus. “And the others? I hope one of them didn’t end up with his throat slit in the stables. Did the other disappear like last time and join the pirates in the harbor?”
Fergus nodded. “The one on the run? Can you guess his name?”
“Didn’t you go through the alphabet? You said the letter ‘M’ was no help.” My trip to the witch’s hut had done nothing but leave me with a lingering feeling that I wasn’t quite right. I’d washed away the evil, but still felt unclean. And my taste! If only I could down some of Colin’s ale to rinse that out of my mouth. It had started to be foul when I’d been shot. Now it was even worse.
“True. But what do you have if you turn that bowl around, Gloriana?” Fergus slapped his thigh.
“’W!’ What was the man’s name, Fergus?” I couldn’t believe we hadn’t thought of that. The fact that the witch hadn’t mentioned the possibility made me wonder if she could be in league with the pirates after all.
“Wylie. Jon Wylie. He called himself that anyway. Bastard. Murderer. Or tried to be. Didn’t slit the man’s throat this time but sneaked up behind him and knocked MacLeod clean out. He’ll be all right except for an aching head. We can be grateful for that.”
“But we’re stuck with an open drawbridge.” I knew what I wanted to do and exchanged a look with Flo. “You’ll need more guards there. Ready to fight. I have a feeling Jeremiah and his troops will be busy at the beach.”
“Gloriana, you are not going to join the fight.” Valdez blocked the steps.
“Not in this dress.” I started back up the steps, ignoring his growls of displeasure.
“You’re going to fight?” Fiona sounded excited. “I would love to help defeat the pirates. You heard me. I am an excellent shot. My pistols are in the carriage. I never travel without them.”
“Then we should send for them.” I ignored Valdez who had muttered something about MacDonald not liking that. “We have britches that will make it much easier to move.”
“Like the men wear?” Fiona looked down at her skirt, so full that it brushed the walls on both sides of the stairs when she walked. “How did you manage that?”
“I have a very talented housekeeper.” I exchanged a grin with Flo when we stopped in front of my bedchamber. “I think you are closer in size to Florence. Flo, will you let Fiona try on one of your pairs of britches?”
“Certainly. You may not like them. They are strange to feel in your canale dell’amore, if you know what I mean. Too close.”
“I cannot wait to find out.” Fiona laughed and followed Flo up the steps to her room.
“You are mad if you think I will allow you to go to war. Certainly not dressed as a man.” Valdez fumed and then cursed when I stepped inside then slammed my bedchamber door in his face.
Would he open the door and try to stop me from changing clothes? I waited a few moments then realized I had no hope of changing anything. Not with the tight bodice that closed in the back of the dress. Mercy had helped me into it. I needed someone to open the fastenings to get me out of it. I tried to reach behind me. No luck. I did succeed in pulling off my petticoats, but trying to get out of the rest of the dress was hopeless. Unless. . .
I concentrated, seeing Flo’s bedchamber clearly in my mind. Tingles started and then. . . I was there, standing amid a pile of lace. Fiona screamed when she saw me. Flo laughed. It was just the reaction I was hoping for.
“How did you do that?” Flo touched me to see if I was really there.
I didn’t blame her. I was wondering that myself. “I discovered a new skill. I can’t do your kind of shifting. You know that. But I can shift from place to place. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Fiona stared at my feet. “You are standing on my dress. Get off! I don’t love it as much as I do your red one, but I must wear it home tomorrow night.” She had a dazed look. “Is there anything you vampires cannot do?”
“Oh, sorry!” I hopped off of the massive lace confection and then picked it up and draped it over a chair. “Yes, Fiona, we cannot eat, see daylight or have babies.” I knew she had been teasing Robert to be turned. “Don’t be in a hurry to leave your mortality behind.”
“Like you did?” She smirked. “Robert told me your story, Gloriana. You didn’t take long to make your choice.”
Flo clapped her hands. “Ladies, I hear cannon fire. We must hurry.”
I heard it too. I looked at Fiona. “Did the britches fit?”
“They are a little tight.” Fiona turned around so I could see the way they hugged her bottom. Oh, but they showed the curve of a shapely ass. Robert would love to see her now, I was sure. “Florence is right, they are tickling my love canal. I want to find my man and have him finish the job, if you know what I mean.” She winked. “The waist is so tight I am cut in half. But I can live with that.”
I was glad my britches weren’t that tight. I wanted to fight in mine, use my bow, not worry about being strangled by my clothing.
“Why are you not wearing yours, Glory?” Flo had hers on and looked ready for battle. She had added her sword and picked up a knife to wear at her waist.
“I can’t get my dress open in the back. I’m stuck in it.” I smiled. “I wasn’t about to ask Valdez to help me. He wouldn’t. He is against this entire thing—britches and joining the guards.”
“I know. Men!” Flo got behind me and quickly opened the back of the dress. “There you are. But where are your other clothes? You should have brought them.”
“I forgot.” I held my loose bodice to my breasts. “I’ll just focus and go back to my room. I’ll meet you both in my bedchamber. Fiona, I have extra swords and knives there. We’ll outnumber Valdez so he’ll have no choice but to follow us and allow us to fight where we’re needed.”
“Right.” Fiona opened the door. “We’ll be there.” She studied me. “You just focus on the place you want to be? Do you think any other vampire could do it? Florence, have you tried it?”
“Not yet. This is the first I’ve heard about it.” Flo flushed. “I will certainly try it. Right now. It is a wonderful skill, Glory. Use it when we fight. It will drive the pirates crazy, capisci?” She made a stabbing motion with a knife in her hand.
“Yes, you’re right. I could vanish in front of them then reappear at their backs.” I was excited at the thought. “I must go now. See if you can go to my bedchamber with me, Flo.” I waited.
Flo closed her eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened. She opened her eyes and cursed in a burst of Italian.
“I cannot do it, Glory. Go! We will meet you in your bedchamber.”
“Fine. I’m sorry, Flo.” I shook my head then closed my eyes and focused on my bedchamber. It wasn’t easy because I kept seeing all the possibilities for battle strategies. I could totally confuse the enemy. I felt the tingle then opened my eyes.
I had shifted all right. I was standing with my bodice clutched to my breasts but what I saw was definitely not my bedchamber.