“Your wife?” The baron looked livid. Maggie held her breath, waiting for the explosion of emotions that was sure to come.
“Ye heard me,” said Reed, sounding way too cocky. He should never be talking to a baron that way. He should never have hit a noble! Nothing good could come of this, she was sure. Why had Reed acted so recklessly once again?
“Whitehaven, how did this happen?” asked the baron. “We had an agreement. How could you go behind my back and break the betrothal?”
“I didn’t,” explained Rowen. “I had no idea they were married until I went to the Highlands to collect the girl.”
“You can’t break a betrothal!” The baron’s fingers twitched over the hilt of his sword. “And neither can this savage assault a noble and live. He must be locked away and sentenced to death.”
“Please,” said Rowen, standing between them. Maggie was glad because she was afraid Reed would lunge at the man again. “Let us all meet in my solar where we can discuss this situation.”
“There is nothing to discuss,” said Norbert. “If you won’t attend to the matter, I’ll take it into my own hands.”
“I’ll take it into my own hands and ye’ll be at the wrong end of it,” threatened Reed. His face was red and his jaw was clenched.
“Reed, stop it,” warned Rowen under his breath. “Let us all retire to the solar. I assure you we’ll find a solution to this problem.”
“I have an issue to attend to first,” said the baron. “I’ll meet you in the solar in half an hour.” The baron stormed away, surrounded by his guards. Reed turned around to see Rowen’s mouth turned down in a frown and a nerve twitching in his jaw.
“You fool!” said Rowen through gritted teeth. “Why did you have to punch him? I had enough problems to begin with and now you’ve attacked a noble. That is punishable by death and the baron wants your neck. How could you have put me in this position?”
“Reed, you need to control that temper of yours,” said Rook, joining them with Ross at his side. “Mayhap a short spell behind bars would do you good.”
“Nay!” shouted Maggie. “Ye are his brathairs. Ye need to help him.”
“I dinna need anyone’s help,” spat Reed. “Maggie, get yer things together. We’re leavin’ for the Highlands.”
“What?” She looked up in surprise.
“That’s right, run like a scared rabbit,” said Rook. “You’re so fast to react without thinking. And now you’re going to leave us to clean up your mess.”
“Dinna call me a scared rabbit,” spat Reed. “Ye hid in the catacombs like a scared rat!”
“Stop it,” said Rowen, but his brothers didn’t heed his warning. Before Maggie knew what was happening, Reed’s fist shot out toward Rook. Rook was fast and grabbed Reed’s fist in his hand, keeping from being hit.
“Don’t even try that with me,” warned Rook. “Because I’m not afraid to hit back.”
The sound of a sword being pulled from a sheath got everyone’s attention. Rowen lowered the tip of his blade between his brothers. “This is my castle and I’m Lord of Whitehaven. I could put you both in the dungeon if I wanted, so don’t tempt me.”
“Rowen is right,” said Ross. “Ye boys need to listen to him. Let’s no’ waste any more time. We have half an hour before the baron meets with us. We need to figure out how we’re goin’ to get out of this mess before someone loses their head.”
“I think Reed has already lost his head,” said Rook. “Or at least his mind.”
“Ross?” Annalyse walked up to her husband. Summer and her sisters watched from behind her. “What do you mean ‘we’? You should stay out of this. After all, the last time you were in England, you created a lot of problems yourself.”
“That was a long time ago, lassie,” Ross said, putting his hand on Annalyse’s shoulder. “These are my boys and I plan on helpin’ them any way I can, no matter what happens to me. They are my family and I willna let them down again.”
Annalyse had a tear in her eye as she smiled and nodded. “Our family,” she told him. “And we’re all in this together.”
“Annalyse, dinna get involved,” said Reed. “This could be dangerous.”
“I suggest we stop wasting time,” she told them. “Let’s put our heads together and come up with a plan to appease the baron before it’s too late. I’ve raised strong – and stubborn boys, and I know if we support each other, we’ll be able to find a way out of this unfortunate situation.”
“You’re right,” agreed Rowen, sheathing his sword. “Family – let’s get to the solar and start thinking of our best move.”
* * *
Reed paced the solar, too furious even to think. He was angry at the baron, and also angry at himself for acting so recklessly and putting his family in this situation. The baron had yet to arrive, but time was running out.
Rowen and Rook stood at the opposite side of the room with their arms crossed, while Ross and Annalyse conversed softly, sitting on the bed. Maggie stood looking out the window.
Reed drank in her beauty. This was too good to be true. For years, he had thought she was dead. When he found out she was alive, his whole world changed. Then, before he knew it, she was his wife. His glorious wife. When he’d brought her back to her homeland and she faced her fears, he was so proud of her. She’d lived through so many awful times that she didn’t need this in her life right now. If only things were different, he would be content with nothing else since he had her. If he were thrown into the dungeon and condemned to death, it would devastate her. She was a strong woman, but her emotions were still fragile. He had to find a solution to this problem – for Maggie.
“Stop the pacing and help us think,” Rook told him.
Reed walked over to join his brothers. “Ye’re both nobles. Canna ye do somethin’ to shut him up and send him away?”
“All three of us are of noble blood,” said Rowen. “Rook and I are titled, but did you forget dear old dad never legitimized us? That creates a problem.”
“That’s right,” added Rook. “Rowen’s word is nothing compared to the baron’s. Reed, if the baron wants you sentenced to death, I don’t see how Rowen could stop it.”
“Nay!” Maggie rushed over to them. “Please, there must be a solution.”
The door opened and Summer came in, carrying a tray of tankards filled with ale. She put the tray on the table and picked up two tankards and gave them to Rowen and Rook. Then she handed one to Reed, but he shook his head and turned away.
“I got us into this mess, I’ll think of somethin’ to get us out of it,” said Reed.
“Then you’d better start thinking fast because we’re almost out of time,” said Rook, taking a swig of ale.
“Nay, it’s my fault,” said Ross, getting up off the bed and joining the group. “I’m the one that got us into this when I told Reed that I’d made an alliance with Maggie’s father and we’d betrothed them at childhood.”
“Ross, how could you?” asked Annalyse, following her husband.
“I was tryin’ to help them, Annalyse. I could see they loved each other and needed to be together.”
Summer listened intently as she used both hands to give a tankard of ale to her father.
“If only we could appease the baron by betrothin’ him to another girl,” said Ross nonchalantly.
“It would have to be a noble,” said Rowen. “I have no single noblewomen at Whitehaven that are of marrying age. I’m afraid it’s not an option.”
“What about neighboring castles?” asked Annalyse. “I believe the Lord of Dover has several daughters that might satisfy the baron.”
“It’ll take too long,” said Rook. “By the time we sent a missive to Dover and waited for an answer, it would be at least a sennight. We need a solution now.”
“How about me?” asked Summer, causing everyone to turn around and look at her.
“Sweetheart, what do you mean?” Annalyse asked her.
“I’m of marrying age and I’m a noble,” said Summer. “It might be the solution to the situation.”
“Nay, I don’t like the idea. You’re too young for him,” said Annalyse, getting very upset.
“Summer, the baron is more than twice yer age,” Maggie pointed out. “And ye dinna love him, let alone ken him.”
“Nay,” Summer agreed. “But you love Reed and I don’t want you two to be torn apart. I’ve seen how happy you are now that you’re married. Maggie, you deserve some happiness in your life after everything you’ve been through. I’ll not stand by and watch you lose the man you love. Besides, I would do anything to help my brothers.”
“That’s honorable of you, Summer, but I’m afraid I agree with your mother,” said Rowen. “We’ll have to find another way. Besides, I made an alliance with the baron and I need to keep it.”
“You will keep it,” said Summer. “I’m your ward now, living at Whitehaven. Make the same kind of alliance with him as you had before when you betrothed Maggie.”
“Little sister, I canna let ye do this,” said Reed.
“I agree,” added Rook. “Now forget that daft idea and let’s think of something else.”
“But I want to do it,” protested Summer. She looked over to Ross. “Father, will you betroth me to the baron?”
Annalyse gasped. “Summer! Don’t put your father in that situation.”
“Now wait a minute, Annalyse,” said Ross scratching the back of his neck. “What Summer is suggestin’ just might work. This way, the baron will have an alliance no’ only with Whitehaven but also with Scotland.”
“What are ye sayin’?” asked Reed. “Ye canna make an alliance with the MacKeefes.”
“I’m no’ talkin’ about an alliance with the MacKeefes,” explained Ross. “I’m talkin’ about an alliance with the Douglas Clan.”
“Ye are?” Reed raised a brow.
“I am goin’ back to the clan where I belong. My brathair, Malcolm, and the others will agree to the alliance, I am sure.”
“So will you betroth me to the baron?” asked Summer. Maggie could see the determination in Summer’s eyes, but she couldn’t let her good friend do this for her.
“Summer, please dinna,” said Maggie with tears in her eyes.
“I want to make the alliance,” Summer told her. “This family has been torn apart for too long. We’ve finally been brought back together and I will do anything at all to keep us together from now on. Reed doesn’t deserve to die and Rowen doesn’t deserve to have enemies when he’s just been made a lord. Please, everyone, let me be the baron’s betrothed. It will solve everyone’s problems.”
“She’s right,” said Ross. “I think this will work.”
“I don’t know,” said Rowen. “I still don’t like the idea. I’m not sure what kind of man the baron is.”
“You were so fast to betroth Maggie to him,” said Summer. “Why should I be any different?”
Maggie stayed quiet, wondering the same thing herself. Then Rowen looked over to his brothers. “What do you two think?”
“I think it’s a noble gesture and that we should do it,” said Reed.
“Of course you would since it’ll save your neck.” Rook took another swig of ale.
“So you’re against it, Rook?” asked Rowen.
“Rook . . . please,” begged Summer. “Think of your brothers.”
Rook looked the other way, scratched his head and finally nodded. “I guess it would solve some problems.”
“Mother? How about you?” asked Summer.
Annalyse looked like she wanted to cry. Ross put his arm around his wife. “She’s no’ a child anymore, Annalyse. We need to think of our entire family. Summer is strong and will make a wonderful baroness. Let’s give her the chance that a lot of girls never have.”
“Aye, she’ll be rich, that’s for sure,” said Rook.
Reed knocked his brother in the arm and Rook spilled his ale. “What?” said Rook. “We all know it’s true. Baron Norbert Mowbray of Suffolk is not only rich but very powerful. Summer will make out like a bandit with this deal. She’ll never want for anything else for as long as she lives.”
“Except love,” mumbled Maggie.
“I’m sure I will learn to love the baron over time,” Summer assured her.
There was noise in the corridor. The baron and his guards could be heard heading to the solar.
“Annalyse, I dinna need yer blessin’ to make the alliance,” said Ross. “But I’d like it.”
Annalyse took Summer’s hands in hers and stared into her daughter’s eyes. “You are a brave, strong woman, Summer. I admire the fact that you were the only one to come up with a solution. You are smart and have the fire in you to survive and reign in any situation. If this is really what you want, you have my blessing.” She kissed Summer on the cheek just as the door to the solar burst open.
“Whitehaven, you have one minute to make things right. After that, I will take matters into my own hands concerning the Scottish savage since I am of higher status than you.”
“We’ve come to a conclusion,” Rowen told him.
“We? So now you’re seeking council from Scots and women?” The baron chuckled.
“These people are my family, Baron,” Rowen told him in a stern voice. “And with all due respect, I don’t need your opinion on how I make my decisions. I chose to make my family a part of this situation and I’ll not hear another word about it.”
The baron sniffed. “I’m sure there is no answer to this situation. The Highlander will be sentenced to death either way.”
“On the contrary,” Rowen picked up a tankard of ale off the tray and strolled across the floor to meet the baron. “I will decide Reed’s punishment for hitting a noble. And as to the other problem of the betrothal, I’m willing to offer you another betrothal in its place.”
“Who are you offering?” asked the baron. “It has to be a noble. And I want her to be young and pretty.”
“I’d like to make an alliance with ye, Baron,” said Ross, putting his arm around Summer’s shoulder and bringing her forward. “This is Lady Summer, my daughter. I am willin’ to betroth her to ye and in return, ye will get no’ only an alliance with Whitehaven, but also one with the Douglas Clan as well.”
Maggie’s heart beat quickly in her chest and a knot formed in her throat. Summer was only four and ten years of age. But she was breathtaking with her long, blond hair of silk and her wide smile and big, green eyes. Summer had offered herself up as a sacrificial lamb and Maggie was proud of her. She did it to help her family. But Maggie knew Summer was scared even if she said she wasn’t. The girl wrung her hands together and stared at the ground. Maggie barely breathed as she waited for the baron’s answer.
“Two alliances?” asked the baron. “Interesting. Let me see you, girl.” He raised Summer’s chin with his fingers and a smile spread across his face. “Aye, comely.” Then he raked his eyes down Summer’s body. Maggie noticed Reed clenching his jaw again as he watched. She grabbed his hand tightly to keep him from doing anything else reckless. “I’m sure she could give me many heirs. But what about a dowry? If I’m to accept her in place of our original agreement, I’ll need more added to the dowry.”
“I’m sorry, but my clan has very little to offer,” said Ross.
“I’ve already offered you coin as well as weapons,” said Rowen.
“Nay!” He pulled his hand away and shook his head. His eyes roamed back over to Reed. “If you’re expecting me to accept a breaking of our original agreement as well as do nothing to reprimand the Highland savage after he hit a noble, I’ve got to get more – much more from this deal.”
“How much more?” asked Rowen. “I’m a new lord and knight and have not yet been able to build up my coffers.”
“The greedy fool will probably want his castle,” Reed mumbled to Maggie.
“Shhh,” she said, hoping to keep him quiet before he was overheard and gave the baron the idea.
“I’ll give you my ship, the Rover,” said Rowen.
“What?” Rook looked up so quickly he almost dropped his tankard. “That ship should me mine, not his.”
“The Rover?” The baron nodded his head in thought. “Aye, that’s a fine ship, but I’d rather have the Sea Mirage. I’ve heard that is the fastest ship on the sea.”
Maggie noticed Rowen gritting his teeth. Still, he maintained his composure. “As much as I’d like to give you that, I can’t,” said Rowen. “You see, I had to give it up when I became a lord instead of a pirate. The ship doesn’t belong to me – it belongs to my first mate, Brody, and no one knows where he is. So you’d be better off with the Rover since it’s in port and bigger than the Sea Mirage anyway.”
“Maggie almost gasped when she heard what Rowen said. She knew for a fact that Rowen had taken back his old ship and that the crew was out right now looking for Brody. Of course, with the way he said it, she supposed it wasn’t all a lie.
“I’ll take it,” said the baron. Maggie breathed a sigh of relief. “But I want the wedding held here and within three days’ time.”
“So soon?” gasped Annalyse.
“The banns need to be posted for a minimum of three weeks,” said Rowen.
“I can’t take the chance that my betrothed will marry another of those Scottish savages before I can get her to the altar.” The baron snarled at Reed. “I’ll only accept the alliance if the wedding is here in three days’ time. You’ll have to house me until that time. Now, is it a deal or not?”
“You’ll forget about pressing charges against Reed and let me handle how to discipline him for his act?” asked Rowen, just to make sure.
The baron looked down to Summer and then up to Reed again. “Only if the deed is not mentioned by anyone and the savage stays away from me. If he tries to touch me again, I swear I’ll take his head myself.”
“Reed? Did you hear that?” asked Rowen.
“Aye.” Reed looked down and kicked at the rushes on the floor.
“Then I’d like to propose a toast to seal the new alliance,” said Rowen, handing the baron a tankard.
Maggie squeezed Reed’s hand, happy it had all worked out. She didn’t know what she’d have done if Reed had been imprisoned or sentenced to death.
“We’ll have a feast in Baron Mowbray and Lady Summer’s honor,” said Rowen, raising a tankard in the air. “This is a day that has brought peace instead of war and a time that none of us will ever forget.”