Chapter 24
CHAPTER 24
T he night had given way to the early morning hours as Jamie, Annabelle, and their small band of men were finally on the road toward Fort Donald. It seemed that all the Campbells had left and the people who normally occupied the small little village at the bottom of the hill had all returned along with their livestock. Someone must have gotten word to them that Maeve had been rescued and most of the bandits captured or killed.
As they entered the courtyard, Cam, Jen, Mae, Niall, and Catherine were waiting for them. Eamon immediately dismounted and took Catherine in his arms, declaring he missed her more than words could say.
“See to your wife, Eamon, I’ll take care o’ your horse,” Artair called with a chuckle.
Eamon lifted Catherine in his arms and carried her into the castle, much to everyone’s amusement.
“Welcome back, you don’t look like you suffered too much,” Jen said, looking at Annabelle. “Jamie sent word that you’d been taken hostage?”
“I was, but no, I’m not hurt. I did fight Malcolm though and I won, but then he escaped,” Annabelle shared.
“What was that lass? What do you mean you fought Malcolm and won?” Jamie asked, astonishment filling his voice.
“He escaped?” Cam said, clearly frustrated.
Annabelle looked at Jamie. “I’ll tell you later. But yes, he got away while Jamie and the others were battling Malcolm’s men.”
“I see. Let’s take this discussion inside. Come see me after you’ve seen to your horses.” Cam threaded his arm with Jen’s, and they returned inside.
“Glad you’re back safe, Annabelle, we’ll chat later, yeah?” Mae questioned.
“Absolutely.” Annabelle nodded.
She and Jamie led their horse into the stable and made sure someone got the brushed down, watered and fed, then headed inside. They found Cam and Jen in his office and joined them.
As they entered, Cam said, “Now start from the beginning.”
Jamie exchanged a meaningful look with Annabelle before beginning to recount the events of their journey, from the initial discovery of Maeve's abduction to the daring rescue in the woods. Cam listened intently, his expression shifting from puzzlement to gratitude as the tale unfolded. Annabelle added in what happened at the camp before Jamie arrived as well, and they all had a chuckle as she described the fight with Malcolm.
Jen sat next to Cam, listening as well. “That was some good thinking. Still can’t believe you fought Malcolm like that. Remind me to add you to my training schedule.”
“I’m sure the Campbells are glad to have Maeve returned to them, it was a good decision to get them to join you in her rescue, Jamie. What made you think of doing that?” Cam asked.
“You couldnae send anyone and she is one of theirs only felt right that they help.” Jamie shrugged.
“Aye well was a grand idea and I am glad it worked.” Cam smiled.
“You know Malcolm is still out there plotting. We might have won this skirmish, and averted a war with the Campbells, but he is nae going to stop,” Jamie said with a sigh.
Cam's eyes bore a flicker of frustration at the mention of Malcolm's name, but he quickly composed himself. “Aye, I fear you’re right, Jamie, but we’ll find him and deal with him. Hopefully the Campbells will nae be so quick to judge us next time." With a hint of weariness, Cam continued, "You both must be exhausted from your journey and the battles you've faced. Take the time to rest and refresh yourselves. Tomorrow, we shall have a feast in your honor to celebrate your bravery and resourcefulness."
As they left the meeting room, Jamie and Annabelle exchanged glances. The prospect of a feast, a Highland tradition filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of camaraderie, was a welcome respite after the trials they had endured, and Annabelle was looking forward to it.
Jamie offered to walk Annabelle to her bedchamber, but Annabelle paused and smiled at him. “My bedchamber? Not yours?”
Jamie smiled back. “I didnae wish to presume, lass, but if you insist, my bedchamber might be a wee bit more comfortable.”
They hurried their steps but just as they reached his corridor, he paused. Annabelle stopped next to him in confusion. “Is everything okay?”
In the privacy of the dimly lit hallway, Jamie turned to her. "Annabelle," he began, his gaze earnest, "I must admit, I had my doubts at first. But working with you, your bravery and resourcefulness, it tis truly impressive. I apologize for ever questioning your abilities."
Annabelle smiled, her heart touched by his words. “That means a lot to me, Jamie, but you don’t have to apologize. I know it’s not the norm for a woman in this era to do the things that I do. The fact is, you trusted me, and we did what we set out to do.”
Jamie kissed her, but was interrupted by the arrival of Sally, who coughed. She was accompanied by others of the household staff carrying steaming buckets of water and the tub as well as a tray laden with a spread of hot, comforting food.
"Excuse me, Lady Annabelle, but Lady Jen instructed me to bring you a hot bath and a meal."
Annabelle smiled. “Sally, that’s brilliant. I’ll have to thank Jen when I see her next. Can you bring it to Jamie’s chamber? I um…” She felt her cheeks heat as she looked up at Jamie.
“A course,” Sally directed the staff to set things up in Jamie’s room.
Jamie’s bed chamber was a cozy haven, warmed by the glow of a crackling fire in the hearth. The flames danced with a golden fervor, casting enchanting shadows upon the stone walls. Sally and the others positioned the large tub near the hearth and filled it, the water gleaming in the firelight. Annabelle could feel the inviting warmth even before she stepped into the steaming water.
As she sank into the bath, the heat of the water seeped into her skin, soothing away the tension that had gripped her during the past several days events. Her aching muscles, hardened from hours in the saddle and moments of intense battle, gradually relaxed.
Jamie used the washbasin as Annabelle soaked in the tub. He moved toward her once he’d finished and began to knead her shoulders. “Are you feeling better?” he asked.
“Yes, that feels so good.” Annabelle sighed at the pleasure of the massage he was giving her.
“Might I wash your hair for you?” he asked.
Annabelle tipped her head back and looked up at him. “Really?” She’d never had anyone other than a hairstylist wash her hair. “That would be great.”
Jamie grinned. He took the braid out of her hair and Annabelle scooted beneath the water, getting her hair wet. Picking up the soap, which smelled of lavender, he rubbed it on her hair and then massaged her scalp. His calloused fingers worked in circles, soothing and relaxing her. This was something she could get used to. He was so good at pampering her.
Annabelle followed his directions, dipping her head back into the water so he could rinse it, and then he used one of the buckets over the longer strands to make sure he got all the soap out. Once her hair was finished, he picked up the wash cloth and scrubbed her back and the rest of her for her. When he was done, he held up the fabric for her to wrap herself in.
Emerging from the bath, Annabelle stepped toward him, allowing him to wrap her in the warm wool. “Thank you, Jamie, that was amazing.” She smiled, feeling a blush form on her cheeks at the way he was looking at her.
“Come, let’s eat some of this stew Sally brought us.” He led her over to the table.
The aroma of savory dishes wafted through the air as she sat down at the table. There were steaming bowls of rich, hearty broth, thick with chunks of tender meat and fresh vegetables. Fluffy potatoes, creamy and buttery, nestled beside roasted cuts of succulent game. The centerpiece was a small golden-crusted pie, its filling a tantalizing blend of savory herbs and tender cuts of meat.
“This smells delicious,” she murmured.
“Aye, Mira is an amazing cook,” Jamie agreed.
Annabelle savored every bite, as she and Jamie conversed about their childhoods. Annabelle giggled at some of the tales he told, but she wasn’t sure she believed half the stuff he told her he got up to. “You did not,” she said, shaking her head and laughing as he told her that he’d once tried to ride the dairy cow out onto the moor.
“Aye, I did. Thought I could train it like I could my horse.” He laughed.
With dinner finished, and the fire in the hearth crackling with a warmth, they settled upon the bed together, their hands found each other, fingers entwining with an electric connection that amazed Annabelle every time they touched. She could not believe this was her life now. It was magical and enchanting and exciting and everything she could have ever imagined.
Jamie turned to her, his face mere inches from hers. "I love you, Annabelle," Jamie whispered.
"I love you too, Jamie," she responded, her heart full of passion for him. She felt like the luckiest woman on the planet.
Jamie kissed her and pulled her close. He worshiped her body as they made love and then they drifted off to sleep wrapped in each other’s embrace. As Annabelle slipped into sleep, she couldn’t help but be thankful that Dub Sith had found her that night and brought her to a time and place where she could be so well loved.
* * *
The next afternoon, Fort Donald was adorned with banners and torches, its stone walls echoing with the sounds of laughter and celebration. The feast that had been prepared in honor of Annabelle, Jamie, Eamon, Artair and the others who’d helped rescue Maeve and capture most of Malcolm’s men. The long wooden tables of the dining hall groaned under the weight of the savory dishes Mira and the kitchen staff had prepared, and the air was filled with the irresistible scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread.
Annabelle and Jamie were seated at the high table together, next to her new found friends and their spouses, along with Artair and the others who were being celebrated this day. The atmosphere was festive, and music played by the fiddlers wafted around the massive room. Everyone was talking, having various conversations as they ate. It all felt like a dream to Annabelle, a dream she never wanted to wake from.
Once everyone had finished eating, Cam stood up and called for attention. "Lads and Lasses, today is a day we shall not soon forget. It tis a day of celebration and rejoicing, for we have witnessed the strength and valor of our own kinsman, my brother, Jamie, Eamon, Artair, and all who went out to rescue a Campbell, as well as our welcomed new member to our clan, the remarkable Annabelle Fox, a woman of courage and determination."
A wave of applause and cheers rippled through the dining hall causing Annabelle to blush. Cam raised his hand, and the hall fell silent once more.
"We gather here nae only to honor their bravery, but also to recognize the bonds that tie us together, a clan forged in the fires of history, unyielding in the face of adversity.” Cam looked out to all of the Donald Clan seated at the long tables as he spoke. “The Donalds have long suffered from the abuse of the Campbells and from the monarchy, but we donnae let that affect how we conduct ourselves. We are men and women of honor and these lads,” Cam gestured toward Jamie and all the men at the high table and then looked at Annabelle, “and lass,” he grinned, “have proven that we are resilient and honorable in the face of danger.”
The hall erupted in applause once more.
"As we raise our goblets in their honor tonight," Cam concluded, "let us remember this moment, the strength of our clan, and the unwavering spirit that defines us. For as long as we stand united, no force can sway us from our path. To all of you, may your strength and honor be as unbreakable as the bonds of our clan."
With that, the hall erupted in jubilation once more, the clinking of goblets and joyous voices echoing through the stone walls. They sang merry songs and raised their goblets high, their voices filled with gratitude for the courage displayed by Jamie and the others, as well as for Annabelle's unwavering determination to help find Maeve and rescue her.
As the celebration went on, a man in Campbell tartan approached with a missive for Cam. Jamie and Annabelle were still seated next to him and Jen at the high table and paused at the interruption. Annabelle was nervous seeing the Campbell man and hoped it didn’t mean there was about to be more trouble between the clans.
“Chief Cam, the Laird sends his best wishes and his gratitude for the return of his cousin, Maeve. He has sent me with this for you.” The guard handed over the letter. “I am to wait for a reply.”
Cam took the letter and opened it. As he read it, his mood shifted to a more serious one. “I see.” He handed the letter to Jamie.
Annabelle read it as well.
MacDonald,
I wish to thank you on the safe return of my cousin Maeve. She has informed me that it twas your cousin Malcolm MacDonald who ambushed the envoy, slaughtered my men and captured her. And twas only thanks to your brother and your men as well as mine that she was freed. In that regard you once again have my thanks.
That being said, I want that bastard Malcolm caught and brought before me, or dead and his head on a pike. As he is your relation, you will handle his capture. If you cross me in this, there will be war between our two clans. There will be nae peace between us until this matter is settled.
Annabelle saw that he’d signed it, Your Laird, Colin Campbell.
As Annabelle and Jamie read the letter, Cam said, “I you will give me a moment, I shall pen a reply.” He rose and left the dining hall with the Campbell guard trailing him.
Annabelle and Jamie exchanged knowing glances. “Looks like we’re going to have to track down Malcolm and bring him to the Laird if there’s going to be peace between the Donalds and the Campbells.”
“Aye, love, it does look that way,” Jamie replied with a nod.
As the feast continued around them, Cam returned and the four of them, Cam, Jen, Annabelle, and Jamie huddled in earnest conversation, plotting their next moves, and formulating a plan to track down Malcolm. The fate of Fort Donald and its people rested on their shoulders, and they were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead in the name of honor, love, and loyalty to their clan.
Once a plan was tentatively in place, Annabelle and Jen went to join the other ladies to talk. They found Mae and Catherine seated near the musicians where Mae’s husband Niall had joined in the fiddle playing. Catherine’s husband Eamon was still seated with Jamie and Cam as they went over strategies to find Malcolm.
“Okay, so tell us, what’s going on between you and Jamie?” Jen said, “We want details.”
The others laughed.
“Yeah, you were looking pretty cozy when you got back… share with the class,” Catherine added.
Annabelle's eyes sparkled with happiness. “I’ve fallen hard for him. I mean who wouldn’t? Look at him. And he’s so sweet and caring and always happy, but also fierce and protective and ugh. What the hell happened to men? I mean they don’t make them like this in our time.” Annabelle stared up at the high table at Jamie.
Jen and the others burst into laughter. “No they don’t,” Jen agreed. “At least not that I found.”
“Me either,” Mae injected.
“Same,” Catherine added. “Our Highland men have a way of captivating us, don't they?” She grinned.
“They are fiercely loyal, and they do love pretty hard. I’ve never met anyone like that back in our time," Mae said.
Annabelle couldn't help but smile as she gazed toward the men again, lost in her thoughts of Jamie. "He's also a bit stubborn and headstrong," she added with a chuckle.
Jen, Mae, and Catherine all laughed along with her. “You could say that about all of them. These Highlander men are pretty hard headed, but in the right way,” Jen replied with a smile.
“You never did tell us why you agreed to come here when Dub Sith asked. Not the real answer,” Mae said, eyeing her. “You ready to share yet?”
Annabelle sighed. “As I’m sure you figured it out, I was trying to get away from well…everything. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job, but it was the only thing I had that was good in my life. I was dating a guy that was abusive, controlling, manipulative. You name it and that was Edward. He was a lot like Malcolm actually, now that I’ve met him. I was scared to leave him. I actually tried once, but he reeled me back in with false promises and then held me there with threats of violence.”
“But you were a cop, why didn’t you…” Catherine started but then stopped when she saw Annabelle’s face. “What did he do?”
“I know I was a cop, and I should have seen the signs before I got so in deep with him, but I was in the academy when we met, so while I learned the signs as I went along, I didn’t know them beforehand. And once they have you, they’re hard to get away from.” Annabelle glanced down at her hands.
Mae reached across the table and patted her hand. “I get it. I was in the same kind of situation, more or less. The kind of guy that would rather kill you than allow you to live your life without them. You do what you can to keep yourself safe.”
Annabelle looked up at her, grateful. “Exactly. So when Dub Sith found me in the grocery parking lot, offered me a way out where Edward couldn’t follow, I took it, and I don’t regret it for a second.” She smiled, her eyes straying back to Jamie.
“We’re so glad you did,” Jen replied.
As the night continued, the conversation lightened and they all shared stories and laughter, forming a bond of sisterhood that was as unbreakable as the bond formed between the people of the Donald Clan. In that moment, Annabelle felt a sense of belonging that she had never known before.