Knight..... Part VI

***** If you haven't read this 1

story from the begining, 2

please do so first*****3

"I don't trust him," proclaimed Joseph, observing his large Scott friend riding ahead of them next to Lady Patricia. "There's something about him I just don't like." 4

"He seems a goodly sort," replied David, seeming to mentally measure the man being discussed. "I know I'd rather be his friend than his enemy. The man fights like a demon, and strong!" 5

"Aye, that he is. But I still don't trust him," said Joseph, casting a meaning-laden glance in David's direction. 6

"Then I say we watch him closely. We shall enlist the services of Sir Clive," David replied, still studying the back of the giant man ahead. 7

Just then, Sir Clive himself rode up along side the two Lords. "M'Lords, might I have a word with you?" he inquired. 8

"Speak up man. What's on your mind?" asked David, sensing another concerned query. 9

"It's M'Lady, sir. I fear for her safety. We know little of this Scott and I fear she may have - - tender feelings for him," stated Clive, the expression on his face one of grave concern. 10

In the ensuing conversation, all three agreed that Patricia's new interest could prove dangerous. Therefore, the last few miles were spent planning stratagem, and it was decided that only trusted men would guard Patricia and James at all times. 11

"Can we trust her maid to help us?" asked David, mind seeking allies in every corner. 12

"Aye m'Lord. Meg is a good lass. She'll help," answered Clive, a twinkle in his eye. "I'll have a word with her." 13

"A comely wench is she?" asked Joseph, eyebrow raised. 14

"Aye, she is that," responded Clive, face turning a shade of red as he almost choked on his reply. 15

"Have no fear, Sir Clive. I see your interest and I make it a rule never to poach on another man's sport," grinned Joseph, broadly, his reply meant to tease and elicit a response. 16

"M'Lord, I beg your pardon, but Meg is a maiden, a good lass! Not like the scullery maids who lift their skirts for any man who winks an eye. She's a woman to be loved and not made sport of. 17

"Enough, now!" interrupted David, unable to hide his smile. "Lord Joseph was only baiting you, Clive. "Fear not. Your Lady is safe from this rogue," he chuckled, glancing at Joseph who was fighting to stifle a laugh. 18

At the head of the trail Patricia and James had come to a halt. 19

"What think you, m'Lord?" inquired Patricia with a sweep of her hand. 20

"Tis a bonny castle, m'Lady, said James, voice rich and vibrant as fine Scottish wools. "I've never seen the likes!" 21

"In that case, m'Lord Glentavish, may I bid you welcome to Raven's View," she said with bright smile and laughing eyes. Then, kicking her horse into action, she beckoned him to follow. "Come m'Lord," she called out, already a stone's throw ahead. "There's food and drink awaiting us, and the hospitality of my home!" 22

"That's what I fear most," he whispered aloud to no one, urging his great steed to follow this comely lass that was twisting the plans in his mind.23

Inside the high-walled courtyard of Raven's View castle, Lady Patricia Raven and Lord James Glentavish dismounted as stable boys rushed forward to take their horses. The courtyard was a bustling world of men and women going about their days work. In the gardens, woman were tending fruits and vegetables, maids were hanging laundry out to dry, and from the far corner, smoke belching from the furnace, came the sounds of the Smithy hard at work making tools for the castle. Everyone seemed cheerful and welcoming when their Lady approached, and she was just as happy to see them. Greeting each by name, she had something personal to say to each one. 24

When Patricia spied a woman feeding chickens she rushed to her side. The woman began to curtsy but Patricia stopped her. As she rose and turned, James saw the reason for Patricia's concern. The woman was obviously very pregnant. 25

"Lucy, you should be resting," said Patricia to the Smithy's wife, who was due to deliver her first child at any time. 26

"I am fine, m'Lady. I am so tired of sitting - I feel so useless," was the woman's woeful reply. 27

"Lucy, you will finish the feeding of these greedy birds, then come into the great hall and sit by me. I have a fine tale to tell and I promise you will not be bored," insisted Patricia, hugging Lucy with almost motherly affection. 28

While Patricia and Lucy were exchanging words, David, Joseph and the others rode into the courtyard and surrendered their steeds to waiting hands. Quick to assemble and happy to once again feel earth underfoot, the men fell in step with Lady Patricia and Lord Glentavish who were on their way to the great hall. As the huge oak doors opened, Mrs. Wills hurried out to greet her mistress. 29

"Welcome home, m'Lady, you look well," said the housekeeper, curtsying. 30

A plump woman with a weathered but happy face, her plain brown dress was neat as a pin, and the bright yellow apron she had tied about her waist gave her the look of a free spirit. Gwen Wills' coca-brown hair was dressed in ribbons of the same yellow fabric as her apron, and the woman's smile shone warm and welcoming as the sun. 31

"When we received the missive announcing your return I had a feast prepared and your chamber readied," declared Gwen, obviously overjoyed at her lady's return. 32

"Well done, my dear. And now if you will, please have chambers readied for our guests," ordered Patricia. "Lords David and Joseph will be staying, as will Lord Glentavish," 33

Giving James a sideways glance, Gwen nodded, then looked away. There was something familiar about the Scott, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Making a mental note to keep an eye on him, she hurried-off to follow her Lady's orders. 34

The feast of roasted pig and goose was a banquet for all the senses. Sauces made of fruits and berries were served, as were fresh vegetables and plenty of wine and ale. Fresh-baked bread was placed on every table, still warm from the oven, it's aroma giving the room a feeling of home. 35

Blazing torches lined the walls, while candelabras brightened tables. Wearing colorful costumes and performing to delight the crowd, a troupe of troubadours sat near the hearth. The mood was festive and gay. Even the servants seemed to be enjoying themselves. 36

At the head table Patricia sat with her guests, enjoying the meal and pleasant conversation. She had just finished with the telling of their adventures and her rescue when Lord David put forth the question all and sundry had wanted to ask. 37

"M'Lord Glentavish," he said clearing his throat, "when first we met, you were fighting for Lockhaven. How is it that you found yourself in the company of that scummy bastard?" 38

The few moments of silence following David's query seemed an eternity, the entire company holding it's collective breath. Sir Clive MacFarlane watched the big man over the rim of his goblet while David and Joseph stared openly. The Scott took a deep swallow of ale, wiped his mouth on his sleeve, then planted an elbow on the table, chin on index finger and thumb. Looking directly at David, James gave his long-awaited reply. 39

"Weel', 'tis a fairrr question, I must say. But, I'm sure ye ken ma countrry is on the brrrink of war with the Hanoverian. Ma loyalties are with ma country and her people. Lockhaven prrromised to prrrrovide weapons. If ye were in ma position, would ye not turn every rrrock ta find the help ya need ta prrrevail?" 40

Many heads nodded in agreement as there was very little support for the German who sat on the English throne. Though silent, Jacobite support was strong in this part of the country. 41

"Afterr meeting her Ladyship, hearing tales of her kindness and seeing her skills in battle first-hand, I have decided, though I rrremain steadfast with ma country, ma loyalties lay else where." Smile on his lips, James shot a quick wink in Patricia's direction. "Trrue, Lockhaven was a bastard of the first water. Neverr the less, he had something we need, and still do. So I was forced ta lay down with the dog ta defeat the wolf. Even good men will commit horrid acts when faced with destrruction," he finished, raising silver goblet to lips. 42

"Here, here!" came the reply of several listeners. 43

"Begging your pardon, m'Lords," said Patricia, "'tis time I should retire. Mrs. Wills has prepared chambers for you. I pray you rest well." 44

Giving her guests a nod, she then turned toward the stair. The men rose and bowed their goodnight as James took her hand. 45

"A goodnight, m'Lady," he said, as he brought her hand to his lips. "God grant thee a sweet repose," he whispered. placing a kiss on her fingers. 46

Heat suddenly radiating through her, Patricia felt as though she were melting. Taking her arm to steady her, and tucking it beneath his own, he steered her toward the stairs. Their eyes met again as James nodded his goodnight, then placed her hand on the well worn brass hand-rail. Patricia began her assent, gait automatic, one foot, then another placed on each tread as she moved in a languid trance. About half way up the wide expanse, she stopped to look back over her shoulder. What she saw made her heart skip a beat. 47

James' eyes were smiling at her, as were every pair in the room, her people happy to see her home. But James - - his was the look of an enamored lover. With what felt like liquid fire surging through her veins, just to take a breath became a labor and the huge meeting room seemed to spin. Shaking herself from the sudden unexpected flush, she turned and fled up those stairs as if the devil himself was stepping on her heels.48