Page 8 of A Merry MacNaughton
They entered the dark entryway and followed the maid up a narrow stone stairway to the first floor. She passed the large dining hall and stopped before a set of double doors. “Please wait in the parlor, and I’ll tell the MacNaughton ye’re here.” With another curtsy, she disappeared up another set of steps.
They entered an elegant room with red and blue woven carpets and colorful tapestries covering the walls. Her feet sank into the thick soft rugs as she took in the rest of the furnishings. Small tables for games and cards sat at one end of the long room, a cluster of chairs in another corner and also in front of the hearth. Two loveseats upholstered in deep red damask, and probably stuffed with expensive horsehair if she were to venture an opinion, flanked each end of the room. Crystal decanters with wine and amber liquids on a side board, an open book resting on a cushion, and a chess board left in mid-play indicated this room was a favorite for quiet, intimate evenings and entertaining. A collection of musical instruments took up one shelf and a bagpipe leaned upon a cushion next to a harp.
They stood before a great hearth, flanked with oak panels painted with a thistle design, waiting to be announced. Peigi clutched her rolling stomach. A family lived here. A large family who read, talked, played games, and made music together. A family like she’d once had before her mother died. She silently cursed her burning eyes and forced back the ridiculous tears.
Her father had to make this right. He stood with his hands clasped behind him, warming his backside from the long journey. A smile tugged at his lips, which set her suspicions twirling again. Before she could open her mouth, the door banged open.
“Now Da, dinna twist my words to get yer way.” The deep, resonant voice held a twinge of exasperation.
An older man with graying red hair strode in, the flap of his belted plaid billowing behind him as his long legs covered the distance of the room in a few steps. The round MacNaughton castle was engraved on the jewel-encrusted buckle at his waist. He waved a careless hand at the younger man, then stopped, squinting at Peigi as if sizing up cattle at an auction. His fingers scratched at his red-bearded jaw before turning to Malachi.
“Which Craigg do I have the displeasure of meeting?”
Her father sucked in a breath, and Peigi could almost hear his mental counting as he tapped down his temper. “I am Malachi, the youngest son of the deceased chieftain, and represent my clan in the hope of peace. May I introduce my daughter and only child, Peigi.”
The younger man with midnight hair and piercing blue eyes stepped forward with his hand out. “Malachi, it is good to see ye again.”
His smile was genuine and sent a warmth that seeped into her cold bones. Powerfully built, he stood at least a foot taller than Peigi. His face was rugged yet gentle when he turned to face her. “Greetings, my lady, I am Calum, The Younger MacNaughton, the eldest son of our crabby chieftain.”
He bowed low and, as her eyes followed him, she took in the massive shoulders and strong back.Sweet Mary,she thought, then bit her lip to hold back the smile that instantly sprang to her lips. Heat rose up her neck when her stomach betrayed her with a flutter.
She gave a quick curtsy, keeping her eyes to the floor. “It is a pleasure to meet ye. We thank ye for receiving us.”
“Welcome, Miss Peigi. This is my father, Angus, MacNaughton of Dunderave and aforementioned crabby chieftain. He isna nearly as gruff as he sounds.” He winked at her. “But he does bite on occasion.”
Angus gave a half-grunt, half-chuckle at that remark. “What message does the Craigg send?”
Malachi cleared his throat. “I’ve come on our clan’s behest but also on a personal quest. I have a debt to settle with Calum.” His gaze locked on the younger MacNaughton. “I’m a man of honor and like any good Scot, I’ll settle my debt by Hogmanay. I canna go into the new year owing another man.”
Calum gave his father a side-glance. “My father kens the situation and how we came to meet. Please, sit.” He indicated the chairs before a large walnut desk. “Would ye care for tea, or would ye rather be shown upstairs to freshen yerself from the journey?” he asked Peigi.
His voice washed over her like warm, freshly-churned butter. She nodded, and this time his smile sent her pulse racing.
“Was that anayeto the tea or the room?” His straight, white teeth and strong jaw added to his aura of strength.
Och, may the saints help me!What was it about this man that turned her insides to jelly? “Aye to the room if ye dinna mind. I’d like to get out of these traveling clothes.”
He nodded and addressed her father. “I assume ye will be with us at least a few days?”
“If ye’ll have us.”
Angus gave another grunt then looked up and smiled. Peigi was shocked at the change. With the smile on his face, she could see where Calum had gotten his looks. “Ailish, my love.” A woman entered the room and he rose to greet her.
Tall with dark hair that glittered with strands of gray, she moved across the room with an easy elegance. Full, rose-colored skirts swished around her in a graceful arc, and her matching bodice showed off a tiny waist and full breasts. Peigi thought she was stunning and clutched her own cape at her neck to hide her travel-stained appearance.
The woman accepted her husband’s hand and even managed a slight blush as he kissed it. The transformation in Angus was immediate. Here was a man still deeply in love with his wife. Her apprehension eased with this proof of her father’s words. If the greeting the chieftain gave his wife was any indication, he would indeed value her opinion.
“Of course they will be staying.” She stopped in front of Peigi and her father and held out her hand. “Greetings, I’m the wife of this mannerless oaf.”
Malachi bowed and again made introductions.
Ailish turned to her husband and son. “There will be no talk of politics until after supper. The three of ye can retire to the study then for yer whisky and argue all ye like. Now”—she turned to Peigi and Malachi—“shall we get ye settled?”
Peigi grinned, instantly liking this woman. The trio made their way up the narrow stairs to the second floor.
“I had rooms prepared for ye after word was received of yer arrival.” She stopped at the first door on the right and beckoned to a maid at the end of the hall. “Mr. Craigg, I hope ye will find these quarters suitable during yer stay. Please inform Colleen if there is anything ye need. The meal will be served in an hour if that is to yer liking.”
Her father bowed. “Thank ye kindly, Madam, yer hospitality is generous and appreciated.” He gave Peigi a questioning look, and she returned it with a reassuring smile.
