Highland Vengeance

Chapter 27

We returned to Inverness with little fanfare. At once, I sent a rider south to Madelaine asking to make a visit. Within the week, a rider returned with an invitation and a bubbly letter from Madelaine who was brimming with excitement at the prospect of seeing me.

I had not seen Macbeth more than in passing since we’d returned. When word came from Madelaine, I sought him out for the first time. Not finding him in this chambers or the hall, I headed to the stables. I had neglected Kelpie all this time and had missed him during my time away.

The stables were quiet. Some of the horses were out. Either Samuel had them out exercising or Macbeth had everyone on a hunt.

That would be a very courtly thing to do.

I set my husband from my mind and chatted with the horses as I made my way through the stable. Finally catching the sound of my voice, Kelpie started nickering and kicked his gate. Along with his noisy hello, I also caught the sound of whispering and a few moments later, Elspeth climbed down from the hayloft above. Her cheeks were flushed red and she had an odd air about her. The boards overhead creaked. Ahh. Pretending I didn’t notice she had a lover stashed away, I smiled nicely at her.

“Lady Gruoch,” she said politely, pushing her hair back. “Someone is excited to see you,” she said, motioning to Kelpie who was neighing loudly.

I chuckled. “So it seems.”

“I’ve kept him exercised. Had him out almost every day. He’s such a strong beast,” she said then smiled.

I went to Kelpie, patting him on his nose. “How about a ride, old friend?” I said, hugging his neck.

“I’ve got something to show you,” Elspeth said, waving me along behind her. We headed out to the pasture where some of the other horses were grazing. “Look there, the white mare. See how round she is?”

“Kelpie’s?”

She nodded. “I think so, at least. He wouldn’t let any of the other horses near her. I put him in his pen this morning because he’s been picking at the other stallions. He trying to keep his herd in line, I think.”

“Grumpy old man,” I said with a laugh, looking back at him.

When I did, I caught just the flash of a coattail turning the corner out of the barn.

I coughed lightly and pretended I had not seen Elspeth’s lover making a hasty escape.

“I’ll be heading south soon. He’ll get his exercise then.”

“Indeed? I didn’t know.”

“Word has just come,” I said, tapping the scroll on my hand. “I still need to make the arrangements. Have you seen Lord Macbeth?”

“No, my lady,” she said softly, turning to pick up some grain buckets.

“Very well. Thank you for taking such good care of my horse.”

“Of course,” she said. Her eyes downcast, she gave me a little curtsey.

Turning, I headed back inside.

I was surprised to find Macbeth in the great hall. He was pouring himself a mug of ale.

“Gruoch,” he said as I approached. He ran his fingers through his hair.

I handed the scroll to him. “I’ll ride south, and stay south, until the weather turns,” I said then turned and walked away.

“Maybe we should discuss—”

The raven sneered at him. “There is nothing to discuss. I will ride south and stay south until the weather turns,” I said then turned on my heel and stormed out of the hall.

When I returned to my chambers, I found Ute and Lulach playing with a wooden top. Ute’s face looked drawn, a sad expression thereon.

“I’ve had word from Madelaine. I will ride south. Are you well enough to travel?” I asked Ute.

A look of relief washed over her face. “Oh yes, my lady.”

“Very good. We’ll leave in the morning,” I said then set about getting ready. I sent footmen to the kitchens, stables, and asked Macbeth’s guard to speak to his lord about assigning me four men to accompany me on the trip. By the time I was done, I had everything ready and it was time for bed.

I lay down that night with Lulach beside me, a small hope in my heart that Macbeth would come to me and ask my forgiveness. Would say something. Would make some gesture.

But that night, I slept alone.

I woke early the next morning. Ute, Lulach, and I dressed for the road. Thora trotted around excitedly. Kelpie had been saddled, as had a horse for Ute. A mule carried what small supplies I had requested to take with me south. A small group of guards had been assembled to ride with us. It was an unusually warm morning.

A footman rushed out of the castle. He handed me a letter. “A scroll for Fife. Lord Macbeth wishes you a safe trip, my lady.”

“Does he?”

I looked back at the castle. Macbeth was nowhere to be seen.

Angry, I clicked to Kelpie. Lulach seated on the saddle in front of me, and lashed to me for safe keeping, I turned and headed south, swearing I would never speak another word to Macbeth again.