His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell (the beginning after the end read novel .TXT) 📕

grim-faced troops rode hard for home, eager to face the pair who had engineered the assassination attempt that had been so nearly successful. A false report of the attempt's success had been sent back to his keep and, although he was sorry if the news caused any grief to some of those at Hagaleah, Lord Eldon was eager to see the faces of those who had tried to kill him when he miraculously returned from the dead.

The one assassin they had caught alive had told wild stories of happenings at Hagaleah that chilled the blood. Worst of all his news was the report that Storm was at Caraidland, had been there for all of the summer. Although he ached to head directly for the MacLagan's keep, Lord Eldon knew he had to go home first if only for fresh mounts and fighting men. He cursed the fate that had taken him to France, kept him there while all that mattered to him was brought to ruin.

Another anger burned in him, and that was over the knowledge that his home had become little better than a whorehouse. He had been aware of his wife's voracious appetite, but his presence had always kept it discreet. If only half of what that man had said was true, Lady Mary had thrown discretion to the four winds with a vengeance. He wondered how many of his people had suffered under the yoke of her immoral rule. The whore he had married had turned an honorable, well-respected keep into a place of unwholesome debauchery. For that alone he could easily kill her.

Watching the expressions upon his old friend's face, Lord Foster felt sympathy for Eldon. While his home had not escaped corruption, it did not seem to have fallen so far. That bitch from Sussex had muddied Lord Eldon's name and that of his ancestors. It was an insult the proud Lord Eldon would long grieve over, for it would take some time to erase the stain.

Eldon swore harshly as he sat around a campfire with his son, nephews and friends. " 'Tis bad enough to have married the slut, but now the whole world knows what an ass I was. God's beard, I can almost be glad that MacLagan has Storm. At least she is away from that corruption called my wife."

"That man said that Lady Mary intended to refuse the ransom. What will happen to Storm and Phelan then?" asked Andrew, hoping his father would deny the thoughts that were churning in his head.

He did not, only looked at his son and asked, "If you had a lovely young lady in your grasp for the length of the summer or longer, what would you do?" He sighed over his son's downcast face. "I have little doubt that they were honorable until the ransom was held back. Then, who can say." He smiled grimly. "They have always been the best of enemies."

"They will not kill her when the ransom is refused, will they?" Hadden asked quietly.

"Nay," Eldon answered without hesitation. "They would no more put sword to a lone woman within their walls than we would. The MacLagans have ne'er been murderers of innocents even in the fever of battle. I recall the time a madwoman took up sword against one of them during a raid. He took a wound to the arm, for he fought to disarm her rather than cut her down as he could have done with ease. Nay, 'tis not death I fear for Storm."

"Will we ride against them?"

"I think I must needs wait to see how she fares. 'Tis nay their fault that she was left without protectors. How are they to know what treachery is afoot at Hagaleah? All they see is that none wish to ransom her. If Storm is no longer a maid, does the fault truly lie with the MacLagans? Can I blame a man for seducing a maid who has been tossed into his lap, seemingly deserted by her kin? Nay, 'tis not a simple black or white situation, curse Mary's soul. Aye, if Storm has been dishonored, 'tis more Mary's fault."

He was still of that mind when he arrived at Hagaleah near nightfall of the following day. No challenge was raised as he rode through the gates, and the few who saw him gaped, crossing themselves in superstitious fear until his familiar bellow left them little doubt as to the continued good health of their liege. Hilda was sent for as soon as he entered the hall.

"M'lord," the woman wept, "you live. 'Tis God's sweet miracle."

"Stop your wailing and tell me what is about. Where is that slut that, God forbids, carries my name?"

"She has followed Sir Hugh to Caraidland. He goes to free Mistress Storm so he may wed her." Hilda was so elated to see her lord back and alive that she almost smiled as he ranted in response to that news. "There is a man who can tell ye how it goes at Caraidland. He is a kinsman of Sir Hugh's and was left for dead," Hilda offered when Lord Eldon paused for a breath. "He was a spy at Caraidland."

Lord Eldon was not surprised to find the man in Lady Mary's chambers. He grimaced in distaste as he surveyed the bright silks, lush furs and gilded mirrors. Turning his gaze to the pale young man in the bed, Lord Eldon surmised with amazing accuracy how the man had nearly met his fate.

"Is there a specific reason for Sir Hugh to ride armed against the MacLagans at this time?"

"Aye, m'lord. They are at but half strength." Although Lawrence's voice was weak, it was steady. "Lady Mary sent word that no ransom would be paid for Mistress Storm, that ye were dead, as were all who traveled with you, and that they could do with the lass as they pleased. Sir Hugh hopes to catch them unawares."

"Why does this man wish to rescue my daughter?"

"He wants to wed her, or rather,