A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) by Brenda B. Taylor Page A

collapse, but could not find a chair or place to sit. “We’ve naught left.
All is gone.” Tears filled her eyes as she took in the destruction of her home.
    She began walking around the cottage, trying to straighten a chair,
but it would not stand on broken legs. Sven ran to her and wrapped his small
arms around her waist.
    “Mam, leave things be. Leave them be. You canna fix them now.
We must go with Sir Gavin to Fàrdach Castle.” He pulled on Maidie’s cape. “Come,
we must go.”
    “The lad’s right, Madam. You must come with me.”
    “I have nae clothes to take or medicinal supplies. Everything
is lost.” Maidie’s throat constricted, and she could barely speak above a
whisper.
    “You and the lad will be given whatever you need at the castle.
Come, let us go.” Gavin took her by the arm and led her away from the home she
held so dearly in her heart. The cottage she had shared with
Kenneth—where Sven was born.
    Tavish went to the byre to fetch Thunder while Gavin helped
Maidie and Sven on their mare. The tanist mounted with a swift swing of his leg
over the saddle. As the small party rode toward the castle, Maidie turned to
look back at the cottage. She could not control the shaking of her body now, or
the tears streaming from her face. Who would do such a thing? Someone hated her
so much, they dared to destroy her home. She caught sight of Flora and Phillip
standing in the doorway of her cottage. Gavin saw them also, and nodded toward
Flora. She did not acknowledge his greeting. Her face seemed etched in stone.
Surely Flora would not destroy her home. Flora had been a good friend. Maidie
and she shared many good and sad times as they mourned for lost husbands,
raised sons, and lived as close neighbors.
    Lord, help Sven and me
through this. I dinna understand, but know You are in control.
    The group reached the castle, and Gavin called to the guard on
the barbican. The large iron-studded doors slowly opened. He led the way into
the inner bailey. Tavish dismounted to help Maidie and Sven to the ground. Gavin
dismounted then handed the reins to a servant.
    He turned to the young warrior, “Tavish, come with us to see
the chief. He may want to ask questions of you.”
    Tavish gave the reins of his horse to the servant who took all
three away to the stable. The warrior led the way to the door of the keep and
held it open for the others to pass through, then walked behind the group.
Servants worked at making the great hall ready for the evening meal. The aroma
of cooking food permeated the air. Maidie’s stomach churned. There would be no
way she could eat now.
    Gavin led the party up the spiral stone steps to the second
floor. He knocked on a door adjacent to the chief’s bedchamber. Maidie
remembered that bedchamber all too well. Young Colin opened the door for the
group to enter. Maidie looked around the tastefully furnished library. A large,
beautiful tapestry graced one wall, while bookshelves lined two others. The
third wall held a large fireplace where a blazing fire burned and a door
leading to the chief’s bedchamber. Andrew sat at a desk made of gleaming oak
wood. Two leather-backed chairs sat before the fire and a third in front of the
desk. Lamps and sconces provided light. The library was a fine one for a
Highland chief.
    Andrew rose, came around his desk, and took Maidie’s hand. His
lips brushed the back of it, making her stomach churn more. “Madam.” He looked
into her eyes, “What troubles you, Madam?”
    “Brother,” Gavin said, “Madam Munro’s dwelling has been
wrecked. Someone entered her cottage while we were burying Randal and destroyed
all of her belongings, including the food you sent from the castle.”
    “What!” Andrew led Maidie to a chair beside the fire then took
the one opposite her. “I’m verra sorry to hear of such a thing happening in
Drumainn. The villagers are good people, desiring to help each other, not
destroy one’s property.” His grey eyes flashed