“Our mother is Father’s second wife,” Elaine began. “His first wife died in childbirth. We have an older sister, Helen, who is wed to the earl of Sutherland’s heir. Father’s first marriage united the MacKintosh and Chattan clans as one. ’Twas an arranged match.”
When neither said another word, Alethia prodded. “That doesn’t explain why Lydia didn’t join us.”
“She’s terrified to travel, and for good reason.” Elaine grinned. “Our parents met and fell in love before Father married his first wife. Mother was only ten and five at the time. Father was ten and nine. Of course, he did his duty and married the Chattan woman.”
Elaine sighed. “Mother held valuable lands for her dowry, and there were many men who wished for her hand. She refused them all and swore she’d never marry. She vowed to run off and join a convent should her father force her to take a husband,” Elaine added dramatically.
“Shortly after his wife passed, Father sought my mother’s hand. Our grandsire was only too happy to agree, even though he’d never been overly fond of Father.”
“Still doesn’t explain the terror,” Alethia muttered.
“I’m getting to that part.” Elaine scowled. “Be patient. Mother traveled to Moigh Hall for the wedding with half a garrison to guard her. Even so, upon the way she was stolen by one of my father’s rivals who thought to force her hand.”
She gasped. “No.”
“Aye.” Elaine nodded. “My father nearly tore Scotia apart to get her back, and even offered part of her dowry as ransom. No real harm came to her, though she spent a good deal of time bound and blindfolded. The ordeal left her with little love of travel. Unless forced, she stays home. ’Tis because my father married for love the second time that he has granted Malcolm the privilege of choosing his own bride.”
Elaine’s expression became pensive as she shared that bit of information, and Alethia wondered what troubled her friend? Then she thought of Malcolm married to someone else. Jealousy pinched at her heart. Someone else would have his babies and share his life. She had no control over whether she stayed in this time or not, and either way it wasn’t likely they could marry. Malcolm’s father would not approve. Even though he had given Malcolm the right to choose his bride, she had nothing to offer in the way of a dowry or political gain.
What would her future be like if she couldn’t get back to her own time? Options were few for a woman alone in the fifteenth century. Alethia blinked hard several times and forced herself to think about something else. “Will we camp while in Inverness?”
“Nay,” Malcolm replied. “We will stay in Castle Inverness. ’Tis one of many we hold for our king. My father is the earl of Fife, as I will be one day.”
She smiled at the pride in his tone. “Why would your king need someone else to hold his property for him?”
“King James has been held prisoner by the Sassenach for eighteen years. Even so, we are his subjects, and ’tis common for kings to grant the privilege to those nobles he favors, and we have taken care of Castle Inverness for three generations.”
Alethia gave her horse a pat. “Who rules Scotland in James’s absence?”
“The duke of Albany acts as regent,” Malcolm said. “His father before him ruled as governor.”
Elaine leaned toward her and lowered her voice. “Our King James had an older brother who should have been king. ’Tis rumored their uncle murdered him so he could take control of Scotland for himself.”
Alethia looked at her in shock. “His uncle was the duke of Albany, I’m guessing?”
“Aye, Robert Stuart.” Elaine raised her eyebrows and nodded. “James’s brother David was locked away in a tower and starved to death. His uncle would have killed James too if he’d had the chance.”
“No way!” Her brow shot up. “And the duke of Albany got away with the deed?”
“No one could prove it, and few dared to challenge him,” Elaine replied. “Robert Stuart was a ruthless man and brutal. He’s dead now. His son Murdoch has taken his place.” Elaine’s eyes widened. “Some say he’s even more ruthless and greedy than his sire.”
Malcolm shot Elaine a quelling look. “My sister has a flair for dramatics. James was sent to France for his protection and education when he was but a lad. The English captured him en route, and he’s been held there ever since.” Malcolm turned to her. “Father is in London now negotiating the release of our king. He and a contingency of Scotland’s nobles will bring James home to take his rightful place upon the throne. By this coming spring, we shall once again be governed by our rightful king.”