Tamed by a Laird Read online

  Copyright

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Copyright © 2009 by Lynne Scott-Drennan

  Excerpt from Seduced By a Rogue copyright © 2009 by Lynne Scott-Drennan

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Forever

  Hachette Book Group

  237 Park Avenue

  New York, NY 10017

  Visit our website at http://www.HachetteBookGroup.com.

  www.twitter.com/grandcentralpub

  Forever is an imprint of Grand Central Publishing. The Forever name and logo is a trademark of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

  First eBook Edition: July 2009

  ISBN: 978-0-446-55149-6

  Contents

  Copyright

  Raves for Amanda Scott and her Scottish Adventures

  Author’s Note

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  A Preview of "Seduced by a Rogue"

  The Dish

  RAVES FOR

  AMANDA SCOTT

  AND HER SCOTTISH ADVENTURES

  “Amanda Scott is a master.”

  —Affaire de Coeur

  “A most gifted storyteller.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “Scott has a flair for characterization.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  BORDER MOONLIGHT

  “4 Stars! Scott crafts an accurate portrait of the snarled politics of the era and the vibrant people who lived, loved, and dared to keep the peace. Excitement melds with romance in a page-turning adventure.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “A devilishly fun romance novel rich with intrigue, deception, tension, and love ever after. If there was ever a novel to bring a reader’s smile alive, this is it.”

  — http://www.CurledUp.com

  “Features Scott’s trademarks: strong-willed women and warrior men, mystery and intrigue, dashes of humor and wit, deep characterization, complex plots, and, above all, historical and geographic accuracy in the days of ancient Scotland.”

  —Sacramento Bee

  “Exceptional… Another fabulous book by über-talented Amanda Scott… She fills our senses with the sights, sounds, smells, touch, and taste of the great lands and castles of Scotland.”

  — http://www.SingleTitles.com

  “Fast-paced… An exciting Border romance with plenty of action… A terrific historical gender war.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “It was hard to put this one down… A pleasure to read.”

  — http://www.ReadingRomanceBooks.com

  “Combines political intrigue, mystery, and romance that will leave readers wanting more.”

  — http://www.RomanceJunkiesReviews.com

  “The love story is funny, honest, and flares with both friendship and desire… Simon and Sibylla are outstandingly detailed and complex characters.”

  — http://www.TheRomanceReader.com

  BORDER LASS

  “5 Stars! A thrilling tale, rife with villains and notorious plots… Scott demonstrates again her expertise in the realm of medieval Scotland. She combines a passionate love story with a detailed understanding of those dangerous times… a fascinating story. I highly recommend Border Lass.”

  — http://www.FallenAngelReviews.com

  “4½ Stars! TOP PICK! Readers will be thrilled… a tautly written, deeply emotional love story steeped in the rich history of the Borders. Scott’s use of real events and people enables her to subtly move readers into the characters’ mind-sets, which greatly enriches the story.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “4½ Stars! A wonderful romance with a historical setting full of action, suspense, passion, and a great plot.”

  — http://www.TheRomanceReaderConnection.com

  “Scott excels in creating memorable characters… A good read.”

  — http://www.FreshFiction.com

  “Excellent… a charming romance, a tale of murder and intrigue, and an enlightening, entertaining foray into Medieval Scottish history. I recommend [it].”

  — http://www.RomRevToday.com

  “Will be enjoyed by the romantic who loves historical romances set in medieval times… Scott has researched the history of early Scotland… to give the novel a rich, believable background.”

  — http://www.JandysBooks.com

  BORDER WEDDING

  “4½ Stars! TOP PICK! Not only do her characters leap off the pages, the historical events do too. This is more than entertainment and romance; this is historical romance as it was meant to be.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “4½ Hearts! A very enjoyable read that is rich in history… Ms. Scott’s next book will be another must-read.”

  — http://www.NightOwlRomance.com

  “5 Stars! Scott has possibly written the best historical in ages!… There was not a part of this story that was not enjoyable… the best book to come along in a long time.”

  — http://www.FallenAngelReviews.com

  “A journey you won’t want to miss! Scott’s gift is her ability to create people you want to know. No matter the conflict or the story line, you’re always drawn to the people. Border Wedding, the first novel in a new trilogy, is no exception. Another winner!”

  — http://www.FreshFiction.com

  “Wonderful… full of adventure and history… Scott is obviously well-versed on life in the fourteenth century, and she brings her knowledge to the page… an excellent story for both the romance reader and the history buff. I’m anxious to read others by Scott in the future.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “Don’t miss this beautiful historic tale.”

  — http://www.BookCoveReviews.com

  “A fun, light read… Scott’s vivid attention to details makes you feel as if you are indeed visiting Scotland each and every time you pick up her delightful book.”

  — http://www.ArmchairInterviews.com

  “A winner… Few authors do medieval romances as consistently excellent as Amanda Scott’s… brings to life the late fourteenth century.”

  — http://www.HarrietKlausner.wwwi.com

  “Well-written narrative and dialogue… exciting plot… Border Wedding proves great stories of Scotland don’t only arise out of the Highlands.”

  — http://www.RomRevToday.com

  KING OF STORMS

  “4 Stars! An exhilarating novel… with a lively love story… Scott brings the memorable characters from her previous novels together in an exciting adventure romance.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “Passionate and breathtaking… Amanda Scott’s King of Storms keeps the tension moving as she continues her powerful saga of the Macleod sisters.”

  — http://www.NovelTalk.com
/>   “A terrific tale starring two interesting lead characters who fight, fuss, and fall in love… Rich in history and romance, fans will enjoy the search for the Templar treasure and the Stone of Scone.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “An engaging tale with well-written characters and a wonderful plot that will keep readers turning pages… Fans of historical romances will be delighted with King of Storms.”

  — http://www.TheRomanceReaderConnection.com

  “Enjoyable… moves at a fast pace… It was difficult to put the book down.”

  — http://www.BookLoons.com

  “Intrigue and danger… Readers will enjoy the adventures and sweet romance.”

  — http://www.RomRevToday.com

  “Enchanting… a thrilling adventure… a must read… King of Storms is a page-turner. A sensual, action-packed romance sure to satisfy every heart. Combine this with a battle of wits, a test of strength, faith, and honor, and you have one great read.”

  — http://www.FreshFiction.com

  KNIGHT’S TREASURE

  “An enjoyable book for a quiet evening at home. If you are a fan of historical romance with a touch of suspense, you don’t want to miss this book.”

  — http://www.LoveRomanceAndMore.com

  “Filled with tension, deceptions, and newly awakened passions. Scott gets better and better.”

  — http://www.NovelTalk.com

  LADY’S CHOICE

  “Terrific… with an exhilarating climax. Scott is at the top of her game with this deep historical tale.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “Enjoyable… The premise of Scott’s adventure romance is strong.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “A page-turner… her characters are a joy to read… sure to delight medieval historical fans.”

  —Romance Reviews Today

  “Plenty of suspense and action and a delightful developing love story… Another excellent story from Scott.”

  — http://www.RomanceReviewsMag.com

  PRINCE OF DANGER

  “Phenomenal.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “RITA Award-winning Scott has a flair for colorful, convincing characterization.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “Exhilarating… fabulous… action-packed… Fans of fast-paced historical tales… will want to read Amanda Scott’s latest.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “Scott is a phenomenal writer… I am not sure if perfection can be improved upon, but that is exactly what she has done in her latest offering.”

  — http://www.RomanceReaderAtHeart.com

  LORD OF THE ISLES

  “Scott pits her strong characters against one another and fate. She delves into their motivations, bringing insight into them and the thrilling era in which they live.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  “Scott writes great tales.”

  — http://www.RomanceReviewsMag.com

  “Scott’s storytelling is amazing… a captivating tale of intrigue… This is a defi nite keeper.”

  — http://www.CoffeeTimeRomance.com

  A HIGHLAND PRINCESS

  “Delightful historical starring two fabulously intelligent lead characters… Grips the audience from the onset and never [lets] go.”

  —Affair de Coeur

  “Perfect for readers who enjoy romances with a rich sense of history.”

  —Booklist

  “A fabulous medieval Scottish romance.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “A marvelously rendered portrait of medieval Scotland, terrific characters, and a dynamic story.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

  OTHER BOOKS BY AMANDA SCOTT

  BORDER MOONLIGHT

  BORDER LASS

  BORDER WEDDING

  KING OF STORMS

  KNIGHT’S TREASURE

  LADY’S CHOICE

  PRINCE OF DANGER

  LORD OF THE ISLES

  HIGHLAND PRINCESS

  THE SECRET CLAN: REIVER’S BRIDE

  THE SECRET CLAN: HIGHLAND BRIDE

  THE SECRET CLAN: HIDDEN HEIRESS

  THE SECRET CLAN: ABDUCTED HEIRESS

  BORDER FIRE

  BORDER STORM

  BORDER BRIDE

  HIGHLAND FLING

  HIGHLAND SECRETS

  HIGHLAND TREASURE

  HIGHLAND SPIRITS

  THE BAWDY BRIDE

  DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS

  DANGEROUS ANGELS

  DANGEROUS GAMES

  DANGEROUS LADY

  THE ROSE AT TWILIGHT

  To Donal Sean,

  who provided the bones of this trilogy,

  in the hope that he will be pleased with the result, and

  To Bonnie Jenny,

  who is not—and could not be—tamed by anyone

  Author’s Note

  For the reader’s convenience, the author offers the following aids to pronunciation and comprehension:

  “Himself” = in this instance, Sir Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway

  Caerlaverock = Car LAV rock

  Castle Mains = (now Castledyke on an Ordinance Survey map) the primary seat of the Lords of Galloway from their earliest times. See “Mains” below.

  Dumfriesshire = (west to east) Nithsdale, Annandale, and Eskdale

  Easdale = EASE dale, Jenny’s estate

  First-head privilege = with no delay, like family, a right granted trusted visitors

  Forbye = besides

  Kirkcudbright = Kirk COO bree

  Mains = the primary seat of a lord (from “demesne”), as in Castle Mains

  Nithsdale = NEETHS dale

  Snickering = a demand made without proper warrant

  Snickets and ginnels = Yorkshire terms for narrow passageways between fences or buildings, used mostly by locals to avoid crowded streets (called “gates”)

  Tocher = Scottish term for dowry

  Prologue

  Galloway, Scotland, December 1367

  Minstrels had been playing music in the minstrel gallery from the time the first guests of the new laird had entered the ancient castle hall to take dinner with him. Since then, a juggler had juggled, dancers had danced, and now a harpist was plucking merry tunes from his wee harp.

  As the harpist performed in a cleared space below the dais, men swiftly set up trestles behind him and laid stout planks across them, an indication that the best of the entertainment was about to begin.

  The harpist took his bows, and a man and woman stepped to the edge of the clearing. As he plucked out a tune on his lute, she began to sing:

  From the East the Ass has come,

  Beautiful in truth and strong as a gale,

  So leap to the boards now, Sir Ass,

  And bray for us your tale!

  Drumming of tabors from the minstrel gallery and applause from the guests accompanied a long-limbed fool in a belled and ass-eared cap, whiteface, and the colorful patchwork garb called motley that all fools wore, as he turned flips and tumbled his way to the stout trestle stage. He leapt wildly onto it, only to sprawl in a heap on its boards. When laughter erupted, he looked around in confusion, then slowly raised himself to a handstand and flipped to his feet. Narrowing his eyes, he shifted his gaze to the high table and began to recite in a sing-song voice:

  There once was a wee bit buffoon,

  Who dwelt in a gey grand hall…

  What followed was at first clever, even humorous. But it soon developed into a strange farce about a ruthless invader with an army of foreigners determined to subjugate a defiant land and its freedom-loving people. As the speaker neared the end of his tale, he made a sweeping gesture from the audience to the dais, saying,

  Such is that wee bit buffoon,

  That laird in his gey grand hall.

  That he hath declared the king’s peace on the land,

  A Grim peace for one and all!

 
The crowded hall remained silent when his recitation ended, leaving only the sound of the tinkling bells on the fool’s ass-eared cap as he made his bow.

  The tinkling continued through the silence as he straightened. He looked bewildered, absurdly so, thanks to exaggerated features on the chalky whiteface that he, like most of his sort, wore. Apparently, he had expected applause if not laughter.

  Instead, eyes throughout the hall shifted focus from his white face to the dark-faced, dark-haired man in the central chair at the high table.

  “By God,” his lordship growled. “What I’ve heard be true, then. Though you call yourself a wit and a poet, fool, you have composed only claptrap mocking my character and his grace’s royal command that I impose peace on Galloway. Having prated that claptrap to the delight of mine enemies, you now dare to prattle it to me. Worse, you do nowt to make me laugh. Send him on his way, lads!”

  Three men-at-arms stepped forward to carry out the order.

  “My lord, ha’ mercy!” the fool cried. “ ’Twas all done in jest, and it be blowing a blizzard outside. Sakes, but I do claim hospitality!”

  “Faugh, that be a Highland notion and none of mine,” his lordship snarled. “Afore ye speak ill of men with the power of pit and gallows, you should learn to cloak your words in at least a thin coat of wit. I am showing you mercy. We’ll see if God thinks you deserve more from Him. Get him out of my sight, lads!”

  Two of the three men-at-arms grabbed the fool, one by each arm. They hustled him the length of the hall, down a step, and across a landing of the stairway spiraling in the thickness of the wall. Pulling open the great door, they forced him outside, where thickly blowing snow covered the outer stairs and the courtyard.

  As they marched him diagonally across the yard to the main gate, his feet crunched on gravel beneath that snowy blanket.

  The third man-at-arms motioned to the gatekeeper, and the gate swung slowly open, scraping ruts in the snow as it did. The fool’s escort dragged him outside to a wooden walkway that he vaguely recalled led ahead to a river wharf and east toward a nearby town. Just outside the gateway, they gave him a heave.