The Laird

By Tricia McGill

Andrew, a wealthy Australian architect, takes life too seriously, whereas his PA Elizabeth is outgoing and fun-loving; a perfect foil for her somber boss. She is passionate about Celtic lore and language. With great reluctance Andrew answers a plea from his two elderly aunts to travel to Scotland before his uncle dies. He has no desire to visit the land his father left under a cloud many years ago, but Liz persuades him to take her along.
In the draughty and dilapidated castle, while exploring a disused attic, the pair set off a course of events that propel them back in time to 1050 where they meet Travis, coincidentally Andrew's double.
Previously published as White Clover
Reviews:

“I enjoyed every minute of this book. Tricia McGill perfectly pulls the reader back in time along with Andrew and Liz, describing the castle and its inhabitants in such detail they fully come to life. Andrew’s aunts, Tilda and Kitty, are gems whose unsolicited advice made me laugh out loud! The dialogue in this story is one of its strongest features, and coupled with an intriguing plot it is a winning combination.” Marlene FAR 4 1⁄2 angels

“Multi-published author Tricia McGill crafts an exciting, fast moving Highlander saga. This can’t-put-it-down-story is guaranteed to keep you turning pages." JoEllen Conger Rating: 5

“This is a remarkable book, and Ms. McGill is an outstanding writer. There is rich historical detail of everyday medieval life, and characters who stepped right out of the annuls of history. I love time travel books, and this one is exceptional.” Deborah Brent for Romantic Times
"This Highland tale has all the majesty of a historical and all the magic of a time travel. However this Scottish pair transcends the centuries in a way sure to surprise the reader. The heroine is a strong capable woman, one of many skills. The hero is equally strong and I imagine even has good legs as he is reputed to look dashing in a kilt. My pleasure in reading this tale opened my visions as I allowed myself to be swept to the Scottish highlands. This is a story that takes you away from the daily mundane and embraces you in a far past time." A. Dee Carey/ Fantasy Novelist

“When Andrew travels to Scotland with his P.A., Liz, he expects to visit a few elderly relatives, see the land of his father’s birth, and return home to his busy life in Australia. A chance visit to the attic of the family castle, sends the two of them back in time over 900 years to a place of danger and intrigue among his ancestors. While he and Liz struggle to survive, they learn much about the time and themselves and wonder if they will live long enough to return home. I am not usually a fan of this genre, but this book might just have changed my mind...
The author paints a vivid picture of Scotland in the eleventh century, and for once the images were not all of how the nobility lived...
There are many exciting scenes of battle and intrigue, and great descriptions of life in that time period, some of them so vivid that you can almost smell and taste the food. What a great story!”
Maura Frankman 4 1⁄2 hearts
“McGill gives us a spellbinding, fast-moving plot. Andrew is intelligent, considerate, and out of his depth when pitted against Travis, the strong, virile, Alpha male.”
Audrey Braver The Historical Novels Review

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: May 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781771453417

Book preview

The Laird

Wild Heather, Book 1

By Tricia McGill

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9781773626925

Kindle 9781771453417

WEB 9781773626932

Amazon print 9781773626949

Copyright 2014 by Tricia McGill

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

* * *

Dedication:

To my Scottish forebears. I never could resist a man in a kilt, due to the hint of Scottish blood running through my veins. I love the sound of bagpipes; they certainly stir some emotion deep inside me. I love castles but have to admit to never sampling haggis. Regrettably, although I spent the first part of my life in England, I never got as far north as Scotland. This series gives me the opportunity to travel there in my dreams and imaginings, to meet a rugged highlander, to tramp across the wild heathlands, a trusty hound at my heels.

Chapter One

Near Stirling, Scotland. Present day.

Andrew McAlistair stared at the muddle of buildings. He’d never seen such a mess.

His personal assistant obviously didn’t share his opinion. The moment she spied the heap of junk, she said, I’ve never seen anything like it.

Neither have I. Sarcasm threaded through his remark.

It’s fascinating.

Elizabeth Parker, you’re odd. Andrew shook his head. Surely this can’t be the right place. It has to be a mistake. He’d stopped the hire car by a pair of iron gates, once grand, but now hanging drunkenly on rusty hinges. One of the lions perched askew atop the posts flanking the gates had its concrete nose sliced off. My uncle and aunts can’t live here—we’ve obviously taken a wrong turn somewhere.

No, that lady at the post office said this is the place. Drive on to the door.

Andrew’s insides cringed as he drove past a garden gone to weed, where motley shrubs battled to survive against a choking tangle of thistles.

The house looks promising, Liz said, her eyes still sparkling with excitement.

Andrew groaned. Back in Melbourne, those green eyes lit up the moment he mentioned his uncle’s castle. Liz read Scottish history as if it was the most interesting literature in the world, and possessed an understanding of Celtic lore and languages. She was the only person he knew who spoke fluent Gaelic.

My God, it looks like the house that Jack built, he complained. The bloke who designed it must have been crazy. Or drunk.

A two-storied house stood stoutly in front of a larger four-storied structure with turrets at the top of the two front corners. Curved steps went up to immense double doors. Small grimy glass panes were set high in each door.

The moment Andrew stopped the car these doors flew open and two elderly ladies pranced out. One wore a bright tartan skirt and red blouse with frilled neck and cuffs. The other’s black dress covered her from neck to ankle.

His aunts, Kitty and Tilda. Andrew could only stand and stare.

Andy, is it really you? Ye’re here, all the way from Australia! The plump one had a mass of hair like corkscrews. She drew Andrew against her ample bosom, her tartan skirt swirling as she rocked him back and forth. Her cardigan had seen better days, as had her scuffed brown leather boots. Vermilion lipstick ran through cracks at the side of her mouth. The scent of lavender and mothballs made Andrew cough. As he tried to free himself from the old lady’s clasp, he saw Liz’s grin.

As she pumped Liz’s hand the thinner of the two old ladies twittered, An’ you must be Andy’s trusty companion.

Andrew managed to free himself from the plump one, only to be dragged into a pair of stick-thin arms that pressed him against a breast as flat as a board.

I’m yer Aunt Kitty. The bigger one stood back and beamed. I cannae believe you’re really here, Andy.

Kitty was in her early seventies. Her boots looked sturdy enough to take her over the hills and dales and she looked fit enough to hike for miles.

This is Tilda. With an indifferent sniff Kitty pointed to her lean sister. Tilda’s tight bun dragged the skin of her face back from her prominent cheekbones, pulling her narrow mouth into a straight line. Probably sixty, Tilda looked ancient. Like a hyperactive sparrow she jerked from foot to foot.

I’ll call the old bugger. She rushed inside. Andrew blinked.

Tilda’s a bit slow, Kitty put a finger to her forehead and rotated it while she rolled her eyes. Come away inside. The old fellow will fetch yer luggage in. She waved a hand in the general direction of the vehicle. Yer car can stay there. The garage has a hole in the roof, so it will do just as well where ‘tis.

Andrew’s disappointment grew in leaps and bounds as they went into the hall. Instead of the marble fireplaces, oak panels and Persian carpets of his fancies, the large lofty hall was starkly unfurnished, except for a few rusted weapons hanging on walls whose plaster was peeling. The paintwork bore water stains, the stair carpet was threadbare and the whole house seemed dilapidated, draughty and in need of repair.

Now, can I get you a cup of something hot? You must be feeling the cold something awful after coming from the tropics. Kitty yanked on the waistband of her skirt.

Australia isn’t exactly tropical, er...um...Aunt Kitty. Andrew ran a hand over his hair, then down his nape. Good God, the woman didn’t feel a bit like a relative. And he wasn’t keen on the amusement Liz was failing, to conceal. At least not in Victoria where we come from.

Ah well, once ye get settled in ye can tell me all about yer home and work...and everything. She rubbed her palms together.

I’d like a hot drink, Kitty. Liz asked, then added, May I call you that?

Good gracious me, yes. Now then, follow me. She started off along the wide hallway, her skirt swaying.

What century was the castle built in? Liz asked, obviously intrigued by this monstrosity of a place. Andrew shook his head.

The original part at the back was built in the seventeenth century, dear, but bits have been added on over the years. Not much has been done in the past few years, though. Kitty tut-tutted sadly as she opened a door beneath the staircase then gestured with red-tipped fingers for them to enter. We eat in the kitchen these days, ‘tis warmer.

She waved for them to sit at a long wooden table with ten chairs around it, and then went over to the huge black stove throwing out enough heat to warm the cavernous room. The kettle will take but a moment to boil. She tugged on her cardigan, rubbed her hands together a few times, and sat opposite them.

Yer uncle will no doubt wait until later to welcome ye himself. I’m sorry to say he’s a wee bit obstinate, is that brother of mine. Fancy letting his own flesh and blood go for so long without one word over the years! Sighing, she dramatically pulled her bottom lip into her mouth. Then she sent Andrew a coy smile, declaring, No doubt yer heart is softer than his, laddie. ‘Twas a dreadful shame that yer father left after that awful row with Lawrence. But no doubt he made a fortune for himself in Australia. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity.

He did all right, Andrew admitted quietly. My father always took some misplaced pride in being the black sheep of his family, but never told me exactly what the argument was over. He paused, then added, My father never spent much time discussing anything with me, really.

That’s an awful shame. Kitty reached to pat his hand.

The row had something to do with money, Kitty went on. I think yer father had a hand in a wee bit of smuggling or the suchlike.

That would be about right. Andrew noticed Liz’s quizzical gaze. He seldom spoke about his father and apart from telling her he’d died four years ago, and went to Australia in 1956 at the age of twenty-five she knew little else.

Kitty busied herself making a pot of tea, then poured them all one. An’ it was also a crying shame that ye never got to meet yer grandparents, Andy, she said as she sat again.

It never bothered Andrew before. But now he came to think about it, it was depressing, to be the last in a long family line.

Still, an’ all, ye’ll be having bairns of yer own afore long, laddie. Then the family will grow again like it was in the old days, when there were many proud McAlistairs.

Andrew stared into his cup, saying nothing.

Kitty asked brightly, So, did ye have a good drive over from the airport at Edinburgh?

Yes, Liz said. The scenery is superb, Kitty. All that I expected. And the town looks lovely sprawled over the hills. I can’t wait to go to Stirling Castle.

Aye, an’ we have the Campsie Fells south of here, an’ then the Ochil Hills on the other side of the Firth of Forth. An’ you’ll have to visit the Antonine Wall. ‘Tis just a wee ride away.

Andrew looked over to Liz. Her wide eyes shone with expectation. Oh, don’t worry, she’ll visit every place within a hundred mile radius, he said with conviction. Her zest for life and interest in all things ancient was astonishing. She had the fair complexion that usually accompanied auburn hair and a few of the freckles attractively spotting her up-tilted nose showed through her make-up. A smile twitched at the corners of her generous mouth as she looked from him to Kitty. A smile was always lurking in her eyes, and he knew she always went out of her way to get him to snap out of his seriousness. It had become a game they played, where she laughed openly and he held back. Even in the well-cut suits and prim blouses she always wore to the office, with her hair coiled at the back of her head, her vivacious spark shone through.

D’ye wish to go to yer rooms now, laddie, and freshen up? Kitty was watching him expectantly.

Oh, yes, sure. He stood, pushing the rung-backed chair beneath the table.

Come away with me, then. I’ll show ye up. With another tug on the raggedy cardigan she beckoned to them as she made for the door.

After the warmth of the kitchen the hallway struck as cold as a tomb. Andrew shuddered. With a bit of luck they could see his uncle, make peace with him, then scoot back home as soon as possible.

The upper hallway was no better than downstairs, with frayed and faded carpet on the floor and streaks of water damage on the walls.

Right, this one is yers, Andy. Kitty stopped and opened a door with a flourish. She stood back, beaming. And right next door is the lassie’s. The bathroom is over there. There’s hot water, but sometimes the heater plays up, so ye’d best work it out between yourselves so one has a bath at night and one in the morning.

Andrew groaned. It seemed as if that was all he’d done since he first saw this dreadful pile of bricks. Behind Kitty’s back he put a hand to his head, and pressed his fingers to his temple. Liz’s grin widened.

We’re hoping ye’ll stay awhile, the pair of you. Kitty patted his arm, and gave him a benevolent smile. The days are short and the winds heavy about now, but in spring the heather covers our hills with purple. Some foreigners think this a savage land, but we’ve hidden glens where torrents of water rush through them. An’ there’s gently rolling hills and mighty mountains. All that a soul with Scottish blood in his veins can desire.

Andrew scowled at Liz’s broad grin. How the hell had he let this incorrigible history fanatic talk him into this?

Chapter Two

I told you everything would be all right, didn’t I? Liz said, as Andrew put the phone down and jotted a few notes on the pad in front of him.

Andrew sat on the corner of the desk, drawing her eyes to the powerful leg muscles beneath the fabric of his trousers as he began to swing a foot. With an effort she dragged her gaze away.

In the three years they’d worked together Liz had grown to admire and respect him, but at times could be maddened by his arrogance. Her boss took life far too seriously. If he would only take life more lightly he would be perfect.

What the hell, he was nigh on perfect, with dark softly waving hair, gold hawk’s eyes and a powerful physique he kept in well-honed athletic condition.

Yes, as you forecast, Ray is managing with the Dickinson project admirably. With Paula’s help. He raked a hand through his hair. It was cut short, so he didn’t disrupt its neatness. He sat on the chair opposite hers at the side of the fireplace dominating the library, the only other habitable room on the ground floor. The castle was definitely the drabbest and coldest place either of them had ever lived in. In the two days they’d been here both hovered close to the fire whenever they could.

I still don’t know how you inveigled me into coming here, Parker, he grumbled. I told you it would be bloody freezing here in March.

I wanted to skulk around a castle in Scotland.

As I said—mad. He shook his head.

Well, if I wasn’t a bit soft in the head I wouldn’t have slaved for you with only one holiday in two years, now would I?

I was going to suggest you take some time off after we’d cleared up the Dickinson job, he allowed magnanimously.

Ah well, this is more exciting than a couple of weeks in Bali, boss.

Crazy, he muttered. Uncle Lawrence seems quite taken with you. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t give a carrot about me, for all he says I’m his heir. Stuffing his hands deep in his pockets he scowled at his feet. I wonder what I’m doing here. He made a sound of disgust. The old boy doesn’t seem to be at death’s door at all, contrary to their letter. Aunt Kitty couldn’t give a hoot about him or how sick he is, and from what I gather, she never goes up to his room. Personally I don’t think she can stand the sight of him. Tilda seems to have more time for him. At least she spends an hour or so in his room each day.

Poor dear. She’s definitely a bit slow. And she’s not impatient like Kitty. Did you see how Kitty’s eyes lit up when you were talking about your business, and how well your father had done in Australia? I think she’s of the opinion you’re her pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. She likes the latest clothes, so she told me. Liz rocked back on the other moth-eaten armchair as she laughed. She reckons her brother is so tight he squeaks as he walks. Not that she should say that. The poor old soul can’t walk.

Poor old soul—what rubbish. He’s cantankerous and rude, and that male nurse of his has the patience of a saint. During the short time I visited with him yesterday he complained about the cost of running this place, the price of food, the wages he pays to the staff. Andrew ticked the complaints off on his fingers. Staff—what a joke? My God, he’s only got two old retainers. No wonder the place is falling apart.

Yes, but it’s fascinating, admit it. Your uncle told me to go up and rummage through the trunks in the attic any time I feel like it. Liz leaned forward in her eagerness. Imagine what we may find up there.

Imagine. Andrew grimaced. He’s definitely found a soul mate in you. He thinks you’re the bees’ knees. What were you talking about for two hours yesterday afternoon?

He shares my interest in the history of this place. Liz looked about at the dusty drab room, seeing images of shadows of its past inhabitants in every corner. Can’t you feel it? The castle is steeped in it. I swear I saw a ghost last night as I got into bed.

You would. It was probably the first McAlistair who lived here. What did you say his name was? Andrew sat forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

I don’t really know. I haven’t been able to trace your tree so far back yet. But if he’s anything like the paintings of your other ancestors in the gallery, he can haunt my bedroom anytime he likes. What dishes. One of them was called Travis. I don’t really think the castle’s history goes back to the first one. God, but there’s something romantic and dashing about a man in a kilt. And those bagpipes really stir the soul. She winked mischievously.

Ha, he grunted. I think you must have more Scottish blood in your veins than I have.

That’s a fact. This place draws me. I think I love it, ghost and all. She looked about. I found out what the family tartan is. You’d look great in a kilt, boss. She leant back and appraised him through narrowed eyes.

That is definitely one garment you’ll never get me in. Forget it. And what the hell am I going to do with this dump? Once his uncle passed on, this castle would be his and Liz knew the mere thought made him morose.

You could always use it as a holiday home, Liz suggested. Imagine what fun you can have telling your friends that you’re off to the Highlands for a break.

Fun? Andrew shivered visibly. It’s miserably cold and damp. The furniture should have been burned years ago. Look at it. He slapped at one of the cracks on the arm of his chair. I don’t know why I let you talk me into coming.

It was worth coming if only for that porridge we had for breakfast. Only the Scots know how to make real porridge. She closed her eyes and purred in blissful reminiscence. And what about that dish Kitty called Scots Collops we had for dinner last evening. Wasn’t it tasty?

Just tasted like mince to me.

We’ve been promised Finnan Haddie for dinner tonight. She concentrated on keeping the amusement out of her voice.

Finnan Haddie? He scowled. What the hell’s that?

It’s haddock from Findon, so Tilda said. Apparently that’s a fishing village near Aberdeen.

Pressing a finger and thumb to his eyes, Andrew sighed. Liz hid a smile. Can we visit Stirling Castle later, please? It’s only down the road a bit. Look, I’ve got a pamphlet.

Just another one of the hundreds you’ve accumulated since our plane landed.

Ignoring his sarcasm, she read, The castle was a strategically important place. It played a major part in the Scottish struggle against the English. She glanced up. Just imagine it. Great names like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were involved in the sieges there. And Andrew the Second tossed the Earl of Douglas’ body from a window of the castle. He’s supposed to have invited the earl to dine, and then stabbed him over the dinner table because he’d gone out of his way to provoke him.

Nice people in those days. Andrew’s mouth twisted wryly.

Mm, and parliament decided Douglas deserved it because he resisted the king’s persuasion. So he got away with that one nicely. She waved the leaflet. Mary, Queen of Scots, spent her childhood there, too.

Okay we’ll go this afternoon. Just as long as we don’t have to take the two old biddies along with us. I know I’m not being very gracious, but honestly, I’ve had just about all I can take of them today. Where are they now, by the way? He glanced about as if expecting them to jump out at him.

I think Tilda’s reading the daily newspaper to your uncle. And Kitty’s preparing our lunch, I believe. She loves food. I must say her shortbread is the food of the gods. I think she’s trying to charm you with her creative cooking. She’s heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. He grunted and Liz closed her eyes, humming blissfully. "I think I’ll need to go for a run round the grounds later or I’ll end up with a spare roll of fat around my middle.

Tilda told me Kitty lost her one true love over fifty-five years ago when he went off to war and never came back. She was talking about this Robert as if he was visiting this afternoon and Tilda put me straight. Poor Kitty hasn’t seen him since she was a teenager. Isn’t that sad?

Yes, it is rather, Andrew agreed.

Come on then, let’s go up to the attic and see what we can find. What do you say? She got up and tugged on his sleeve.

He looked up at her, obviously amused by her eagerness. God, Parker, you should have been born in another century. You’re too weird for this one. With a sigh he pushed himself upright and followed her out.

The house seemed to be all passages, corridors and twisting turns. Climbing the main staircase up to the first floor, they went to the end of the wide upper hallway, and then opened a door that brought them out to a narrow staircase. It wound so tightly the steps were narrower on one side than the other.

Guess this must lead to the part of the house that looks like the original bit. This house is a maze. I wonder where those little turrets with the curved windows are. They must be up this way somewhere. Liz shivered in expectation.

Cold? Andrew touched her on the shoulder.

No, just excited at the prospect of what we might find up here. She strove to ignore the thrill that trembled through her at his touch. This reminds me of a time when I was a kid. We went to visit an old aunt of my mother’s and she swore her house was haunted.

You’re the only woman I know who gets excited about the prospect of meeting a ghost.

At the top of the staircase a narrow door blocked their way. Liz tried the rusted handle. I can’t turn this.

Here, let me try, Andrew offered.

She glanced over her shoulder. There was barely room for the two of them to turn in the small space. Come on, back down a bit. He placed his hands on her waist and lifted her. For a moment he kept his hold on her as he lowered her slowly to the lower stair. Her face was on a level with his chest, as he said, with a strange gruffness in his voice, You’re as light as a bag of feathers.

Liz bent her head as he turned his attention to the door. A stupid blush rushed to her face, and his very masculine smell surrounded her, mingling with her own perfume;