Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) Read online

  Praise for Claimed By A Charmer

  “What I enjoyed about Claimed by a Charmer is it’s a story about finding the one person who makes you feel more alive than any other on the planet. The struggling relationship between Isabel and Douglas is passionate, amusing and the essence of true romance. They are both strong characters who have met their match and have to learn how to compromise in order to be together. Claimed by a Charmer also reinforces the fact that you can’t hide who you really are. That the one who loves you, loves you for who you are and not what you believed they want you to be. Claimed by a Charmer is charming, sweet and an enjoyable romantic read.”

  4 Angels

  Fallen Angel Reviews

  Reviewed by: Janet

  * * *

  “CLAIMED BY A CHARMER is such an enjoyable read it isn't possible for me to do it justice within the space I have. But don't just take my word that five hearts doesn't seem a high enough rating. You've got to read this one.”

  The Romance Studio

  Reviewer: Karen H.

  April 8, 2006

  * * *

  Nominated for Ecata 2005 Reviewer's Choice Award for Claimed By A Charmer!

  Claimed By A Charmer

  Lady Isabel Calvert hides her true spirit from everyone, especially her best friend’s brother, Douglas, whom she secretly admires. Isabel’s older brother attempts to do the unthinkable and one night he almost succeeds. After the incident her father’s superstition nature induces him to send her to an asylum. She must escape, her only hope—Douglas Kerr. Isabel is no shrinking violet, but she intends to be the timid woman all men want, in hope that Douglas will love her.

  Laird Douglas Kerr is forlorn at his mission to find a wife. He was charming, wasn’t he? At least that’s what everyone teases him about. Douglas thought he’d found the woman of his dreams, but she turned out to be a harlot. He’s asked by his sister to retrieve her friend, Isabel, the fiery, red-haired, cat-eyed, temptress he’d met when he escorted his sister home for their father’s burial. When he meets the woman again, he doesn’t find the hellion he believes her to be. Nay, she’s a sweet, coy woman who intrigues him. As Douglas’ life becomes complicated with mysterious happenings, he also find the love he’s been missing all his life. Can this dagger wielding woman win the heart of the Charmer?

  Claimed By A Charmer

  by

  Kara Griffin

  Claimed By A Charmer

  Claimed By A Charmer

  Copyright @ February 2012 by Kara Griffin

  This e-Book has been previously published.

  This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made of places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

  This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction fines and/or imprisonment. This e-Book cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this e-Book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the author.

  Published in the United States of America

  Second publishing February 2012, second edition.

  First publishing November 2005, first edition.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to all the women who are true to themselves and who value friendship.

  Thanks also to my family, especially my daughters:

  Sherri, Morgan, and Emily, who inspire me every day.

  And to all the readers who read the first edition,

  who love Isabel and Douglas as much as I do.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  Fairview Asylum, England

  May 1217

  From the distance the compound loomed in the darkness. Nigel Calvert heard the cries drifting into the night. He galloped to an outbuilding and handed his mount over to a grubby faced boy who led his steed away. A woman’s scream pierced the obscurity. The noise drew his gaze to the shadowed window casements above. His lips curled into a smirk and he hurried inside. In his excitement, his boots clipped the ground and echoed his haste.

  “I didn’t think ye would come.”

  “Why should I not, Freddy? Your offer was too tempting.”

  His friend, the caretaker of the asylum, Friar Frederick Whickham, roared laughter at his retort.

  “Here, ‘tis more than enough payment for the night’s entertainment.” Nigel sneered as he pulled a cloth sack from inside his tunic. He dumped five gold pieces into Freddy’s waiting hand.

  “Have yourself a grand time. You’ll find her above, beyond the first door on the right.”

  He nodded as he turned to leave, but Freddy stopped him.

  “Aye, your grace, she’s tied up and ready for you, just arrived early this morn. The girl’s not showing yet so you won’t be hindered.” Freddy snickered when Nigel rounded his desk. “I believe she’s worth extra coin.”

  “If so, I’ll drop them off on my way out.”

  “I expect to see ye ‘ere the night is over, my lord. She’s a comely girl. Aye, beguiling.” Freddy grinned.

  Nigel smiled, knowing he’d secured a girl to his tastes. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask,” he said over his shoulder as he turned back. “What’s the fee to have someone placed here?”

  “The same as you pay for your visit, my lord. Why, do you have someone you’d like to commit?”

  Nigel watched him rub his hands together—possibly to ward off the chill in the room, or perhaps it was due to gaining more funds, but most likely it was at his suggestion at committing someone.

  “Mayhap. I’d like to keep her here for my sole use. How much for that?” He relaxed his stance, leaning against the desk while Freddy considered it.

  “For ye, five gold pieces and two steeds, good ones.”

  Nigel grinned knowing Freddy threw in the last hoping he would be generous. “Quite costly, Freddy, but well worth it. Done. I’m not sure when she’ll arrive. It may be months before I can make the arrangement.”

  “The asylum isn’t going anywhere an
d neither am I. Her place will be secure. Be sure to send those horses though.”

  “We have an accord then, I’ll send them in a fortnight.”

  As Nigel walked the corridor to the stairs, he thought about the asylum. His friend had made a handsome fortune providing amusement for his young comrades. Fairview Asylum, where the church often gave sanctuary to those needing it, had been overtaken by Freddy in less than a year. He was supposed to support the nuns in caring for the people sent there. Instead, he made arrangements for unwed mothers who were no longer wanted, to be used for his endeavor. It was the perfect place for his commerce. Many girls were never seen or heard from again, after they’d been committed. Families embarrassed by their daughter’s state or those seeking to rid themselves of worthless daughters, entrusted them to Freddy and the asylum. If the church knew the happenings that went on at Fairview, Freddy would probably be hanged, condemned for his sins. Who had not a sin these days?

  Nigel reached the door, opened it, and peered inside the dimly lit chamber. He found the girl trussed, lying in wait for him. The girl didn’t know what the night had in store for her. He assumed she wouldn’t lie there so compliantly if she had. Closing the door, he regarded the unmoving figure.

  His father would find this place highly amusing, and mayhap in time he’d tell him about it. At present, he needed to keep it secret. If his plan to commit his sister succeeded, no one could know of this place. Isabel denied his advances, and wouldn’t let him bed her. Nigel hadn’t paid much attention to her when she was a child, but she’d changed overnight into a beautiful curvy woman with much appeal. If the color of her auburn hair gave any indication, he knew she would be high-spirited. The arrangement secured Isabel’s placement and her future. He grinned at the vision in his mind—the moment she’d be at his mercy.

  Usually, when Nigel finished with the girls at the asylum, he’d leave them to their demise. Not once had he visited the same girl. He delighted in finding new and imaginative ways to end their liaisons, much to Freddy’s dismay, whom was left the task of finding a healer. Nigel had almost run out of methods. This rare beauty reminded him of his sister. The girl would definitely entertain him. Freddy was aright, she was beguiling. Perhaps he would keep her for a time. Her eyes widened with fright when he fisted her hair. It was a familiar look that he enjoyed. She whimpered, but the gag in her mouth muffled the sound.

  He removed his dagger and she stilled instantly. He undid the ties at her wrists because he wanted her hostility. Her fear and resistance would spur his desire. The girl’s hands struck him as she fought against his advances. Nigel threw back his head and laughed.

  His laughter mixed with the cries of the tormented and drifted out into the moonless night.

  Chapter One

  Dumfries shire, Scotland

  June 1219

  “Uncle Stan, Uncle Stan, I have arrived.” Isabel Calvert shouted her coming the minute she dismounted her horse. In her haste to pass the Gordon soldiers, who stood in groups near the keep, she almost knocked a woman down. The woman’s basket and the contents of her clean wash tumbled to the ground. Isabel mumbled her apology, helping the woman pick up her garments. Then she ran toward the keep. She entered the hall, and gazed lovingly at her longtime friend, Candace Kerr who stood near the hearth in the great room.

  She dashed past her uncle and aunt, who awaited her greeting. Her green eyes flashed with relief when she threw herself in Candace’s arms, hugging her tightly.

  “I’m safe at last,” she said urgently.

  “Isabel Calvert, I have been awaiting ye a fortnight. What took you so long? I worried that he wouldn’t let you come.”

  “Candace, you would not believe what I had to go through before my father agreed.”

  “Has something happened? You must tell me all, but presently I suggest you go to Uncle Stan.” Candace shielded her mouth. “He looks shocked that you would pass him by and not give greetings. Oh, look, he’s not smiling. You’re in trouble now, Isabel.”

  Isabel turned and colored. She hurried to her uncle’s side, curtseyed, and saw his intense frown. Though he appeared angry, his eyes showed love. “Uncle, I am here at last.” She smiled brightly, hoping to appease him.

  “So I see, lass. I suspect ‘tis because Candace is here, and not because you missed us?” He laughed, while hugging her to his side.

  “I do love you and Aunt Mabel, and wanted to see you, too.”

  “Ahhh, so Candace’s coming has nothing to do with your arrival?” Uncle Stan’s mocking laughter made her wince. “Ye don’t fool me, lass. ‘Tis good to see you though. Go to your friend. She’s been pestering me as usual. Ye both,” he raised his voice sternly, “keep out of trouble, or I’ll whack your bonny bottoms.”

  They laughed hearing his bald-faced threat, because he would never punish either of them so harshly. Isabel grasped Candace’s arm, and they ran from the great hall to their chamber. They had formed an immediate friendship when they were given the chamber to share, and always got into mischief, but Laird Gordon never punished them. He told them they were free to do as they pleased, free of the restrictions that kept them to the ladylike pursuits they endured at home.

  Once inside the chamber, Isabel slammed the door closed, and turned to hug Candace again.

  “Tell me, your message said it was imperative that I come. What happened?”

  Isabel walked to the window and opened it, allowing the summer breeze to stream into the room. She undid the ties of her light-blue bliaut, and fanned herself for relief from the overbearing heat. She turned and gave Candace a disheartened look.

  “I’ve never been so frightened in all my days. I knew he would do it. He tried to … you know.”

  “What? Who? Nigel? What did he do?”

  “I was behind the stables practicing … you know, when Nigel came behind me, and he … touched my …” Isabel pointed to her bosom, blushing profusely. She lowered her eyes in deep chagrin at the thought of what he’d done.

  Candace’s eyes widened and she gasped. “He tried to touch you there? What did you do?”

  “I backed away, and asked him what he was doing. He said some rather wretched things, which I shan’t repeat. I couldn’t believe he said those vile things. It was ghastly, and I was never so afeared. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “You should have stuck your dagger in his black heart,” Candace said vehemently. “I would have.”

  “Nay, I cannot kill him, even if I wanted to. He is still my brother, and Father would never forgive me had I harmed him.”

  “What do you care of his forgiveness? Your father has never showed you any consideration. ‘Tis a shame you can’t ask him for protection. How did you get away from Nigel?”

  Isabel walked to a chair that sat beside the small table between their pallets, where they often played games, and settled in it. Her legs still shook after riding the long distance. She felt tired from the journey, but more exhausted from her situation.

  “He gripped my arm and tried to kiss me. I admit his advance frightened me, but I struggled to free myself. He said he has plans for me. I assume it is to … you know, do that.”

  “Plans? Oh, Sweet Mary. Did you kick him—you know where?”

  “Nay, he held me firmly. His mouth touched my neck, and he said he would devise to have father send me to an asylum. He said that I would be his, and that he would put his … Oh drat, I can’t believe I’m repeating it. It was so disgusting. I nearly fainted then and there.” Isabel hadn’t realized a tear slipped down her cheek, until Candace gently wiped it away.

  “Eww! That is quite vulgar. You should have gotten ill, and thrown up on him. That would make him think twice about it. What does he mean by an asylum?”

  “I’m not certain. I thought asylums were safe places where the church would protect you, a sanctuary. I heard Father Matthew speak of a girl from the village who was sent to one. He assured her parents that she would be well cared for. Still, I shan’t want to go there�
�”

  Candace shook her head. “You can’t return to that fiend.”

  “Nay, Nigel has father’s support in all his endeavors. He would likely gain his approval to use me that way. I must remain here until Father betroths me. It’s the only thing I can think of to avoid him.” Isabel envisioned her younger brother Nathaniel’s face, his smile, always reassuring and loving. At least she had one relative who cared for her. She wanted to shield him from their older brother, but knew she would have to confide in Nathaniel if she returned home, and Nigel continued his foulness.

  “Oh, Isabel, how horrid for ye. Nigel’s wicked to want to hurt ye. I should tell my father. He would send men to—”

  “Pray, don’t do that, Candace. I won’t endanger Nathaniel or our people. I shall stay here and Father will likely forget about me. He sometimes does that—forgets me.”

  Candace frowned. “He very well might. Still, I would like to see you married and safe. But you are too young to take a husband. Surely your father won’t marry you off yet. He shan’t let you remain here for two years.”

  “I’m six and ten, not so young to marry. Others have married at such an age. Aye, my father wouldn’t let me remain here for more than a year. If he calls me home, I shall think of a delay. I’ll tell him I have the scourge, or that I’ve had visions. He’s superstitious and wouldn’t want my return.”

  “I wish my brother, Douglas, were here. He would know what to do. He’s a fierce warrior who would scare Nigel’s soul to hell. Father boasts of his prowess.”

  “You haven’t seen Douglas in years, Candace. You know not whether he’s kindly. Mayhap he is as wicked as Nigel.”

  “Nay, he is not. Mother told me how honorable he is. She said that he was the most valiant man she ever met, besides my father that is.” Candace laughed, and stood beside her.