NINE MOONS WASTED

A romantic triangle on the battlefield (17th-century Scotland) with the usual panoply of stick figures. From their first meeting, when Drummond mistakes Barbary for a boy, the antagonism begins, to be continued in their marriage two years later. Following him into battle (the Argyll/Montrose Presbyterian conflict), Barbary gets a taste of war but retreats when she finds herself pregnant. Drummond dallies with the womanly Bridget, first thinking his wife killed, then again knowing Barbary is reconciled to womanhood and a newborn son. Tipped off by Drummond's friend, Bridget--also pregnant--withdraws, then is butchered following the decisive battle at Philiphaugh; Drummond returns tea chastened Barbary who's learned her place--which readers knew all along. Much intrigue and the customary kiss curls and grouse.