Charlotte chuckled. “Well, perhaps I should have let you suffer just a little bit longer.” She winked at Elizabeth and then said, “Let us be off to the next house. All are well here.”
Sitting astride their horses again, the small group visited most of the houses that populated most of the Isle. Elizabeth was amazed at Charlotte’s skill and ability to speak to anyone about anything. She was kind, funny, and gentle. Even though Elizabeth loved Charlotte dearly, she nearly felt jealous of her friend’s unbelievable abilities. Her father had never allowed her to develop into anything more than a meek mouse who would make a good wife and mother, and it made her wish to spend the rest of her time in Scotland living as she wished, becoming well-versed in things that had nothing to do with her “duty” as a woman.
Liam was attentive to Charlotte and made many jokes, but after the moment at Lara’s house, he barely spoke to Elizabeth. He hardly even looked at her. Elizabeth felt frustrated. How was she to punish him when it appeared that he was the one trying to punish her? She tried not to think of it as they completed the rest of their tasks and set their horses for home.
It was now past midday, and Elizabeth began to feel hungry and tired. She planned to return to ride around the rest of the Isle when she was not feeling so distracted, and then she could focus her mind on it entirely. Liam helped them in the stables, and then they wandered towards the castle, discussing Charlotte’s patients.
Elizabeth was ready to tuck herself away in the library for a while when they both heard, “Ahoy!” at the coast.
Elizabeth and Charlotte both put their hands up to shield their eyes as they looked at the newcomer. A tall man emerged from a boat and walked up towards them, a smile on his face. Elizabeth’s heart began to thump wildly as she recognized him. Was it possible that two men could make her heart react so? She blushed with embarrassment. Was she really such a harlot as that?
She allowed Charlotte to make the greeting. “Why, hello, John! We did not expect you.” Charlotte grinned knowingly at both Elizabeth and Liam.
“Aye, ye would be right,” John said, his eyes moving from person to person but remaining on Elizabeth. “Och, Lady Darling, I had hoped I might see ye again. I came tae discuss business with Angus or Calum, but I thought I might get the chance tae speak tae ye as well.”
Liam scoffed under his breath, but only Elizabeth seemed to hear it. She felt reenergized in her plan to punish him soundly. She smiled brightly. “Hello, John. Of course. I will be in the library whenever you are ready.”
Charlotte took Elizabeth’s arm in hers and batted her eyelashes in John’s direction. Elizabeth wanted to laugh. “Well, you see, John, Angus, and Calum have already left across the water. Calum is on his way for a trip between the clans, and Angus has gone hunting but should return later in the evening.”
John lifted his eyebrows. “So soon after the wedding? I thought he would busy himself with business at home.” His meaning was clear, and normally Elizabeth would have been embarrassed, but Charlotte laughed.
“It is I who meant to be industrious today, and so he thought he would put himself to work. I have been off checking on the rest of the Isle, soothing sore heads mostly, Liam included.”
John glanced at Liam and smiled. “Och, I had a bit of a rough time myself this morning.” Liam did not reply but instead kept scowling.
He looked at Elizabeth again, and she looked down, feeling a heat slide down into her belly at his strong and appreciative gaze.
“If I may talk tae ye now then, Lady Elizabeth? Perhaps a walk would be of interest tae ye?”
She nodded, and Liam said, “We will have tae watch from here, lad. Ye know that Angus likes the women of his Isle protected.” Towards the end of his speech, Elizabeth felt that Liam had added a slight bit of rancor.
John chuckled and crossed his arms. Elizabeth noticed he stood just a little bit taller. “I shall be protection enough for the lass. Angus knows me. But ye may stand guard here if ye like and watch us from afar.” He lifted a taunting eyebrow in Liam’s direction.
Liam stepped forward a little, and Elizabeth realized that she needed to act. She felt, for the first time, that she was the center of an argument. She stepped forward herself, partially in front of Liam. “It is no trouble. I will go with you, John, and Liam can watch from the castle if he prefers. But we do not need to go far.”
Liam continued to scowl, but John looked satisfied with the outcome. Charlotte said, “Well-stated, Elizabeth. I am off indoors. Enjoy your walk. Stay for a bit of tea, John, when you are finished if you can.”
He nodded his head to her, and soon Elizabeth was left alone with him, and while he watched Liam and Charlotte go, she had a chance to admire him in the light of day and take in his tall form. He was boyish yet manly, just as Liam was, but there was something different about him. He was a little more serious, and his intelligence was evident in the flash of his eyes, and after the way he had treated her on each of the occasions she’d met him in the past, she knew he had a kind heart.
His shoulders were not as wide as Liam’s, but their strength and width were shown how they tapered into a narrow waist. She could imagine the strength that lay beneath his coat, and since she stood a little closer to him, could see a light layer of brown stubble covering his jaw. In a moment, his blue eyes turned to look at her, and she had the sensation of melted butter spilling into her belly when he smiled down at her. “I am glad ye have agreed. Shall we walk?”
He motioned to the path in front of him, and Elizabeth took her first steps, trying to ignore the call of hunger that ached in her belly. The two of them wandered closer to the water. She wrapped the shawl around her, and John kept his arms behind his back. He remained in silence for a few moments, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but sneak a few glances at him while they walked. What was his reason for coming?
The wind picked up, and Elizabeth could feel her hair pull against her ties and pins, desperate to listen to the call of the wind. John began slowly, “I hope ye dinnae think me too forward, but I wanted tae get the chance tae speak tae ye afore ye left again. Who knows when ye might return?”
True enough, Elizabeth thought with sadness. “Not at all, John. It is pleasant to see such enjoyable company.”
He smiled. In the silence between their words, Elizabeth could hear the steady, calming beat of the Sound’s waves splashing onto the shore. It was like a lullaby, and it helped to calm the slight fluttering of her heart. He began again.“Well, if ye dinnae mind, I thought I might come and see ye a few times. I thought perhaps, ye might like tae take walks like this from time tae time or come and see me at my own clan lands. With Charlotte, of course.”
He paused, waiting for a reaction. When she did not speak right away, he said, “I mean naething untoward, and if ye would rather I speak tae Angus about it, then ye have every right. He may want tae speak tae me himself since ye are his guest and his wife’s friend.”
Elizabeth was amazed at his manners. He was kind and smooth, more practiced than Liam, and she found herself wanting to agree to his plan. To be wooed by a handsome, intelligent, kind man? That would be a very pleasurable way to spend her time in Scotland. Perhaps she could even kiss him? She flushed at the direction of her own thoughts.
His voice had changed as he began again. “Of course, if ye think ye wouldnae like tae, ye must only tell me tae get the bloody Hell away, and so I shall do.” He stiffened and turned to go.
Chapter Six
Elizabeth hadn’t realized how long she had remained silent. “Oh, no! Forgive me. I did not mean to imply dislike with my silence. I would be happy to accept any invitations you send my way, but I agree. I think Angus would like to know about it.” John smiled, showing his perfectly white teeth.
She could imagine what he looked like as a boy. “I am most happy ye said that, lass. If I may ask, how long do ye plan tae stay?” His blue eyes were hopeful.
Elizabeth laughed, feeling feminine, beautiful, and wanted, for the first
time in her life. “I am unsure at this time. As you know, some of my situation, my time is not entirely my own. I have an aunt that I am staying with in England. She does not wish me to be gone for too long. It would be unseemly.”
One corner of his mouth lifted up, and Elizabeth realized just how handsome he was. He was one of those men that one did not always notice upon first acquaintance, but upon second or third, he suddenly became one of the most handsome men among one’s friends. He said with a smirk, “I understand. Ye are right. There are many men about who wish tae take advantage of beautiful young women.”
“And you are not one of them, I suppose?” She asked lightly, sprinkling her words with satire.
“Certainly not.” He shook his head vehemently, and it made Elizabeth giggle.
“So, you have only honorable thoughts about our interactions, then?”
John stopped walking and faced her. Her eyes slid down from his face to where his neck met with his cravat. It was slightly loosened, and she thought about what it would be like if she helped it along. What was getting into her?
His tone was low and a little serious. “I cannae lie and say that all my thoughts are honorable, my Lady, but my intentions certainly are.” John’s boyish look from earlier changed to one dark, sensual, and irresistibly manly. His jaw was clenched tightly as he swallowed, watching her closely. Elizabeth felt like he was considering devouring her, and it was not an altogether unpleasant thought.
Even though she wished to appear prepared for their flirtatious repartee, she blushed deeply and looked down. A lock of blonde hair sprung loose from beside her ear, and before she could reply, John took it in his fingertips. She looked up, her chest tightening. He seemed closer than he was before, or was that just her imagination? Kissing him came to the forefront of her mind. Never before had she felt the desire to kiss two men in one day, but here she was, her lips ready if he made any move toward them. Perhaps her father really was right about her future.
John said softly, “Forgive me if I embarrassed ye. I mean only tae say that ye are absolutely lovely, Lady Elizabeth.” He pushed the hair back behind her ear. Elizabeth smiled weakly.
“And I thank you for the compliment, Sir,” were the only words she could muster out.
They were silent, and Elizabeth could think of no other words to fill the space. She was tired, and even though she enjoyed John’s company, it was difficult to think of the next thing to say when there was so much unsaid between them. She could feel it vibrating and thrumming between their bodies. Liam had evoked a similar feeling, and since she was not used to such a thing, such rising and cooling of a heat surrounding her core, she felt exhausted by it. Especially when she did not know how to deal with it or how to proceed.
John saved her the trouble of asking to return. He held out an arm and said, “I believe I have taken up enough of yer time, Lady Elizabeth. Let me return ye taeDuart. I am certain ye must be tired and hungry. Charlotte is a busy lass and could make anyone feel tired running behind her.”
In her tired state, Elizabeth was a little hurt by his comment. Did he mean to say that Elizabeth was being dragged along by Charlotte? She brushed it aside anyway, picturing the inviting library in her mind.
They spoke of pleasantries and the beauty of the island. Elizabeth still did not feel comfortable speaking of the loss of his brother or of the imprisonment of her father. She hoped that there would still be time to talk about easy, light topics before they would need to discuss those things. He stood by the edge of the coast next to his boat. A light breeze moved through his hair.
“I shall leave ye now, Mistress. Since the men are nae here tae discuss plans with me, I shall return another time. Please give Charlotte my apologies.” Elizabeth smiled, and John kissed her hand. She was savoring the feeling of his warm lips on her skin when she spotted another boat coming toward them. Those inside it had long hair, blowing in the strong wind coming off the Sound.
She frowned. Who could it be that they expected? A boatload of women? “John, do you know who comes to the Isle? Charlotte did not mention expecting any visitors. Or is it Mull’s women who have gone to the mainland and returned?”
She knew she had asked the right question, for when she turned back to John, he looked a little uncomfortable, and he rubbed his hand on his chin. “Nae, lass. ‘Tis nae the ladies of Mull. I am afraid that it is the women from the brothel nearby tae Fort William. Every few weeks, they come tae the Isle when they have nae enough coin tae fill their purses. Many of them have,” he coughed. “Regulars.”
Elizabeth was embarrassed, but she was also intrigued. Her father’s words seemed to haunt her now, and here was a boat full of prostitutes coming her way. “I see.” She wanted to see them for herself and to picture her life as one of them. Could it really be her fate?
The boat slid onto the shore, and Elizabeth could hear giggling. The women stood up, five in all, and moved gingerly through the water, clutching their skirts. Elizabeth watched them hungrily, wanting to know their pasts and why they made the choices they had. “Laird Campbell!” one of them called a tall, dark-haired woman who, to Elizabeth’s surprise, was absolutely stunning.
Her lips were curled up at the corners, and Elizabeth could imagine how a mouth such as hers could attract any man. “Brea,” John said, still looking uncomfortable. Elizabeth turned to him. He knows her? Of course, I suppose many men frequent the brothel. But John? He is so kind and gentle. She couldn’t help but feel the littlest bit disappointed.
The woman called Brea put her hands on her hips and was smiling up at John as she neared. She barely spared a glance at Elizabeth. The other women standing behind Brea, while not as beautiful, were still lovely in their own way. In her mind’s eye, Elizabeth had imagined prostitutes as dirty women in tattered rags, desperately clutching to any coin they could get their hands on. She thought they would smell and have rotting teeth. At least in London, that was what she had been told. Perhaps in some areas, that would be so. But by Fort William and on Mull, most certainly not.
Brea said, “We make our way tae Mull’s tavern. I dinnae suppose ye have seen Liam, have ye?”
Elizabeth’s eyes flitted from John to Brea, suddenly craving to know everything. Liam too? She pursed her lips tightly, feeling angrier than she’d expected.
“Aye, he is in Duart, keeping an eye on us, I am sure.”
Brea nodded, looking up at the castle. Elizabeth thought for a moment that Brea was angry too. Brea sighed. “I suppose I may see him later. I will send him a message.” John nodded and stepped into his boat, smiling at Elizabeth.
“Och and Laird Campbell?” Reluctantly, John turned back to Brea’s voice. “Leylamisses ye, ye know. It has been a long time since last ye visited.” She smirked and glanced at Elizabeth with something akin to disgust.
John nodded again and got into the boat. Without saying anything else, Brea turned towards the hills, the rest of her women in tow. Elizabeth couldn’t tear her eyes away as she watched the women, their shoulders pushed back with pride, not ashamed of their station in society, heading off to begin their work.
Once they were gone, she saw that John’s boat had disappeared to a small dot, and he waved at her from afar. She sighed and walked up to the castle, a wave of fatigue coursing through her every muscle. She couldn’t decide what emotion she was feeling more. Was she angry, embarrassed, or disappointed that both John and Liam visited a brothel and had women there who were interested in seeing them again? And why was she feeling any of it? What was she to them both? That morning under Charlotte’s guidance, she had had such plans to spend her last few days of freedom flirting and trying not to feel guilty, and yet, here were beautiful, willing women who could do what she was not willing to do and pull those same men away from her. All hope was lost. The men would never think of her now.
* * *
John scoffed at his bad luck as he rowed back to shore. Just when he was trying to be a romantic suitor, who had everything to offer the woma
n of his affections, the boatload of women had appeared. That had been embarrassing enough to try to explain it, but then Brea had had to make a big show of knowing him and of mentioning his past association with Leyla.
Well, it had been past, once he’d set eyes on Elizabeth. Not even Leyla, who he had spent many an enjoyable evening with, could sate his desires now. After seeing Elizabeth, he knew he had to have her. He craved to be around her. Her beauty, her grace, and her kindness had pulled him in, and she had agreed to have him visit her!
His heart had leaped with joy, but then Brea mentioned Leyla, who knew where he was now? Elizabeth was an English Lady, most presumably a maid, and so she would be shocked to learn of what these women did and the men who frequented the establishment to be with them. He shuddered to think of what Elizabeth’s thoughts were right then. He frowned. And then there was Liam MacLean.
What was he doing, looking as if John had overstepped his bounds by coming to see Elizabeth? John had been many times on Duart, and he and Liam had even fought together against General Whitehead. Why was Liam suddenly angry and possessive?
Seduction in the Highlands: By choosing him she loses her inheritance, by leaving him she brakes her heart... Page 6
