After another luxurious half an hour in the bath, Elizabeth decided it was time to dress and prepare for dinner. She would thank Charlotte for her generosity and thoughtfulness. She rang for a maid to come and assist her with her dress, and after she was both clean and dry, she felt equal to practically anything. Humming to herself as she wandered down the stairs to the dining room, she thought that another glass of wine would do her nicely. Annoying concerns about the length of her stay were beginning to press upon her mind, and she did not want those sorts of distractions to ruin her time altogether.
Entering the bright and welcoming light of the Great Hall was like coming home again. That was one thing she loved about Scottish castles. They boasted of their cold rooms and gray, hard stone, but once the fire was lit, and the smell of meat and herbs in the air, a Scottish castle upon a lonely Isle became the most comfortable place in the world.
While Fort William was only just across the water and had a castle-like, near fortress appearance and spirit, Elizabeth had never felt like home there as she felt there in Duartin that moment, watching the light of torches dance upon the wall and seeing the table heavy-laden with food.
Both General Andrews and Angus stood to greet her, and Charlotte smiled up at her. “Lady Darling, please join us.” He pointed to a seat nearby. “Ye have brought a smile tae my wife’s face, and for that, I thank ye. She has thought of ye a lot these past weeks.”
Elizabeth sat, smiling, feeling like all was right in the world. She was grateful to see General Andrews again and looking so well. When she had seen him last, her father still his claws into him. She was very content. There were no men to distract her and no father to stop her from enjoying herself. She replied to Angus, “I am very happy to be here, Sir, but I do hope you will call me Elizabeth and feel quite comfortable in doing so. I thank you very much for your hospitality.”
General Andrews said, “It is lovely to see you again, Lady Elizabeth. Angus is right. You have given my daughter a dear friend, and she is more than happy you have come to visit for a little while.”
Elizabeth nodded in gratitude, and Angus grinned. “Aye, and now that the clan is doing well, and our men back tae working the fields after Charlotte’s medical wizardry, we have been very lucky tae nae feel like paupers anymore. It is about six years ago when the clan was at its height. We hope tae return tae that time of prosperity one day. Julia is also doing her best with her ability tae calculate numbers like nae one I have met with before.”
Angus looked proud of his clan’s achievements, smiling widely and sitting tall. Elizabeth replied, “I am very happy for you all. I know that it must have been a difficult time. For myself, I could never imagine helping to lead a whole group of people. Life is trouble enough looking after oneself!”
The three of them laughed. “That is true, Elizabeth,” Angus replied, tears in his eyes. “Well, it is lucky enough for me then that that duty falls mostly tae my brother and nae tae me.”
“True enough, lad,” a voice said from the side of the Hall as they entered. Elizabeth was smiling, but when she turned to the direction of the voice, the smile fell from her face as she watched with astonishment the figure of John Campbell walking towards them and settling himself at the table.
Chapter Nine
Brea sat in the bathwater of the Salty Pig, upstairs in one of their highest rooms. A storm had begun to rage outside, matching the state of her emotions. A maid was filling the bath anew with warm water while her friend, Dearna, was laughing. “And so, ye went tae find him, and he was in the arms of a different maid? After all yer tales of him, his commitment, and his ardor, look at him now!”
Brea bristled and stewed. “I didnae think it was so entertaining as that, Dearna, but I do believe it was very embarrassing. I had hoped…”
Dearna’s mirth lessened. “We cannae hope for such things, lass. That ye know. We are women of the brothel. We cannae afford tae have feelings when our bellies ache for hunger. We have been lucky tae have many customers, but do ye think it would help us any more if we preferred certain ones over others?”
Brea considered this but then said, “Are there none that ye prefer? Certainly, ye have younger men in yer client list that prove tae have much more tae offer than the older or, the sicklier gentlemen?”
“Of course,” Dearna was laughing again. “But none of them I would consider suitors. This is something ye will have tae figure out for yerself. So ye saw him in the arms of another woman?”
Brea’s chin was resting on her hands on the edge of the bath. “Aye, and she a beautiful Sassenach. I confess that I have nae seen a lass so delicate and bonny. It was the woman we met when we arrived on the coast. Ye saw her. She must be a guest of the castle. I know that the MacLean men have two English wives among them.”
“Och, she was quite bonny. A Sassenach, aye? And a lady? Well, then she will certainly nae go tae bed with him if that is what he seeks. Surely that is what he desires. Men always think firstly with their pricks.”
Brea nodded. “I told him as much. I also told him he would regret it because I could tell from the way he held her tightly that he did want her tae bed him. He will see it soon enough.”
Dearna sighed. “Brea, I think ye should let this be. The men of our acquaintance go on tae marry and have children and fall in love with others, even if they still do come tae visit us. They dinnae think of us in that way. Ye must find a way tae give Liam up.”
Brea grimaced. “Why should I? I have worked long, and hard tae keep him coming tae the brothel. I have naught else in this world but him. I will nae let a bloody Sassenach steal him from me, nae when I know that he could never give her what she wants.” Brea sat up in the bath, a new idea taking hold.
“Dearna, this is true, is it nae? English ladies must marry English gentlemen, or at least someone with money and status, someone like a laird.” Brea drummed her fingers on the side of the bath while Dearna watched her friend with confusion.
Brea continued. “Aye, a laird such as John. Remember we saw them taegether when we arrived. Perhaps he is interested? He did look very uncomfortable when I mentioned Leyla tae him as if he was trying tae hide that from this woman. Hmm…perhaps I can find a way tae turn the Englishwoman’s eyes tae John and away from Liam?”
Dearna shook her head and laughed. “I am certain ye will think of something, Brea, but dinnae say I didnae warn ye. ‘Tis a dangerous business getting mixed up with feelings and men. They think of nae one but themselves. The sooner ye realize that, the better.” Dearna left to return to business, and so Brea was left alone to consider her thoughts.
She could send a message to begin her plan. But to whom? And once she got Liam back, what was she going to do? What if there was another someone who would come along and take him from her again? That was not going to happen. If she was stuck in this life of selling her body to keep herself in modest comfort, she would want to experience it with someone she found halfway tolerable both in bed and out of it. She would think of something. That fancy Sassenach would have to find another man to wrap her arms around.
* * *
Elizabeth knew she hadn’t spoken in a little while, and John Campbell was staring down at her. “Lady Darling, how nice tae see ye again.”
Her voice spluttered into life. “Yes, of course! And so soon!”
She pulled back, feeling suddenly conscious of how high and shrill her voice sounded. John nodded and sat down. “Aye, Angus had a message sent tae me once he returned. He thought I could stay the night, and we could discuss our business.”
Angus nodded while Charlotte turned to Elizabeth with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You are most welcome, John. We were worried about our little dinner party of four. We are happy to have you join us to fill out the table.”
John grinned and began to speak to Angus about business around the clan. General Andrews was listening in to their conversation. Charlotte turned to Elizabeth and whispered, “He is a very eager suitor, I see. Do you not wis
h to consider him? I am certain your father would be happy to accept him as a match. Can you not see yourself residing in Scotland, the lady of a fine castle, like Julia?”
She could. She really could, and her father would be very much inclined to accept a wealthy laird as a son-in-law, but she would have to see. She hated being rushed into finding someone she had to spend the rest of her days with. What if his kiss paled in comparison to Liam’s? Could she live for the rest of her life with someone who did not inspire an ardor in her? However, John was handsome and had given her many exciting feelings, but she would have to spend more time with him to see.
Elizabeth replied, “I do not wish to place a trap for men, Charlotte. I thought you told me to enjoy myself on this trip.”
“And so you should! But would this not be a perfect way, at least, to punish Liam for everything? And you would also get the chance to see if John Campbell is someone that you might be interested in. By the way, we did not get the chance to talk about how your walk with him went…”
Elizabeth smiled. “Another conversation for another time, friend. I do believe we are poor table attendants.”
Angus lifted his glass. “Ye certainly are. The men can discuss business after dinner. Right now, we shall enjoy each other’s company. Julia has also expressed her wish tae be here, but she has taken dinner in her room, fearful that her sickness may take over her again.”
The other three lifted their glass, and Angus said, “To new friends.” John looked at Elizabeth for a moment, winked, and repeated, “To new friends.”
The rest of the dinner was spent merrily. They discussed the land, but Elizabeth was also called upon to talk about the state of England at the moment and how she could compare Scotland and England in terms of landscape. General Andrews assisted her in this matter a little. Elizabeth felt grossly lacking in her knowledge of the subjects, but her audience was kind and understanding, and she was touched by the great interest John took in each of her explanations.
At the end of the meal, the men were preparing to leave for the study to discuss other matters. General Andrews shook hands with Angus and John and then bowed to the ladies. “I must be off to bed, my dear. I am afraid that my body’s ability to deal with alcohol has left me in my older years. I am still recovering from your wedding!” Charlotte laughed.
“Good night to you, Father.”
“Good night, my dearest. And to you, Lady Elizabeth. I hope to see you again, although tomorrow I shall be off early to Fort William. Soldier’s business to attend to. You would be most welcome at any time to visit the Fort. It would be nice to have a woman about again!”
Elizabeth nodded politely, and Charlotte’s father left the two of them, standing alone by the hearth, enjoying the heat from the flames when John walked up to Elizabeth, a sheepish look on his face.
He pulled her a little out of earshot of the others while Charlotte spoke to Angus. He whispered, “I am sorry for what ye saw earlier taeday, lass, with the women of the brothel.” He hesitated. “I hope ye were nae greatly offended.”
Elizabeth shook her head. How kind of him to think of her sensitivity. But she felt a little angry that she was considered so well-mannered a lady as to have to be apologized to for having accidentally seen something. “No, John. I was surprised, but I was most definitely not offended. I thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
His handsome features as he grinned down at her with satisfaction sent her heart aflutter, and for a moment, all thoughts of Liam’s kiss had left her mind. Now they were replaced with thoughts of embracing John under the light of the torches, seeing the image of the flames in his eyes.
“Liam!” Charlotte cried. The spell was broken, and with renewed fear and embarrassment, Elizabeth turned to see Liam approaching the small party with trepidation. Charlotte said happily, “Welcome. We have a large party this evening, Angus. I wonder you did not invite Liam to dinner?”
Angus shrugged. “The lad wished tae eat with and speak tae Mrs. MacLean before he came upstairs. I called him tae discuss business.”
Elizabeth looked from one expression to the next. Charlotte looked positively gleeful. Liam had at first looked like an animal caught in a trap, fearful and wary, but now she could see his whole body tightening as he glanced at John, standing just a little bit too close to Elizabeth. Angus looked satisfied with himself, and Elizabeth idly wondered if he had attempted to create this awkwardness to entertain himself and Charlotte.
Surely, he wouldn’t think of such a thing? Feeling like everyone could see the way the flush that was creeping up her neck and onto her face, Elizabeth decided to simply look down to avoid it all. How could she possibly look anyone in the face at that moment?
“Aye, Charlotte. I have come tae see Angus.” He nodded to Charlotte and paused at Elizabeth as he was making his way toward the study. She looked up once she saw the top of his boots enter her gaze. His green eyes were watchful and observant, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but stare back at him. For a moment, the room and its occupants were gone, and it was simply them silently discussing what had occurred between them earlier.
Elizabeth flushed even more as she saw his heated glance, and her body responded in kind, filling with warmth with a dull throb erupting in her center. “Lady Elizabeth,” he said. “I hope yer return tae Duart on the horse was safe enough.”
Elizabeth wasn’t sure if anyone else could hear the sultry tone in his voice. It felt like a private joke between them. She clasped her hands together for lack of anything else to do. She nodded, her blonde curls bouncing pleasantly on her shoulders. “Yes, thank you. The ride was very pleasant.”
Liam coughed and said, “Aye, ‘tis a pleasant Isle. Ye never know what wonders ye may come upon unawares.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she understood his meaning. And if she wasn’t mistaken, she thought the man had actually winked at her. John’s wink had seemed fun and appropriate, but Liam’s held something teasing in it. She looked up at John’s face, wondering if he had seen what had transpired. He looked thoughtful but not angry. Perhaps he had not seen it? Oh God, I pray that no one else saw that but me and that it was just in my imagination. I cannot have the whole Isle know of my indiscretions and my wicked deeds and thoughts.
Clearing her throat, Elizabeth replied weakly, “Yes. Yes, it is very beautiful. I hope I have the chance to ride out again.”
At her words, Liam looked cheerful. He nodded and left with John and Angus after the men gave their goodbyes to the women. Elizabeth wanted nothing more than to dive into the flames of the fire and forget everything had happened. Had she just implied to Liam through her speech that she wished to repeat the kiss they had shared?
She shook her head. While thoughts of being a dangerous, wild woman with no thought to what others would think had thrilled her to the core, now that it seemed as if everyone knew of her interest in the two gentlemen, she was so embarrassed she could barely stand. Was not one embarrassment enough for the day with Fergus and Brea finding her in Liam’s arms?
She thought that wine and a good bath could cure her fears, but apparently, it was not so. But perhaps it was merely the presence of John that embarrassed her so. It discomfited her to think that he might find her too wanton for accepting an invitation to walk with one man and kissing another in the very same afternoon! Not that she should care about his opinion when she knew that he also had frequented the brothel and had a regular woman there.
However, her stolid, religious upbringing told her that she was in the wrong, throwing herself about town, as it were, and now this was her great punishment. To be humiliated in front of everyone. For a moment, she had forgotten that Charlotte was in the room. Charlotte slid to her side and placed a hand on her arm.
“Elizabeth, are you all right? My goodness, what was that that just occurred? I never felt so much tension in my life. And with you and two men, in fact!”
Elizabeth groaned audibly. She sat in the chair in front of the fire. It was perhaps time sh
e told Charlotte all about what had happened that afternoon. She could not bear this all alone.
Charlotte sat next to her, her eyes wide and curious. Elizabeth began slowly, “I am well, in body, of course, but I confess I am completely embarrassed.”
“Why? To have two men practically in love with you and fighting over you is not something to be embarrassed about. It is something to be proud of, to proclaim from the rooftops! Why should they not love you?” Charlotte laughed.
Elizabeth said, “I have never experienced something like this before, but that is not quite what my embarrassment is about.”
Charlotte furrowed her brow. “What is it?” Elizabeth was about to reply when Charlotte said, “Wait. Let us go to Julia. Of the three of us, she is by far the most experienced, for she has now been married the longest. And she will be in want of a bit of company, I am sure.”
Seduction in the Highlands: By choosing him she loses her inheritance, by leaving him she brakes her heart... Page 9
