Mending a Highland Heart: Healing him was more scandalous than she ever imagined…

by Kendrick, Kenna

  When her father turned around, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his face. Goodness, he is so angry he is sweating!

  Lord Darling said, “Man, you must take control of those under you! How will your men respect you if you cannot control your own daughter, who is a mere woman, a child?!” Elizabeth winced and felt her fists clench in anger despite her fear of her father’s looming rage.

  Suddenly he turned to Elizabeth. “Girl, leave us. This is men’s business.” He waved a hand in her direction, and Elizabeth moved to leave. She glanced at General Andrews, and he looked back mournfully. The swish of her skirts was the only sound left in the room as she made her way out of it.

  Once the door was shut, she heard renewed voices, so she remained just outside of it so that she could hear. She took a deep breath and whispered, “God give me strength.”

  She looked around to make sure the Hall was empty before she turned her ear to the door.

  “Look, Andrews, here is what has occurred. On my travels, I learned a bit of information. Remember how I told you that war is brewing, and we will have a battle on our hands if we do not do something about it and try to quell it if we can. I have sources that told me who the inciter of these future battles is.”

  “Who is it?”

  “’Tis Angus MacLean of the Isle of Mull.”

  Elizabeth gasped, and in her surprise, pulled back away from the door. “What?” she whispered to the Hall. “This cannot be! Poor Charlotte!”

  She then put her ear back and heard General Andrews reply, “How could this be, Sir? His brother, the laird of the clan, is married to my niece. He is a good man.”

  “Ha! And yet again, your weakness allows you to fall for others’ tricks. It does not matter that the laird is married to your niece, but the brother of the man is beginning to build up connections with other clans to try to overpower the English forts, starting with Fort William! This is why your daughter cannot be there and why we cannot appear as if we are assisting them in any way!”

  “What do you suggest we do?”

  “You must go and collect reinforcements from Fort George so that we are prepared in case a battle ensues. I must go and get your daughter from the man and take the man in for questioning before he begins anything. Fort William cannot be under suspicion. Especially if we are to be put in danger of treason by a foolish woman! She must be married off as soon as possible so that everyone forgets what has happened. Or, she could lose her life and perhaps even yours for fighting against the Crown.”

  “I shall go, Sir. I will prepare the men. But it will take some time,” the General said solemnly.

  “Just go, General Andrews. The men and I can handle things until you return. I believe the MacLeans will wish to listen to me.” Elizabeth pulled away from the door as she heard footsteps. She rushed back to her room before anyone could see her eavesdropping.

  “Oh, no! Charlotte! Dear, dear Charlotte! If only I could get a message to you!” Elizabeth sank to her bed with her face in her hands. Now Charlotte’s fate would be much, much worse. But perhaps there might be a way. Elizabeth slipped out of her room and found her way to the back door of the Fort.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Amid protests from a very contented Angus, Charlotte left to return to her own room. It had been a struggle having a man retie her corset for her and help her into her gown, but they made it, and she returned to her room without anyone being the wiser. She had encouraged Angus to rest, for he was looking just a little bit wan after both bouts of their lovemaking, and although he wanted more, she knew that he needed food and sleep.

  Once she was in her room, she shut the door behind her and sat at her hearth. It was still only afternoon, but she poured a glass of wine for herself from her carafe and took a deep long sip. She sat in a daze for a while, trying to figure out what had happened. She had done it, just as she’d desired to.

  She had made love to Angus, and it was better than anything she had expected. She smiled to herself at the memory of his hands and lips all over her and their cries of ecstasy as they gave each other pleasure. Angus was like a different person. He wanted her, and he had wanted her to stay. That’s why he’d been so surly from the start, just as she had. But, now, everything had been revealed. Well, almost everything. Both of them admitted to their attraction and their affection, but the word love had not been used. Charlotte had so desperately wanted to say it, but at the last minute, she just couldn’t.

  She still wasn’t sure if he loved her or just liked her and her company. He obviously thought she was beautiful, which made her senses heighten again. Well, she had done what she’d planned to do, hadn’t she? She made use of the time they had left to be with the man whom both her soul and her body craved.

  The world was a cruel place, was it not? After she had left the room and the height of her ecstasy had fallen to Earth level, she remembered grimly her responsibilities. She would have to follow orders as all women before had done and would probably continue to do. She had to protect her father and help him be able to retire from his post in comfort. If she was to be the cause of his downfall, whether physically or in reputation, then she could not bear it.

  Charlotte finished her wine. She smoothed her gown and reminded herself that she had one more night at Duart. The letter would have made it across the Sound by now, and her father would have also arrived, most likely. He would accept her excuse, and she could return to the Fort tomorrow. She held her fists tightly, trying to convince herself that it was true. She hoped that there was still a little bit left of her father’s easy indulgence in him so that he would allow her to stay.

  She left the room and went to the kitchens to find Mrs. MacLean. Upon arrival, she found her busily speaking to the kitchen maids. “Oh, hello, Mistress! And how is the patient this morning?”

  Charlotte willed her cheeks to remain free of heat. She did not want to reveal herself in front of all the staff. She knew that even Mrs. MacLean would think her unladylike, and she could not have dealt with it at the moment. “He is much better. I was right. The good night’s sleep has helped keep any problems at bay. He has eaten the cabbage you left, but I think he is ready for a proper meal. Please send up a full breakfast as well as tea and cold water once again.”

  “Of course!” Then Mrs. MacLean whispered, “And how long will ye be staying, my dear? Any changes of heart?”

  Charlotte shook her head. “I still must go, but I have sent a message to my father. I plan to leave tomorrow morning if that is all right. I can help assist with anything that needs doing.”

  Mrs. MacLean frowned slightly but then said, “I can show ye the study, Mistress, and perhaps ye can send out the men tae begin the planting. With Angus’ permission.”

  “Of course. I would love to.” Finally, she had a bit of real work to do. “And I can speak to Liam about what he must gather for planting across the Sound.”

  “Thank you. I shall send the food tae him right away.” She spoke to the kitchen maids behind her, and then the two of them walked up to the study. “Here ye are, Mistress. I am certain that nae one would quibble about me allowing ye full rein in the study.”

  Charlotte nodded with a smile and then entered. She stared at the large wooden desk that stood there, forlornly, as if it had been waiting for an occupant. She sat behind it and began to shuffle through large sheets of paper. It was a mixture of handwriting and scribbles, but she smiled when she saw Julia’s tight, neat hand, displaying columns of numbers.

  Julia. Sensible, kind, understanding Julia. She needed her cousin now more than ever, and she hoped that she would return soon, bringing all of their lives back to normal. But, still, if Julia were there at the moment, Charlotte couldn’t decide if she would be able to tell her about Angus. Not because she was embarrassed by her love for him, but that she was afraid to disappoint both she and Calum when they found out that her father had already engaged her to another man.

  She pushed that concern from her mind and looked inste
ad at the paper written by Mrs. MacLean for what supplies they would need for each season. In spring, many of the items were crossed out, already supplied by Liam’s ventures to the mainland. But, there were still many not yet gotten. With Angus unable to work properly, they had lost valuable time. Certainly, the Campbells could return at any time.

  She wrote down her ideas for seeds to bring over. They would need potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, for they had none of that on their list. Their main crops were tobacco, corn, and wheat, and those items were not giving the people what they needed. She would go to see her patients later in the day to see if they continued to fare well.

  Once she saw the list, she folded it and took it with her to leave the study. She would need to speak with Liam about what he needed to do. And she could ask about bringing her back tomorrow to the Fort and how Fen and the others were getting on with the rebuilding of village homes and barns.

  She felt invigorated. It was like she had lost a part of herself in the past week once she left Duart, but now she was back, refilled with energy, purpose, and of course, love. She left out the front door of the castle and rushed forward down towards the shore as she saw his figure and a few others by the boats. But, she noticed he was running at her too.

  She slowed down in surprise. He called out and waved his arms, “Mistress! Charlotte!”

  “What is it?” Soon, Liam was right in front of her, breathless, his face etched with concern.

  “Soldiers are coming, and so is that Lord Darling!”

  * * *

  After Elizabeth left her bedroom, she raced towards the shore, hoping that Liam would still be there. For surely, it was he who had brought the letter from Charlotte that morning. It could have been Seamus, but she had to try to find Liam if he was still here. At least she could warn them what was about to happen. Maybe they could assemble their men?

  She wrapped her cloak around herself and rushed as quickly as she could through the misty morning. She whispered, “Oh, dear God, please let Liam be there!”

  She knew the path well, but the mist was too thick, and she practically bumped into Liam as he stood next to the shore. He held her elbows to steady her. “Och! Elizabeth! I mean, Miss Darling!” He was smiling, but then when he saw her face, he said, “What is it, lass? What has happened?”

  Elizabeth attempted a few times to speak, but she had to wait until she could catch her breath. She finally replied, “Charlotte’s father and my father, Lord Darling, have returned from their journey. They now know that Charlotte is at Duart Castle, and they are in a rage. My father plans to come across the Sound and retrieve her as well as Angus! They mean to question him! Charlotte’s father has gone for reinforcements!”

  Liam was bewildered. “What? Why?”

  “I think it has something to do with war? My father seems to suspect him of something. I don’t know, but you must hurry! They will be on their way soon, once the men are ready. Warn them, please!”

  Liam nodded, and he rushed to his boat. The other men that were with him jumped in as well. “Goodbye, Elizabeth. I shall tell them!”

  “Thank you!” She called and laid her hand on her chest, watching them quickly push away from the shore and head out into the mist. She had done her duty. But what good could it do?

  * * *

  “With soldiers? What? Why?” Charlotte felt her stomach sink with dread as she stared at Liam. She knew that this was Lord Darling’s doing.

  “I’m nae sure. Elizabeth didnae have time tae explain too much. There wasn’t much time. I moved as quickly as I could tae warn ye. But she mentioned that Lord Darling would want tae speak tae Angus, question him, perhaps even bring him back tae the Fort.”

  Charlotte staggered back. Her whole world was coming down. At first, it had been blissful once she’d returned to Duart. She and Angus had made love, and the whole world was a dream. Now, it was a nightmare. “But what can I do? There’s no way to stop them now.” Her head began to spin with thoughts of what that evil Lord Darling would wish to do.

  “Charlotte! Are ye all right, lass?” Liam reached for her gently, his eyes warm with concern.

  “I feel like I’m going to faint. I don’t understand any of this. There is no need to bring soldiers. He could simply send a letter demanding my return, and I would follow. And where is my father?”

  Liam held onto her arm. “Your father has gone for soldiers from another Fort.” Charlotte weakened a little, but Liam held fast. “Come, Charlotte. I will go with ye tae warn Angus. He will know what tae do. Is he better taeday?”

  Faintly, Charlotte nodded. “Yes, he is much better, but I fear he is still too weak to fight if it should come to that, Liam.”

  Unbidden tears sprang to her eyes. Liam soothed her, keeping his voice soft and calm. “Surely there will be nae need for that. Come.”

  She followed his gentle prodding, and they ended up outside of Angus’ room upstairs in the castle. She knocked, quickly wiping the tears from her face with her other hand, and once they heard Angus’ voice, they both entered, grim looks on their faces.

  Angus was in the middle of chewing a piece of bread when he looked up. His one eyebrow raised at the sight of both of them. He was still shirtless in bed, and Charlotte imagined that he was still bare beneath the sheets as well. He would not have expected Liam to enter his bedchamber this afternoon.

  Liam began, talking speedily, “Angus, there’s a bit of trouble. I heard from Elizabeth Darling that Lord Darling is on his way here, and he brings soldiers with him.”

  He stopped, and Angus merely looked at him with confusion. “Who is Elizabeth and Lord Darling, and why do they come in such an aggressive manner?”

  Charlotte tried to speak clearly and with confidence, but her voice was soft and fearful. “Lord Darling is the Earl of Oxford. Remember the letter from my father? He is the man from the King sent to assist my father with the Fort and to deal with any issues relating to an impending war. I believe that they wish me to return to the Fort. They do not think it right that I came here.” Tears were pushing against her eyes, but she clenched her jaw and held them back.

  Angus nodded slowly. “I see. Well, what could he wish tae do with me?”

  Liam started, “Lord Darling’s daughter said that they mean tae question ye. They seem tae suspect ye of something.”

  Angus’ face darkened. “The bloody Campbells are behind this, that is certain. I dinnae know what this man speaks of or why he should wish tae question me with soldiers at his side. Liam, ready the men. Just make sure they are prepared with weapons and are nearby when we greet the men at the shore.”

  Liam nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Charlotte clasped her hands in front of her and tried to keep from trembling. “I’m so sorry, Angus. ‘Tis because I left, I am sure of it. Lord Darling means me to…to follow his orders. He did not wish me to come.” She couldn’t yet bring herself to tell him of her impending marriage. She didn’t want to spoil what they had between them. Certainly, this issue with Lord Darling would be dealt with swiftly once Charlotte agreed to return to the Fort and do whatever Lord Darling asked.

  She was willing to do it now, especially if it could help Angus in any way. Angus moved the tray off his knees and slid out from under the bedsheets. He was naked, but he grabbed a kilt from a side table and hoisted it around his hips. Then, he pulled on the boots that lay askew nearby. After he stood, he reached for Charlotte and pulled her into his arms. Charlotte laid her head against his chest and closed her eyes. He was warm and soft, and she felt safe in his embrace as if nothing could ever hurt them again. It was a brief respite from the truth.

  “’Tis nae ye, lass. ‘Tis some issue with the Campbells that brings this problem down on our heads. I will deal with it.”

  “But what if there is a battle? You are still too weak to fight, Angus!”

  Angus chuckled. “I wasnae too weak tae make love tae you many times this morning, was I?”

  Charlotte tried to smile, but
she could feel a tear slipping down her cheek. “That’s different. You were not in danger of losing your life then.”

  “Was I nae? With ye changing from one emotion tae the next? First, ye love me, and then ye wish tae get away? Ye might’ve decided tae murder me in my own bed.” There was mirth in his voice. Charlotte knew he was just trying to make her feel calm. Her heart tightened at the mention of the word love.

  She pulled away from his arms and looked up into his eyes. “Angus, this is serious. We must think of a plan. I will go back to my father and be the dutiful daughter. That should ease some of the tension. Then, they might leave you and the clan alone.” Angus held onto her hand and nodded in understanding, but now his smile was gone.

  “Aye, lass. Ye must follow yer father’s orders.” He squeezed her fingers between his own. “But will ye come back tae me? Once this all is over?” He hesitated for a moment, his lips parted as he waited. Then he continued, “I love ye, Charlotte Andrews, and I never wish tae be parted from ye.”