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

by Kendrick, Kenna

  * * *

  John moved forward another step. Lord Darling didn’t say anything, but he glared at John, and his eyes warned him to stop getting any closer. “Lord Darling, ‘tisn’t true. What ye’ve heard.”

  Archibald moved forward, as well, towards his brother and placed a hand on his arm. “Nae brother,” he said.

  John pulled away and continued speaking. He spoke swiftly, and Angus could hear the edge of fear in his voice. “Angus MacLean didnae kill yer brother. He is innocent. We only said that so that we could get the land from them. ‘Twas nae for desiring tae kill the man. If ye kill him, then we will have his clan, and every clan kin to him, tae reckon with. We dinnae wish tae see Scottish blood spilled upon an English Fort. ‘Tisn’t right.” He swallowed and continued. Angus wished that he would hurry up and get to his confession.

  “’Twas I, Lord Darling. I killed yer brother. He had foiled us Campbells and took advantage of us. I couldnae bear the shame and anger of it. He is dead because of me.” Angus noted the kindness of not telling the Lord how his brother had died, falling backward out of a window. General Andrews looked satisfied, and he began to search for a path to the doorway to call for the men to assist him.

  There was a brief, heavy silence after his confession, as everyone digested the information. Shock registered on Elizabeth’s and Lord Darling’s faces. “Don’t move, General!” Lord Darling called out as he noticed a shift in General Andrew’s footsteps. The General paused. Then Angus felt the bayonet tip on his neck slide forward, away from him. So the lord would listen, and he would put down his weapon? Angus nearly fell to the floor in relief until he saw that the gun was pointed towards the crowd.

  Lord Darling’s voice was low, menacing, and more like the growl of an animal than the tone of a man. “You Scottish bastard! I will see you dead, and your blood will fill the cracks of these flagstones. Your blood will be underneath my feet for what you have done to my kin! Take your punishment like a man and meet your God!” Lord Darling pointed the musket at John Campbell and fired. Time stopped once more in Angus’ mind, and the events unfolded around him as if everyone and everything was moving underwater.

  First, the sound filled the stone room and echoed painfully in everyone’s ears. The bright light of the gunpowder made everyone close their eyes. Angus bent over, covering his ears and moving away from the blow. He was too late to try to stop the madman. At that same moment, a body moved in front of John in the way of the bullet, yelling out as it did so. Lord Darling dropped the musket after it had kicked back at him forcefully, and it clanged to the floor.

  Then once the smoke cleared from the barrel of the musket, the party was left one member down. Everyone looked in horror at the lifeless body on the floor of the hall of Fort William.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The room was silent as their eyes took in what they almost refused to believe. On the stone floor, lying in a pool of his own blood, lay a wide-eyed Archibald Campbell. John yelled out in agony and kneeled down to his brother’s side. “Nae, brother! Why did ye do such a stupid thing?” His trembling hands touched the blood on his brother’s chest, and Charlotte felt her heart go out to him.

  Then a cry erupted from Lord Darling. He fumbled to pick the gun up again, and he was beginning to speak in blurred tones to Archibald’s body. “You idiot! ‘Twas not you that needed to die, but him! I shall get my revenge!”

  But he was too shocked by his own kill, and he couldn’t manage to pick the gun up or remember that there was only one shot in the barrel, and Charlotte watched as Angus leaped towards the man, pushing him to the ground. The musket moved away from him, sliding along the stones towards Archibald’s side.

  Lord Darling spit in Angus’ face as Angus laid on top of him. “You Scottish brute! Unhand me! You are abusing a servant of His Majesty!”

  Angus finally spoke, yelling out, “He is nae His Majesty tae me! He is a bloody tyrant!” Then he lifted a fist and punched Lord Darling’s face as hard as he could. The man’s head slumped to the side, unconscious. Angus then scrambled to get him on his back so that he could tie his hands behind him. He was about to call out for help when he turned to see that John Campbell had picked up the gun.

  His eyes were red, and Charlotte could tell he was trying his best not to cry. She moved towards him softly as he lifted the gun and pointed it towards Lord Darling’s unconscious form, lying underneath Angus. General Andrews slipped out a side door.

  Charlotte saw it out of the corner of her eye and knew that her father was going to get the men. She laid a hand on John’s arm softly. “No, John. You have a life to lead still. Do not do this. There is also no shot left in the musket. It contains only one.”

  John didn’t look at her, and he spoke gruffly and angrily. “And with that shot, he killed my brother and changed my whole life irrevocably. I shall plunge this blade through his heart! Although it pains me that he will not be awake to see it.” John moved towards the Lord swiftly, and Charlotte cried out.

  Angus stood and held John’s arms up, so that the blade was pointed upwards, away from the body. “Dinnae do this, man!” Charlotte was tense as she watched Angus attempt to hold the man back. He was still too weak to fight - that she knew, but she hoped his strength would hold out enough against the large rival Highlander.

  John looked at Angus. “I have nae family now. That man stole him from me!”

  Angus replied, softening his voice. “I know, Campbell. He is a bloody bastard, and he will receive his punishment. But you saved me. You saved my life, and I mean to save yours. Do not let another murder stand in the way of your new life.”

  Charlotte watched as John’s stiff and angry form slowly melted into resignation. He dropped the musket to the floor and fell to his knees. She was touched by Angus’ kind speech. Perhaps there could be a reconciliation between clans after all.

  General Andrews returned with men at his side. “Men, take Lord Darling into custody.” He pointed to the writhing figure of the Lord, who had begun to stir. General Andrews walked towards him and stood above him. Angus moved off of him, and the soldiers reached down to lift him up. Lord Darling’s dark eyes bore into the General’s face. Charlotte felt a swell of pride as she heard her father say, “Lord Mortimer Darling, Earl of Oxford, I am placing you under military arrest for the murder of an innocent man within a British Fort, as well as threatening to kill many others, including a General of His Majesty’s army. Soldiers shall come for you and place you in the Fort prison until the means are found to send you back to London.”

  Lord Darling groaned in pain as the men tightened their hold on his wrists.

  He groaned as he was dragged along the floor of the Hall. “Unhand me, you fiends! How dare you treat me so! I am your superior! I am well-connected with His Majesty!” His voice faded into the hallway, and Charlotte rushed to her father’s side.

  Charlotte smiled. “Father! You have done it! Here are the documents proclaiming Angus’ innocence. I took them from your study before Lord Darling could find them and destroy them. I hope you are not angry.” Her eyes were pleading, and she watched a strength develop in her father that had been gone for so long.

  It was like scales had fallen from his eyes, and he looked at Charlotte as if seeing her for the first time in many weeks. “My dear Charlotte, of course! You are stronger and wiser than I, my dear.” He smiled at her with affection. “He has murdered, and before my eyes! He will leave us, and I will send a message to the King myself.”

  Just then, Calum, Julia, and Liam stormed inside the hall, the men’s hands on their blades, and Calum looked at everyone and yelled out, “What the bloody Hell is going on here?”

  * * *

  Charlotte cried out with joy and rushed over to Julia, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. “Julia! I’m so glad you’re back!” There was a brief silence before Calum said, “I ask again, what the bloody Hell has happened?”

  General Andrews moved towards him, a serene look on his face. “Laird
MacLean, you do not need violence here any longer. The matter has been handled.”

  At his words, Charlotte turned to see a broken Elizabeth, sitting on the ground, her skirts gathered about her. She rushed to her friend.

  “Dear Elizabeth! Come, let me help you! I am sorry to have deserted you at such a moment. Are you well?”

  She was about to assist her to stand when John placed his hand on Elizabeth’s elbow and gently helped Charlotte pull her up. “Allow me, Mistress.” His voice was soft and gentle, and Charlotte was amazed at his composure with the dead body of his brother lying in a pool of blood just behind them.

  Elizabeth looked up at John, tears still streaming down her face. Her voice was weak, but her words were kind, “Mr. Campbell, I am so terribly sorry for the actions of my father. I had no idea he would attempt to kill anyone. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother.” She broke out anew in a burst of tears, and Charlotte wrapped her arm around the distraught Elizabeth.

  She noticed that John kept his hand on her elbow and said, “Dinnae distress yerself, Mistress. ‘Twas nae yer finger that pulled the trigger of that gun. And I confess, I had nae idea that my brother would sacrifice himself for me.”

  John then moved away from the two women and knelt by his brother’s side once more. Charlotte looked up and saw Angus watching the two of them. She was about to go to him when Calum walked up to Angus, and Angus’ gaze was drawn away. “Brother, are ye all right? Ye look as though ye were on the brink of death.” Calum placed a strong hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. Julia rushed forward and kissed Angus on the cheek.

  Angus tried to smile. “That I was, brother, but now ‘tis over. I can explain the matter tae ye when we return home.”

  “Aye,” Calum said, and his eyes were turned towards John and Archibald. He moved to John’s prone form. “I know we have nae been friends or comrades, but I am sorry for yer loss, John Campbell. Come, we shall assist ye with the body.”

  General Andrews cut in, and he moved closer to the men. “If I may be of service, we can provide the wagons and horses for you to return him to your land.”

  John did not reply but simply nodded in thanks and agreement. General Andrews left the room to make the arrangements.

  The men continued in quiet conversation, and Julia walked towards the women, reaching out for Charlotte’s hand. “My dear cousin, you will have to tell me all that has happened. I’m afraid this does not make any sense.”

  Charlotte said, “I shall - believe me. There is much to say. But now, I would like you to meet Elizabeth. She is my dear friend.”

  Julia took Elizabeth’s hand and gave a slight bow. “Hello, it is lovely to meet you.”

  Elizabeth tried to smile, but her eyes kept turning towards the body. “Hello. I simply wish it was under better circumstances. I am sorry, dear Charlotte, but you will have to excuse me. I cannot bear being here any longer.”

  Charlotte said, “Of course, Elizabeth. I shall come and see you when more things are settled. You must rest.” Elizabeth left the room hurriedly, and Charlotte said, “She is Lord Darling’s daughter, the man who was taken to the Fort’s dungeon. She has had a sad time of it, I’m afraid. But you shall love her, Julia. She has become a dear friend, confidante, and solace to me since you’ve been away.”

  Julia squeezed Charlotte’s arm. “I am happy for it.”

  The General appeared with more soldiers, and slowly and surprisingly gently, John was pulled away from Archibald’s body. The men were careful as they lifted his brother’s body from the floor and carried it outside to the cart. Calum also assisted while John stood with Angus. “I couldnae bear tae touch him like that, Angus.”

  Angus placed a hand on his shoulder, and Charlotte could hear him say, “I understand, friend. Please go to your home. Grieve for your brother. We shall meet again soon.”

  John nodded. “Aye, so we shall. There is much tae discuss.” He left the room, and only Angus, Julia, and Charlotte were left. Julia took Angus by the arm.

  “Come, brother, we must take you back home to rest. You are looking rather pale. Will you not come with us, Charlotte?” She turned to her cousin expectantly. Charlotte glanced at Angus, but he was turned away from her. Her heart fell. So he would not forgive her for the engagement? But it would surely not occur now, not with Lord Darling in prison?

  But she would not beg him. He must not love her enough if he did not wish to fight for her. And so she said to Julia, “I will come and visit another time. I must now help my father and Elizabeth in the aftermath of this. Angus can tell you what has happened, and I will explain further when I arrive.” Julia nodded in understanding, and she and Angus left the Fort.

  Soon, Charlotte was alone, and she shivered at the memory of what occurred in the room. The puddle of blood did not escape her notice, and she left its dark presence, feeling dead and heavy inside. She had been freed. Angus was now acquitted of any crime. Lord Darling was going to be in prison, so she would be safe from him. But she had lost Angus.

  She laid down upon her bed and, once more, fell into tears, bereft of hope.

  * * *

  General Andrews returned to the inside of the Fort, after overseeing the men place the body in his provided cart. He felt spent but also invigorated. It was like his shackles had been removed, and he finally saw everything for what it truly was. What a fool he had been! His beautiful and intelligent daughter had tried to tell him. She had tried so hard to pull him out from under the power of Lord Darling’s thumb, but he didn’t listen. Lord Darling was too wise, too powerful, and the menace in his eyes had made him fearful. He didn’t want to endanger Charlotte in any way, and he couldn’t lose the status that he had already made in society, or else Charlotte would suffer.

  When Lord Darling had told him that he found Charlotte a man to marry, he was grateful. For such a powerful man who was so high in society would surely choose a perfect man for his daughter. The general’s older brother was a Duke, and he was always sad that Charlotte did not have the status of a Duke’s daughter. So, he had trusted Lord Darling, despite Charlotte’s pleas that he help her get out of it.

  Charlotte had changed over the past few weeks. He barely recognized her now. Before they’d come to Scotland, she’d been a vivacious, confident woman who had dazzled everyone that she’d met. There were many men who had planned to make their suit. He could see it in the way they watched Charlotte at all social gatherings. She was beautiful, mesmerizing, and he had allowed her perhaps too much sway in the decisions he made. But after her mother died, she was all he had, and he couldn’t bear to see that smile leave her face.

  But then she’d come to Scotland, and something came over her. He’d allowed her to spend time with her cousin, even living at Duart Castle for a time, and he thought that maybe he should not have. But then he saw how her confidence changed to humility. Her beauty remained, of course, but she didn’t seem to use it for her own gain anymore. She was more demure and more conscious of how others felt. Unfortunately, along with what she’d gained, there was a hardness and a sadness to her. While he was happy that she had grown in maturity, he was worried that there was something else deeply wrong.

  Was it just the engagement? Or was there something more that troubled her mind? He would endeavor to find out what it was. There was no point in hiding away from it anymore. He needed to go to her and tell her how deeply sorry he was that he had deserted her. He wanted her to be happy, and as he took the steps towards Charlotte’s bedroom, he was resolved to help her find whatever it was that would take her sadness away.

  Once that was taken care of, he would deal with that bastard, Lord Darling. There was a lot of work ahead of him, but his inner strength was hardening into power.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Calum, Julia, Liam, Angus, and the other MacLeans watched as John Campbell rode away with his brother’s body in the cart behind him. Julia and Calum clasped hands, and Angus watched their intimacy jealously. He had the misfortune
of having fallen in love with someone who was engaged to another. He could have spoken to Charlotte before he left the Fort, thanking her for what she’d done, but his shame was too much, and he was still angry.

  He hadn’t been able to prevent Lord Darling from killing Laird Campbell. He had been too weak and afraid. He also hated the fact that Calum had asked Charlotte to assist him so that he wouldn’t fail. Also, she had come, teased him, made love to him, and told him that she was in love with him, knowing all along that she was engaged. Now, he was nothing more than a useless, empty man.

  Now that Calum had returned and would take over the lairdship again, he would have to find a way he could fill his days. Perhaps he should even leave the Isle of Mull and find another place to be. What good could he be to anyone at Duart?