Elizabeth began, feeling comforted that the moment of embarrassment had passed, and she could now focus her mind on spending the day with her friend. She didn’t want to think of anything else but the day ahead. She drank tea with comfort and began to make small chat with Julia, who sat closest to her. As the meal came to a close, Charlotte stood with a contented sigh.
“Come, Elizabeth. We have much to do. I shall get my medicine bag, and then we will be off. Liam will be coming with us today.” Elizabeth was in the middle of standing up to join her friend, but at the words, she froze, and her eyes widened with horror.
John Campbell, the newly appointed laird, was confused. He was sitting on the battlements of his castle, his brow furrowed, his gaze stuck on the gently moving ripples of the Sound in the far distance. He spent a lot of time being confused lately since he’d never expected to be made laird, but at the recent murder of his brother, he had been given the role, and he wasn’t quite sure if he approved of it.
It was difficult work, the running of a clan when the old ways of Scotland were slowly dying away, and they would one day be left only with English rule, but that was not what confused him. What puzzled him was the way his heart had fluttered, and his courage strengthened when he saw a beautiful blonde-haired Englishwoman with blue eyes as deep and icy as the color of the Sound enter Duart Castle.
He had noticed her on her arrival, even though it was Angus’ new wife who had first drawn his eye and flamed his desire when he’d seen her the first time. But this woman, this Lady Darling, was like a wave of cool water, refreshing and sweet, and her kindness and demureness enticed him in a way he could not explain. If his brother, Archibald, were alive, he would tell him he was an utter fool, allowing his mind and body to become so enthralled with another.
But Archibald was hard and thought only of his momentary pleasures. He saw women as objects for his gain and not as something else, something deep, wonderful, and mysterious. Unfortunately, one problem among many was the fact that Lady Darling’s father had killed his brother. He was there, and she was there when it happened.
The musket had fired, and the bullet sent into his brother’s flesh, and at the moment, it felt like time had stopped. He still mourned the loss of his brother’s large presence and laughter, but he knew it was up to him to uphold the Campbell clan and bring them the success he wanted for it. If he failed, then it would lay heavy on his shoulders. And yet, this woman beckoned to his deep desire for intimacy and love, and he unconsciously had put aside his concerns for his clan and focused only on her. He had even stopped going to the brothel in the last few weeks because his body and mind were full of her.
He had not expected to see her again at the wedding, and it had set his heart alight. Now that she was returned, when could he see her again? He knew that Charlotte was intrigued by his interest in her friend, and he hoped that he could count upon her to help him find more time with Elizabeth. He wasn’t sure if Elizabeth had any interest in him as a suitor, but he had seen something sparkle behind her eyes as they danced the evening before. It was enough to encourage him and to make him rethink his next visit to Duart. He was itching to go again, but he was certain he would need to find a believable excuse.
John could hear footsteps on the stone of the battlement floor, and he turned reluctantly to see his new second-in-command, Finlay, approaching him with news. “Laird, the shepherd wants tae see ye again about the boundaries of the grazing fields.” John nodded in a bored way, and Finlay stepped forward, daring to ask another question.
“Laird, I know that ye now have a sort of friendship with the MacLeans and its recent connection to Fort William, but what of yer plans to ally with the English? Were there nae plans tae take Duart and give it tae the English tae use for battle preparation?”
John scowled. He was used to the men bringing forth ideas and complaints, as he had been the one to conduct business between the other clans even when his brother was in power, but this time it bothered him. He knew that the rest of his clan might not fully understand his new alliance with the MacLeans, and he should tell them the reason, but he wanted a clan compliant, wishing to follow his word without question.
“We do have plans for progress, Finlay, but they are different now. My brother had one way of conducting things, but I have quite another.” Finlay nodded tightly. Damn it. I cannae afford tae incur the clan’s resentment. Not now when they all look at me tae make a success of them.
Finlay turned to go, and John stopped him. “Dinnae worry, lad. There will be progress. We will move forward and gain power, but I have yet tae think of it. There is much on my mind of late.”
Finlay smiled, narrowing his eyes, and John had the feeling his old friend was assessing him. “Ye have changed, my friend. I have seen many a man look thus, stricken like a moping dog. Does this have something tae do with a bonny lass?”
John crossed his arms over his wide chest, feeling suddenly exposed. He hadn’t realized that the emotions of his inner heart were so easy to read and analyze. He considered denying it, but this might be a chance to endear himself to his clan, to prove that he was not without flaw, but that he was still strong. He smiled. “Aye, something like that, but that is the last I will speak of it. Nae need tae elaborate.”
Finlay chuckled and hooked a thumb in the westerly direction. “Ye might consider taking yerself back tae the brothel, laird. I noticed ye have nae returned in a few weeks.”
John shook his head. “I will sort it out, Finlay. Now, tae the shepherd.” Finlay led the way inside, and John had to shove aside thoughts of Elizabeth as a willing woman in his bed as he took the stairs down to his own Great Hall.
Charlotte glanced at Angus and didn’t seem to notice Elizabeth’s discomfort as she straightened up slowly. “Ever since an incident when I first arrived, Angus feels itis better if someone comes with us for a sort of protection.” Elizabeth could hear a slight sarcasm in Charlotte’s voice.
Elizabeth’s heart was pounding. She would have to face Liam today. The day right after she’d slapped him angrily, and when her body felt weak and limp from her overindulgence. What was she going to say? It was not as if Charlotte could school her, for she did not know the circumstances. Charlotte winked. “Besides, it might be fun to ride the three of us around the Isle. You have not yet seen it in all of its beauty.”
Elizabeth swallowed and tried her best to smile in return. However, she knew that it probably came out like a grimace. Luckily, Charlotte’s face was to the rest of the table, and she bid them goodbye, leading the way to the stables.
“Do you ride, Elizabeth? I cannot believe I did not ask before.” Charlotte shifted her leather medicine bag in her arms as she led the way.
“Yes, I do, but only with instructors and in the park. Never on wild, Scottish land.” Charlotte’s smile was wide and brilliant at Elizabeth’s reply.
“Then you are in for a wonderful experience, my friend. We will find a proper horse for you. I wonder where Liam could be? Probably needs to wake up after such a heavy bout of merriment last evening.” She chuckled, and Elizabeth shivered, feeling the cool morning breeze on her arms.
Elizabeth tried to draw her mind from what was before her. “And how was your celebration, Charlotte? Are you certain you wish to do the healing the day after your wedding? Surely you would wish to…stay home.” Charlotte giggled at Elizabeth’s innocent discomfort.
“Angus said the same thing, but he knows he could not stop me. I need to check on my patients, especially after the hard celebration. We may need to help a few solve their pounding heads and aching bellies.”
“Aye, that is true enough, Mistress Charlotte.” Liam suddenly appeared from inside the stables, pulling two horses with him, looking fatigued. Elizabeth paused and looked anywhere but at his face. Dear God, help me to know what to say.
Even though she had not woken up with a headache, she felt one coming on now as she searched for just the right words. An apology would feel strange after what h
e had done to her, and she didn’t want Charlotte to know anything.
“Ah, Liam, you have graced us with your presence,” Charlotte smirked as he helped her up onto the horse. “You need a bit of medical assistance this morning?”
Liam groaned. “Aye, Charlotte, that I do. I dinnae suppose ye have something for me head? It wishes tae leave my body, I think, with the way it is pounding.”
Charlotte laughed and said. “Yes, at the first house with a similar symptom to you, we can make a nice tea. I suppose you did not realize you were to accompany me today.”
“Nae, but yer husband enjoyed telling me, I think.” Elizabeth watched their interaction almost jealously. She so much wished she could be like Charlotte, so comfortable and easy in her own skin, and she was certain she would see her the same at work with those under her care.
Elizabeth still hadn’t said anything, and despite the cool winds, sweat began to break out on her forehead when she heard Liam’s slow footsteps coming around to her side to help her onto the horse. Her heart was screaming; its pounding was thunderous and quick. Think, think! What was she to say?
Chapter Four
It gave Elizabeth an odd comfort to see Liam’s discomfort. He looked just as uncomfortable as she was once he came around the edge of her horse. His hair was tousled handsomely, she couldn’t help but notice, and it almost seemed as if he might be blushing. “Lady Darling,” he said stiffly in greeting. Elizabeth could feel Charlotte’s eyes watching them, so she had to act as normal as she could if that was possible.
She cleared her throat, giving herself one more second to prepare. “Liam,” she said and was surprised at the calmness of her voice.
“Do ye ride, Mistress?”
Mistress it was now, was it? Perhaps that was for the best. He had been drunkenly stupid, insinuating that she and he were on the cusp of making love. He had also hinted about her own carnal interest in John Campbell. That secret knowledge gave her a little bit of strength. Even if she was embarrassed about slapping him, he did deserve it a little.
“Yes, I ride.” That was the end. She had naught more to say, and it came out a little more sharply than intended. She noticed Liam flinch, and that brought a flash of red to her cheeks. But now he wasn’t watching her anymore. He set her foot into the stirrup and then helped her lift over the edge. Elizabeth tried to ignore the tingle on her skin at the feel of his strong hands on her waist and leg. Never in England had a gentleman touched her like that to assist her with the horse.
Come to think of it, she had never been kissed before either, and the sensation slipped into her mind of lips on lips, warm and smooth, gliding over hers slowly, begging for more. She could feel her muscles begin to melt at the thought, but she halted them as soon as Liam’s eyes were on her again, handing her the reins. “Here, Mistress. This mare is a good one. She willnae steer ye wrong.” Elizabeth nodded, and Liam watched her for a moment more before getting his own horse.
Charlotte led the way, and Elizabeth trotted up next to her. Liam was far behind, going at his own pace. Charlotte turned to Elizabeth and tried to make her voice soft, despite the clopping hooves sounding through their ears. “What was that about? You two looked about as uncomfortable as naughty schoolchildren. Did something happen between you?” Elizabeth could hear poorly contained excitement in Charlotte’s tone.
Elizabeth chewed on her lip, knowing that she would not keep her secret for long. Not only was Charlotte very persuasive with her flashing green eyes and stubborn spirit, but Elizabeth was never very good at lying. Lord Darling could attest to that. She didn’t say anything, and Charlotte said, “Elizabeth Darling… if you are keeping such interesting information from me, there shall be Hell to pay! I know something happened. I can see it all over your expression!” Charlotte glanced behind her.
“Liam cannot hear us. Tell all!”
Elizabeth wavered for just another moment before replying, “Perhaps something did happen. Slightly. Barely.”
Charlotte chuckled with satisfaction. “I knew it! I had told Angus something would happen to you. Those two men are after you, and you were sure to experience something of their advances before the night was through. But why should it make the two of you uncomfortable? Surely what happened between the two of you would have been pleasant? Desired? You did tell me you thought Liam was very handsome.”
Elizabeth scrunched up her nose at the memory. “You are correct. I did say that. And unfortunately, he is very handsome. I daresay he knows how to use it to his own advantage.”
Charlotte laughed loudly. “Yes, Liam does know how to use his charm, but I could tell he was saving his most special variety for you. What happened?”
Elizabeth’s eyes wandered over the land, needing a bit of time to think of her response. They had left the stables and castle behind on the coastline, and their horses were beginning a slow climb over the base of rolling hills. They followed along next to a grove of lovely thick trees, and Elizabeth could see the beautiful stretches of grass covering the hills like a warm, spring blanket.
Charlotte was watching Elizabeth’s amazed expression. “Lovely, is it not? I tell Angus that it was here where I found my soul again.”
“I can understand,” she replied, slightly breathless with wonder. “Scotland has a way of making you consider a different way of life.” She smiled.
“Never was a truer word spoken.”
“Where is your father this morning?” Elizabeth knew she was trying to waste time before they got to their destination.
Charlotte sighed. “He is not so used to the drink as Scotsmen. Mrs. MacLean told me he is lying abed and groaning. I have sent his breakfast to him. It appears that Liam is not so skilled himself.” She chuckled.“Now, back to your story. Do not think you can get away with it so easily! We are soon to arrive at the first house, and I need to hear your words quickly.”
“Fine. Angus had asked Liam to escort me to my room. That much, you know. He did so, and he said the most surprising thing about how wild men can be tamed by beautiful, intelligent women. I was dumbstruck by the thought. It was not something my father would believe or any of the other men of my acquaintance.” Charlotte nodded, her hands tight on the reins.
Elizabeth continued, and her voice slowed, knowing that she was getting to the part she was hesitant to reveal. “When we reached the room, Liam told me that it was me he wanted to dance with and to kiss, and so he did. He kissed me.”
“Did he now? Quite the bold gentleman. What did you do?” Without seeing her face, Elizabeth knew that Charlotte’s green eyes were flashing wildly with thrill.
“I slapped him.” Elizabeth simply dropped the words, and it helped to sharpen her own guilt at her actions. She could see Charlotte’s eyes widen, and then, surprisingly, Charlotte burst into laughter.
Elizabeth was more than relieved that Charlotte found her story entertaining and not one of horror, in which she should apologize for her behavior. Once Charlotte could catch her breath, she said, “I am certain he deserved it, but I want to hear it from your own lips. What made you slap him?”
Elizabeth chuckled a little, feeling lighter at last. The sun even seemed a bit brighter. “Well, I could tell he was more than a little drunk. I had not noticed before, but his eyes could barely focus. He was telling me that I was thinking of John instead, but that I should not do so, for Liam claimed to be a better lover than John, and that I should know that well enough.”
Charlotte placed a hand on her mouth, and Elizabeth could see her shoulders shaking with laughter. “Elizabeth Darling, you have set these Highlanders afire. I am certain that John would most definitely wish you to think of him in such a way, and if he ever hears of this kiss, he will be as jealous as they come. But I heartily congratulate you on slapping Liam. What a thing to say! And to a proper English lady!”
Elizabeth winced a little. “I know. I was ashamed that he should think me such a woman who would take a man she barely knew to her bed. He and I have not met above a
handful of times, and we have never spent time alone together since that time on the boat on my last trip. I was ashamed that perhaps I had enjoyed myself overmuch at the party and had purported to be a sort of wanton woman.” She said the last words with shame, for now, that the main crux of her story was revealed, she could feel it spilling it out of her. She needed comfort from her friend.
Charlotte turned to her. Elizabeth could see a small stone house coming into view. Tools and stones and piles of wood surrounded it, but in the clear, crisp morning, no one was outside working. “You should not be ashamed. A woman should never be ashamed of choosing to enjoy herself instead of thinking of all the silly rules that confine us. No, Liam was most definitely in the wrong, and he should apologize. You are not like some of the foolish young women of the Isle or the women at the brothel who fall at his feet. I daresay he was thinking you were, or at least hoping. He should be ashamed.” Charlotte paused and then grinned.
“Elizabeth, I think we should find a way to punish dear Liam and show him that you are not so easily available as he is wont to believe. He will see your intelligence and worth soon enough. Liam is a good sort of man. He is kind and happy, and deep down, he feels things keenly. But he has been so used to philandering for such a long time that it has become like a habit to him. I am sorry if he has caused you any discomfort.”
Every Highland Sin: Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance Page 29
