Amelia was instantly reminded of the wig-wearing fops that Jamie had mentioned to her. “I am Amelia Parker. Lovely to meet you. I didn’t realize Laird Jamie had a cousin so close in age.”
“Och, yes, our mothers wanted to raise children at the same time, so that we could be...friends.” He smiled, showing his stained teeth, so it made it appear as a grimace.
Amelia knew it was her duty to be kind to guests and relatives. She swallowed her disgust and discomfort. “How nice. So, are you very close?”
“Aye, very close.” Donald came closer to her and touched her on the arm. “Would ye mind accompanying me tae the library? My aunt Fiona has told me ye are quite the reader, and that ye’ve found a few books on science that interested me. I’m not one for parties and dancing. Would ye be able to show these books tae me?”
Amelia was stuck between politeness and revulsion, and she felt his dark eyes burning into her own. As it was a relative of Fiona’s, she went with politeness. She and Donald moved towards the corridor to head to the library.
Once they reached the hallway, it was dark and cold, the sounds of the merriment fading fast, and Amelia’s pulse quickened in fear. “I think I’d prefer to stay with the clan. It is a party, after all, and my duty is to Lady Kinnaird.”
She turned to walk towards the light coming from the opening to the main room, but his grip tightened on her arm.
She turned to see him close to her face, and she smelled a sourness coming from his breath. She recoiled.
He said, “Och, come, lass, there’s something I want tae show ye.” And he pulled her towards him down the hall.
“No, thank you,” she replied with more firm resolve and worked to break free of his grasp. Suddenly, the hallway darkened further as a tall figure filled the entryway to the main room.
“Donald, it appears yer not wanted. The lass would like tae return tae the festivities.” Jamie’s voice practically bellowed at Donald, and he moved to place a strong hand on Donald’s arm.
Donald hesitated, his face of mixture of anger and disappointment at being caught. He released Amelia abruptly, with Amelia falling back into Jamie’s hard chest, her anger filling her at being quite the damsel in distress, having to be saved by none other than Laird Jamie.
“Of course!” Donald said lightly. “Forgive me, Miss Parker. I was not intending tae be impertinent. If ye’ll excuse me, I’ll be headed to the library.” And he slunk away into the dimness of the hallway and faded from view.
Amelia was still leaning against Jamie and she let out a breath of relief and indignance at herself.
Jamie touched her shoulders and turned her around. He stared into her eyes and asked, “Are ye all right, Amelia? He didn’t hurt ye?”
Amelia stared into his eyes for a moment, and despite her frustration her gaze was drawn to his perfect mouth. Although twisted in concern, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from his beautiful lips, feeling the urge to move her own lips towards them.
“Amelia?” Jamie asked again.
She broke out of her wine-filled reverie, and pulled away from him abruptly. She said, “Ah, yes, I’m fine, I’m sure your cousin had good intentions. I don’t need a man to save me, so that he can puff his chest out with pride. And remember, you’re not to be within an arm’s length.”
Her icy facade had returned even after he’d seen that delicious moment of her eyes on his mouth. She wanted him, and she would do everything she could to pretend otherwise. Perhaps this bet will be easy to win after all.
He released her shoulders and moved away. “By God, woman, a simple thank ye would suffice.” He ran his hand over his newly grown beard in frustration.
Suddenly footsteps began to sound in the darkness, coming from the direction where Donald had just gone, and Amelia leapt away into a side room. Jamie followed her and closed the door.
“Even though I’m just a daft Scottish blaigeard, I was under the impression ye wanted tae return tae the party?” He lifted an eyebrow and rubbed the back of his head.
Amelia wandered about the unknown room, heading towards the fire burning on the side wall. “I just needed a few moments to collect myself before returning to guests. What is this room?” She looked around her at the shelves and desk dimly lit by firelight.
Jamie gave up reasoning with her and walked further into the room. “This is me work room. Father used it as his before me, and my grandfather used it before him.” He went to sit behind the desk and leaned back, a roguish grin on his face. “And tonight, I expect guests will be using it for nighttime trysts. ‘Tis an out of the way, quiet place. Good for thinking...among other things.”
Jamie watched as Amelia’s eyes opened wide at the thought, and he chuckled to himself. “Men and women will have...relations...at dinner gatherings? How depraved.” He noticed Amelia’s hesitation with the word relations.
His smile widened. “Of course! ‘Tis expected. Why, everyone’s relaxed at these festivities. Even ye yerself seem tae have simmered down tae a low boil.” He winked at her.
Amelia’s felt a frisson of desire at the base of her belly. She wandered over to the desk, attempting to appear nonchalant and change the subject.
“So, what are these?” She pointed to papers and maps that lay on the desk in disarray.”
“Ah, these are part of a land project I’m trying to build with Kinnaird land and other clan lands nearby.”
He bent his head and motioned to the map. “See? I’m trying tae turn a formerly unused section of land intae grazing pastures, so that we donae have tae lose any farm land, and those working on Kinnaird land can keep their livelihoods. Many of the other landlords have changed all their land intae pastures, as wool is a growing commodity, and they won’t have tae house or pay as many shepherds as they do farmers.”
Amelia moved closer to Jamie, fascinated. Her father had been a gentleman, and thus appearing to not work was what was expected. But to see men planning ideas and working with their hands to bring them to fruition interested Amelia. Despite all men being weak bastards, now Jamie’s cousin included, this project drew forth a new sensation she hadn’t experienced with a man in a long time: respect. She wanted to be involved
She replied, “I see. Will the other clans join you in your project?” She locked eyes with Jamie, and he was happy to notice that she didn’t seem bothered by their sudden closeness. Despite her rule for the truce, Amelia had stepped within an arm’s length. In fact, her shoulder was brushing against his. He didn’t want to make her aware of her mistake. Not yet, anyway.
“Aye, some of them will, but many of the clan lands have been taken by the English, and clan chiefs have been replaced by other Englishmen. So, they have no interest in helping retain the people on the land.”
“I wonder if there’s a way to convince them all?” She pointed at the maps. “What if you…”
Suddenly a door in the hallway slammed shut and startled Amelia. She had been bending so low to the desk to look at the map, that her fright upset her balance, and she found herself toppling right into Jamie Kinnaird’s lap. Her bum landed square on his legs, her back to him, and her face fell back onto his shoulder. She could feel the stubble of his new beard against her skin, and his chest vibrated with laughter at this sudden turn of events.
Trying to hide her embarrassment, Amelia turned her face to his, and despite the dimness of the room, she could still see firelight flickering in his green eyes, making them even more mesmerizing than before. Her mind was a swirling mix of emotions, and her body was tingling with warmth. She felt his strong arms move around her initially to steady her, but they remained in place. She could feel the heat of his hands through her gown. I think I must never drink wine again. I’m acting like a besotted fool!
Jamie could feel his hardness growing underneath his kilt, and he hoped she didn’t feel it or else she’d jump with fright. His eyes locked with hers, and he spoke quietly, almost in a whisper. Amelia could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “Well, la
ss, it appears that yer not applying yer own rule of our truce. Yer taking every chance ye get tae leap intae me arms.”
Amelia jumped up with indignation, wriggling free from his gasp. She wheeled around and pointed a finger at him, albeit unsteadily. Her head was swimming. “That was clearly an accident! If yer about to accuse me again of being a fallen woman, then I will have to grab your sword from its sheath and clobber you with it!” She breathed quickly in her anger, and Jamie watched as her chest rose and fell, matching the speed of her fury.
He held his hands up in defense. “I’d say a sword is best for stabbing, but I’m not about tae give ye any murderous ideas.”
Amelia made an angry sound in her throat and looked as if she might burst with rage. “You insufferable beast! How your mother has put up with you for all these years is beyond me! You’ve done nothing but insult and enrage!”
Jamie’s voice changed to a softer, kinder timbre. “My apologies, Miss Parker, truly. All is well. I mean only tae tease ye. Our truce is still intact. I meant no harm.”
She calmed and attempted to smooth her wrinkled gown and ruffled hair. “Fine. Apology accepted.”
Jamie stood and went to the door. “Come now, let’s return tae the party. And I would suggest staying out of the way of my cousin, Donald. He’s got nothing good to say.”
And he opened the door for Amelia and she strode out silently into the light of the party, placing a smile on her face as she walked up to Fiona.
He entered the party behind her, but suddenly felt pushed up against the stone wall with a kiss placed firmly on his lips.
Chapter Nine
It had been a few mornings since the dinner, and every memory was burned in Amelia’s memory. The cold feel of Donald’s grasp, the blackness of his eyes, the warmth of Jamie’s breath on her cheek as he accused her of trying to get into his arms. And yes, the vision of a dark-haired woman kissing Jamie against a stone wall. He had pushed her away from him, but then they left the room, and Amelia had found her mind scrounging for possible answers. A mistress? An old love? Ugh! Why should it matter to me? I had threatened to clobber him, and someone else offered him her kiss. She is welcome to him! Then, why did the thought of whether or not he bedded this woman niggle its way into her brain, not giving her any peace?
This morning, Amelia was writing letters with Fiona after breakfast. This is how they spent most of their mornings. Fiona would write to her friends and family back in London, and Amelia had been desperately trying to get a letter sent to her friend Marianne. She had sent one, but she feared her friend had abandoned her as well due to her change in situation for she had not received a reply.
But today, with the clear sunshine coming in through the castle windows, Amelia received a letter. A maid brought it to her, and Amelia squealed with delight!
Fiona was startled. “What is it, my dear? Are you well?”
Amelia apologized for her outburst. “Oh, of course, Fiona. I just received a letter I had been waiting for. Would you mind if I took a little time to read it now?”
“Oh no, of course not. Please take your time.” Fiona returned to penning the long letter to her sister, and Amelia donned a plaid before heading outside to read the letter in the bright sunshine.
She began to pace the well-worn path she and Fiona had made with their daily walks around the grounds, and she opened the letter, breaking the seal.
It read:
My dearest Amelia,
I have been trying for weeks to get a letter to you, but father is quite overwrought at the loss of your family and doesn’t want us to contact you in any way. It appears that your father had asked my father for money, which he gladly gave, but now is regretting his choice. No matter. I am so sorry, Amelia, for all that has happened to you and your family. Had you any idea that your father was involved in such things? I have sent this to the address you requested but where are you exactly? What have you been doing? Oh, I have so many questions. My friend, I wish there was some way I could help. Perhaps I could visit you and your mother?
I read in your last letter that Charles is a complete cad. I thought men were made of firmer stuff, but apparently not. I am so sorry, Amelia. I thought you might want to know, but Charles will be getting married. To Lady Ashford, after Christmas.
Please tell me if I can be of any use to you. Please know that I will always be a friend to you. And if you’d like me to visit, you have only to ask. I will sneak away from Father if I can.
My prayers are with you both,
Love,
Marianne
20 December 1750
Tear burst into Amelia’s eyes, as she finished the letter, letting her hand fall to her side. She came across a stone bench and sank into it, her heart threatening to break with the weight of her situation. And now, Charles...married. To Lady Ashford! She was twice his age with pots of money. So, apparently, he had no character left to miss. Even still, her heart ached with the misery of losing everything.
At least she still had Marianne. Amelia’s shoulders shook with sobs, and then she heard a sound coming from her side.
She turned to find William running to her side. “Och, lass, are ye all right? Are ye well?” He placed a warm hand on her shoulder and waited worriedly for her answer.
Amelia could pretend all was well, but she hadn’t the energy. She felt comfortable with William. She could tell him at least part of her story.
She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I will be right soon enough, thank you. I have just received a bit of bad news.”
“Aye? And what was this news?”
Amelia cleared her throat, hesitant to begin, but desperate to relieve the weight that had settled over her heart. “Before we came to Scotland; I had been engaged to a viscount in London. But, our family situation suddenly...changed, and he sent me a letter of rejection before we left. And now, I’ve just heard that he’s remarrying.”
A new wave of tears billowed over her cheeks, and William made soothing sounds as he laid Amelia’s head on his shoulder.
“Lass, that man must be a cad and a bastard tae be letting ye go. Drop him from yer mind. All will be well.”
Amelia finally felt like she had a friend who wasn’t a dangerous laird, her mother, or her employer. She relaxed into his shoulder.
* * *
Jamie had just come downstairs after washing and dressing and tiredly walked to the window, hoping the bright sun would wake him up. Far off, he spotted William with Amelia on the stone bench, with William comforting Amelia, and Amelia’s head lying on his shoulder. A pang of jealousy flew through his chest with a flash. He stopped himself. Why should her friendship to William bother him? It should only be frustrating that William was trying to make headway in their bet. And for that and that alone, Jamie would speak to his friend later. He tried to put it out of his mind as he went to the table to eat breakfast.
He sat down near to his mother. He started to eat, and then casually asked her, “Ma, where is yer young companion?”
Fiona didn’t look up from her writing. “She’s reading a letter, dear. Why?” With that question, she looked up and eyed her son.
“No reason, I just thought a companion ought tae be by her employer’s side, ye know, tae fulfill her duties.” He ripped off a piece of bread and began to chew, still avoiding his mother’s gaze.
“She dropped her letter, and a smile played on her lips. “My, my, aren’t we becoming quite the harsh laird? Amelia is free to do as she pleases, in addition to her main duties. Again, she is not a prisoner. I think she’s absolutely lovely, my dear. Don’t you? I haven’t felt so relaxed since yer father’s passing.”
Jamie stole a glance at his mother’s face. To be sure, she was looking healthier and stronger than she had in these past years. Her cheeks were flushed with health, and she had gained an energy he hadn’t seen since he was a young lad.
He placed his hand over hers. “Aye, ma, yer looking wonderfully. I don’t mean tae begrudge ye yer happiness. A
melia is a fine companion, although I donae think she cares for me very much.”
Fiona laughed good-naturedly. “I do believe you’re developing an interest in my beautiful young friend. It’s not often I see my strong son blushing when discussing a lass. She is wonderful, but I do fear something is amiss. Like she’s run from something.”
“Aye, there is a bit of anger and sadness about it. And about the interest, ma, ‘Tis no such thing going on. I only ask out of care for ye. I wanted tae make sure yer happy. I’m going riding.”
And he swallowed the last of his ale and water and kissed his mother on the cheek. She smiled, and once he left, said to herself. “Jamie Kinnaird, in love perhaps? Hmm...we shall see what I can do about this.”
Capturing The Highlander's Heart (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 1) Page 7
