William said, “Donald is a bleedin’ bastard. He thinks only of himself and money and power. He has naught tae provide for the clan. I am certain he did not tell ye of his evil ideas when he asked ye tae help him. He will get his comeuppance, of that, ye can be sure.”
“Thank you, William.”
William bid farewell to the ladies, his gaze lingering on Marianne briefly before turning to go out the door.
Marianne let out a breath of relief once she heard the door shut.
“I have had Sophie boil some water for you as well, so you can take your bath as well. I will bathe in the bedroom,” Amelia said.
She grabbed the bucket and went inside.
An hour later, once both Marianne and Amelia were bathed and dressed in fresh clothes, another knock sounded at the door.
“Who could that be now?” Marianne asked.
Amelia chuckled, “Perhaps it is William, with more flowers?” Sophie answered it and allowed the guest inside. At the bedroom doorway appeared none other than Donald Kinnaird.
* * *
“Greetings, ladies.” He practically slunk into the room, and the two women froze, shocked at his arrival.
Amelia was the first to respond. “And what are you doing here? Have you not done enough to me and my family as well as your own?” She felt anger begin to rise again, but she did not want to give him the satisfaction of an emotional reaction.
“Och, lass, donnae spin tales. I have done naught but take what is truly mine, and that is thanks tae ye. Ye have served me well.” A wicked smile played on his lips.
Amelia stood, hoping that it would give her more strength to face this devil. “Come, let us meet in the parlor.” Marianne spoke, “I will watch Henrietta.” Amelia smiled at her friend, and then walked in front of Donald to stand by the windows in the main room. “Well, if I have done so well, then why do you continue to plague me?”
“I plague ye, my dear, for I have a solution tae all your pecuniary problems. But, ye will need tae take a walk with me tae learn this solution.” He pulled a large bag from his pocket that clinked as he moved it. Coin.
Amelia hesitated, staring that the bag. Perhaps he was going to give her the rest of the money?
“Let us walk then.” Amelia stood and grabbed a plaid from the hook before leaving the room. Donald followed her out the door and offered Amelia his arm. As they walked, Donald drew out his idea of a solution.
“Ye need money, yes? Tae save yer father who wallows in debtor’s gaol?” He took pleasure in pricking Amelia’s wounds.
“Yes. And now my mother is ill and would only recover if she knew my father would be released.”
“Excellent. Here is my solution. Now that I am Laird, I have the key to all the Kinnaird fortune. And I would be happy tae pay ye what ye are owed as well as the rest of yer father’s debts.”
Amelia was filled with disgust. “So, you hadn’t enough money before you claimed this lairdship?” Her blood boiled. “It feels like blood money after what you had me do to boost your position. But, even so, you would never pay without a price.”
Donald laughed. “Ye are quite right, my dear. My price is this: Marry me. Marry me and all yer problems will be solved.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jamie stood at the edge of the sea, staring out into the waves. The water was frigid, but it felt good to feel the prick of cold pain on his skin as he mulled over everything that had occurred. He had spent three days at the cottage, no word to anyone of where he was, although he knew William would probably know his location.
He had barely slept, the confusion and pain keeping him tossing and turning throughout the night. As he dreamed, the only image that kept coming back to his mind was that of Amelia, her blond hair spread out around her, smiling up at him with her beautiful lips and bright blue eyes. And, then he remembered her betrayal, and the image would leave.
He spent the past few days switching between a longing for Amelia and anger at what she’d done, and nothing was resolved. He sighed and moved his hands down his face in frustration. Even the silence of the cottage was deafening, and he couldn’t find clarity no matter where he turned.
Then, he thought of his mother. He had just left her to the whims of a crazed power-hungry Donald, and he hadn’t even spoken with her. He was totally blinded by rage and betrayal that he’d forgotten about what it would do to her. Would Donald ask her to leave the castle? He knew William would take her in, but that was not his responsibility. That was his, and he’d failed, thinking only of how much Amelia had hurt him.
He decided then to return home, to face his demons and think of a plan with his mother. He ran up to the cottage to pack what he had, saddle Faolan, and head back to the castle, plans formulating in his mind.
* * *
Donald waited patiently for Amelia’s answer, enjoying the feeling of her shock and surprise. Then, her face twisted into hatred. “No, I shall not marry you. I will find some other way for the money.” She then turned to run back into the house when Donald yelled,
“Donnae be hasty, young lass. Ye wouldnae want tae compromise the health of yer ma, would ye?” The words hung in the air between them.
Amelia’s back was facing Donald, and she slowly turned around.
“I am certain if ye told yer ma that ye could get yer da from prison, she would make a quick recovery. Do ye not think? I have contacts in London who I’ve sent letters tae tae collect yer father once they receive payment.”
All of this was sounding wonderful to Amelia’s eras; beautiful words mixed with daggers. If the debts were paid, her mother could get better, and her father would return. But, on the other hand, she would be betraying the Kinnaird family once again by marrying this traitor. But...an idea came to her.
She smiled, feeling confident in this plan. “Aye, I agree. I will marry you. But, we will sign a new contract. Once I have seen the money to be paid all ready, then I will marry you.”
Donald’s shock showed only briefly on his face. He walked up to her and gave her a toothy grin, “Agreed. Meet me at the church in two days’ time at midnight. I will organize the minister and the certificate. I will bring the money as well.”
Amelia nodded, and then Donald mounted his horse and rode away into the night, leaving Amelia to form a plan.
She went back into the house to find Marianne trying to get her mother to drink more tea. “Amelia! What happened with that villainous creature?” Marianne looked worried.
Amelia sat down and assisted in holding her mother as Marianne poured the tea down her mother’s throat. “He...he proposed an idea, a solution to the problems.”
“Oh? And what is it?”
“To marry him.”
Marianne nearly dropped the tea cup. “What?! How dare he? That evil conniving, devil of a man! What did you say in reply?”
“At first, I told him no, but then...I said yes.” Amelia sat back in her chair with her harms crossed, once her mother had taken in a full cup.
Marianne was speechless. “You said yes? Why? After everything that he did? What about Jamie or marriage or the future?”
Amelia burst out, “What about him? I have betrayed him! He will never speak to me again, so if I cannot have him, it does not matter who I marry or if I marry at all! This man offers to marry me in exchange for payment of all debts. My mother will heal, my father will return, and she will be happy. My chance for happiness has passed. It does not matter what I do now. And I have a plan.”
“And what is that?”
“Once we are married, and the debts are paid, I will simply leave. There is no reason for me to stay, and that will be my final vengeance against that horrid man.”
Marianne was quiet, seeing the anger in her friend’s eyes. She knew she cared for her mother and wanted her to be happy, but this...this seemed to be too far.
“Whatever you think is best, my friend.” Marianne gave her a smile.
“Thank you. I know it will be fine. I have learned my lesson from before. I t
old him that I need to see the money before anything happens. I am to meet him in two days at midnight at the parish church.”
Marianne nodded, fearing the worst for her friend.
Amelia spoke to her mother, “Mother? Are you awake?”
A quiet voice replied, “Yes, dear.”
“All will be well, Mother. I have found a solution to bring father back.”
A weak smile crossed Henrietta’s face, and she turned her face away to fall asleep again. Amelia sighed and laid back in the chair to fall asleep.
Marianne sat up for a little while longer, letting the candle almost melt down to the base. Then, it hit her. She had an idea.
* * *
Jamie took Faolan to the stables before entering the castle door, the light dim. He knew Donald would be here, but he hoped to see his mother first. He entered the main hall, and finding no one there, walked in the direction of his mother’s chamber. When he arrived, he knocked quietly on the door and was greeted with a light, “Come in.”
He opened the door to find his mother at her writing desk with a candle, bent over her task. He walked in and closed the door behind him. “Mother?”
Fiona lifted her head and burst into tears. “Jamie!” She leapt up to bring him into her arms, and she hugged him tightly. “My son, where have you been? My thoughts have constantly been with you.” She pulled away to look at his face, searching for any remaining anger.
“I...I was at the sea house. I needed time tae think.”
She rubbed his arm. “Of course, dear. I thought that is what you were doing. But I want you to know something. We did not know about this change in the birth records. Your father was always known to be the laird. He did not do anything dishonestly, at least not intentionally. Believe in your father, my son. Do not believe in this scoundrel, who used Amelia as a pawn to gain power.”
Jamie nodded, solemnly. “Did she know what he wanted tae do?”
Fiona lifted her chin and looked straight into her eyes. “No, she did not. That woman loves you, Jamie. She would not go against you intentionally. She needed the money. Why don’t we sit?” She moved to her chairs by the fire. Jamie sat, his face full of confusion.
“Amelia is Lady Parker from London, daughter of Lord Jonathan Parker. Recently, he gambled everything away, and Amelia and her mother were destitute. She needed the money, and Donald offered it to her for a service. That is all.”
Jamie exhaled slowly and sat with the information. He ran his hands behind his neck and thought of how to reply. Then, the corners of his mouth turned up.
“I knew she was a lady. Too prim and proper tae not be one.”
Fiona smiled. “That’s what I said to her when she confessed to me.” She is a wonderful woman, and if you hear her explanation, you will forgive her. I promise.”
“And what of the lairdship? What are we tae do now?” Jamie looked questioningly at his mother.
Fiona reached over and put her hand on Jamie’s face. “‘Tis not important. You are what’s important. We shall live with William if we must!” She laughed. “But, William and I have a plan to figure out the truth of Donald’s treachery. I will speak to the parish minister. If my memory serves, the old minister is still alive, living out the rest of his days in a cottage in the woods. He will know who the true laird was, for he penned the documents himself.”
Jamie smiled, hope filling him again at the idea of vanquishing his cousin. But, then the memory of Amelia brought him down again.
Fiona noticed the return of his downcast expression. A smirk crossed her face. “Aye? And what do you plan to do about the lovely Miss Amelia?”
Jamie hesitated, rubbing his neck, avoiding eye contact with his mother. “I donnae know, yet. Perhaps she will not want tae speak with me?”
“Lovers can be stubborn, that is sure. But, you must hear her the words from her own mouth to know the truth. She is your match, Jamie. You will not find another like her.”
Jamie nodded without responding, feeling at a loss as how to handle the situation. “When will ye visit the minister?”
“If the weather is fair, then on the morrow. We have not time to waste. Donald has already moved all his things into the castle, and he has taken the key to the vault. I have tried to play the accommodating aunt, to lengthen my stay and find a way to get out of this mess.” She shook her head. “He was always a queer boy, but I do not understand why. His mother loved him dearly, and his father did too. They were kind and gracious people, not greedy or desperate for power or wealth. Why does he do this? They would have been ashamed of their own son!”
She stood, indignation reddening her face as she thought upon the memory of her brother-in-law and his wife and the son they created.
“Come.” She grabbed Jamie’s hand and bid him to stand. “Go and rest for the night. William has stayed as well. Donald will not know; he has a fortune to use and a castle to occupy.” She rolled her eyes. “Then, be on your way tomorrow to the Parker cottage to explain yourself to Amelia.
Jamie thought for a moment, and then hugged his mother. “Aye,” he said. “Ye are wise.”
He kissed her on the cheek and then left the room to retire to the library, hopeful that a cup of whiskey and a sit in silence would give him the further clarity he needed.
* * *
Marianne waited until Amelia slept soundly in the chair next to her mother’s bed. Henrietta had improved greatly in the space of a few hours. After Amelia revealed the news about her father and his inevitable return, her breathing slowed and cleared, so that the rhythm was regular and healthy. Her skin stopped sweating under her garments, and Marianne had high hopes she would make a full recovery over the next few days. Sophie had been instructed to wake Amelia before midnight, so that she could make her way to the church. Marianne had little time to achieve her goal.
Marianne could not let Amelia marry Donald. It was outright preposterous. The man was an absolute scoundrel! If she had still be alive, he’d sell his own mother if it gave him the chance to win over the lands and power of the Kinnaird. She had to do something. She crept from the room to the hook in the hallway on which hung two plaids. She donned them both for extra warmth and put on a pair of boots that Sophie had left in front of the door. The evening could be both wet and cold. She had told Sophie earlier in the evening to let Amelia know she would meet her at the church, but that she was doing something to help her prepare.
She slowly walked toward the door and pushed it open, hoping that it wouldn’t make a sound. She knew Amelia would not let her do such a task, but this had gone on long enough. It was time for Jamie and Amelia to be together, and if the two of them weren’t willing to do what was necessary, then the rest of them would have to help. She could not let someone else fall under the thumb of a power-hungry man.
She walked out into the cold, stark night, stars sparkling in the night sky. Marianne closed the door and wrapped the plaids further around her, covering her head as well. She could make the journey; it would not be a problem. If she could only find the castle lights of Kinnaird castle, then maybe she could even run towards her destination.
She began to walk briskly in the general direction of the castle. It was not a difficult path in the daytime, when the sun shone through the mists, but in the dark, it was nigh impossible. But she carried on, for there was no time to lose. Soon, Donald would have Amelia in his clutches, perhaps forever.
Marianne’s boots made soft sounds on the wet ground as she moved as quickly as she could, the stars her only light. She hoped torches would be lit around the castle to guide her way. All she needed to do was get to Jamie and explain what Amelia was about to do, and he would go dashing after her. Maybe he wouldn’t be there since he’d fled after he discovered the truth, but she had to try. Wouldn’t he want to run after Amelia? That was how it happened in romantic and heroic stories.
Marianne paused. Maybe he would not want to do so? Maybe he would still be angry and want to be rid of her forever, even send her i
nto the hands of his evil cousin?
Marianne shook her head, No, no, Jamie would go after her. She shivered with the cold and pulled the plaids tighter around her. She heard the howling of a wolf in the cold distance, and it quickened her pace. She walked and walked. But, she realized, the shapes on the moors were only dark shadows. She could not see where her next steps lay. She endeavored to remain straight for what felt like a long time, until she saw a light flicker in the far distance. Could it be the castle?
Thank Heavens, that someone was awake at this hour and had lit the torches and the lamps! She raced forward, clutching her skirts in her hand, trying to get there as soon as possible, frustrated at the slow nearing of the castle in her vision. But it eventually appeared, her breath rasping against the silence of the evening, and she found herself against the cold metal of the outside gate. Blast! She shook it, but it would not move. Donald surely wanted to fortify his new home after he stole the lairdship.
Capturing The Highlander's Heart (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 1) Page 20
