Jenny wanted to run toward that sunset.
Still stroking her hand, Tavish spoke in soothing tones. “When I asked for this hand, I expected certain things.”
Jenny braced herself, but with no warning, her guilt and her shame seemed to dissolve, as relief took its place. For she realized that after this, he would want to break off the betrothal. A scandal would follow, and yet all she could think of was how she would be free. She and Duncan could marry. Nothing else mattered. No matter what happened, she and Duncan would follow their hearts.
Tavish said, “The world is a very small place, and we are such a small part of it, really.”
“Tavish, I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.”
“Hurt? No. But I was disappointed. I must say, though, you surprised me. You’ve got passion within that cold breast.”
Now uneasy, her heart pounded as Tavish continued. “Aye, I saw your wee roll in the hay. Or should I say, in the leaves?”
Jenny could not form the right words to say.
Tavish watched her, amused. “I grew bored with your father’s company, so I thought I’d go for a walk. When I reached the lane, I saw my sweet betrothed rushing into the woods with a man. So I followed you–for your protection.” With a knowing gaze, Tavish smiled.
Jenny cringed.
“You are lucky I did not tell your father all that I saw.”
Dread weighed on her chest at the thought of her father’s reaction.
“I told him a bit of a lie. I said you were out walking and holding your farmer boy’s hand.” He drew so close she could smell his warm breath. “I dinnae tell him what else you were holding.”
Nausea swept over her in a wave.
Tavish drew close until his lips nearly touched her earlobe. “My, my, Jenny. I find myself looking forward to our wedding night, and many nights after that.” With a glance toward the door that Andrew had closed behind him, Tavish circled part way around Jenny until he faced the door. Taking hold of her shoulders, he planted a kiss on her forehead as his palms slid from her shoulders to her breasts.
Jenny pulled away, and spun about. “Touch me again, and I’ll scream. Do you think we could marry after this?” She moved toward the door to put distance between them, but he grasped her hand firmly.
“But why not, my love?”
“I’m not your love, and you know it.”
“But we’re promised to one another.”
“It was a mistake.” She took a halting breath as she tried to steady her voice. “My father forced this upon me. It was not fair to you, and I’m sorry for that, but I cannot marry you.”
“But you will.” His confidence galled her.
“No, I will not. I do not love you.”
His eyes smoldered. “You are young and know little of men. These childish dreams of romance will wane. You will grow used to me. I dinnae care about love. But I expect you to make a good show of it.” He lifted both her hands to his lips and kissed them. “Now, there’s a good girl. Sit down while I go fetch your father to tell him we’ve patched up our wee misunderstanding.”
He strode halfway across the room as Jenny said, “Did you nae hear me? I cannae marry you.”
Tavish paused for a moment, teeth clenched, and then took his time walking back to her, being careful to maintain the appearance of propriety, lest anyone watch through the windows. He drew so close that Jenny reached her palms out to force distance between them, but he gripped her wrists drew them close to his chest. From afar, nothing would appear amiss. He spoke under his breath. “Unless you want me to tell your father what I saw in the woods, I would keep that mouth closed, my wee whore.”
Jenny pulled her arm back to slap him, but his grip was too tight. Her cheeks burned. “If that’s what you think of me, then release me.”
“But my sweet wife to be, I find that I want you even more, now that I know you’ve a fire in your hearth.”
His eyes swept down her body. “And besides, I’m a man of my word.”
Jenny met his lie with helpless contempt. She could not let this happen. But, for now, she saw no way out.
With the crooked smile of a victor, Tavish abruptly walked out of the room.
*
“He’s not here, lass.” Duncan’s mother stood in the cottage doorway, and smoothed back a stray curl. “Won’t you come in? I’ve some fine tea that Duncan brought home for me. I’ve been waiting for good company to share it with.”
Jenny forced a weak smile and went inside. She sat down as she had many times before, but this time without ease.
“Och, I’m out of water.”
Before Elspeth had a chance to ask, Jenny rose. “I’ll fetch some.” She scooped up the pail and was gone. Once outside, she saw him round the corner. “Duncan!” She ran after, but it was Charlie who turned around, grinning. “No, dearie. ‘Tis your lucky day. You’ve found me instead.”
“Charlie, what are you doing here?”
“That’s a fine greeting,” Charlie said with a glint in his eye.
“I’m sorry. I was looking for Duncan.”
“So I gathered,” Charlie said, with his most charming look of regret. “I’ll have to do.”
In no mood for his harmless flirtation, Jenny said, “Charlie. Where is he?”
“I’m afraid he’s not here.”
“I can see that. But where is he?”
A voice called out from the byre. “Charlie, you lout, will you come here to help me? I cannae wait all day.” Alex emerged from the byre with a pitchfork in hand.
“Jenny, hello! Come to visit us, have you?” he said, knowing full well she had not, but as cheerful as if he had expected her visit.
Their easy manner made Jenny impatient. “Alex, where is Duncan? I must see him.”
Alex reached for Jenny’s pail. “Here, let me help you with that.” The three walked toward the byre. “He left this morning for Inverlochy. He was in quite a hurry.”
“Aye, he woke me out of a sound sleep,” Charlie said.
Distressed, Jenny cut him off. “Whatever for? He said nothing to me.”
That caught Charlie’s attention. “Why should he tell you?”
Jenny looked away and thought quickly. He did not know that she and Duncan had been together. But how could she find out what she needed to know without rousing curiosity.
Charlie said, “He’s been selling his father’s whisky to pay off his debt to your father.” Alex shot a sharp look, prompting Charlie to mumble the end of the sentence.
Jenny frowned at the thought of what Duncan had gone through because of her father and his.
Seeing her worried expression, Alex said, “Charlie, you’d be of more use finishing up in the byre.”
“I’m of use wherever I am.” Charlie smirked, but a glare from Alex put an end to it. “Ah well, I should get back now. I’ve got something important to do.” He muttered to himself as he left them. “I dinnae know what it is, but as soon as I do, I’ll tell you. I’m sure you’ll be eager to hear it.”
Alex waited until Charlie was far enough away not to hear. “I know about you and Duncan. He told me.”
“And Charlie?”
“No, although he’s no fool. He likely suspects.”
Jenny shrugged. “’Tis of no matter now. My father knows. We only kept it from you because you would tease us without mercy. There’s no fun in that now.” Jenny gazed into the distance. Her thoughts were with Duncan. “Inverlochy?” She said it more to herself than to Alex.
Alex said gently, “He wishes to pay off his debt. I am sure he did not wish to trouble you with it.”
“When will he be back?”
“Soon enough.”
“No, he won’t.”
That caught Alex off guard. “Why?”
“When did he say he’d return?”
Alex shrugged. “When he’s sold his cartload of whisky.”
Jenny held back her impatience. “How long will that take?”
“I dinnae
know. If he sells it quickly, he’ll return with an empty cart. Even so, a horse needs to rest on the way.” Alex shrugged. “A bit more than a day?” He peered at her. “You’re fair shaking. What is it, hen?” With a light touch to her elbow, he said, “Here, sit down.”
“On the ground?”
Alex grinned. “Aye, ‘tis good ground, and it’s solid–unlike your legs, at the moment.”
Jenny did as he told her. She peered at the dark clouds. “What has Duncan told you?”
Alex hesitated. “That he loves you.”
“I love him, too.”
“But you’re marrying Tavish.”
“I never meant to.”
Alex leveled a knowing look at her. “Getting married is rarely an accident.”
Jenny heaved an impatient sigh. “I had to let them believe I’d agreed until Duncan came home.”
Alex said, “It’s a dangerous game you are playing.”
“I was forced.”
“Forced?” Alex turned to her angrily. “Lass, has he hurt you?”
Jenny shook her head. “Not Tavish. My father. He arranged it. He left me with no choice.”
Alex studied her.
Jenny looked at him. “Marriages are arranged all the time. You think little of it until it happens to you.” She gave him a moment to consider her plight. “You will think me a terrible wanton.” She forced the rest out. “Yesterday, Tavish saw me with Duncan. We were…together. Alone.”
Alex peered at her, his question unvoiced.
“It is just as you’re thinking.” Before Alex had a chance to react, Jenny continued. “Tavish went straight to my father, and now they have moved up the wedding.”
Alex opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Jenny said, “I’m to be married tomorrow!”
“Duncan will never stand for it.”
“Nor will I, which is why I must go to him.”
“’Tis out of the question. Even if you knew where he was, you’re in no position to make such a trip.”
“But I must.”
“Your father will have Duncan’s head on a pike.”
“Not if Duncan takes me away with him.”
“And his parents? Or have you forgotten about them?”
“They can come with us.”
“And how will you live? Do you not know that the money is gone? His father gambled it all away.” Alex put his hand on hers. “Lass, this is a battle that no one can win.”
“No, you’re wrong.”
Alex had nothing to offer but sympathy.
“I will not lose him, Alex.” As determined as she was, tears welled up in her eyes to betray her own doubts.
Alex pulled her into comforting arms. “Lass, your plan cannae work, and you know it.” He caught her fist before it could land on his chest. He winced, half amused through his pity. “Beating me willnae help it, hen.”
Jenny had never felt anger like this, let alone expressed it. She had been an obedient child, and behaved like a proper young lady. No one was more surprised than she that she had lost her control. “I’m sorry! Alex, I dinnae know what I’m doing.” She glanced about as though she might find the answers. “I’ve got to do something. But Duncan is so far away.” Jenny got up. “I’ve no choice. I must go. I must go to him now.”
“Jenny…” Alex stood up beside her.
“Even if I cannae find him, at least I willnae be married.” Jenny gazed in the direction of Inverlochy.
He watched her, full of thoughts of his own.
Jenny turned to him. “What roads do I take? I’ll need a horse. May I borrow a horse? If I take one of ours, my father will find out. I’ve saved up some coins. I can pay you.”
“Do you not think your father will notice you’ve gone?” Alex said, with a skeptical glance from beneath his brow.
“Aye, but by the time he finds out, I’ll have had enough time to get to Inverlochy before anyone can catch up.” She went on, more to herself than to Alex. “If I borrow a horse and tether it nearby, I could sneak out after dark.”
“Jenny.” He was quiet at first, but she did not react. “Jenny!” He gripped her shoulders. “You are not going to Inverlochy.”
Jenny looked up, transformed. With eyes bright with resolve, she said, “Oh, but I am.”
Alex shook his head, unconvinced. “You’ll have half the clan coming after you, and when they catch up to you–which willnae be long, assuming you haven’t got yourself lost–I wouldnae put it past your father to have a priest with him to marry you to Tavish right on the spot. And you’d better hope that he finds you before you get to Duncan, because if Duncan is with you, he’ll show the poor lad no mercy. And after that, his parents will surely be ousted from their wee cozy cottage, all helpless with no place to go.”
Jenny exhaled, defeated. “Without Duncan, I’m helpless.”
Alex touched her chin. “You’re stronger than you think.”
Jenny lifted doubtful eyes. “Am I?”
“Aye, and you must be strong now.”
“Alex, you know me. I have never been strong. It has always been easier for me to yield–especially to my father. Until now, nothing mattered to me enough to confront him.”
“And now?”
“And now, they’ve moved up the wedding–”
Alex nodded. “Because Tavish saw you with Duncan.”
Jenny blushed. “I told you that. Must we dwell on it?”
“If we’re to understand and decide what to do.”
“There is naught to understand.”
Alex barely heard her. “Why would Tavish still want to wed you?”
His words hurt her pride. “Because he loves me?”
“Knowing Tavish, I doubt it.”
Jenny took exception to that. “Perhaps he forgives me?”
“He’s a proud man. Some might even call him an arrogant, self-serving prig. But forgiveness?” Alex shook his head.
Jenny said, “What is it, then? What are you thinking?”
“’Tis not that a man could not love you, bonnie lass, but this man has no heart.”
“’Tis no matter to me. I dinnae want his heart–or any part of him.”
“But he wants something from you. Is it money?”
“He does not need my money.”
“Or so he might have us believe,” Alex said to himself.
Her thoughts turned back to what mattered most. “What am I to do if I cannae go to Duncan?”
Alex diverted his eyes as he shook his head. “Be practical, Jenny. How can you?”
“Because I can do nothing else.”
The longer it took for him to respond, the less hope Jenny held, until, crestfallen, she pleaded. “Would you sentence me to wed Tavish?”
“I would never choose him for you.”
“Nor did I.”
“I’m sorry, lass, but I will not send you off to the world unattended.”
Jenny’s face lit with a small bit of hope. “Then go with me.” She put her hand on his arm. “Please, for Duncan.”
With an kind look, Alex said, “Jenny, I cannot steal you away from your home.”
“Yes, you can.”
Alex smiled. “It is enough that you were discovered with Duncan. If I, yet another man, stole you away, you would shame yourself and your family–”
“I dinnae care about any of that.”
Gently, he added, “And my family, as well. You may think that your father deserves what he gets, but my family does not. I cannae do this to them.”
Jenny nodded. “You’re right, of course. I’ve been selfish.”
“No, lass.” Alex took both of her hands in his. “I will help you and Duncan, but we must find another way. For now, I would keep you right here where you’re safe.”
“Safe? Safely married, you mean.”
He peered into her eyes. “Do you trust me?”
“I am not sure,” she said skeptically. “Should I?”
Alex smiled. “Not as a rule.” His smile
faded. “But in this case, you must. I will go and fetch Duncan to bring him back to you. If he chooses to run away with you, we’ll have time to think through how best to do it. I promise to do all I can to help you both.”
Jenny threw her arms around Alex’s neck. He could not help but return her embrace, until he heard Charlie clear his throat loudly.
“Mrs. MacDonell was asking about the water.” Charlie eyed the empty pail in Alex’s hand, and then studied Alex. “Do you mind if I ask what you two have been doing?”
Jenny laughed lightly. “Alex has been making me very happy.”
Charlie raised an eyebrow.
Chapter 9
Alex and Charlie rode away to meet Duncan. With any luck, he would be on his way home. He had orders for most of his cartload of whisky, but took extra in hope of selling more. He needed to make enough to pay the rest of the past due rent, with some left over to begin a new life with Jenny. He had learned the hard way not to hide money at home. All of his savings were now stowed safely in Callum’s home. Alex had traveled with Duncan before on one of his whisky-selling trips. If this trip went as well as the others, they could be back by Monday midday, only hours before the wedding was set to take place. He was not one to worry, but even Alex had doubts as to whether this plan would work.
On their second day of riding through heavy rain, both plaids and spirits were dampened. The weather had slowed down their progress. Charlie was first to say what they had both been thinking. “Have you thought about what we will do if we don’t find Duncan?”
“I am not in the mood for your blether!” snapped Alex.
Charlie shrugged. “It wouldnae hurt to think ahead, just in case your plan doesnae work out.”
“Och, now there’s a fine idea. Let us make ourselves mad thinking of what could go wrong when we don’t know when or where, or even how we will meet up with Duncan.”
With a weary glance, Charlie turned and smirked. “Aye, well then, let us try to think of what could go right. Let us think…hmm…”
“To begin with, you could shut your flapping mouth, you clotpole.”
Charlie reached over grabbed Alex. Just as he was about to unhorse him, Duncan called out.
Highland Soldiers: The Betrayal Page 7
