Her Rebellious Heart: A Scottish Historical Romance

by McBride, Marian

  “Oh, no smaller than you I think. Will you try it on for me now? I was sure you would come and had Besse lay it out for you. It’s in the bedroom at the head of the stairs. If you should need any help, I can send her up to you.”

  Getting up from the floor Bridget said,“I'd better do it now then. I don’t want to be too late in getting back home.”

  Crossing to the other side of the room, she started up the stairs, stopping on the turn landing to look at the portrait of her grandmother. For a brief moment, she thought she was looking at herself, or at an older, more delicate version. The woman's curly red hair was very much like her own and her eyes the same shade of sparkling green, a color that had inspired many to call her Kat even if her name had not been Katherine. But whereas her grandmother's eyes conveyed a sweet and carefree temperament, her clothes fine and her posture regal, Bridget felt herself a poor comparison in many ways.

  With an odd feeling she went on upstairs and found the room Robert had indicated. She was very surprised to see how elegantly it had been furnished and wondered if it had been done in the event of her moving in. The décor was in gold and white with touches of deep orange throughout. Two windows on the west wall were hung with white lace curtains and heavy gold colored draw drapes. The floor was carpeted in the same shade of gold.

  Going to the window, she pulled back the curtains and looked over at the beach and ocean beyond, and although it was gloaming now, she realized what a beautiful view there would be in the evenings of their long summer days.

  Bridget thought, “If this room could be mine, all to myself, it would be worth it to move in with Robert.” Her face broke into a childlike grin.

  On the four poster bed across the room lay the beautiful gown she was about try to on, the same one her grandmother was wearing in the picture on the stairway wall. It was made of ivory colored, rustling taffeta with an overlay of the same colored net. The bodice and front panel of the skirt were trimmed in gold metallic embroidery. It had a full crinoline skirt, tight bodice, a low cut neck line, and just a hint of a sleeve at the shoulders.

  Picking up the dress and holding it in front of her, she walked over to the mahogany wardrobe and viewed herself in the full-length mirror on the door.

  “What a beautiful thing,” she breathed, “but how amazing it hasn’t fallen apart through the years.” But there it was, indeed intact, just as when it was new.

  She had no trouble getting into it and hooking it up the front. It was almost a perfect fit on her slender young body. Looking at herself again in the mirror, she was momentarily shocked at how much of her bosom was exposed, then thought, “Oh well, the tartan scarf that drapes from shoulder to waist, will partly cover that.”

  Pinning her red gold hair on top of her head, and taking one last look in the mirror, she was ready to show off the dress. As she came slowly down stairs again, Aidan was the first to see her, and his exclamation of surprise and admiration, did not escape her. Robert was standing facing the fire place and didn’t see her right away.

  She called to him softly, “What do think, sir, will I do?”

  He swung around quickly at the sound of her voice, and when he saw her, cried out, “My God, Bridget.” Putting his hand to his heart as if in pain, he staggered backwards into his chair.

  Bridget rushed to his side exclaiming, “Grandfather, what is it, what’s the matter?”

  Gasping for breath, he replied, “Bridget, my girl, I didn’t realize the effect this would have on me. Your likeness to your grandmother is uncanny.”

  She put her arm around him, her head touching his, “I’m so sorry Robert.”

  Then Aidan came towards them in great concern, “You all right, sir? Can I do anything for you?”

  “Yes, my boy, get me a drink of something strong, to settle this old heart of mine.”

  While Aidan went to do his bidding, Bridget, looking into Robert’s pale face, asked, “Would you still want me to wear the dress? I think it might be too hard on you, and I can get a new one of my own.”

  “It was just the first sight of you that did it, lassie. I know you are the image of you grandma, but in her dress, for a moment it seemed she had come back. You will wear the dress, my dear, and I’ll be very proud of you.”

  Bridget was unconvinced but nodded her head, knowing she couldn't refuse.

  Then Aidan was there handing Robert a drink. After it was down Robert said, “Ah, that’s better, thank ye, lad.” He looked at Bridget, who had tears in her eyes, and momentarily took her hand, “You’ll have to excuse me now, lassie, I think I better get to bed and rest for a bit. Aidan, lad, will you help me? Then you can walk Bridget home.”

  “Aye sir, I’ll be happy to.” His dark eyes met hers as she turned to leave them and as his gaze swept over her, she felt the hot blood rush to her face. She ran quickly upstairs to the bedroom, where she pulled off the lovely dress, and placed it carefully on the bed.

  As she dressed in her own clothing again, she took another look around the cozy room, and this was all she needed to finally make her decision to come and live at the castle, come what may. But she would go home tonight and explain to her sisters. She couldn't just abandon them without giving them a chance to adjust first, and promising to do for them what she could, when she could.

  Aidan had donned a warm jacket and was waiting impatiently for her when she came down stairs again.

  “Is he all right, Aidan?” she asked in concern, “Can I go see him?”

  “Better not, Miss Bridget. I gave him a good strong drink, and think you better let him sleep.”

  “Well all right, if you think so, but I don’t like to go without telling him goodnight.”

  “Not this time, Bridget, come let’s be going.”

  He had taken complete control of the situation, and she wasn’t a bit sure she liked it. He was making her feel like an interloper in her grandfather’s house.

  “Did you tell Besse?

  “Yes I did, and she will look in on him until I get back, but I”m quite sure he will be all right.”

  Scrutinizing her more closely he said,

  “Are you crying, Bridget?” touching her wet cheek with the back of his hand. She jerked her head away.

  “No, not really, just sorry I made such a mess of things.”

  “Wasn’t your fault, it was his idea.”

  “Yes, I suppose so, but I should have been tactful, instead of springing it on him like I did.”

  He took her arm,

  “Well, let’s get going, it’s getting late and I have an early day tomorrow.” Piqued at his attitude she bristled and pulled away from him,

  “Look, there is no need for you to walk home, I know every step of the way, probably a lot better than you do, and I wouldn’t deprive you of your beauty sleep for the world.”

  “Well well,showing a temper are we? I am not doing for you my girl. It’s only because your grandfather asked me to, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. He’s a grand old man,”

  without answer she tossed her head and started for the door. Aidan laughed as he followed her.

  “Now, now, no need to run, slow up a bit.”

  She clenched her fists and cried, “Ooh, Aidan MacLeod you certainly are infuriating. If I do move into Ty-Runach you and I will probably be fighting all the time.”

  “That will be up to you, Bridget,” he said quietly, “It could be very pleasant for us if you want to make it so.” He looked at her boldly as he made the insinuating remark. It made her so angry she didn’t answer him, and quickly left the house.

  The night was cold and dark. Swirls of fog were drifting in from the sea. She shivered and pulled her cape closer about her. The eternal booming of the surf on the rocks below them, sounding ominous in the eerie lights of the streetlamps, as they walked down the brae to Castle Street.

  They spoke very little on the short walk to her home, but on turning into the wynd that led to the street where she lived, they were confronted with a man
staggering all over the place, who had apparently just come from one of the pubs down by the harbor.

  Bridget involuntarily drew closer to Aidan, laying her hand on his arm. He quickly covered it with his own, saying quietly, “Don’t be afraid, lass, it’s all right,” and in a few moments they had reached the house she lived in.

  She said hurriedly, “Goodnight, Aidan, thank you for walking me home. Sorry if I inconvenienced you.”

  “Oh, damn it, Bridget, come off it will you? If we are to be living in the same house, we will have to do a lot better than this. What say we shake hands and try to better friends?”

  “Well,” she answered hesitantly, “all right, I’ll try, for Robert’s sake.”

  She held out her hand, but he didn’t take it. Suddenly, she found his arms around her drawing her close against him. As she struggled to free herself, he pressed his mouth hard on hers. Furious, she managed to free one arm, raising it as if to strike him. He caught it and held it behind her back, his hold tightening about her, his mouth still on hers in a hard kiss.

  Although fuming with anger at his presumptuousness, his touch also thrilled her, but never for a moment would she let him know it. She kept herself rigid in his grasp. Suddenly, he let her go and in a slightly husky voice bade her, “Goodnight, Bridget,” and was gone.

  Chapter 3

  Trembling, she entered her parents' home going straight to the small bedroom she shared with her two sisters, not daring to face her father and mother in such an agitated mood. Her mother hearing her come in called out, “Is that you, Bridget? Come and tell us what happened at the castle.”

  “I will, Mum, in just a minute. Let me put my things away first.”

  Fighting for composure, she slowly removed her cape and dress, and then slipped into a soft green dressing gown, splashed her burning face with cold water from the pitcher on the chiffonier. Only then, she went to the living room to talk to her parents.

  Her father was in his easy chair by the fireplace, contentedly puffing on his briar pipe. Her mother sat on a low stool opposite her husband, hands busy with her knitting. Bridget sat down on the hand woven rug between them. When she had finished telling them what had happened to Robert, Alice became quite concerned, and said,“I will go over in the morning and see if there is anything I can do.”

  “All right, Mum, but don’t make a fuss. He doesn’t like it. His man, Aidan, idolizes him and I’m sure he will keep a sharp eye out for him.” She started to rise. “I’m off to bed. I’ve had enough excitement for one day,”

  She hesitated before walking away. Looking up at her father, she asked, “Father, would it displease you if I went to live at the castle?”

  He reached out his hand, stroking her hair before answering, and then said seriously, “I will miss you sure, lassie, but you are almost a woman now. Some day you will leave us, whether to live with Robert or not. We cannot hold on to you forever.” He gave her his slow, serious smile and continued,“Your grandfather is old now, and not in the best of health. I think you would not regret bringing him a few years of happiness, before he leaves us for good.”

  Bridget smiled into his serene gray eyes, “Thank you, Father, your answer will help me decide.”

  Reaching up she hugged him, and then hugged and kissed her mother before returning to her bedroom. She slipped into her accustomed place in bed with her two sisters, but sleep didn’t come for a long time. All she could think of was Aidan’s arms around her, his dark face so close to her own. This was most disturbing as she was certain that she didn’t like the man.

  Bridget didn’t return to the castle for more than a week. It was not that she was avoiding Aidan, but because her mind and energies were now on her upcoming pianoforte examination. She desperately didn’t want to fail it, or fail her parents who had given her this opportunity to better herself. She felt that she needed every moment of practice she could get.

  Robert showed up at her home one day rather annoyed she hadn’t been to see him. “Bridget, lass,” he began, “you haven’t changed your mind have you? I’m counting on you now you know, and the doctor says I’m perfectly fit after the little spell I had the other night.”

  She looked at him and smiled. “No, Grandfather, I haven’t changed my mind but have had lots of work to do with my music. I knew you were all right and feeling better because Mum told us. She was quite concerned when I told her what had happened that night, and knew she had been to see you most every day. So, I didn’t worry about you.”

  Putting her arm through his, she drew him into the house. They went and sat in the modest parlor, or what was known as the best room, used only for entertaining when they had was special guests.

  “So, you are almost through with your musical studies then?” he questioned.

  “Yes, and I’m sure Aunt Maggie will be glad to be rid of me and my infernal pounding. Lucky for her, she doesn’t hear too well.”

  Robert, stroking his beard, looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, “Why don’t you come to the castle and use your own piano? It would save you lots of time running back and forth to your aunt’s house every day.”

  “No, I don’t think so Robert. Aunt Maggie has been such a brick about letting me use her piano all these years. As you know, we just have the old pump organ, and since my parents couldn’t afford to get me another instrument, my aunt solved the problem by letting me use hers. I wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings by stopping going to her house before I am completely finished. Besides, Besse and Aidan would probably resent it. I think they both dislike the idea of me moving in with you bad enough as it is. They are used to a quiet house.”

  “Ach, lassie, I should have got you your own piano a long time ago. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. As for Aidan, I know he is very fond of you, and don’t pay attention to Besse. She looks terribly gruff at times, but she’s really not a bad sort. In fact, I think she will like having some one young like you in the house to brighten things up a bit.”

  Bridget didn’t pay attention to what he said about Besse, all she heard was that Aidan liked her.

  Humph, she thought, he has a funny way of showing it. Yet, although she had made up her mind not to like him, she had to admit there was something fascinating about him, something that aroused her emotions whenever he was near.

  Seeing the pleading look in Robert’s face made her smile. “Grandfather, you are a charmer, and I have decided to move in with you and give it a try.” His eyes shone with happiness at her words. She asked him, “Which room shall I have?”

  Smiling broadly he answered, “The one at the top of the stairs where you tried on the dress. Would you like that?”

  “Oh, Robert, yes I would, it’s a beautiful room, thank you so very much.” Her green eyes shone with pleasure as she continued, “You are a dear man, Robert, and now will you stay and have supper with us?”

  “No, lass, not this time. Besse will have everything ready, and besides I want to get home and tell her and Aidan the good news,” he chuckled.

  Bridget reached up and kissed him. “Robert, you are much too good to me, but I will try very hard to be worthy of your generosity. I hope this new arrangement will make you happy.”

  “It will, lass, it will.” Then he called out to his daughter, “I’m going now Alice, Bridget will see me out.”

  Bridget's mother popped her head out of the kitchen, where she had been discreetly eavesdropping, and looked around the kitchen door, smiling at Robert, “All right, Father, but plan to stay for a meal with us next time you come. We don’t see that much of you and you could eat with us once in a while.”

  “All right, my dear, I’ll plan on it, goodnight now.” Then he hesitated, and said,“Alice, I would like you and James to come to the dinner I am giving next week. Will you do it?”

  Bridget smiled at the effort her grandfather was making. Her mother's eyes shone.

  “We’ll be glad to, Father, and thank you, that will be grand.”

  When h
e had gone, Alice thought, Well now, I wonder what brought that on. He has never invited us before to any of his special doings. Maybe his close association with Bridget will change things for the family. She smiled to herself as she set the supper table.

  Bridget walked out with Robert, bade him goodnight, and watched him as he walked down the street away from her. She thought she detected a new spring in his step.

  Now approaching the age of seventy, Robert MacDonald was still a fine figure of a man. Of medium height, his once red hair now a steel gray as was his closely cropped beard and mustache. Icy blue eyes squinted, a trait prevalent in men of the sea. He still had most of his own teeth, though some were yellowed by the tobacco he was constantly smoking.

  His left foot dragged slightly due to an injury sustained in his seafaring days. His father had been the master of a sailing ship with young Robert being taken aboard as cabin boy. They had sailed the seas of the world in search of the rare and unusual, often returning home laden with rich freightage of silks, sandalwood, spices, and casks of rare wines.

  In due time, Robert became master of his own vessel and found it more profitable to link in with a maritime company headquartered at Leith, port of Edinburgh, and shrewdly investing much of his earnings back into it, making him a rich man by the time he retired to his inherited castle by the sea. Having spent most of his adult life sailing, Robert has seen but little of his own daughter growing up, and his short stays at home were not enough for a close comradeship to grow between them. When Alice was of age, she married the man of her choice, albeit he was a Campbell and didn’t stand in much favor with her father.

  When Bridget was twelve years old, her grandmother died during an influenza epidemic. Robert was inconsolable for a long time, and thought he couldn’t go on without her, but in time he had a good enough life with Besse Stewart to care for his needs by being his housekeeper.

  Now in his later years, and failing some what in health, he felt the need of his own family near him. Hence his anxiety to have young Bridget come and live with him at the castle.