by Fiona Faris
“Oh, Helena, I appreciate you caring for me like this. You have always been like family to me.” Beatrice smoothed the blanket around her body and felt her eyes swell with tears.
“But my goodness, it’s been quite a journey for me these last few years. The amount of ruckus I’ve encountered is more than most.” Beatrice shook her head and let out a loud sigh. She did not like to think of herself as a victim, but it was true that lately, she felt as if she had fallen under a spell of bad luck. First, there were the miscarriages, the problems they caused in her marriage, James’ death, and now two robberies within a month! And a broken arm to boot. But she had to remind herself that she was all right, healthy, and with a home to her name.
“It truly has been, Bea. I’m sorry about that. Tis terrible luck really, two robberies within a month. You poor thing.!”
Beatrice remembered what she had told Brodie. She knew the voice of one of the men. Sure, it was somewhat disguised, but she knew it regardless. “Helena, I’m fairly certain one of the thieves was Frances. His voice, ts was achingly familiar..” Beatrice shivered to recall the moment the thieves attacked, how her body had been struck with fear. A soft knock on her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts.
“I heard that beautifa’ sound I hae been wantin’ tae hear fer days now, and I couldnae stayed ou’ there no more.” Brodie sheepishly made his way into the bedroom, and Beatrice felt better just from seeing his face. To her, the last few days had passed by in a blink, but it was clear her soul had missed Brodie in the time she had been unconscious.
“Brodie! Come in.” Her voice climbed in excitement.
“I am mightae glad yer awake. Ye had me frightened.” Brodie moved to sit in a chair that had been positioned near her bed. Beatrice had to wonder how many times Brodie had sat in that chair while she had been unconscious. Did he watch her sleep?
Helena stood and patted Beatrice’s leg. “Well, I am delighted you are awake. Now, I’ll give you two some time alone. I’ll have the kitchen staff send some food up, I’m sure you’re starving.” As if listening to Helena’s words, Beatrice’s stomach rumbled loudly. The two of them laughed.
“Thank you! Yes, it seems I’m very hungry indeed.” Beatrice placed her hands on her stomach and felt the gurgles move beneath her palms.
“Tis so good tae hear ye laugh.” Brodie walked over to the bed and sat near Beatrice now that Helena had left the room. Beatrice blushed.
“It’s good to be awake and laughing.”
The two sat without speaking. Both wanted to talk, but neither knew how to start.
“Beatrice, I—”
“Brodie, please—”
The two smiled, starting to speak at the same time. Brodie moved his open hand towards Beatrice as if waving her to go on.
“Brodie, please know, I didn’t want to hurt you by leaving without saying goodbye. I regret it deeply. I wish we had talked before I left. And I’m sorry for our fight, sorry that our last memories were scarred by bickering.” She bunched the quilt in her hands, clenching and unclenching.
“Beatrice, ye have naught a reason tae apologize. I’m sorry it all turned ou’ this way. Sorry, ye have been harmed so much in just a few short weeks. It pains me tae see ye like this, tae know had I maybe nay been so stubborn ye wouldnae left so quick.” Brodie ran his hand over his forehead, and Beatrice thought she saw a glimmer of tears coat his eyes.
He reached for her hands and pulled them from the quilt. “But yer here now, and I need ye tae know I’m sorry fer all that has happened tae ye, fer my fightin’ words. I only want yer happiness, Bea, tis all.” He smiled at her and leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek. Beatrice moved over, and Brodie slid into bed beside her, moving his arm so she could lay on him.
As grand as these romantic moments were, Beatrice still felt a great deal of anxiety over the situation. She was glad Sally was alright, but she needed to know if Brodie had mentioned her theory about Frances to anyone. She needed to know if he believed her.
“Brodie, what I mentioned about believing it was Frances, who was one of the thieves?”
Brodie ran a hand through his hair and furrowed his brow. “Aye lassie, ye did mention that. Well, tis not that I dinnae think ye’ve suffered a great deal, but I just dinnae see how it could be yer cousin? How would he know where ye were? Why would he do that?”
“I don’t know, Brodie. I don’t have the answers for you. I simply thought I recognized him.” After speaking her theory aloud again, Beatrice began to feel doubtful. Brodie was right, why would Frances be on that road? How would he know exactly where she was? Maybe her traumas were beginning to affect her perception of the world. It was possible.
“Look, lassie, I am sorry fer all ye’ve faced these days, and I’m here in any way ye’ll allow me tae be.” Brodie reached over and took her hand and pulled it to his. He kissed her fingers, and Beatrice pursed her lips, shutting out her paranoia.
“Aye, I ain’t lettin’ ye go off on no long journey withou’ me. If we have tae split our time between England and Scotland, so be it. I cannae lose ye, lassie—havenae I made it clear by now?” Brodie kissed Beatrice’s head, and she cuddled into him. She could not believe how caring he was, to think they could divide their time between two places. It made Beatrice believe there was a possibility that this could work for them, that more could come of their time together. Beatrice knew she had responsibilities to take care of, but they could find a way.
She did not want to think precisely how they would solve the problem of distance, but for now, she was simply happy to be in Brodie’s presence again, across his arms, enjoying his company. She did not want to take their time together for granted. There were so few great things in her life these days.
As she was about to drift back to sleep, a knock sounded on the door, just as Beatrice’s stomach rumbled again. She was awake suddenly and ready to have her fill of a good meal. She had no preference for what it was. Even if it was only bread and cheese, she knew it would be one of the greatest meals she had tasted in a long while.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was a week after Beatrice’s second encounter with the thieves. She had decided to stay for at least two more weeks at the castle, and was beginning to enjoy the carefree nature of her relationship with Brodie. Many days, he had tasks to tend to, and she enjoyed herself by reading or taking walks with Helena, who was nearing the latter part of her pregnancy and needed to move around continuously.
That day Brodie had no major duties to attend to, and the two were sprawled out on the long couch in the library. Brodie was reading John Donne’s poetry to her, which Beatrice had always found to be rather sensual in nature. She laid across his legs as he read to her, and she was captivated by the way his lips curved around each syllable, the way his chin seemed to tremble with certain sounds. She was fascinated by his readings.
He finished reading the poem and moved his hand to stroke her hair. Beatrice sighed. It was a perfect morning. Brodie looked casually out the window and noticed the sun was no longer hiding behind the clouds, even as the season moved deeper into autumn.
“Ye ken, I have yet tae show ye the nearby forest. Me mum used tae say it was filled with will o’ the wisps. Tis magical when the sunlight streams in through the reaching branches. Feels as if ye’ve been transported tae another world.”
“Ah, yes, Helena has mentioned that forest. She says she goes there when she needs some time to clear her mind. It sounds absolutely beautiful. I’d love to see it soon.” Beatrice sat up and stretched her arm. The broken one was still in a sling, but she moved it to allow the blood to flow more freely.
“Aye, why not taeday? I have nothin’ I need tae finish now. I can have the kitchen prepare a nice picnic; we’ll take a quilt. It seems it will only get chillier, and I want ye tae see it like this before ye go back tae England.” Brodie’s face fell as he spoke the last few words. He hated thinking of her returning to England. But he had plans to spend some time with her near w
inter, once he knew his estate was prepared for the season.
Beatrice jumped up quickly. “That sounds absolutely lovely. I’m in desperate need of a nice walk as well.”
“Aye, and now that yer arm has some time tae heal, I think a bit o’ sunlight and a long walk will be good fer ye. Let’s head on out. Why dinnae ye grab some literature for us tae read, I’ll head tae the kitchen and have them prepare a basket fer us.” Brodie leaned down and gave Beatrice a soft kiss on her forehead, and her heart fluttered. Despite being near him now for over a month, she still felt the same as the first time she laid eyes on him. That shock of instant attraction, the passionate energy inched across her flesh. Being near Brodie thrilled and terrified her. It was unlike any love she had experienced.
She walked around the library, reaching for books and putting them back because she could not find anything to read together. She settled finally on another of Shakespeare’s classics, Macbeth. It was so close to Samhain that it seemed seasonally relevant, and she had always been fond of this play.
She also chose a collection of William Blake’s poetry, in case Brodie wanted to continue their literary discussions, before heading to the stables where they would meet before walking.
As she started down the long hall, she nearly ran into Helena, who was turning the corner rather quickly.
“Oh, Bea! I wanted to invite you to the market. I’m going to purchase more of those pork scones we both love,” she said, giggling. “But I ran into Brodie. He said you two were heading to the forest. But don’t you worry, I will bring you back some.” She rubbed her belly, and Beatrice knew another craving had set in.
“Oh, Helena, how kind of you. Thank you. Yes, you mentioned the forest a few times, and I’m so happy to be finally going.”
“It’s a good day for it, and still warm so you may see some deer. I hope it’s pleasant.”
“Thank you. I look forward to the scones when I return!” She laughed and started off down the hall, but Helena reached out and lightly touched her arm.
“Bea, it thrills me to see you so happy, so lively. You haven’t looked as good as you do in a long while. It has been a treasure having you here. I want you to know that.” She smiled, and her eyes started to shine with tears.
“Thank you, Helena, for your hospitality and your friendship. It has been lovely being here.”
They parted, and Beatrice continued towards the stables. She ran her hands along the stone walls as she walked. She would miss this castle when she returned. It had started to feel like home, more of a home than her estate had felt like in a very long while. But she knew she would be back in a short time, and was excited by the thought that one day, she would show Brodie her home.
When she left the castle walls, she found Brodie with a small basket patiently waiting. He smiled as soon as she walked up, and he stuck out his elbow for her to hold as they walked. Beatrice pulled the cloak tight, glad to be away from her bed and out of the castle, enjoying the views of the loch and the rolling green hills. She was thrilled to visit the nearby forest, even if it was relatively small in comparison to others. She had heard so much folklore about it, she hoped to feel some of the magic that seemed to vibrate through the trees.
“Are ye ready, lassie? Tis a beautiful sight, seeing the towering trees.”
Beatrice nodded and laid her head against Brodie’s arm as they walked. “I am, and happy you’re the one showing it to me.”
The two walked arm-in-arm towards the small forest over the hills. Beatrice felt her heart race as they walked on, nearing the hour mark. She felt slightly faint, but shook away the worry and forced herself to remember how much she had been through. Her body was still recovering, and it would take time for her to return to normal.
Finally, after a good while, the sun still high in the sky, the two arrived at the forest. Brodie guided her in, showing her how he marked the trees to recall the exact path they took. The marks were already there and well-worn from how often he visited the area. Beatrice smiled as she ran her hands over the grooves.
“I suppose you have brought many women here to woo them?” she asked with a raised eyebrow as Brodie laughed heartily.
“Nay, lassie. Yer the only one I’ve brought here.” He found a small clearing between the towering trees and laid the quilt out before setting the basket down. Beatrice settled herself on the floor right away. She was exhausted and wanted to rest after the long walk. Her breathing was heavy.
“Are ye alrigh’, Beatrice?” Brodie asked, concerned.
“Yes, I am; just a bit winded is all. All that bed rest has caused me to get a bit out of shape, I suppose.” She smiled and took a sip from the canteen.
The sun streamed in through the spaces in between the branches above them, and Brodie was taken aback with the soft glow on Beatrice’s face. She looked more beautiful than ever…so full of love and life. He reached his hand towards her face without thinking.
So close to nature, Beatrice felt wild. She sat on his lap and leaned down and pushed her lips against his, parting them with her roaming tongue. He opened to her willingly. They kissed for only a few moments before Beatrice felt a growing pressure against her bottom. Brodie’s manhood was awakening and rising to push against her.
“Mm, Brodie,” she cooed into his ear. He moved his head to her neck and ran his stubble along the curve, letting it roll across her shoulder. Beatrice tilted her head back as Brodie’s tongue explored every soft part of her neck, before moving lower to run along the rise of her breasts. Beatrice moaned softly in response. She moved her body to straddle him, and Brodie’s hands moved immediately to her legs beneath her dress.
He pulled her closer, her legs open, and felt her mound pressing against his member growing beneath her. Brodie moved his hand between her legs and found her wet spot. He slid in a finger as Beatrice lifted herself.
“Oh, Brodie, yes,” she whispered, pushing her breasts into his face. With his other hand, Brodie reached up and pulled her dress down a little until her breasts spilled out, falling in front of his waiting face. He moved his lips across their roundness, moving towards her perky pink nipples. He took one in his mouth and let his tongue swirl over it, as he moved his finger against the rise of her clitoris.
Beatrice felt herself growing with passion and pleasure. She moved her hips against Brodie’s hand, which caressed her in ways that she had never been explored.
“Beatrice, yer beataeful in this light,” he whispered as she arched her back in pleasure. He returned to embracing her nipple with his tongue, circling it, flicking it back and forth.
“Brodie, I want you to take me, right here, in the forest, beneath the sun. I want you inside of me.” She felt her pleasure growing, and she was not sure she could contain her desire much longer. But she wanted Brodie inside of her when she climaxed, wanted them to reach it together, beneath the sun, a memory to carry back to England for when she missed him greatly.
“Oh, Beatrice, nothin’ would make me happier.” He gently lifted Beatrice and laid her on the quilt. She held onto him, unable to let go for even a moment. Brodie climbed over her, put his hands over her shoulders, while Beatrice moved to lift her skirts.
“Is this what ye want, lassie?” Brodie teased, planting soft kisses along her cheekbones.
“Yes, please, Brodie. Enter me.” She reached down and moved his kilt, so his member was only inches from the space between her legs. She lifted her hips and allowed his skin to graze against her. She craved him with a new kind of passion, the wilderness of nature around her.
“Alright, Beatrice, if ye insist.” In one swift movement, Brodie pushed into Beatrice, his hips forcing her legs apart. Beatrice let out a loud moan, allowing herself to unleash her voice, knowing no one was around to hear it.
“Oh, Brodie! Yes!” she cried out to the skies while birds circled overhead. Brodie moved in and out of her, pulling her in with one hand and holding himself with the other. The scene around them, Beatrice’s moans and her deep call
s, were building to his climax much quicker than usual. Out in the woods, it felt so animalistic, so right and natural. Beatrice moved her hips up and down, helping create a quick rhythm. Before either of them knew it, Brodie was collapsing onto Beatrice just as she let out a loud moan of pleasure.
He rolled onto the quilt next to her, and Beatrice rolled over to lay on him. He was gentle with her arm as he pulled her in.
“Aye, that was somethin’. Yer a wild one, lassie, I like it,” he chuckled.
Beatrice gave him a playful smack in response and moved to kiss him on the cheek. “You make me wilder than I have ever been.”
Without meaning to, both of them closed their eyes and let the sun roam their skin. They drifted into a dreamless sleep.
