by Fiona Faris
“Frances, what were you thinking?”
He looked at her from where he was lying and sighed. Finally, he sat up and turned to face her. “Beatrice, I needed the money. You know how James and I both liked card games, right?” Beatrice winced at the mention of her husband’s name. She did not like how casually he’d brought him up.
“Well, it seems I fell into a streak of bad luck. Before I knew it, I had lost all of my money. Then I needed to try to gain it back because I owed some people. Not fine people, mind you; people who would easily kill me for not paying the debt back. When James was alive, he used to pay the debts off for me.” Frances walked up to the bars and grasped them. His voice was low, but he sounded kind.
It bothered her to hear that James would pay off Frances’ debts without ever telling her. The knowledge that he kept secrets from her, even small ones, brought her pain.
“I knew I couldn’t tell you these things, what with all the suffering you have been carrying.” Frances looked at the floor as he spoke.
Beatrice felt her back straighten. She did not like being referred to in this way, as if she was weak, unable to bear the truth of a situation.
“You know, Beatrice, I have always wanted to take care of you. I know James would have liked that, me looking out for you. I never got the chance to tell you how much I wanted to care for you, how willing I was to protect you.”
Brodie, standing to one side, stepped closer. He did not like the way Frances was talking, the things he was insinuating.
Beatrice crossed her arms. “Is that so, Frances? You have been trying to care for me?”
“Yes, Beatrice, that is all I have wanted. If you find it in your heart to forgive me, maybe I still can.” Frances pulled himself closer to the bars, as if believing his words to sound more earnest than they did. “I promise you, I will care for you if you will show mercy to me now.”
Beatrice leaned in, and in a whisper, spoke softly, “Never!” She pulled back as Frances’ soft and gentle smiled quickly turned cruel and angry.
She hated what he was doing. She could not believe he was trying to fool her into thinking the two of them were anything but forced family at this point. Beatrice would never let Frances into her life, romantically or otherwise. She loathed him, especially after what he had done, what he had proved himself capable of doing. He was willing to kill them, and here he was, agreeing to care for her as if she would ever let him near her again.
“You got yourself into this mess, and you expect me to turn around and help you? You want my help after you were the cause of my broken arm, the cause of these bruises and scratched? You stole from me twice, caused my wedding ring to be lost! All of the things that reminded me of James are gone. I want them back, Frances. I want them back now.” She stared at him.
Frances’ face took on a desperate look. “No, Beatrice. I did not carry out the first robbery, only the second one. I couldn’t have known the man was going to get so violent. Please, Beatrice, I need to get out of here. I am a man of the upper class; I cannot be here.” He reached out for her, but Beatrice stood back.
“I can’t believe you would do this to me, Beatrice, James would have never done this to me. I should have killed you both when I had the chance.” He muttered as he moved away from the bars and went to sit back on his bench.
“Well, tis a good thing I’m not James,” Beatrice said finally. “For someone who said only moments ago that he would ‘care for me,’ it sure seems like all you want is the family wealth.”
“Of course, I want the money; if it weren’t for the new legislations, I would have it. You are a dishonorable duchess, running around, smitten with some Scot,” he shot a dirty look at Brodie, “bringing dishonor onto the family name. At least with me, the legacy and honor would have remained. You are selfish, Beatrice, letting me lose my home—all for what? So you can horde the wealth and build a new life for yourself. Have some shame, running around with a man while your husband’s body is not yet cold!” He shook his head at Beatrice. “I pity you. You are nothing more than a weak and selfish woman.”
Brodie moved towards the cell, but Beatrice calmly moved her broken arm towards him, urging him to stand back. She knew it was her responsibility to deal with Frances.
Beatrice felt the words hit her in the face like a slap. She realized that in many ways, Frances was right. She thought back to all the years after James’ death and realized that she had grown weak, let the grief consume her in every way possible. The loss of James had been a heavy weight on her. So much so that every choice she made still seemed to be a choice for James. Not living, not seeking out joy—it was all what she thought she needed to do as duchess. James had fallen in love with her because she was strong-willed, a spitfire, someone who went after what she wanted in life. What had happened to her? James would not have wanted this life for her, even with their problems.
“You know what, Frances? You are right.” Brodie’s eyebrows shot up as Beatrice spoke. “I have become weak,” she sighed, “but no more, Frances, no more. I am done being the person you think I am. You call me selfish, but you have not seen anything near selfishness from me. It is time I live up to that accusation. I am going to start living more selfishly from now on.”
“What? What do you mean?” Frances mumbled weakly.
“I mean exactly what I say. You can rot in here for all I care. You are nothing to me. You never were, even when James was alive. And after all the pain you have caused me, I refuse to give any of myself to you. James would have rather seen me happy, living life, not the weakling I’ve become. So, here it is—my act of strength. I am walking away from you and all of this.”
She turned and walked away from the cell. Frances reached his arm out through the bars, but Brodie smacked it away.
“Beatrice, you will not get away with this, that money is mine! Mine!” he shouted at her as she walked on, not looking back. Beatrice was done being what everyone thought she ought to be. She wanted to start living her life her own way.
Brodie pulled her close for a hug near the end of the hall before they returned to speak to the plump man in the office.
“Are ye alrigh’, love?”
“Yes, I am now, Brodie.” She pulled him closer, letting his warmth wrap over her. “I cannot believe I allowed him into my life for so long. He is a terrible man.”
“Aye, that he is. But ye dinnae have tae deal with him no longer, lassie.” Brodie caressed Beatrice’s hair. “Ye have me now, and he will be out of yer life fer a long time, given all his debts.”
“I’m not going to be that woman anymore, Brodie. I want to be the strong woman I was in the forest, for the rest of my life. I need to be for our little one.” She reached a hand to her belly and rubbed it in a small circle. Brodie moved his hand there, too.
“Yer goin’ tae make a wonderful mother, Beatrice. And the greatest wife I could ever ask fer.”
“Brodie, I am more than ready to begin my life with you. Let’s go home.”
Epilogue
Four months later
It was the day after Beatrice and Brodie’s wedding, and the two were packing up clothing, books, jewelry, wine, and more into their luggage. Beatrice double-checked and made sure she had everything she needed according to Roland’s instructions. She moved her hand to her belly, which seemed to be growing by the day. She was barely starting to show to most people, but to herself, Beatrice could see the changes happening in her body. She felt much more hopeful about her pregnancy at that point, given how far along she. Roland said the baby could be heard as clear as day, and that her own body seemed to be handling the pregnancy very well.
Brodie was showing how skilled a father he would be with the amount of care he placed in watching over Beatrice and helping her move about. Roland had put her on moderate rest, not letting her move about too much, and she was told to avoid any trips to the forest or anything too strenuous. She adhered to the guidance precisely as she was asked to. She thought of each instruct
ion as preparation for how she would need to be as a mother, especially in the first few months, when the baby would need her so often for early feedings. She tried to remain calm, but each day, she grew more and more excited about the thought of being a mother.
Each day, she and Brodie fell more and more in love. She glanced over to him then, closing the luggage and lifting it from the bed.
“Ye ready, lassie?”
Beatrice nodded and followed him downstairs towards the carriage that would take them on their long-awaited journey. Helena was already downstairs, preparing a basket of goodies for them to take for Beatrice’s appetite was growing by the day, and she was happy. Her body needed the nutrients after years of eating minimally, but now her figure was full, and she made sure to keep herself well-fed, knowing her babe depended on it.
When they got to the carriage, Brodie began loading all of their luggage inside. He turned to her, laughing. “We couldnae have a normal honeymoon, eh?” He pulled Beatrice in close and kissed her softly.
“Well, we haven’t really been a traditional couple for much of our relationship. Why start now?”
Helena loaded the basket of baked goods into the cart. “Now, you heard Roland,. You two must make sure she follows all of her routines while you are there. No veering, and no overworking yourself, understood? I’ll see you soon. I wish both of you a safe and happy journey.” She pulled Beatrice in for hug.
“Thank you, Helena, we will be careful, and we’ll be back before you know it.”
Within seconds the carriage started off down the long road, and Beatrice watched as the castle faded in the horizon behind her. Brodie turned to her and smiled.
“I am vary excited tae see this home of yers. Tis a good thing that we’re finally gettin’ much of yer things brought over. I think it’ll help the castle feel more and more like yer home, love.” He reached over and rubbed his thumb along her chin.
“Yes, I think so as well. And I’m excited for you to meet everyone, Sally especially. She has been looking forward to getting to know you for so long. I really do miss her, she was much help during the last few years there. But for now, she needs to stay there, she needs to keep an eye on my estate until we sell it.”
“Aye, I think so. We shall see what happens after. Fer now, tis a good plan.”
“Brodie,” Beatrice began, “I just want you to know how absolutely happy I am with you. These last months have been some of the greatest moments in my life. I feel as if I am falling more and more in love with you each day. But more importantly, I feel as though I can truly be myself with you. I can be my true self with you. I value that, so much.” At the thought, her eyes moistened with tears.
“Nay, lassie, dinnae start with the tears. I dinnae think I can handle them, even if they are of happiness. Ye mean the world tae me, ye know that. I am glad I can make ye feel safe, so much so ye feel ye can be yer most true self. I love ye as ye are, and I know our wee one will as well. We’ll make fine parents.” He reached over and laid his hand across her small bump, and Beatrice smiled.
The road stretched out in front of them. Beatrice knew they would have a very long journey ahead, so she decided to rest for a moment. She laid her head against Brodie’s shoulder, and within moments, fell asleep.
* * *
They had been on the road for a while when Brodie stirred Beatrice from her sleep. “Lassie, I ken ye didnae want a regular honeymoon, but I did plan a little surprise fer ye.” The carriage pulled to a stop, and Beatrice looked out and knew right away where the two of them were. They had stopped where their journey had started at the inn where they first met.
“Oh, Brodie, I cannot believe you planned this! This is a wonderful surprise.” They wandered into the inn and checked in with the inn keep. The man had been expecting Brodie from his letters and had saved them the largest room. As soon as Brodie paid, he promised to send up beverages and food. He assured them they needn’t leave the room for anything and to simply yell when they needed service. He would have someone waiting nearby for them. Beatrice and Brodie needed no further encouragement to rush to their room.
Once inside, Beatrice was stunned at how nicely it was put together. Despite it being winter, someone from the inn had gathered fragrant herbs and winter flowers in vases for the newlywed couple. Beatrice touched her hand to her heart, happy for the kind gesture. Brodie stuck his head out the door before closing it.
“On second thought, lad, tell the staff we’ll call fer some food when the time comes.” He gave the young lad a wink and closed the door behind him. Beatrice raised her eyebrow at Brodie’s quick thinking and sauntered toward him.
“Now, what exactly did you have in mind, Mr. Paterson?” she asked in a low whisper.
“Well, lassie, ye see, I was thinkin’ tis time we actually celebrate our honeymoon, Ms. Paterson, I should say.” With that, Brodie pulled Beatrice in close to him. He leaned down and lay his lips against hers as her mouth opened to him, allowing his tongue to explore. She felt herself light up at his touch and let out a soft moan.
Brodie pulled away and smiled. “How about we consummate this marriage, lassie?” Beatrice reached down and began quickly undoing the button on his shirt. She let her hands glide along his broad chest as her mouth explored the curve of his neck. Brodie guided her gently to the bed. He lifted her and laid her along the mattress, climbing over her and bending down to kiss along her neck. She felt herself give in to the pleasure.
“Brodie, I want to feel your mouth all over my body,” she begged, .Brodie reached beneath her and began undoing her ties. Her bodice loosened and he was able to kiss along her bosom. He moved his mouth freely, licking along the curve, and taking her soft nipples between his lips. With one hand, he pushed up her skirts and set himself between her legs.
Beatrice had been waiting for a moment alone with Brodie since their wedding, and was thrilled for it to be at the inn where they first met.
“Mm, Brodie, my husband, my love, yes,” She crooned as he placed his member at the entrance between her legs. “I want you to enter me, Brodie.”
“Beatrice, my love, my wife, I want nothin’ more.” He pushed himself into her.
Beatrice arched her back and pushed her hips into him, giving herself to the pleasure entirely. “Oh yes, Brodie!” she yelled as he moved in and out of her, reading her desire and giving in to the rhythm she craved. “Yes!”
Brodie moved quickly, leaning against her but careful not to put too much pressure on her belly, sighing deeply into her ear and kissing her entire face.
And they continued on like that for some time before reaching their climax together.
* * *
The entire night was spent alternating between meals and drink, and more lovemaking. The couple had been so consumed with wedding plans and arranging this journey back to Beatrice’s estate that there had hardly been time for a passionate moment, but they made up for it that night at the inn.
By the next morning, Beatrice felt drunk on love. She woke to find her hair disheveled and her body heavy with pleasure, but it was the best honeymoon night she could have hoped for. Brodie, too, grinned all morning as the two of them ate their breakfast in bed.
“Ye ready tae leave, lassie?” Brodie asked her as he picked up their luggage.
“Yes, I am. Brodie,” Beatrice said, pausing before him. “I’m very grateful you planned this stop for us, this place where we began, and now my life is much improved—and it is all because of you.” She smiled as Brodie kissed her on the cheek.
“I’m glad ye liked the surprise,” he lowered his voice to a playful whisper, “Ms. Paterson.” As Beatrice made her way out of the room, Brodie spanked her playfully, spreading a blush across her face.
They climbed into the carriage and began their journey to the estate.
* * *
Though the rest of the trip was tiring after the couple had spent much of the evening making love, they finally arrived at the estate. Beatrice sucked in a deep breath of t
he familiar as they drove in through the main gate.
Brodie reached over and grabbed her hand between his, “are ye alright, love?”
Beatrice nodded, “It’s been so long since I’ve been here, it just feels like everything has come rushing back. But now I have you.”
Brodie squeezed her hand, “aye that ye do.”
Sally and Edward had been watching from the window for their arrival, and they rushed out as Beatrice and Brodie were stepping down from the carriage. Sally rushed to Beatrice and hugged her tightly before Beatrice could fully settle her travel-weary legs.
“Oh, Beatrice, how I’ve missed ya terribly.”
“Sally, I have missed you so much too!”
Behind them, Edward introduced himself to Brodie. As Sally let go of Beatrice, Brodie stepped forward.
