Her question tore through Iain. ‘What kind of man would be so unnatural as to not want his own child—his own flesh and blood? Of course I want it. I have an obligation towards both you and the child. I cannot dismiss responsibility. I confess that the thought that you might have used your body to aid your father’s escape is acutely repugnant to me. But I believe you when you say that you did not let Kilpatrick make love to you. Any other kind of woman might have been so brazen as to lie about such a thing, and while you might be reckless and extremely foolish at times, I know you couldn’t tell an untruth of such magnitude. Besides, you couldn’t hide it from me. I would see it in your eyes.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered.
‘For what?’
‘Believing me.’
‘My pleasure. I never attempted to earn your regard and did nothing to prove myself worthy of you, but I am determined that will change. I intend to pursue you relentlessly and with every skill I possess—to court you with all the charm and gallantry I can muster. If you make it difficult for me, then it’s no more than I deserve.’
‘And when do you aim to begin this assault, my lord?’ she asked, her cheeks starting to fill with colour as the heady words seeped into her brain.
A roguish grin spread over his face. ‘Now.’
‘But we will soon be at the house.’
‘I know,’ he said, ‘but we can make a start.’
Lorne did not answer. Then, leaning forward, he stretched out his hands and brushed her cloak aside, and very gently placed his lips in the warm, pulsating hollow of her neck.
What followed when they reached the sanctuary of their room was to be held and cherished. There were no barriers, no pride, just sensations of body and mind. Nothing else mattered, not even tomorrow, when they each knew it might be hostile. They were both determined to leave the past behind, to move on with their lives together, and for Lorne the vision of their future stretching endlessly ahead was as golden as the sun rising over the Scottish hills. But the dark shadow of David’s death was still there and always would be, until she had Iain’s absolution.
Chapter Eleven
Freezing temperatures frosted the landscape around Edinburgh in a bedazzling array of crystals that glittered beneath the early morning sun, that same sun that peeped through a chink in the curtains like a voyeur, where Lorne nestled in her husband’s arms. Stirring from a sleep-contented stupor, she snuggled closer to her male companion and placed her head peacefully in the curve of his shoulder. A fire had been lit and crackled in the hearth, dispelling the chill from the room.
Disturbed, Iain half-opened his eyes and looked down at the golden head beneath his chin. Placing an arm about her, he pulled her closer still, bestowing a good-morning kiss on the top of her head. His mind went back to the memory of their lovemaking the night before, and a satisfied smile curved his lips. He found himself much enamoured of his lovely young wife, with her easy, natural femininity that never failed to stir his ardour.
They lay quiet for a while, flesh against flesh, each aware of the other’s warmth and smell. Iain was the first to break the silence.
‘Another night aboard that damned ship and I’d have been forced to think of a way to possess you,’ he murmured, planting another kiss on the top of her head. ‘You, my love, are adorable.’
Lorne tipped her head back to look at him. ‘Will you continue to look at me when I’ve grown fat with child?’
‘I will place you before me at all times so that I can feast my eyes on your beauty. Do you doubt what I say?’
‘I believe you,’ was her answer, whispered a little unsteadily.
Iain’s mouth savoured hers for one blissful moment, and when he raised his head again he released a long sigh and set her away from him. ‘As much as I would rather spend a while longer with you, madam, I have things to do.’
‘You are not leaving me?’ Lorne objected.
‘I’m afraid I must. I have to see if John has arrived in Edinburgh. If so, we must leave for Norwood before the weather worsens.’
Lorne followed him across the bed and wrapped an arm around his waist. ‘John Ferguson can wait a while,’ she breathed, adjusting her body to fit his own. ‘The hour is still early.’
Iain’s arms enfolded her when she began pressing tantalising little kisses as light as butterfly wings on his lips and chest. Looking down at her, he raised a brow in mock amusement. ‘There is always tonight.’
‘I know, but I can’t wait that long.’
He grinned down at her. ‘Shameless hussy.’ He chuckled softly. ‘I see you have no intention of going back to sleep.’
‘None whatsoever. It’s much like you said. Another night aboard that ship and I’d have been compelled to come looking for you, too,’ she murmured, the cramped conditions on board the vessel bringing them to Scotland having forced her to share a cabin with Jenny. ‘We have to make up the time we lost, and there’s no time like the present.’ Raising her head, she looked up at him, her eyes dark and slumberous, her lips soft and slightly parted. ‘Can’t I persuade you to stay for just a little while?’
A smile twitched Iain’s lips, despite his effort to control it. ‘I have every faith in your ability to do so.’
‘And I can convince you that we’re not meant to separate for at least half an hour?’
‘You have cleverly set aside all my arguments,’ he replied softly, lowering his mouth to touch the spot below her chin where a pulse gently throbbed. ‘I can do nothing more than surrender to your demands.’
A soft expression of warmth and tenderness shone in her eyes. ‘I knew you would see things my way,’ she whispered, turning her head and ardently placing her lips on his once more.
Lorne was alone in the house when John Ferguson arrived. Her heart was pounding as she met his hard, domineering gaze and felt the power of him. He was still at war with her, a war that was intense and personal.
‘I scarcely expected us to meet again,’ he said coldly, ‘or under such circumstances. I feared this, and would have prevented it, if I could. Like everyone else I’ve heard of your exploits before ye left Scotland. Now we have ye back in our midst, can we expect a visit from your marauding brothers?’
‘I cannot answer that. I am certain they’re as opposed to my marriage to Iain as you are.’ The smile that touched Lorne’s lips was one of irony. ‘If I had hoped for a welcome, I can see one is not forthcoming. I also see that nothing is changed. You have not changed.’
‘Nay, nor will it. Should any harm come to Iain by your hand or your brothers’, you will rue the day ye married him.’
‘And I give you warning, John Ferguson. Do not oppose me too much. I know Iain has told you that I carry his child, so I have far more to scheme and fight for than ever before. You could find me a more certain foe than either of my brothers,’ she declared coldly. ‘I can fight if need be—and as you have learned from my exploits at Inveraray and in my dealings with one Captain Kilpatrick, I succeed.’
‘Ye are very sure of yerself.’
Lorne deliberately gentled her tone. If she wanted to improve her relationship with John, which she must strive to do if there was to be any kind of peace at Norwood, she must cast off her pride and pander to his sensibilities. ‘I swear that as I live and breathe I will never do anything to hurt Iain, and if I do it will be unintentional.’
‘As his wife and mistress of Norwood I shall treat ye with the courtesy which is yer due,’ John conceded grudgingly.
‘Thank you,’ Lorne answered, satisfied to see a responsive glint in his eyes. ‘Returning to the house where I was a prisoner does not come easy to me. I desire no more than Iain and our child and to live at Norwood in peace. Because of what happened to his brother in Kinlochalen, I am still not secure in his heart, but with what I do have I am content. Since it was a royal command, Iain and I had no choice but to wed. I was not asked and certainly did not seek it. I have learned—and so should you—that where circumstances cannot be changed th
ey are best accepted with fair grace.’
Despite himself, John rose to that. For Iain’s sake, to save him from the consequences of becoming enamoured of Lorne McBryde, he had been the one to send her away—and he had suffered Ian’s wrath because of it. The distress of mind this had brought Iain had deeply affected and changed him, and made John regret his action. And now he was most anxious not to let Iain’s marriage destroy the close relationship that had developed between them over the years, and it was for this reason that he must accept this situation.
It was bitterly cold when the Earl of Norwood’s cavalcade left Edinburgh. The roads were icy and often dangerous. For Lorne to undertake such a gruelling journey in her pregnant state gave Iain cause for concern and he remained close by at all times in order to keep a watchful eye on her.
As her horse picked its way carefully along the route, Lorne was surprised at how exhilarated she felt to be back in Scotland. She remembered how swiftly she had fallen under the enchantment of the Lowlands and the magnificent Highlands, the very air and the sense of freedom when she had ridden from Inveraray over the wild expanse of landscape with her father and James.
Tears sprang to her eyes at the recollection of her father and brothers. The memory of them conjured their short time together as a family. She had a fierce longing to see Robert and James again, to beg their forgiveness for what they would see as her betrayal by marrying Iain.
When the turrets of Norwood were sighted, snow had begun to fall, cocooning them in a silent white world. Norwood seemed becalmed—like a ship that has lost its mast after a storm. The ride through the gates and into the courtyard was unsettling for Lorne. Men stopped what they were doing and gave their attention to the weary cavalcade, their eyes finally coming to rest on the woman who rode closest to the laird.
Acutely aware of an underlying tension, Lorne looked straight ahead. She felt the eyes of every groom, stable hand and lackey converge on her from every corner of the courtyard, felt their hostility, and she could well imagine their thoughts.
When their horses came to a halt, Iain dismounted and gently lifted Lorne from the saddle, his gaze locking on hers with concern. ‘Welcome home,’ he murmured, for her ears alone.
Home! Yes, she thought, with little interest just then. Whether she liked it or not, this place was to be her home for the rest of her days. Flora was waiting to greet them, and it gave Lorne a good deal of pleasure to see her again.
Lowering her eyes, Flora made a deep curtsy. ‘Welcome to Norwood, Countess.’
Lorne smiled and reached out her hands to her, drawing the woman who smelled of herbs and rose water closer, feeling the flesh of her hands chilled in her grasp. ‘Please call me Lorne, as you did when I was here before. Your friendship meant a lot to me then, Flora, and I’m going to need it in the days ahead.’
Flora stiffened slightly at her touch, her blue-grey eyes wary, but after a moment she gently squeezed her hands and smiled. ‘You have it. When John sent you away he hoped to change things, but anyone with sight could see how things were between you and the Earl, so I’m not really surprised to see you back.’
Castle Norwood might present a grim outer face to the world, but inside it was one of domesticated comfort. It was inevitable that Lorne would remember the last time she had entered through the iron-studded oak doors, when Iain had drafted in a large contingent of men to guard her and protect the castle from her father and marauding brothers. How long ago that seemed to her now, when in reality it was little more than four months ago.
Feeling the tiredness of the journey, she was impatient to seek her bedchamber. She stood straight and erect, as if carved from stone. Her whole soul seemed to speak through her large eyes, which gazed at the large group of gathered servants.
Iain’s eye swept over each and every one of them, sensing their thoughts—their antipathy. Determined to put down all opposition to his marriage, his deep voice rang out in the ancient hall, loud and commanding.
‘I would have you meet my wife, Lady Lorne Monroe, Countess of Norwood,’ he pronounced. ‘It is my wish that you give her welcome, and treat her with due respect as befits my lady. She is no stranger to Norwood, so most of you will be acquainted with her. You know who she is and you are all familiar with recent events,’ he went on, recalling their fury at Edgar McBryde’s escape, and how they would snatch at any opportunity to work off some of their fury and frustration on the woman who had played a major part in that escape.
‘But it is over. Edgar McBryde is dead. The King has stressed his desire for peace and a political union between England and Scotland. This union of a McBryde and a Monroe in marriage is just a small but significant step in achieving that. But it will never be accomplished while the old rivalries and feuding continue. It will be hard, I know, and patience and tolerance is required on both sides. However, if I can put the past behind me, then so can you. If you wish to remain in my employ, you will have to learn to accept Lorne McBryde as my wife, my Countess and mistress of Norwood. If these conditions seem too hard to you, you may leave Norwood. I expect you to give my wife the same loyalty as you do me, and it is your duty to honour her and obey her wishes as if they were mine.’
A collective sigh seemed to rise from them as one by one they began to disperse. Lorne watched them go, realising that their loyalty came out of their love for Iain. When he had begun to speak, at that moment he seemed to grow in stature and his eyes blazed out at the people in the hall. Abruptly she was reminded that this handsome husband of hers possessed a striking magnetism that was capable of taking over the hearts and minds of all those he came into contact with, whose orders were carried out without question or argument.
With something akin to reverence Lorne gazed at him with a profound gratitude shining from her eyes. ‘That, my lord, was some speech.’
Iain looked down at her, his expression grave. ‘It had to be said.’ Suddenly he turned to Flora. ‘Be so good as to take Lorne to her room, will you, Flora? It’s been a long ride and I know that she’s exhausted. See that she rests.’
Observing Lorne’s strained, pale features, Flora laid a hand on her arm. ‘Come. You look as though you could do with a little care and comfort.’
Flora opened the chamber door and stood aside for the new mistress to enter ahead of her. It was the first time Lorne had been inside Iain’s apartments and she was impressed by their comfort. Heavy curtains at the windows shut out the snow-shrouded world, and the well-stoked fire to ward off the chill was a welcome sight. After removing her heavy cloak and placing it on the luxurious quilt of the high curtained bed, she went towards the hearth, holding out her hands to the warmth.
‘Well, Flora—who would have thought it,’ Lorne said flatly.
Seeing no point in answering the obvious, Flora came to stand beside her. ‘Fate certainly has a strange way of changing things. I know Norwood holds many bitter memories for you, but I sincerely hope you will be happy living here.’
‘I’m glad you’re here, Flora. I always thought of you as my companion and my friend. My days as a prisoner were greatly improved thanks to you. I shall always be grateful to you for that.’
‘You do not owe me thanks. I merely did what my conscience dictated—and because I liked you. And for what it’s worth, I missed you when you’d gone.’
‘I’d like to put everything that happened behind me and look forward to the future, and with the child coming there is something to build a new life for, but how can I when I feel like an infiltrator at Norwood?’
‘I won’t pretend it’s going to be easy for you, but you must try. I’m glad Iain has taken a wife at last. It means I can relinquish my duties here. It will be good to spend more time at home with my husband.’ Seeing the worried look enter Lorne’s eyes she smiled, understanding what was going through her mind. ‘Don’t worry. I assure you that I have no intention of deserting you. I know just how daunting the mere thought of running this place must be for you. But with Mrs Lockwood and me to show
you how, you’ll have everyone eating out of your hand and Norwood running like clockwork in no time at all.’
When Iain finally came to bed he found Lorne in her night attire standing in front of the fire. Without taking his eyes off her still form, without haste he removed his jacket and unfastened his shirt. Concerned when she did not acknowledge his presence, he crossed towards her, sliding his arms about her waist, feeling the now familiar swell of their child.
He stood there, holding her, very still, savouring the feeling. It was a good one, exquisite, one of unbearable joy, one that was becoming achingly familiar the more he was with her. It was deep and strong and quiet. It was peace. Carried away by the touch and the scent of the slender form pressed close to him, he placed a kiss on the top of her shining head and sighed.
‘What are you doing?’ he murmured at length.
‘Thinking,’ she answered softly, leaning against the hard rack of his chest. ‘Or I was.’
‘Then I shouldn’t have interrupted you. It’s been a long day,’ he whispered, drawing her hair aside and tenderly kissing her ear. ‘Come to bed.’
‘Yes, I will,’ she replied, feeling him rest his chin atop her head.
‘Are you all right?’
Sliding her arms over his still about her waist, she felt the warmth of his breathing on the side of her face. ‘A little tired, perhaps.’
‘Would you like to tell me what you were thinking about?’
‘I don’t think you would like to hear my thoughts.’
‘Let me be the judge of that. Try me.’
Lorne sighed. ‘I was thinking that it is wrong for me to be here. That I might have committed a sin in marrying you. I was also thinking that I should not have let my grandmother and the King manipulate me or you into marriage.’
‘Dear me, these are serious thoughts indeed. Are you saying you regret marrying me?’
Traitor Or Temptress Page 24
