Wild Hearts

by Virginia Henley

  The images of the next fortnight merged into a wondrous blur of activity for Tabrizia. The most expensive dressmaker in Edinburgh was brought to the town house to provide her with a magnificent new wardrobe. A large chamber, along with the boudoir and dressing room, was completely stripped and refurnished with the very best that money could buy. Magnus gave her an allowance, and Tabrizia and Alexandria turned the shops of Edinburgh upside down in a mad dash of extravagance through jewelers, milliners, modistes and furrier shops. In the evenings, Magnus escorted them to the theaters and plays that were part of the city's rich array of entertainment, causing no little stir among the leaders of society: If any thought it outrageous that one so newly widowed was enjoying such a full social life, none was so foolish as to let it reach the ears of the Earl of Ormistan, who so obviously doted on his newfound daughter. After all, the girl was swathed in black, even though that black was a new sable cloak.

  After the theater and a late supper one night, Tabrizia and Alexandria sat in bed and talked until the fingers of the dawn stole across the sky.

  "How did you ever get permission to come and stay in Edinburgh?" asked Tabrizia.

  "I didn't. Paris has not been fit company for the family since you left. He dines with his own men in their hall, drinking deep, which turns his temper murderous. Even the servants aren't fool enough to come within arm's reach. So I left him a message that I was going to Tantallon."

  Tabrizia shuddered. "I don't wish to hear about your brother. What of the girls?"

  "Venetia's betrothed to David Lennox, and the wedding is to be very soon. Naturally, Damascus is mad as fire because she isn't first, and I believe Shannon's on the verge of accepting a proposal from Lord Logan just so she won't be outdone."

  "Shannon is foolish. Logie is a nice enough man, but she could do so much better. I don't think there's a more attractive woman in Scotland," concluded Tabrizia sincerely.

  It didn't take long for father and daughter to have their first battle of wills. One morning at breakfast, she brought up the subject of business. "My education in financial matters has been woefully neglected; and since you have a reputation for being such an astute businessman, I think a few lessons might be in order."

  "Whist, lass, no need to trouble yer pretty head about such nonsense," said Magnus as if he were speaking to a five-year-old.

  She told him frostily, "I thought you told me I was about to become a wealthy woman. I shall need to know how to run my financial affairs."

  "Ye will not! Not until yer twenty-one and of legal age. I am your legal guardian and will take care of all your financial affairs."

  Hands on hips, giving full vent to her temper, she cried, "What? You old hypocrite! You swore to me I would have a say in everything that affected my life. Now you're telling me I've four more years to wait until I can make my own decisions?" She was outraged.

  "Stop acting like a man! What will people think?"

  "I'm not acting like a man. I'm acting like a Cockburn, and I don't give a damn what people think. Besides, I don't want that old swine's money; it's tainted."

  "I'll hear none of that foolishness, girl!" he ordered. "If you don't use it for yourself, put it aside for your children. Look after you and yours, for no one else will," he admonished.

  "When you put It that way, it makes sense." She threw down her napkin and came around the table to him "You see how I need your guidance? There are so many things I want to do. For instance, the land that the burned house sits on must be worth something. I'd like to sell it and give the money to the orphanage to make it a better place for the children who have to live there."

  "Hmmph, I can see y'er serious about these financial affairs, but ye don't seem to grasp the scope of yer wealth. Abrahams's vault at the bank was filled with deeds to scores of pieces of land and castles he's given out money on. He, and now you, own mortgages from half of the landowners in Scotland.''

  "I'd like to see these papers," she declared, showing a keen interest.

  Magnus stood up and took a turn about the dining room. He came to a halt before her. "What you need is a secretary, a man of business with a head on his shoulders for figures. I'll get Stephen Galbraith to go over all these things with you. What do you say?"

  "It Sounds like a wonderful idea to have a man of business, until I learn enough to handle my own affairs, of course." She added stubbornly, "Who is Stephen Galbraith?"

  "He is a nephew of mine. My wife, the countess, was a Galbraith. Stephen's mother and my wife were sisters. His mother, Katherine, is Mistress of the Bedchamber to the Queen...She accompanied her to England. I'll invite him to dinner, and then if you think you can get along with him, I'll hire him for your secretary."

  Tabrizia had grave reservations about meeting another of Magnus's nephews but was pleasantly surprised, at the gentle manners of Stephen Galbraith. He was a handsome man with fair hair and aquamarine eyes that sparkled with what seemed some inner amusement. He looked to be in his early twenties. He was well muscled, his body bearing an easy grace. There was a marked difference between this man and the Cockburns. Where they had an untamed, rough, sometimes menacing quality, this young man was cultured, polished and obviously a gentleman.

  Magnus's voice boomed his welcome as he drew Tabrizia forward for the introduction. "This is my daughter, Stephen. Rumor has likely flown before her, and you know all about her."

  "For once rumor did not exaggerate." He kissed her hand. "You are wondrous fair, cousin."

  "Thank you, Stephen. Has my father told you that I need a man of business, not only to help me in financial matters, but also to complete my education and teach me about business matters so that I am better able to make decisions for myself?"

  Stephen bowed to her. "He has indeed, and I am most willing to do what I can for a couple of months. Unfortunately, at that time I'm going to the King's Court in England, My mother has secured a place for me in the Queen's household." He grinned an apology. "I am led to believe great fortunes are to be made in England at the moment, by canny Scots."

  "And do you need to make your fortune, sir?" asked Tabrizia.

  "Indeed I do. I am only a poor second son. When my father died a few years back, the debts were crippling. That is why my mother took a post with the Queen."

  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry into your business."

  Stephen smiled. "Not at all, I have no secrets."

  She found she liked him more each day, enjoying both his openness and his manners. He treated her like a woman of intelligence, and she was flattered. Tabrizia could clearly see that Stephen had begun to court her. She enjoyed the light flirtation in which she had never had a chance to indulge before. They were often thrown together, going over hundreds of papers that had belonged to Abrahams, and consequently a friendship began to emerge and deepen.

  "Stephen, my father tells me I have no legal rights until I am twenty-one. He is my legal guardian for at least four more years."

  "That is correct," he said carefully.

  "What I thought I might like to do is set up my own residence. I do not really fancy living at Tantallon under my father's thumb. I would rather be independent, but I know he wouldn't hear of such a thing. He wouldn't even let me stay in Edinburgh without Alexandria as companion. So you are telling me he can prevent me from making my own decisions for at least four years?"

  "He is your guardian until you are twenty-one..." He paused for effect, then went on carefully, "Or until you marry."

  Her eyes widened. "If I married, Magnus would not be my legal guardian anymore? Oh, but then of course my husband would run my financial affairs."

  "Not necessarily," Stephen pointed out. "When there is a fortune involved, it is common practice and common sense also to have a premarital contract drawn up, setting out the terms of the agreement exactly. After all, marriage is a partnership, and the benefits and responsibilities of both partners should be legally set down on paper so that your husband would not be able to take advantage of you."<
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  "I see," said Tabrizia slowly.

  "Now that I know you seek a husband who will allow you a great deal of freedom, may I add my name to your list of suitors?" he asked lightly.

  "You may." She nodded and laughed prettily. "I'll tell you a secret. You are the only man I know of whom I'm not afraid."

  His eyes sparkled. "Borderers are a breed apart. They are filled with a swaggering braggadocio. They live at the top of their voices; every last one so hot-spurred, they would rather fight than eat! He watched her carefully to gauge the effect his words had upon her. "They do everything to excess— cursing, drinking, wenching killing. Their women have a pitiful time of it. I know, I watched my mother age with every raid my father made. Oh, sometimes he would ride in, triumphantly flushed with victory and presents, but mostly it was ugly wounds he brought her to tend. Inevitably, he was brought home feet-first one day."

  Tabrizia knew he had just described what life with Paris Cockburn would be like. She closed her eyes to banish thoughts of him.

  Stephen said, "That is one of the reasons I am going to England. The people have a gentler nature; even the weather and the landscape are gentler."

  "Perhaps that accounts for it," she said softly, touching his hand.

  He brought her fingers to his lips, then quickly bent and touched his mouth to hers. She returned his kiss, discovering in the process that he had a very nice mouth. She was both surprised and pleased to discover that she was not afraid of his kisses.

  Alexandria knew she could stay away from home no longer. Preparations would be under way for Venetia's wedding, and she knew she could not miss being in the thick of things, although she regretted that Tabrizia would not be attending.

  "I want to buy Venetia a really lovely wedding present. We'll go shopping today, and you can take it back with you when you go home tomorrow," decided Tabrizia.

  She purchased a porcelain dinner service for twenty-four, decorated with peacocks and edged in gold. The shop arranged to deliver it within the hour, because it was far too heavy for the girls to carry.

  As they were returning to the town house in the late afternoon, there was a-terrible commotion almost on their doorstep. A young man was desperately trying to control his horse, which was so frenzied, it reared time after time threatening to smash its flailing hooves down upon the head of its owner. In a flash, Alexandria had darted forward to see what the trouble was. Just as she reached it, the horse went down into a collapse, and she could clearly see that it was choking to death. The leather bridle strap that held the mouth bit had broken, and the bit had slipped down the horse's throat. Without hesitation, Alexandria grasped its lower jaw firmly and slid her fingers all the way down the horse's throat to retrieve the swallowed bit. It was like a miracle; once the horse could breathe again, it staggered to its feet and stood trembling and subdued.

  Tabrizia had rushed forward, crying, "Alexandria, be careful!"

  The young man who owned the horse stood in amazement as he watched the young girl go into action. "My God, if that wasn't the bravest thing I ever saw anyone do! You saved her life. How can I ever thank you?"

  Alexandria looked up at the slim young man with, the dark curls and intense gray eyes, saw his admiration for her bravery written there, and her heart skipped and danced in her breast.

  Tabrizia spoke. "Oh, do take your horse into the stable at the back of the house and let her have a drink and a rest."

  "Thank you, madam." He bowed formally. "Are you Mrs. Abrahams by any chance?"

  "Yes, I am. Did you wish to see me, sir?"

  "I do have a private matter I would like to discuss with you, if you could spare me a few moments, ma'am." He flushed deeply.

  "First, see to your horse, then come into the house. You can take tea with us." Tabrizia smiled her encouragement because he seemed embarrassed. The girls ran up the steps and entered the town house.

  "Tabrizia, don't you think he's the handsomest man you've ever seen?" asked Alexandria breathlessly.

  "I could see that you thought so. Go up and put on something really pretty, and I'll order afternoon tea for us!'

  When the young man knocked on the door, Tabrizia took him into the room that she and Stephen used to go over Abrahams's papers. Is your animal all right now?"

  "Yes, thank you, ma'am. I'm extremely sorry to bother you, ma'am, especially under the circumstances" — he blushed—"but it is because of your husband's death that I had to have a word with you in private."

  He seemed so ill at ease that Tabrizia did all she could to make him feel comfortable. "It is no bother, I assure you, if there is something I can help you with."

  He hesitated for a few moments, then took his courage in his hands and plunged in. "I foolishly gave Mr. Abrahams the deed on one of our properties when I needed money, and the thing is that my father knows nothing of the matter. When I heard that Mr. Abrahams had died, I realized that the note could be easily called in, and my-father would get to know of it." He paused for breath, then continued. "So I would like to make an arrangement with you, madam. I will pay off the debt as quickly as I can on the understanding that my father does not learn of the matter."

  Tabrizia said, "I have most of Mr. Abrahams's papers here. Let me see if I can find yours. What is your name?"

  "Adam Gordon, ma'am."

  Tabrizia was startled. "Is your father Lord John Gordon?"

  "Yes, ma'am, do you know him?" he asked, alarmed.

  "Only by reputation." She smiled ruefully. She searched through the papers twice before she found the paper she sought. "I think this is it. Haddon House at Dufftown?" she asked. "Five hundred pounds?" There were two other papers with Gordon signatures upon them, and two more signed by Huntly. She made a mental note to go through them thoroughly once she was alone.

  "Aye"— he nodded—"that's the one."

  She handed him his deed and tore up his signed promissory note.

  He protested gallantly. "Madam, I cannot allow you to do that."

  "It is done, Mr. Gordon. Let it remain strictly between us two."

  "But why are you being so generous to me, madam?" he asked, amazed.

  "If you must know, I don't want it to fall into the wrong hands. Your father is Lord John Gordon, but did you know that my father is the Earl of Ormistan?"

  Adam Gordon blanched visibly at the name of the hated enemy. He suddenly realized that paper could have been used against him to ensure the loss of the property at Dufftown. He was speechless in his gratitude.

  "Come, take tea with us, Adam. Do not let our fathers' blood feuds prevent us from being friends."

  "Thank you, ma'am, from the bottom of my heart."

  She led him into the dining room where Alexandria was impatiently awaiting another glimpse of her Prince Charming. Adam took Alexandria's hand warmly. "I must thank you again for saving my horse, miss. I swear it was the bravest thing I ever saw a female do. You have all my admiration as well as my thanks."

  Alexandria bloomed under his compliments. The attraction was instant and quite mutual. With amusement teasing the corners of her mouth, Tabrizia said, "Adam Gordon, allow me to introduce my cousin, Alexandria Cockburn."

  The two young people went white as their identities were revealed to each other.

  "Perhaps something stronger than tea is in order. It has been a most eventful day," noted Tabrizia, enjoying herself thoroughly.

  Later in the evening, while Alexandria was packing her things and finding it a most difficult task because of all the new clothes that had been bought for her, Tabrizia carefully went through Abrahams's papers once more. She discovered that John Gordon had borrowed nine thousand on Macduff Castle, his brother Will Gordon had received another five thousand on property in Aberdeen, and the Earl of Huntly had taken out a ten-thousand-pound mortgage on Huntly Castle and its lands when his .wife, Henrietta Stewart; had to be equipped to accompany the Queen to the English Court.

  Tabrizia realized that these papers, as well as providing money,
provided her with power. The boy Adam she had just helped was of little or no consequence; she had no quarrel with him and wanted none, but she was a Cockburn, and these papers belonged to their blood enemies, the Gordons. She decided not to tell Magnus about them but to quickly get them back into the bank's vault for safekeeping.

  As soon as Stephen Galbraith came, she would get him to make copies of these documents for her. She had a little casket with a key, an ideal place to store these copies. It would keep them from prying eyes but at the same time be close to her hand if ever she needed them. She was beginning to realize that power carried more weight than money. Tabrizia frowned. In a way she realized that as she gained knowledge, she lost the freedom of innocence, and she could not decide if this was good or bad. She sighed for her lost illusions and reluctantly admitted that strength was better than weakness A thousandfold better!

  Magnus was returning to Tantallon for a couple of days and escorting Alexandria home at the same time. Try as he might, he could not persuade Tabrizia to accompany him. "I have dress fittings until two o'clock, then Stephen will be here until four. I promise to come to Tantallon very soon, only let me enjoy Edinburgh a little while longer. It's not as if I'll be alone, you know. I have Mrs. Hall and a house full of servants." So, reluctantly, he set out and left Tabrizia to her own devices.