The Mackenzie, The Trilogy Box Set

by H. C. Brown

  How delightfully scandalous.

  * * * *

  Drew stared at the letter in disbelief. He read his brother’s rambling scrawl once more and sat down heavily in the chair before the desk. In one fatal blow, Jamie’s disastrous news had shattered his bid for respectability, and any chance to offer for Adrianna’s hand. He must sell his townhouse at once, to raise the necessary funds to aid his clan and leave for Scotland.

  He took the glass of brandy offered by Rotheram and swallowed the contents then lifted his chin to meet his valet’s concerned gaze. “Three hundred of my clan are ill with the bloody flux including the healer and now my father has succumbed. Foiseil Castle is defenseless. Seeing our clan so diminished, Clan Munroe conducted a few well-planned raids. They fired our crops, burned the tenant’s houses to the ground, and ran off our livestock. I must return home and pray I am in time to help. Pack my bags I will leave at first light.”

  “I thank God, you are so skilled a healer, sir, I am sure you will put things to right. Do you wish me to purchase any medicinals?” Rotheram raised a brow. “I would imagine the stocks at the castle will be depleted.”

  Drew took a slip of paper from the drawer and placed it on the desk. His mind in turmoil, he steadied his thoughts, and reaching for a quill, considered what herbs he would need to tend his clan. “Yes, send a footman with this note to the apothecary and tell him to wait.” He sanded the document then handed it to him. “It will be necessary to make arrangements with you regarding the staff.”

  Rotheram’s eyes opened wide. “The staff, sir?”

  “Indeed. Pack all my personal belongings and set the housekeeper to prepare the house for sale. Instruct Mister Dander, I want all valuables packed, and sent with the remaining staff to Badenoch within the next two weeks.” He gave him a tight smile. “Inform them we are returning home.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rotheram carefully folded the note. “Will there be anything else, sir?”

  Dear God! He must inform Rupert and Adrianna he would be leaving. He pushed to his feet and turned to his valet. “I am going out, have my carriage brought around and lay out my clothes for the masquerade ball tonight.”

  Damnation, he had planned to return to Scotland but not now, not so soon in his relationship with Adrianna. What would become of him, if his father died would he ever be able to return to her? As laird, or indeed with his father incapacitated, he would carry the responsibility of protecting the Badenoch tenants. A severely depleted clan would make the defending and running of his estate difficult. He would require assistance but would have to wait until the sickness passed before sending out a calling of the clan.

  He rubbed his chin searching his mind for a solution. With the clan’s livestock stolen and the crops burned, he would require substantial funds to buy supplies to feed the clan and re-build the tenants houses. He had funds and trusted Rupert to sell his townhouse, but he would have to return to smuggling in the meantime, and not in France, in Scotland. He glanced back at the letter and snorted. Without doubt, Angus Mac Bride, his father’s right hand man, would try to gain the clan’s backing to appoint him laird in his stead. His only hope lay with his brother, Jamie’s determination to ensure his rightful place as the next laird. Although, not yet twenty summers, Jamie had a good head on his shoulders and held the respect of his clansmen. Aye, Jamie will keep the clan safe in ma stead.

  * * * *

  Drew arrived at Lord Rupert’s residence in time for afternoon tea. Ushered into the study, he flopped into a large wing-backed chair and handed Rupert the letter from Jamie.

  “Christ, if your father dies, do you really think Angus will attempt to gain support as laird?”

  “I dinna ken, but if Jamie is worried, he has reason, aye, and the clan will need ma presence to ensure Angus has nay claim. This is not ma only purpose for returning wi’ haste.” He rubbed his chin trying to order his thoughts. “I am the only member of the clan able to raise the substantial funds necessary to rebuild and feed the clan until we can replant and harvest the crops. The moment I arrive in Scotland, I have nay choice but to assume the guise of Le Diable Noir, and seek a suitable business arrangement.”

  “And how, pray tell do you intend to achieve such ends after being absent from Scotland for more than two years?” Rupert inclined his head allowing a golden curl to fall over one eye.

  “Ye ken verra well Madame Josephine is ma go-between in Inverness. I have sent a letter on the mail coach and she will contact a French privateer, by the name of Captain Jacques. He is presently moving along the English coast and should arrive in Inverness afore I do. Although, the blackguard, Baron du Court owns the ship, Jacques is under direct orders from King Louis.” He smiled. “I have done business with him afore and I dinna think I will have too much trouble arranging a meeting, there are coves aplenty along the coast.”

  “Do you have goods to trade in Scotland?” Rupert wrinkled his brow. “Then why not sell them locally and forget this Le Diable Noir nonsense?”

  “Och, if it were not for the taxes, I would. As luck would have it, I have a warehouse at Inverness, containing a good quantity of the finest brandy. I can trade a quantity of it to Captain Jacques for gold, if I can keep it away from the excise men.” He grimaced then shrugged. “Then I will make shift to haul twelve barrels of aged whisky from Badenoch and trade them with Jacques the following month for goods I can sell in Inverness. I ken King Louis has a fancy for the Mackenzie whisky.” He scratched his chin and turned over the plan in his mind. He would require a substantial amount of money to ensure his clan’s welfare. He sighed and met Rupert’s concerned gaze. “I need coin and have nay option other than to sell ma townhouse, but that will take time. Can ye arrange the sale in ma absence?”

  “Yes, of course. I will set my man of affairs to the task at once.” Lord Rupert handed him the letter. “What will you do if the Monroes have taken the whisky too?”

  “They would not have found a drop, well mayhap a barrel or two of the raw alcohol in the distillery. To be sure, we have hidden caches of whisky going back a hundred years or more and nayone but ma father and brothers ken where they lie. I would say we have maybe two thousand barrels of aged liquid gold in verra safe places.”

  “Well, I must say that is somewhat of a relief, however, in the meantime, I will arrange a transfer of funds to the Bank of Scotland and send a missive to Jamie. At least, the clan will be able to replenish their larder in your absence.” Rupert snorted and held up one hand. “Do not dare insult me by telling me I am not allowed to help my clan in times of need? I will not hear any objections.”

  “Aye well, I thank ye.” Drew raised his eyebrows. “I am not a pauper yet awhile. I have one hundred guineas but will have to leave a substantial portion with ma butler to pay ma outstanding bills and transport ma belongings and staff to Badenoch.”

  “Do you want me to inform Adrianna you are leaving?” Rupert grimaced. “She will be heartbroken.” He moved to his desk and filled two glasses with whisky. “I do believe she is in love with you.” He placed the drink beside the plate of cucumber sandwiches on the side table, and took the seat opposite him.

  A deep pain of loss curled around Drew’s heart. He swallowed the lump in his throat, and lifted the drink to his lips. He sipped the aged whisky and allowed the warm malty elixir to sooth his wame. Adrianna. Leaving her would tear out his heart. He met Rupert’s troubled gaze over the rim of his glass. “Aye, there is an attraction betwixt us and I ken my leaving will trouble her. She will nay doubt believe the worse and I will not spoil her time at the ball tonight by mentioning my problems although, she is aware I planned to return home next month. Nay, I want to see her happy and will give her a night to remember. Once we have completed the supper set, I will take her aside to explain why I must return to Badenoch. Hopefully, she will be willing to wait for me.” He narrowed his gaze. “Ye will not tell her I have returned to smuggling fore by?”

  “I beg your pardon? What do you mean by, ‘return
ed to smuggling’? I have never mentioned such a thing to her. Christ, Drew, do you believe me to be so addle-brained to even mention such a thing?”

  “Ye did not tell her? Then how does she ken?”

  “I have no notion. You must be mistaken for I only made mention of our business in the stables as a recommendation of your worth, and of course, as a friend it was my duty to make her aware of your mistresses.” Rupert shrugged and patted an errant curl into place. “There was no reason for her to know you are Le Diable Noir. Before this disastrous news, you planned to put that part of your life behind you. Indeed, you have invested your ill-gotten gains in a profitable business in France. Any gossip toward your intent to be in France for any other reason would be quelled once your involvement in French wine is made known.” He shrugged. “Before you return to London I suggest you put Le Diable Noir behind you. Lady Adrianna will never hear the like of it from my lips. I am sure your co-conspirators are sworn to secrecy?”

  “Aye, no one in France has seen my face. I wear a mask ye ken?”

  Should Adrianna discover his life as a smuggler, love may not be enough to persuade her to marry him. He could not take the chance she would be disgusted and turn from him. She will never find out about Le Diable Noir—will she? He swallowed hard. “I will not contact her until my business is concluded. I cannot lie to her, not now or ever.”

  “When Le Diable Noir is dead and buried that consideration will not signify. No man is required to disclose all his sins to his future wife prior to marriage, but to sooth your conscience, make your confession and peace with God then move on in grace.” Rupert lifted his Mackenzie green eyes and glared at him. “And as to why I informed Adrianna about your mistresses, you must remember, she happens to be my particular friend, and I did not want to see her hurt by you or indeed any man. She deserved to understand the ramifications of being involved with a man of your reputation.” He cleared his throat. “I would do the same again so strike me now if you must and be done with it.”

  “Och, Rupert, I ken she is your ‘particular friend’ and I am pleased ye informed her about ma wicked ways. Although, she is nay a wilting flower but a braw lass wi’ a mind of her own. If I am able to convince Lord Beachwood I am a suitable husband for her, we will make a fine match.” He grinned at his cousin’s bravery. “Ye are a good man, Rupert, and I could not wish for a more competent man to protect her during ma absence.”

  “Then you will have to resolve matters at Badenoch as soon as possible. Has it slipped your mind that I will be removing to Scotland with your horses in the near future? I will not be able to delay my departure for more than two months or I will be obliged to oversee one of my father’s estates. I have had a deuce of a time avoiding him and if not for your request to call on Adrianna, I would now be living in perpetual rural boredom.”

  Drew snorted with laughter. “Och aye, so what does the wet and wild Highlands really have to offer a wee fop like yourself then?”

  “You mean, for a man with my varied fancies?” Rupert raised his glass in a toast. “Let me just say, Madame Josephine’s excellent brothel is a go-between for me as well.”

  * * * *

  The evening arrived filled with expectation but the moment Adrianna stepped onto the dance floor with Drew, she experienced a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach as if a disaster was imminent. He had been most attentive since her arrival, yet the emerald eyes peeking through his silk mask held regret and not his usual devotion toward her.

  Dressed in black with cream ruffled linen and black silk cravat, he was indeed the epitome of style. For a man of his size, he moved through the complicated dance steps with elegant grace. At each turn, she could not fail to notice the admiring glances and coquettish appraisal of the women seated on the edge of the ballroom, indeed, it would seem he had gained the approval of every lady present. The set finished and he returned her to Rupert’s side without uttering a word. She gazed up at him and spoke in French to keep the illusion of his identity. “I thank you, Monsieur Alexander, for a most enjoyable set.”

  “The pleasure was indeed mine, my lady.” Drew bowed then turned on his heel and vanished into the crush.

  She turned to Rupert and placed a trembling hand on his arm. “What is amiss? Is he angered over my set with the prince?”

  “Not at all, but you should brace yourself for some unpleasant news.” Lord Rupert covered her hand and his handsome face lit up with a smile. “Please do not look on me with such a devastated expression, people will believe I am being a cad.” He bent his head toward her in a confidential manner and lowered his voice. “Unfortunately, Drew’s father is ill and he will have to return home. I will take you to him so he may explain. He is waiting in the garden for you.” He led her from the ballroom.

  How much time did she have left to spend with Drew, one week, one day? The thought of him leaving London made her heart ache. She straightened, determined to deal with the situation. She would cope without him—somehow.

  Although, Rupert made great progress guiding her through the crush, a number of small groups of inquisitive friends halted their progress. She answered polite questions and paused to take refreshment with the Prince of Wales. Not wanting to dance another step with him, she took out her fan and gripped Rupert’s arm. “I do beg pardon, my lord, but I find myself indisposed. The heat is making me quite giddy. May we retire to the garden for a breath of fresh air?”

  “Of course, my lady.” Rupert turned to the prince and bowed. “If you will excuse us, Your Highness?”

  “Yes, yes, go along. The night is yet young.” The Prince of Wales gave them a dismissive wave.

  She moved with Rupert through the French doors and onto the long elegant terrace. A wave of delightful rose fragrance from the vast gardens below filled the breeze caressing her face, but the beauty of the late summer blooms faded into insignificance with each step toward the garden. A woman on the way to the gallows could not have felt worse. To be sure, the thought of Drew leaving her turned her stomach in a most dreadful fashion.

  Unable to appear in a hurry to escape the attention of the other guests, they strolled along the path in a languid fashion. She wanted to scream, to run and find Drew and beg him to stay, but how could she expect him to place her above his father or his clan?

  Distraught to distraction, she did not notice Rupert had led her around the main building and down a dark path toward the dowager’s residence. To her surprise, a candle glowed in the window, although, no one had occupied the house for many years. She stopped mid-stride and glared at Rupert. “Why are we here?”

  “Monsieur Alexander mentioned to the prince, he was seeking a safe place to conduct a secret rendezvous with a married lady. Of course, the prince thought it a capital idea and put this residence at his disposal.” Rupert opened the door and she slipped inside into darkness. “The candle in the upstairs window is the signal that Drew is within.” He closed the door behind them and led her down a dark passageway. “He will be in the sitting room. I will enjoy a few glasses of French wine in the study and wait for you.” He opened a door and light flooded into the hallway.

  She wet her lips at the sight of Drew standing before the fire. He had removed his wig and gazed at her with such intensity her heart missed a beat. When he held out his large hands, she ran to him. Enclosed in his muscular arms, she could not prevent the tears stinging her eyes. “Oh, Drew, I am so sorry to hear about your father.”

  “Aye, so am I.” Drew stroked her hair and bent to brush butterfly kisses over her cheek. “I am heir to Badenoch, but during ma father’s illness it would seem the clan has appointed ma godfather to run things in ma stead over ma younger brother, Jamie. I must return at once. Should ma father die and I am absent, Angus has every right to challenge ma place as laird and I will not have ma clan’s future given to a man who does not carry the Mackenzie name.”

  She lifted her chin and stared into bottomless pits of grief. “Take me with you.”

  “Oh,
ma sweet lass, dinna ye ken how much I want to have ye by ma side?” He kissed her with gentle passion then raised his head and met her gaze. “I will not dishonor ye, not any more than I have already by sneaking around like a thief in the night to spend a few precious moments wi’ ye.” He sighed and pressed her hard against his chest. “Ye must trust me to return to ye. I canna say when I will be able to return to London, but ye have ma word. I want ye, Adrianna, and nay matter what is thrown in ma path to stop me, I will come back to ye.” He gazed into her eyes with a frightening intensity as if willing her to believe him. “I will not be so far from ye. If ye look at the moon each night at nine o’ clock, ken that I will too.”

  He was so romantic but had not once said he loved her. Could this be his declaration, the promise she must cling to in the lonely times ahead? As he swung her into his strong arms and carried her toward a red satin chaise lounge, all doubt vanished. She sprawled across his lap and devoured his ardent kisses, savoring the delicious taste of him, his exotic scent, and the solid strength of him. She wanted to give herself to him in wanton abandon. “I will miss you so much, you have stolen my heart. Take me, here, now. I beg you give me something to remember, a moment to cherish until we can be together again.”

  His long fingers fumbled on her buttons and in moments, he had stripped her gown and corset leaving her trembling in her shift. She met his hooded gaze and flames of anticipation licked her folds in erotic heat. He lifted her with gentle care from his lap and placed her on the seat then stood to remove his jacket. He gave her a smile of such tenderness her stomach clenched before he turned to pick up her discarded dress and lay it neatly over a chair. He sat beside her and traced her chin with the tip of one elegantly manicured finger.

  “Och, Adrianna, ma sweet innocent lass, I will miss you too and although I would treasure the gift you have offered, I will not take your maidenhead. I would never use you for ma own satisfaction and leave ye ruined, but I will ease your restlessness.” He lifted the hem of her shift and pulled it over her head. “I want to look on ye and brand ye in ma mind for the lonely days ahead. Ye are so beautiful, so verra soft wi’ skin like the marble statues in Rome. I want to touch ye, and taste every inch of ye. Will ye allow me?” He kneeled beside the sofa.