by H. C. Brown
She sipped the cool metallic tasting water and sighed. He had wanted her to be fit and ready to leave by daylight and she did not intend to let him down. She offered him a reassuring smile. “Thank you. The fever has broken and my limbs no longer shake. I must commend you on a job well done.”
“Thank ye. How is your pain?”
“I do suffer a little, but I am sure it will pass directly.” She swallowed hard at the thought of riding a horse. “We will need to be on our way soon. Would you be so kind as to call my maid to assist me? I will make ready for our departure at once.”
“I would prefer ye to rest until daybreak and then I must insist ye ride wi’ me.” He ran a hand through his hair and one side of his mouth turned up in a crooked smile. “Are ye sure ye are not of Scottish blood? Ye are verra braw for a Sassenach. I would wager not many fine ladies would have the stamina to attempt to ride wi’ such an injury.” He frowned. “Do ye understand it will be maybe two days afore we reach Inverness?”
“I am sure I will manage. I overheard your conversation with Betty last eve. To be sure, I would not want the excise men to catch us.”
A day or more riding with Drew would be heaven no matter how much her leg pained her. The scent of him alone made her weak at the knees. She attempted to sit and Drew placed one strong arm around her back to support her. Agony stabbed deep in her thigh stealing her breath and the room moved in and out of focus. Panting she gripped the side of the cart, bent over the edge and vomited. Heavens above how much whisky had she consumed? The disgusting taste lingered on her tongue and filled her nostrils. More than a little embarrassed, she wiped her mouth with a handful of straw. “I do beg your pardon. It would seem I have trouble tolerating spirits.”
“I will mix ye a ptisan. It will calm your wame and be a kinder way of relieving your pain. I could not give it to ye afore as it is verra strong and might have poisoned ye.” Drew wiped her face with the damp rag. “Then I will change your dressing. Ye will need more comfrey ointment on the wound to ease the burn. Dinna fash the wound is small and it will not leave much of a mark.” He smiled. “Dinna try to move. I will go and fetch ma things.”
Frowning she narrowed her gaze at him. “I am sure Betty is quite capable of changing my dressings and I will require her assistance.”
“Nay, she is sleeping.” Drew shrugged. “I could wake her, but she will nay doubt fall off her horse with exhaustion afore we cover a mile. She remained by your side most of the night and I sent her to rest less than two hours past.”
“Laird Mackenzie.” She cursed the heat blazing in her cheeks. “I need Betty and some privacy to retire and as soon as possible if you please.”
“I will find ye a pot to use. Ye are not wandering outside alone in the dark and I doubt verra much ye could manage on your own.”
Dismay and helplessness fell over her like a shroud. There would be no arguing with him, but she would at least try. “You have me at a disadvantage, sir, but I must ask that you refrain from humiliating me further and call my maid.”
“I have sat with women of ma clan during illness many a time. Our midwife died and as the only healer available, I delivered two bairns albeit with the help of the womenfolk. Not one of them believed I shamed them.” More than a little agitated Drew rubbed the back of his neck and fixed his gaze on her. “I would not think to embarrass ye. I happen to care for your well-being because if for nay other reason, I am a healer.” He turned to walk away then paused and glanced at her over one shoulder. “Ye will not be traveling until I have examined the wound.” He rubbed one hand down his face in a gesture of exhausted exasperation. “Did ye not study the Bible, lass? Dinna ye ken pride comes afore a fall?”
She gaped at him striding away. Pride? Dear God, with her derriere and legs on display for all to see, she had lost every ounce of dignity during his ministrations. She chewed on her bottom lip and stared at the open doorway. The passageway held a single lantern and the Great Hall beyond lay quiet. How long had she slept and how many hours would pass before dawn? She picked straw from her hair and longed for a soak in a long hot bath. In truth, she would be content with the opportunity to bathe in freezing water and put on a clean shift. Footsteps crunching on the debris littering the floor brought Drew back to her side. He made a sound of derision and covered her with the blanket.
“Roll onto your back, take a good grip of the sides of the cart and I will slip a bowl under ye.” He bent to retrieve a copper bowl.
What? “I beg your pardon? You cannot possibly expect me to—?”
“Dinna give me the evil eye. I have done the same thing to womenfolk many times. It is nay shame to need to take a piss.” He lifted her and slid the bowl under her bottom. “Ye should not be embarrassed by ma presence. Not now, after I have loved ye.”
Oh really? This is a different matter entirely. Gripping the side of the cart, she glared at him. “It would seem I have no choice in the matter. Turn around and walk away if you please.”
He grunted something unintelligible, turned his back, and stomped to the entrance of the small room. With his hands resting on his hips, he filled the entrance. Candlelight reflected in his long, glossy hair and the cloth of his shirt accentuated his muscular back. To be sure, Laird Drew Mackenzie was the most exquisite of men. Dragging her gaze away from temptation, she tended to matters, then eased the copper pot from under her bottom and covered it with the damp rag used to cool her forehead. Dizzy from the small movement or mayhap the herbal remedy, she rearranged the blanket and cleared her throat. “I have finished.”
Drew moved into the room with a blank expression on his face. He removed the bowl with swift efficiency and placed it on the ground. Angus appeared at the doorway, his face hidden in the shadows. At Drew’s nod, he moved toward her, holding a bucket in one hand, and balancing a plate of food and a cup in the other
“Drink then eat something, lass.” Angus pushed a horn cup rimmed with silver into her hands. She recognized the intricately decorated rim and warmth enclosed her heart. Rather than the tin mug, Drew had supplied her with his own cup.
Angus turned to him and raised his tawny eyebrows.
“I will check on the watch and take one hour’s rest afore dawn. Ye will remember what I said to ye, aye?”
She sipped the pleasant, warm brew and gazed speculatively at Drew over the rim of the cup. Why would Angus speak to him in English unless to make a point of some kind? She noticed the tips of Drew’s ears redden and bit back a smile. It would seem Angus had noticed his lustful gaze on her too.
Drew’s eyes flashed with anger and he snorted.
“I am not a lecher, now away wi’ ye to your bed.” He placed a pot of ointment and fresh rags beside her then lifted his attention to her. “Have ye finished the drink? Good, it will ease the pain swiftly and make your stomach stop churning. Roll onto your side so I may tend ye, aye.” He pulled back the blanket exposing her legs and avoided her gaze.
She gasped and grinding her teeth, complied. Burning pain seared her leg and she bit down hard on her bottom lip to smother the groan rising up the back of her throat. With her eyes squeezed shut, she endured the swift, efficient way he cleaned the wound, applied a good amount of ointment, and changed the dressing. Relieved when the sharp pain receded, she opened her eyes. “Please, I need my maid.”
He ignored her plea with a shake of his head and pressed one hand to her forehead.
“How is your pain now?”
Embarrassed beyond reason by the need provoked by his touch, she could not look at him and ducked her head. “Much better, thank you.”
“Good. Your shift is wet though from the fever. Ye will need to change into something dry afore ye catch a chill.”
Before she had time to object, he gently scooped her into his strong arms, and dropped her with care to her feet.
“I will help ye bathe.”
The agony had eased considerably but giddy from the ptisan, she swayed against him and gripped the front of his shirt. “If you refuse to
call my maid, please leave me. I am quite capable of washing myself.”
“Nay ye are not. Allow me to assist ye and care for your well-being, Adrianna. Ye will feel more comfortable as soon as ye are clean and dressed.” In one swift movement, he had pulled her damp shift over her head and tossed it to the floor.
She covered her breasts and glared at him. “No, please it is not proper for you to do such a thing.”
“Ye canna stand unaided. The ptisan is verra strong and ye will feel the effects for some hours. Ye have allowed me to touch you afore, Adrianna. We are alone and nayone will ken.”
A warm, wet rag ran down her back and she nearly swooned. With her legs, arms, and back most thoroughly cleansed and dried, Drew gave her a crooked smile then pushed the rag into her hand.
“Best ye do the front, aye?”
She lifted her chin and peered over one shoulder at him. “Do me the courtesy of turning your back to give me some privacy.”
“And see ye fall flat on your face? Nay, lass.” He grinned and his gaze sparkled with mischief. “I will shut ma eyes if it pleases ye, but the vision of your naked flesh is already branded on ma mind from our last meeting.”
Too weak to argue another moment, she washed her face. Dipping the rag into the bucket of hot water he held for her, she bathed keeping her attention anywhere but on his face. His warm breath brushed her neck followed by a soft kiss and she melted against him.
“Och, lass, I have missed ye so and to hold ye in ma arms again is like a dream come true.” Drew sighed and moved his head away. “I want ye so much and I can wait for as long as it takes for ye to accept me for who I am.”
Her nipples hardened as if reaching for his caress, she lifted her gaze, and caught his expression of deep longing. “Who you are inside is what matters to me, Drew.”
“I thank ye and I will prove I am worthy of your trust.”
To his credit, he did not move a muscle other than to hand her a piece of linen to dry herself. “I will need something to wear. I cannot spend the entire journey wrapped in your plaid.”
“Wee Betty set out some things for ye to wear, but ye will not be wearing your stays. They will keep safer buried in a wagon. The jewels ye have hidden will keep better inside, aye?”
She let out a long sigh and shrugged. “As you wish.”
With exquisite gentleness, he dressed her and wrapped her in his spare plaid. Calmer now, she cleared her throat. “How is it you know how to dress a lady?”
“Och, I ken how to undress a lady well enough, it is just the other way around, aye?” He lifted her with tender care and placed her in the wagon.
Shocked by his candor she rounded on him. “Did you have to remind me of your rakish behavior?”
“Och, lass, ye ken I have enjoyed the pleasures of a number of mistresses.” His handsome face broke into a wide smile. “I am happy ye are ready to fight wi’ me again so soon, it would seem the draft I gave ye has eased the pain.” He tucked the plaid around her legs. “I ken Betty should have helped ye but the lass was falling asleep standing up, aye. Your other choice was Angus and I understand how ye feel about him.” He patted her shoulder. “Eat afore ye fall asleep, the draft is verra strong.”
She fought to keep awake. Indeed, the draft he had given her had muddled her senses but she might not be alone with him again for some time and had questions. “When we met in London, did you intend to seduce me then leave me ruined?”
“Nay, lass, did I not give ye ma word I would return?” He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I will not lie to ye and pretend ye dinna fascinate me from the first.” His breath brushed her cheek. “Ye ken verra well how much ye arouse me.”
Oh, Lord, she wanted to melt into his arms and taste his delicious full lips. No, she must not fall into temptation again. Gathering her last ounce of strength, she met his gaze. “Why do you continue to taunt me with such words? It will be difficult enough trying to avoid looking at you in front of your men.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners and his lips twitched as if he suppressed a grin. Dear God, he was laughing at her. She pointed to the entrance of the room. “I think you should go.”
“Nay, lass, ye need me.” He rubbed one hand down his face and regarded her with interest. “Ye ken verra well ma intentions toward ye are honorable or I would have taken your maidenhead at the masquerade ball.”
Her face grew hot. He had spoken the truth. She would not have prevented him taking his pleasure. Unable to meet his gaze, she stared at her hands. “Then I commend you for keeping your head. However, that was then and this is now. I will require time to discover if this attraction between us is more than lust.” She sighed. “I would ask that you give me that time.”
“I would keep ma distance, if that is your wish, but there is nayone else here with the healing skills to tend ye. Worrying about if we are suited or not will not aid in your recovery, although, I will look forward to setting your mind at ease when ye have recovered. Will ye, at least allow me to care for ye until ye can fend for yourself?” He raised a dark eyebrow in question.
Heavens above, did he have to look so smug? “Very well.”
“A wise decision.” He bent and searched inside her bag before bringing out a hairbrush. “Ye ken I am not a scoundrel or ye would not asked me to rescue ye from Lord Moreau.” He straightened and turning the silver handled hairbrush over in his hand, lifted his hooded gaze to her. “Now then, will ye allow me to remove the straw from your hair?”
“If you give me your word you will not take liberties. Since taking the draft, I am not of sound mind.”
“We have an agreement, remember? Look, lass, there is nothing amiss when two people are drawn to one another or nayone would wed.” He sighed. “Ye have lived a sheltered life if ye believe a lass canna be aroused by a man afore she weds. There is nay sin in that. Indeed, God made us this way so we may find our one true love.” He moved behind her and ran the brush through her hair.
She bit back a moan at his touch and pleasant weariness weighted her limbs. Very well, she would comply with his wishes. “As you are a man of experience, do tell how does one make a suitable love match?”
“Afore ye make your choice, ye need to ken what ye want from a husband. If it is love ye desire well, nay love happens overnight, lust maybe but for enduring love, ye must spend time wi’ a man to discover his faults as well the things ye admire about him.” He touched her cheek. “Have ye ever spent time in a man’s company other than mine and was I the first man to kiss ye?”
Captivated by his deep baritone voice and the slow slide of the brush through her hair, she sighed. “No, you were the first man to kiss me. Not that I had the slightest desire to as much as stroll the garden with any of my suitors. All of the gentlemen I have met, apart from Lord Rupert, are in their dotage.” She sighed. “Although, I have never considered Lord Rupert as a suitable match. He is more like a brother to me and has no plans to marry for at least ten years.”
“Rupert is a fine man to be sure.” He chuckled. “I am verra glad he offered his assistance or I would not have been able to spend time wi’ ye.”
“I find it amusing that you are cousins. He does not resemble you, apart from the eyes. He is so … well, foppish.” Turning her head, she met Drew’s amused expression. “Not like you at all … you are a chameleon. One moment you present as a stylish gentleman, the next a notorious smuggler. Rupert attracts women like flies around a pot of honey and yet he does not have any inclination to make a match.” She smiled. “Why is that do you think?”
Drew’s gaze darkened.
“I will not discuss Rupert’s fancies wi’ ye but aye, I have enjoyed the company of many women, although I dinna frequent brothels or make it a habit of seducing maidens, so I am not as depraved as many English gentlemen who make sport of such practices.”
She snorted. “How forthcoming of you but I find it hard to believe.”
“I will not argue wi’ ye. Think of me what ye may. Ye wil
l find out the truth soon enough and make up your own mind.” He picked straw from her hair. “Get on wi’ your questions if ye must and stop fighting the draft, ye need your rest.”
Adrianna bit down hard on her bottom lip. She had to ask the question burning on the tip of her tongue. “Have you ever been in love?”
“Aye, I have.” His dark eyebrows furrowed. “Why do ye ask?”
A pang of regret or perhaps jealousy clamped her heart. “Do tell, how you knew when you fell in love and not as you say ‘in lust’?”
“Aye well, it is not proper to discuss such things with a lady, ye ken.”
She chewed on her bottom lip. The pressing need to know everything about Drew outweighed her modesty. “I have not had the opportunity to discuss matters of the heart and feel lacking in my education.” She met his gaze. “I cannot promise not to be embarrassed, but it would please me of all things if you would consider giving me this information. I am completely unaware of such things.”
His mouth twitched at the corners and he closed his eyes as if gathering his wits.
“Och aye, I kenned as much. When ye are in love ye crave to be wi’ them all the time and ye enjoy their company.” He cleared his throat. “And when ye touch them, ye want to cherish them forever.”
A warm glow engulfed her from his gentle attention to her hair and she relaxed closing her eyes. “That’s nice and how different is love from unholy lust?”
“That is not something a lady of breeding should be asking a man.”
She turned and stared at him. “I am two and twenty and hardly a girl in her first come out. I might mention that you have not only viewed but have kissed a good deal of my person. We have already moved beyond polite conversation so I beg you to continue.”
“Verra well, ye wee besom.” A deep growl rolled from Drew’s chest and he cleared his throat. “Lust is fleeting. It is more of an animal instinct to rut without worrying about the consequences. Ye ken there are many widows who prefer a lover and dinna want to wed again. They enjoy a variety of lovers and nayone in society would dare to cast aspersions on them.” He sighed and his voice became agitated. “And aye, afore ye ask as I had nay intention of entering the marriage mart, I preferred to take the young widows in King Louis’ court to ma bed.”
