The MacAulay Bride

by Nancy Pirri

  Brianna backed away, panicked. Her neighbor's home was quiet and dark. Would the hard of hearing Mr. Feeney hear her if she screamed? She started running toward Feeney's house but wasn't fast enough.

  Harrison caught up with her. He hoisted her over one broad shoulder. In the next instant she was stunned when he reached up and laid a firm hand upon her derriere.

  "Put me down this instant!"

  "Stop that infernal screeching," he warned.

  Brianna squeezed her eyes shut, humiliated by the touch of his hand on her buttocks. "How did you know I would try to leave?" she demanded.

  "If you only knew how predictable you are, you would never open your pretty little mouth again."

  "What are you talking about?" She braced her hands on his strong shoulders and pushed herself upright, to relieve the pressure on her stomach.

  "I guessed when I left you earlier you would try something foolish. What? Do you believe I'm some sort of ogre because you must return to Scotland with me? Well, I'm not, and, I have come to realize you are more stubborn than any Scots lass I have ever known.

  "For shame, Brianna, had you even considered the risk to your children by leaving like this? The weather is frigid and it will be snowing by morning. The roads are in poor condition from the heavy rainfall, not to mention the fact there could be rapists, robbers and sundry other criminals lurking along the way."

  Brianna thought over his words as she held onto his shoulders. As he made his way up the stairs to the second floor, she silently admitted he was correct in his assessment of the situation. Harry and Jamie's safety should have been her primary consideration. Ever since Harrison's arrival a mere six hours ago, she had lost the ability to think clearly.

  "Which is your room?"

  "The last one on the right," she said, knowing she had no choice but to tell him. Then she bit her lip, guessing the mule-headed Scotsman wouldn't leave her alone this night. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do now but offer him a room. He meant to take one, anyway, with or without her consent. She prayed he was a sound sleeper because she planned on leaving, if not this night, then another very soon.

  He entered her bedroom, kicked the door closed, and set her down on her feet. She couldn't see his face since the room was pitch black, but she guessed he was furious with her. She'd felt the tenseness in his body when he'd carried her up the stairs. Needless to say, she was astonished when he spoke in a calm, gentle voice.

  "Accept my sincere apology for handling you so roughly, but I needed to find a way to silence you before you woke up the neighborhood."

  With her mouth gaping, she stood there, riveted by his unexpected words. She heard his footsteps, then the wooden floor creaking under his feet. He lit a kerosene lamp and the room brightened to a warm, sunny glow. The quilt on her bed, once a rich royal blue, had faded to gray; the matching curtains were dulled from the southern exposure. One of her finest hand-embroidered doilies sat upon the washstand, topped by a white chamber set.

  Her attention turned to his unbuttoned jacket that revealed a fine silk brocaded vest. She noted the silvery gray color of his eyes matched the vest. An exquisite mother-of- pearl pin glistened, like a drop of new fallen rain, on his lapel.

  He gently took her hand. He raised it to his lips and her heart raced from his hot, dry touch.

  "A truce, Brianna. I do not relish battling with you the entire way to Scotland. Can I trust you not to try to leave?"

  She shook her head. "You know I cannot make any promises."

  He sighed. "I was afraid that might be your answer." He released her hand and strode across the room, pausing in front of an armoire. He opened the double doors and searched inside, then pulled one of Payton's snowy cravats off a shelf. She gasped when he turned with a determined look in his eyes. Then he snapped the cloth between his two hands.

  "Oh, my Lord!" she gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

  CHAPTER THREE

  "Damn you!" Brianna shouted. She hurled herself across the bed. Before she bounded off the other side, Harrison snagged one ankle. Then he hauled her to the bed's center and flipped her onto her back. She kicked out and made contact with his jaw.

  He swore before sinking to the bed and straddling her hips.

  "I enjoy wrestlin' as much as any man," he said, chuckling. "Particularly with a bonnie woman." Gripping her sides with his powerful thighs, he snatched up one of her flailing wrists. He wound the cravat around it, securing it to a heavy bedpost. Brianna screamed in frustration and dug at the knot with her free hand.

  Harrison growled, "Be still or you'll hurt yourself." Then he hoisted himself off her body and sat down beside her.

  "I promise I won't run away again!" she said, pulling at the knot.

  "I'm sorry, Brianna. I very much doubt that."

  She commenced kicking her legs, twisting and turning to no avail. "Damn you to hell, Harrison MacAulay!"

  "Payton never enjoyed challenges," he said, "but if he were alive today, he'd tell you how I thrive on them. It will take more then a mere slip of a woman like you to best me. By the way, do other American women curse as proficiently as you?"

  Her cheeks burned in humiliation when she recalled her language a moment ago. "You'll not be here long enough to find out," she retorted.

  He laughed. "On the contrary, I have five days to enjoy myself, and I intend to make the most of them. Imagine my delight when I discovered you have an opera house in town. It's quite grand." Reaching for the woolen blanket at the foot of the bed he pulled it up and covered her to her chin. "As I said earlier, sleep now. Things will look better in the morning." He sank down beside her.

  She gasped, "You can't sleep here!"

  One eyebrow shot up. His gaze swept her body, a twisted smile on his lips. "I don't believe you are in any position to stop me."

  Brianna gasped when his body touched hers as he made himself comfortable. She shrank away from him but he rolled nearer. She opened her mouth to protest but choked on her words when he plucked a pin from her hair and released a curl, winding the tress around one finger.

  "You have lovely hair." He brought the lock to his nostrils. "Lovely scent, as well. I must admit I'm quite hedonistic when it comes to a woman's crowning glory."

  Hedonistic? Oh, my! His tender hold on her hair made it impossible to move away. His fingers delved into her locks and massaged her scalp as he released each and every single curl. Her eyes drifted shut as she gave into the intoxication his fingers provoked. She had no desire to think. She felt a thumping in her chest and it took her a moment to realize it was her heart racing. His touch reminded her only to feel. Reminded her how long since Payton had touched her.

  "I don't want you here," she whispered, a token protest.

  "I know, but you have no choice in the matter."

  She opened her eyes when she felt him shift at her side. Then he reached up and turned down the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

  "Go to sleep, sweetheart."

  "I'm not your sweet anything, and I doubt I'll sleep a wink the entire night."

  He didn't reply. Brianna was amazed a moment later when she felt a weight lift from the bed, and footsteps crossing the floor. When she heard the door open she asked in surprise, "You're leaving me?"

  His low chuckle grated on her nerves. "Contrary to what you believe aboot me, sweet sister-in-law, I've always behaved as a perfect gentleman should. I will be nearby so just call out if you require anything."

  After he left Brianna struggled with the knot, to no avail. Comfort came to mind when she realized she had the entire night to think of another escape plan.

  ***

  By the next evening Brianna knew Harrison meant to keep her in his sight every minute of the day. Wherever she went, he followed. As she entered the parlor after sending the boys to bed, she worked at the knot in her apron.

  Harrison sat on her best velvet high-backed chair, smoking a cigar and reading the Stillwater Gazette. He appeared much too comfortable in h
er home and she didn't like it a bit.

  "We need to talk," she said abruptly.

  He folded the newspaper and set it aside without a word. Sitting forward he placed his hands at her waist and turned her around.

  She stiffened and held her breath while he easily loosened the knotted strings. A tingling sensation traveled up and down her spine from his touch. She exhaled when he removed the apron and laid it over the back of a chair.

  "I'm going to town in the morning to speak with Mr. Nielsen," she announced as she sat on the divan. "I give you warning I haven't changed my mind about not leaving. Have you any idea how many years it's taken me to set up housekeeping and establish my vegetable garden, not to mention the rooms I furnished to let."

  "You may tear up all of Winterhaven's lawns if you wish to plant a garden," he said magnanimously. "We have a gardener who'd be delighted to engage in a new enterprise other then his current tending of the roses and such." He frowned. "You are giving me negligible excuses for staying."

  "And you have yet to give me a plausible reason for returning with you," she said caustically.

  "What better reason then for the welfare of your sons?" He eased back in his chair. "You don't seem to understand how important it is for me to fulfill my duty."

  "I know precisely how important your duty is," she retorted. "You may be considered nobility of sorts in your country, but not here. Here you are nothing but a...a mister, and you have no power over me!"

  He shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I have the law on my side. Believe me, Brianna, I will not hesitate to call upon the authorities for assistance, if I require it."

  "I'm fairly certain Sheriff Johnson will not force me to leave my home," she said confidently.

  "No, but a short stay in prison should change your mind, I would imagine."

  "Prison!" She stared at him in shock as he rose from his chair and took a seat beside her.

  "Um, yes. I've learned incarceration has been utilized on occasion to curb a willful woman's behavior in this progressive country of which you are so fond." He leaned forward, his eyes piercing hers. "Women who choose to ignore the law. In your case, Payton's lawful will."

  She sputtered, "I'll appeal it and sit in jail until my case is heard. So you see, you still won't have fulfilled your blasted duty!"

  "Have you any idea how ridiculous you are behaving? The outcome of your stubbornness would cause your sons irrevocable harm. And for what? Your selfish desire to maintain the freedom you have enjoyed due to my brother's hideous lack of responsibility?"

  He rose and Brianna winced at his glowering look. "Let me inform you that I am surrounded by too much family. My home is literally bursting at the seams with them. So what, pray tell, makes you think I would cherish housing another relative? One who happens to be stubborn and self-centered?" He strode to the window, turned his back on her and clasped the framework.

  Brianna bit her lip and blinked back tears as she thought over his words. In all truth she had never thought herself selfish at all, though she couldn't quibble about her stubborn streak. He had made it crystal clear he did not want her under his roof, that it was duty compelling him to offer her a home, and nothing more.

  She gathered her pride, suppressing the undeniable urge to smash him over the head with something that would do him permanent damage. She rushed up behind him. Reaching out, she grasped his elbow and yanked on it until he faced her.

  "Selfish, you say? Allow me to inform you I wouldn't step foot inside your precious home if you paid me to do so. As a matter of fact, I expect you to provide me with a home of my own, preferably one in the country where the children may run and play to their hearts' content. Ponies for the boys and a carriage for our use would be other requirements."

  "Of course," Harrison said with a mild smile. "Anything else?"

  "That should be all for now, I think."

  "Then I believe that settles things nicely."

  Brianna noted the tender satisfaction in his voice and looked at him, confused. Hadn't he just moments ago accused her of being self-centered and stubborn? She narrowed her eyes on his smug countenance until it dawned on her what she had done.

  "Oh, my Lord! Please tell me I did not agree to cooperate with you?" She groaned and rubbed her temples. "Tell me I didn't."

  He grinned. "You most certainly did! If I had guessed you possessed even the slightest streak of greed, I would have attempted bribing you from the beginning. It certainly would have saved me all this aggravation."

  "You have no sense of fair play, whatsoever," she spat.

  Harrison chucked her chin with a fist. "It will be a cold day in hell before you best me, Mrs. MacAulay."

  She narrowed her eyes. "You may have won this significant scrimmage, my lord, but it doesn't alter the fact I still intend to pursue having Payton's will changed."

  "Why is it so important you stay here when I have so much to offer you? You've been on your own for so long, struggling. Why won't you allow me to care for you?"

  "I'll not be under the authority of any man again. I was sixteen when I married your brother, shortly after leaving a cloistered life at St. Benedict's Orphanage. At that time I knew nothing of men and the world. Your brother offered me an opportunity to see much of the excitement in life I'd been missing. Payton and I hardly knew each other, but within a short time after we married, I fell in love with him."

  "Until he proved to be irresponsible," Harrison said.

  She nodded. "For a long time I kept making excuses for his behavior. I kept telling myself he'd learn to love me enough to change. He never did."

  His gray eyes bored into hers. "I'm nothing like my brother."

  "From the little I've learned about you, I don't doubt that, still, being a man, you take your liberty for granted. Even though I'm a woman I will not give up my freedom without a fight."

  Harrison sighed. "All right. On the morrow, I'll accompany you to Nielsen's."

  "I'd rather go on my own."

  "I'm sure you would, but I'm afraid you will have to suffer my escort. I've already explained that I'll not let you out of my sight until we reach Scotland's shores. Possibly, not even then."

  ***

  The next day, Harrison managed to divert Brianna's attention from paying a visit to her solicitor in the one sure way he knew. He took her shopping. Normally, he abhorred the activity. But, after traipsing along with her from store to store, he decided that shopping with Brianna was fun, painless, and highly entertaining.

  Harrison had driven them into town Monday morning to purchase supplies for their journey to Scotland. He smiled when he thought about her obvious delight in store- bought clothing for Harry and Jamie. She had told him the treat would relieve her of the arduous task of mending their old clothing again. By mid-afternoon Brianna recalled her purpose for coming to town in the first place, and she made her way to Nielsen's doorstep. She was disappointed to discover only his secretary there, who informed her Nielsen had left on holiday for an undetermined time.

  Harrison was satisfied Nielsen had followed his request to make himself scarce. He had no desire for Brianna to discover their gentleman's agreement.

  He'd convinced her she required new clothing as well as her boys. He stopped in front of J. Burke Clothier's and secured the reins. Brianna tapped her foot impatiently, scowling when Harrison reached inside a pocket and gave Harry and Jamie a penny.

  "Across the street is the sweet shop. Come straight back here when you are through," he ordered.

  "Yes, sir!" the boys chorused.

  Brianna cringed when they raced across the street with nary a care for the bustling horse and wagon traffic. She turned a jaundiced eye on Harrison. He smiled, reached around her and opened the door to Burke's.

  She swept through the doorway ahead of him. "They never called their own father 'sir'. I must admit you've certainly made an impression on them." With a sniff, she added, "Of course, I'm fairly certain I would gain their cooperation and loyalty too, if I stoo
ped to bribing them."

  "A penny for a treat is hardly bribery, Brianna. Your sons respect the voice of authority, something you have yet to learn."

  "You'll never see me groveling at your feet," she informed him.

  He gave her a devilish grin. "That remains to be seen, doesn't it?" Harrison's gaze followed her as she meandered down one aisle, then another.

  She paused beside an indigo gown--not black, thank God--and pulled it from the rack. "This one should do nicely as a day gown."

  "Whatever you like, it's yours," he said magnanimously. "And choose an evening gown or two, as well."

  She raised her brow. "I hardly think I'll be going out into society, since I'm in mourning, my lord."

  He ignored her and went on his own search for gowns. He pulled a rose silk one from a hanger. "How about this?"

  She turned to him and he saw the delight in her eyes. Just as quickly it vanished. "I don't think so. It's not practical. Where would I wear it?"

  Harrison opened his mouth to say, anywhere you want, but had second thoughts. He reached the end of the row and found several day dresses to his liking. Selecting what he thought was her size he strode to her side. Her arms were filled with pants and shirts.

  He frowned. "More for the boys?"

  "They have so few things."

  He nodded. "Fine, but I'd like you try these on."

  She dumped the pants and shirts into his arms, took the dresses and hurried across the store. The storekeeper caught Harrison's eye and nodded. Harrison gave a miniscule nod in return.

  Brianna wasn't his yet, but she would be. Once they reached Scotland's shores.

  While he waited for Brianna, he saw a mannequin clad in a gray worsted woolen coat. Recalling Brianna's threadbare brown coat, he snatched the gray off the mannequin and carried it to the counter, along with the articles of clothing for the boys.

  In a far corner of the shop he stared at another gown on a mannequin. It was far more sophisticated than anything he'd expect to find in this provincial town. He imagined Brianna settling the deep colored wine satin over her womanly hips. The daringly low, rounded neckline was embellished with beads of the same color