The MacAulay Bride

by Nancy Pirri

  Harrison's brow was sweat-slicked as he snatched the oval wood paddle down from the hook beside the stove. He tucked it inside his jacket's pocket. As he moved swiftly into the hallway, he met Grandmother Jean walking down the stairs, a troubled expression on her barely wrinkled face.

  He stopped and assisted her down the last few steps, feeling a brittle smile play upon his lips. "Good afternoon, Grandmother. I'm sorry but I cannot visit with you. I have a bit of an emergency to tend to."

  She scolded, "I know what you are planning, Harrison James."

  He sighed when he saw her eyes riveted on the handle protruding from his pocket. Then he prayed Stanton had stopped Brianna. "All right. Let's hear it then, but quickly."

  "Brianna may likely hate you now, but believe me when I say time will heal her anger. Or, she may prove to be an exceptionally rational woman and decide you had the right to correct her behavior, and she'll forgive you."

  "Believe me, Grandmother, I've reached my wit's end and can't see any other way to handle her. She is, at this very moment, ready to ride Challenger into Edinburgh to go shopping, of all things! Hopefully Stanton has detained her."

  "You know, the woman's used to keeping busy. She needs something to do to occupy her hands and her mind. I'll tell you now she wasn't going to the city to shop, but to find employment."

  Harrison gave his grandmother a disdainful look. "MacAulay ladies do not work. I've told her as much on several occasions."

  Grandmother Jean shrugged. "Nevertheless, that's what she intends to do. I believe it would be to your advantage to find something to keep her occupied. And it had better be something worthwhile, or she'll know what you are about."

  "I'll think of something," he growled.

  "You know, we could always use another volunteer for our Women's Temperance Alliance, grandson."

  He scowled at her over his shoulder. "Not a chance in hell."

  Outside, Stanton was pleading with Brianna. Harrison was almost there when Brianna managed to escape Stanton's hold. She clumsily climbed on Challenger's back.

  "Stop, Brianna!"

  His shouting unfortunately, startled Challenger. The stallion raced away and down the cobblestone drive, Brianna clinging fiercely to his back.

  Stanton called, "John! Another horse. Quickly!"

  Shortly the stable boy tore outside with a big black horse. He shoved the reins at Harrison. Harrison flung himself onto Lucifer's back and Stanton handed him a quirt.

  As he thundered down the road, Harrison prayed she'd hold on until he could reach her. He cursed himself for not anticipating her impetuous behavior. She'd been irrationally angry with him. In his mind's eye he saw her falling from Challenger. Heard her screams as she landed on the hard-packed dirt road, followed by an awful silence. Imagined what his life would be like without her, and how his life would change without an heir. Up ahead he caught glimpses of brown and knew it was Brianna's coat. Within moments he managed to catch up with her.

  Brianna's face was pale with fright. Reaching over, Harrison grabbed at the dangling reins and missed. He cursed aloud as he fought to control the direction of his horse. He reached again. This time he managed to grasp the reins. He yanked them back with all his might. Challenger slowed. Eventually he came to a halt. Harrison held the reins, breathing heavily as he stared at Brianna. She leaned forward against Challenger's neck, clinging to his mane as she gulped air.

  "You could have broken your bloody neck!"

  She'd buried her face in Challenger's lush mane. Her shoulders were shaking. Harrison heard her sob. He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her. Then he saw one of her feet hanging free of the stirrup. He cursed again. How had she stayed on the horse?

  Thank God she was astride the animal. What would have happened if she'd been sitting a sidesaddle?

  He shouted. "Damn, but your God was guarding you, woman! What in bloody hell we're you thinking, taking Challenger? You could have been killed if you'd fallen! And what about our bairn? You apparently have no feelings whatsoever for him or her, but I do!"

  "You don't care a whit for me. 'Tis only the bairn!"

  Harrison scowled, but forced his voice to stay level. "Of course I care about our child, but I care for you equally as much. Now explain why you did such a foolhardy thing."

  "Because I'm bored to death sitting day after day in your home with nothing to do! I need to be productive. I need to find something to do with my time, and you cannot stop me from securing a position in town. And don't you dare tell me again MacAulay ladies do not work! This MacAulay woman will! Do you understand?"

  "Perfectly."

  She raised her chin. "So, are you telling me you won't interfere in my finding work?"

  "Hell, no!" he growled. He threw the quirt to the ground and dismounted. Staring up at her, hands on his hips, he said, "I'll warn every shopkeeper in Edinburgh not to hire you." His gaze flickered from her head to her toes. "Now, are you all right?"

  "Yes, I believe so."

  "Excellent."

  Brianna watched his hand, following its movement until he reached into his pocket. She frowned. "What in the world is that?"

  He pulled out the paddle and held it up. "An old instrument of punishment. My father's preferred choice on his children's rears. Perhaps after a few well-placed taps from it, you'll think twice about leaping without looking first."

  "Punishment for what? Fleeing your dominance?" she demanded.

  He answered her question the only way he could. "I'm laird of the MacAulay clan. You will obey me," he said softly.

  He truly had no choice but to discipline her. He wound his hands around her waist and hauled her down from Challenger's back. As soon as her feet touched the ground she made a mad dash straight for the forest.

  "Brianna, stop!"

  She didn't, of course. Why in the world had he expected her to obey him this time?

  He took a dozen running steps then stopped abruptly. He knew the woods. She didn't. If he were to hazard a guess, she'd likely come full circle and end up back on the road again. He ran to Challenger, vaulted onto his back and headed south. Off the road so that she wouldn't see him, he held Challenger still. Within moments Brianna suddenly appeared no more than ten yards away. Challenger snorted a greeting. "Damn!" Harrison said.

  Brianna whipped around and gasped when she saw him. Then she snatched up her skirts and ran down the road, away from him.

  Harrison nudged Challenger into a trot until he caught up with her. Then he leaned down and caught her around the waist. She screamed into his ear, nearly deafening him as he lifted her up in front of him. It took all of his strength to manage Challenger and Brianna as she smashed him in the head and around the shoulders. He guided Challenger with knees, finally managing to control his headstrong wife by throwing her face down across his saddle.

  "I hate you, you beast!" she cried.

  He smacked her rump twice with his leather-covered palm before dismounting. Then he dragged her down from his horse, holding her hard against him. "No, you don't hate me." He retained his grip on her wrists, his voice grim as he took in her furious face and tear-filled eyes. "You just hate anyone having any sort of control over your behavior. You really must learn to control yourself, sweet." He lifted her into his arms and strode into the forest until he found a fallen tree trunk. There he took a seat and bent her over his knees.

  "What about your behavior?" she shrieked. "You are far from what I'd consider a paragon of gentlemanly manners!" She twisted and reached up, ready to claw his face.

  He merely shrugged away her words as he fought off her hands. With her balanced over his knees he hiked up first her coat, then her skirt and petticoats. The fabric ballooned over her head. The sight of her white silky drawers made him think of other things he'd rather do than beat her. He trapped her wrists in one hand and delved into his coat pocket for the paddle. He brought it forth at the same time she twisted and looked at him over her shoulder.

  "Remember that I'm
carrying your heir," she said anxiously.

  He couldn't stop what he'd started. He'd lose all credibility in her eyes as head of his household if he did. "Don't worry, sweet," he said. "I plan on staying away from that sacred area." Gently, he rubbed her derriere. "It's this side that will hold my attention for the next several minutes."

  "I'll never forgive you for this!" she raged.

  "Over time you will." He growled, "My God, I thought I'd lost ye when ye stormed away on Challenger. Your independent streak has earned you a thrashing you won't soon forget."

  Brianna gasped when the paddle landed squarely on her buttocks. A second sharp smack made her shriek. He raised his hand, ready to land a third when he swore and loosened his grip on her. Then he threw the paddle and watched it disappear into the woods. He pulled her up so she stood in front of him and cupped her chin. "You will obey me from now on. You will follow my orders explicitly. Do you understand?"

  He caught the flash of anger in her eyes when she exclaimed, "If I feel what you ask of me is reasonable! I curse you and your damned clan. I'm an American. You cannot treat me this way."

  "You are a MacAulay. Never doubt it. And while you are living under my roof, I'll treat you as I see fit."

  She yanked his hand from her chin. "And I'm telling you I'll behave if I feel what you ask is fair." Then she planted a hand firmly in the center of his broad chest and shoved.

  "Ahh!" He fell backwards and landed on his back, legs curled over the trunk.

  She stood over him, her hands fisted on her hips. "Don't think a simple little kiss and apology will prompt me to forgive you, Harrison MacAulay. As soon as we arrive home I want a room of my own. From this day forward, you may enjoy your own company."

  ***

  Brianna glanced up when Harrison opened the door to the master bedchamber and strode inside. His lips thinned as he stood with his hands on his hips.

  "What do you think you're doing, Brianna?"

  She snatched up several dresses and headed for the door. Pausing beside him, she gave him a cool, long look. "Moving." Just as she reached the door he grasped her elbow and swung her around.

  He started pulling dresses from her arms but she held on tight. Between gritted teeth she said, "I refuse to get into a tug-of-war, Harrison. Let go!"

  He released the fabric and she stumbled back. He caught her up before she could fall. "You're not leaving this house," he warned.

  "Of course I'm not." She swung around and moved into the hallway.

  She heard his heavy footsteps clomping along behind her. "By, God, Brianna. Where are you off to, then?"

  "Grandmother Jean has generously offered to share her rooms with me."

  She entered the room at the end of the hallway. As she turned to close it, Harrison boldly moved inside, giving her no choice but to back up. With a shrug she made her way to the armoire.

  "Didn't I say you couldn't have your own room?"

  "You did, and I won't."

  As she hung her clothing, her skin prickled at his closeness. "Won't what?" he asked.

  She smiled fetchingly at him. "I won't have my own room. I'll be sharing with your grandmother?"

  His face turned a mottled red. She glanced down and saw his hands fisted at his sides. She braced herself, ready to deal with his fury, when he said, in an amazingly calm voice, "And I say you will not."

  "She most certainly will."

  Harrison's grandmother, Jean, came out of the bathing room. She was clothed in a royal blue satin dressing gown. A matching turban covered her hair.

  The elegant elderly woman purposefully approached Harrison, stopping directly in front of him. "Stop bullying the girl. I've allowed you to try and resolve your problems with your wife but you've botched the job! Your mother would turn over in her grave if she knew how abysmally you've treated Brianna."

  "I've treated her no differently than father would have mother," he said disdainfully, meeting his grandmother eye to eye.

  "Exactly! And that is the problem! How your poor mother ever came to terms with my son's despicable treatment of her is beyond me."

  "Mother loved father," Harrison snapped.

  Jean sighed. "Of course she did, but I also know she raised you to be respectful of womanhood--unlike your father."

  "I respect Brianna."

  She took Harrison's arm and walked with him. "Then you'll do the right thing and fetch the rest of her clothing." She gave him a small shove through the door and slammed it shut, but not before Brianna caught the surprised look on his face. Jean swiveled to face Brianna, a satisfied smile on her lips.

  Brianna giggled, then covered her lips with a hand. She slumped down on grandmother's bed and moved her hand to her heart. "I can't believe you managed to...well, manage him!"

  "I've had years of experience, dear woman. Now, you really must find a way to manage him yourself. You do realize your staying here is temporary."

  "Yes, of course. I just need time away from him." Brianna blushed at the twinkle in grandmother's eye.

  "Won't you miss him beside you during the night?"

  "Grandmother, really!"

  Jean laughed. "Of course you will. You've been inseparable for weeks. Do you think the family is unaware of what you two are doing each evening when you leave the parlor before everyone else?"

  "He is insatiable," Brianna whispered, her hands covering her hot cheeks.

  "Certainly. He is after all, a man, and you are a beautiful woman." She smiled gently. "I believe my grandson has fallen in love."

  Brianna shook her head. "No. He doesn't love me. He wants me because of what I can give him. His heir."

  "True, but he could have taken up with another woman if that's all he wanted."

  A small voice inside Brianna told her what Grandmother Jean said made sense. "I can't share a bed with him any longer." She sighed. "There's no reason to since I believe I may be expecting his heir."

  Jean shrugged. "Why deny yourself?"

  "Grandmother!" Brianna was shocked.

  "Stop being a prude," Jean chided. "It is rare for a woman to enjoy the sexual act. Why deny yourself the pleasure? My grandson has always been sought after by the ladies."

  Brianna frowned. "According to Harrison, Payton was the charming one."

  Jean smiled wistfully. "Oh, he's correct about that. Payton was a charming devil." She met Brianna's gaze and added, "But Harrison was the MacAulay heir. Never doubt he had more than his share of women."

  Brianna didn't doubt it. Jean left the bedroom and Brianna thought over her words. Why should she deny herself? She fought the battle with herself and was nearly on the verge of taking back everything she'd said to Harrison. She was ready to return to the master bedchamber when he stormed into the room and dumped an armful of clothing on the bed. He hardly looked at her. He turned on his heel, bypassing his valet, Wesley, whose arms were also full.

  "Just dump it all on the bed. The ladies will put it away."

  "Oh, but laird, maybe I should call on one of the maids..."

  "Do so," Harrison said, reaching the door.

  Brianna stepped forward, reached out to stop Harrison when he came to an abrupt halt. She pulled her hand back when he glanced at her over his shoulder. "Let me know when you are ready to be my wife again."

  Wesley scuttled from the room.

  "We never were married!" she shouted.

  With two strides he was beside her, his chest heaving. "I've already explained to you about our handfasting. It's legal, so never doubt it. But, remember this; I made an offer for your hand in marriage and you declined."

  She tilted her head back and met his angry gaze. Her eyes widened when she saw a glimpse of hurt there. No. Impossible. He didn't love her, and had only offered to marry her now that she carried his heir. Not only was it the law, but the dutiful thing to do.

  "Just remember, this is what you'll be missing, here, in your cold, lonely bed."

  She gasped when he captured her nape and swept her against hi
m, planting his lips on hers. He ravished her mouth until she moaned and went limp in his arms. As quickly as he'd taken her, he let her go.

  As she watched Harrison stalk from the room, Brianna had a feeling she'd just made the worst mistake in her life.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  March 1889

  Brianna's menses started shortly after she moved into grandmother Jean's rooms She dreaded telling Harrison, knowing he'd be disappointed. She was. Perhaps she was growing too old to have a child, she worried. But, the sooner she conceived and bore a child the sooner she could return to America. Unfortunately, she still hadn't found the nerve to tell him she wasn't pregnant.

  He hadn't touched her since she'd left his bedchamber. Yet he appeared so calm, so unaffected while she was feeling agitated from the deprival of his warm body. But her pride kept getting in the way; he'd struck her, something no man had ever done. She couldn't allow him to do so again. She wasn't at all sure she could believe that he wouldn't beat her in the future, as he'd promised. But a little voice inside told her she couldn't go back on her word; she'd promised to give him his heir.

  She sat sedately in the parlor, trying to enjoy her afternoon tea with the Grandmothers Jean and Mary, and Tess, who still hadn't returned home. But with each passing day, Brianna saw sadness in Tess's eyes. Brianna decided soon she would gently suggest that Tess return to her husband.

  Thoughts of her own relationship with Harrison entered Brianna's mind. She decided she had far too much time on her hands, which meant too much time to think about herself.

  "A penny for your thoughts, dear."

  Brianna smiled at Grandmother Mary. "I'm afraid that's approximately what they're worth."

  "What's wrong?" asked Grandmother Jean. "Are you still feeling ill?"

  "Oh, I'm fine, thank you. It's just that with the children in school all day I have no idea what to do with myself."

  "Don't let Harrison hear you say that, my girl. What are you thinking? Perhaps it's something I could help you with."

  "I'd like to find some worthwhile work to do, but when I mentioned it to Harrison, he reminded me my job is to care for Winterhaven. I've learned the servants here are quite capable, and the place seems to run well with little interference from me."