The MacAulay Bride

by Nancy Pirri

  "That it does," Jean replied. "Many of our servants have been here for years. What sort of work would you like to do?"

  "Other than running my boarding house, I only held one other position in my life, clerking in a millinery shop. I appreciated assisting the customers, and feel I was quite good at it. I appreciated the independence a weekly pay check gave me, even if most of it was spent moments after entering my pockets." She sighed. "And I'm lonely for adult companionship, truth be told."

  "But you have had plenty of callers!" Tess protested.

  "Yes, but we are strangers and one can only talk about family and the weather for so long. Am I being foolish, do you think?"

  "I don't believe so. I've learned you are not a pampered woman," Jean said. "My grandson should thank his lucky stars to have found you. I am also of the firm belief idle hands are worthless hands. Perhaps you should find some useful work to do."

  "Have you approached Harrison about this recently?" Mary asked.

  Brianna laughed mirthlessly. "You must be joking! I hinted at the idea last week but he told me it wasn't open for discussion. MacAulay ladies do not work, he said. My job is taking care of his heir and Winterhaven, and that's all. Frankly, Grandmother Mary, I'm not the sort of woman to be coddled. I'm bored silly!"

  "I have an idea," said Jean.

  Brianna's face lit up with excitement. "Yes? I'm listening!"

  "Perhaps you would care to join us in our latest endeavors to save mankind."

  "Oh, grandmother," Tess said, a smile on her lips. "You will provoke Harrison if you allow Brianna to participate in the movement."

  Brianna sat up straight and stared, brows raised. "Oh, for truth, he will not be happy. Besides, that is a rather tall order, isn't it?"

  "Yes, it certainly is, dear." Grandmother Jean moved her chair closer to Brianna and in great detail explained her cause.

  ***

  Harrison absently ate his beef stew as he stared through the window at the crowded street outside his clinic. Edinburgh was growing, becoming more populated every day, and his medical practice was growing along with it. Even though the city was inundated with doctors, he never failed to have less than twenty patients on any given day.

  A fine black carriage caught his attention as it raced down Queen's Street. He recognized the crest, and the passengers. One was his grandmother and beside her was Brianna--or her twin--wearing her sapphire hat. Cursing, he slammed his cup into its saucer. When he reached the window, he pressed his nose against the glass, just in time to see the carriage turn the next corner.

  "Damn!" He snatched his coat off a hook. He shrugged it on and jammed his top hat on his head. As he stepped out of his office he looked at his assistant. "Paul?"

  The young man looked up from his work. "Yes, Doctor MacAulay?"

  "I must leave but will return shortly."

  Harrison found the carriage parked where he knew it would be, outside his Aunt Marianne's home. He loved his aunt, his mother's youngest sister, but she was much too independent for her own good. In his opinion, she required a man to keep her in check.

  As a matter of fact, upon first meeting Brianna, he'd thought she behaved much like his aunt. Marianne was a very youthful thirty-five, just three years older than he, but she'd never married. On numerous occasions, she had told him that no man could give her anything that she couldn't supply for herself. She'd received plenty of offers of marriage, including a few from some prominent, wealthy English lords, but she'd turned them all down. Of course, there was Marianne's long-time liaison with Alexander Ravens, Earl of Chisholm, a traditional highlander if ever there was one.

  He reached his aunt's door and pounded on it. Marianne's stoic butler of many years opened the door. Before the man could utter a word, Harrison barked, "Is my aunt in residence?"

  The older man raised his gray eyebrows. "She is, my lord. Your wife is calling on her."

  "I was afraid of that," Harrison muttered.

  ***

  Brianna and Tess sat in Aunt Marianne's parlor listening to the stories his grandmothers and aunt told. At first she had difficulty believing the cruelty of some people, but the more she heard the more convinced she was she must help in some way.

  "Well, I never heard such horrible things in all my life. Can you imagine that poor woman bearing another child to that drunken lout?" Grandmother Jean said. "How many does that make, Marianne? Three?"

  "Four."

  "Well, isn't it her duty to birth children for her husband?" Brianna cautiously inserted.

  "Dear, you have no idea what poor Sally Fergussen has endured," said Marianne " Not every woman is lucky or wise enough to marry a gentleman who won't beat her. That awful man near broke her jaw last week, and all because he cannot control his drinking. Ask your husband, since he treated her."

  Tess gasped, "The beast!"

  "Broke her jaw?" Brianna asked, horrified.

  Marianne explained further indignities the woman had suffered at the hands of her husband.

  "I want to help, Aunt Marianne," Brianna said.

  Tess said, "As well as I."

  "Excellent," Marianne replied. "But what about Harrison?"

  Brianna raised her brow. "What about him?"

  "You know he's not terribly fond of the temperance alliance's activities," said Grandmother Jean.

  "From what you've told me the alliance's activities are for good, humanitarian causes. He may object, but he cannot stop me from joining in." She turned to Marianne. "Excuse me. Could you direct me to your necessary room?"

  "Of course, my dear!" Marianne led Brianna to the door, then opened it. "It's just down the hallway, first door on your right."

  Brianna closed the door behind her. She'd taken one step when someone grabbed her elbow and spun her around. Her hand flew to her mouth, stifling her surprised gasp. Harrison was scowling down at her. He pressed her against the wall and raised a finger to his lips.

  "What are you doing here?" she whispered.

  "I might ask the same thing of you, wife. Why aren't you home where you belong?"

  "Well! I never..."

  "You've been listening to my aunt and grandmothers far too long," he said dryly. He pulled her away from the wall and dragged her down the hallway.

  Her kid leather slippers couldn't find a foothold, and she protested, "I'm not ready to leave yet."

  "You are through here." With an eloquent look Harrison thanked Jansen for his efficiency as he accepted Brianna's cape and hat. He whisked the enveloping material around her shoulders and set her jaunty felt hat on her head. Jansen stood tall and straight beside the open door.

  Just as they passed the butler, Harrison said, "My thanks, Jansen. Inform my aunt and grandmother I'll be escorting my wife home."

  "Certainly, my lord."

  "Harrison, have you lost your mind?" Brianna asked as he rushed her down the stairs. "How will I ever explain this to your aunt and grandmother?"

  "I don't happen to feel that particular assemblage is a good influence on you."

  Brianna widened her eyes. "Your grandmother and aunt aren't good for me?"

  "They're all right, as long as they're apart, mind you. Put them together and they make a lethal combination. They're always searching for trouble. I won't have you associating with them."

  "You cannot dictate to me," she said, yanking her arm away. "You simply cannot. I've told you again and again that I need to find worthwhile work to do. I've been horribly lonely and at loose ends for weeks. And now that I've discovered your grandmother's cause, you tell me I can't participate. I say I will."

  "Not useful, you say? You are useful to me. That's all that matters. I say you will not associate with my grandmothers and aunt," he said coolly. "You have no idea what they do when they go out on one of their crusades."

  "Of course I've no idea, since you precipitously yanked me out of the house before I could find out."

  He came to an abrupt halt on the sidewalk. "I'll tell you then. Aunt Marianne, b
oth my grandmothers, and several other women in the community march from house to house, trying to instill their beliefs on people, starting with relatives first. Certainly we are all aware there are men who drink more than they should, which may cause strife in the home, but it's their business."

  "And I say thank God these women make it their business when terrible things happen to them and their children," Brianna said. "You must have heard what they said about poor Mrs. Fergussen, since you were listening outside the door."

  He sighed. "Yes, I heard every blasted word."

  "Did Sally Fergussen come to see you?"

  "Yes."

  "And you had no suspicions about her injuries?" she asked, astonished.

  "Of course I did, but what could I do? When I asked if her husband had hurt her, she denied it. She said she'd fallen down the stairs when she stumbled over her cat."

  "And you believed her?"

  "Nothing else was forthcoming from the woman. Yes, I believed her. Now then, I will not discuss this further in the middle of the sidewalk where everyone can hear us. We'll stop by the clinic and I'll have Paul close for the day."

  "And then?" she asked dubiously.

  "Then you and I shall retire to my townhouse to discuss what you will do with your life that will make me happy."

  She frowned. "I see. Not what will make me happy?"

  "Of course. We'll meet half way, somehow."

  "I'm delighted to hear you're willing to negotiate my life's direction," she said dryly. She walked sedately beside him. "It's not necessary for you to hold onto my arm quite so tight, Harrison. You'll leave bruises," she warned.

  He immediately relaxed his grip. "Sorry."

  "I do so admire your grandmothers' and aunt's strength and independence, even though I hardly know them." She sighed. "And I do envy their freedom."

  Harrison had no idea how to respond to that. Even after all these months together, she still thought about her damned independence. Wasn't she satisfied to be his wife?

  They reached the clinic. Harrison opened the door and stuck his head inside. "Paul, close up any time. If there's an emergency I'll be at my townhouse."

  "Aye, good afternoon to ye, Doctor."

  Harrison smiled at Brianna and tucked her arm through his. "Have you had your supper?"

  "Marianne had rung for tea just before you arrived." She sent him a sidelong glance and walked beside him. "You owe me a meal."

  "Would you care to try some authentic English dishes instead of Scots fare for a change?"

  She nodded. "Sounds wonderful."

  Two short blocks later they turned a corner. He glanced at her and grinned at the delightful look on her face as she took in the row of identical gray stone houses. They reached the one at the very end of the block and he opened the wrought-iron gate. After ushering her inside the town home he watched her slowly make her way down the hallway. He followed her, his hands folded behind his back, grinning at her wondering expression.

  He'd chosen well in furnishing his home away from home, with Aunt Marianne's advice. She'd convinced him that Turkish-style furnishings were all the rage now. When he wryly pointed out he was never one to follow fashion she said the furniture was also quite comfortable. That element convinced him to follow her advice.

  Two enormous divans faced each other on either side of the hearth. Both were covered in velvet, one in bronze, the other in sapphire. They were long enough he could stretch out and relax after a long day's work. Brilliant colored pillows were scattered across the divans and on the floor beside them. Mellow, gold-toned oak tables stood beside the upholstered pieces for convenient placement of refreshments. On the tables were lamps with gold rope tassels hanging from their shades.

  Brianna shrugged out of her cape and handed it to him. "This townhouse is yours?"

  "Yes." He took her cape and tossed it over the back of one divan.

  "Why have you kept this place a secret? And you've decorated it--well, it is rather unique, isn't it?"

  "I keep the house for when I'm called into town in the middle of the night on a medical emergency, delivering a baby, for instance. Usually, I'm exhausted afterwards. Having this place nearby is convenient. Unique as in good or bad?"

  She gave him a wide-eyed look. "I don't believe I've ever seen anything quite so beautiful. Wherever did you find such long divans?"

  "Aunt Marianne stumbled upon them." He decided it wasn't necessary to explain they'd come from some far eastern harem.

  He smiled. "Come view my bedroom."

  She looked at him suspiciously. "I'd like to see it, but you must behave, my lord."

  "I'll be the perfect gentleman."

  He waved his hand before him and Brianna moved up the flight of stairs, conscious of him close behind her. She reached the landing. Harrison stepped around her and opened a door. Her eyes widened at the sight of the enormous bed positioned against a far wall. Once again, brilliant colors were everywhere.

  "Why haven't you brought me here before? This place is beautiful and quite intimate. It reveals an unknown side of you. I love it."

  He grinned. "Is that a fact?"

  She crossed the room and sat down on the bed. "It seems that you may be possessed of a very passionate nature."

  "And how do you view Winterhaven?"

  "Old, reverent, traditional. I prefer this place."

  "I'm glad you like it." In a low voice, he added, "It's yours, as well. Come as often as you like, that is, until you're too uncomfortable riding in the carriage." He moved to her side. "Are you chilled? I could start a fire."

  "No. I'm fine, but we need to talk."

  "Ah." He smiled. "I've seen the way you watch me, Brianna. Day after day, even with my back turned, I feel you looking at me. Are you ready to return to my bed?"

  She didn't reply but he saw her cheeks turn pink, saw her small nod.

  "I thought as much," he said, satisfied. He'd patiently waited for her to make up her mind to return to him, knowing she would eventually. He wasn't blind, after all. He'd caught her admiring gaze often during the past four weeks, and he admitted to himself he was quite proud that he'd maintained control of the situation. He leaned over her, forcing her to recline flat upon the bed. "I suggest we go to bed now and talk later?"

  She scrambled off the bed. "Talk first. It's important."

  Heaving a sigh, he slumped down on the bed. "Of course. So, what shall we talk about?"

  "Something...well, something rather important. And I'm afraid you will be very disappointed."

  He frowned and came to his feet. "Go on."

  She met his gaze. "I'm not pregnant, Harrison."

  His frown deepened. "You're not? For certain?"

  "Yes. Absolutely."

  Harrison raked a hand through his hair as he took in her news. It hit him hard. He felt as though he'd taken a blow to his stomach. Looking at her, he gauged her expression, saw the hurt in her eyes. Yes, she seemed as disappointed as he. But then a slow smile formed. There was nothing they could do now but share a bed again. And, having Brianna back in his arms meant everything to him. He decided it was a very real possibility he could truly learn to love this woman.

  "I'm sorry, Harrison," she said softly.

  "I'm running out of time, Brianna. We must a share a bed again, and bloody well soon."

  "Yes. Immediately. But this doesn't change anything between us. You still believe I shouldn't find worthwhile work and I still believe I must. You still believe, as head of the MacAulay clan, that you must control me. But you can't, because I won't allow it."

  "True, but as long as we keep what happens here separate from our disagreements, we'll both, in the end, get what we each require--my heir and your freedom to return to America."

  She smiled faintly. "I'm glad you feel that way. Your words precisely express my sentiments. Now, then, I thought we could try out your bathing tub."

  "The tub," he said, deadpanned.

  "I imagine a bedchamber this sumptuous would have
a wonderful bathing room. Of course, I may be wrong, but I hope I'm not."

  Harrison swallowed the lump in his throat. "Let's relieve you of these clothes."

  "Thank you," she said demurely.

  He took her hand and pulled her toward him. He settled his hip against the bureau. Then he pulled her between his legs and carefully undid the row of tiny buttons down the front of her bodice. Her skin was creamy above the lace edge of her camisole. That such sweetness was his he found difficult to believe. He paused at a button level with her belly. Reaching down, he stroked the slight roundness, thinking sadly of their loss.

  She gasped, "Your hands are cold as ice. Perhaps you should join me in a hot bath."

  "You won't be able to stop me," he said. "But before I join you, I'm going to scrub every pore of your body."

  "Oh, such an indulgence. You may try, sir, if you last that long," she said coyly, edging toward the bathing room.

  He sent an amused scowl her way as he followed her. "I cannot believe you have the temerity to remind me of my dreadful weakness for you."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  After spending the night at the town home in Edinburgh, Harrison and Brianna returned to Winterhaven the following morning. They were, once again, on speaking terms. She doubted it would last. She put the thought from her mind, smiling as she thought about Harrison's lovemaking last night. It had been perfect between them, and no words had been necessary. If only they could always be of like mind, but she knew that was impossible. Quite simply, she was too independent and he too domineering.

  When he left her, she turned to more important business. Harrison's grandmothers had plans for her with their women's alliance. They had called another meeting for this very afternoon. Brianna sat in the parlor at Winterhaven, with Harrison's grandmothers and aunt, and several neighbors as they made plans.

  "It's settled then. Brianna will enter McTavish's Tavern and confront Scotty Fergussen," said Mrs. Kennedy, Aunt Marianne's friend and neighbor. She turned to Brianna. "Do you understand what you must do?"

  "I believe so," Brianna replied, tugging at the high collar on her shirtwaist. This first day of April was unseasonably warm, although the breeze from the Atlantic kept the temperature reasonably tolerable. "You know, it would make perfect sense for us to not only assist women who have been abused, due to their husbands' excesses, but to counsel them about the sensibility of not having any more children," she added.