The MacAulay Bride

by Nancy Pirri

  Harrison gave his brother-in-law a benign smile as he took a chair opposite him. "Which wouldn't matter in the least, since you are the most wealthy man in all of Great Britain. Come now, take Tess off my hands."

  Just as Max opened his mouth to reply, Tess spoke. "Then why are you here?" She scoffed, "To have me arrested?"

  She stood before him, her hands jammed on her hips, scowling. But Brianna saw the pain of rejection in her eyes, convinced that Tess did love her husband. But never had she seen two such mismatched people! Tess's fire-like temperament was a stark contrast to Max's cool, patrician manner. And she had to admit Max did seem more mature than Tess.

  He raised cool blue eyes to her. "You know I wouldn't do such a thing, Tess. I'm here to tell you that you may have your annulment."

  Brianna gasped. She looked at Tess who stared down at Max vacantly. Was that sadness she glimpsed in Max's eyes? Was it possible he didn't want to be separated from his wife? Tess's blank expression worried her so she bustled into the room. She wound her arm around Tess's shoulder and started leading her from the library. Harrison leaped from his chair. Max also rose and inclined his head.

  "What are you doing out of bed, Brianna?" Harrison scolded.

  "However would anyone be able to sleep with all the noise down here?" she replied. "Now, I suggest you two have your little discussion, without Tess's presence. Can you not see how you've upset her? Both of you," she added, glaring at Max. "When you are both going to behave in a gentlemanly fashion, you may speak with her. And please, lower your voices." Quickly, she led Tess away. Once she closed the door, Tess collapsed against Brianna and sobbed.

  ***

  "No annulment, Max," Harrison stated.

  "Honestly, Harry, I don't relish the idea of getting shot again," Max snapped. He sank down into his chair.

  Harrison had noticed the pronounced limp in his gait and hoped Max would heal well. Prayed his injury wasn't permanent. "Tess will be the perfect wife from now on. I give you my word."

  "The perfect wife?" Max asked dryly. "I wait with baited breath to view this miracle. Imagine if you will, the position I found myself in a fortnight ago. Your firebrand sister took me completely by surprise. Who was the blackguard who taught her how to shoot?"

  Harrison shrugged. "You know how Tess used to spend time with the stable boys and my man, Carney. She could have learned from any one of them, I suppose." He sank lower in his chair. "Just once more, Max. She understands this will be her last chance."

  "No," Max said coldly. "You have no idea how close I came to taking a crop to her backside. Your sister behaves little better than a child, not a woman anywhere near ready for marriage. She needs to grow up."

  "Come now, Max. You knew you were marrying a girl rather than a woman. Why in God's name didn't you take her in hand from the day of your marriage? Why didn't you take a switch to her?"

  Max looked appalled. "I've never struck a woman in my life! There are other ways to deal with the fairer sex, Harry. Beating them isn't one of them."

  "May I assume, since you are in this present deplorable state, you had no success with the other ways?"

  "Unfortunately, you are correct." Max frowned. "And the thought of it is galling. You are probably right. I should have taken her over my knee."

  Harrison glanced down at Max's injured leg and smiled ruefully. He admitted he wouldn't know how he would have reacted if Brianna had shot him.

  "I must say I never expected her to be quite so inexperienced," said Max, his voice filled with irony.

  Harrison took the chair opposite his friend and leveled a hard look on him. "Are you telling me you thought Tess wasn't an innocent before you married her?"

  Coloring, Max gave Harrison a sheepish look and opened his mouth to reply.

  Harrison warned, "Careful how you answer. You are speaking of my sister."

  "Your sister. My wife. I admit she had me fooled for a while. Damn it, Harry, you know what a tempting little vixen she can be! The true test of her innocence came about when I checked her carefully. I realized then she knew nothing at all about men, which made her even more attractive. I won't deny her innocence bolstered my ego."

  "How did you determine she was innocent?"

  Max stared at him fiercely. "How in blazes do you think?"

  "Tess said the two of you hadn't had relations, but you're telling me otherwise?"

  "Damn it all, I was stretching her a bit to see if she'd be able to take me." He shook his head. "I don't believe she can, Harry."

  "Nonsense!" Harrison scoffed. "Women are anatomically made for men. Remember, an infant can squeeze through that small portal."

  "Heaven save the world from virgin brides." Max rubbed his injured thigh then raised sad eyes to Harrison. "Why doesn't she want me, Harry?"

  Harrison leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "I wouldn't be asking you to take her back if she didn't, now would I?"

  "Of course you would," Max retorted. "I'm positively certain you spelled out Tess's 'duty' quite firmly. Remember, Harry, we've been friends for years and I know you well."

  "It seems I neglected my duty to her. It's my fault that she shot you."

  "How so?"

  "Do you recall my telling you how mother died while giving birth to Tess?"

  Max nodded, an expectant look on his face.

  "Well, it seems Tess has decided she's responsible for our mother's death."

  "That's utterly ridiculous!"

  "Of course it is, but not in Tess's mind. She told Brianna she's unwilling to perform her wifely duties because she's afraid of conceiving and dying in childbirth."

  Max slumped lower in his chair. "My God, same as her mother, you mean." He looked at Harrison. "This changes things, doesn't it?"

  "Take her back. She adores you. Allow her to prove it."

  "Oh, I'll certainly allow her the opportunity," Max snapped. "Send her in then, and fetch me that crop you keep behind the door."

  Harrison frowned. "Remember, now, you said you would go easy on her."

  "Did I?" Max shrugged.

  "You know," Harrison said, narrowing his eyes, " if I didn't know you as well as I do I'd say that was a threat."

  "I must maintain authority in my household. Unfortunately, the servants back home know what happened. If I allow her to get off without any punishment I'll have a mutiny on my hands."

  "You are right, of course."

  "No more than five strokes."

  Harrison nodded, grimacing at the thought of the thin crop blistering his sister's posterior, but she deserved the punishment.

  Max's sudden burst of raucous laughter caught Harrison by surprise. He scowled at Max who slumped further down in his chair, grinning.

  What in the world was so bloody funny? Harrison thought.

  Max calmed. "Truthfully, the crop is for my protection. You know I'd never lay a hand on Tess." He reached out and took the crop from Harrison.

  Harrison grinned and headed for the door. With his hand on the knob he turned to Max. "When the time comes, don't give her a second to think about your intentions. The element of surprise may be to your advantage. And if words don't work, get her inebriated. She'll never know what happened to her. Then the deed will be done, and you may proceed to teach her passion without having to worry about causing her pain or discomfort."

  He opened the door. Tess stood just outside, her visage white, her expression apprehensive. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Max will see you now."

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  June 1889

  Edinburgh, Scotland

  The dreary spring rains during the past few months had turned Scotland's landscape to a rich emerald green. Harrison's concerns about Brianna's involvement in the temperance alliance lightened with the arrival of the summer sun. She seemed, however, to savor each moment of trouble she could find--accompanied by his grandmothers and aunt. After the incident with Scotty Fergussen, Harrison had been forced to intervene twice more, in other temperance act
ivities, or he believed Brianna would have been hurt.

  Tess had returned home with Max to England, after the two of them had formed a truce of sorts. Harrison was thankful for Tess's departure. She was one less female family member to worry about.

  He'd risen an hour ago while Brianna was still abed. He polished off his third cup of coffee, and read the entire newspaper but she still hadn't appeared. Last evening, as they climbed the stairs to their separate bedchambers, he'd told her he had something important to discuss with her in the morning. He decided she was avoiding him and the discussion. The doorbell caught his attention and he rose from his chair. Just before he reached the door Connie MacPhearson burst into the library.

  "Thank God you're home, Harrison!"

  Harrison lounged back against his desk. "Good morning to you, too, Connie. To what do I owe this visit?"

  Connie tilted up her small chin. "We need to talk about something very important. Sit down."

  He raised his brow. "You haven't changed a bit since I saw you last. What was it? Perhaps just three or four months ago, wasn't it?"

  She gave him a skeptical look as she took the chair in front of his desk. "Is that a good thing?"

  "Of course it is. You've always been beautiful. We grew up together. We have a fondness for each other."

  "True, unfortunately, six months ago you put me in my place about how far that fondness should go, didn't you? Well, all it's done is lead me to another man."

  Harrison sank into his chair. "Are you saying you and McKenna..."

  "What about McKenna," she interrupted. "What has he told you?"

  "Not much, I'm afraid. Has he proposed marriage?"

  "Three times, thus far. I'm finding it more difficult each time to turn him down, as you bloody well should have guessed!"

  Harrison shrugged. "Then accept his proposal. You'll make him a very happy man, not to mention your slave forever."

  She snorted. "Slave, hah! All the man can think about is the pitter-patter of feet in his house. He wants children for God's sake. Immediately."

  "What man doesn't? Does that surprise you?"

  "I suppose not," she grumbled, "but I don't think I'd be very good at it. Besides, I would want us to have a chance to get to know each other a little first."

  "That's reasonable," he said. "So, why are you here on my doorstep?"

  She stunned him with her next words.

  "After we're married, I want a year with McKenna without conceiving. Help me, Harrison."

  Harrison leaned forward and laced his fingers together. "Why an entire year? I should think within the first few months you should know him well enough."

  "I'm not certain I love him."

  "Of course you do. You wouldn't be thinking of marrying him if you didn't."

  She shook her head. "No, you're wrong. I don't know if I can ever love a man as much as I love you, Harrison."

  ***

  "...if I can ever love a man as much as I love you, Harrison."

  Brianna froze at the sound of a woman's voice confessing her love for Harrison. She raised her hand to cover the cry that nearly slipped from her lips. She leaned back against the wall and listened, but the woman's voice had softened. Then she heard sobs and Harrison's soothing voice.

  Maeve entered the foyer. Brianna raised her finger to her mouth. The older woman glanced at the partially closed library door with a shake of her head before she went away.

  Maeve likely thought her horrible for eavesdropping, but she couldn't seem to pull herself away from the wall. Laughter, both masculine and feminine, drifted into the hallway. For all she knew, they were carrying on a dalliance. What did she care? All she wanted was to go home, away from her arrogant, demanding husband.

  She ran down the hallway and out the front door. As she sat down on the brick stoop she wondered if any MacAulay woman had ever done so before. Her stomach churned, and not just because of the conversation she'd overheard. She was pregnant-- for certain this time. She planned on telling Harrison last evening, until he said he wanted to speak to her in the morning about something rather important. Likely he'd guessed she was pregnant, just as he'd done the first time.

  The door suddenly opened, nearly bumping her from the stoop. She gasped when a pair of hands hauled her to her feet. Harrison!

  "What in the world are you doing sitting out here on the steps, Brianna?"

  "Waiting to speak with you, but you had company," she snapped. She glared at Harrison, then at Connie, who appeared about to laugh.

  "Connie's leaving."

  "Yes, and I can't thank you enough, Harrison," Connie said. She aimed at his mouth, but Harrison dodged it. She kissed his cheek instead and sighed.

  "Let me know what happens with McKenna." Harrison told her.

  "Oh, you'll be the first to hear, my lord," Connie replied, a dimpled smile on her lips. She turned to Brianna. "Nice to see you again, dear. Oh! When is the next women's temperance meeting?"

  The question caught Brianna by surprise.

  Before she could answer, Harrison said, "Bloody hell! Don't tell me my grandmothers have gotten to you? I thought you had better sense than that!"

  Connie's laughter filled the air. "We ladies must stick together. Besides, your grandmothers are very persuasive, and too delightful to ignore. Och, I'm late for home."

  She rushed down the stairs and headed for her mount. A stable boy appeared and gave her a leg up. She rode off, her horse's hooves throwing dirt along the way.

  Brianna envied the woman's competence in the saddle.

  "You were looking for me, weren't you?" Harrison asked. He took her elbow and guided her into the house.

  Brianna caught the knowing look in his eye. "You knew I was listening at the door, didn't you?"

  Harrison chuckled as he settled her into the chair in front of his desk. He leaned against it and folded his arm. "I caught a glimpse of those abominable black skirts as you passed by."

  "Why was she here?" Brianna demanded. "You'd told me your business with her was finished."

  "It is, but it's difficult to ignore one's neighbors. Besides, Connie and I have been friends for years."

  "Friends," Brianna said, expressionlessly. "Don't you know the woman is in love with you?"

  Harrison frowned. "Last year, for just a short while, but no longer." He cocked his head to the side. "If I didn't know better I'd say you cared. Do I hear a bit of jealousy in your voice?"

  "Hardly! It's just that, well, I'm carrying your heir. So it's high time you put other women aside. At least while I'm expecting."

  "For certain?" Harrison asked.

  Brianna heard the surprise in his voice. Saw the hopeful expression on his face. Her cheeks turned hot under his very thorough gaze moving over her from head to toe. "Yes, truly. I've already been to the doctor."

  "This is wonderful news, Brianna! How far along are you?"

  "Just a month. It may be a bit premature for us to celebrate, Harrison."

  "Nonsense. How do you feel?" he asked gently.

  "Horrible, which, I suppose, is a good thing. It's precisely how I felt with Harry and Jamie."

  "That's good then."

  "Oh? And why is that?" Why in the world would he want her to feel ill, she wondered?

  "Because I highly doubt you'll be traipsing through town with the Women's Temperance Alliance while feeling horrible."

  Brianna lifted her chin. "I will continue working for the good of all women until I have no choice but to seek my bed."

  He tightened his jaw and clamped his teeth together. Then he gave a curt nod, and left the library.

  Brianna was almost unable to believe he'd actually left without arguing. She thought he should know her better now. Just see if she would stay home and knit stockings for the duration of her pregnancy. She smiled. She'd show him.

  A moment later, her smile slipped when she remembered the tight look on his face. He would try to find a way to stop her from pursuing her cause.

  Let him
try. She would not yield to him in this.

  ***

  In August, Harrison held a ball to introduce Brianna to Edinburgh society. Connie MacPhearson stood beside her brother, Crawford, her head tilted to one side as she stared at Brianna dancing with Harrison.

  "What makes her so sought after, I wonder?" she asked. Men had been lined up for the past hour waiting to dance with Brianna. Wryly, she noted how Harrison had deftly managed to snag his wife away from the next man in line.

  "Yer claws are showing, Connie," Crawford MacPhearson reminded his sister. "Behave yourself."

  "I imagine I must, since there are no eligible men beating a path my way," Connie said philosophically.

  "We are exceedingly lucky to have secured an invitation to Marianne MacLeod's ball, considering the fiasco that occurred at the last one we attended."

  "Which one?"

  He gave his sister an incredible look. "How have ye forgotten already? I'm referring to the McReynolds ball last fall. Of course, I can't expect ye to recall a bloody thing, since ye made an absolute fool of yourself when ye became disgustingly inebriated. I suppose it's too much to ask ye to remember that ye spilled punch over half the guests, before I managed to hustle ye out of the place."

  Connie gritted her teeth. "You know very well that I was trying to get over my feelings for Harrison. And thank you so much for reminding me. Now let's not belabor the point, shall we?"

  Crawford took his sister in his arms and swung her onto the floor. She'd managed over the course of the years to pass up a number of eligible men's requests for her hand. Only Harrison MacAulay had appealed to her. Unfortunately, Harrison had merely thought of her as a sister, until last year.

  One evening, Connie had filled Harrison's gullet with fine Scotch whisky while she listened with heartfelt sympathies to his woes. She woke in his bed the following morning and feigned shock and dismay. Harrison offered to court her, mostly from guilt, she knew. And he would have married her if she hadn't given into that tempting bastard, Raleigh McKenna. Harrison's barrister had pursued her relentlessly. She'd given the man one measly night, albeit a memorable one. When she learned Raleigh had confessed their liaison to Harrison, she could have killed him. With gentlemanly aplomb, Harrison had stepped aside, telling them they were meant for each other.