The MacAulay Bride

by Nancy Pirri

  "You brought this upon yerself. I warned ye years ago to be careful or ye would ruin your chances for a good match."

  She glared at him. "You just love informing me about how right you are about every little thing, don't you?" She wouldn't allow him to get the better of her. She'd learned her lesson and knew her limits. She smiled when she looked over her brother's shoulder and saw Raleigh McKenna as he entered the ballroom. My, he looks incredibly handsome this evening.

  "Listen, dear sister, frankly, I'm tired of keeping ye company. It dampens my style, ye know."

  She raised her brows. "What style would that be?"

  Crawford's face colored and she immediately felt contrite. He'd never had much success with the ladies. Then Crawford stared off across the ballroom and she followed his gaze. Brianna was dancing with young Rory Cullen.

  "Poor Brianna. She is far too tall for most of the men here," Connie said. "She does look a bit matronly now that she's expecting. One would think her further along than four months."

  "She's a beautiful woman," was the only response from Crawford.

  "No decent woman would ever wear red. Why would Harrison allow her to dress in that color?"

  "I believe it's wine-colored."

  He couldn't seem to get enough of looking at their neighbor. When the music ended, he escorted Connie to her chair. "I'll be back shortly."

  "Where in the world are you off to now? You can't just leave me here unattended," she snapped.

  "I'm fetching ye a glass of punch."

  "I require something stronger if I'm to survive this boring evening. For instance, a scotch whisky would be nice." She saw Raleigh heading purposefully toward her and sent him a wide smile.

  "One drink, Connie. No humiliating conduct this evening," Crawford said, piercing her with a dark look. "Ye will not make a fool of me again."

  Crawford saw McKenna nearly upon her and smiled He'd be dancing attendance upon Connie. Which meant Crawford would have time to himself.

  Swiveling on his heel he headed for the refreshment tables. He poured half a glass of Scotch whisky and carried it back to Connie. McKenna stood behind her. Waiting for her acknowledgement, apparently.

  Crawford gave Connie her drink and made his way around the perimeter of the ballroom Just once he wanted to hold Brianna in his arms. He saw her slip into a heavily draped alcove. He followed her and found her sitting on a cushioned seat, her head tilted against the backrest.

  "Ye are a lovely sight, Mrs. MacAulay."

  Her eyes snapped open. She gave him a wide-eyed look. He spread his legs in a wider stance. "Ye remember me?"

  "Of course. You're Connie's brother."

  "I passed the library and saw Harrison engrossed in a high stakes card game."

  The deep, wide neckline of her velvet gown, edged in Brussels lace, framed her wonderfully naked bosom. Short-capped sleeves showed off her slim, elegant arms. Even though he wanted nothing better than to slip his hand inside her bodice, Crawford managed to control his desire.

  "Tired, my lady?"

  "As a matter of fact, Mr. MacPhearson, I came here to find a moment of quiet. I'll thank you to leave."

  He chuckled at her snooty tone. "I have no intentions of leaving now that I've discovered ye alone. Ye are quite one of the most fetching women I've ever met. Dance with me."

  "I think not."

  Leaning down, he traced the line of her jaw with a gloved hand. He grinned when she jerked away from him. "We'll stay here, if ye like. I can think of a number of things I'd rather do then dance."

  She snatched up her skirts, ready to flee, but he blocked her way. "Get out of my way!" she said, her voice low but strong.

  He shook his head and moved forward a step.

  She held her ground. He had to admire her courage. In this hidden place he could certainly overcome her and have his way with her. His body felt hot as he saw her high breasts peeking out at him. He moved closer and ran one finger lightly from her wrist to her arm, then lightly touched the lace rimming her décolletage.

  She slapped him hard across the cheek. "How dare you!"

  Crawford's cheek stung. " I've been waiting all evening for yer guard dog to leave yer side, in between the constant flow of admirers begging a dance from ye."

  He caught her in his arms. "If ye won't dance with me a kiss would suffice."

  Just before his lips touched hers she pulled free and kicked him in the shins, first one, then the other. "You measly little cur," she snarled. "Get your bloody hands off me!"

  Crawford stumbled back in surprise. Surprise turned to anger then. "Why you little-- "

  She stalked after him. "If you didn't already have that sniveling high-pitched voice, I'd make certain that you did before you left this place, MacPhearson. Make no mistake!"

  Suddenly, the curtain opened and Connie stood in the opening. After a quick look at Brianna, she scowled at Crawford. "I suggest that if you value your life, you will leave immediately. Harrison has quit the gaming tables."

  He swore as he slipped out between the curtains.

  "Do you know what your husband would have done to my brother if he'd caught the two of you together?" Connie demanded.

  Brianna swiped a tendril of hair back from her forehead and gave Connie a grateful smile. "I had no idea this would happen," she protested. "I certainly didn't encourage him to pursue me."

  "Isn't it enough you have managed to snag the most eligible man in all of Scotland? What more do you want?"

  "Your brother accosted me tonight. He would have done more if you hadn't arrived when you did."

  Connie sighed. "He has difficulty with women. They don't seem to like him. It's his voice, of course. Now, then, I've something important to say to you. You've fallen in love with Harrison, haven't you?"

  Brianna blushed and looked away, unable to meet Connie's eyes. Of course, she loved him, but she wouldn't admit it to this woman. Connie was, after all, a bit of an adversary.

  "Even without speaking it aloud I can see that you do. I feel sorry for you. You see, Harrison will never love you, at least, not as much as you love him."

  "You are wrong," Brianna replied. "He's told me he loves me."

  Connie looked askance.

  "All right," Brianna amended, "Not in so many words, but he's indicated as much."

  "I know precisely how charming Laird Harrison MacAulay can be. You know that his primary reason for handfasting, and eventually marrying you is to beget an heir, don't you? But has he told you how he's lusted for you for years?"

  Brianna frowned. "He said not a word to me about that." But Brianna couldn't deny his attraction for her. It would be a lie if she did. "We were traveling aboard the ship to Scotland when he told me about the conditions of his father's will. Earlier he'd informed me his primary reason for coming for me and my sons was duty."

  Connie smiled, somewhat grimly. "He planned on having you from the moment he learned of Payton's death. And believe me, once Harrison pursues something, he always wins."

  Brianna shook her head in denial.

  "Sad, but true," Connie continued. "It's unfortunate for you that Payton's death proved to be so timely for Harrison. From the moment he received word of his brother's death, he made plans to fetch you for himself. Traveling by sea was a risky venture for him, but he had something of great importance to gain by doing so."

  Brianna gritted her teeth. "I've told you he said it was duty! And once I've given him an heir I'll return home to America. He promised me this."

  "Ah, yes, that damned, infernal MacAulay pride. I've no doubt that duty was a factor for fetching you." Gently, Connie added, "But the sooner you come to terms with the true reason, his begetting his heir, the better off you will be. Now then, I'd better find Crawford before he gets himself into more trouble." She swept up her golden satin skirts.

  "He's mine now," Brianna said.

  Connie froze. "Yes, but I wonder for how long?"

  Brianna's eyes filled with unshed tears as Con
nie left the alcove. She didn't know the woman well, and she had no reason to believe her. Connie had been in love with Harrison for years. But somehow Brianna believed she hadn't been lying. Brianna faced the awful truth then. She was in love with the bloody man! In love with another MacAulay.

  She heard Harrison's voice from the ballroom floor. More than ready to go home so she could question him, she rushed out of the alcove.

  He smiled when she bumped into him, and took her hand. "So, this is where you have been hiding."

  "I...I was just resting a bit."

  Harrison's hands moved up her arms to her shoulders. "Why didn't you tell me you were exhausted? I've been ready to leave for quite some time. You have no idea how difficult this evening has been for me."

  Difficult? Brianna frowned. "How so?"

  "Watching you dance with every man here."

  Brianna felt heat creep into her cheeks at his words. She looked away, unwilling to meet his eyes. She knew she'd find unequivocal desire there. She trembled, knowing there was nothing for her to do but bide her time. Once she was alone in her bed, she'd think of a workable plan to leave him. She must leave, for she could not trust him. She would never forgive him for deceiving her.

  The butler retrieved their wraps. Harrison donned his coat then helped Brianna with her midnight-velvet cape, buttoning it up to her chin. He caught her by surprise when he swept her into his arms. Before she could think about protesting he carried her outside to his carriage.

  He settled her onto the seat. Then he vaulted inside and sat beside her.

  The carriage lurched forward and Brianna fell back. Harrison pulled her against him, but she stiffened and held her clenched fists in her lap. She blinked away her tears in the darkness as she wondered how she would deal with his betrayal.

  At home Harrison escorted Brianna into the house. Faithful Maeve stood by, arms outstretched and scolding. "Ye should have found yer bed hours ago, m'lady."

  "You didn't need to wait up for us, Maeve," Harrison said.

  "Och, I couldn't sleep knowing Mrs. MacAulay's out all hours of the night." The small gray-haired woman scowled at Harrison. "It isn't good for her or the babe!"

  "Ah, Maeve, Brianna was the belle of the ball. We couldn't deprive the gentlemen of her charms too early," he said. He noticed the dark shadows beneath Brianna's downcast eyes. Guilt set in. He took her hand and brushed it with his lips. "Good night, sweet. Maeve is right. I can see you're exhausted. I'll be up shortly." He headed for the library but paused when Brianna spoke.

  "I won't be seeking my bed until we've talked."

  Harrison studied her a moment, then waved his hand toward the library. She swept past him and sat down on the chair in front of his desk.

  "Would you like a cup of tea?"

  She shook her head. Harrison sat down and stared at her, waiting for her to begin. When she didn't speak, he asked, "Did you enjoy yourself this evening?"

  "Yes, I did."

  "I worry about you, Brianna."

  She stared at him. "You do?" At his nod she added, "There's no need to."

  "You danced nearly every dance this evening." He smiled. "I was afraid you would drop my heir on the floor, before it was time for him to make an appearance."

  "Your heir," she said softly. "Yes, we certainly can't have anything happen to him, now can we?"

  Harrison heard bitterness in her tone and his smile slipped. "Let's stop this verbal fencing, shall we? Ye are obviously upset about something."

  "Why did you lie to me about your reasons for wanting me to come to Scotland?"

  His eyes widened and for a moment she saw astonishment there. He concealed it and asked, "What makes you think I lied?"

  "Why must you always reply to my question with a question? One would think you were an attorney and not a physician, for heaven's sake!"

  "I wasn't aware I did that."

  She nodded. "You do. Each time I pose a question you have no desire to answer. I...I heard things this evening that lead me to believe you haven't been completely honest with me."

  Harrison frowned. "Who, may I ask, provided you these revelations?"

  "Constance MacPhearson."

  Harrison sprang from his chair to pace the floor. "That interfering little...She had no reason to tell ye anything." He whirled away and stared into the fire. Something struck his back. He turned in time to catch his furious wife in his arms.

  "She was telling the truth, wasn't she? You've lied from the very beginning, haven't you?" she shouted, pummeling his chest. "It wasn't just duty that prompted you to come for me!"

  He managed to restrain her. "Stop it or you will hurt yourself." Then, slipping a hand behind her head, he pulled her close, pressing her forehead into his chest. "Hush, now."

  She continued striking him, wherever she could. After the second slap to one cheek he pressed her against his body, entrapped her arms against her sides. Still, she squirmed until he growled, "Will you listen to my explanation now?"

  Brianna gave his chest another impotent thump with her fist. "Give me one good reason why I should believe anything you say."

  "Did it never occur to you that Connie could have been exaggerating? Or lying outright?"

  She pulled out of his arms and sent him a baleful look. "Then why won't you deny what she said?"

  "I did what needed to be done," he said flatly. "I did the only thing I could do to save my clan--your clan now."

  " My God, there are thousands of women in this world, and any one of them would have willingly given you an heir. Why me?"

  "I fell in...suffice it to say I had my reasons."

  "What reasons?"

  "Have it your way. I came for you because you were perfect for my needs." Harrison knew his words had sounded cool and distant. How was he to convince her that he cared for her? Loved her enough to reveal his true feelings? Once he'd worn his heart on his sleeve and had paid the price for it.

  "So duty had nothing to do with it?"

  "Of course duty played a large part in my decision."

  Her voice shook when she asked, "A large part? I don't believe so. Here's what mattered most to you, my lord. I birthed sons for your brother. If I could give him two I could certainly give the Clan MacAulay patriarch one." She lifted her chin and met his eyes. "That is the primary reason you came for me, isn't it?"

  He stared at her, but didn't reply.

  "Answer me!"

  "Lower your voice," he ordered.

  He sank to the divan. After a long moment's silence he met her eyes. "All right. The truth. As soon as I received the wire informing me of Payton's death, I was determined to marry you, my primary purpose to beget an heir. But, my duty to care for you and your sons was never a question, even if we hadn't handfasted. I would have cared for you, Harry and Jamie. Brianna, my feelings have changed for you since we met."

  "How have they changed?"

  "You know that I care for you deeply, Brianna." Tell her you love her!

  "Perhaps you do, my lord, but how can I trust you? All you've done is tell tales from the day we met."

  "Haven't I given you everything I have to give since you came to Scotland?"

  "Every creature comfort, for certain. But life is more than those. You forced me to give up my boarding house business and leave my home, but those were the least of your crimes. You took something away from me that I cherished--the freedom to live my life as I chose to live it.

  "Now, if you'll excuse me, I will be occupied over the next several hours packing my bags." She swung away from the window and went to the door.

  Harrison cursed under his breath. He caught her in a gentle hold. "I won't allow you to leave me, Brianna. After you've birthed my son I know you will feel differently."

  "I'm not staying and you will not stop me."

  He shoved his fingers through his hair. "You're too far along to endure the journey."

  There came a knock on the door and Harrison called out, "Yes!"

  The door opened an
d Wesley stuck his head inside. "The master chamber is ready for ye and yer lady, laird." He took a quick look at Brianna and muttered, his cheeks reddening, "Mary's laying out yer night things."

  "Thank you, Wesley," Brianna said. "Please tell Mary she needn't wait up for me."

  "Oh! Aye, m'lady." He looked at Harrison.

  "Seek your bed, Wesley."

  Wesley slipped out the door and quietly shut it behind him.

  Harrison looked down at Brianna. "You're not leaving."

  She opened the door, but paused at his words.

  "For your safety, I cannot allow you to travel across the ocean while you are pregnant. After the babe's born you may leave, but not until then." He braced himself for her answer, hoping she'd be reasonable. The more he learned to know Brianna the less he wanted to dominate her.

  Brianna stared at him and his heart ached at the tears he saw in her eyes.

  "I can see that you do care for me, but I cannot stay."

  Harrison stood in the doorway and watched her flee up the stairs. He groaned and closed his eyes. How could he convince her to stay with him? He must convince her to marry him. No MacAulay heir had ever been born a bastard. His heir wasn't going to be the first.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  A month later, Harrison still hadn't managed to make peace with Brianna. He'd tried to woo her with evenings out to the theater and opera, and had quite frankly been surprised when she agreed to attend. He loved watching her expressive face and her joy as she watched the performances. She'd told him she especially appreciated William Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew--likely because she saw a resemblance to their relationship.

  He proposed marriage to her once, and had slid the betrothal ring off her finger and replaced it with his mother's wedding ring on her finger--a ring worn by every MacAulay chief's bride for over three hundred years. She had immediately pulled it off and slammed it into his palm.

  He'd tried browbeating her but was met with icy regard. From the day they met, he'd known she was strong-willed, but invincible? Lord, what would it take to make her change her mind about marrying him?

  His last patient of the day had just left. As Harrison removed his stethoscope, there was a knock on the door. "Paul! Tell whomever it is they'll need to return in the morning. Unless it's an emergency."