Elise politely took enough to almost fill her plate, making sure to take more of the gifts than of her own food. She had been raised to be a proper estate wife and hostess, and she was well-versed in the etiquette of such gatherings.
Eventually Abigail and Thomas noticed that the food consumption was dwindling and the alcohol consumption was growing so they started to clear the plates. No one stopped them from removing plates full of leftovers and Elise gave Abigail a small nod of approval if she was interested in helping herself. She knew that her cook would take enough for probably two meals for herself and Thomas, but would not abuse the generosity. Elise and Henry would plan to eat the remaining food over the next few days and Abigail would be able to steal a bite here and there.
The evening dragged on with the men bragging loudly about their exploits with their swords as they waved their beer mugs in the air, and the women nodded politely as they sipped small glasses of wine. Eventually everyone staggered back to their own homes, and Elise made a hasty retreat to her own bedroom before Henry could get any ideas of twilight entertainment.
Chapter Three
Elise woke early the next morning, and since she knew Henry would be sleeping off his party from the night before, she slipped into a casual cotton dress and snuck downstairs to the kitchen.
After a pleasant cup of tea with Abigail, she packed a ham sandwich into small knapsack and decided to take a walk through the countryside. She had confirmed with Abigail that some of the extra food had made its way to their small home within the estate grounds, and folded a shawl into her bag before heading out for her walk.
The sun was just beginning to creep into the sky, and it painted away the stars with strokes of pink and orange and yellow. It was already starting to warm up, and it seemed that the day would be a hot one. She berated herself for not bringing any clean water, but hoped to find a stream or pond during her walk.
While the estate grounds themselves were rimmed with a large stone wall, it was harder to tell property lines once you exited the wall gate. She knew that Henry owned more than their immediate property but she paid no attention to the exact boundaries.
She walked leisurely along the line of trees, letting the grass tickle the tops of her feet as it bowed in the wind, and listening to the birds as they flitted around in the branches. It was a most pleasant summer morning, despite the impending heat of the day.
As the sun slowly climbed to the peak of the sky, Elise found herself walking further and further into the trees. They provided much appreciated shade for her pale skin, and kept the worst of the heat at bay. She found a small pond in the middle of the grove, and spread out her shawl on the grass for lunch. She smiled as she pulled out her simple ham sandwich and found the generous chunk of cheese that Abigail had hidden away for her. She slipped her shoes off and wiggled her toes in the cool water as she ate. It was turning out to be a nearly perfect day.
As she finished her meal, she slipped her shoes back on. She stood slowly, stretching and twisting as she shook out the shawl she had used as a blanket. She folded it back into her travel bag and slung the strap over her shoulder.
She could hear the soft thunder of distant hoof beats on the hard-packed road but paid them no attention even as they grew closer. She could not tell which road they were on since the large grove of trees was flanked on both sides by roads into the village.
She made her way through the trees, staying in the shade as long as possible. The horses’ hooves continued to grow louder, but the trees both muffled the sound and obstructed her view. Just as she decided it was time to step out into the sun, the hoof beats stopped and she found herself almost walking into the flank of the huge black beast.
“Oh!” she cried, startled at the sudden appearance of the horse and rider.
The horse stood so tall that all she could see was a shiny black flank and a dark brown knee-high riding boot.
“Madam?”
“Yes?” she asked, squinting up into the sun in an effort to see the source of the deep voice.
“I’m afraid you have startled my horse.” The voice seemed to hide a chuckle, but her heart was still pounding so fast, it was hard to be certain.
“He did me no favors either, sir,” her breathy gasps were hard to understand.
This time the deep voice rang out with laughter, “Now that I will grant you, my young friend.”
Elise wished she had wrapped her shawl around her shoulders instead of folding it away. She was certain that this unknown rider had a particularly personal view straight down the front of her house dress.
She continued to stare straight ahead at the scuffed boot in front of her face since the man gave no indication he was going to dismount and talk to her face to face.
“Well, I’m afraid I have some bad news young lady.”
“Wh-What’s that?”
“You are trespassing.”
“I am? I had no idea, sir. I am happy to return to my husband’s property. I’m afraid my walk took me further than I expected.”
“Normally, I would say that is fine. But it seems that my lord and your husband are in some sort of dispute over this particular area.”
“I did not realize that.”
“It seems that I have just found the perfect bargaining chip. I suspect it will win me great favors with the landowner.”
“Whatever do you mean, sir?”
Elise’s face was starting to feel flush and her heart sped back up inside her chest.
“What do you suppose a man would give up for the safe return of his wife?”
“What? You can’t mean… Oh dear…” Elise sighed heavily.
Henry’s business interests were far more important to him than any wife. If he wanted her back at all, she would regret the return for the rest of her life. But there was nothing much she could do either way.
“I would prefer that you come with me voluntarily, it would be much more pleasant for both of us. But understand me, you will not be returning home tonight.”
Her first thought was Abigail, and how worried her friend would be. Not to mention, if she never returned, Abigail would lose the benefits and generosity that Elise granted her.
Elise sighed again, “Perhaps you can help me to the horse?”
The man’s hand appeared in front of her face, and she grasped it tightly as he swung her up behind him. He prodded the horse to a run, and the three of them disappeared over the rise into a fate unknown.
Chapter Four
The horse jostled Elise worse than any carriage ride she had ever been on. She was certain that her ample bosom was bouncing and bumping into the broad back in front of her, and several times she had to clutch the man’s tunic to keep from bouncing off all together. She could feel him chuckle with every grasp but it was either that or get tossed to the unforgiving ground.
The sun was hot on her neck and shoulders and her small bag slapped against her thigh until she was certain she had a permanent bruise mark.
After what seemed like hours, the rider finally pulled the horse to a stop and Elise unclenched her eyes. They had stopped next to a small stone house that had a vegetable patch to one side, a chicken coop to the other, and a small wooden stable in the back. It was certainly not as large as Henry’s estate, but it looked decent enough.
The man slid off the horse and raised his arms towards her. She slid towards him and his large hands spanned her waist easily to lift her to the ground.
She found herself standing in front of one of the largest men she had ever encountered. His chest seemed as broad as the horse’s and his arms bulged with every motion. She was face to chest with him, and he stood almost a foot taller than her. In the shade of his fruit trees, she finally got a look at his face and it nearly took her breath away. His dark hair was swept back and his green eyes fairly danced as he watched her take him in. His jawline was strong and square, and speckled with dark stubble. As a representation of the male species, Henry paled in comparison.
&n
bsp; “Would you like to freshen up? I’m afraid my companion here is not accustomed to carrying delicate cargo such as yourself.”
Her cheeks flushed pink and she nodded mutely.
“I’m Elise,” she offered.
“William,” he smiled.
As she turned towards the house, he dug his nails into his palms to keep himself from tearing that thin cotton dress from the petite curves that had been pressed up against him for the entire ride.
He held the heavy wooden door open and she passed under his arm into the house. It was one story with what appeared to be three separate areas. There was a modest kitchen to her left, a sitting area to her right, and directly ahead of her was a door that presumably led to a bedroom.
William left her standing in the middle of the space and returned quickly with a bucket of water. He poured a little into a basin on the kitchen table and handed her a small cloth for washing. She dunked the cloth into the cool water and carefully patted her face and chest. The sun had been brutal and she was going to be upset if it colored her skin. Her creamy complexion was something she worked hard to maintain, but she did realize it was a privilege to not have to work in the sun.
William’s boots clomped on the wooden floor as he strode from the kitchen to the sitting area. He dropped into one of the chairs and seemed to be regarding her with a smirk.
“Yes?” she asked, half nervous and half indignant.
“Not sure there’s ever been a woman in my house before,” he chuckled.
“Well, that is certainly not my fault,” she snipped back.
He laughed from deep in his chest, “No, I don’t suppose it is. But I’m afraid I could get used to the sight.”
She blinked her big blue eyes at him and wrung the cloth out over the basin.
“I certainly hope you don’t mean me.”
“Well now, that’s not up to you or I, is it? That’s up to my boss and your husband. But I’m certain I can convince my landowner to allow you to stay with me, so that if your husband sends a raiding party, you won’t be found at the main estate.”
“Who will deliver the message to Henry?” she asked suddenly.
“Ah, I’m not sure. Probably one of the houseboys. Why?”
“I was wondering if I could send a private message to my cook. I know she will fret and I don’t like to make her worry. You can read the message if you like, I won’t be giving away any secrets. I would just like to let her know I’m okay.”
“You know how to write?”
“Yes, sir, I do.”
“And read?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very well then, I will let you send such a message if I can read it first.”
He produced a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed her a fountain pen that lay on the small side table. She scribbled a quick note to Abigail stating that she was alright and not to worry.
“See, very simple,” she reassured William.
“You promise not to run away?”
“What? Yes, where in heaven’s name would I go?”
“Very well then, I have to go up to the main house but I should be back before sundown. I will do my best to pass along your note.”
With a nod, William strode out of the house and shut the door firmly.
Elise sighed and sunk into one of the chairs. The house was decent enough, fairly clean for a man living alone, and in good repair. But the more time passed, the more her eyes drifted to the one door leading to the one bedroom that probably contained one bed.
Chapter Five
As the sun disappeared behind the hill, William returned to the house. Elise was still sitting in her chair pondering the state of her current predicament.
He nodded when he walked in, “Glad you’re still here. I’d hate to have to chase you down now that it’s getting dark.”
She smiled weakly at the imposing man.
“Shall we find something for dinner?”
“Certainly. I know how to cook a little bit.”
William laughed, “As do I since I live alone.”
“Did you get the note to the houseboy?”
“I did, but I can’t guarantee he will deliver it. It’s out of my hands now. But I think he will be headed to your husband’s estate tomorrow. It was too late in the day by the time I got there.”
Elise dragged herself from the chair and headed into the kitchen with him. It was not as well-stocked as hers back home but it seemed to have sufficient food for the two of them. She heated up several pieces of ham and potatoes in a pan on the stove, and served them up at the table with slices of dark brown bread and two mugs of ale. She did not typically have ale but it seemed to be the only liquid refreshment to be found. The meal filled her stomach but she longed for her sliced apples and chunks of cheese.
William took the dishes outside and washed them in a bucket of water and set them on the table to dry for the next day. She was surprised at how domestic he seemed, especially compared to Henry who probably would not know how to make himself a meal if he was starving.
“I’m domestic because I have to be, not because I want to be,” he mentioned.
She laughed softly, “Duly noted, sir.”
She noticed a pile of branches in the corner of the house, which brought her attention to the small fireplace in the wall near the sitting area. William followed her gaze and as she refilled their mugs, he lit a small fire. They settled into the two chairs and stared into the dancing flames quietly.
“So… I’ve never been kidnapped before. How does this work?”
William barked a sharp laugh, “I’m new to this too, but thank you for the high opinion of me.”
“Oh! I didn’t mean that. I just… I wasn’t sure what all is going to happen.”
“Me neither. I suppose tonight we will get some sleep, and then tomorrow I will go back to the house and wait for a reply from your husband. Henry? Right?”
“Yes, Henry. But I don’t—” she cut herself off mid-sentence.
“You don’t what?”
She looked up at his calm green eyes and sighed deeply.
“I don’t expect him to want me back.”
“Oh? What makes you think that?”
“I don’t think I please him,” she said softly.
“Do tell…” he laced his thick fingers together and rested them against his chin.
“Well, I do help hostess his parties but he has staff that can handle that. Not to mention the mistresses waiting in the wings. He doesn’t much care for my company and stays angry with me most of the time. Plus we’ve been married three years and I have yet to bear children.”
Her eyes were dark and heavy with embarrassment.
“That’s partly his fault, you know. It takes two to make a baby.”
She nodded and looked away from his intense gaze.
“Why did you marry him?”
“My parents arranged it before they died. And after they died, I was in no position to live on my own or find a different husband.”
“I see. Well, I’m not a supporter of arranged marriages but I understand they are common in certain circles.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“I don’t come from those circles. My parents were farmers and were both killed in a raid. Eventually I sold off the farm and have been working for this landowner for years. A few years back, I had earned enough to buy this place and I’ve been developing it ever since.”
“It’s very nice,” she murmured.
“I like the idea of being self-sufficient but I know it’s not possible to do that completely. I don’t grow grain for bread and I can’t make clothing. Plus, I have no interest in owning cows or pigs.”
She laughed, “So you still need the market in town then.”
“I think I always will, but I’ve been trying to get less and less from other people.”
She admired his attitude, that he wanted to take care of himself but was realistic about the way life was.
“We need to find you a pond so you can fish too,” she offered.
William laughed, “The landowner has several, and as long as I don’t take too many, he doesn’t mind if I fish in his.”
The mugs were empty and Elise was getting very sleepy. She tried not to nod off in front of William, but her heavy eyelids were no doubt betraying her.
Kidnapped By The Highlander Lord (Scottish Highlander Romance) Page 64
