by Katy Baker
"Ye can see Darcy later. I'll not let it be said that any guest of mine died of a chill! Then, when ye’ve recovered a little, we are gonna celebrate! Come on!"
Darcy looked over her shoulder as she was herded across the hall. The look she gave him set Quinn's heart on fire.
Later, that look said. Later.
Chapter 13
LIGHT STREAMING THROUGH her bedroom windows woke Darcy the next morning. She opened her eyes, squinting, to see Alice pulling back the drapes.
She groaned and turned over, burying her head in the pillow. "What time is it?"
"Nearly the third hour after dawn, Lady Darcy," Alice replied "Lady Rebecca said I should let you sleep in after yer day yesterday."
Sleep in? Darcy said to herself. It's barely seven o'clock!
"Thank you, Alice," she mumbled. "I'll get myself ready. Tell Rebecca I'll be down shortly."
Alice nodded and crossed to the door. She paused before leaving and looked back at Darcy. "Is it true?" she asked.
Darcy sat up, wrapping her hands around her knees. "Is what true?"
"That in America there are women warriors and chieftains and that a woman can do whatever she pleases, even if her menfolk don't approve?"
The look of wonder on Alice's face made her smile. "Yes, Alice, it's true."
Alice's smile grew. "I'll tell Lady Rebecca ye'll be down anon," she said before slipping out and closing the door softly behind her.
Darcy threw back the covers and padded over to the window. The sky was blue and clear, the sun shining down. The large puddles that dotted the courtyard were the only indicator of the downpour yesterday. A twinge of guilt stabbed at Darcy. The clan was up and about, everyone already going about their day, and here she was sleeping late! She washed and dressed then pulled open her bedroom door and halted in surprise.
A bunch of meadow flowers lay on her doorstep.
They were tied with a red ribbon – tied with clumsy fingers that made the bow a big messy knot. She had no doubt who they were from. With a little cry of pleasure she scooped them up and held them to her nose. The scent reminded her of summer – and of Quinn. His scent seemed to be the smell of the Highlands themselves – clean air, sharp wind and the grasses that blew in that wind.
Ah, Quinn.
What was she to do about him? He'd filled her dreams all night. Those piercing eyes, that chiseled face, those strong arms. Yesterday had changed something between them. Darcy wasn't entirely sure what. She only knew that something was growing inside her. Something dangerous. If she gave into it, she would lose herself. Lose herself in him. But wasn't she going home soon?
She placed the flowers on her dressing table – reminding herself to ask Alice for a vase – and hurried downstairs to the great hall. She was disappointed to find it almost empty. There was no sign of Quinn, Laird Robert or any of the warriors. A few servants were sweeping the floor and Rebecca was seated at the head table with the steward, looking over parchments laid out on the table before them.
"Morning, sleepy!" Rebecca called. "Come on over and join us."
Darcy held up a hand. "I don't want to interrupt, you look busy."
Rebecca pulled a face. "Ye can interrupt all ye want. If I read one more account of drainage problems in the southern meadows, I swear I'll fall asleep!"
The old steward, a man named Jamie, rolled his eyes at Rebecca. "And here's me thinking I'd finally impressed on ye the joys of estate management."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Rebecca said, eyes going wide and putting her hand to her mouth. "I didnae mean ye are dull of course, Jamie, just that we've not talked of the most interesting of subjects have we?"
Jamie's eyes twinkled with merriment. "Aye, that we haven't. Well, mayhap it's time we took a break. My old bones could do with a rest by cook's fire and a mug of her finest brew. These damp days make my bones ache." He climbed slowly to his feet. "If ye ladies will excuse me?"
He gave a little bow and then disappeared through the doorway that led to the kitchen. Rebecca swept aside some of the parchments and patted the seat next to her. Darcy slipped into it.
"Well, ye look like ye slept well."
"I did," Darcy agreed. "I hadn't realized I was so tired."
"And who can blame ye with all the fuss last night? I hope the clan didnae overdo it. They can be a little... excitable at times."
Darcy laughed, leaning against the wooden back of her chair. "I really enjoyed myself," Darcy said, remembering the singing and the dancing. "Everyone was so kind. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me."
Rebecca waved away her thanks. "I'd say ye have repaid our hospitality many times over." She clapped her hands and Alice stuck her head into the hall. "Fetch Lady Darcy some breakfast will ye? I'll bet she's hungry enough to eat a horse."
As Darcy ate, they fell into easy companionship. Rebecca chatted – well gossiped really, albeit good-naturedly – about the goings on in the clan. Lily's new cloth had gone down a storm. Half the clan warriors had ordered new plaid from her and she was so busy she'd had to place a second order of cloth from her Flemish supplier. There were rumors Old Mac was planning on asking Annie Dunbar, a widow who lived with her daughter, for her hand in marriage.
Rebecca seemed to know everything about everyone and it wasn't long before she got around to the subject Darcy had been dreading.
"He's not here," she said, raising an eyebrow at Darcy.
"Who?" Darcy said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Quinn, of course. Did ye think I hadnae noticed how ye keep looking up every time the door opens?"
Darcy blushed. "Do I?"
Rebecca patted her companionably on the arm. "He'll be back soon, nae doubt. He dragged Robert and the men out of bed at the crack of dawn this morning so they could start their training. No doubt so the rest of his day will be free for other things. Did ye like the flowers?"
"You know about the flowers?"
"Aye. He asked my advice before he went down to the meadow to pick them. He might be a brave warrior and a fine leader of men but when it comes to the gentler arts, our Quinn can be a little clueless."
"I loved them," Darcy said. "They're beautiful." She found herself suddenly spilling out words. "I hadn't expected it. I didn't think Quinn liked me like that. He always seemed to find me...exasperating."
"And no doubt he still will," Rebecca laughed. "But that doesnae mean he canna find ye attractive as well. And judging by what I saw on the step last night, he certainly does that."
Darcy shook her head. "This has all happened so quickly," she confided in Rebecca. "I...I'm a little overwhelmed."
"Do ye feel aught for him?"
"Yes!" Darcy said vehemently. "But it's not that simple."
Rebecca nodded. "Aye. The best things rarely are."
At that moment the door to the great hall opened, letting in a gust of air that sent the candles fluttering. Quinn and Robert walked in, Robert talking animatedly whilst Quinn listened. Both men wore swords strapped across their backs, fresh from the training yard.
They approached the two women and Robert leaned down to give his wife a noisy kiss on the cheek. "I see ye've chased Jamie off already then? I told ye you'd soon get bored."
Rebecca frowned at her husband. "Nonsense. Jamie and I have been working all morning whilst ye boys have been playing at swords. Isn't that right, Darcy?"
"That's right," Darcy muttered, barely hearing Rebecca's words. She had eyes for nobody but Quinn.
He took a seat next to her. "Are ye well?" he murmured. "How was yer night's sleep?"
"Fine. Good. Thanks for the flowers."
He fixed her with a look that made her heart flutter. Slightly out of breath, slightly sweaty from training, his hair falling in tousled locks onto his shoulders, he was so handsome it stole her breath.
"Yer most welcome. I'm glad ye slept well," he said. "I need ye fresh and rested today."
Darcy raised an eyebrow at him. "Whatever for
?"
Quinn glanced at Rebecca and Robert who appeared to be chatting amongst themselves although Darcy had no doubt they were listening to every word. "I was hoping if ye've nothing better to do if ye'd like to come riding with me."
"Riding?" Darcy said.
"Aye," Quinn frowned. "But if ye dinna fancy it, if yer tired or whatever-"
"I'd love to!" Darcy said, cutting Quinn off.
The smile that lit Quinn's face made her heart soar. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet, curling his fingers gently round hers.
"Ye take care of our Darcy, ye hear?" Rebecca called after them as Quinn led Darcy towards the door.
Quinn glanced back over his shoulder. "Dinna worry, lass. I intend to."
Two horses were saddled and ready in the stables. One of them was Silver, Quinn's enormous warhorse, but the other was a beautiful chestnut mare with a flowing mane. Darcy looked her over with appreciative eyes, unable to stop being the vet.
"She's stunning," she breathed.
"Aye. Barley's her name. I hope the two of ye will get on."
One of the stable boys held Barley steady whilst Darcy swung herself into the saddle. Quinn climbed into Silver's saddle with the practiced ease of someone who's spent his life in the saddle. With a tug of the reins, they set off, heading out of the castle gates and walking the horses side by side along the causeway.
It promised to be a glorious day. The sun was already hot and shimmered off the loch like a million little fireflies. Yesterday's rain was starting to evaporate and pockets of steam rose from the hills. It wouldn't be long though before it burned off completely, leaving a beautiful sunny day. At the end of the causeway they turned north, away from the village, hugging the banks of the loch. In this direction the land turned more rugged and there were very few crofts visible. Dunbreggan was soon out of sight behind them. They could have been the only people in the whole world.
They rode in silence to the accompaniment of the singing of birds in the heather. Relaxation began to flood through Darcy's limbs. She let out a contented sigh.
"Ye all right, lass?" Quinn asked.
"Mmm," she said, a little dreamily. "I was just thinking how beautiful this place is. You have a wonderful home."
"Aye, I do." He fiddled with his reins for a moment. "And yer home? What's it like?"
Darcy thought for a moment. The traffic, the high-rises, the bars and cafes and restaurants. It felt a million miles and a million years away from here.
"My home is an amazing place. It's full of life and busyness and opportunity. But it's also a bit crazy as well."
"Do ye miss it?"
She met his gaze. "Yes. Sometimes. But not as much as I expected."
"And yer kin folk? Will they nae be worrying themselves sick over ye?"
"My friend Gretchen will, no doubt. She'll have the police out by now I'd wager. I wouldn't put it past her to come to Scotland herself looking for me!"
Quinn snorted. "That's all we need, another fierce American to deal with. One is quite enough for me."
Darcy raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm not that bad when you get to know me!"
She'd meant it as a joke but Quinn seemed to take it seriously. "Aye, I know that," he said. "Not too bad at all."
He was looking at her that way again. The way that made her heart lurch and sent shivers down her spine.
"We'll turn inland," he said. "It's easier riding that direction although we'll lose sight of the loch."
"Don't go easy on my account," Darcy said. "But if you'd like an easier route yourself, you only have to say so."
"Me?" Quinn said indignantly. "I was thinking of ye. I'm wasnae sure how good yer horsemanship is."
"Don't you mean, 'horsewomanship?' And my riding is just fine, thanks."
Quinn snorted but said nothing.
Darcy frowned. "What?"
"Nothing."
"Quinn MacFarlane if you've got something to say then say it."
It was his turn to raise an eyebrow at her. "Yer riding style – it's unconventional."
She looked down and realized that her gown had ridden up past her knees and showed an indecent amount of bare thigh. These dresses were not designed for riding. No doubt the women of this time rode side-saddle or something equally ridiculous. Well, she'd be damned if she was going to do that.
"Unconventional equals fantastic where I'm from. Care to put it to the test?"
Quinn seemed to be hiding a smile. "What do ye propose?"
"A race. First to that rock over there wins. What do you say?"
"I dinna think-"
"Yah!" Before Quinn could finish the sentence Darcy set her heels to Barley's flanks and sent her racing off down the beach. She crouched low in the saddle, standing in the stirrups, feeling the rush of wind on her hair.
After a moment she heard Quinn curse and risked a glance behind. He was thundering after her, a fierce look on his face.
"Yer mad, lass! Do ye know that?"
"I thought we'd agreed I was unconventional?" she yelled back.
"Aye! That too!"
Darcy laughed and turned her attention back to her mount. With a cry of exhilaration she nudged her to greater speed. The beach flew by underneath the mare's hooves and Darcy's hair went streaming out behind her. A flock of seabirds scattered into the air and Darcy whooped aloud at the sheer exhilarating joy of it.
Quinn pulled abreast of her and she could see that he was grinning too, his eyes alight with excitement. "I thought ye said you were a good horsewoman!" he shouted. "My old grandmother could do better than this!"
"Oh do you think?" she yelled back. "Eat my dust, Quinn MacFarlane!"
She urged Barley to greater speed. Neck and neck, the horses' shoulders almost touching, Darcy and Quinn raced across the sand. The horses whinnied, enjoying the ride as much as their riders. Sand flew from beneath the horses' hooves. The wind tore at Darcy's clothing and squeezed tears from the corners of her eyes.
The rock was getting closer. If she could just reach it ahead...
She pressed herself flat against Barley's neck and released the reins, giving the horse her head. With a shrill whinny Barley bunched her muscles and put on a burst of speed that had Darcy clinging desperately to the saddle. She burst past the rock a good five paces ahead of Quinn.
Darcy punched her fist into the air, letting out a whoop of triumph. She grabbed the reins and pulled the horse into a canter, a trot and finally to a halt. Quinn reined in beside her. For a moment they just sat there, grinning like children, chests heaving.
"So?" Darcy asked. "Do you acknowledge I'm the better rider? I won the race after all."
"Ye cheated!" Quinn spluttered. "Ye were off and running before I could even take breath!"
Darcy shrugged. "I never said I was fair, did I?"
"Nae, lass, ye didnae," Quinn said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I acknowledge yer win though it does hurt my manly pride to say so."
He swung a leg over the saddle and dropped onto the sand, pulling the reins over the horse's head and patting the beast's lathered side. "Did ye enjoy that, boy? Would ye like to go riding with Lady Darcy more often?" He looked at Darcy. "He says, aye, he would."
Darcy swung out of the saddle. "What's that, Barley?" she said, leaning close to the chestnut mare. "You'd like to go riding with Quinn more often? Well, that's settled then isn't it?"
Quinn grinned. "Certainly is. We canna argue with the beasts now can we? Though we'd best let them get some rest after such exertion."
They led the horses to the edge of the beach where it gave way onto the heather-cloaked hills on the other side. They rubbed down the horses, and tethered them on long lines. Quinn opened his bulging saddlebags and took out two nose-bags which he filled with oats. The two horses were soon happily munching away.
Darcy found herself looking out over the water. True to her prediction, the rains from yesterday had evaporated and now the sky was an uninterrupted blanket of blue. The light was so bright
Darcy had to squint to look at it. She turned to face south. Somewhere down there was the stone arch and her way home.
"What are ye thinking, lass?"
Quinn moved so quietly she hadn't heard him come up beside her. He was standing close, his arm almost brushing hers.
"Nothing, really. Just about how strange fate can be sometimes."
He grunted. "Ye'll get no argument from me on that score." He looked out over the loch and Darcy surreptitiously watched him from under her eyelids. He had a faraway look on his face, as though his thoughts had suddenly flown far away.
"My turn," Darcy said. "Tell me what you're thinking."
"Oh, just wondering how I'm gonna stop ye telling the clan about how I lost to ye in that horse race. I have a reputation to protect after all."
"No chance!" Darcy said. "By the time I'm finished with you, your reputation will be in tatters!"
"Is that so?" he said, narrowing his eyes at her. "Then maybe it's time I showed you who's boss?"
Quick as a flash he scooped Darcy up and threw her over his shoulder. Darcy shrieked.
"Put me down you great oaf!"
"Not until ye promise to keep quiet!"
"No deal."
"Fine."
He set off across the beach towards the loch. Darcy alternated between laughing and shrieking as she bumped along on his shoulder, slapping at the hard muscles of his back to little effect. They reached the water's edge and Quinn halted.
"Well?" he said. "Do ye acknowledge that ye cheated?"
"Never!" Darcy yelled.
"It pains me, lass, it really does but I'm afraid ye've left me no choice. A dunking it is for ye."
He grabbed her around the middle and hoisted her into the air.
"Wait!" she shrieked. "Okay! You win! I cheated! I won't tell anyone I won!"
"Do ye promise?"
"I promise! Now put me down!"
Quinn lowered Darcy onto the sand. "See that wasn't so hard was it? I knew I could tame ye, lass."
"Tame me?" she cried indignantly. "We'll see about that!"
