Arch Through Time: Books 1, 2 and 3: Scottish Time Travel Romances (Arch Through Time Collections)

by Katy Baker

  Before she could respond he leaned forward and kissed her. Her indignation melted away. He rolled atop her and took her again, sweeping her away on waves of pure bliss.

  The afternoon wore away. Darcy lost all track of time. It passed in a haze of swirling emotion and burning passion. She had no idea how many times they made love. She explored every inch of Quinn's body and he every inch of hers. Sometimes he was slow and gentle. Sometimes he was rough, claiming her with a primal need. But each time he was wholly Quinn, that heady mix of gentleness and brute strength that so intoxicated her.

  At last, as the sun was falling to the horizon, Quinn let out a long sigh. "We'd best be getting back. They'll be worried about us."

  So? Darcy wanted to say. Who cares? I want to stay here forever. With you.

  But she only nodded. She sat up and reached for her clothes. Quinn watched her as she dressed. His eyes were full of hunger and admiration as his gaze roved over her. A sense of euphoria stole through her. When Quinn looked at her like that she felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.

  When she was dressed she pulled him to his feet. He held perfectly still as she dressed him, wrapping his plaid around his waist and then his chest, like a wife would do before her man went into battle.

  Unfortunately, they'd been so wrapped up in each other they'd forgotten the horses and the beasts had wandered off into the hills above the loch, looking for forage. It took the better part of an hour for Quinn to catch them. She sat cross-legged in the grass, chin propped in one hand and watched Quinn's antics.

  She couldn't seem to stop smiling. She laughed at the way Quinn cursed and swore at the horses. She chuckled at the way the horses, sensing they'd got one over on him, allowed him to come within arms' reach before dancing away again. She smiled at the warm breeze that lifted her hair and drank in the beautiful sights and smells of the Highlands at dusk.

  Eventually Quinn caught the horses and led them back to where Darcy sat. He raised an eyebrow at her.

  "Dinna go breaking a sweat helping me, love," he said.

  "You seem to have everything under control," she replied. "I wouldn't want to get in the way."

  He shook his head in mock annoyance and then gave her a flourishing bow. "If yer ready, my lady, we'll be on our way."

  "Certainly, my good man," she said. She allowed Quinn to pull her to her feet and then boost her into the saddle.

  Quinn swung up onto his own mount and in moments they were moving back north, along the trail Darcy had fled what felt like a lifetime ago. The journey passed in a blur for Darcy. She was so engrossed in Quinn, in his nearness, his movements that she barely noticed the landscape they moved through. He seemed to be similarly affected as he started in surprise when they topped a rise and found themselves looking down on Dunbreggan.

  By this time darkness was falling and lights twinkled in the village and the castle, sparkling in the waters of the loch. Darcy pulled her horse to a halt and sucked a deep breath through her nostrils.

  "Are ye all right, love?" Quinn asked.

  Darcy nodded. "I'm fine. Better than fine. It's just... The last time I left I didn't think I'd be coming back here." She looked at Quinn. "Thank you for coming after me."

  Quinn reached out and squeezed her hand. "This is yer home now, love. Our home. Ye need never leave it again if ye so choose."

  "My home," Darcy repeated. She liked the sound of that. She'd never really felt at home anywhere. Since her parents died she'd been adrift, looking for somewhere to belong. She never dreamed she'd find that place in sixteenth century Scotland.

  Then a pang of guilt twisted her belly. What about the people she was leaving behind? Could she just abandon them? How would Doctor Andrews cope at the practice without her? And Gretchen? She was her best friend, the only person in all the world she could rely on. How could she abandon her?

  "Darcy?" Quinn asked.

  She squeezed his hand tighter. "I'll never see my folks again, will I?" she whispered.

  A look of sadness flitted across his face. "I know how hard it must be to leave yer kin behind, love. But ye'll have new kin, new friends. And yer folks are welcome to visit anytime."

  She smiled at him. She loved the way he tried to make her feel better. "You're right. And I look forward to having a new brother and sister as well as a new husband."

  "Talking of said sister," Quinn replied. "We'd better hurry. I hate to think of the fury Rebecca will be in when she finds out we've given her worry for no cause."

  Nodding her agreement, the two of them rode down the hill and into Dunbreggan. Sentries were posted on the walls to watch for their arrival so by the time they pulled up the horses by the main doors, Robert and Rebecca were on the steps waiting for them. Rebecca was nursing her infant son, wearing an expression that hovered between relief and annoyance.

  As the two of them swung down off their mounts, Robert ran down the steps to meet them. He clasped hands with Quinn, forearm to forearm in the warrior way.

  "I'm glad to see ye back, brother," he said. His eyes shifted to Darcy and he gave a grin very reminiscent of his younger brother's. "And I'm glad ye found our errant sheep and brought her back into the flock." He placed his hands on Darcy's shoulders. "Are ye all right, lass?" he asked. "Yer not hurt?"

  Darcy’s cheeks burned at his concern. If only he knew what she’d been doing all afternoon. "I'm fine," she stammered. "I...I...went looking for a trail I'd seen on a map. I didn't realize I worried you all."

  Robert patted her shoulder. "Well, yer back now. That's all that matters. I suggest yer come and sooth my wife. She's been a little... fraught should we say."

  Darcy nodded then made her way up the steps to where Rebecca waited.

  "Where've ye been?" Rebecca demanded, rocking her son who was sound asleep. "Are ye well? Ye didnae run into any trouble? Did ye get lost out there?"

  Darcy held up her hands. "Which question would you like me to answer first? I'm sorry, Rebecca. I didn't mean to worry you."

  Rebecca frowned. "Well, ye must have gotten very lost if it's taken Quinn this long to find ye. He's the best tracker in the clan."

  "Oh no," Darcy blurted before she could think better of it. "Quinn found me hours ago."

  Rebecca's frown deepened. "So what have ye been doing all this time? Ye've been gone all day! I've been worried out of my wits!"

  Darcy's cheeks flamed red. She opened her mouth but hesitated. What was she supposed to say? Sorry, I got a bit delayed because Quinn and I have been making love all day?

  But Quinn came to her aid.

  "Peace, sister," he said. "Darcy and I had much to talk of." He slipped an arm around Darcy's shoulder. "She's agreed to be my wife."

  Rebecca's eyes went wide. One hand flew to her mouth which made a surprised little O. "But...but...that's wonderful!" she cried.

  "Congratulations, little brother," Robert said, clapping Quinn on the shoulder. "It's about time. We all suspected it was coming with the way ye two moon after each other. I'm happy for yer." He leaned down and gave Darcy a kiss on the cheek. "Welcome to the family, sister."

  "Here, take yer son," Rebecca said. She handed the sleeping infant to Robert then threw her arms around Quinn and Darcy both. "I'm so happy!" she cried. "A wedding to plan! No, wait a minute, two weddings to plan! The clan hasn't seen an occasion like this in many a year! It will be grand!"

  "Two weddings?" Darcy asked. "What do you mean?"

  Rebecca gave an impish little grin and then pushed open the door to the great hall. "Come and find out!"

  The great hall was busy. Groups sat around at the tables, eating, talking, playing games of dice and cards. The hum of conversation filled the air. Darcy spotted Lily and Fraser sitting at the main table, heads together, talking quietly. Lily looked up at the sound of the door opening and she broke into a smile when she saw Darcy and Quinn standing there. She took Fraser's hand and they hurried across the hall towards them.

  Lily, Darcy saw, wore a piece of Fraser's
plaid attached to her shoulder.

  "Darcy," Lily said breathlessly. "I'm so glad you're back. Are you all right?"

  "I'm fine," Darcy said, waving away her friend's concern. She reached out and gently brushed the plaid pinned to Lily's shoulder. Both Lily and Fraser had a flush to their cheeks and both seemed unable to keep their eyes off each other. "Lily, what's going on?" Darcy asked.

  Lily laughed and Fraser threw an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "We're going to be married," he said.

  Darcy's jaw dropped. "That's fabulous! I'm so pleased you finally plucked up the courage to ask her!"

  "It wasnae I did the asking," Fraser said.

  Lily blushed, looking a little embarrassed. "I took your advice, Darcy. You have to seize happiness when you have the chance don't you? So I did. I asked Fraser if he'd agree to be my husband."

  "And I said yes," Fraser finished. "I'd wanted to ask Lily for months anyway. She saved me the trouble."

  Lily stepped forward and took both of Darcy's hands in hers. "I want to thank you," she said. "For everything you've done. Without you showing me the way, without your support I'd never have worked up the courage to do this."

  Darcy squeezed Lily's hands and smiled. "And without you I'd have not had the courage nor the means to set up my practice. There's nothing to thank me for. That's what friends do for each other."

  Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Honestly, ye two! Darcy, aren't ye going to tell them yer news?"

  "What news?" Lily asked, puzzled.

  Quinn stepped up and placed a hand round Darcy's shoulders. "Mayhap yer not the only ones to get betrothed on this day."

  Lily looked from Quinn to Darcy and back again. "You mean...you mean...?"

  "Yes!" Darcy cried, clapping her hands together. "Quinn asked me to marry him and I said yes!"

  Rebecca stepped between the two couples. She wore that mischievous grin on her face again. "And ye know what that means don't ye?" She looked over her shoulder at her husband. "Robert, summon all the servants, rouse the cooks. We're going to have the biggest betrothal party this castle has ever seen!"

  Chapter 16

  QUINN AWOKE EARLY AS he always did. Light was beginning to filter through the windows and out in the bailey a cock crowed. Quinn stretched, enjoying the heavy feeling of contentment in his limbs. Beside him, Darcy snored softly. Her raven hair spilled across the pillow, one long, lean leg poking out from beneath the coverings. Quinn propped himself on his elbow and spent a few minutes just watching her sleep. Following their betrothal Darcy had moved into his room. Their room.

  He still couldn't believe she was his. Mind, body and soul. Now all they needed was their wedding and she’d be his in the eyes of the Lord too. It couldn't come soon enough for Quinn.

  He leaned down and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and kissed her lightly on the forehead. Darcy shifted in her sleep but didn't wake. Nestled in the crook of her neck and bound by a thick cord was the ring he’d given her as a sign of their betrothal. It had belonged to Quinn’s elder brother, Duncan, and Quinn had carried it since his death. He was glad to see it hanging around Darcy’s neck now as a symbol of their union.

  A boom sounded from outside, making Quinn jump. It was followed by a second and then a third. He waited for a fourth beat. Boom-doom. There it was, the signal drum atop the watchtower indicating a messenger had returned with news of the Murray clan’s army.

  Careful not to wake Darcy, Quinn climbed out of bed and threw on his clothes. The morning air still held a chill and sent goose bumps riding up his skin as he padded across the cold stone floor.

  “Where are you going?" Darcy mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep.

  "I have to see Robert, love. The message drum sounded.”

  “I'll come with you.”

  “Nae, lass. Ye sleep. I think I tired ye out a little last night."

  "You sure did," she replied with a smile. "But I'm up for a little more ‘tiring’.”

  He grinned and kissed her forehead. "Later, love. Ye go back to sleep. I’ll be back before ye know it."

  He closed their chamber door quietly behind him and made his way through the waking castle to his brother's solar. Robert was there already with the messenger standing before him. Fraser was there as well and Dougal and Rabbie.

  Robert nodded to Quinn as he took a seat by his brother’s side. The messenger was Finn MacGarrety, a lad of no more than sixteen summers who'd fostered with the MacFarlane clan when his parents were killed in a raid by the Murrays. Sweat dripped from the lad’s brow and his face was flushed. Quinn wouldn't be surprised if the lad had ridden all night.

  Robert poured a cup of wine and handed it over. "Drink, lad, get yer breath back then tell us yer news."

  “My thanks," Finn said. He took the wine, gulped it down in one, then handed the cup back to Robert.

  "It's grim news I bring, my lord. The Murray army is on the march. They will reach our border in two days."

  Robert’s expression turned dark. "Where?”

  “East. They're coming up the old drovers pass past Oldwyn’s Barrow. They're flying the banner of the Murray clan and John de Clare.”

  “Curse them," Robert growled. "If they reach the high ground around Oldwyn’s Barrow they’ll hold the advantage."

  "Not necessarily," Quinn replied. "The land around Oldwyn’s Barrow is moorland with thick peat underneath a thin covering of heather. With all the rain we've been having lately, it will be like a bog. They'll find it difficult to move with any speed on that terrain and if we reach it before them we can claim the Point."

  "Aye," Robert said. He rubbed his chin, eyes narrowed in thought. "De Clare will only see the advantages of the high ground. He doesnae know our lands and won't know how boggy that area turns after rain. But the Point is limestone through and through. If we can get our forces there we won't be hampered by the terrain the way he will be. We'll have the advantage."

  Robert’s eyes shone. Quinn knew that look. Robert saw a chance for victory. A chance to end the threat of John de Clare once and for all.

  And a chance to avenge the murder of their elder brother.

  A savage glee arose in Quinn. He’d spent long hours on the training field, preparing both himself and his warriors for this moment. Now it was finally here and he would do his duty to his people. He would fight to keep them safe.

  “Fraser, send word to our people in the east. Tell them to begin evacuating any of the crofters who lie in the path of de Clare’s army and bring them here to Dunbreggan.”

  Fraser nodded. “Aye, lord.”

  Robert turned to Dougal. “Begin readying supplies and have the horses provisioned and prepared.”

  Dougal nodded. “Aye, lord.”

  Last, he turned to Quinn. “Send out word to rally our warriors. Have them gather here at Dunbreggan. We ride tomorrow at first light.”

  Quinn closed his eyes, pulled in a deep breath, then opened them again. He nodded. “Aye, lord.”

  DARCY WASN'T SURE IF she’d ever felt more afraid. She stood with Lily and Rebecca and a few retainers and guardsmen who remained at the castle and watched the MacFarlane army ride across the causeway and then snake their way up into the hills beyond. She gripped Lily's hand on one side and Rebecca’s on the other, so tight she must be hurting them, but neither complained.

  Robert, Quinn, and Fraser rode at the head of that column. Despite her entreaties for him to keep himself safe, Darcy knew Quinn would be in the thick of battle. It was his duty. He'd fight to protect his brother, his clan, his people.

  Their goodbye had been long and lingering. Darcy had said not a word about her doubts to her husband-to-be, instead trying to be brave, helping him don his battle gear and talking in a calm, clear voice about the welcome that would await him when he came home victorious.

  All just words. All just bluster and she knew Quinn saw straight through her. The way he tenderly took both her hands in his and kissed them, his blue eyes full of concern, told h
er he realized how scared she was.

  "I'll return to ye. I promise," he’d whispered. Then he’d pressed his forehead against hers, taken a few deep breaths and strode away from her.

  The rest of the gathering atop the steps began to disperse. Rebecca went back inside to see to her son who'd started crying. Darcy and Lily stood and watched until the very last remnants of the army had disappeared into the distance.

  "How long do you think they'll be gone?" Lily asked.

  "Several days at least," Darcy replied. "Quinn says it's a long ride to the border, although they'll be pushing the horses hard to get there before the Murrays. After that?” She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Who knows?" She placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder and forced an encouraging smile onto her face. "They'll return soon. Try not to worry."

  Lily raised an eyebrow at that. "Yes, I'll try. But I have the feeling that trying won't get me anywhere."

  Darcy squeezed her shoulder. "Me neither. Come on, the best way to take our minds off it is to keep busy."

  Together the two women made their way through the village to Lily’s shop. Customers were already gathered outside when they arrived. A mother and her daughter were there to try and pick out some new gowns and a shepherd was waiting with a ewe who’d gone lame. Darcy smiled wryly. The men may have ridden off to battle but life in the village went on as normal. There were still clothes to be sewn, animals to be cared for. Darcy was glad of that.

  THE NEXT DAY PROVED to be equally busy. In her clinic Darcy swabbed the wound with antiseptic she’d managed to make from local ingredients since her own supplies were dwindling, then leaned down with needle and thread ready. The hound, one of the clan’s prime hunting dogs, and the pride of the kennel master’s eyes, lay unconscious on the table. Darcy had given him enough anesthetic to keep him out for the count while she stitched up the ragged tear in his shoulder.

  A wild boar had caught the hound unawares while out on a hunting trip but luckily the animal had managed to escape before the boar could do any real damage. There was a bit of torn muscle and the dog would walk with a limp for a while but he should make a full recovery.