by Meara Platt
Lord Wycke had proposed to her as well. She’d put him off, promising him an answer by tomorrow evening.
She had a choice to make. Would she choose the amiable earl who offered her security and a comfortable home close to her family and friends in the Cotswolds? Or the impossibly provoking Highlander who might someday be an earl and would expect her to live with him in Scotland?
What was she going to do?
Chapter Eleven
Thad was in monumental pain by the time he, Malcolm, and Robbie returned to Wellesford in the afternoon with their regiment. Nathaniel and Beast rode out to greet them and help them settle their men in the field behind Gosling Hall.
Hume and Caithness were not far behind.
Despite having to prepare for another elegant party this evening, Poppy and Penelope, and an army of Sherbourne servants carting food, ale, and other supplies, soon followed. Goose was beside them with her own servants from Gosling Hall, bringing down more food and useful wares.
Thad felt everyone’s gaze on him, their prying eyes following his every movement with concern. However, he refused to show weakness or admit he was in agony.
He groaned inwardly as Penelope approached, looking ready to drag him by the ear to Sherbourne Manor and toss him into bed. Not with her, of course. Alone. Because he was injured and had overdone it. “Bollocks, lass. Don’t tell me what I should or should not be doing. These are my men.”
“I see. So you feel it is important to make a fool of yourself in front of them when you faint.”
He grumbled. “Men don’t faint.”
To his relief, she rolled her eyes and laughed. “You are the stubbornest man who ever lived. When you collapse in your manly fashion, I shall merely stand by and watch you topple. Indeed, I think I will sell tickets for the event and take wagers on when it will happen.”
“Lass, ye’re cruel.” But he grinned at her, for she looked soft and sweet, and she was right. He was not steady on his feet and his shoulder was throbbing.
“There’s a tray of scones and a pot of tea waiting for us under the shade tree by the stream. Surely, your men won’t mind if you spend a few minutes with the sister of one of your hosts. Indeed, they would believe you to be quite rude if you refused my request.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Ye’re manipulating me.”
“Yes, but in a nice way. Oh, Thad, please. I’m so worried about you. How could you not have felt a jolt through your bones with every stride your horse took? That has to be wearing on your body. Even if you are a big ox.”
“Ah, there’s the Loopy I know and…” He was going to say ‘love’ but stopped himself. He wasn’t certain how she felt about him. Yes, she cared for him. How much?
Fortunately, she did not give him grief about his comment. “Sit down. Look, even your men are taking a moment to relax and eat. You aren’t the only one in need of a little respite.”
She was right. It wouldn’t do him any harm. The tents had now been set up and the horses tended to, so sitting down to a hearty meal was decidedly in order. Poppy and Goose, with several of their servants, were helping those too injured to manage on their own.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a few of the men preparing to strip out of their uniforms and jump in the stream. “I’ll sit with ye, lass. But ye’d better look this way.”
“Why?” she asked and turned to follow his gaze. “Oh!”
A blush ran up her cheeks, and she began to fuss with the teapot, trying to pour him a cup, but her hands were shaking. A little of it spilled onto the tray. “You might have explained why I should not look and spared me the sight of…”
He chuckled. “Ye’ve seen naked men before. Ye’ve seen me, for certain. Blink all ye want, lass. Ye canno’ get rid of the memory by washing it out of yer eyes like a stray eyelash.”
“Oh, Thad. Don’t tease me. I was so worried about you.”
He placed his hand over hers. “I know. I appreciate it more than I can say. But I’m still a stubborn arse. These are my men. I canno’ leave them before I see them all safely returned home.”
“I know it’s important to you. But you won’t last through the journey if you push yourself too hard now. Walk me back to the house. Rest a few hours before our party. No one will notice your absence. Even if they do, they’ll see you’ve walked off with me. Let them imagine whatever they wish.” She made no move to draw her hand away, so he continued to hold it. “Please, Thad. Do it for me.”
“Verra well. For ye, Loopy.” He glanced at the tray. “Are those raisin scones?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
“Och, lass. Thank ye. Do ye mind if we eat before I walk ye back to the house?”
She bestowed him with a brilliant smile. “I’d never deprive you of your favorite treat.”
In truth, she was his treat. Every moment he spent with Penelope felt like a slice of heaven. The sun was shining. A soft breeze wafted through the trees and ruffled her auburn hair.
The scones were delicious and so was her smile. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but her smile faded into a frown at the very moment he mustered the resolve. “What’s the matter?”
She sighed. “Thad, I’m so puzzled.”
“About what?” He set down his cup of tea, prepared to listen.
“Malcolm and Anne. How have they made the strong connections necessary for a lasting love?”
He shook his head and sighed. “Och, lass. The Book of Love is not gospel. It canno’ cover every reason why a couple might decide they suit. And who’s to say that the passionate feelings Malcolm and Anne have for each other will last? They’ve leaped into their decision. I hope it will prove to be a happy one, but it’s far from certain.”
“So do I. It seems right that love should win out. I hope it will work for them. Anne is a lovely girl. But what an odd pairing they are.”
He nodded in agreement. “Aye, but also sensible in many ways. Malcolm’s been given the order as well. Find a Sassenach wife. He’s been raised to be Caithness’s successor and takes his responsibility very seriously. So his brain has already adjusted to his sense of duty. He’s been around women, perhaps not in a while since we were all off fighting Napoleon, but he is no young fool. He knows the sort of woman he wants.”
“But he barely knows Anne.”
He shrugged. “She’s young and pretty. She’s an earl’s sister. Unmarried. She fits most of the requirements on his list.”
“Love isn’t about making lists.” She began to nibble her lip. “Shouldn’t it be something more?”
“For certain. But we aren’t all given the time we need to make a proper decision. My cousin is a good man. He won’t be easily led astray by a pretty smile, or other parts of a woman’s body, for that matter. But if I know Malcolm, he saw much more in Anne than…a healthy chest.” He cleared his throat, for it had suddenly turned taut and ragged. “He saw acceptance in her eyes when she looked at him. He saw admiration and wonder, as well. To her, he wasn’t a mere title to be claimed. He wasn’t a big Scottish oaf to be used to gain stature. He was handsome in her eyes. He was clever and valiant in her eyes.”
He noticed Loopy’s own eyes begin to glisten.
“Lass, that’s what I hope ye see when ye look at me. Perhaps in time, ye’ll come to feel this way about me. I know I’m no prize.”
“Thad,” she whispered with an ache to her voice. “I’m so sorry I was ever cruel to you. You are the best. I never meant for you to think otherwise. I’m the one with the Harpy tongue. How can you possibly care for me?”
He ran a hand through his hair, uncertain how to answer. Perhaps the best way was to show her. “My regiment will be here for one more day. We have the dinner party tonight, so I doubt you and I will have much time to speak quietly. But I’d like ye to meet me by the pond after breakfast tomorrow. Bring The Book of Love with ye.”
She tipped her head in confusion. “What are you going to show me that I haven’t already learned from this boo
k?”
He reached out and ran his thumb gently across her lower lip. “Och, lass,” he said in a ragged whisper, “I think it’s time ye learned about my heart.”
*
To Penelope’s relief, Thad returned to Sherbourne Manor without protest after washing down his scones. His men were well settled and receiving the best care. The Earl of Caithness, Malcolm, and Robbie were there to attend to any regimental issues, and the Sherbourne and Gosling staffs were busy attending to all other matters. “I’ve asked Dr. Carmichael to look in on you once he’s finished with the injured.”
“It is no’–”
“He’s going to tend to you for my peace of mind,” she insisted. Although he tried to hide it, she saw that he had a slight limp and he couldn’t seem to move his left arm without difficulty, which was not surprising since the impact had pushed it out of its socket just yesterday. She accompanied him into the house and upstairs. “We haven’t moved you out of my bedchamber. I’ll be cuddling with Periwinkle for another night.”
“Lass, I’m sorry. It isn’t necessary. Our tents are set up. I can sleep in one of them by the stream. It is no hardship for me.”
“You have a long ride ahead of you, Thad. Let Dr. Carmichael examine your wounds to be certain there isn’t something more to worry about. I need to know you’ll heal. After all, you were injured because of me. I’ll never forgive myself if I’ve done you permanent harm.”
He frowned. “It wasn’t yer fault. I don’t ever want to hear ye casting blame on yerself. If ye must cast blame on someone…or something…then do it on that damn garden snake or skittish colt. Blessed saints! I would no’ ever forgive myself if you had come to harm.”
They reached her bedchamber, and she would have marched in along with him had he not stopped in the doorway to block her. “This is as far as ye go, lass. Do ye need anything from in here?”
You.
Of course, suggesting such a thing was out of the question. “No, I’m fine for now. Greville will help you out of your clothes. I’ll have a tub brought up. Soak in the hot water for a while. I think it will help to relax your stiff muscles.”
His gaze upon her softened. “I’ll do that, lass.”
Oh, goodness. He had a way of looking at her that was at once tender and steamy. She cleared her throat. Fiery, too.
The butterflies in her stomach were in their usual fluttering frenzy.
“I’ll stop by later,” she said in a breathless whisper and hurried away to order his bath and seek out Greville. Thad would never be able to pull off his boots by himself, but he was stubborn enough to try and further damage his shoulder.
After finishing those small errands, she intended to return to the regimental camp, but paused when she noticed Malcolm and Anne in each other’s arms in a corner of the parlor. What was it they saw in each other?
When Malcolm drew away and returned to the camp, Penelope took the opportunity to approach Anne.
“Good afternoon, Penelope. Is something amiss?” The girl glowed, there was no other way to explain the light in her eyes and happiness in her expression. “Other than my cautious brother being furious with my decision?”
“Captain MacLauren,” Penelope said, referring to Thad, “thinks quite highly of his cousin. But I must admit to being as surprised as your brother. What made you accept a man you’ve known for less than a day?”
They settled on the settee, Anne obviously eager to speak her mind. Thad had given his opinion earlier, but Penelope was curious and wanted it confirmed by Anne.
Anne placed a hand over her heart. “I’m not certain I can explain this feeling. Yes, we’ve only just met, and there’s no denying there’s a physical aspect to his appeal,” she said with a blush. “He’s big and muscled, and his scent is divine. And who can resist that deep, rumbling brogue? Besides being handsome as sin, he’s kind and protective. Most important, I trust him. Even though we’ve only known each other a very short time, I feel as though I’ve known him forever. I suppose that makes no sense.”
“Coming to this conclusion within a matter of hours doesn’t, but when does one’s heart ever follow a sensible course?” She debated whether to confide in Anne about The Book of Love, and ultimately decided against it. First, Anne seemed instinctively to understand about the five senses, having described the look, scent, and sound of Malcolm as reasons for her attraction. Of course, there was no doubt she’d also enjoyed his touch and the taste of his kiss. “Anne, do you have no qualms about leaving your family?”
“I’ve been trained to take over the role of lady of the manor since birth. I expect you have been as well.” Her effervescent smile dimmed a little. “But yes, leaving my loved ones is the only thing to dampen my joy. Malcolm has already told me that my mother may live with us if that is my wish. He has great respect for the elders. How can I not love such a man?”
Penelope sighed, realizing she was the dense one. “Does it not trouble you that you’ll be living in the Highlands?” Indeed, Caithness was considered far north even for a Highlander.
“Far from the London whirl?” She shook her head and smiled. “I’ve never appreciated the assemblies, balls, and other elegant entertainments offered in town. My brother enjoys this fast life, but I never have. Living in the Highlands will be no sacrifice for me.”
“I see. Do you mind if we speak of your brother?”
“What is it you wish to know about Thomas? He’s been very good to me and my mother.”
Penelope nodded. “He reminds me of my own brother. Nathaniel has always been a family man, quite protective of those he loves. He’s serious about his duties and obligations. My impression is your brother is the same.”
Anne shook her head and laughed. “Oh, Thomas is not usually so serious. Of course, he’s attentive to his duties and quite honorable. But he’s been on his best behavior around you. He’s hardly the saint he’d like you to believe. At university, he earned the name of Wicked Wycke, although I don’t believe he was ever truly wicked.”
Penelope was surprised, for Thomas Halford hadn’t come across as anything other than kind and sincere.
“He’s a good man,” Anne assured her. “But he’s suddenly got it into his head that he must marry before the Season is out.”
“Why?”
“Who’s to say? Perhaps my mother’s pleas finally wore him down. Perhaps he simply felt it was time to move forward.”
What Anne did not say was most important. She did not say that he’d met the woman of his dreams. Wycke’s heart was not the motivation for his decision. Penelope ought to have been devastated, or at the least, overset. She was neither, simply relieved. “Thank you, Anne. I appreciate our little talk.”
“Me, too.” She cast Penelope a gracious smile, but caught her hand before she had the chance to move away. “Penelope, you have been most kind to me and my family. So please do not take offense at what I am about to say.”
“Go on. I’m listening.” She suddenly wondered whether she’d underestimated Wycke’s sister. That she was shy and quiet did not mean she was dull-witted. Poppy was similarly reserved, but she was the smartest of all of them.
“You know the way I look at Malcolm. Indeed, it’s shocked quite everyone, except for Malcolm and me.”
Penelope nodded.
“This is the way I hope my brother will feel about the woman he’ll marry. Completely besotted and heart soaring whenever she is near. As important, it is the way I wish his betrothed to feel about him. However, I don’t sense anything like this in either my brother or you. All I see between the pair of you is level-headed reason. Respect and friendship, yes. Shouldn’t there be something more?” She took a deep breath and continued. “I have the utmost regard for you, Penelope. I wish you and Thomas were a match, but I don’t see how you are.”
“It is something I’ve given serious thought to, as well.” After assuring Anne she had not taken offense, Penelope left her to go in search of Dr. Carmichael. She wanted to make certain h
e hadn’t forgotten to stop by her bedchamber to examine Thad before returning to his infirmary.
Wycke called to her as she left the house through the music room doors and started across the garden along the back path to Gosling Hall. Normally, she would have gone out the front door and crossed the meadow separating the two stately houses, but taking this route toward the back gate was the quickest way to the stream where the soldiers were camped.
“Is there something I can do for you, my lord? I wish to make certain the doctor doesn’t leave before looking in on Captain MacLauren.”
He gave a wry laugh. “My sister is about to elope to the Highlands with a complete stranger and,” he cast her a look up and down, “the woman I hope to marry seems about to do the same.”
He appeared more confused than hurt or unhappy.
She sighed. “Lord Wycke, I–”
“Please call me Thomas. May I call you Penelope? It may seem foolish to you since I sense you are about to turn me down for Captain MacLauren.”
“Not at all foolish. I hope we shall become good friends.” She blushed lightly. “We would be family if your sister marries Malcolm MacLauren and I…” Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t quite bring herself to admit she would marry Thad.
She had no doubt of her affection for the big Scot, of course. Hadn’t she always loved him? Only now, it had matured into something deep and abiding. These feeling threatened to swallow her whole. He’d claimed her heart. He’d claimed all of her, body and soul. What she did not yet trust was Thad’s feelings for her.
Yes, he loved her.
But was it in the same soul-searing way she loved him? He did seem to want physical contact with her. But he’d never properly courted her, merely blurted to his kinsmen that she was the one for him when his back was up against the wall. So, was he now convincing himself he’d made the right decision? Willing himself to feel more than he did?
“Penelope, I wish you every happiness. But I hope you will decide to find that happiness with me.” She was surprised and jolted out of her thoughts when Thomas took her into his arms and gave her a hug. “My family and I will leave tomorrow. I know the regiment leaves the day after that, but I’m eager to separate Anne from Malcolm before something dire happens. I must douse that fire before it burns out of control. However, I wish to thank you sincerely for your hospitality.”
