A Matter of Time: Book 4 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  * * *

  Richard was slumped against the castle wall. Arion was snuffling his hair and face with his nose, but while he was obviously happy to have Richard back, he couldn’t seem to understand what was wrong with him.

  “Richard,” Nick called to him as he approached.

  Richard stood and adjusted his saddle. “It’s done, isn’t it?”

  “I think she just needs some time to digest it all,” Nick said, rubbing his hand across Arion’s shoulders. “It’s been a shock for her. Stay. Give her some time. She’ll come around, you’ll see.”

  “Thank you for trying to help, Nick, but I think it’s best if I leave. I cannot bear to be around her when she looks at me with such disdain. To know I’ve disappointed her so.” Richard vaulted up onto Arion’s back and turned him towards the gate.

  “At least stay for the night, Richard!” Nick grabbed the reins, in an effort to get him to stay.

  “I cannot. Take care of Angelina and keep her out of harm’s way. It has been good to see you again, my friend, but perhaps you were right to have ridden away from me those many years ago. Perhaps one day, I’ll see you again.”

  “Where are you going?” Nick demanded.

  “I don’t really know.” With that, Richard urged Arion into a gallop and took off like a shot through the gates and out of sight of the castle.

  Chapter 26

  Richard was doing an excellent job of pitying himself. So good, in fact, he hadn’t noticed the five riders heading his way until they were almost upon him. Looking up, Richard realized there was no escape; he was being surrounded on all sides by Malcolm Granger and his men. It was too late to save himself, there was nothing he could do now, except hope that his death would come quickly. He suspected that was all he had to look forward to, given that he did not intend to assist Granger in any way.

  “Richard, fancy meeting you here!” Malcolm laughed, as if he’d said something amusing. “Where are you headed to, without your friends?” Malcolm’s mount was prancing in place, filled with energy and ready to run.

  “I’m heading back to England. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve a long ride ahead of me.” Richard made to move his horse through Malcolm’s men, but they didn’t budge.

  “You’ll be coming with us, Richard. I’ll need your help,” Malcolm said.

  “I cannot help you. I don’t know where the sword is, nor do I care.”

  “I know where the sword is, but I’ll need you to return us to San Francisco.”

  Richard huffed out an impatient breath. “What you still don’t seem to understand, is that I have no control over the fog. I can’t call upon it to take you anywhere.”

  “I disagree. It seems you were able to call it to you, just before we left San Francisco.” When Richard didn’t respond, Malcolm shook his head before he continued. “Richard, Richard. I can make you a very wealthy man, if only you’ll help me.”

  “I am a very wealthy man, here in my own time. I have no wish to go back to San Francisco with you.”

  Malcolm glanced around. “Why are you alone? Where’s the lovely Angelina?”

  “Being the intelligent woman she is, Angelina realized I was all wrong for her. She is safely ensconced with a friend.

  “Mackall?”

  “He is there, also.”

  “Well then, will you come with us willingly, or must we force the issue? You are a good swordsman, perhaps one of the best I’ve seen, but you are no match for five of us.”

  Richard knew the truth of Malcolm’s statement. He could see no way of getting out of this alive, other than accompanying them on their quest. He’d go, but he’d bide his time until he could escape them. “I see I have no other choice but to join you.” He reluctantly relinquished his weapons to Gabe.

  “I like that. A reasonable man. I’m warning you though, don’t try anything or you’ll regret it immediately.”

  Richard turned his horse back the way he had come and Malcolm’s men surrounded him once again. They rode off to the east, towards what Richard knew to be Campbell land.

  * * *

  Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him? She’d tried everything to block Richard from her thoughts, but nothing was working. Angelina had watched from the doorway, hidden from his sight, when he left. She could still envision him, sitting against the castle wall, legs drawn up and his arms folded across his knees. He had looked so sad, so terribly dejected.

  She shouldn’t feel sorry for him. He’d lied to her. Well, he hadn’t actually lied. He just hadn’t told her some very important information about himself. Information that would, if she’d had it, have prevented her from getting involved with him in the first place. Angelina wanted to be angry. She wanted to hate him for what he’d done, but somehow, she couldn’t see him as that awful man, the one who’d done such horrible things to Ashley. She knew him only as kind, caring, protective, honorable Richard Jefford. Maybe he really had changed for the better. Didn’t everyone deserve a second chance? Didn’t he?

  Nick came out of the stable with his horse saddled and ready to depart. “Good morn, to ye.”

  “Hi. Where are you going? I thought we were waiting for Edna and Angus, and then we were going to head off to find Malcolm.”

  “There’s been a change of plans. Edna and Angus are going to see Tavish Campbell and I’m going to see if I can find Richard.”

  “And what am I supposed to do?”

  “You can stay and visit with Jenna and Ashley.”

  It only took a split second for Angelina to make her decision. “I’m going with you.”

  Nick smiled knowingly. “Are ye sure? I’m nae sure where he was headed, although I think I might have a good idea.”

  Angelina nodded determinedly. “Yes. I have to see him. I should have given him a chance to explain himself.”

  “All right then,” Nick said, leaning forward in his saddle and inclining his head towards the stable. “Ye’d best hurry, m’lady.”

  Angelina ran toward the stable, just as one of the boys exited with her horse, already saddled and prepared to leave. She turned to Nick and narrowed her eyes. “You…”

  Nick’s smile was smug. “Yes.”

  “Never mind.” The stable boy gave her a leg up and she joined Nick.

  “Thank you, for knowing me better than I know myself.”

  “Ye may not know this about me, but I’m a romantic at heart, Angelina. Ye and Richard are my friends. I cannae bear to see either of ye so unhappy.”

  They nudged their horses into a canter and hurried through the gates of Breaghacraig, heading south.

  “So where are we going?” Angelina questioned.

  “To England. To Richard’s home.”

  A small thrill of excitement ran through Angelina’s heart at the thought of seeing Richard again. She wasn’t sure what would happen when she did, but she needed to confirm he was all right.

  They rode hard and fast for two straight days, stopping only long enough to obtain fresh horses, grab a bite to eat and get some much-needed sleep. On the morning of the third day, they came upon a river and a beautiful castle nestled on the opposite bank. The gates stood open and Angelina could see people moving about in the courtyard. A tall young man on horseback exited the gates and Nick called out to him. “Edward!” He sat up tall in his saddle and waved at the other man.

  “Nick?” the young man said. “Is that you?”

  “Aye. ’Tis me, Nick Mackall.”

  “Follow me down the bank. There’s a shallow spot where you can cross,” the other man suggested.

  They made their way about a quarter of a mile down the bank, and just as Edward said, there was a safe spot to cross in a sparsely wooded area, which led into dense forest behind them. Nick went first, letting his horse pick his way across safely. Angelina followed, taking the same route and they both reached the opposite bank safely.

  “Edward, ’tis good to see ye.” Nick said, reaching out to grasp Edward’s hand.

  “I
t’s good to see you, as well. Where are you coming from? And who is this lovely lady you’ve brought with you?”

  “This is Angelina Lawson. Angelina, this is Edward Jefford, Richard’s brother. We’ve travelled from MacKenzie lands to the north.”

  “I am very pleased to meet you, m’lady.” Edward reached out to Angelina and when she took his hand, he brought hers to his lips for a brief kiss, all the while examining her with his soft green eyes.

  Angelina smiled, although she thought Edward looked nothing like Richard. He was blonde, fair and had a lightness to his personality, where Richard was dark and brooding. The thought that she might see Richard soon set a rush of butterflies free in her belly and a blush spread across her cheeks.

  “We’re here to see Richard,” Nick said.

  Edward reined in his horse and they headed through the castle gates together. Once in the courtyard they dismounted, leaving their horses in the hands of a young stable boy.

  “Richard isn’t here, but I know Mother will be happy to see you, Nick. You were always one of her favorites.”

  Angelina was in awe. Unlike Breaghacraig and Castle Fionn, this castle seemed much more like a home. As they entered the castle, she noticed beautifully woven rugs strewn across the floors and brilliantly colored tapestries covering the walls. Light poured in through large windows on the lower portion of the walls and smaller, circular windows higher up. Cathedral ceilings gave the room a sense of grandness, but everything else about it was cozy and warm. The large hearth was set into an interior wall, and the fire blazed, warming the room to a comfortable temperature. “This is beautiful,” Angelina whispered.

  “I’m sorry. What was that? I didn’t quite hear you.” Edward came closer and took Angelina’s arm, guiding her further into the room.

  “I said that this room is beautiful.”

  “Mother has a talent for decorating. She has made this cold, utilitarian castle into a home. Speaking of Mother, I’ll go and see if I can find her. Please, make yourselves at home.” Edward exited the room and Angelina turned to Nick, who was observing her with a huge grin plastered across his handsome face.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I can read ye like a book, lass. Ye love it, dinnae ye?”

  Angelina shrugged. “What’s not to love? It’s just like every fairytale castle I ever dreamt of as a little girl.” Angelina would never tell anyone, but this really was her dream come true, right down to every little detail she had envisioned as a ten-year-old. “I can’t believe it.” She wandered the room, imagining Richard growing up here. What must it have been like for him? She couldn’t imagine it being anything but wonderful.

  The sound of a woman’s voice approaching caught their attention. Both Nick and Angelina turned towards the sound as a tall, blonde haired woman entered.

  “Nicholas! I am so pleased to see you again!” The woman glided across the room and placed her hand in his. Nick offered her a short, formal bow.

  “Lady Catherine, it’s been many years since I’ve seen you and you haven’t changed a bit.”

  “You can’t fool me with your charm, Sir, but I thank you.” Lady Catherine turned to Angelina, lifting one delicately arched eyebrow. “Who have you brought with you, Nicholas?” she asked, smiling warmly at Angelina.

  “This is Angelina Lawson, Lady Catherine. A friend of Richard’s.”

  “Quite a lovely friend, I would say. Where have you both been?” She examined their clothing, and Angelina suddenly felt extremely underdressed, as she was still wearing her competition clothing. The people at Breaghacraig hadn’t mentioned the way she was dressed and Angelina assumed it was because they knew she wasn’t from their time, but here she stood in front of Richard’s mother, in a pair of dusty, dirty leather breeches, knee high boots, and a once-clean white tunic and leather belt. While she’d bathed at Irene’s castle, she had yet to find an opportunity to locate some new clothes. What must Lady Catherine think? “Are you good with a sword, Angelina?”

  “I am.” Angelina had forgotten she had her sword sheathed and strapped across her back. “Please excuse the way I’m dressed, Lady Catherine. We’ve ridden for the past two days to get here.”

  Lady Catherine looked from Angelina, to Nick and back again. “Have you? But why?”

  “We’re searching for Richard,” Nick interjected.

  “He’s not here. He left several weeks ago to head to the MacKenzies and we’ve not seen him since. Is everything alright?” Lady Catherine sounded distressed.

  “He was with us, up until a couple of days ago. He was well, but he left Breaghacraig and I thought he would be returning home.”

  “Perhaps he has stopped somewhere along the way and is enroute now. You must stay and wait for him.”

  Nick exchanged a worried frown with Angelina.

  “Please, at least join me for the evening meal and stay the night. I would enjoy the company.”

  Nick inclined his head in agreement. “Very well. We’d be happy to, m’lady.”

  “Good. I will have baths drawn for you both, and Angelina, I will find a suitable gown for you to wear.” Lady Catherine exited the room in a gentle glide, much the way she had entered. Angelina was fascinated by the way she managed to walk across the room without appearing to take a step, almost as if she were being drawn on a hidden track. Angelina decided it must have taken her years of practice to perfect such a regal air.

  Once Lady Catherine was safely out of earshot, Angelina turned to Nick. “Where do you think Richard could be?”

  “I’m nae sure. I would’ve bet my life he was on his way back here. I hope he hasn’t run into any trouble.”

  “We have to find him,” Angelina was suffering a rising sense of panic.

  “We will, but some fine food and a good night’s sleep will do us both good.”

  “Richard’s mother must think I’m odd, with the way I’m dressed.”

  “Ye’d have no way of knowing this, but she is quite good with a sword herself. She felt if she were to be left here in the castle when her children were young, she wanted to be able to protect herself and her family. Richard’s father saw to it that she had the best instructor he could find. So I doubt she thinks yer too odd.”

  A servant entered the room and bowed deeply before speaking. “Lady Catherine has asked me to show you to your baths. If you’ll follow me, my Lord and m’lady.”

  As they made their way down the passageway leading to their rooms, Angelina couldn’t help but wonder once again where Richard was – and if he was all right.

  Chapter 27

  Lady Catherine, Angelina, Nick and Edward sat around the fireplace, sipping wine after enjoying a delicious dinner and lively conversation.

  “Everything was delicious,” Angelina said, her gaze focused on the fire. The crackling and popping of the wood created nostalgic images of times when she was younger. She had loved to sit by the fireplace, staring into the flames as her mother sat nearby and read. Because of those precious memories, she’d always preferred an open fire.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Tell me, Angelina, how is it that you know my son and why hasn’t he mentioned you to me before now?”

  “We haven’t known each other for very long. We met rather unexpectedly and found we had a lot in common.” Angelina didn’t want to lie to Lady Catherine, but wasn’t sure she’d understand the whole time traveling thing.

  “Edward, would ye care to join me outside for a wee walk?” Nick gave Angelina a meaningful nod and rose to his feet.

  “I would be happy to join you.” Edward stood up and the two men departed the room, leaving Catherine and Angelina alone.

  “I’m glad they’ve gone,” Lady Catherine said. She moved to sit beside Angelina. “I sense there’s something you’re not sharing with me.”

  Angelina’s cheeks heated. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You and Nick rode here with some urgency, based on the state of your clothing upon your arrival. Would you care
to tell me about it?”

  “Richard and I had a disagreement. I came here to talk to him.” Angelina lifted her eyes to meet Lady Catherine’s appraising gaze. “Richard asked me to come here with him, but I’ve found out some things about him that I found very disturbing. I told him I couldn’t be in a… uh… relationship with him because of what I’d learned and he left Breaghacraig the same day. After I’d had a little time to think, I decided I wanted to be sure he was alright.”

  “What did you find out that has upset you?” Lady Catherine’s face expressed a keen interest in what Angelina had to say.

  “I don’t know if I should say.”

  “There’s nothing that I do not know, dear. Please continue.”

  Angelina inhaled sharply before she spoke again. “We were at the MacKenzies and Richard had been acting very strangely. You see, he was so happy to have me with him and all of a sudden that changed and he started avoiding me. None of it made sense until I saw him apologizing to my friend Ashley for some unspeakable things that were done to her.”

  “Ah, yes. I know all about those most unfortunate events. He was quite distraught the last time I saw him, and it was his intention to go to Breaghacraig to express his sincere sorrow for what he had done. He did not expect forgiveness, but rather sought to be able to live with himself and perhaps start his life anew here with us. He must have met you fairly recently, then.”

  “Only a few weeks ago.” Angelina sighed heavily, turning her attention back to the flickering fire. “I’ve mistrusted men for most of my life and I had intended to remain a single woman, rather than get involved with an untrustworthy man. And most of the men I’ve met have been exactly that. Richard was so different. I didn’t intend to fall in love with him, but I did. I thought I’d surely be meeting you under very different circumstances. I just don’t know if I can pursue a relationship with him now.”

  “Angelina, let me tell you some things you most probably don’t know about Richard. Perhaps they will help you to understand him better.” Lady Catherine took Angelina’s hand and gazed into her face. Her honesty and sincerity was evident to Angelina, who prepared herself for the worst. “Richard is my oldest son, Edward the youngest. I have two other sons and two daughters, none of whom lives here any longer. The boys left by choice and my daughters are now married and have homes of their own.” She squeezed Angelina’s fingers, her soft green eyes moist with unshed tears. “Richard’s father was a stern man and despite that, Richard admired and loved him so much. He wanted nothing more than to please his father no matter the cost. Matthew was not the easiest man to live with and I didn’t always agree with the way he handled our children, but I did my best to be a good wife and to stand by him. Because Richard was the oldest, it was he who would inherit everything that his father had worked so hard to gain. Richard was soft in his father’s eyes, so Matthew was very hard on him, always finding ways to make Richard prove he was worthy to be his heir. When Richard was about fifteen, he met a girl named Irene MacBayne. He fell instantly in love. She was a beauty and he was so young he didn’t realize what he was experiencing was merely infatuation. At any rate, Irene was already in love with Robert MacKenzie and while she was kind to Richard, she wanted nothing more than friendship from him. When he returned home and told Matthew of his disappointment, he was berated for losing this girl to another, for shaming the family name by letting a Scotsman have her. His father beat him soundly and Richard, ashamed of disappointing his father, spent the next few days sleeping in the stable. Matthew told him it was his duty to take what rightly belonged to him and that he should not rest until Irene was his. Richard, of course, wanting nothing more than to please his father, became an angry, jealous man whose only purpose in life was to retrieve Irene. The fact that she was married and had children never came into play. Nothing would stand in his way. He was determined to have her, no matter the cost. He was determined to show his father he was worthy of his approval and love. His father, even on his deathbed, reminded Richard of his continual disappointment in him. It was a cruel thing to do and unfortunately, there was little I could do to stop Matthew. I tried talking to Richard about it, but he left home shortly afterwards and… well, he was so young and impressionable and he loved his father and wanted his approval so much. It took years of abusive treatment, both mental and physical to create the angry, vindictive Richard you are so afraid of discovering. I’m sure you can understand that this treatment greatly changed my son from the warm, caring boy he had been to a man who was almost an exact replica of his father. I cannot excuse or condone his behavior and I cannot tell you what to do. I can only say that I fervently believe Richard is worth saving from a lonely life, filled with regret.”