―These people willna see this dance come into fashion for thirty years yet,‖ Cat commented to Hamish.
She could hear the shocked murmurs around her. The crowd sounded their stunned amazement at a woman wearing a kilt, let alone show her legs in such a fashion. They voiced their outrage that a woman would dance so in public.
But there were also remarks of awe that she would have the courage to do it at all. And how very well she performed it! The power, the stamina, the grace!
Cat and Hamish stood silently watching as Olivia finished the dance with an enormous leap and bowed.
The crowd immediately broke into wild cheering, whistling, and clapping. In the end, her would-be detractors gave whole-hearted and, in some instances, grudging approval for what she had done. Olivia may have begun the dance in scandal, but she ended it with acclaim.
Ian stepped to her side as the drummer did a quick roll, calling for silence.
―Dear family and good friends,‖ Ian began, now that he had their attention. ―A hearty welcome to ye all this fine night of joy and celebration. Please charge your glasses!‖
―What is he talking about?‖ Cat whispered to Carrick and Hamish, standing on either side of her. ―What are they up to now?‖
―I dinna ken,‖ Carrick answered. ―But I think we are about to find out.‖
―Tonight,‖ Ian continued, looking at Olivia, obviously enthralled with her, ―Olivia and I ask that ye join us in raising a glass to our betrothal. Olivia MacHendrie has done me the honor of accepting my proposal of marriage. I ask ye to be upstanding for my betrothed. To Olivia!‖ Ian raised his tumbler to her as she blushed a deep scarlet.
The guests responded in resounding Slaintes, Ayes, and various acclimations that astounded Cat, Carrick, and Hamish.
―Did ye ken about this?‖ Cat turned to Hamish.
―Aye, I did.‖ Hamish raisedhis tumbler toward the happy couple. ―He asked my blessing this morning, but I had no idea he would act so quickly. Ah well, Cat. Be happy for yer wee sister. ‗Tis time she has a man in herlife.‖
―And you?‖ She turned to Carrick who gave a shrug and a shake of his head.
―Nay, Cat,‖ he answered. ―But I canna say I am no well pleased. They are a fine match to my way of thinking.‖
Cat let out a long sigh and resigned herself. ―Well then,‖ she said, taking each by an arm. ―Let‘s go and congratulate them. I supposed ye‘re both right. I just wish she had confided in me is all. That girl…‖ Cat trailed off as the three made their way to Olivia and Ian, who were busy accepting congratulations from everyone.
Finally, the crowd thinned and Olivia broke through to hugCat‘s neck. ―I‘m so verra happy, Cat!‖ she exclaimed. ―Can ye believe it? Isn‘t it wonderful?‖
Cat loosened Olivia‘s hold on her and gazed at the blissin her younger sister‘s alabaster face. She could not deny Olivia the very happiness that had brought her and Carrick—all of them for that matter—to this place and time.
―We will talk later, aye?‖ Cat hugged Olivia tightly. ―I want to hear it all, sprite. I am so glad that ye found yer true love. He isyer love, is he no?‖
Olivia pulled away and gave Cat an enormous, contented smile. ―Oh, aye, Cat.‖ She beamed. ―He is that and more. And I will tell ye everything and we can plan the wedding together, you and I!‖
Cat hadn‘t thought as far as the wedding. Realization dawned quickly and she said, ―I supposed we must, at that!‖ She laughed with delight. ―We‘ll begin in the morning, aye?‖
―Oh,aye!‖ Olivia grabbed both of her sister‘s handswith enthusiasm. ―And ye must play the violin for it, please?‖
―Well, we‘ll see...‖
―So the Queen of the Fey found a consort, did she?‖ Fiona‘s sarcasm cut through the air like a broadsword as she edged her way in to stand next to the sisters. ―I can‘t for the life of me understand the boy—and he is a boy—but,‖ she said, taking a sip from her tumbler and raising it to Olivia, ―to each their own.‖
―Now, Fiona…‖ Cat began, but Olivia cut her off.
―You filthy witch,‖ Olivia spat, taking a step closer to the smirking woman. ―How dare ye come here and spread yer shite around decent folk? How dare ye come at all, uninvited and unwelcome as ye are?‖
Olivia was turning red with a rage that Cat had never witnessed in her sister. Shegrabbed Olivia‘s arm to pull her away as she rapidly scanned the crowd for Carrick and Ian.
―Come away, Olivia.‖ Cat pulledon her arm. ―Dinna listen to her. She just wants to ruin it for ye, and ye willna allow her the satisfaction…‖
―That‘s right, Cat.‖ Fiona laughed, a high-pitched cackle that reminded Cat of the Wizard of Oz. ―Protect your baby sister. Just like old times, isn‘t it?‖
―Nay, Fiona,‖ Carrick said from behind the woman. A hush fell over the guests as they witnessed the escalating scene. Every single soul knew who Fiona was, and not a one would speak for her.
―Nay. In old times, ye wouldha run off with some rich gent and be gone,‖ Carrick said, taking Fiona‘s arm and pulling her up in front of him to meet her eyes, loathing streaking through his own eyes like lightening. ―Ye spread yer hatred while living on yer daughter‘s mercy. I suggest ye leave immediately. Ye havena right to be here,and today of all days. Get ye gone, Fiona.‖
Fiona set her jaw and glowered at him in defiance. ―I will leave when I wish,‖ she said through clenched teeth.
―I‘ll see to her.‖ Ian was suddenly at Carrick‘s side. His face was granite and his broad shoulders set for a fight. ―Ye‘ll leave with me now, Fiona, if I have to carry ye.‖
Seeing that she would not get anywhere with her games this night, Fiona shrugged, handed Carrick her tumbler, and eyed Cat and Olivia.
―All right then.‖ She sighed prettily. ―I only wanted to congratulate my daughter on her upcoming nuptials. Let me know when you begin planning the wedding,‖ she said over her arrogant shoulder as she turned to join Ian. ―Every bride needs a mother‘s hand, after all,‖ she tossed out as Ian led her down the hill to her carriage.
―I think ye‘d best get out of that kilt,‖ Cat said gently, but firmly,to Olivia. ―Who kens the trouble Fiona will make of yer dancing tonight, let alone wearing tartan.‖
Olivia‘s eyes widened in fear. ―Ye dinna think she‘d go to the Sasunnach, do ye?‖
Cat put her arm around her sister‘s shoulders and began leading her toward the house at a brisk pace.
―Idinna ken, but we canna take the chance. Ido wish ye hadna given us reason to worry. But it‘s done now, so let‘s make the best ofit, aye?‖
―Aye,‖ Olivia agreed meekly as they hurried up the stairs. ―I‘m so sorry, Cat. I dinna think of it. I assure ye,‖ she said, turning to look her sister in the eye, contrition etched on her face. ―I willna be so foolish again. I swear.‖
―I do hope ye mean it.‖ Cat smiled to reassure her. ―Let‘s get ye changed and back to the ceidhli. It is yer betrothal party, after all.‖ Cat patted Olivia‘s shoulder with affection and encouragement.
I hope she‘s learned her lesson, Cat thought. God alone knew what would come of Olivia‘s exhibition this night. Perhaps her betrothal to Ian would turn out to be the best thing possible for Olivia. Perhaps he could keep a hand on her. But she doubted it.
Chapter Fifteen
Am Iinterrupting ye?‖Cat asked Carrick as sheseated herself near his desk. ―Isaw Geordie leaving yer study and thought it may be a good time to talk, seeing as we couldna last night.‖
Carrick stretched his arms out in front of him and smiled. ―Nay, mo leannan. Ye arena interrupting. I received word that Duncan Anderson willna be released from prison, so Mary, Dougal, and wee Marie will be with us for a time, it seems. Geordie is off to begin the maltingat the distillery. I‘ll be going up there later myself. ‗Twas an excellent ceidhli, aye?‖
―It was,‖ Cat agreed. ―I am sorry to hear about Duncan, but glad his family will be safe with us.
Carrick …‖ She changed the subject. ―I am a wee bit worried. Olivia‘s stunt may have consequences.‖ ―Ah.‖ Carrick sighed knowingly. ―Ye‘re thinking of Fiona.‖
―I am. She has more ammunition against us now. If she caresto use it.‖
―Aye, she does.‖ Carrick sat back and considered the situation. ―But if she truly has nowhere to go,
why turn traitor to the charity we have provided her?‖
Cat laughed wryly and let her accent slip a bit. ―Are you kidding?‖ she argued. ―Because it‘s her nature to destroy and betray, that‘s why! For no other reason than she just can‘t help herself! God, I wish I knew for certain what she is up to.‖
―Well , now…‖ Carrick gave her a sly grin. ―That‘s where ye have underestimated me, Cat.‖ Cat leaned toward him in surprise. ―What? What have you done? Tell me.‖
―Cat,‖ he began, a hint of reproval in his voice. ―Ye ken how we have the lookouts throughout the
glen? To alert everyone to the coming of soldiers, aye?‖
―Aye…‖ Cat nodded, getting her accent back under control. ―I do.‖
―Well, do ye actually think I‘d allow Fiona to live on the land without setting a lookout on her as
well?‖ Carrick smiled proudly and stood up to lean on his desk conspiratorially.
―I shouldha thought…‖
―Aye, ye shouldha,‖ Carrick said as he came to pull Cat out of her chair and embrace her. ―Now go to
Olivia and Molly, and begin the wedding plans. The sooner we have done with it, the better, aye?‖ Cat kissed his cheek and turned to go. ―Aye. I see yer point. One more thing though. I wanted to give
Taigh MacHendrieto Olivia and Ian as a wedding gift. How do we get Fiona out? ‖
―A noble gesture, to be sure. But for the now, we dinna.‖ He kissed the top of her head. ―We will find
a way soon, I promise. In the meanwhile, Fiona will do no harm here, I assure ye.‖
―All right then,‖ she answered. ―I love ye, ye brilliant man.‖
―I love ye, too, clever wife.‖ He laughed as she left the room. He wouldn‘t worry Cat with the news
that Fiona had left for the present English stronghold of Inverness that morning.
Chapter Sixteen
―May I introduce myself?‖ the tall, dark-haired man addressed Fiona as he lifted her hand to his lips. ―I am Captain Caldwell Camden, Second in Command at Fort Augustus.‖
Fiona gave the younger man her mo st flirtatious smile and held her head a bit higher. ―Second in Command, you say?‖ she answered him, retrieving her hand to quickly snap her fan open and cool herself.
―Indeed.‖ Camden offered an arm to lead her to a quieter spot on the terrace and away from the musicians in the ballroom. ―I‘ve only been posted here for a few monthsor so. Fascinating place, Inverness.‖
―A dung heap, more like‖ she retorted, the disdain clear inher manner. ―I often wish I had stayed in France among civilized people. But then, what can you do when family duty calls? I am Lorraine Binoche, by the by. Comtesse Binoche,‖ she lied. She had taken the title and name without marrying the Vicomte, knowing that no one in Scotland was likely to question it these days.
Besides, the Vicomte always called her his Vicomtess, which she loosely translated as Comtesse. Better than the proper and less impressive address of Lady. And she had been known by her middle name, Lorraine. to hide her true MacHendrie identity, and thus disguise her Highland origins.
Camden smiled wickedly and appraised her full length. ―Oh, I know who you are,‖ he said. ―You are staying with Lord and Lady Braden, are you not?‖
―I am.‖ Fiona folded her fan shut. ―We met years ago at the French Court when Lord Braden was Ambassador.‖
―I see.‖ Camden nodded and turned to look at the garden.―And you are from…?‖
―Edinburgh, originally,‖ Fiona quicklyput in. ―Nastybusiness, this Jacobite rising. I suppose you are helping to arrest the Highland rebels?‖
―Now, Comtesse.‖ His eyes gleamed mischievously. ―You well know I can not divulge my orders. I am here to help keep the peace, shall we say?‖
Fiona looked closer at the handsome officer. Younger than her, but not too young for a diversion. He was a fine and fit man with well-defined English features, and striking eyes that assessed everything around him. He could be interesting, she thought.Didn‘t she hear someone mention that he was an English Lord?
―Of course,you are correct,‖ Fiona agreed. ―You are Lord Camden, isn‘t that so? I thought I heard someone—‖
―Oh, that.‖ He cut her off with a wave of his hand. ―True, true. But no matter titles, eh? Come, Comtesse. Tell me how such a beautiful and sophisticated woman came to be in Inverness, especially in such troubled times. Surely there must be an interesting story to it?‖ He seated himself on the bench nearby and patted it for Fiona to join him. She seated herself at the other end, but he swiftly closed the distance between them.
―What is the family duty which brings you to Inverness, Comtesse?‖ Camden leaned toward her, heat obvious in his eyes as he met her gaze.―Nothing too serious, I hope.‖
He put a strong hand on her wrist. The gesture of familiarity sent sparks up her arm and into her head, nearly making her gasp as she tried to restrain the sudden surge of sensuality it ignited.
―No,‖ she managed through a hitch in her breath. ―A minor thing, really.‖ She composed herself quickly and waved a hand in the air to dispense with the matter. ―An elderly father, you see.‖
―Your father is in Inverness?‖ Camden removed his hand and put it on his thigh His firm and wellshaped thigh. ―I would have thought an elderlygentleman would not remain in the Highlands during the rising. None too safe for the frail…‖
―He‘s in Edinburgh,‖ Fiona interrupted quickly. She did not want to give the solider clues to her true identity. Fun was fun, but in the current climate, the truth could imprison, or even kill.
―My father is a well-respected physician there, and requested I come and see to his household. He is unwell, but not an idiot.Nor is he political,‖ she quickly added.
Camden gave her a sly smile with a tinge of something like suspicion. ―Why did you not sail straight to Edinburgh, then? Why Inverness?‖
Fiona stood, suddenly not wishing to answer more questions. Lifting her chin, she snapped open her fan and glared at the captain. ―The onlyship on which I could book passage sailed to Inverness. Besides,‖ she softened her tone,‖ Lord Braden was insistent on myvisit. Seeing that myfather was not at death‘s own door, I decided a bit of amusement would not be amiss before I assume the drudgeries of tending the aged. Is that enough information for you, Captain?‖
She turned away to leave. Perhaps a liaison with the young captain would not best serve her after all. He was too keen on knowing her secrets, learning her business. She took two steps toward the open doors and tossed over her shoulder, ―Good night then, Captain. Another time, perhaps?‖
―Come now, Comtesse.‖ Camden was at her side instantly,and put out a hand to stop her retreat. ―I meant no offense. Do forgive me.‖
He laid a gentle hand on her arm and said apologetically, ―I‘m afraid my duties have caused me to forget my manners among polite society. I should not have pried into your affairs so. ―
Fiona pulled her arm away and allowed a slow smile of condescension to lighten her expression. Perhaps the gamewasn‘t over yet, she thought. She had the upper hand now.
―My dear Captain, you are forgiven this time I can well imagine how dealing with the Highland ruffians can cause one to lose their – shall we say– savoir faire?‖ She put out her hand to signal an end to the encounter. ―Until we meet again, Captain. It‘ has been most charming.‖
Camden took and quickly kissed her hand, before she pulled it away and turned to go.
―Comtesse,‖ he said. ―When will that be? May I call upon you?‖ He was a bit too eager and Fiona read him perfectly.
&n
bsp; ―Of course,you may,‖ she said with a quick glance over her shoulder. ―But keep in mind that I leave soon and have much to do. Au revoir, Captain…,‖ she trilled as she glided through the doors.
―I will see you again, Comtesse. Very soon,‖ he called after her.
―Perhaps,‖ she called back nonchalantly. If you are man enough, she thought and went to find her coachman.
Hamish had been working all morning in the little room off the kitchen he had designated as his surgery. He had stocked the shelves with various herbs and supplies, and with Morag‘s expertise and guidance, had collected and prepared herbs and other remedies.
She had been an invaluable source of 18th century medicines, some of which, he was not entirely surprised to find, had their accepted uses in 21st century medicine. There were some he had been aware of, such as foxglove as the source of modern-day digitalis—a common medicine which regulated heartbeat. Of course, willow bark, he had always known, was the source of aspirin. But he was surprised at the efficacy of feverfew and comfrey when used properly.
This morning he was checking the inventory of the laudanum which Carrick had brought from Inverness. With tales of increasing violence by English soldiers throughout the Highlands, he wanted to be certain he could deal with any contingency should it come to Beinn Fhithich. He prayed it would not be necessary, but he knew his history and was not wiling to take the matter on faith.
―Have ye a moment, Hamish?‖ Molly‘s soft voice came from behind him. ―May I come in?‖
He turned toward her and smiled. He was fond of Molly. She was a kind and gentle woman, if a bit suspicious of him. Try as he had though, he did not recall her from the past. Odd, since memories of his former life had been returning at a gradual and steady pace.
―Of course, my dear,‖ he said as he pulled a chair over for her. ―Do sit down. What is the matter? Y e look troubled this morning.‖
―I‘m afraid I‘ve a wee cut from pruning the roses, Hamish.‖ She held out her thumb so he could examine it. ―‘Tis a tiny thing and I shouldna be troubling ye with it. All the same, ye did warn me about infection, aye? I canna afford to be ill, what with the wedding and…‖
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