“My mother passed many years ago. I’m sorry for your loss. There is no one to replace a mother in your heart, but memories are precious friends.”
Lucy smiled up at the stars. “The Bible doesn’t give credence to the idea that she can watch over me, but I do trust that God sees and loves me as much or even more than she did.”
“He does. Hard to understand, sometimes.”
“Yes. Good night, Jared.”
“Good night, my pixie girl.”
Lucy rolled away from the fire with a smile on her face. He called her his. For the span of this trip, she belonged to someone and that felt really, really good.
5
Jared managed several nights in a row without the night terrors. They followed the river beds and had on many occasions fished for dinner. He longed to reach Aviemore so Lucy might have a few evenings of quality rest. She was pluck to the backbone and never complained, but he noticed the weariness in her eyes and the droop of her shoulders by day’s end.
There was a rhythm they developed as they worked together with few words. He liked that about her most of all. She wasn’t a chatterbox and didn’t fill his ears with gossip or inane thoughts. Survival was the game here and he couldn’t imagine any other woman of his acquaintance who would be able to make a trip like this. No, that wasn’t completely true. Michael’s bride, Katrina, who was also related to Jared, would have had the bottom to withstand this journey and endured much more before she was happily settled.
But who would marry Lady Penelope Diamonte? She was an heiress in her own right. He assumed that would be the case. Why else would she be asked to come back to London? She was, by rank, above his touch and he would never aspire to more than a contradance with such a lady.
Did she even know how to dance? Had her mother taught her any of the rules of society? He wondered what horrors the Duchess endured that caused her to run into hiding in Scotland. Was it possible the Duke knew where his daughter was all along?
Jared frowned. That was a possibility and given the evil the Duke was capable of, that could mean their journey could have more complications than he had hitherto anticipated.
“Why do you frown?” Lucy dropped to her knees by his side as he held the fish over the fire.
He looked at her, his little pixie, as he had taken to calling her. She didn’t seem to mind the nickname. If she weren’t fey, he would never have labeled her thus, but there was something otherworldly about his fairy sprite that intrigued him. Especially now with her wide blue eyes gazing at him, those pink lips exposing pearly teeth, and that pert little nose. How could he have come to adore such a face in so short a time?
He shook his head. “Unfruitful questions, since there are no answers.”
She sat back on her heels. “Like what?”
He bit his lip and considered her. For all her petite stature she wasn’t fragile and helpless. “Did your mother ever explain why she ran away from your father?”
Her gaze fell and she fidgeted with her fingers. “Not in specifics. As I grew she shared more of the evil he was involved in. I learned there are people who worship Satan, sometimes with more devotion and passion than those who claim to worship Jesus.”
Jared nodded and appreciated her speaking in proper English even with her thick accent. “Yes. I’ve dealt with several of your father’s minions and seen and heard some of the horrors they would inflict, especially on young women.”
Lucy nodded. “He planned to take me for one of his ceremonies and my mother caught wind of it. He branded her. He is known as the Black Diamond.”
Jared’s eyebrows rose. She knew about that? “Yes, I’m aware. I’ve met your father and he is all you say and more.”
“Then you understand why my mother fled. I was only six at the time when we escaped in the middle of the night. We assumed new identities for the trip and took a boat here. Terrance and Nanny traveled with us. My mother took all the money she could. It was sufficient to meet our needs and she worked taking in sewing to supplement our income. In spite of all that, I never wanted for anything.”
“And she explained the nature of the horrors that would have occurred had you stayed?”
Lucy nodded, and a tear trickled down her cheek. “After my brother was born, my father subjected my mother to many abuses. She never explained any details.”
“Probably not something you will want to share with suitors in London.”
“It does nae shock ye?”
“I’m friends with the Duke’s illegitimate son, Michael. He’s the spitting image of your brother, by the way, so don’t be startled by the resemblance when you meet him.”
“I didn’t know my brother as more than a wee boy. He was a few years older than me. We weren’t close.”
“You took on new identities.”
“They won’t make me change it, will they? Lady Penelope died when we left London. I became Miss Lucille Cameron when we came here. My mother has some distant relatives here and we imposed on their good nature and name.”
“You would give up being the daughter of a duke? That would give you great entre to the beau monde and open the door to a wealth of eligible noblemen to court you.”
“Beau monde? What is that?”
“The aristocracy, the upper ten thousand, that includes the families of dukes to barons and even knights.”
Lucy stood and hugged herself. “Are you of their number?”
“My brother is a viscount, but as a second son, I have no title, only a modest income, and a small property. I would never look so high as to wed the daughter of a duke.” He came to stand in front of her and placed a hand on her arm. “Why? Does being a noblewoman bother you?”
“I would rather stay Lucy Cameron.”
Jared frowned. “I wish you could. I don’t think you can deny your lineage or if society would let you.”
“What do they have to say in the matter? I am a free agent and can choose my own destiny and path.”
“Why did you choose to come with me? Surely you understood that coming to London means taking up your birthright and any inheritance that goes along with it.”
Her big eyes searched his. “And what happens to you when we return? Do you drop me off at Whitehall, wave farewell, and go on your merry way?”
He gulped. That had initially been his plan, but now…? “I don’t know, Lucy.”
She pivoted on her heel and strode to the river’s edge.
~*~
Lucy crossed her arms and stared at the rippling water. She wished it could wash away the despair that weighed on her heart. How could she explain why she came? She hadn’t thought of what the end would be. Only that she was to be with this man. And that had been enough to sway her heart and mind to acquiesce to the plan to leave with him.
“Luce?”
He came up behind her. She sensed his presence even though he didn’t touch her. There was a vibration between them, something that thrummed with energy, pulsed, and drew her to him. She swayed and he stepped closer, right behind her, and wrapped his arms around hers. His chin came to rest on her shoulder. His breath tickled her ear and she fought not to squirm.
“I won’t abandon you, my pixie girl.”
She swallowed and leaned into his strength. “I came because of you. God told me I was to go with you. I hope I did not hear Him wrong.”
“It is right for you to be here with me,” Jared spoke softly. “I promise not to abandon you until you’re ready to send me away.”
She closed her eyes and let that thought seep into her bones. His lips touched her neck. Shivers ran up her spine and back down. She let her own arms drop, turned around in the circle of his, and searched the face that had become so dear to her a month before she met him. His gaze locked with hers. She wondered if he could read her heart and how much she needed him. He bent his head and his lips met hers in the softest brush of heaven.
He released her and stepped back. “I’m sorry, Luce. I said no more kisses and I violated
that.”
“I didn’t mind, Jared. I enjoy your kisses.”
He gave her a crooked smile that made her heart do a jig. “That would be the problem. I enjoy yours as well, my pixie sprite.” He sighed. “We should turn in. We have a long day and tomorrow I hope we might reach Aviemore. There you can have a warm bath and a soft bed.”
She nodded and followed him back to the fire. She settled down and stared up at the sky, filled with stars, the moon, and still lit from the summer sun. She smiled to herself as she remembered Jared’s words and kisses. He would not abandon her until she was ready.
What if she was never ready to let him go? The thought that her noble, albeit dubious, heritage, would preclude him from courting her, left her wanting to cry. Instead, she rolled over, and told God all about it in her prayers.
~*~
The next day was miserably damp. Jared was grateful for his cloak and hat although he was melting under the weight of its protection. Lucy had a cloak with a hood but she was still fairly wet and uncomfortable. Even though he suggested going up higher into the hills to find a cave or outcropping of some kind, she’d refused. She seemed in a funk and didn’t say much of anything to him as they packed up their gear in the morning rain.
Even Rogue, as well as Lucy’s mare, Fiona, seemed depressed. They took a short break for lunch and took off again.
Within a short time, Lucy screamed.
Jared turned his mount to see Fiona rear and toss Lucy to the ground. An adder had come out of the rocks and hissed. The horse backed up, almost stepping on Lucy and the snake advanced. Jared pulled his pistol, took aim, and shot the head off the snake as it reared to strike.
~*~
Lucy closed her eyes and the sobs she choked back last night bubbled up to the surface. She turned to cast up what little she had eaten. The dead snake collapsed almost on her lap, and its blood was splatted on her coat and dress.
Jared was there in a flash and called to Fiona. The mare had trotted further back on the path. The horse returned and stood close by.
“Luce, are you hurt?”
The sobs wouldn’t stop, and he pulled her into the warmth and strength of his embrace. He patted her head and whispered softly in her ear that she was safe and he was there.
Her sobs subsided. She hiccupped and pulled reluctantly away from his embrace. She instantly regretted it as the cold and damp caused her to shiver.
“Let’s get you up.” Jared helped her to her feet and made sure nothing was broken.
She was sure she would be sore later but was grateful that neither she nor the horse had suffered injury.
Jared and she remounted and continued down the path. As they rounded the bend they saw the city they sought. Aviemore. Jared gave a whoop and Lucy mustered a weak smile.
Within an hour, they walked into the door of the posting inn, seeking shelter. She was surprised when Jared asked for two rooms. He was told only one was currently available. The proprietor viewed them with a suspicious gleam in his eye. She was sure she appeared quite disreputable.
“My wife and I have had a terrible journey. I’ll take the one room and if you could have a bath brought up for her, I will pay extra for that.”
“Urr ye sure she’s yer guidwife?”
Jared looked to Lucy with one eyebrow raised.
“A’m his guidwife.”
The man pushed the register before them.
Jared signed and Lucy followed his example. She was, according to the register, Mrs. Lucy Allendale.
She was led up to a small room with a bed.
Jared dropped off their luggage and said he would give her time to bathe by taking a pint down in the lobby, but to save him some water too. She blushed at the thought of him sharing her bathwater. How would this work? They weren’t really married.
Lucy slipped into the warm water and did not waste much time, not knowing when Jared would return. She dressed in a long gown and was drying her hair by the fire when he returned.
“I’m afraid the water might be a mite cold.”
Jared shrugged as he removed his coat and waistcoat. He sat across from her and pulled off his boots and his soaked socks.
“You’re not…”
Jared grinned but shook his head. “Nae, my lady, I’ll move the screen here. You don’t need to see anything you don’t want to, Mrs. Allendale.” He slipped behind the screen and entered the water with a deep sigh.
She focused on the fire and getting her hair dry and untangled. It was a hopeless case, so she instead opted to braid it. By morning it would be dry.
“Jared?”
“Yes, my lovely wife?”
“Where will you sleep?”
“I’ll throw my blanket on the floor near the fire. I’ll not be bothering you any more than I have on the trail.”
“Oh.” Lucy grabbed a blanket from the bed and brought it over by the fire as well as one of the pillows. She crawled under the covers in bed before he emerged from behind the screen.
“Good night, my pixie wife.”
“Guid nicht, mah braw guidman.” She rolled over to her side and drifted to sleep vowing she would never again take for granted a good bed and a warm room.
Nor a man who would sacrifice so much of his own comfort to see to her own.
6
They spent two days in Aviemore.
Jared enjoyed walking through the small town with such a lovely lady on his arm. The villagers greeted them warmly after hearing Lucy’s Scottish speech, so he spoke as little as possible. They visited the local church to sit and pray. A young minister stopped them on the way out.
“A’m vicar o’ this parish. Ah hear tell this young lassie merrit ‘n’ Sassenach. Whit wur ye thinking, lassie? Weren’t th’ Scots blokes tae yer liking?”
“Both of my parents were English. Does love abide by borders?”
“Ah pray ye you don’t have too much trouble. Many an Sassenach has traveled to Scotland to be married over th’ anvil as it were.”
“Over the anvil? You mean Gretna? I would never so dishonor my bride by engaging in that type of marriage. Besides, she is of age,” Jared protested.
“Blessings on ye for a long happy marriage ‘n’ many bairns to bounce on your knee.”
“Thank you.” Jared hustled Lucy away. How could he have forgotten? His ruse of husband and wife would have served well in England, but they were in Scotland with Scottish laws and ways. How would Lucy take this news? She obviously was not aware of the traditions and customs either.
“Jared, is something the matter?”
“I’m afraid so, my pixie bride.”
“You don’t need to keep calling me your wife. There is no one to deceive at the moment.”
Jared led her to the village green, sat her down on a bench next to him, and turned to her. He took her hands into his, raised them up, and kissed them both. “I have some disturbing news to tell you. Please forgive me.”
“Forgive what, Jared? What have you done?”
“What I did was forget where I was. My lie to protect your reputation did far more than that, I’m afraid.”
Her lovely eyes narrowed, and a wrinkle appeared between them above her sweet nose. “I don’t understand what you are talking about.”
“The vicar reminded me of a tradition in Scotland.”
“The ‘over the anvil’ thing he mentioned? What was that about?”
“Many times, if a man wants to marry a young girl in England, but the parents refuse to give consent, they elope to Scotland. They cross the border at Gretna and can marry over the anvil. All that is required in Scotland for a marriage to be legally binding is for a man and a woman to declare they are husband and wife in front of a witness. Sometimes even a blacksmith will suffice, hence the term ‘over the anvil’.” He tipped his head forward and searched her eyes, willing her to connect the tradition to their own situation.
Her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. “Oh, but Jared, that cannot be true. You…
and I?”
“It’s not pretend, Lucy. You are married to me. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get you a ring or a nice wedding befitting your title.”
Lucy stood and paced back and forth.
“We’re…married. In truth?”
Jared was unsure of what she might do. Would she rail at him for his error? Would she slap his face and lock him out of the room, forcing him to bed down in the stables with the horses?
Instead of anger, she turned and gave him the sweetest smile. “You don’t need to sleep on the floor.”
“Wait, Lucy, if you want at any point to escape this marriage, I need to sleep on the floor. We can petition for an annulment when we get to London. If we do it quietly enough…”
Lucy walked away.
Jared stood and waited for her.
She turned back to face him. “You would never want to be married to me?”
“I didn’t say that. I would only want it to be by choice. Your choice. My choice.”
“I could never be your choice, though, could I? You said it a few days hence, I am titled, and you are not. The thought of a marriage between us, had we met in London, would never be an option.”
A weight of dread pulled Jared’s heart to his toes. “That would be true.”
“So, we cannot stay married.”
“It would be in your best interests if we did not. Once you reach London, you will quickly forget all about me as you will have your choice of men with far more wealth, station, and without my scars.”
“You think your scars would keep a woman from loving you?”
He turned away.
“Jared?”
“Let me take you back to the inn. We will continue our journey early on the morrow. I will sleep in the barn tonight. We can pretend we had a fight.”
“We fought, but I would never force you to the barn.”
“No, Luce, for all our sakes, I think the barn would be best.”
Their walk back to the inn was accomplished in silence, each party absorbed in their own thoughts.
Jared ordered a dinner to be served in their room and departed, instructing Lucy to lock the door until he knocked in the morning.
The Captain's Conquest Page 4
