Isla’s voice rose and fell with a cadence that was magnificent, and John gasped with delight as she continued, “The dragon breathed fire on them, setting the ship to blaze and the great huntsman pulled back his bow. He had but one arrow, a massive tool and only one chance. Letting loose the fletching, the arrow sailed through the air, piercing the dragon in the heart.”
The children clapped and Gavin smiled. He could stay there all night. He had loved holding John as a baby. Elizabeth’s soft breath tickled his chin. What would it be like to have a child of his own again? Emily had been eager to enter society after John’s birth, and Gavin hadn’t spent nearly the time he had wished with his son. What would it be like to have a baby in Scotland, raised amongst the heather, swimming in the loch.
“Willy, Madeline, it’s time for bed.” Will called from the door.
“Aww!” they cried.
“You too, John,” Gavin added from the chair. Much as he hated this to end, John needed to get to bed.
“Perhaps you can help me by carrying Elizabeth.” There was an edge to Will’s words and his jaw was tight, eyes hard, as he looked to Gavin.
Inwardly, Gavin sighed. This stolen moment was over. “Of course.”
He glanced over at Isla. She was simply dressed in a high wasted gown, her hair pulled back from her face, highlighting her perfect features. She was so naturally beautiful that she took Gavin’s breath away.
“I’ll help too,” she offered.
“It’s better not to push the limits of Papa’s punishment too far.” He gave her a grin and turned with the children. The smile left his face as soon as he caught sight of Gavin again.
Gavin gave Isla one last glance, drinking her in, before he turned and followed Will. The other man’s shoulders were stiff with tension.
They had barely turned the corner when Will said, “If it had been my father who saw you in Isla’s room, you’d be married on the morrow.”
“I simply wanted to bring her food. She did nothing wrong and it was ridiculous to punish her.”
Will handed the children to a woman who must have been their nanny. She took the now sleeping Elizabeth out of his arms. The warmth that had filled Gavin, cooled both from the loss of the baby and the tension of the conversation
“My father knows what he is doing. It’s you who have no right to question him. Isla is not your responsibility.”
Gavin swallowed. Hadn’t he been telling himself the very same? He was making a point of not having Isla, or any woman, become his responsibility. “She did nothing.”
“Isla is a smart strong woman. She did nothing now, but don’t worry. She will make sure Tom pays for his crime, and she’ll likely break several rules while doing it. Tom will get his punishment and Isla will suffer for her future transgressions now. Tom is no match for her.”
Gavin grinned, thinking back to the way Isla had beamed Tom with a rock. His protection was unnecessary which begged the question, why he was so driven to keep her safe? “I’ve spent too much time in London. Everyone looking out for themselves.”
Will smiled, more relaxed. “That is why I’ll not tell my father what has happened. You’ve been in London and you’re used to dealing with the self-serving manipulative members of society. Isla has needed protection from them.”
Fear prickled along Gavin’s skin. Had someone tried to hurt Isla? It was on the tip of Gavin’s tongue to ask, but he held the questions at bay. It was none of his concern and this irrational need to protect her was unfounded. She had a father and at least one brother already caring for her. He would not think of Isla again this evening.
“Trust me when I say, if you did decide to marry Isla, she would help ease your burden, not add to it. I don’t know a woman made of stronger stuff.” Will clapped him on the back and then turned to walk away. Gavin closed his eyes. Will was trying to tempt him, he must be.
Unable to forget Isla, Gavin turned all that he had learned over in his mind. Had Emily just been a self-serving socialite? Was it even possible that marriage would be a solution and not part of the problem? Everything he had witnessed told him Isla was different.
5
TAMING A LAIRD’S WILD LADY
Sitting on her bed, Isla looked at the spot where Gavin had just been standing, his broad shoulders filling her doorway. Had he really been in her room, holding her niece and listening to her story?
Her fingers strayed to her lips. What might it have been like to kiss him? Never, in her nineteen years, had she kissed a man, but like everything else, once she wanted it, it consumed her. She had to know, even if he wouldn’t be her suitor, what that might feel like.
Getting up, she stepped out onto the balcony, gazing at the nearly full moon rise in the sky. It would be the perfect night for a ride. Nothing was more exhilarating than flying over the landscape on horseback in the dead of night. It had been ages since she’d been able to go.
Tom didn’t know it yet, but he was about to help her have another ride. Once married, she may never be able to do it again, though her heart twisted painfully at the thought. What would her life become?
Moving back inside, she fixed herself a healthy plate of food and began to pick at its contents, her mind on the men below.
It would seem she had but two actual choices. The first was Collin. Though he was utterly boring, he was a good man and would, at least, tolerate a certain amount of her wild behavior. The second was Gavin. Her heart beat wildly at the thought. Perhaps she had misunderstood his comments earlier about wanting a contract without marriage. She was almost certain he had been about to kiss her. An idea struck her. Perhaps, she could listen into the discussion, see who was serious, and find out Gavin’s intentions.
Setting the food down again, Isla opened her door and slipped out into the hall. With swift feet, she carried herself down the stairs. Her father had most likely retired to the smoking room, which suited her perfectly. There was a large terrace off the room and, with the night warm, the men would probably have the doors open, if for no other reason than to let out the smoke.
The house was silent as she entered an adjoining room. Crossing it silently, she unlocked the terrace doors and pulled it open a tiny crack. Checking to make sure no one was on the terrace, she slipped out the door and into a shadow.
Immediately, their voices filtered toward her. Angus could be heard clearly. “We all know, not only have I got the most land but the best trees as well. Solid oak and maple. Anyone in England would want my wood.”
Isla rolled her eyes, trying not to groan at the words. She didn’t want anything from Angus, including his wood.
“Well, let them have it then,” Collin piped up. “I’ve seen your acres. Much of it is sparsely forested. I’ve got near a thousand acres of real forest.” Isla tried not to huff her frustration. How could her father not see she was being bartered like cattle?
“And what of you, Laird Campbell?” Her father asked.
“I’ve near five hundred acres of beautiful woods right on the river. We could float it straight here. I’ll not mince words, my estate needs this contract and no one will work harder than me, but I meant my earlier words. I don’t want a wife.”
Isla felt her heart contract. It could not be more definitive. She covered her mouth with her hand to keep from allowing her feelings to boil out, though she wasn’t sure if she wanted to cry or hit him. He’d hinted at this fact earlier today, but it was different, harder, to hear him speak it so plainly.
“I told you. This is a family business and always has been. My nephew, Barrett, gave us the contract to begin with. The contract is tied to the marriage.”
It was just that he was rejecting her, she told herself. But there was another voice. The one that was excited about the idea of kissing him. He excited her. Closing her eyes, she pictured him sitting in her room, holding Elizabeth. Thought of him so tall and strong on top of his horse or raised above her at the river today. Her body ached to feel him close again, and some part of her had h
oped he wanted the same.
Apparently, he didn’t feel that way. She bit down on her lip. It seemed so cruel to not have your feeling returned.
“Then, I suppose, we’ve nothing left to discuss,” Gavin returned in a flat tone. Did he look pained? She was tempted to try to see him. To study his face, she would know his feelings.
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you all to see the first ship, newly built. That invitation includes you, Gavin. It may be that you change your mind when you see what we are creating.”
Isla’s lips pressed into a firm line. She didn’t want a husband who was more impressed with a ship than her.
“He already said he’s not interested. What are ye extending the invitation to him for?” Angus cut in.
Isla didn’t need to hear any more. Trudging back through the house, she made her way toward her room. Lying on her bed, she stared up at the canopy. She should ring for a servant, but she didn’t want to be disturbed. She had only known Gavin for a short time, so how could he have this effect on her? Her mind kept wandering to the feel of his strong body pressed against hers. The way his lips had moved closer and closer, causing her breath to catch. Closing her eyes, she tried to stop the images.
Gavin’ rejection stung. If he didn’t want her, she didn’t want him either. Her father didn’t consider Fergal a suitor and she couldn’t marry him now. She’d have to see Gavin every day. Tomorrow, she would tell her father her preference for a husband…Collin.
* * *
THE DAY DAWNED BRIGHT, and Isla quickly shook off her melancholy from the night before. It would happen the way that it happened. Worrying would have little effect.
There was an outing planned for the ship yard and Isla picked out one of her best dresses. It was the perfect shade of blue to match her eyes. She convinced herself she was not dressing for Gavin’s benefit. If, however, he happened to notice, she hoped he was sorry for dismissing her so easily.
A maid dressed her hair in elaborate coif of twists and curls. As Isla stood, turning her head this way and that, she had to admit she saw the benefit of such styles. It brought out her high cheek bones and heart-shaped face.
Finally ready, she began her descent downstairs. Most of the party was already assembled and all eyes turned to her. Only one set captured her attention. Gavin’s gray eyes pierced into her, making her catch her breath. For a moment, she seemed to lose all sense and nearly tripped on the stairs.
Gritting her teeth, Isla peeled her gaze from his and stared at a point on the wall. As she reached the bottom, her father held his hand out to her. “Here she is.”
Giving a nod to the group, she plastered a smile on her face as her father led her out to the line of carriages waiting to take them to the ship yard.
Her father helped her into the vehicle, and as she settled herself in, Angus, Collin and Fergal all climbed in behind her.
Angus sidled up next to her as Isla clenched her teeth in an attempt to keep the smile on her face. He gave her a leer and then leaned into to whisper in her ear, “If you be thinking you’re marrying another, you’re mistaken, lass. You’ll be mine one way or the other.”
He grabbed her thigh, squeezing hard with his beefy hand. Where was her father? Shouldn’t this ride be chaperoned? “I’ll throw myself into the ocean first,” she gritted out, grabbing his wrist and pushing on his thumb’s tendon until he released her leg with a grunt.
“You’ll pay for that. I will teach you submission if―Ach!” Angus cried out.
“Did I step on your foot? Excuse me.” Gavin filled every available inch left in the carriage. “Fergal, you’ll need to ride with Will. He’s some business he’d like to discuss. Which means I’ll be joining this carriage.”
Gavin momentarily climbed out and Fergal gave her a wink as he, too, exited through the door. Fergal was always a great deal of fun, and she gave him a winning grin in return. Like her, he was full of life and adventure. It was surprising to her that he did not make her breath catch the way his far more serious brother did.
Gavin climbed back in and took Fergal’s seat across from her. She let out a breath. Angus was a large man and, despite her strength, there was little she could do to defend herself in such a small space. Gavin’s presence made her feel safer, more secure.
She glanced at his features. They were set in his usual hard, unsmiling lines. They didn’t have the tint of merriment that his brother’s always carried. But somehow, he made her feel comfortable and safe. Like he was watching vigilantly.
And he was. He was the only one who had realized yesterday that she was in trouble. Isla understood she was wild at times. Her family told her often enough. Was it so shocking to think she wanted a man who was more serious, more grounded than herself?
Perhaps the more pressing question was, would he want a woman like her?
None of it mattered. He had made it clear he wanted no wife at all, and she planned to tell her father she wanted Collin.
She tore her eyes away from Gavin and glanced at her other suitor. Collin’s eyes were intent upon her. As his gaze met hers, he murmured, “Isla, you are so beautiful.”
She tried not to frown. It was a compliment, but she wished he would find something else to like about her. Her beauty was the trait she cared least about.
Angus snorted. “Beautiful or no, she’s a woman who needs to be broken, and you are not the man to do it.”
Isla’s fists clenched. She could dismiss Angus’ words because they would never be married. However, she’d had just about enough of men talking about her like she wasn’t there.
“I beg your pardon.” Collin sat straighter in his seat. “I could break―”
“Angus Dougal, if you were any more of a horse’s arse,” she started to say. He raised his hand as if to strike her, but Gavin was across the carriage before he could respond.
“You’ll keep your mouth shut and your hands to yourself.” He growled, his face inches from Angus’.
“You’ve made it clear you don’t want to marry the woman. Stay out of it,” Angus bit back, his own anger rising to meet Gavin’s. “It’s a two-man race, and MacPherson over there has never won a fight in his life. She’s as good as mine, and I’ll do as I please.”
No wonder Angus was so much more aggressive today, but aggression would not win his suit. He had underestimated her and her father’s affection. The carriage rolled to a stop and Gavin did not reply as the door snapped open.
Collin and Angus climbed out first and Isla scooted down the seat, trying to move around Gavin. Now that Angus had announced Gavin’s intent, or lack thereof, toward her, she didn’t want to look him in his eyes. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to hide the hurt that came with being rejected in front of all the other suitors by a man she found so enticing.
“Isla,” his voice was so close, made husky with an emotion she didn’t understand.
To speak might betray her own emotion, so she did not respond. Instead, she stepped out of the carriage. Collin and Angus waited on either side of the door and, with decided intent, she took the arm Collin offered.
She heard Angus huff, but she ignored it. The ocean breeze ruffled her hair, filling her nostrils with the scent of the sea. Her blood was singing in her veins pulsing with excitement at the sights and sounds of the ocean. She’d give anything to ride her horse down the beach. Perhaps her father would take them out for a sail and she’d be able to at least feel the wind through her hair as they clipped along.
Excitement made her tug at Collin’s arm as she moved toward the gang plank. Planting his feet, he gave her a gentle tug backward. “What is your rush?”
Isla looked at him. “It is thrilling. The wind, the water, the speed of the boat. Don’t you feel it?”
He gave her a grimace. “Salty wind does terrible things to my hair.”
Her mouth hung open as she stared at him. “Has your hair addled your brain?” Collin had spent most of his life in London rather than in Scotland. At this moment, it showed.
> “Isla, you really are too free with your tongue. If we do marry, you simply can’t speak like that in the salons of London. Angus is ri―”
“Doona dare say it,” she gritted out. If he had reservations about her wild ways, then she had some about how ridiculously dull he was. It was possible she could actually perish, or at the very least, go mad with boredom, from a life lived in London.
“Really, Isla, it’s time for you to grow up.”
What did that even mean? Her brother had said the same thing. Why did swimming in a creek or riding horseback mean she wasn’t grown up? Must she sit and gossip with women and wear fancy dresses to be an adult? She opened her mouth to say these things when Angus let out a yell behind her.
“You wouldn’t.” Angus seemed to be just behind her.
She turned in time to catch a grinning Gavin duck a punch from him.
“Aye, I would. And don’t you forget it.” Gavin came up on her other side and grabbed her hand, propelling her up the plank.
“Hold onto me. I can’t see my feet.” She laughed as she spoke and he wrapped a light hand around her waist as he helped her up. Once they hit the deck, neither spoke as their steps quickened, carrying them to the bow of the ship. By the time they reached it, they were near a run.
Gasping for breath, she let out a giggle. “That may be the most fun thing I have done all week. What did you say to Angus?”
“One need not say much to anger that bull.” Gavin wiggled his eyebrows.
Isla let out another giggle, but aware he had avoided giving a direct answer. Her father climbed aboard the ship and beckoned to her. The weight of the day, which had lifted for a moment, fell back on her shoulders. The smile left her face. “If you will excuse me.”
He gave a single nod. Isla looked back only once. She desperately wanted to stay with him but, despite what Collin thought, she was growing up, and her duty to her family called.
“Do you see this mast? A straighter, taller mast can’t be found.” Her father’s voice boomed proudly.
Taming a Laird's Wild Lady: Taming the Heart Series Page 4
