“You might be right, brother,” Tom muttered softly. “Fate is guiding our hands.”
Charlotte and Ewan climbed on the horse. Charlotte snuggled the boy into the blankets as his eyes drifted closed. She smiled softly at the child and then looked at Graham. Their eyes met and he gently touched her arm and then the boy’s head. She had spent many hours caring for children at orphanages but something about holding this boy made her yearn for a child of her own.
The brothers easily found a more travelled road and quickly got directions to the home of Lord MacPherson.
By mid-day the group had arrived at a stately manor. It was surrounded by a large wall. In front of the wall two rivers joined together. They were the Tweed and Teviot rivers and they seemed to ring almost the entire structure. The area between the wall and the rivers was planted with at least seventy bay willow trees.
“Bloody hell,” Will muttered roughly.
“I think you mean heaven,” Charlotte responded.
STEALING A LADY’S HEART
CHAPTER NINE
The group began the journey up the drive to the estate. They had not made it far when the front doors burst open and a crowd of people raced towards them.
Some held weapons, and the brothers closed ranks in front of Charlotte and the boy. The gates swung closed behind them and for a moment Charlotte felt utterly trapped.
Nick hailed the group. “I am Lord Nicholas Fairfield, I am known to the Duke. I have found a child in the woods and am simply returning him.”
A man stepped to the front. “Bloody hell Nick, is that you?” Lord MacPherson quickened his pace and raced to the group.
“Cousin Ewan!” Charlotte called and waved.
“Blimey, Charlotte?” Ewan MacPherson yelled while in a full sprint.
The boy began to squirm in Charlotte’s grasp so she passed him down to Graham who set the boy on his feet. Little Ewan raced to his father.
“Papa,” he cried. Lord MacPherson swept the boy up in his arms.
Nick stepped forward. “It is good to see you, my lord. I know the circumstance is a bit strange. You know we mean no harm.”
The duke looked at him questioningly as he snuggled his son closer.
Nick nodded toward the group of men still holding swords and axes. “The men behind you still look ready to murder us.”
Surprise lit the duke’s eyes. “Put down your weapons lads. This is family.” He turned to Nick. “How did you find him?” His voice cracked slightly as he spoke.
“Lady Beaumont heard his cries as we made our way through the woods this morning. We started a fire to warm and feed him and then lit out for your home.”
The Duke of Roxburge looked sharply at Charlotte. He held his hand up to her which she gladly accepted and swung down from the horse. He caught her up in a hug. His eyes made a quick sweep of the group. Charlotte cringed. She was without chaperone travelling with four unmarried men.
“What brings you this far north?” His eyes pierced into them.
Nick paused for a moment. “It is a lengthy tale that we would be happy to share. We have been traveling many miles a day and if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, we would greatly appreciate any hospitality you could give us.”
Lord MacPherson nodded. “Of course. Anything you desire is yours. I cannot begin to repay you for the return of my son.” His eyes swept over his cousin and her peasant apparel. He said no more, though. Lord MacPherson turned and the rest of the group followed.
Within the hour, the group had bathed and was provided fresh clothing. Charlotte glanced down at herself. It felt wonderful to be clean again.
Everyone congregated in a parlor where a luncheon had been set out. Ewan MacPherson motioned for them to eat first.
When the meal was done, Ewan spoke. “I cannot thank you enough for returning my son to me.”
Nick spoke for the group. “Of course, my lord. It is a happy chance that we came upon him. How was it the boy was in the woods?”
Ewan’s shoulders drooped. “The nanny took him for a walk. He wanted to look for some birds. He normally stays within the walls. But he climbed up to see a bird and then just disappeared over the side. A guard was there in less than a minute but it was like he had vanished into thin air.” Ewan paused. “We have escaped a great deal of the tragedy that has befallen the north but strange things happen outside these walls.”
Ewan looked at each of them. He seemed to be searching their eyes for their reaction but each brother nodded his understanding.
“We have not escaped the hard times you speak of and we have seen firsthand the strange occurrences that you mention.” Graham looked at Charlotte. When their eyes met, Charlotte moved closer to him. She always felt safer when she was near him. He reached for her hand and then began the tale of how they came to be at Lord MacPherson’s gate.
Charlotte had expected shock or disbelief from her cousin at certain parts of Graham’s story but to her amazement, Ewan seemed not at all surprised.
“Graham, you have fought for my cousin’s safety admirably. We are in your debt. You are a true warrior.” Ewan reached over and patted Graham’s shoulder.
Graham gave a single nod and then continued the story. Lord MacPherson listened intently until they reached the part in the story with the bay willow. He gave his cousin a long look.
“How did you know the bay willow would protect you?” Lord MacPherson asked Charlotte.
“I didn’t. I just wanted to clear my head. It called…” She was going to say it called to me but she knew how strange it sounded.
“You’re not wrong, lass. You did well to trust your instincts. How did you find yourself under the tree?” Ewan looked pointedly at Graham.
“I noticed Charlotte gone. I went to look for her. I…” Graham’s cheeks actually pinkened slightly. Charlotte’s eyebrows shot up.
“I’ve got some things to say and I need you to listen with an open mind.” Lord MacPherson looked at each of them as they nodded their understanding.
“I’m sure you know that the Marquess of Huntly is extremely dangerous. Beyond being powerful and rich, strange things happen in his presence that can’t be explained. Now normally I would say you didn’t stand a chance, but some force is working on your side or you wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Graham agreed. “We have thought the same.”
“Good. I am glad you are willing to entertain the possibility of some events being otherworldly. Some even whisper about him having magical powers. I’ll tell you honestly that I had a great uncle who claimed to possess the same. He is the one who planted all of the bay willows.”
“And your son?” Will asked in his straightforward manner.
A pained expression crossed Lord MacPherson’s face. “We have kept him here in Scotland, and not let him travel to England, because strange things also happen around him.”
Will turned to Graham. “You were right. Fate guided our hand.”
Lord MacPherson’s eyebrows shot up. He studied the third brother. “I heard you were in the war. How are your skills with a sword?”
“Good enough.” Graham’s lips turned down in a grim frown. “It was always going to come down to a final confrontation, wasn’t it?”
“Yes it was.” Lord MacPherson turned to Charlotte. “What happened to your other suitors lass?”
Charlotte started in surprise. She hadn’t expected the question and she answered honestly. “They all fell away one by one. Some misfortune befell them. How did you know?”
“Like I said, strange things happen around the marquess and people act strangely too. Under normal circumstances would your father have allowed you to take this journey? Even chaperoned?”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “Never. But I didn’t even think it was magic. I thought my father was just desperate to have me married.”
Lord MacPherson nodded. “The marquess can influence the mind. I am sure your father was being pushed into marrying you so that he would accept t
he Marquess.”
“But he set up visits with other eligible men along the way. Why would he do that if the Marquess was influencing him?”
“As far as I can tell, he can only make suggestions, he can’t dominate a person’s thoughts. He might make someone feel like their situation is hopeless so he sells his land to the marquess. He made your father feel like you must marry so that the duke accepts the only offer. Regardless, the only way to put a stop to this is for you to marry someone else.”
Fear fluttered in Charlotte’s chest. Who would her cousin suggest?
The room grew deathly quiet. Silence stretched out until Ewan spoke again.
“Normally I would recommend the oldest son but under the circumstances, I would say Graham is the appropriate choice.” Ewan looked at the other man. The brothers all nodded in agreement.
“I am the third son. I couldn’t without her father’s permission.” Graham looked at her, his hesitation in his eyes. Charlotte nearly forgot to breathe as she waited for his answer. Their eyes met. She understood his hesitation but she pleaded with her gaze to take her cousin’s offer.
“Under normal circumstances I would agree. But Huntley has kidnapped her and attempted to marry her without permission. Another suitor could take months to find and then a wedding months after that. Coupled with his ability to influence the mind, it is too risky. Besides, it is obvious you have feelings for each other. You are saving her. And it is clearly you who must fight him.” MacPherson eyed the sword strapped to Graham’s side.
“Think of it this way. If you lose, she will become a widow and free to marry someone else. If you win, I would wager that her father will forgive you and aid you in becoming a lord. I will sponsor you in your introduction to polite society and I will tell my cousin that it was at my suggestion. He will understand that you are saving his daughter. From everything I have heard, I can’t think of a man more worthy for her hand.”
Graham looked at Charlotte. Charlotte stepped closer as their eyes met. She reached for his hand. “We will figure the rest out together.”
Indecision marked his face for a split second before he jerked his chin down once in agreement. Charlotte beamed.
Ewan smiled as he spoke. “I will call the preacher. You must have your wedding night here and then we will get you outfitted for your return journey in the morning. Don’t worry about the marquess, you are protected here.”
Charlotte gave Graham a sideways glance. Tonight would be her wedding night.
Nick spoke for the first time in a long time. “How are we protected?”
“The bay willow has long been regarded as a force of good. It is a sign of health and prosperity. Its branches were hung over the beds of maidens to keep them safe and it is used on Palm Sunday here in the north. But my uncle told me it held actual magical powers to ward off evil. He planted them around our walls and they have protected us ever since.”
“Something else has bothered me. Why is he so intent on marrying Charlotte?” Tom asked in his soft voice.
The duke hesitated. “I could say that it is her great beauty or her wealth and influence but I think it may be something else. She is the granddaughter of my uncle who planted those trees. My guess is that Lord Bard wishes…” He looked away.
Charlotte gasped as her hand fluttered to her face. “To make a magical child.”
Lord MacPherson looked relieved. “Now you understand why you must marry someone else. Charlotte, I will call for the priest directly. I am sorry but you may have to marry in that gown although I will see if my wife has one better.”
“That won’t be necessary. This will be just fine.” Charlotte smoothed the gown.
Lord MacPherson chuckled, shaking his head. He knew his cousin.
Graham’s smile split his face. “There is a lot that is unique about Lady Charlotte.”
“You’re a lucky man, Graham. Charlotte, under the circumstances, would you do me the honor of allowing me to give you away?”
“Ewan, the honor would be mine. Would little Ewan be well enough to act as ring bearer?”
“Of course, although we will have to procure some rings.”
The smile left Graham’s face as he queried, “Lord MacPherson…”
“Ewan,” the lord corrected. “We are to be family.”
“Ewan. We have used all the funds we brought to…” Graham’s face grew stiffer with each word.
“I will find something simple. You can reimburse me when you can. I would say that they would be a gift for what you are about to do for all the north but something tells me you won’t take it.” Ewan slapped Graham on the back.
“Thank you,” Graham added but continued to look troubled.
Charlotte bit her lip. She knew Graham was worried about providing for her. She just felt in her heart that it would all work out. But she didn’t think her words would comfort him. Instead she reached for his hand. He gave her a small smile but it did not reach his eyes.
Will approached Ewan. “Do you need any help with game for the feast?”
Ewan slapped Will on the back. “Normally I would say yes to a man of your talents but I am keeping you in the safety of the gates until tomorrow.”
STEALING A LADY’S HEART
CHAPTER TEN
Graham and Charlotte married in the afternoon rays of the sun as it shone down on the courtyard of Lord MacPherson.
The ceremony was brief but beautiful. Charlotte loved the intimacy but her only regret was that her father and Graham’s father were not there to see it.
The group had a lovely meal together. Charlotte kept glancing at Graham, unable to believe that they were man and wife. Her body pulsed with excitement. But a small niggle of fear flitted through her thoughts too. He hardly looked at her.
As the sun began to set, several servants and the Lord himself went out and cut small bows of the bay willow trees. In a line, each brought their willow branch up to the room the new couple would share.
Charlotte and Graham were last to enter the room. A large four post canopy bed stood in the center. Ladders were placed in either side of the canopy. One by one, each person climbed the ladder and placed a branch on top of their bed.
“The branches should protect you until the marriage is consummated.” Ewan seemed almost to blush slightly at these words. Men rarely talked of such things in a woman’s company.
Graham grimaced as though someone was about to kill him rather than a man about to have his wedding night.
Charlotte felt her joy being replaced with irritation. Graham was acting like an unwilling groom. He kept his eyes trained away from her as everyone filed out of the room.
Once they were alone, she walked up to him placing her face inches from his. “I will not hold you to the marriage as you seem so unwilling.” Her fists were balled at her sides. Her face inched closer to his with every word.
Graham gently cupped her face with his hand. His thumb stroked her chin. He spoke as though he knew her mind. “It is not my unwillingness to marry you that causes my pause. It is my fear that I am the common thief locksmiths are accused of being. I have stolen you away from your father.”
“You are returning me to my father and a good life. The man that kidnapped me is the thief.” They still did not say the marquess’ name.
Graham smiled a little but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Charlotte, you deserve everything life has to offer. What if I can’t give it to you?”
Charlotte felt her anger melting. His concern, as always, was for her wellbeing. “I am the luckiest woman I know to have a husband who works and worries so much for my happiness.”
This time his smile was genuine and his lips came down to meet hers in what was meant to be a soft kiss. As their lips met, the passion that they shared seemed to ignite.
Graham pulled away for a split second to look into her eyes but then brought his lips back down to Charlotte’s. His kiss was more demanding. Their lips met again and again with more urgency until Graham softly pushed
her lips open with his and slid his tongue between her lips. It touched the tip of hers and Charlotte felt molten heat slide through her body. She pressed her body closer to his as their lips and tongues kissed and caressed.
Charlotte was barely aware of Graham undoing the buttons on the back of her dress but she felt the air tickle her skin as it slid down her body. She stepped away from him and kicked the dress to the side. She could see his eyes burning into her flesh. Charlotte was surprised that she didn’t feel at all embarrassed. She had spent days with every part of her pressed closed to him and she wanted the last barrier between them removed. In an instant, she realized she wanted to share everything with Graham because she was in love with him.
Charlotte slid her drawers off from under her chemise. Then she pulled the chemise over her body delighting in the tortured look on Graham’s face. She stood naked before him and his eyes drank her in, growing darker as he stalked toward her. He looked ready to fight a bear. She wasn’t a bit afraid of him as she demanded, “Your clothes, husband.”
He gave her a wicked grin. “If it is what the lady wants.” He shrugged out of his jacket then peeled of his shirt. His broad shoulders rippled with muscle as they tapered down to a slim waist. He was glorious. Hunger built in Charlotte as he kicked off his shoes and then removed his breeches. His manhood stood out from his body and Charlotte blushed at the sight.
“Oh, my.” She swallowed hard but Graham only chuckled. He closed the two paces between them and swept her up in his arms.
His lips met hers and she relaxed slightly. He carried her to the bed and laid her gently down. He climbed on top of her, their skin pressed together. Their lips danced again but fear still lingered. It took some of the pleasure away for Charlotte.
Instead of entering her, Graham began trailing kissing down her neck. It sent shivers and tingles running through her entire body. He passed over her collar bone and then began kissing her chest.
When his lips reached the peak of her breast, a gasp escaped Charlotte’s lips. She completely forgot her fear as his hands caressed her abdomen and his lips teased her nipples into hard peaks. Her hands wound into his hair pulling his head down as her back arched. He momentarily lifted his head and a protest escaped her lips but his mouth immediately lowered to the other breast giving it the same treatment.
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