by Dawn Brower
“Are ye sure ye want to be alone?” Kieran stood too. “The sound might be more muted here with all the other people and the fire goin’.”
“I don’t want anyone to see me.” He turned then and started for the stairs. As he made his way to the front of the inn to access the staircase, the front door flew open just as another crack of thunder made him freeze in fear.
Just as quickly it closed but his eyes were too glazed to see anything as he stood, motionless.
Suddenly cold hands were pressed to his cheeks. He blinked his eyes several times and looked down to see Clarissa staring up at him. “Ewan,” her soft voice hesitated as a question filled her eyes.
“I need to get to my room,” he grated out, his breathing shallow.
“Who are ye, then?” someone asked from his left.
“I’m his wife,” Clarissa answered. “Could you tell me what room you’ve assigned us please?”
Ewan didn’t hear the answer but he knew he was being led up the stairs. Leading him to the bed, she gently pushed him down to sit on the edge. She began singing and he shuddered as she moved away.
“Come back here, lass,” he choked out.
Her song halted but her voice was gentle. “I’m near soaked through, I’ve got to take off my cloak at least.”
That brought him back to attention. His eyes sharpened and focused on her. Wet hair hanging down her back, her cloak was drenched. Despite the thunder still rumbling outside, he stood and whisked the wet fabric off her shoulders. Her gown was also soggy in spots and his fingers steadied to undo the buttons.
She was soaked to the bone and still caring for him. He kissed her forehead as the last button gave and whisked her into his arms, throwing back the covers and laying her in the bed. Climbing in next to her, he pulled the blankets over them and snuggled her close to his body. “Are you too cold, lass?”
“I’m fine, really. I haven’t been wet that long. How are you?” She tipped her head back and those eyes stared up at him with that look that had captured him from the first.
“I’m perfect now that ye’re here.” And then he took a breath. “I’m sorry I left, lass. I told ye I’d be patient and I—”
But she covered his mouth with her hand. “The fault is mine. You’re right. We can’t build a relationship if we don’t trust.”
Pulling her hand aside, he captured her lips with his. “We’re getting married, lass.” He murmured between kisses.
“Yes,” she breathed back though it hadn’t been a question. His hand travelled down her corset to her backside, which he pulled in tight to him.
“I’ll wait longer if ye want, but if ye’ll have me, we’ll have the ceremony performed tomorrow. Right here in Kirkcaldy.”
Bringing her hands to his cheeks, she pulled away to look into his eyes. His heart near beat out of his chest as he waited for her answer. “I’d like that.” She gave him a glowing smile.
Ewan barely the noticed the storm that raged outside. If she could overcome her fears then so could he.
Pulling his shirt over his head, he started on the strings of her corset. He couldn’t be gentle or artful as he yanked at them. He just wanted to feel her skin.
Fortunately, she didn’t seem to mind as her fingers reached under his kilt. “Mo chridhe,” he gasped as her hand grazed the already swollen flesh of his manhood.
“Take it off,” she panted as came up onto her knees on the bed to pull her chemise over her head.
In seconds they were both undressed and he dove back into the bed, wrapping her in his arms.
The feel of her skin made him groan and it was joined by her own sound of pleasure. “Oh, Ewan,” her lips were on his face, his neck, and her hands were tangled in his hair. “I love you. I’ll never doubt again.”
Wanting to be closer to her, he settled between her legs and found her already wet and ready for him. Sliding inside of her, his hands combed through the wet strands of her hair. “I love you too, mo chridhe.” He kissed her lips as she pulled him closer.
“Let’s never disagree again,” she gasped as he moved inside her.
He gave a laughing groan. “But making amends is so satisfying.”
They stopped talking as the pace grew quicker and the passion built. They kissed over and over as their bodies moved together. She would be his, forever. It made him near lightheaded as they neared completion, their breathing and bodies moving as one.
The rhythm became more erratic as did their kisses until Ewan felt her squeezing him so tightly, he could barely hold on and when she cried out in release, he fell over the edge, groaning out his climax.
Never had it been like that. So complete. He lay to her side and pulled her into his arms. “I have to tell ye that I was going to return to the castle tomorrow.”
Clarissa tipped her head back to look at him, her sleepy eyes assessing him as she gave him a soft smile. “Oh, but I had to come here and surrender to you. I’ve lost my heart, you see, and so now I’m your prisoner.”
“Surrendering to the laird are ye?” His body was suddenly not sated at all but began tightening again. “What shall I do with such a delectable prisoner?” He began trailing kisses down her body.
She giggled, but lay placid in his arms. “I am sure you’ll think of something.”
“I already have. I surrender to you too, mo chridhe.” He reached her nipple and gave it a gentle suck. Her gasping breath told him she wouldn’t be sleepy for much longer.
A knock at the door startled him. “Who is it?” Ewan called gruffly.
“We need to head back to the castle,” Kieran called.
“It’s late,” Ewan answered exasperated.
Kieran pounded on the door again. “There are no rooms for Agnes. Unless ye want her in with you, we’ve got to go. I’ll not have an innocent in my charge.”
“Then give her your room and sleep in the common room.”
“With the pickpockets?” Kieran sounded totally agitated, which was unlike him.
“There are no thieves in the inn.” Ewan was trying not to be completely irritated. He had the woman he loved naked in his arms.
Kieran pounded louder. “I’ll get the innkeeper. Tell him ye’re not married.” That got Ewan up. Tossing the covers over Clarissa, he rose from the bed and, pulling on his kilt, crossed to the door.
“What the feck is wrong wit ye?” Ewan gave him a glare. “This is not how brothers in arms treat one another.”
Kieran had the decency to look ashamed. Then he hissed out a whisper. “It’s Agnes. She is so blonde and pretty and she goes around looking down her nose at me fer not bein’ as noble as ye.” Kieran ran his hands through his light brown hair. “I want to throttle her when I don’t want to kiss her.”
Ewan bit back a smile but it was difficult. Because the signs were all there. Agnes was as innocent as they came so Kieran was right to worry. He’d end up married with one toe out of line. But then, Clarissa would have her cousin on the bordering property. “If we go back tonight, Clarissa’s father could keep us from marryin’. I mean to have the deed done in the mornin’. I don’t want to wait.” Ewan reached out and clasped his friend’s shoulder. “It’s just one night.”
Clarissa called from the bed, “Is Agnes all right?”
“She’s fine,” Ewan called back. “Kieran will make sure she is well cared for and safe. Won’t you, Kieran?”
Kieran gave him a glare but, throwing his hands up into the air, turned and left.
Clicking the door closed he leaned his head against it. It wasn’t fair what he was asking of Kieran but he needed Clarissa to be his. And he knew Kieran was a man of honor. He’d not do anything he shouldn’t. Then again, Ewan considered himself a man of honor as well, and look how he was acting. Love made a man mad.
When he returned to the bed, Clarissa barely moved. Only the rise and fall of the blanket let him know she was alive and well. “He’s gone.” Ewan whispered.
When she didn’t answer, he pulled back the
blanket. There she was, flat on her back, sound asleep.
Slipping off his kilt, he snuggled up next to her. Never more comfortable, he fell fast asleep.
Chapter 20
Clarissa woke with the sun, aware of several things instantly. In addition to being snuggled against Ewan, warm and comfortable, she was famished. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.
For a moment she battled dueling urges, one to stay there forever, the other to fill her empty stomach. Before she could decide, the hand resting on her belly slid up her body, coming to her cheek. “It’s our wedding day.”
Her smile nearly cracked her face. “It’s so exciting, isn’t it?”
He laughed. “Where’s the lass who was afraid to commit?”
“I trust you, Ewan.” She turned to lightly kiss his lips. Just then her stomach gave a rumble to protest.
“What’s that, then?” he asked, glancing down at her stomach.
Blushing she held her hand over it. “I was trying to catch you and I neglected to eat a few meals.”
Kissing her lips again, he pulled back the covers and lifter her out of bed. “Let’s get you dressed and down to breakfast.”
When they arrived downstairs, Agnes and Kieran were already there, Agnes blushing and looking flustered and Kieran with a scowl. It deepened when he saw Ewan.
“I trust you slept well,” Ewan asked Kieran.
“Barely a wink. I was busy keeping our young charge safe.” Kieran near growled.
“I’m not that young. Almost eighteen!” Agnes replied hotly.
Clarissa blinked. What was going on?
Eating as quickly as her empty stomach would allow, they set off for the local church. Joy bubbled inside Clarissa. Now that she had given her heart over fully, she couldn’t be happier.
The priest was sleepy but welcoming as he ushered Clarissa and Ewan to the front while Kieran and Agnes stood to the sides to bear witness.
He had them sign several papers and then gave them a nod. “Please join hands.” The priest pulled out a ribbon and began to wrap it around their interlocked fingers.
They each repeated their vows, Ewan grinning as he said, “I promise to love, honor, and cherish ye for the rest of yer days.”
Then the priest laid his hand on top of their bound ones. “These ribbons represent a binding before God that can never be broken. You belong to each other for the rest of your days.”
Ewan leaned over and kissed her and she longed to melt into him. She closed her eyes and tried to savor every moment of their first kiss as man and wife.
And then the priest was unwrapping their hands and sending them on their way to begin their new life together.
A part of her desperately wanted to return to the inn and spend days alone with Ewan. But she had to return Agnes and she needed to speak with her parents. While her father had allowed her to leave, it was no guarantee that he would sign over her dowry to Ewan.
They did return to the inn but only to collect the carriage and horses. Clarissa and Agnes climbed into the buggy while Ewan and Kieran got onto their horses.
As soon as the wheels set in motion, Clarissa was on the other seat. “What happened last night?”
Agnes made a face at her. “Besides you leaving me with the most unethical laird in all of Scotland?”
“He didn’t, I mean you didn’t…” Clarissa grasped Agnes’s hand.
Agnes’s frown deepened. “Of course not. He’s not interested in me like that. He just didn’t want to give up his room. I told him if he was any type of gentleman, he would. What man doesn’t help women stranded on the side of the road or—” Agnes tossed herself back on the seat. “Why wouldn’t he be interested in me? I’m pretty enough. I don’t have a title, but I’ve a decent dowry. Not like yours, of course, but still.”
Clarissa bit back a smile. “But you wouldn’t want a man who couldn’t be a gentleman anyway.”
“Of course, not,” Agnes huffed. “He’s just dreadful.”
“I thought Ewan was dreadful too.”
Agnes lifted and eyebrow. “It isn’t even remotely the same. Ewan was always chivalrous and kind.”
Clarissa shrugged. “I didn’t think so, but I was too emotionally close to the situation to see it for what it really was.” She didn’t want to be too obvious. Agnes would have to discover the truth for herself.
They approached Ravenscraig just after the noon meal and Clarissa tried to calm the queasy churning of her stomach. Just before the drive, the carriage came to a halt and Ewan snapped open the door. “Are ye all right, lass?” he asked, holding his hand out to hers.
She took it and nodded as he gently pulled her out of the carriage. “Just a little nervous.”
“Don’t be.” He held her hands as he kissed her forehead. “I’ll be by your side the entire time.”
“I know my mother approves but my father…” her voice trailed off. “What if he withholds my dowry?”
“We have each other, we’ll get by.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
She tried to return it. “What if he never speaks to me again?” Her hand shook a little in his. “I’m angry with him but I still love him.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that, lass.” He squeezed her hands. “I’ll do everything I can to make it right with him.”
“You won’t give me up, will you?” she asked, a little fear trickling into her voice. Now that she’d almost lost him once, she knew she couldn’t again.
But he pulled her into his embrace. “Anything but that.” His lips whispered down her cheek. “Ride with me up to the castle. There will be no separating us then.”
With a nod, he swung up on the horse and then reached down, easily lifting her up. Settling her sideways in front of him, he settled her close to his body. She leaned her forehead on his chest, arms around his waist.
The steady beat of his heart calmed her own into a more normal rhythm. For a moment she relaxed and her eyes drifted closed.
But the sound of her father’s voice made her head snap back up. Roughly he called, “What is the meaning of this?”
She lifted her head, her eyes narrowing on her father. The rest of her family stood slightly behind him but she only looked at him. Now that she was in the moment, or perhaps because she was in Ewan’s arms, she wasn’t nervous anymore and she wouldn’t run. “Hello, Papa.”
The calm of her voice seemed to take him aback. “You were supposed to return last night.”
“There was a terrible storm. We had to stay.”
“And Agnes?” An accusation was apparent in those two words. While Clarissa no longer had a pristine reputation to protect, her cousin did.
“My lord,” Ewan swung down from the horse, holding her in his arms. Gently setting her to the ground, his hand still wrapped possessively around her waist. “The inn was full so I gave my room to the ladies and Laird McKenna and I shared.”
Her father leveled Ewan with a stare. “If I’ve word to the contrary, you’ll be marrying my daughter.”
Ewan cleared his throat. “I already have, my lord.”
Her father paled considerably. “Without my consent?”
But her mother stepped next to him and Haggis on the other side.
“Let’s take this conversation into the house, shall we?” Haggis rumbled.
Her father turned his head, his lip curling. “She’s my daughter, Haggis. You’ve no right to supersede me as you’ve done.”
“We’re family so I willna knock out yer teeth.” Haggis crossed his arms. “Yer daughter just announced she’s married an earl. She did a fair sight better than ye, I’d say. If yer angry, then it should be at yerself for making such a mess in the first place.”
Those words were like a balm to her anger. She had done the right thing.
Her father just gaped at him but Ewan, with a squeeze to her hand, left her side and walked up to her father.
“My lord,” he started.
But her father let out a huff of breat
h. “You outrank me, you don’t have to call me ‘my lord.’ But you would if you hadn’t just been awarded the title a mere year ago.”
“Papa,” Clarissa’s exasperated huff cut through his response.
Ewan took that as an opportunity to continue. “I love your daughter, sir. I’ll do my best to care for her and keep her in the comfort she’s become accustomed to.”
“Of course you will.” Her father raised his hands in the air. “She’s got a dowry large enough to keep the Queen content.”
Ewan’s face tightened. There it was again and Clarissa knew it was a point of contention for him. For the first time since they’d arrived, she was nervous.
“I won’t take it.” Ewan’s voice was so low it might not have been heard over the ocean crashing in the distance but everyone seemed to hear him anyway because every eye turned to him.
Her father’s mouth dropped open. “What are you saying?”
“I didn’t marry her for the money and I don’t need it. I’ll provide for my family just fine without it. We’ll have time before the bairns come to make the house right and build up the income.”
“The bairns?” Her father’s voice had lost all of its anger.
“Children, dear,” her mother spoke for the first time, her hand coming to his arm.
“I married a Scot woman, I know what bairns are. I just, I hadn’t really considered that new babies would be coming in the future.”
“What was I marrying Davenport for?” Clarissa asked before she could stop the question from popping out.
“He didn’t seem quite ready to settle. I thought it might be some time before children…” his voice drifted off. “He really was a dreadful choice, wasn’t he?” Her father shook his head.
She’d needed those words, more than she had known. And when she heard them, she threw herself into her father’s arms. He hugged her tight. “Absolutely awful,” she laughed. “But it brought me here, to Ewan.”
“You love him?” her father asked.
She nodded and he gave her one more squeeze. “I do, Papa.”
