Oh, I just bet it is, she thought. His surly tone told just how peeved he was. “Please,” she asked politely, “will ye nae come inside and break yer fast with us?”
“Thank ye kindly.” McDowell glared at his daughter in warning before grasping her arm tightly and following the couple inside.
“The woman’s a virtual shrew.” She grumbled quietly to her husband as they sat down.
“Aye, she is that.” He replied in a low, derisive tone.
Lark’s teeth clenched when the woman sat down beside her and leaned in front of her. “Darling, ye must be so disappointed in yer bride. Why, she’s nay bigger than a child.”
Straightaway Lark’s temper spiked, and she roughly nudged the woman out of the way. Somehow she managed to keep smiling. “Och, nay. My dear husband finds nothing wrong with my size. In fact, he was all over me last eve and couldn’t keep his hands off me. And…” She clapped her hand over her mouth when she saw the other woman’s expression turn hateful. To the other female it appeared as though she was stopping herself from saying more, but in fact she was trying not to laugh. Dropping her hand, she managed a shy smile. “Please forgive me. I’m sure a spinster like yerself has nae knowledge of what happens in the marriage bed.”
Her barb hit the mark just as she hoped it would, but continuing the act, she reached out and patted the other woman’s arm in a show of commiseration. “My husband has such a soft heart. He asked me when I first arrived if I knew any man at court who would be interested in an older woman, but alas, I’m afraid there aren’t any. They prefer fresh young things. ‘Tis sweet of him to trouble himself about ye, but he thinks of ye as an older sister.” It was most satisfying see the woman’s face turn scarlet and that she was at a loss for words. Lark swung to face her husband when he touched her arm, and she raised a brow at his stern countenance, but it was the mirth shining in his eyes and twisting of his lips that nearly made her laugh.
“Behave yerself, wife,” he warned, but there was no anger in his tone.
She wiggled her eyebrows before turning away and waving for the servants to serve the meal. The first volley was fired, but the skirmish wasn’t over yet. The woman was already firing up her wrath. Uninterested in the food in front of her, Lark picked at a few mouthfuls and waited for the next battle. This was going to be a long, drawn-out affair, she thought glumly. She could only hope that when it was over, the detestable female would leave. She didn’t think she could keep on being pleasant too long. At court, she had met quite a few females like this one sitting beside her. She had no time for them and normally kept well away from them. They were hunters after their prey, and they didn’t care who they destroyed to get the man they wanted. She lifted her head when the nasty cow started speaking again. Meeting her gaze, there was no mistaking the malice shining brightly in her eyes.
“Cameron always regretted his father signing that contract. He moaned about it to me often. My poor darling always felt so trapped. I suppose ye have met his mistress, Gwen. Such a charming woman. Cameron is besotted with her. Ye unfortunate wee thing, ye must detest her and be verra upset that she lives here under yer verra nose.” Bitterness was clear in every word Janice spoke.
Not in the least surprised by the attack, she shrugged her shoulders dismissively. “Och, the woman was sent on her way months ago. My husband being an honest man, he explained to me that it was with shame and regret that he had let that harlot seduce him. He ordered her to leave after only rutting with her twice, because he was sickened by all that flabby flesh.” She let her gaze wander over the other woman in a way that let her know that Lark found her fat as well. “He was most remorseful for what he had done and swears he willna so much as glance at another female again. Why, the sweet man made our wedding night so special that I will always remember it with the greatest pleasure.” She leaned closer to the other woman and lowered her voice. “As for feeling trapped, nay, he’s a verra happy and contented man. ‘Tis sorrowful I am that ye’ll never ken what ‘tis like to have the love of a man such as my Cameron.”
Inwardly elated that she had scored another shot, she leaned back in her chair, feeling quite smug with herself. She glanced over at her husband and saw a muscle working in his jaw and irritation glittering in his eyes. She knew he was peeved at her but what did he expect? The odious woman asked for it. She wasn’t some mealy-mouthed miss that would sit here and let this wench get away with insulting her. She jutted her chin in defiance. She waited for him to berate her, but the infernal woman’s whiney voice cut in. Lark rolled her eyes heavenward and knew she was just about at the end of her patience.
“Darling Cameron, may I have a private word with ye? ‘Tis most important.” Janice wasn’t about to let the little snit get away with her insolent behavior.
With a raised brow, Lark turned her attention back to the woman. “Anything ye have to say to my husband, ye can say to me, or at least in front of me. Besides, I canna bear it when he leaves my presence.” She angled her body to the side and let her fingers trace down her husband’s arm. She was pleased to see the amusement in his eyes and smiled back at him, sharing the joke. For an instant, everything and everyone else was forgotten – until that infernal shrew stepped between them.
Janice’s eyes glowed with spitefulness as she rose to her feet and placed herself beside Cameron. Keeping her back to his wife, she leaned in closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I ken how miserable ye must be to be wedded to this impertinent, wee lass. Ye ken how I feel about ye, my love, and I am willing to wait for ye until yer annulment comes through. We belong together, my darling, and I ken ye were forced to wed this rude child. It shouldna take ye long to put the marriage aside.”
Rage flared like a streak of lightning through her, and with an outraged cry, Lark jumped to her feet, swept up the nearest dish and poured it over the crude, malicious trollop’s head. She ignored the ear-piercing shriek that followed. “Get out, ye hussy! Get out of my home, ye common slut! How dare ye proposition my husband in front of me and think for one second he would ever consider ending our marriage to wed an old fat doxy like yerself! Ye’ve got rats nibbling away at yer brain, ye wicked, depraved slattern If ye dinna leave this very second, I’ll kick yer fat ass all the way out the door.”
McDowell shot out of his chair, reached for his screaming daughter and dragged her out of the hall.
With her fists on her hips, Lark watched the couple leave as fast as they could. It was only the loud, uproarious laughter coming from beside her that drained her fury and she started chuckling herself. Her hilarity grew and she collapsed back in her seat as tears poured down her face. It was some minutes before either of them could get themselves under control. She turned to her husband who was still grinning. “Ye are nae angry with me?”
“Aye, I should be, ye wee imp. Ye made me out to be a lovesick lackwit.” The words rumbled out on a chuckle.
With an unconcerned shrug, she smiled back. “Really, I thought I made ye out a verra romantic fellow. Though we both ken ye are far from it.” She bantered back with a twinkle in her eye.
“Bah, what kind a man would I be if I was starry-eyed all the time and swooning at yer feet?” He teased.
Giggling , she rose to her feet. “I best get this mess cleaned up, as I was the one who made it.” She went to move away, but his fingers clamped around her wrist and she arched her brows in inquiry.
“That’s just what I want to talk to ye about. Ye may give orders to the servants, but ye are nae to lift a finger doing the chores yerself. When ‘tis windy, raining or snowing, ye will remain indoors by the fire.” He knew his orders would annoy her, but he would not be disobeyed.
For several seconds she stood staring at him as if he’d lost his mind, she snapped rigidly upright and glared at him with simmering annoyance. “Are ye completely daft, man? Aye, the maggots have most assuredly eaten yer rotten brain away. Ye canna expect me to sit by the fire day after day, and do nae a thing.” Was he completely demented? she wond
ered. For the love of God, she would go crazed just sitting round and doing nothing.
He rose to his feet and towered over her, his stare forbidding. “Aye, I do and ye will.” With those few words he strode away, knowing she would say something to spike his temper.
Infuriated, she watched the imbecile leave the hall and stamped her foot. Like hell she would sit and be idle, and he was a brainless peacock to think she would. With defiance, she set about cleaning up the mess she had made, then returned upstairs to their chambers and the first thing she did was make the bed. The flea-bitten rogue was insane, and as soon as she finished in here, she intended to go outside whether it was windy, pouring buckets or sleeting, and she didn’t care if it made him angry. He was an utter idiot if he thought for one moment she would obey his ridiculous dictates. Stay inside and sit by the fire indeed! Besides, she had plans for today and if she succeeded, not one member of the clan would be reeking foully anymore.
***
Cameron brushed the dampness from his hair as he entered the hall, his gaze going straight to the fireplace and expecting to find his wife seated there. What he saw was an empty chair, and he figured she was probably upstairs sulking in their chambers. He strode across the room and sat down at the table. “Fetch my wife from upstairs,” he ordered one of the maids. He frowned at her when she remained. “Why are ye hesitating?”
“My lady isna in yer chambers, Laird. She went outside hours ago.”
Damn it, he should have known she wouldn’t obey him! He surged to his feet and strode angrily out of the hall. On the steps, he stood in the drizzling rain and swept the bailey with his blazing eyes. Where in the hell should he start searching for her? Out the corner of his eye he caught a movement and shifted on his feet, spying his wife strolling back from the cottages as though she hadn’t a care in the world and was not at all concerned that she was getting wet. When she finally lifted her head and noticed him, she clearly didn’t have the sense to be apprehensive, because she tilted her chin in rebellion. His jaw worked in annoyance as he waited for her to reach him.
The moment she did, he clasped her arm in a firm grip, dragged her inside and over to the fireplace where he shoved her into the chair. Menacingly he stood over her. “I gave orders that ye were to remain indoors if it was raining. Did I not?”
Lark waved her hand dismissively. “I canna remember. Ye’re always sprouting drivel and I canna keep it all straight in my head.” She taunted back at him, even knowing she was goading him to rage.
His mouth flattened in a thin angry line, he would not lose his temper. “So I can only presume ye have defied me on purpose.”
“How can I defy ye when I nae gave my oath to obey ye in the first place?” she reminded him with grim pleasure.
Of course she had him there and the wee sprite knew it, but he wasn’t going to admit it. “I am yer laird and yer husband, and when I give ye an order, ye will comply.”
Her head tilted back and she arched an eyebrow. “Aye, I ken who ye are, ye twit, and I regret hourly that I have to put up with ye for the rest of my days. One could almost wish they would soon end.”
Horrified that she seemed to wish to end her life, he let out a roar. “Ye will nae die until I say ye can, wife!”
She jumped to her feet. “This conversation is ridiculous and I refuse to continue.” Knowing he would be unprepared, she shoved at his chest, making him stumble backwards. “I’m going upstairs to change, and God willing, when I return, ye will be long gone.” With her head held high, she marched to the staircase and slowly climbed the steps.
Hands fisted at his side, he watched her storm away, his gaze shifted away and noticed that everyone in the hall was staring back at him warily. This was not the end of it by a long shot. His lengthy stride quickly took him back outside. He needed to cool his temper before they met again. Couldn’t the infuriating little wench see he was only trying to protect her? If he was lucky, when she calmed down enough to listen, he would explain it to her. Once she knew why he wanted her to do those things, she would be agreeable. He dragged a hand over his face as he trotted down the steps. What he needed was a good hard ride to cool his temper.
Married not even twenty-four hours and they were already arguing. He hoped she wasn’t going to hold on to her anger and nurse it in their bed. As yet, he didn’t know her well enough and was unable to predict what she would do. He really shouldn’t have let her poke at his temper, but the thought of losing her terrified him. A muscle worked in his jaw. He would do everything he could do to prevent it from happening. It was his responsibility as her husband and her laird, and he would not let himself fail. Whether she liked or not, it was his duty to keep her safe. Reaching the stables, he ordered his stallion saddled. Within minutes, he was riding out the gates and racing away.
Eventually the ride began to soothe his temper. He could only shake his head in wonder over all that had transpired. It had certainly been quite a day, and his laughter reverberated around him as he remembered what had taken place earlier this morning. He could still picture the expression on Janice’s face when his wife poured the syrupy fruit over her head. The McDowell wouldn’t retaliate; he’d been aware of his daughter jabbing away at his wife’s self-esteem. Cameron had known the moment the foolish woman referred to Lark’s height that any hope for a peaceful meal was ended. The lass was unquestionably quick-witted, and the volley of shots she fired at Janice were quite remarkable and certainly put the wench in her place.
Wherever Janice had come up with the idea he would seek an annulment, he had no idea. It was incredible that she even thought of such a ludicrous notion. If anyone had maggots eating away at their brain, t’was her. Even if he was not taken with his wife, he would never dishonor either himself or her in such a manner. When the drizzle turned into a steady fall of rain, he reined his mount around and headed home. With luck, he would find his wife in a better mood, and once he changed out of his wet garments, they could sit down before supper and discuss the matter in a calm, civilized way. He did not want their argument to join them in bed, it would not make for a happy marriage if it did. He only wanted them to share passion, enjoyment and peaceful times there.
***
Lark had just placed one of the new gowns sewn for her in the trunk when the chamber door flew open and her soaking wet husband strode into the room. She closed the lid, sat back on her heels and tilted her head to gaze up at him. “We should send word to my father requesting my clothing and personal items to be sent to me. We also should demand that he pay ye my dowry, but I’m afraid ye probably would be disappointed and willna receive it.”
Cameron closed the door and stepped over to the blazing fire to warm himself. “Aye I agree, but ‘tis nae rush. I also believe he willna want to give up such wealth, but he must. Even if I have to petition the court to make him. About earlier, I would like to continue our discussion.”
Gaining her feet, she shook her head. “Nay. What happens out of these chambers stays out of them. Any argument we have ceases at the door. I willna have anger joining us in our bed.” She picked up a bathing sheet and held it out to him. She could see he wanted to argue with her but she also noticed he was pleased with her suggestion. She let out a sigh of relief, knowing that in these rooms the outside world wouldn’t touch them.
Pleased yet frustrated, he nodded his head, accepted the cloth and started drying his hair. “I am in full agreement, wife.”
She smiled, and returning to the trunks, opened one to pull out a dry shirt and plaid. She placed them down on the settee and walked across the room. “I will leave ye to dress and will see ye at supper.” Without waiting for a reply, she stepped outside and closed it behind her. She was relieved that he would do as she asked. Their chambers were their sanctuary from the rest of the world, and she did not want it being invaded by anger. Making her way downstairs, she helped the servants prepare the hall for supper. She was still working when he husband came striding towards her.
The grim ex
pression on his face told her that he was far from pleased to see her working. Too bad. She placed the last trencher on the table and went to join him. Taking her own seat, she ignored him. She jumped when his hand slapped at the table, but she swung her head and faced him with a mild expression. “Is there something ye want?” She was tempted to wrinkle her nose at him, but she could tell he was already in a lather, and it wasn’t hard to guess what had annoyed him.
“Aye. Did I nae forbid ye to do any laboring?” He growled between clenched teeth.
With a shrug of her shoulders, she tilted her head to the side but kept her gaze locked with his. “Setting a few tables, ye moron, willna tax me. I am nae weakling and I willna be treated like one.” The man could be such a goose and it irritated her no end that he thought she was such a weakling that placing a few dishes on the table would tire her out.
“Wife, ye’re so small and delicate that a good breeze could blow ye away. There are plenty of servants to do the work and I willna allow ye to do it.”
Exasperated, she tossed her hands up in the air. “Of all the ridiculous things I have ever heard come out of yer mouth, this beats them all. Ye have insulted me and I find it offensive that ye think I am so feeble. Until ye have something that is intelligent to say, dinna ye speak to me again, ye flea-bitten boar.” She turned away from him, because if she didn’t, she would clout him over his thick head. Good breeze indeed, she was beginning to think her husband wasn’t very smart if he thought such a ludicrous thing. She let one of the servants know to serve the evening meal. Concentrating on eating, she ignored the fool sitting beside her, simmering in his anger. Well, let him stew; he deserved it.
He insulted her by practically calling her frail, and she would not put up with it. She was now bound and determined show him just how fit and strong she was, and she was going to make him eat those words and hoped he would choke on them. Damn rotten goat, she huffed in annoyance. The silent, tense meal finally over, she decided to prick his temper. Leaving her chair, she strolled through the hall and sat down in one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. She could feel his hot eyes boring into her but refused to acknowledge that he was even in the room. The battle had begun and she was not going to lose, be damned if she would. As she stared into the flames, she thought of her father and wondered what his reaction was going to be when he found out she had married the McCloud.
The Laird's Kidnapped Bride Page 9
