Capturing The Reluctant Highlander (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 3)

by Kenna Kendrick

  “I see. Well, now he has all kinds of suspicions. Suspicions he need never have had, except for you.” Ruth began to feel angry. Angry at Dougal, certainly, but also angry at everyone.

  Dougal retorted. “Ruth, listen to my story and judge for yourself what you’d like to do next.”

  Ruth nodded, crossing her arms.

  Dougal began. “I met Troy in the Battle of Culloden Moor. Not quite the place tae make a new acquaintance, but it happened nonetheless.”

  Ruth unfurled her arms. “Troy was in battle? And so were you?”

  “Aye. Against the English, not too long ago. And a fierce battle it was. No wonder Troy has such good sword fighting skills.” He laughed mirthlessly, still feeling the pang of disappointment at his loss. “After the battle, we escaped together to save ourselves from the brutish English who were coming to wipe Highland blood from the Scottish countryside and make the place suitable for England.”

  Ruth winced at Dougal’s vehement explanation of his past. These were her people and look what they had done. Were there words to atone for such actions?

  Dougal continued, his expression softening after seeing Ruth’s pained face. “Troy’s father was a pirate, see. A bloody sailor who took tae stealing and plundering when he could.”

  Ruth’s eyes opened wide. A pirate? Troy’s family connected with pirates? Normally, the thought would have thrilled her to the core, but now it felt different. As if a storybook was colliding with real life. Her real life.

  “Aye,” Dougal grinned. “And so we escaped tae join him in his ventures across the sea and around the Scottish coast. We mainly stayed around Scotland and England, in order tae come upon English ships, kill the sailors, and take their wares. ‘Twas like our sacred calling.” Dougal puffed out his chest with pride.

  Ruth’s eyes were searching, attempting to make sense of what she had just heard. “Bloody Ferguson,” she whispered to herself. “You were trying to tell me before, weren’t you?”

  Dougal chuckled. “Yer a smart lass, now. Aye, so I was. ‘Twas a bit of a teasing way tae do it, but I knew ye’d be interested in tales of pirates.”

  Ruth nodded, in a daze. “So I was. So that means Troy is a…”

  “A bloody, dastardly, devilish pirate. He was our captain, and a more fearsome Scottish pirate ye could never have known. If he had continued in his career for a bit longer, he could have rivaled Captain Kidd, I’ll warrant.”

  Ruth knew of Captain Kidd from all her reading of accounts of sailors and adventure stories. But it all had seemed just fine and fake, like a story from another world. Now it was here, smacking into her world, and crushing it. Kind, loving, sensual, Troy Ferguson, her Troy Ferguson, if she could have been so bold, was a dangerous, bloodthirsty, thieving pirate.

  Ruth remained silent, so Dougal continued, his voice turning into a growl. “He left us, the blaigeard. He left his crew one rainy evening, in the midst of a bloody battle with the English aboard one of their ships. The only thing he left behind was his sword, bloodied to the hilt, laying on deck.”

  Ruth listened intently, willing her mind to believe such a tale.

  “We feared he’d drowned or fallen overboard, but nae, that was not our Captain. And we found out later that one of our most precious articles, taken from the Isle of Skye from an English priest, was missing. It is a jeweled cross and most valuable. Troy stole it from us all, and I vowed tae take my vengeance if ever I saw him again.”

  Dougal took a breath, waiting for Ruth to reply. She said nothing yet, but he noticed a flicker of recognition in her eyes at this part of his tale.

  “I scoured the countryside in search of him and heard many a tale and description of a minister in these parts. ‘Tis not too far from where we battled, but it took a long time tae find him. But, find him, I did. And now, I seek the cross.”

  He stopped, spent from having poured his rage into his words, furious at Troy’s betrayal, and hoping to soil him in Ruth’s eyes.

  Ruth began to speak. “This cross. It is jeweled, you say?”

  “Aye.” Dougal’s heart began to race. He was so close. He had hoped she knew where it was, and now was the time to find out. “Do ye know it?”

  Ruth made a slight movement with her head, like a nod, but then seemed to regret it. She paused.

  “If ye do, ye dinnae have tae protect him, lassie. He has done far worse things. Worse than ye can ever imagine, despite his attempt tae become a holy man.” Now was the moment to hit her with his last resort. “He was a man very popular with the women. Women we paid tae come tae our beds and pleasure us. Captain Ferguson had a new whore each time we came tae shore. I fear that his time with ye will end soon, for that is how he has always behaved.”

  Dougal’s words did the trick. Although he felt a slight pang of regret at making Ruth look as pained as she did. She looked on the verge of tears at his last words and began to breathe in tight gasps, looking down and twisting her fingers.

  “I dinnae mean tae pain ye, Ruth. But I thought it important for ye tae know the truth. I wouldnae want ye tae change yer whole life for a man such as this.”

  She nodded once more. “‘Tis time for me to leave. I must find a way out.”

  Dougal nodded. “Aye, I am in agreement.”

  She stood with resolve, but then shrunk once more. “But where to go?”

  Dougal sighed with pleasure. This was turning out just as he’d hoped. Soon he’d have the cross and Ruth in his arms. She could come to care for him and desire him. She would, he resolved.

  “There I can be of assistance tae ye. I am tae return tae my ship shortly and would take great pleasure in the journey if ye were tae come along. I know ye seek adventure, lass.” He moved closer to her. “I can give ye that and so much more.”

  Ruth looked up at him without really seeing him. Her heart was filled with so much pain that she could barely think. Troy had deceived her and was someone totally different than the man she thought she knew. He had been pretending this whole time. She had given herself to him in body and in heart, and he had used it, like the evil man that he apparently was.

  Ruth hesitated, and Dougal prodded her once more. “There is something else ye should know, lass, afore ye make yer decision. Ye know that I’ve met yer father, and I cannae say that he’s a good man either.”

  Ruth smirked. “That I knew.”

  “Well, he has come here for a purpose.”

  Ruth froze. She wasn’t sure that she could take another blow, even if she knew that there was more to his visit than he let on. “What is it?”

  “He’s come tae take ye back to London. I’m not sure why, but he wasnae happy when he heard that ye and Troy were,” Dougal coughed politely, “trysting together.”

  Ruth knew. “He probably wants to marry me off, just like he did my sister. I knew it. I knew that bastard of a father was here for some nefarious purpose.”

  Dougal smiled at her use of the word bastard. “Ye are suited for pirate life, Ruth, with language like that. Say ye’ll come with me. We’ll have the adventures of a lifetime. Meet me tonight.”

  Ruth paused, hesitating one last time before she let this last news about her father push her over the edge. “I…I will think about it.” There is nothing left for me here, only betrayal and heartbreak. Although, Marianne will be sad to see me go.” Ruth looked as if she was about to waver, and Dougal placed a hand on her arm again.

  “Ye may come visit one day. By then, yer father will be gone, and Troy will have left for shame once everyone finds out about him.”

  Ruth nodded, comforted. “Yes.” Why should I let him control whether or not I want to visit my family? He does not deserve such power, she thought angrily.

  Dougal watched as Ruth began to change from broken-hearted to raging. Good. He would need her rage to get her through the next part. He presented her with an idea. “Ruth, ye do know where the cross is, do ye not?”

  Ruth colored, and then clenched her fist. “Yes, I know it. I found it my
self a few weeks ago. I went searching for something. I knew the man was keeping a secret, and he wouldn’t tell me what it was. I knew.” Despite her reddened face, one tear slipped down her cheek.

  Dougal was impatient, but he tried to calm his voice as he asked. “And where is it?” He couldn’t afford to lose Ruth now. He was so very close.

  “I cannot say. ‘Tis not for me to reveal.” Even though Troy was, in truth, a devilish, dangerous, rogue, it felt wrong to betray the man that had held her in his arms. There was no hope for them now, and she wanted him to hurt just as she did, feeling as though her heart was tearing in two, but she could not do so in cold blood.

  Dougal tried to smile, despite his disappointment at Ruth’s lack of an answer. He had forgotten for a moment that she was a good woman, and despite telling her what Troy had done, she still wanted to protect him. And she was still unsure about joining him. He would have to step very carefully in order to continue convincing her. He did not want the extra effort it would take if he had to force her into it, so he was trying to be nice first. If that did not work, then he would resort to kidnapping.

  As for the cross, he was certain it was with Troy in his rooms. Troy had tried to throw him off the path, but he would simply need to use Lord Browne to get to it. Ruth’s confession of having gone to look for it implied that it was inside somewhere. He didn’t need her revelation. “No matter, lass. ‘Tis not your business anyway. If you come with me, we can leave all this behind. Ye can begin yer adventure soon enough!”

  Ruth sighed, closing her eyes and nodding. Yes, her adventure could begin with Dougal’s help. The thing she had wanted for so long. So why was a voice inside of her screaming for her not to go?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Troy tried to focus his mind on the church and work on his writing and study, but it was to no avail. The day was beautiful, and the morning air had refreshed him. He did not want to return to the dusty old sanctuary to sit amongst books and paper. He hoped he would see Ruth today, so he could ask her how everything stood with her father. He also wanted to tell her he loved her. She needed to know that he loved her. Beyond all reason.

  He had wandered to the highest hilltop with the greatest view of the sea, and he sighed. The sea. An enticing mistress. He was happy to be working near the coast where he could look upon it anytime he pleased. He was always yearning for it, yearning to return. The church no longer held the beauty and peace it once had. It only reminded him of his plan of atonement. It was no longer a sanctuary for him anymore. But now, there was Ruth. Perhaps they could leave together? Finish his mission and set off on a journey to explore the world and each other?

  His heart leaped with joy at the idea. A life with Ruth Browne. But, then he paused. How could he tell her of his past without ruining what they had together? There was so much she didn’t know, so much that she would have to forgive him for if she could. He looked out to sea once more, hoping the answer lay there, upon the gray waves, ready to be handed to him.

  And there was Dougal. He would have dug for the cross by now and would be returning to let him know he had not found it. He had no solution. Perhaps he should offer to dig with him? And then he could leave in the meantime, sending a note to Ruth after his departure, telling her where she could meet him? No, he could not do that to Marianne.

  Troy rubbed his beard in concentration and frustration. Since when had life become so complicated? He had moved here and seen before him a long stretch of idleness and boredom, much needed after his dangerous life on the sea. But now, with Ruth, it was as if every life change gave him pain, worrying about whether it would drive them apart.

  He decided the best course of action would be to return to the church and think about a new plan to get rid of Dougal and tell Ruth his feelings. There wouldn’t be much time, but he hoped Dougal would not approach him before then. He rushed back to the church, and in a half an hour’s time, entered through the sanctuary door to the dim, echoing room.

  He walked down the center aisle towards his rooms, attempting to not let the cold stillness of the church confuse his mind. He walked down to the end, but then confused, he turned around. A figure was sitting near the aisle. At first, he feared it was Dougal, but the white hair told him he was wrong.

  “Excuse me, Sir, may I assist ye?”

  The man stood, an icy expression on his face. “Yes. You are the minister, correct? A Mr. Troy Ferguson?”

  “Aye.” Troy turned fully to the man and slowly approached him, a sense of dread filling his heart.

  “I am Lord Browne, Marianne and Ruth’s father.” Troy’s heart fell. This was the man? He looked at his face and felt the coldness of his demeanor. He was a cold, distant man with angry, warning eyes, but looks were not everything. Looks were often deceiving. But what kind of man must he truly be if he could turn away two daughters such as he had? No wonder Ruth had paled at the announcement of his arrival.

  “I see.”

  “I believe you know my daughter, Ruth, quite well. Am I mistaken?”

  “Nae, ye are correct. We are...acquainted.”

  Lord Browne chuckled, but the laughter did not reach his eyes. “So I have heard from a most helpful source. Dougal Menzies? I am sure that you know him.”

  Troy's dread seemed to have reached a peak. “Yes, I know the man.”

  “Well, he has told me of an interesting relationship between you and my daughter.” Troy colored, but attempted to control his features, so that this icy, impassive man would not see him falter.

  Lord Browne continued, strengthened by Troy’s silence. “I am here to tell you that whatever your goal is with my daughter, it is not to be rewarded. My daughter is to be married. I signed the papers weeks ago.”

  Troy felt as if all the breath had left his body. He wanted to fall on the floor in a heap. “Engaged? Ruth is engaged?” He couldn’t believe it. His dear, sweet, desirable Ruth, who searched for adventure and clasped her fingers around his neck and wove them through his hair, whispering his name into his ear, had been secretly engaged this whole time?

  “Does Ruth know about this engagement?” Troy hated himself for the way his voice sounded, so small and weak, like a little boy’s.

  Lord Browne smiled. He paused for a moment, thinking over his next words. He could tell the truth, that Ruth had nothing to do with such a matter, as it was not her business, but a man like this would not understand. He would fight against that. So, he must tell him that she did know and was just playing around with him.

  “Yes, she did. My daughter has tired of her life in Scotland. She wishes to return to exciting London and regain what she has lost. She hopes even to improve her prospects exponentially by marrying a wealthy acquaintance of mine.” Lord Browne enjoyed watching the emotions play out on Troy’s face. This young man was not as strong as a man should be. He was weak. Ruth was well to be rid of him.

  “My daughter...she is quite wild.” Troy looked up at that choice of word. The way William and Jamie used it, it was like an endearment, an acceptance of who she was. When her father used it, it was like a slur. He decided he hated the man.

  “Whatever was happening between you two was just her wiling away her time in the dull countryside. She will be returning to London soon. I do not know what you had hoped to achieve with her, but I can assure you, I would never accept you as a son-in-law.”

  And with no reply from Troy, Lord Browne, now satisfied, turned on his heel and left the church. Troy heard the door swinging shut, but it didn’t register in his mind. He sat, defeated, in one of the pews of the church. Ruth was engaged. And she knew about it. And she sounded like she was a completely different person from the Ruth he had known and loved.

  This didn’t seem like her at all, to attempt to climb the London social ladder. He knew the part was true about her being bored in Brechin, but to leave so suddenly? After what they had done? No, Lord Browne had to be wrong, Ruth would not do such a thing. He knew her heart was with him, even if she had not yet said
the words. They fit together so perfectly, their bodies and souls in rhythm, desiring each other and learning from each other. It was not a mere dalliance. How could it be?

  * * *

  Lord Browne left the church and sighed with pleasure on the other side, wiping his hands together. “A fine thing done, indeed. I feel more invigorated than I have in months,” he spoke to the afternoon air. He began to make his way back to William and Marianne’s, a smile playing on his lips. If Dougal had done his job, then they could be on their way toward London this evening, with Dougal’s financial assistance.

  Everything was working out perfectly. Suddenly, Lord Browne looked up to see a figure right in front of him, and he nearly crashed into him. He was about to rebuke the man soundly for this, but when he looked up, he saw a grinning Dougal. “Again? Again, you must come upon me so suddenly?” Lord Browne demanded.