by Jane Charles
After leading her to the center of the floor, Ian bowed as she curtseyed, then he drew her into his arms.
Even though she wore gloves, Davina’s hand still warmed at this touch and tingles shot up her arms as his hand burned through the silk at the small of her back. She’d waited for this forever, or so it seemed, and knowing she’d have but this one night pained her beyond anything she’d ever experienced.
With each step and turn, Davina committed to memory what it felt like to be waltzing with Ian.
“It is a lovely ball, Davina.”
She blinked up at him. “Thank ye, but we couldna have done so well without the guidance of Lady Bentley.”
He glanced in her uncle’s direction. “So while ye led me to believe yer uncle was in Edinburgh, he was really here, with Lady Bentley, planning a ball?”
She sucked in a breath. Of course he’d know she lied a few days ago. Everything was unraveling. “As I said, Uncle Aiden wished to keep her presence a secret.”
“And ye never go against yer uncle?” he asked in humor.
She’d thought they would have more time, but Maddie knew the truth now and soon all of the Grants would as well. “Not when I think it for the best.” That was the truth, at least.
Ian pulled back at Davina’s sharp tone.
She sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a stressful evenin’.”
“The ball is a success, ye’ve nothin’ to worry about.” He gave her a twirl then brought her close. “But doona make a habit of lyin’ to me.”
“I dinna lie,” she pointed out. “I just let ye make yer own assumptions and dinna correct ye.”
Ian frowned down at her. “Both are dishonest, lass.”
“Aye,” she sighed. “But it was for Uncle Aiden, and I had his best interests at heart.” And not just hoping he’d fall in love with Lady Bentley but to save his life too. If it wasn’t for Uncle Aiden taking Rose, she and Ian could be together. Oh, this was all her uncle’s fault and the very reason she was in this predicament.
Actually, it was Fergus’s fault. He’d taken Rose in the first place. Then it was Uncle Aiden’s fault for keeping her. But he wasn’t alone in this. Also at fault were her brothers and all of the MacGregor men, then Davina, her sister and Arabella, followed by every servant at Annagburn, she realized as sickness churned in her stomach. Not one of them had taken Rose, but neither did they help her leave or tell her where she was. Uncle Aiden had kept her, but all of them were culpable. All of them might be arrested. They could all face the gallows.
Why hadn’t that occurred to her before? What hadn’t it occurred to any of them?
She was going to be sick.
“What’s wrong?”
Davina blinked up at Ian and the room swayed. She righted herself. “I need to check on somethin’.” With that, she pulled away from Ian and ran from the room.
Her heart raced and she had difficulty catching her breath. She hadn’t realized the ramifications of Uncle Aiden’s actions at first, but when she had, she thought it was only her uncle who faced arrest.
It could be all of them. Everyone except her youngest cousins.
What would become of Uncle Aiden’s children if the entire MacGregor family was strung up from the gallows?
She sank down on a chair in the back parlor. They were all doomed.
“Davina?” Alastair whispered as he found her. “What is the matter? Ye ran out of the ball as if ye’d seen a ghost.”
Eyes wide, fear clawing at her throat, Davina turned to her older brother. “What have we done?”
He took her hand. “I doona understand.”
“We could all die.”
“Hush.” He placed a finger to her lips. “What the blazes are ye talkin’ about?”
“What Uncle Aiden did, we did nothin’ to stop it.”
Alistair took her chin in his hand and tilted her face. “Hear me, Davina. All will be well.” He punctuated every word.
“How can ye ken that?”
“Because, even though ye had to point it out to me, I have seen the way our uncle looks at Rose and, more importantly, how she looks at him. Further, her daughter and son-in-law see it too. Ye were right when ye said they were fallin’ in love.”
“How do ye ken the Grants arena goin’ to leave here and bring back the magistrate?”
Alistair chuckled and relaxed. “Because Brachton and I had a long discussion on the matter. Aye, her stepsons will be difficult at first, but Rose would never forgive them if anythin’ happens to Uncle Aiden or any of us.”
“Are ye sure?” She wanted to believe Alistair with all of her heart, but how could any of them be sure of anything?
“I promise.” He stood and offered her arm. “Now, come back to the ball with me. It was rude of you to leave Ian standin’ alone in the middle of the dance floor.”
Heat flooded her face. What a fool she was making of herself tonight. Panicking and running not once, but twice. As matters were progressing, she’d be bound for Bedlam before the clock struck midnight.
Where the blazes had Davina run off to? First, they were dancing and then she was gone. Ian started to go after her, but Alistair stopped him and said that he’d check on his sister.
Was she upset because he’d chastised her over lying to him? Surely, she knew he couldn’t let the matter go. But he should not have done so during the first waltz.
Once she returned, he would apologize. Tomorrow was soon enough to discuss how they would go forward and what he expected. He would not condone lies again, no matter how well-meaning her intentions were.
While he waited for her to return, there was little he could do but cool his heels, so he found another glass of wine and took up a post near the entry. As he sipped, he studied the guests, as well as the MacGregors. Though they appeared to be having a grand time, Ian knew all of them well enough to sense an underlying tension in the room. If only he understood why.
It was Aiden and Lady Bentley who caught his attention next. By Aiden’s attentiveness and Lady Bentley’s smiles and blushes, Ian began to believe that perhaps Davina had it right all along. Of course, Davina wished for her uncle to marry because in her mind, it freed her from Annagburn, and for that very reason, Ian hoped the two married soon. Though, if anyone had asked him who he’d match with Aiden MacGregor, Lady Bentley would’ve been the last lady he’d name because Maddie’s mother had always been so quiet, and reserved. Ian had suspected she might even be afraid of her own shadow. However, on Aiden’s arm, she was far from reserved. Her smile was bright, loving, and she laughed. She practically glowed.
That’s when it hit him. Aiden and Lady Bentley were lovers! Was Lady Bentley Aiden’s mistress?
It wasn’t unheard of for a widow to take a lover and enter into an affair, but a lady certainly did not carry on an intimate relationship in the house of the gentleman where his children, nieces and nephews also resided. Was Davina reading love and marriage into a relationship that was far more illicit? It was quite possible since Davina was a sheltered and innocent miss and would not recognize the difference between a mistress and her lover and a couple set on being wed.
Ian snuck a glance to Madeline, who also watched her mother. If the look of contemplation on Maddie’s face was any indication, she was beginning to consider the same as Ian. The only difference being that Maddie didn’t seem a bit upset by this turn of events, which was odd.
Lachlan leaned down and whispered something in his wife’s ear. He too had been watching the couple.
Slowly, Madeline smiled and nodded.
So he must have been wrong. Perhaps Aiden and Lady Bentley were not carrying on an affair beneath the noses of his family but had fallen in love. Ian had known Aiden MacGregor his entire life, and if he was correct, what he saw in Aiden’s eyes and face was indeed love. Aye, they may be lovers, and perhaps that was how their relationship began, but there was more than just bedroom activities between them.
Ian slowly smiled. If Aiden were to marr
y, there would be nothing to stop Ian and Davina from doing the same and then, they too would enjoy their own bedroom activities.
“I apologize for runnin’ off,” Davina said from behind Ian.
He turned slowly, studying her features. She was smiling and pleasant, but she’d also been crying.
He didn’t believe it would be obvious to anyone else, but he knew Davina almost as well as he knew his own family. A few of her lashes were damp and there was a slight redness to her eyes. “Is all well, Davina?”
“This is all very much, to be honest.” She sighed. “Everythin’ has been so rushed.”
He didn’t doubt that it had been trying for Davina. She’d been keeping her own secrets and those of her uncle all while planning a ball. Hopefully this would be a lesson for the future that she should not try to deceive him again. And perhaps, she might even seek his counsel or at least know that he was here for her to unburden her concerns.
Chapter 16
At least Ian hadn’t asked why Uncle Aiden was in such a rush to have the ball because Davina would be hard pressed to come up with a reasonable excuse that wasn’t a lie. She certainly couldn’t tell Ian the truth. That would come soon enough.
“It’s magnificent what ye’ve accomplished in so short of time.”
“Thank ye.” It was kind of him to say, but it really hadn’t been so difficult, not that she could tell him that since she wanted Ian to think that was the reason for what he probably perceived as her irrational behavior. “I am pleased that so many could attend on such short notice.”
Ian snorted. “There isna much else to do in these parts.”
That was true. There was very little entertainment in their village. It wasn’t as if they were in London or Edinburgh, or even close to a larger city.
Ian took her glass and set it on a table with his own then offered her his arm. “Let’s walk.”
She slipped her gloved hand into the crook of his arm and allowed Ian to lead her outside onto the terrace.
It was good to be away from the crowd for a short bit, and to be with Ian. All she could hope was that all he wanted to do was kiss her, but Davina feared he wished to question her further, away from the prying ears of their neighbors.
Too many people mingled on the terrace and in the gardens, making it impossible to have a private conversation, or steal kisses. She nodded greetings and smiled, and to any observer, they were simply taking a turn in the gardens, but she wanted to be away from everyone and led him to a sheltered sitting area. Davina recalled that years before her Aunt Meg had enjoyed sitting and reading within the flowering bushes. With Meg’s passing, nobody else came here, and the path had nearly disappeared until Davina had rediscovered it once again when she and Rose were choosing flowers for the ball. As they rounded the corner, away from the more public portions of the garden, the music and voices from the ball faded away into quietness.
Ian stopped before her and even though there were no lamps nearby, the moon was enough for her to see the warmth of his green eyes.
“I meant what I said earlier, Davina.”
“What?”
“Ye are a vision.”
Her face heated. “It’s only a ball gown.”
“Aye, but I’ve never seen ye in silk or with yer hair curled.” Ian wrapped his arms about her waist and pulled her close. “Not that I doona like yer braid and sensible dresses.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “I do believe I enjoy them equally as much.”
Davina laughed. “No wonder the lasses couldna resist ye with such a silver tongue.”
“I speak the truth,” he defended.
In her heart, she knew he did. “Thank ye, but if I were to be honest, I’m more myself in homespun and wool.”
“Plus I doubt ye could shoot a straight arrow while wearin’ silk.”
Davina pulled away from him. “Is that a challenge, Ian Grant?” Oh, if only she could take her bow and head into the fields and shoot. To put this night behind them and not think about what tomorrow might bring.
Ian laughed and drew her back into his arms. “Perhaps another time. Right now, I have a much better idea.”
“What would that be?” On that, Davina tilted her chin and puckered her lips.
“If ye think a peck is goin’ to suffice, ye’ve underestimated me again, lass.” With that he pulled her as close as two people could be while still clothed and lowered his mouth to hers. For the first time, all of her cares did not melt away at the touch of his lips. In fact, her needs became more urgent. Grasping him to her, Davina kissed him back with a longing so strong she never wished to leave the safety of his arms. He in turn, matched her passion and drew her flush against his body, their heartbeats pounding with the same rhythm.
This was what she needed and wanted and knowing it may never again be hers made the ache inside all the more deep.
Was there a chance that Ian would forgive her? Forgive her family and Uncle Aiden, or would the bond their families once shared be shattered when the Grants learned what they had done?
Ian pulled back and smiled down at her. “I must stop before I forget myself.”
“What if I wish to forget myself?”
“Nay, Davina. I willna ruin ye, and if we continue, I’m afraid my passion will dissolve all of my self-restraint.”
“Very well.” She pulled away from him. Even though Davina needed him in a way she didn’t fully understand herself, being ruined would only make matters worse. He’d feel honor-bound to marry her. If the kidnapping of Lady Bentley wasn’t hanging over their heads, Davina wouldn’t care, but she would not trap Ian when he didn’t know all the facts.
Soon, very soon, Davina would be his. There’d be no more reasons to sneak off to the darkest part of the gardens or be forced to leave her at night. Once he spoke with Aiden, he’d court Davina openly and marry her as soon as possible. Then, finally, all of his pent up passion and frustration would be freed.
“As soon as I have the opportunity, I plan on speaking with yer uncle.”
Davina stiffened. “When?”
“Tonight. I see no need to wait until tomorrow.”
“Nay,” she said as if almost panicked.
“Davina,” he warned. She’d led him on a merry chase, one he was willing to take part in at first, but not anymore.
“He is holdin’ a ball.”
The longer she argued and tried to put him off, the more irritated Ian became. “I doona see why that should make a difference.”
Davina bit her bottom lip and Ian tried to figure out what was going on in the workings of her mind.
“I doona want ye to pull him away from the entertainment when what ye have to say and ask can wait a day or two.”
So, she wasn’t putting him off indefinitely. At least there was that.
“Have ye seen how he is with Lady Bentley?”
“Aye.”
“I think they’re in love. At least I hope, and I would have his focus be on her and courtin’ her and no’ thinkin’ about ye courtin’ me. I wouldna have him distracted.”
In Davina’s mind, all of this probably made sense.
Ian thrust his fingers through his hair. Of course it did to her. Davina didn’t feel she could leave her uncle’s home unless Aiden was settled with a wife. If that occurred, then Davina would have no further argument to put off their match.
“Two days,” he finally said.
Davina blew out a sigh and relaxed. “Two days.”
Then he offered his arm. “Doona think to put me off again.”
“I willna. I promise.”
“Because if ye do, it will be ye who is tryin’ to court me.”
She drew back and blinked up at him in confusion.
“Lass, I’ve chased yer skirts long enough and bowed to yer wishes. If ye put me off again, I’ll assume ye no longer wish to have me.”
“That isna true,” she cried.
“Then ye will have to prove it.”
“Are ye callin’ my honor
into question?”
Ian smiled down at her. “It’s no different than when ye sent me off to London.” He turned to her. “If we arena officially courtin’ in two days’ time, it will be ye who must prove to me that ye haven’t been toyin’ with my affections, Davina MacGregor.”
“I wouldna do such a thin’.”
He knew she wouldn’t but it was time that Davina quit putting off their match. “I have a partiality to wildflowers,” he said thoughtfully after a moment.
“What?”
“Wildflowers.” he answered. “It is proper to bring flowers when courtin’.”
“If ye think’ I’m goin’ to be courtin ye, Ian Grant, ye are sorely mistaken,” she huffed.
“Bluebells to be specific and ye ken exactly where to find them.” He grinned down at her. “A nice bow around them would be lovely as well.”
Davina huffed and then pursed her lips. “Bluebells, indeed.”
Ian just grinned. Now, he knew without a doubt that they’d be all but betrothed in a few days. Davina’s pride would never allow her to be the one chasing him.
Chapter 17
Court him, indeed! Ian had lost all sense. As if she’d lower herself to go begging him for affection. She’d rather remain a spinster for the remainder of her days, no matter how short that turned out to be.
Of course, he wasn’t serious, but he was making a point that she was running out of time. The problem was, she still wasn’t so certain her uncle wouldn’t hang, and with all of their family right alongside him.
In two days, Ian might be trying to forget her and the existence of the entire MacGregor family, for which she couldn’t blame him, but she would not dwell on that now. Tomorrow was soon enough.
Nobody was on the terrace when Davina and Ian emerged from the dark path, nor did anyone notice when they stepped into the ballroom. At least, she didn’t note that anyone looked in their direction. Of course, even if others were paying them any mind, they’d never dream that the two had been outside kissing. Of that Davina was certain. The MacGregors and Grants had been close since before her birth, almost an extension of each other’s families, so nobody would think it odd that she and Ian were spending time together.
