“God, curse us all,” he growled to himself as he felt his head bang. He hadn’t meant to drink so much last night. Well, he had meant to, but he hadn’t wished for a return of that horrible hangover the day after Charlotte’s wedding. As soon as he returned to Mull, he would seek out Charlotte for another cup of her miracle tea.
He looked down at Fergus. Or perhaps two cups of tea. Shaking his friend awake, he stood up and fastened the rest of his buttons on his waistcoat. He had no idea how they had come undone since he’d fastened them after his time with Elizabeth.
Damn it. He did not want to think about her or last evening at all. He could not bear to think about it and so resolved not to. He had done it before with many women, not giving them a second thought. Surely, he could the same in this situation? Suddenly, the innkeeper burst through a side door, a basket filled with eggs in his hand.
“Och, ye lads are awake now. Our Lord and Savior, but ye lot drank more than I have seen two men consume before. But, nae matter, ye have paid me handsomely for it.” The innkeeper grinned and patted his waistcoat pocket. Liam did not even want to venture a guess at how much money they’d foolishly spent, money they should have brought back to Duart.
Instead, he leaned over the bar, partially to support his groggy weight, and asked, “Did ye see that lass this morning? The blonde one, with the pink cape?”
The old man winked at him. “Och, that bonny one that took ye by the hand last night? Aye, I have seen her. Blessed I am for it, for she is even bonnier in daylight.”
Liam slammed a hand on the table as his headache became even more pronounced. He kept his eyes closed and pinched the bridge of his nose to help alleviate some of the pain. He said in a low voice. “Bloody Hell, man, I dinnae wish tae hear how bonny the lass is or yer opinion on the matter. I simply want tae find out where she was going. Did she tell ye?”
He was afraid they might meet on the coast of the Sound, and he had no intention of spending the whole journey across the water with her and Fergus together. He knew he’d have to see her again, but he wasn’t ready yet. Not in this state and not when he didn’t know what to say to her.
The innkeeper looked only slightly perturbed. He pointed towards the shoreline. “Aye, she told me she was headed tae Fort William. Strange though, last night she asked me where the house of fallen women is, yet I dinnae think she ever went there.”
The old man was rubbing his beard in thought, and Liam had had enough. “Aye, we ken well enough yer thoughts on the lass.” He turned away and back to Fergus, who had begun to stir. Roughly, he lifted his friend to his feet.
“Come, lad. We must return back tae Duart with our catch. Hopefully, we will feel less like shite by the time we arrive there. I have nae interest in spending another day in such frightful pain.”
Fergus groggily nodded his head, and he allowed himself to be pushed to the door. “Wait here.” Liam rushed back to the innkeeper’s storeroom to grab the two sacks they had brought with them. He hauled them to the doorway and thrust a sack into Fergus’s limp hands.
“I feel just as shite as ye do, lad. Ye have got tae carry yer weight.”
“Och, I ken. Leave me be.” Fergus was ornery. Liam was too. But at least he would be spared the sight of Elizabeth in the morning light and her improved level of beauty as the innkeeper had described. At least she would be going to Fort William, and he might be spared her presence for a day or two.
* * *
Elizabeth had slept badly, plagued by bad dreams, and as soon as she awoke, she splashed cold water on her face and dressed as hurriedly as she could. She did not want to risk coming across Liam as she made her way to Fort William. She decided that it would be best to stay there, at least for a few days. That way, she would not have to think about how to act or what to say to Liam after both he and she had acted so abominably the night before.
They had ruined their intimate moment entirely, and she had awoken to feel a great, heavy loss. She crept down the stairs, pulling coins from her small bag to pay the innkeeper as quickly as possible. Once she found her way into the cozy main room, she looked around. Relieved that no one was about, she hurried to the oak bar. The innkeeper was not there, but she could leave the money for him.
Suddenly, as if summoned, the man appeared from the side door, a grin on his face. “A pleasant morning tae ye, me Lady.” The title sounded odd in his mouth, as if he was unsure if he was to use it or not. She couldn’t blame him. Her behavior last evening of asking for directions to the house of ill-repute and dragging a man up to her bed most likely had confused the man. Was she a well-behaved young woman of title and status, or was she a wanton woman, eager to take customers to her boudoir?
She wasn’t sure anymore. Who was she really? Who had she been last night? In the light of day, it all seemed a little foolish. “Good morning to you, Sir. Here is my pay for the room.” The innkeeper’s eyes widened at the sight of so much coin.
“I know it is more than you ask for, but I do hope you will be able to have some…discretion?” He slid the coins into his fist.
“Of course, madam. I will have the utmost discretion. Ye can depend upon me. Also, watch yer step on the way out. Two drunkards are lying about. Couldnae get rid of them last night tae send them up tae their rooms.”
Curious, Elizabeth turned around to face the room. She hadn’t seen anyone on her way down, but now, she spotted them, each curled up on their own chair and bench. And then, with a sinking dread, she realized she recognized them. Fergus and Liam were sound asleep, and Fergus, as if realizing he was being watched, suddenly began to send up enough snores to wake the dead from their coffins.
“Ah, I see. Well, I shall be off then. Thank you, Sir.” She clasped her cape in hand and rushed from the room, not wanting to spend a moment longer, looking at Liam and wondering what had gone wrong. She wouldn’t know what to say to him if he suddenly woke up and saw her. So, she would be as fast as she could. As soon as she left the inn, she kept walking speedily. He could awake at any moment.
Elizabeth closed her eyes as she felt the heat of the sun on her face and smelled the sweetness of the breeze in her nose. Scotland was truly mesmerizing with its shores, its mountains, and its lush trees. The sight of nature around her boosted her mood slightly. It felt strange, though, that the world had continued to tick on in its normal way while her whole life had changed. Last night, she had crossed over into who she was today, a new woman.
She had experienced something with Liam that while the aftermath gave her pain, the experience of it was still hotly embedded in her mind. Her skin tingled anew, remembering the feel of his body on top of her, the way his lips had moved with abandon, and the way he had filled her fully, to her very core.
Even though it was a one-time occurrence, she would never forget what had transpired. And she found herself wondering, could she possibly have the same experience with a different man, or was it just Liam who had set her blood on fire and her muscles singing with release?
Her mind would not let her rest as she pondered these questions and more, walking towards Fort William. It was a bracing walk, and she was grateful for the exercise before she was to meet with General Andrews. The Fort was looming in her eyesight, and she began to dream of a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast with a smiling man who she wished to be like an uncle to her.
She hoped he would not question her arrival. He had offered her to visit after all, and she could simply say that Charlotte had no need of her for the moment, and so she was free to come across the water. Rehearsing the speech in her mind, she approached the main door to the Fort, and an English soldier greeted her warmly.
“Greetings, Lady Darling. I wonder if you remember me? I am Lieutenant Stevens.” Elizabeth took in the pleasant young-man with brown hair and kind eyes. She did remember him, but to her annoyance, the only thing on her mind at that moment was how young and boyish he looked in comparison to a rough, manly Highlander.
“Ah, yes, Lieutenant. How l
ovely to see you again. I hope it is not too much trouble, but I have come to visit General Andrews. He extended me an invitation, and so I have taken him up on it.”
The young man smiled. “Of course, my Lady. I shall escort you there directly.” Elizabeth watched the other soldiers guarding the large entryway to the old Fort and noted their stoic expressions. Even their glances remained forward as she passed.
She was always amazed at the strength of English forts, even though she had spent much time in them throughout her life since her mother’s death. Fort William was very impressive and overwhelming in its size. It seemed to dominate the countryside. She assumed that was the entire purpose of the English army. To overpower and control as much as they could.
They entered the main hall, and Stevens left her standing alone for a moment while he fetched General Andrews. She clasped her hands and looked around, trying desperately not to think of what had occurred only a month or so before in that very room. It was to no avail. Once she set foot inside of Fort William again, the image of Archibald Campbell lying in his own blood while her father’s eyes were bright with fury and madness came to her mind. It nearly had her choking for breath as she tried to command herself.
Oh, if only she could be as stoic as the soldiers! Then she could not let her actions be determined by fits of fear or even passion. Her face flushed with the memory of Liam again. To her relief, her mind was soon focused elsewhere as General Andrews came into the hall, his footsteps echoing across the flagstones. “Why, Lady Darling! How pleasant of you to come! I did not realize you would come so soon!”
He approached her warmly and bowed before her. She curtsied and said, “General, I hope you do not find me impertinent to have come without letting you know. If you are too busy, you must only say so, and I shall return to Duart directly.”
She prayed he would not say that he was busy. She was rewarded. “Of course not! Why you are an honored guest, and I have far too many men about here, that it is a pleasant distraction to have a lovely young woman as my guest. Please, I shall have the cook prepare you something. It is still early enough for breakfast.”
Elizabeth almost kissed the man. “Yes, that would be lovely, thank you, Sir.”
General Andrews smiled and called for a servant who whisked away hurriedly. It seemed only a matter of minutes before a steaming pot of tea was set before them. The lovely white porcelain made Elizabeth forget for just a moment that she was in Scotland and not bustling, elegant London.
As General Andrews poured her tea, he said, “Now, you must tell me all of your news. And do not think that I pry. Tell me whatever you wish, my dear. I am happy to hear it all. Now that I am a lonely old man without my daughter, so at hand, I need all the news I can get.”
Elizabeth smiled and clutched her cup of tea gratefully. She began to tell him of her time with her aunt in Carlisle and how she had been spending her time in the last few weeks, but she knew that eventually, she would need to broach the subject of her father.
“Father is ill, I am afraid, back in prison. I am certain you know that he was not sentenced to death, for the King was in good humor, but I feel he may die in prison anyway.”
General Andrews frowned. “I am sorry to hear that, my dear, for your sake. To lose a parent is a very difficult thing indeed at any age.”
Elizabeth nodded. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing in her core that it would not be as difficult as it might be for a daughter who had a great, enduring love for her father. She had only had fear and submission.
He continued. “What will you do next, Elizabeth? If I may call you so.”
She smiled. “Of course. Well—“ she began hesitantly, knowing she could not reveal her true future plans but trying to think of a better way to put it.
Lieutenant Stevens suddenly appeared again out of nowhere, his hand lifted in salute. “General, there is another guest for you.”
“Oh? Why, how delightful! Who is it? You may send him in.”
Stevens nodded. “We only hesitated because of who the man is. It is Laird John Campbell, Sir.”
In the middle of trying to sip her tea, Elizabeth nearly dropped the delicate cup to her plate. Instead, she splashed a great deal of it on her hand, crying out in pain.
“Elizabeth, are you all right? Yes, Stevens, please send the man in.”
“I am well. Do forgive my clumsiness.” Elizabeth’s mind was stirring as she tried to keep the heat from her cheeks. Could she really act the same in front of John after what had happened last evening? She wasn’t sure whose presence was worse to be so sprung upon with warning: Liam’s or Johns.
She heard the click of his boots in the hall and turned her head slowly to see John Campbell, just as surprised as she was. But, instead of fear and shock, his expression showed utter delight.
Chapter Sixteen
John could not have thought of a better situation than to have found Lady Elizabeth Darling sitting prettily with General Andrews as he entered the Fort. Perhaps luck was on his side that day. He did mean to go to Duart to see her, but he thought that he should stop to speak to General Andrews about clan business before he did so, according to Finlay’s suggestion.
It was a Herculean effort to keep his eyes from her, but he knew he had to greet his host. John bowed his head. “General Andrews, Sir. It is a pleasure tae see ye again.”
General Andrews stood kindly, bowed his head, but then pushed forward to shake John’s hand. “Is it now? I am so glad for that fact, despite all that has happened.”
John’s eyes moved to the side, to the location of his brother’s demise, but the rest of his expression revealed nothing. He did not want to think about Archibald just then. His days had been full of grief until Elizabeth returned. He would enjoy his time with her. General Andrews motioned to Elizabeth. “You know Lady Darling, of course?”
John smiled widely. “Aye, of course. We know each other well.” He was finally given the freedom to stare at her lovely face, which proved even lovelier as she sat dressed elegantly in a cream gown and pink cape. If it was possible, he was certain that she was becoming more beautiful each time they met.
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, Sir. John and I have become acquainted.” John’s confidence faltered a little. Her voice seemed tense, and her sparkling eyes were not calm. He wanted to reach for her and take her in his arms, to ask her what was the matter, but now was not the time.
General Andrews pointed to the chair opposite. “Please sit. Join us for a small meal and tea?”
“I would be happy tae.”
A servant came promptly and filled John’s cup of tea and set it before him. The General said, “I wonder why I have been lucky enough to have two visitors today. Tell me, John, why have you so graced me with your presence?”
John wanted to smile. This Englishman was kind and tender, and it made him think that Finlay might be right. He was nothing like General Whitehead, and so perhaps he might be more open to trustworthy business? He also could see Charlotte behind her Father’s eyes, and it endeared the man to him even more.
John glanced at Elizabeth and tried not to let his mind fill too much with concern for her. She was looking down at her food. “Well, I had hoped tae discuss business with ye, General, but it can wait when there is such lovely company about.”
General Andrews looked between John and Elizabeth and smiled a little. “Of course. We can discuss business anytime.”
Elizabeth suddenly spoke, and the sound made John jump a little.“I do not mind, John, if you do not. I would like to hear about a few business matters. It would give us women something else to think of.” John frowned a little. Elizabeth’s voice was almost harsh. What had he done wrong? He hadn’t seen her for a couple days. Had she changed her mind about letting him come to pay his attentions to her?
The mood in the room was ever so slightly sullen. Elizabeth then said, “But of course, I do not want to encroach upon private matters.”
John replied hastily, gripping the teacup
in his hands. “Nae, of course nae. If the General doesnae mind, we can discuss the matters. There is only one, really.”
The General nodded, but John could see a note of concern for Elizabeth in his expression.
“Ye ken our plan already, the MacLeans and I, tae combine our resources for grazing.” He turned to Elizabeth in explanation. “That way, the land can be freed up on Mull for crops and building of new cottages and barns.”
Elizabeth nodded in understanding and sipped demurely at her tea. John continued, “I had hoped tae find other ventures for our clan tae become involved in. Especially with the English and land ownership. I thought perhaps ye could direct us in the right direction. Perhaps if the King had any sort of needs in Scotland with land or protection, ye would call upon us, the Campbells, tae be of service.”
General Andrews had folded his hands across his belly and was listening intently. Tiny lines had formed around his mouth and the corners of his eyes. After John had finished, he replied, “Yes, John. Of course, I shall think of ye. I know of other ventures occurring with land ownership and the like, but that is happening miles away from here. I will alert you of anything closer to home when something happens. Currently, we are merely training and policing our usual areas. Nothing of note.”
Seduction in the Highlands: By choosing him she loses her inheritance, by leaving him she brakes her heart... Page 15