Seducing His Sassenach

by Ashe Barker

  Jane considered for a few moments. “Yes, I suppose we were. Everyone looked out for everyone else. And we all knew better than to disrespect my mother. She ruled our house, even when my father was alive.”

  “Do you see her often?”

  Jane shook her head. “Not at all. Not since I was twelve and started in service. It was too far to go back to Portsmouth to visit, and of course she still had the little ones to see to.”

  “You must miss her. And the rest of them. I know I missed my parents horribly when I first came here. It was such a delight to see my mother again, though I was saddened to learn that my father was dead.”

  “He was a good man,” Jane murmured.

  “He was, yes,” Eleanor agreed. “I loved him dearly. And your mother sounds to have been a wonderful parent also.”

  “She was. I recall she was strict. We were all brought up to be honest and respect our betters. She worked so hard to provide for all of us, but we never had any money to spare. I know there were times she went without food to make sure her children had enough, but even so she was always there with a hug or a smile.”

  “She would be very proud of you, I think.”

  Jane glanced up from her ministrations with the baby. She blinked back tears. “I hope so. I am proud of her.”

  Eleanor patted Jane on the arm, then offered her a lace handkerchief. Jane dabbed at her eyes, annoyed at herself for this unaccustomed display of sentimentality.

  “I am sorry, I do not usually become so... so...”

  “We all must have our little moments, Jane.” Eleanor picked up her child again. “Cecily seems so much happier now. You have the magical touch. I was so worried...”

  “Despite everything that has happened, she is thriving. I do not think you need be worried. And, for what it may be worth, in my experience, babies who are making a lot of noise are usually disgruntled about something, or in pain, rather than ill. Poorly babies are usually still and quiet. It is those we should be more concerned for.”

  “You are thinking of those children in your family who did not survive?”

  “Yes. I am.”

  They sat in companionable silence for a minute or two, then Eleanor got to her feet.

  “I shall send to the kitchens for ice, as you advised.”

  Jane rubbed on the sore gum and Cecily’s wails subsided. “Do that, Eleanor. And until it comes, I will continue to soothe her. See, she is quieter already.”

  Eleanor opened the solar door to hail a passing servant and gave her instructions. Then she returned to sit alongside the baby. Jane knelt on the floor in front of the settle, her little finger still in the baby’s mouth.

  “You truly are an excellent nursemaid, Jane. It is a pity we shall have to find another to replace you when you wed my brother.”

  Jane glanced up. “I have not agreed yet.”

  “So I gather. But you will. You love him. And he adores you.”

  Jane did not respond with her usual objections to such conjecture. Her opinions seemed to fall on deaf ears anyway, and in truth, she was no longer quite so certain of her ground. In the McGregor household it appeared that matters of class and rightful stations in life were not so clearly defined as they might be in England. She had learned of Betsy and Aiden Montgomery’s humble beginnings, but by loyal service they had been elevated to now be considered part of the McGregor family. Their son was a knight, trained in one of the grandest houses in the north of England. One day he would be lord of his own keep.

  “I do not know what I will do without you. Perhaps you could help me to recruit a new nursemaid, possibly even train her a little, before you must leave.”

  “Leave?” Jane sat back on her heels. “I am not leaving.”

  “Oh? I had assumed you would be going to Duncleit. With Robbie.”

  Grey eyes met hazel. “Robbie is going to Duncleit?” This was the first Jane had heard of such a plan.

  “My husband’s parents are to return home in two days. I had understood that Robbie would accompany them. It is a long time since he was at Duncleit, and since he will be laird one day...”

  “Of course. He should be there. I see that. But...”

  “I hear it is a fine keep. Larger than this one. You will like it.”

  Jane doubted that, but in any case, the question seemed irrelevant since Robbie had not asked her to go with him.

  So much for his declaration of just an hour ago that he would not give up on her. Worse, did he mean to spring this sudden departure on her as a means of forcing the issue? If he thought to manipulate her in such a manner, he was sorely mistaken. She had already travelled the length of England with him, did he now think to drag her across Scotland also?

  She rose from the settle and straightened her yellow skirt. “If you would excuse me, please, my lady, I have matters I must attend to.”

  “Jane, I apologise. I had assumed you knew of these plans...” Eleanor appeared distraught at the offence she had inadvertently caused.

  “I did not know, but I am grateful that you have shared the information with me.”

  Eleanor was keen to repair the damage done. “I am quite convinced that Robbie would have intended to speak with you at the earliest opportunity. He has been so busy, and—”

  Eleanor was clearly not aware that Jane had slept in Robbie’s bed and that she had spent time with him this morning already. He had had ample opportunity to acquaint her with his plans but had chosen to squander that fortuitous moment by insisting upon spanking her, then... then... She flushed scarlet when she recalled exactly how Robbie had preferred to spend his morning thus far.

  “I must go. Really.” She headed for the door, then remembered her manners sufficiently to bid Lady Eleanor a swift goodbye. She closed the door softly behind her and went to seek out Robbie McGregor.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “If you insist upon leaving so soon, then I shall speak with Jane.” Robbie met his father’s determined gaze, ready to acknowledge the truth in The McGregor’s arguments. “You are right. It has been over five years. I have been away from Duncleit for too long already.”

  “The clan needs leadership. They need to know ye, son, an’ ken that ye will be ready tae step intae the role when the time comes.”

  Robbie scowled. “The time will nae come for years yet, Da.”

  His father gave a dismissive snort. “Lad, ye were no’ at Flodden. The time was almost upon us then. If I learned nothing else that day, I learned that life can be unpredictable an’ death is never far away, not for any of us.”

  “But, ye survived. Ye’re as fit as ever.”

  Blair McGregor stretched out his legs. “My old bones tell a different tale, lad. We are none of us immortal.”

  “Maybe ye should stay here a while longer, then. Allow Eleanor an’ my mother tae fuss over ye.”

  “I appreciate the attentions of a pretty wench as much as the next man, but Duncleit needs me. It needs us. The clan needs both of us and ‘tis time tae return home.”

  “I agree.”

  Robbie whirled about at the icy tone from behind him. “Janie. I thought ye meant tae spend the mornin’ wi’ Eleanor an’ the wee one.”

  “Did you, indeed? Did it not occur to you that I might prefer to spend my morning hearing about your plans to return to Skye?”

  He cared not a bit for her sharp words and clipped tone. It was clear that Miss Jane Bartle was spoiling for a fight. Again. Not usually one to avoid confrontation, Robbie was not in the mood for yet another quarrel, at least not before his noontime meal. “Jane, I—”

  “When were you going to tell me?” she demanded. “Did you mean to tell me at all, or were you planning to just go?”

  “Just go?” Was she quite mad? “Without you?”

  “Well, it certainly seems so since I have had to hear of your intentions from another.”

  Despite his best intentions, Robbie’s irritation began to smoulder. “I didnae have any fucking intentions until a few minut
es ago. We were just discussin’ it.”

  “Liar!” Jane glowered at him, her stormy eyes darkening. “Eleanor was well aware of what was afoot, so I assume her husband must have told her. Everyone knows, it would seem, but me.”

  Robbie returned her angry glare. “Ye will guard your tongue, Jane. I’ll no’ be called a liar.”

  “Then, be honest with me.”

  “I am tryin’ tae do just that, should I ever manage tae get a word in edgeways. Sit down, Jane, an’ bloody listen.”

  “No, you listen. I—”

  “Sit!”

  The burgeoning quarrel was cut short by Blair McGregor’s curt command. He now swung his gaze between the pair of them.

  “Both of ye, sit down. An’ ye will lower your voices, if you please. I see nae call tae share this dispute wi’ the entire household.”

  Robbie cast a baleful look in Jane’s direction, then gestured her to a chair. Mercifully, she lowered herself into it without further ado, then scowled at him when he took the seat next to her.

  “Robbie is tellin’ ye the truth, Miss Bartle.” Blair McGregor caught Jane’s gaze and held it. She had the grace to appear chastened.

  Well, that makes a change.

  His father continued. “I asked my son last night if he would return to Duncleit with Lady Roselyn and me when we leave the day after tomorrow. You had already retired for the evening so were not present tae hear it. He had not given me his answer until just now, moments before ye joined us.”

  “Moments before ye burst in here an’ started hurling accusations about,” Robbie corrected. “It is clear tae me that ye’ve learned nothing from our little encounter earlier today.”

  Her cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink. Robbie would not have believed it possible.

  Blair raised his hand to quell the exchange. “Enough. Ye may save that discussion for a more private moment. What I want tae know right now, is whether I may expect tae be entertained by the delightful Miss Bartle on the journey back tae Skye.” He turned to beam at Jane. “My son was on his way tae seek ye out, Miss Bartle, tae ask if ye might be prevailed upon tae accompany him to Duncleit. I sincerely hope ye will consider it.” He gripped the arms of the chair he was seated upon and pushed himself to his feet. “I shall leave the pair o’ ye tae discuss the matter. Please try tae do so quietly.” He dipped his head to each of them. “I will wish ye both a good mornin’ then.”

  Robbie rose to bow to his father. He waited until The McGregor had left the great hall before extending his hand to Jane. “Come. We shall discuss this in private, as my father suggested.”

  “So that you may spank me. Again.”

  Robbie tamped down his rising temper. “One spanking for a morning is quite sufficient, I think, though I would suggest ye dinnae provoke me all the same. I am no’ accustomed tae bein’ called a liar and I dinnae mean tae tolerate it.”

  “But, I thought—”

  “I ken full well what ye thought, Jane, but ye were wrong. So, are ye comin’ or no’?”

  She hesitated for a few moments, then took his hand and permitted him to help her to her feet. To Robbie’s relief, she followed him meekly from the hall. It would seem the household servants were to be treated to no more entertainment this morning.

  * * *

  “I apologise. I was wrong, and I am sorry.”

  Robbie peered at her in suspicion. Jane certainly appeared contrite enough, but he had not come to expect such humility from his feisty Sassenach wench. She would normally be spitting fire at him, giving as good as she got in any dispute. He did not entirely trust her present demeanour.

  “I beg your pardon?” He closed the door to his chamber behind them and took the precaution of turning the key in the lock, as much to ensure their privacy as to prevent her escape.

  “I am sorry. I was angry, taken by surprise. I... I jumped to conclusions.”

  “Aye, ye did.” He waited to hear more.

  Jane shifted awkwardly, shuffling her feet and finding something inordinately fascinating to study on the flagged floor. “It was just that, when Eleanor told me you were leaving... I was upset.”

  “Why were ye upset, Jane?”

  “I... I thought you must mean to go without me. I... I don’t want you to go.”

  “I dinnae mean tae leave ye here, Janie. I want ye with me. Have I no’ made that clear enough, on more occasions than I can bloody count?”

  “I know. You have. I just thought... I thought you would have said something. This morning. You had plenty of opportunity.”

  “I had not yet decided I should go with my parents.”

  “I realise that now.”

  “Aye. Ye will believe my father, but no’ me.” That realisation stung, especially as she did not deny it.

  “I have apologised. I am sorry, truly I am.”

  Robbie sighed. If he required her to trust his word, he supposed he owed her the same courtesy. “Very well, I accept your apology. On this occasion. But make no mistake, Jane, were your bottom not already smartin’ inside an’ out I would administer another spanking for this morning’s little outburst. Be warned, girl, I will no’ stand for such belligerence. I will always treat ye wi’ the respect ye deserve, an’ I expect no less from ye, an’ most particularly when others are present.”

  She hung her head even more. “I understand. You are right, of course.”

  “Hmm.” Such abject humility did not suit her. Respect was one thing, but he would not see her utterly cowed. “Janie, look at me.”

  Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet his. Tears shimmered in her lovely grey eyes.

  “It is done with. Shall we start this conversation over again, lass?”

  “Start again?”

  “Aye. I will be leaving for Skye the day after tomorrow. I am not sure how long I shall remain there, though I dinnae expect the visit tae be a short one. Will ye come wi’ me, Jane?”

  “You... you still want me?”

  “Of course. I love ye, sweetheart. I mean tae wed ye. Eventually, once I can manage tae convince ye o’ the rightness of that match. But until such time as I can convince ye tae stand wi’ me at the doors tae the chapel and exchange vows, I should like ye tae assume the position of my wife.”

  “I... oh. Oh!”

  “Ye will share my bed, my life, my home. All will ken how it is wi’ us. The McGregors will accept ye, and ye will come to believe in us, an’ in your place in our clan.”

  “Are you sure? You want... all of that?”

  “Aye. All of it. So, what is your answer, Jane. Yes, or no?”

  “I...”

  “Yes? Or no?”

  She hesitated, wrung her elegant fingers together, examined that absorbing spot on the floor once more, than lifted her gaze to his. “Yes. My answer is ‘yes.’ I will come with you.”

  Robbie let out a breath, unaware even that he had been holding it. He crossed the chamber to cradle her face between his palms. “Thank you, Janie. Ye will no’ regret this decision, I swear it.” With his thumbs he swept away the tears that had spilled onto her cheeks. If only it was so simple to wipe away the doubt he still detected in her glistening eyes.

  * * *

  “Are ye tired yet?” Robbie brought his mount up alongside hers and flashed her a sympathetic smile. “‘Tis hard at first, I recall.”

  Jane sighed and shifted in the saddle. She had agreed, reluctantly, to attempt to manage a horse of her own rather than continue to ride with Robbie. It seemed the least she could do, just one of the many new skills she would need to master if she was to make a success of this incredible new life that beckoned.

  Eleanor had insisted that Jane must borrow Primrose, her own little mare, for the long journey to Skye. The animal was gentle, well-trained, and a suitable mount for a lady. Jane loved the dainty palfrey, despite her lack of familiarity with horses. She fancied that Primrose sympathised with her inexperience.

  “I am fine, so far,” she replied, leaning forward to pat Pr
imrose’s neck.

  “If ye need a rest, ye can ride wi’ me for a while. I miss havin’ ye behind me in the saddle.”

  In truth, Jane missed that too, though she did rather relish the independence of having her own mount. She felt less... inadequate.

  The party leaving Mortain was not large, just she and Robbie, the laird and Lady McGregor, and a half dozen guards to act as escort. Lady Joan had opted to remain for the winter at Mortain, and Duncan with her. Archie might have accompanied them, but he was occupied on business for Sir James and promised to join them later. Given their lean numbers, and the impending deterioration in the weather, Blair McGregor had set a brisk pace. Jane’s initiation into the skills of horse-riding could have been far more challenging on a less biddable mount.

  “Primrose is so quiet, and the ride so smooth. I shall be sorry to send her back to Eleanor.”

  “We shall find another for you,” Robbie promised. “One just as pretty, and as manageable.”

  “I have the very mare in mind.” Blair McGregor had pulled his own stallion alongside. “We have a lovely wee grey mare i’ the stable at Duncleit. She was originally purchased for your mother, lad, but ye ken how she is about her horses.” He leaned over to address Jane directly. “My wife prefers Breeze an’ will ride no other.”

  Breeze was the lively palfrey favoured by Lady Roselyn, a fine animal, indeed, but somewhat on the high-spirited side.

  “That is very generous, my lord.”

  He laughed. “Aye, well, consider the mare a wedding present from me an’ my wife.”

  “But, we are not—”

  The McGregor waved a dismissive hand. “The mare is yours, lass. She is called Laurel, I believe, though ye may wish tae name her yourself.”

  Jane shook her head. “Laurel sounds just wonderful. Yes, wonderful...”

  * * *

  They had been travelling for twelve days when they reached the eastern tip of Loch Alsh. The skies were darkening. Blair McGregor ordered them to make camp for the night.

  “The Isle of Skye lies at the western end of the loch,” Robbie explained as he and Jane lay huddled together warmly wrapped in their blankets and plaid. “A ferry at the head of the loch will take us over the water, tae Skye. Then Duncleit is about a day and a half of riding from there.”