“I have, and I believe it will be very well-received. I painted a picture to my father about the need for a womanly touch and the need to act as the lady of a clan while its true lady has departed.” Charlotte laughed, and Julia followed suit.
“I don’t know my uncle very well, but he would definitely approve of such a wholly good, noble, and feminine mission.”
Charlotte bit her lip. “I do hope that no word of my working as a healer will reach him. He is very lax with his instruction of me, but only if he does not feel that I have behaved improperly or indecorously. If he hears of it, he will lock me up in a room in the barracks and search out a husband for me himself.” Charlotte chuckled, but without as much mirth.
“Tell me, cousin. How did your father react when he found out my Uncle Andrew had killed his brother-in-law all those years ago?” Julia moved the tiny glass in her hands, watching her friend with interest.
Charlotte sighed. “Well, he told me he was not very surprised, knowing the man as he did, but he was ashamed to have left you in his care. I’m sorry; I tried to convince him. But, Andrew had threatened father with so many horrible things. And my father is just...too weak. He would not fight back. I fear my mother would have been ashamed of him.”
“If she is anything like you, then I’m sure she would have,” Julia said quietly.
Julia paused, another question on her lips. “Charlotte, what will you do if your father demands your presence in response to your letter? Will you continue to convince him, or will you return to the barracks?”
Charlotte looked into the flames. It was what she greatly feared. “I don’t know. I will see what kind of mood he is in. Perhaps I would be more convincing if I could go and visit him. I could plead my case. But,” she paused for a moment, thinking over her next words. “I’m not ready to leave. I’m so happy that you asked me to stay, Julia. Your friendship has meant the world to me these many months. And here I thought a lifetime of society balls and functions was all I needed to be happy. But something was missing. You are giving me that something.”
Julia clasped Charlotte’s hand. “And you have saved me. I was practically a recluse with a madman and murderer as my guardian. Now, I cannot believe where I am and what I do. It’s like a miracle. I want you to be happy, dear Charlotte, and so I hope your father will listen to your wise counsel.”
Both of them laughed at Julia’s intonation. Charlotte felt as if she was right on the cusp of being happy, but there were a few things in her way: her father’s approval, the healing of the clan members, Angus, and what she would do next after it was all over. That thought scared her the most. While she would be able to stay for a time on the Isle of Mull, doing her healing work, she knew it couldn’t possibly last forever. She would have to leave and find a husband. She knew her father was firm about that. But she secretly wished she could do something else.
He would tolerate her “playing,” as he called it, for a time, but he wanted her to marry and marry well. He wanted to live the rest of his life in luxury, and Charlotte was his tool to do so. She knew that weight was on her shoulders. She loved her father, and she wanted to follow his wishes. It had also been her desire to marry well, but now, her desires seemed to be shifting. She was finding so much purpose in her new work. When she saw a patient’s face ease as the body found relief, it fulfilled something deeper within her. She was more than just a woman, more than a pretty face, more than her clothes and dancing abilities. She had a purpose. She could help people.
But this world was not one in which women could do as they pleased. That’s when she realized that Angus’ interference bothered her so much. It was as if she was away from the real world for a time, and she wanted to treasure her freedom for as long as she could. Even if she returned to London, married a wealthy man, and lived an easy life, there would still be restrictions placed on her.
“I hope so too, dear Julia. But I also hope that you and Calum have a lovely time together. I know you are taking yourselves to a murder trial, but it is also time you can spend with your new husband without the worries of the clan plaguing you both. Let us take care of your land while you’re away.”
Julia’s uncle, while capturing Julia, had revealed to her that he had killed his own brother, her father, in order to inherit his wealth. He was, if all went according to the order of the court, soon to be hanged for it.
“Oh? Us, is it?” Julia’s look changed to a devilish grin.
Charlotte fought a blush. “I just mean that I would help you in any way I can.” She didn’t want to reveal that Calum had asked her personally to stay, for Angus’ sake. “To repay you for all that you’ve done.”
“Well, that does not need repayment in any way. You helped me find a way to get my freedom! I will be eternally grateful. But, it would be nice to know that Duart Castle is safe in your hands. In both your hands.”
Julia attempted another question. “What do you think of Angus, by the way? It appears you two don’t get along all that well. I never wanted to say anything, but I’m sorry you both can’t find common ground. Seeing as he is my new brother, and you are my dearest cousin and friend.”
Charlotte stared at a smiling Julia and sighed. “I know why you are asking this question, my friend.”
Julia grinned even wider.
Charlotte continued, “But your hopes will never come to fruition. He is not a man I could ever see myself being with. You know me, don’t you, Julia? I am a woman of the city. I need a clean-shaven man fawning over me hand and foot. I want to be leading society with balls and events.” Charlotte dramatically laid a hand lightly upon her forehead and swooned. In her mind, she added, and my father would most vehemently fight against such a match.
Julia laughed. “I may have thought so before, my dear, but not any longer. I know that the rugged highlander type appeals to you, and Angus is a very handsome man. Most women in London would not be able to avoid my brother’s charms.”
Charlotte straightened. Charlotte knew that her cousin was right. “Ah yes, you have succumbed to the illness you mention and so think that others must. I, however, have no interest in a man who wishes to thwart my every move and control me just as any other man does!”
Julia clasped her hands together and paused in thought. “I shall miss you dearly, Charlotte Andrews. You entertain me to no end. Not every man desires to control and repress. You would do well to remember that when there are so many lovely men around, especially on this Isle. But, before I begin to set my mind to packing for my trip to London, I must say, be patient with Angus. To me, he was all kindness and aid. But, to a different woman, who he is very much attracted to, I think he would be the self that most people see: reserved, strict, stoic.”
“Attracted to?” Charlotte felt her heart flutter and her face flush with heat. She had suddenly gone from a confident woman, ready to respond to each of her friends’ remarks with finesse, to a speechless coward, unsure how to react.
Julia laughed at her friend’s reaction. “Ha! Can you not see it? Then you are a greater fool than I thought. Here I thought that Charlotte Andrews was the all-knower of men, and her powers were far greater than my own. Do you not know when a man is attracted to you?”
Charlotte scrunched her face up in thought. She was learning so much about herself on this isle. It was like she was nothing that she had ever thought. She was a completely different person. She spoke slowly, thinking about all of her interactions with Angus. “Well, he has always treated me with a cold sort of distance. I never dreamed that he would...I mean, I had tried, but he was so different...no you couldn’t be serious, Julia. Men, when they are attracted to a woman, fawn, and they preen, and they try to get you alone. But, this is not that.”
Julia burst into hearty laughter and laid her head back on the cushion, worn out from glee. “Oh, Charlotte, not that I know much of men, but I have learned what I could since living here. Men in London who are gentlemen are so full of themselves that they wish to make a show of their
affection. But, here in the Highlands, where men are meant to be strong, capable, and devoid of emotion so that they can be good in battle, they may show their interest in different ways: anger, cold distance, arguments. Does that make sense?”
Charlotte shook her head. “Not at all.” But she could feel herself getting excited about the prospect that maybe Angus did find her beautiful and desired her.
“Well, all I ask is that you be patient with him. He is trying his best, and I know he is nervous about us leaving. Don’t trouble him too much.” She grinned at Charlotte, and Charlotte rolled her eyes.
“You should speak to him about not giving me trouble, you know. Why am I the only one being lectured?” Charlotte asked, with her hands in the air.
“Because you are much more in tune with your emotions and what to do with them. And you don’t have the weight of a clan on your shoulders.”
Charlotte nodded in understanding. I have only the weight of what to do with my life, she thought with fear. They spent the rest of their short time together laughing and talking about Julia’s trip, but then Julia needed to begin packing, and Charlotte left her, hugging her at the door.
“I wish you both a safe and pleasant journey. Don’t forget to write! As often as you can!”
“Of course!” Julia said. “There will be so much I’d like to know about what’s happening here.” Julia winked at Charlotte, and she began to back away, shaking her head.
“I do love you, but I shall not dignify that answer with a response, dear Julia. Goodbye! Enjoy the time with your rough Highland husband!” She wiggled her fingers at a laughing Julia and fled to her room to call for a maid to order a tray for dinner. She thought perhaps it might look strange if she was to eat in the Great Hall without Julia and Calum to be by her side as they ate.
She waited, sitting alone in front of her vanity, waiting for the maid to come so that she could send her instructions. But, when the maid arrived, she seemed surprised by Charlotte’s request.
“But, Miss, dinner is already served for ye. It is downstairs on the table. It was the expressed desire of the Laird and Lady that ye eat in the Hall.”
Charlotte stood up, confused. Why would they want that? Well, she didn’t want them to go to any extra trouble, so she replied, “I see. Well, I will be there. But, could you assist me in dressing?”
The maid nodded, and Charlotte pointed to a green gown nearby. She had been longing to wear it for so long, but there hadn’t been any chance to wear it in the wild hills of Scotland, as they lacked sorely in proper balls, so she decided a dinner alone would be the best time. She would have nothing to prove or show to anyone, and she could simply enjoy herself and think about tomorrow’s work.
The maid tightened her corset and removed the old gown, pulling the new pieces over her head. It fit Charlotte perfectly, and she smiled at the way the green highlighted the red in her hair perfectly. If ever she returned to London, she would have to wear more green.
She felt the lace at the square neckline with her fingertips and was pleased. It felt so good to wear nice things again. She completed the outfit with a thin layer of cream ribbon around her neck and had the maid deal with the savage mess her hair had become. Staying in a braid was not an option, even though she thought she looked rather fetching in an unconventional way.
She liked the way she could shirk her normal societal duties here in Duart Castle and get away with it. No one had said a word about her hairstyle. The maid pulled her hair back and pinned it behind her head so that her face was open. She looked like the perfect dinner guest for a Lord’s party. Dinner for one, she smiled at herself. It would be a lovely evening, free of everything and everyone. This could be one of her last nights of total freedom.
With one last look in the mirror, she wandered down from her room to the Hall. It was one of her favorite rooms in the whole of Duart Castle. It was large yet cozy in its own way. It was so very different from large meeting rooms in busy London, all paint and glass. But, this room, it was just itself with simple stone walls. It did not need to cover itself up with flair and flourish but could exist as what it was meant to be and be beautiful, giving people pleasure.
She looked down at her own gown. Perhaps she should take a lesson from the Great Hall of Duart Castle. She was always so used to flaunting her charms wherever she went. She did not know any other way to exist. A woman was meant to showcase her beauty, was she not? But was that all she was worth? Maybe according to her father and many men, but Charlotte was finding a different way.
She approached the main table to eat and saw it was filled with food and lit with candles. Surely this was enough to feed ten. She was merely one woman. She sat at one side of the table, feeling a little self-conscious of her lone presence in such a large room, even though she had been so excited about it. She hoped the servants wouldn’t be giggling at her behind her back.
She found a filled wine bottle to her right, filled her glass, and took a grateful sip, ready to enjoy her meal. But, then to her side, she heard a voice.
“Is nae a lady meant tae sit at one end of the table and a man another?” She turned to see Angus, bathed, and dressed in more finery than she had seen him wear before. Charlotte choked a little on her wine in surprise.
Chapter Five
The corners of Angus’ mouth turned up slightly. He put his hands behind his back and walked to one end of the table, and pulled out the chair. He raised his eyebrows.
Charlotte finally recovered herself. “Correcting me again, I see,” she said. But, she stood anyway, brushing her hands on her skirts, and Angus felt a little satisfaction at her somewhat quiet acquiescence to his motion.
She sat and allowed him to push in her chair for her. For a brief moment, his knuckles brushed upon her back, and Angus wished his hands could have remained there for just a little longer. He moved to the other end of the table. He was nearly speechless from the way she looked when he had first seen here there, drinking her wine and sitting in her beautiful silky green gown. But he tried his best to recover himself. He’d expected to be eating alone, knowing that Charlotte would not want to eat dinner with just him for company. But here she was, resplendent, dressed as she would be for a fancy ball in London, the fire and candlelight dancing off of her curls.
His eyes wandered from her face to her neck as he sat on the other side. The light ribbon tied tightly around her long neck made him swallow slowly, imagining the way her skin would taste there. He followed it further to her low neckline, and he had to look away. His thoughts were becoming too dangerous to continue in the company of someone else.
He realized he should reply to her biting statement. “Well, I thought I would be dining alone this evening, but since yer here, perhaps we should stand on ceremony. The table is certainly set for that.”
Charlotte looked it over. “Yes, why is it done up so? Surely this meal could feed a whole band of warriors, but instead, it is left to you and me to devour. I don’t think it will be possible.”
Angus said, “I have a feeling that Julia had something tae do with this? Perhaps as a parting gift, since they couldnae see us when they leave so early in the morning?”
“Perhaps…” Charlotte trailed off, but she stole a glance at Angus, who hadn’t taken his brown eyes from her.
Since the image of Charlotte in his bed had come to him in the library, he could not shake it off. He had felt a prickling of desire then, and it had grown a little stronger when he saw her again and when they had quarreled, but this was different. It was as if his body was consumed with it, and he had to fight hard to get it under control now that he had unleashed it. He could barely remember the argument they’d had in the library; his mind was so full of something else.
He cleared his throat, searching for a way to continue the conversation before grabbing a piece of food. “Have ye decided what the illness is?”
Charlotte took a drink and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I could not focus very well in the library.” Sh
e looked down and coughed. Angus felt a flutter like she might be referring to something akin to desire, but she moved past it and continued. “I tried later, but it was to no avail. I found something similar to it, but it is not quite what I am looking for. I will try to ask about what the diet is of the people I visit tomorrow. That affects people more than we think.”
“Well, I could tell ye that. I’m afraid it’s very similar tae what we eat here, except they get much less of it.” Charlotte’s eyes scanned the table. Yes, she had noticed in her time that fruits and certain vegetables were few and far between, especially during the wintertime. She was used to having almost everything available to her at home, but now that she was living here, she was beginning to miss a few things. It only came to her now, as she stared at the food.
“Yes, it must be much less after the situation before Julia arrived.”
Angus nodded solemnly, chewing a piece of bread quietly. Then, he said, “If Julia had nae come, I dinnae know what we would have done. She saved us.” He exhaled a long sigh.
Angus realized that they had just spoken for several minutes without arguing about something. He smiled, and Charlotte looked surprised. “A smile, Angus MacLean? I confess that’s a rare sight.” She took a heavy sip of wine and refilled her glass, loving the feeling of heat that spread through her every vessel, acting as a magic spell to relax her.
Mending a Highland Heart: Healing him was more scandalous than she ever imagined… Page 4