I am often rather headstrong, and when I take a notion into my head, I follow it through without thought. It is one of my many faults. And I feel terribly guilty about leaving the patients in that state, so I hope this delivery of fruits and vegetables will serve them well. I have written for it to be distributed among those that are ill.
How are they faring? How are you faring? And how is Angus as he continues to help the clan? I must confess, I feel guilty leaving him as well, for I know that it was his brother’s wish that I stay to help.
Please write to me, Mrs. MacLean. I wish to hear all of your news. Here at the Fort, it is unutterably dull, but it has been nice to see my father again after many weeks.
Charlotte Andrews
He read it aloud for Mrs. MacLean, and she stood, her hands clasped, listening intently. She furrowed her brow at the end. “It does nae seem that she is very happy, Angus. I hope that her father will treat her well.”
Angus coughed to cover up the flutter of joy he felt at having been asked after. But that flutter was quickly squelched after he read the words ‘his brother’s wish.’ So, she did think of him then and hadn’t forgotten everything. But what was this about Calum? Had Calum spoken to her when he was not present?
He remembered that Mrs. MacLean had said something. He replied, “Aye, ‘tis true. But I suppose ‘tis hard tae return tae one’s old life when she had so much freedom tae roam wildly around the Isle.”
Mrs. MacLean laughed. “That is very keen, Angus. I think ye are right. Well, I do hope that she’ll be permitted tae visit us. I have already written tae her and given her all the news she desires. I have even told her of ye and all that ye have been doing. But should I mention that ye have been sulking as well?”
Angus turned sharply towards her. His words began faltering. “Och, am I? I suppose ‘tis all the things on the island that need doing. Nae, dinnae trouble the mistress with my dark moods.” He felt one coming on right then, and he wished to be alone to seethe in silence.
Mrs. MacLean smiled and began to walk away. Before she turned out the door, she said, “Aye, I think yer right. Charlotte was much happier here, but I dinnae think ‘twas just the freedom that made her so.”
Having said her piece, Mrs. MacLean left the room, and Angus felt himself fall deeper into sullenness.
Chapter Fourteen
Once she left her father’s study, she passed the breakfast that was laid out on the table and fled to the outside grounds. It was still Fort property, and so Lord High and Mighty and Overbearing Darling could have nothing to say about it. Besides, what could he do? Pull her back into the Fort’s building with his bare hands? She crossed her arms. Well, that could be very possible, but her father certainly would not allow that.
She tipped her head high and began to walk in the usual path that she and her father had been taking each day. She waited until she was far enough away from the Fort to let out an angry huff. “How could my father just sit there and allow this? We cannot give gifts anymore or perform charitable acts? These people housed me for weeks, despite the troubles of their clan, and now we cannot even help them?” She whispered harshly to the air, far enough away from Lord Darling, but afraid that someone might be nearby to hear her outrage.
She knew the real reason for her anger at his rule to not send anything else, but she did not give voice to it. She continued speaking aloud to the trees and grassy hills. “And he expects young ladies to allow themselves to be guided by their betters like goats on a rope?”
As she walked and talked, she was getting ever closer to the Sound. With each moment, fresh anger burst out inside her at all of the horrible things the Lord had said. “And even worse! He will take part in finding me a match for marriage? That is absurd! He is not my father, nor is he my relative, and yet here he is, swooping in, with barely a word, and expects us to follow him?” Charlotte shook her head to herself. She resolved right then and there to find a time when her father was alone to try to talk to him about this. Surely, he could not allow this man to be involved in so personal a decision. He had come to advise her father in political and military matters, not stick his nose into her business as well.
She exhaled loudly, shaking with fury. She stomped along hurriedly, barely taking in her surroundings when suddenly she hit something that squealed in pain. She pulled back and watched as young Elizabeth Darling fell backward onto the ground, losing her book and her spectacles in the process.
Charlotte’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh! I am so sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was going!” She reached out a hand to assist the woman, bending low towards her. Elizabeth scrunched up her eyes a little. She gripped onto Charlotte’s hand, and Charlotte pulled her up.
Elizabeth continued squinting. “Oh, I am sorry. I was reading as well and didn’t see that there was someone there. Would you be so kind as to help me find my spectacles? It is difficult for me to see close things, so your face is quite blurred.”
Charlotte rushed to pick up the brassy-colored spectacles and handed them gently to Elizabeth, who hurried to place them atop her nose. Her eyes widened at Charlotte. “Oh, that’s better. I am very sorry, Miss Andrews. I’m afraid you will always find me in the middle of some sort of awkwardness. My father most certainly would not approve.”
Elizabeth pushed a few strands of hair back into her coiffure, and she began to search for her upturned book. She found it with an “Ah” and then brushed it off before turning back to face Charlotte again. Her face was slightly flushed, and Charlotte smiled. This Elizabeth was much chattier than the one she had met last night. She thought that perhaps, this woman would be much more fun to be friends with.
“Oh, think nothing of it, Miss Darling. ‘Twas I who was also not watching. My thoughts were… elsewhere.”
Elizabeth smiled back at her, kindly. Charlotte pointed to the path in front of her. “If you are not too busy with your reading, perhaps you would care to walk with me? It appears that perhaps we cannot be trusted to walk alone.”
Elizabeth chuckled lightly, and Charlotte was pleased. With a smile on her lips, Elizabeth Darling was one of the most stunning women of her acquaintance. It was a pity she had to wear those spectacles and did not often smile. Elizabeth said, “You’re quite right.”
Charlotte took her arm in her own, and they began to walk the shores of the Sound. “So, what do you think of Scotland thus far?”
Elizabeth looked out towards the water. “I find it absolutely lovely. It is the perfect place to dream and read. It suits me far better than busy London, but we are often traveling, Father and I. Ever since Mother died, I have been his constant companion.” She said the last words rather solemnly, and Charlotte felt for her.
“I suppose it is like that in a way for my father and I. He is happy to have my company ever since the loss of my mother.” She smiled at Elizabeth. Before they could continue their conversation, they heard a call from the water.
“Ahoy Mistress! ‘Tis I! Liam!”
Charlotte looked out, and close to the shore was a boat with three men inside. They were nearing gray gravel, and Charlotte’s heart began to beat rapidly at the sight of a clansman of MacLean again. She waved back, and Elizabeth’s arm tightened. “Who are those men, Miss Andrews?”
Charlotte said, “Oh, you will have nothing to fear from them, Miss Darling. They are clansmen of the MacLeans. I have stayed with them for many weeks until I just returned a week past. My cousin, Julia, is married to their laird. They are all very kind and gentle, like lambs.” Well, maybe not all of them.
Elizabeth nodded, and her grip loosened slightly. Charlotte continued as they waited for the men to land. “I suppose we ought to call each other by our Christian names, now that we’ve been properly acquainted. May I call you Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth replied, “Oh, yes, I would much prefer that. I’m afraid I was never very good at social rules and etiquette. I have so many other things to think of that always get in the way. So to call you Charlotte would b
e very fine indeed.”
That’s why you were reading your book instead of making conversation then.
“Excellent. Come, I will introduce you.” She walked with Elizabeth down to the water and awaited the arrival of the men. She looked around briefly to make sure that no soldiers were close enough to stop them. There were a few clusters of trees nearby, and she hoped that would be enough to shield them for a few minutes.
Once the boat came further over the gravelly shore, Liam hopped out nimbly, a big smile on his face. He was joined by Fergus, Fen, and another man that Charlotte had seen but not yet spoken to.
“Mistress Andrews, what a pleasure! I see ye are doing well, lass. That makes me happy. When I heard ye’d left in such a rush, I was worried about yer head and hoped ye would make a safe recovery.”
Charlotte smiled but watched Elizabeth out of the corner of her eye, fearing for a second that Elizabeth might tell her father what she had seen and heard. But, Elizabeth’s gaze was solely on jolly, red-headed, well-built Liam. It was as though she had never seen a man before, and Charlotte could almost imagine her mouth open in astonishment.
“Ah, yes. It was only a little painful for a few days, but now I feel no trouble. All is well. Thank you for your consideration. Let me introduce you to my new friend, Liam.” She motioned to her left, and she watched as Liam’s eyes moved to Elizabeth for the first time. And there, they stopped. Charlotte felt a tingle of excitement at the sight. Two people, watching each other with interest. Perhaps she should take up matchmaking?
She allowed them this moment for a few seconds and then said, “This is Lady Elizabeth Darling, daughter of the Earl of Oxford, come to visit the Fort for a few weeks or more.” Liam’s face broke into another huge smile. He kept staring for a few seconds but then said, “I am Liam MacLean, and this is Fergus, Fen, and Donell.”
All the men smiled at her in return. “And what are you doing today on the mainland, Liam?” Charlotte asked, realizing that she would need to save the conversation or else Elizabeth and Liam would simply stare at each other, oblivious to what was going on around them.
He coughed and turned his eyes back to her. “Angus has asked us tae do the hunt, but we brought Fen tae help us purchase building materials. Some of the barns and homes need repairs. This ye know, lass.” Charlotte nodded.
She felt it a good time to inquire about Angus. She tried to keep calm. “And how is Angus faring with all the preparations?” Liam didn’t seem to notice her hesitance at asking about him, and his expression was solemn.
“He’s in a bad way, Mistress.” Charlotte felt her heart tighten.
“What do you mean?”
“Och, I mean, he just has a lot on his mind. Ever since ye left, he’s been in a dark mood, barely speaking tae any of us. His mind is solely on his work, but it drains him so. Each day, he seems tae get worse. I fear that he will drain himself of energy.”
Charlotte tried to keep the guilt from tearing her apart. “I see. I am sorry for it. It is a large task to try and save a clan.”
“Aye, but we try our best tae help. I’m sorry ye had tae leave in such a rush. Ye are much missed.”
Charlotte blushed. “Yes, I am sorry for my rush. It wasn’t ill-intended. I simply needed to leave; my father wished it so.”
Liam nodded but said nothing more. Charlotte continued, “Well, we mustn’t keep you. You are busy men and must do your tasks.”
Liam nodded to both of them. “Aye, we must be getting on. Oh, afore I forget, here is a letter from Mrs. MacLean.”
Charlotte grasped it gratefully. “Oh, I am so glad. Thank you, Liam.”
He nodded shyly, “Well, I hope to see ye again, Charlotte, in the next weeks. And ye as well, Miss Darling.”
He bowed lower to her, and Elizabeth’s mouth parted slightly. At a squeeze from Charlotte’s arm, she nodded slightly, and her lips turned up into a small smile.
The men walked off into the forest, and Charlotte and Elizabeth continued on, a smile playing across Charlotte’s lips as she waited to hear what Elizabeth had to say. They were silent for a few moments before Elizabeth breathed, “I have never seen a man so large. And strong.”
Charlotte threw her head back and laughed. “Ah, Elizabeth, I know exactly how you feel. I think that we will be very good friends.”
* * *
Despite his fatigue, Angus headed out to the farms with his men to begin to distribute the bundles to the sick patients. Despite the necessity, he was dreading seeing them. He didn’t know what he would feel when he saw his own people suffering, without a healer there to help them, and without a solution.
Perhaps the new foods would help. As he and his men began to heave them into carts to take around the island, Angus looked inside one of the bundles. Potatoes, carrots, apples, and cabbage filled the sack nearly to the top. It was a veritable feast. He was touched at the kind gesture. Charlotte did not have to do this, but she did so anyway, even after the way they’d left things. She left in a huff of anger, but she still cared enough about the people of the island. He knew that her patients meant a lot to her.
There were ten homes that held sick occupants. There would be more than enough of these foods to feed the whole island a few times over, but he would first start distributing to the sick homes. And he would have to begin with David. From snippets of conversation that he overhead from Charlotte, he knew that David was the illest of everyone, and his mother, Breya, was beside herself with fear of his impending death. Mrs. MacLean had also told him that David had cut himself, and now the wound was not healing, but rather oozing, refusing to close up.
They hitched the horses to the carts, and Angus sat at the front of one of them, and one of his other men controlled the other. They agreed to split up, traveling around the island. Each of them had the names of those who were ill, and they would only give a few vegetables and fruits to each of them to distribute evenly. Angus hit the reins, getting the horse to start. It was a long time since he had driven a cart behind a horse rather than ride. Mrs. MacLean had told him that he didn’t need to do this job, but he wanted to.
He needed to be involved in every aspect of the clan’s development as a laird would be. He didn’t want to leave any important duties to someone else when it was a job specifically given to him. Besides, he had needed to get out of the Castle after he’d read the letter. What did it mean? Why would Calum have specifically asked Charlotte to help out?
He knew they were happy to have her stay and keep working as she was, but was there more to it? The letter made it seem so, and he felt a sneaking suspicion that it was because Calum didn’t trust him to handle it alone. Yet another reason why he was dead set on taking care of this task. He’d been at a loss as to what to do for the ill villagers, but now Charlotte had given him some direction. He supposed that Calum was right to ask her to help him, even if it stung, knowing that his brother didn’t trust him.
He seemed to be failing at every turn during his time as interim laird, and now he felt weak and overcome with all he must do. Despite having eaten his fill that morning, his head had not ceased hurting him, and he could feel a dull ache in all of his muscles. Lifting the bundles into the cart had winded him. That and the aches he felt, he attributed to the constant sword lessons he’d been taking up as a way to forget Charlotte.
But the weakness began to get worse as he rode towards David’s small home. It was like he was in a fog and was trying to claw his way through the mist. But it was a clear, beautiful day just like the one before. He shook his head as his vision started to get fuzzy. He grasped onto the reins tighter, hoping that would help steady him as the horse moved slowly along the dirt path towards the village. But it would not lessen. It persisted, and a few times, he nearly toppled over the side of the cart.
He soon arrived at David’s door, and with slight trouble, he jumped down from the cart bench to the ground to move around to the backside of the cart. He was going to carry a partial sack to Breya’s door with instru
ctions. He reached up to grab it, but then everything began to get blurry, and the colors swam before his eyes. He fell backward onto the ground with a soft thump.
Chapter Fifteen
After their walk, Charlotte and Elizabeth returned to the Fort and decided to engage in a game of cards. Elizabeth had shown a slight hesitation to which Charlotte asked, “Do you not know how to play whist?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m afraid not. I am useless at balls and social gatherings. I find the stress of having to talk to so many people at once overwhelming, and so I never learned.”
Charlotte smiled, taking the pack of cards in her hand. “Well, then, dear Elizabeth, I shall teach you. It is just you and me, you see?”
They were in a private parlor, which was not very decorated, but it was good enough for their use. The door was open, and both of them could see soldiers moving around outside. Charlotte pointed towards them and whispered, “One day, we could ask a few of the rather more outgoing soldiers to play, such as Lieutenant Stevens, and then I will also teach you how to speak to others. It is a game better served with four players, but two players are fine for learning. What do you think?”
Mending a Highland Heart: Healing him was more scandalous than she ever imagined… Page 12