James sat next to her on the bench and she turned her full attention to him.
“Pleasant?”
It was a poor choice of words as he did not look happy.
“Productive then.”
“My visit to Edinburgh was—”
He scrubbed at his stubble and stared at her as though she could provide the words he sought.
“My lord, did you acquire the consent you desired?”
His eyes darkened upon her last word and her insides clenched. Dammit. She would not let him do this to her again. The past sennight’s contemplation had not quelled her body’s need for him.
“What I desire is another matter,” he said, his voice deep and husky.
Her breath caught in her throat as she watched his gaze drop to her lips. Despite the growing moistness at the junction of her thighs, she was angry. She’d gone more than a sennight with no word from him and now that he was here, he was going to play the seduction game again? Not this time.
“My lord, if the decision was so confusing why did you not ask a scribe to write it down?”
“What?” His gaze shot up to lock with hers.
“You have me at an advantage, you see. I do not like waiting to hear news which will decide my future. Would you mind getting on with the king’s decision? My life hangs in the silence.”
His jaw slacked. The look of shock on his face was almost humorous. Almost.
“You are angry with me?”
“Of course I’m angry with you. You’ve falsely accused me of wrongdoing when I am innocent, take measures to ruin me, and stammer when you should share information.”
James swallowed hard and his expression turned cold. “Very well Lady Aileana. I had a conversation with the king about the unique nature of our circumstances.”
He paused.
“And?”
“And he was about to grant consent to break the contract.”
“But?”
“Calum interfered.”
“Interfered how?”
“It is of no matter. The result is, King James and Queen Joan wish to meet you.”
“They what?”
“They wish to meet you. I will make all the arrangements.”
“My lord,” Her voice rose to a pitch wolf hounds would appreciate. “Am I to understand you were not capable of breaking the contract?”
“I am not to blame, it was Calum’s fault.”
This was worse than breaking it off.
“And what is expected of me when I meet them? Box your ears in front of them so they are exposed to the extent of my loathing?”
He stood, towering over her with his eyes shining like emeralds and filled with anger. “I will not debate the reason your presence is requested, but I intend to see it through. I will retrieve you on Monday next. Be ready.”
“You are to escort me? I cannot go on my own?”
He leaned down so that his face was as close as possible to hers without touching. He smelled like leather and her heart drummed. The scent caused her thoughts to scatter every time.
“I intend to escort you. Your conduct will be impeccable and this business will be concluded. Am I clear?”
She nodded.
“Be ready.”
As he stalked off she had the irresistible urge to throw a rock at the back of his head.
Chapter Thirteen
“You know, Brother, a wise man once said ‘Patience is virtue high’. Who was that again?” Calum asked with a lazy smile.
“Chaucer, as you well know.” He’d informed Aileana he would collect her after the morning meal and now wished he’d said crack of dawn. Waiting shred his patience. James paced.
“Indeed. You may wish to heed his advice.”
“What the hell does he know? He’s English. Quit your riddles and speak your mind!”
“You are troubled about the lady you’re anxious to collect, whom you wish to discard. I wonder why you appear agitated. Have you changed your mind about keeping her?”
“Changed my…what? Of course not. This business would have been concluded by now had you not interfered.”
Calum had insisted James was in total denial over the lass and anyone who saw them in a room together would come to the same conclusion. The king and queen were quite in love themselves and so played into Calum’s game. It was well and good for the king and his lady to enjoy their romance, but Calum had no business implying there was anything between him and Aileana Chattan. A love match indeed. How absurd.
“Ahhh, but then you would have no excuse to see her again,” Calum said.
“Don’t you mean you would have no excuse to see the witch?”
“Do not call her that.”
“Oh. Hit a nerve have I? Serves you right for shoving your gigantic nose into places it doesn’t belong.” James grinned when Calum’s hands flew to his nose.
“Well that aside, one day you will thank me for my interference and for pointing out what a prodigious ass you’ve been.”
James stopped pacing and glared.
“I see you like to dabble with your life, Brother. That line you enjoy dancing around becomes thinner by the second.”
“Very well. Let me speak plain if you will hear it.”
James folded his arms across his chest. “This should be good.”
“I am not jesting when I say Aileana Chattan is an incredible woman. I don’t understand why you insist on making her out to be something she is not. For God’s sake, James. Open your eyes and see what you have before you. When was the last time a woman preoccupied you the way she does? Ever? Do not try to tell me she does not stir you because I have watched you when she is near. You can scarce look elsewhere. And yes, I have discussed this with Gwen.”
James huffed.
“Scoff all you like, but I can tell you with certainty the lass is just as affected by you.”
“The maid told you this?” It shouldn’t matter, but somehow it did.
“Yes, but the lady has just as much doubt about you. Perhaps even more.”
“What doubt?” James had a vague sense of being caught in a sticky web.
“She thinks you’re arrogant.”
“Pffffff.”
“Self-centreed.”
“Ridiculous.”
“Irrational.”
“That’s enough.”
“Insensitive.”
“I said that’s enough.”
“Pigheaded.”
“Calum!”
“Dim-witted.”
“Enough!”
Calum stopped speaking. That he wasn’t smiling added no comfort. Damn but the words made James feel like a heel. All he needed to do was present the lass, show how incompatible they were and he’d be done with it. Except, he had never once considered her on a level where she might have feelings. Even deeper than that, she might have formed false opinions about him. Thinking her a vile deceiver was easy. Considering her to be something much less was unnerving. If he allowed himself to go down that path, he would lose more than his self-respect.
When he arrived at Chattan Castle, the steward Andrews informed him Aileana was almost ready. As a distraction, James reviewed the itinerary with the man again to ensure he could contact her should the need arise. From here they would travel together in his carriage. The roads were dry this time of year and passable. One overnight stop was necessary at Perth and they would arrive at Linlithgow Palace late afternoon on the fifteenth. The length of their stay depended on King James and whatever it took to satisfy the man to break the contract.
The irony of the situation was not lost on him. A short time ago he was prepared for a decision like this; one where his king would determine his fate. Hell, he was willing to accept it without question for what he considered the greater good. Somehow that had all changed. There would be a decision. This one he may not be prepared to accept.
Then there was the issue of Fergus. Damned daft MacKay. What a fool he’d been to lend safe harbor to the man to
have his hospitality thrown back in his face. He hoped this trip would bear some fruit, and the MacKay would be released. Although it appeared the odds were stacked against both of them now.
When Aileana opened the door to the front courtyard, his thoughts scattered. She looked wary yes, but there was an undercurrent of reproach in her demeanour, or was that his mind playing tricks with ideas Calum put there. Did she think him so foul?
“You’re early my lord. I trust there is nothing amiss to foil our travel plans? Or are you anxious to see the deed done?”
Anxious indeed. He’d misjudged what he saw. She wasn’t wary or reproachful. She was angry. He noted her raised chin and how her breasts thrust up as she marched past him. Her fury fueled his lust. The realization was intriguing. He wanted her. Right there and then he wanted to lift her skirts and bury himself deep within her.
This would be a long journey.
Desire’s familiar pull swept him as he guided her to the back of carriage. As she stepped up, he noticed how her girdle hugged her waist. His fingers itched to slip inside the belt and tug her backward toward him just to see how she would react.
“Nothing at all amiss,” he said. “I only wish to arrive at Perth before dusk.”
Aileana sat on one of the long benches just inside the carriage, but he’d yet to let go of her hand. He pulled her back towards him, bringing her inches from face. She blushed right down to the swell of her breasts, his view enhanced by her angle. Damn, but it made her perfect skin even more inviting to touch. Her eyes flashed fury, amusing him and setting his blood afire.
He released her and helped Gwen inside as the servants loaded their luggage.
He and Calum entered and took the opposite seats from the two women.
James watched Aileana smooth her hand over the cushioned, velvet seats. Reserved for special travel, the carriage was wide and covered with leather. The interior was roomy and comfortable with deep, thick seat cushions. A small woman could easily slumber on one. Watching her drink in each detail was intoxicating. James longed for her to worship his body in the same manner.
“My lords, are we collecting the king on our way?” Aileana asked.
Calum chuckled. “’Twas a gift from my father to my mother a few years back. She preferred the comfort of a carriage to a saddle and my father enjoyed lavishing extravagance, but only when it came to her. He commissioned the most comfortable one he could.”
“He sounds like a loving husband.” Aileana looked down at her hands in her lap.
How could one small comment tug at him?
“Aye, he was a loving husband. I know he would not object to another fine lady possessing it,” Calum said.
James turned toward his brother. What was he playing at?
“I do not ken your meaning, my lord. Are you offering to sell it to me?” Aileana asked.
Calum laughed. “Sell it? Of course not. James and I wish to give it to you. Don’t we, Brother?”
James had no use for the carriage. It had sat idle for years, but his brother’s manipulation was enough to make the walls close in. Aileana looked wary and there was no doubt she expected him to rant and roar and say it wasn’t so. Perhaps that’s what Calum expected as well.
Self-centreed, she had called him. Irrational even. The cost of the carriage would be worth the shock on their faces when he agreed.
“Of course it’s for you, Lady Aileana. Consider it a gift for your fine hospitality under more than difficult circumstances. Please accept it and our gratitude.”
He watched her brow furrow while the maid gasped beside her. Without turning his head, he reached toward his brother’s face and pushed his bottom jaw back up to where it belonged.
“You have my thanks, my lords. While I will say, such lavishness isn’t necessary, I’m certain my back will thank you on the morrow when ’tis not aching from a stiff saddle,” Aileana said, smiling at Calum. James waited for her to bestow the affectionate gaze to him, but it did not come.
Her rose scent soon floated across the carriage, fuelling his already heightened senses and sending his thoughts further down improper paths. He envisioned her straddled atop him with her bare breasts at perfect sampling level while he thrust himself into her. He squirmed to hide the growing evidence of his desire. The movement drew her attention and the moment their gazes locked he could see the misery there. Cold water on his loins could not have doused his lust better. This was what he wanted wasn’t it? Her misery. So why didn’t it make him feel any better?
* * *
They arrived at the first stop in good time. The carriage was equal heaven and hell and Aileana couldn’t wait to escape it. Even the light drizzle offered her more comfort than what she’d suffered for the past few hours. At least it held no hidden meaning. It was clear and possessed a plain purpose. The MacIntosh, when not scowling, confounded her with his elaborate gift. She’d been convinced Calum had made it up to tease him, but his reply was a complete surprise—just as he was turning out to be.
She entered the cosy tavern with Gwen in tow. The establishment was small and dark, but comfortable and warm. Her stomach grumbled and a large pot by the hearth sizzled and spit its reply, indicating its contents were ready for consumption. They were guided to a well worn oiled table and told today’s stew was rabbit. Her favourite. The steaming bowl she received was a comfort she needed.
While friendly enough, the wenches serving them paid much more attention to the two men at the table. Time and again, the ample bosomed servers lingered, offering more bread, pepper, salt, tankards of ale; Gwen and she received not a second glance.
“We’ve had good travelling thus far, I expect the next leg of our journey will be much the same, don’t you think so, Lady Aileana?” James asked.
“Aye.”
“At this rate we’ll arrive at Linlithgow by tomorrow noon as planned.”
“Very well.” It didn’t matter to her whether he flirted with the serving wenches or not so why did he try to engage her in conversation? He could fill his boots with them if he so chose. Yet, without looking up, the heat of his potent gaze burned her. It was bad enough he humiliated her with the ordeal, why did he want her attention too? She preferred he let her suffer in peace.
Aileana grinned when the servers gave up their fruitless pursuit and left them alone. More than once, she noticed Calum stealing glances at Gwen. Was he the reason Gwen had been so quiet the morning she’d confessed all about James? Thus far Gwen had still not revealed anything of significance. Had there been a tryst between them, Aileana would know by now.
Once back inside the carriage, the men informed them they would ride for a while. Though pulled by four horses, the carriage required only two. The others were brought so James and Calum could get some exercise. She didn’t mind. At least she’d have some breathing space.
“Such an interesting gift for you, my lady.”
“Oh don’t start with me, Gwen. I’m in no mood to discuss James MacIntosh, or his gifts.”
“Oh he has gifts aplenty.”
“As does his brother, I suspect.” Perhaps if she turned the table on Gwen, the woman would brood and leave her alone. It was cruel and she didn’t want to hurt her, Aileana just wanted to clear her mind for a while.
“His brother is of no concern of mine.”
“I suspect we are better off without either of them,” Aileana smiled across the carriage. When Gwen’s gaze met hers Aileana saw resolve. Perhaps in time Gwen would share her feelings. For now, it appeared she’d get the peace and quiet she craved.
Aileana stretched out on the cushioned seat and drifted off to sleep. Before long, the carriage pulled to a halt again outside the inn at Perth.
James had prearranged four separate rooms and the group checked in just before the evening meal. Aileana and Gwen were at the end of the upper floor, far removed from the potential ruckus of the entertaining rooms downstairs. James and Calum were assigned rooms on the first level. Thank goodness, and all that was holy,
their rooms were not near one another.
Aileana knew this place well as she and her uncle had often stayed here when they travelled. It was relatively large and happened to be situated half the distance between Edinburgh and Inverness-shire. As such, it welcomed many travellers, including members of Parliament.
While Gwen unpacked all the necessities for their overnight stay, Aileana changed into fresh clothes. Gwen had chosen a gown meant to convey her position as a lady. Even if the serving wenches at this establishment were as bold as the last, there would be no repeat of inappropriate conduct. Frivolous as it may have seemed, establishing rank among the classes was necessary and could be communicated without speaking a single word. And so, Aileana wore a sapphire satin dress with square neckline and gold stitching. Her hair, still pinned from earlier, was an elegant plaited design. No one would doubt she was a lady.
They made their way down the stairs toward the dining hall. The room was decorated with rich-coloured tapestries hanging on the walls and tall-cushioned chairs surrounding oak tables. The room drew a body in. Despite the warm spring evening, a fire glowed in the hearth and several people were already there, sipping mead or ale and waiting for their meal to arrive.
James and Calum stood when Aileana and Gwen entered the room and escorted them to their seats. Aileana was careful not to meet James’s gaze. The table sat eight and she was surprised when four other men joined them. James made introductions around the entire table. She struggled to hide her shock when he included three MacKay clansmen. What was he thinking? She was ready to jump out of her seat, grab the nearest horse and flee back to Chattan Castle.
James leaned back into his chair and rested his chin in his palm. He listened to the MacKay sitting next to him with a smile on his face. Aileana had clearly missed something critical.
The Mackay clansmen dressed well, without even a hair out of place, which struck her as it had when she’d been in the cottage with others of their clan. Aileana’s body tensed as she compared her assessment of those men to the ones in front of her. The same impression came to mind, powerful but not barbaric. Gwen’s hand found hers underneath the table and the comfort it brought her was immeasurable. Aye, there was at least someone else in the room who understood how confused, terrified and furious she was at the moment. The more Gwen squeezed her hand, the better she felt.
Bound to the Highlander (The Highland Chiefs Series) Page 14