Highland Belle

by Patricia Grasso

  Correct.

  Why, of all the —

  Lets eat breakfast, he said in dismissal.

  Patting Sly, Brigette watched Iain fill their bowls with the oatmeal porridge. He wont even listen to me! she fumed in growing frustration. How can I win the argument if he refuses to participate?

  When she went to bed that night, Brigette wore her chemise. Sleepless, she watched the lodges other two occupants relax in front of the hearth. Iain sat in his chair, and Sly was curled up on the floor beside him.

  When Iain stood and began undressing, Brigette snapped her eyes shut. Never had she seen an unclothed man! Would he sleep naked in the chair? Where had he slept last night? The bed creaked as Iain slid in.

  What are you doing? Brigette shrieked and bolted up.

  Doin? Im goin to sleep.

  Here? Brigette was shocked.

  Do ye see another bed in the lodge?

  Its highly improper for you to be in this bed with me, she announced, lifting her upturned nose in the air. If you wont play the gentleman, Ill sleep elsewhere.

  Brigette moved to rise. Iain yanked her back, and she fell against his well-muscled chest. She tried to pull away, but his steely grip kept her from moving.

  Ye must trust in me, Bria. I willna harm ye but neither will I let ye go.

  He kissed the top of her head, then closed his eyes. Gradually, Brigette relaxed. As she drifted off to sleep, she sighed and snuggled against him. In the next instant, her eyes flew open and her body stiffened. What was she doing? Oh, Lord, she was in bed with her husbands half brother!

  Brigette squirmed as far away from Iain as she could and turned her back on him. At least, their bodies were no longer touching. Determined to guard her virtue through the night, Brigette stared at the wall.

  Yell never get well enough to travel to Edinburgh if ye insist on stayin awake all night, his voice warned in the darkness. Dinna worry aboot yer virtue. Yer safe wi me.

  Ill be the judge of that, Brigette grumbled, but closed her eyes anyway. Too tired to worry about improprieties, she soon succumbed to sleep.

  A truce sprang up between dissembling husband and unsuspecting wife. Brigette did not mention leaving again, and Iains intimacy proceeded no farther than sleeping beside her each night. She had the freedom of the lodge and surrounding area, always supervised, of course, lest she fly. They were pleasant enough with each other, helped along by Slys unique talent of uniting them in laughter.

  And so it went for a week. One morning Iain decided to ride to Dunridge for a few of lifes necessities — food, clothing, and whiskey. Uncertain of Brigettes feelings for Ross, Iain was reluctant to leave her behind, lest she flee while he was gone.

  The two of them sat at the table eating their usual morning fare, oatmeal porridge — Sly preferred his in a bowl on the floor. Im ridin to Dunridge today, Iain said casually. Would ye care to join me?

  N-no, Brigette sputtered, almost choking on her porridge. I — I — I think not.

  Iains lips twitched with the urge to smile. I may be gone several hours.

  Ill be fine, she hastily assured him. I wont even leave the lodge. And dont forget, Ive Sly to protect me.

  Iains gaze drifted to Sly, who appeared to be no protection at all. Well, ye might clean up a bit and try yer hand at cookin supper for once.

  Clean and cook? Brigette was taken aback by the suggestion.

  Iain nodded and smiled.

  But — but I dont know how to cook.

  A Gypsy lass wi nae idea of cookin? His dark eyes gleamed with amusement.

  Meeting Iains questioning stare, Brigette flexed her imagination. Ross, she explained in a condescending voice, my father is the king of the Gypsies. I was never required to cook. Wed servants to do that.

  Tickled by her glibness, Iain choked back his laughter. His wife was as slick with her tongue as the serpent in Paradise and as sly as the beast she called her pet. Do ye think ye might try? he asked.

  Yes, Id try anything for my rescuer. Brigette smiled brightly, relieved hed swallowed another of her lies.

  Iain arched a brow, certain shed no understanding of what she offered. He stood to leave, then stooped to kiss her forehead. Ill be back long before supper.

  After hed gone, Brigette felt lonely and abandoned. She lifted Sly onto her lap and stroked him, more for her own sense of well-being than his pleasure. Ross fills this lodge to capacity, she thought, and without him, it seems empty. Oh, Lord, what a coil! She was beginning to care for her husbands brother. Thinking about that would give her a headache. Mindless chores like cooking and cleaning would make her feel better. She hoped.

  How does one go about cleaning and cooking? Brigette shrugged her shoulders. If servants could do it, then so could she. Brigette began with the breakfast bowls, and when shed finished, she felt a real sense of accomplishment. Next Brigette tackled the bed. With that done, she decided to begin suppers preparation. An accomplished cook Brigette was not, but even she knew that stew must simmer. The longer the simmer, the better the stew.

  Brigette started a fire in the hearth and gathered the necessary ingredients as shed seen Ross do. When the pot was filled and simmering, Brigette decided she needed a rest. Cleaning and cooking were wholly rewarding tasks, but terribly tiring, and shed experienced enough fulfillment for one day. Brigette lay down with Sly upon the bed and fell asleep.

  It was late afternoon when Iain returned, pleased with the way his day had gone. When he had arrived at Dunridge Castle, hed reported first to his father and had assured the earl that Brigette and he would return home soon. He had refrained from mentioning the fact that his bride was still a virgin. That was a thing Black Jack would not understand.

  Next Iain had enlisted Percys aid in gathering food, clothing, and a good supply of whiskey. By the time hed left Dunridge, Iain had totally managed to avoid Lady Antonia, who had never realized that hed been there and gone. Escaping Antonias notice had made the day successful!

  Whistling a happy tune, Iain dismounted and entered the lodge. His nose twitched and his stomach growled, calling out to the delicious smell of simmering stew that permeated the chamber. His wife had obviously done well in her culinary efforts.

  Iain sat on the edge of the bed and watched Brigette, enchanting in sleep. Her hair was in wild disarray and her cheeks were flushed. Her lips were moist and parted in an irresistible invitation. Iain leaned over and touched his lips to hers. Those incredible eyes of green opened, and she smiled.

  Somethin smells good, he said. And Im so hungry Ive a mind to gobble ye up. Brigette giggled, especially when Sly climbed on Iains lap and demanded his own share of attention.

  Iain sat at the table and watched Brigette fill their bowls with stew. Ive brought ye a change of clothin, he told her.

  With a start, Brigette realized hed probably heard about Iains runaway bride. Anything of interest happening at Dunridge? she asked casually, placing the steaming bowl of stew in front of him. She took her own seat.

  All was as usual. There was a long pause while Iain ate several spoonfuls of stew. Bria, he said finally, ye said ye made stew. Is this stew or soup or perhaps spicy water?

  Its stew, Brigette cried.

  Then where are the meat and vegetables?

  Damn it! Theyre in the pot!

  The pot, ye say? They belong in my bowl.

  I couldnt get them out!

  What? I dinna ken.

  The meat and vegetables stuck to the bottom of the pot, Brigette answered through clenched teeth, and I could not get them out.

  Iain threw back his head and shouted with laughter. At least shed been game enough to try. I amna laughin at ye, he lied. The verra same thin happened the first time I made stew.

  It did?

  Even my broth was foul tastin, but yers is excellent.

  Truly? Brigettes eyes gleamed like emeralds.

  Ive tasted many and many a broth, Iain declared, but Ive never tasted a finer broth than this. At that moment, Brigette though
t Ross MacArthur was the most wonderful man in Scotland, or England for that matter. Correctly reading her expression, Iain mentally rubbed his hands together.

  Several days later, Iain invited Brigette to ride with him. Afraid they would meet her husband along the way, Brigette accepted reluctantly. Since there was only the one horse, Iain pulled her up on the saddle in front of him, and off they went.

  On the one hand, Brigette wondered if she should, as planned, return to England; but on the other hand, she was uncertain if she really wanted to leave. The thought of never seeing Ross MacArthur again tugged insistently at her heartstrings. If only shed not wed Iain MacArthur by proxy!

  Enjoying the outing and the mans nearness, Brigette relaxed against Iain. Soon, the warmth of her flesh seeped through her clothing to tease and taunt Iains desire for her. When she rested her head in the crook of his neck, Iain nearly lost control. The fragrant scent of her hair tormented him, and Iain ached to drag her from the horse and have done with it, but knew he would regret such a hasty action.

  They rode into a clearing that became a glen. Brigette stiffened. Dressed in the MacArthur plaid, a group of men were riding toward them.

  Panicking, Brigette turned her face into Iains chest, but kept a watchful eye upon the approaching men. It was finished! She would be taken like a common prisoner to Dunridge Castle! And what would happen to Ross? Would he be punished for harboring her? Percy was among the group and would recognize her. Her red hair alone would attract his attention.

  The MacArthur men turned unexpectedly and rode off in a different direction. Relieved, Brigette nearly slipped from the horse, but Iain kept her from falling. Someone above must be watching over me, she decided, and snuggled into Iains chest. He glanced down at the top of her head, and his lips quirked in a smile.

  Stopping at a secluded stream, they walked to the waters edge and then sat beneath a tree. Ross? Brigettes curiosity got the upper hand. Why didnt Percy greet you?

  Percy?

  Your brother, Percy.

  Aha! Iain thought. At last the truth will out! How do ye know Ive a brother Percy? he asked, arching a dark brow at her. And how do ye know he was among those men?

  Brigette froze, realizing her error, and tried to think of a reasonable answer. A sudden idea lit her mind and made her eyes sparkle like jewels. I — Ive the Sight. Her smile dazzled him. Havent I mentioned it before?

  I dinna know ye had such a gift. Lies slip from those rosy lips as if theyd been greased, Iain thought. The viper!

  My sister Kathryn writes that many in Ireland are blessed with it.

  And now weve one in the Highlands, he grumbled.

  You never answered my question, she reminded him.

  What question?

  Why did Percy not acknowledge your presence in the glen?

  Iains expression was suitably serious. Im a bastard, lass, and —

  I know youre a bastard, Brigette interrupted, a mischievous smile touching her lips.

  Iain grabbed her arm, and Brigette laughed, then appeared properly contrite. It was a jest.

  As ye grow older, he said, yell learn, I hope, that bastardy is nae matter for jestin.

  I never realized a bastards life was so difficult. The earl is a hard man?

  The earl does what he must to survive and protect his own.

  What of his sons?

  Sons? Iain smiled mockingly. The Sight?

  Brigette grinned puckishly, and Iain was unable to hold back a rumble of laughter. But then he realized how great a fool she believed him to be. Only an idiot would believe her outrageous lies!

  Percy thrives on fightin and laughin and lovin, Iain said, biting back his ire. The proverbial good-for-naught, ye might say. But what can ye expect from a coddled younger son?

  And — and the other?

  Iain? Now, theres a real mon! He and I are closer than brothers, always seemin to be of the same mind. Hes a hard mon, but fair . . . just . . . honorable. . . .

  A paragon?

  Aye, that he is. Iain leaned closer until his lips met Brigettes, jolting her with a delightful tingling sensation. The softest of lips yielded to his kiss, and Iains kiss became demanding. One strong hand held the back of her head, gently but firmly kept her from fleeing. Overwhelmed by his masculine nearness and scent, Brigette surrendered to the more powerful force. Her arms creeped up his chest to entwine his neck.

  Open yer mouth, Bria, he whispered hoarsely. Her lips parted instantly and Iains tongue slipped in, exploring and tasting the moist sweetness within. Brigette shivered, feeling hot and cold all at the same time.

  Leaving her lips, Iain placed feathery-light kisses on her eyelids, temples, and throat. They fell back to the grass, he lying on top of her. Iains lips returned to Brigettes, and she felt consumed, as if he would take her very soul.

  A gentle breeze tickled her bared breasts, but Brigette was too dazed to care. Iains dark head dipped lower until his masterful lips reached her breasts. Kissing one of those soft mounds, he worked his way to its center, finally drawing upon its sensitive nipple, which hardened in arousal.

  Brigette moaned, and sanity returned in the form of guilt.

  Get off me, you seducing oaf! Brigette shoved him and pulled away. Keep your distance, liar.

  Lied about what? Iain asked, devouring her with his passion-glazed eyes.

  You said Id be safe with you, but then you tried to seduce me, she accused, covering her bared breasts.

  I dinna try to seduce ye, Iain defended himself. Ye enticed me.

  I did not!

  Iain muttered several colorful curses and wished hed done what hed set out to do in the first place — find his Sassenach bride and drag her back to Dunridge!

  Cursing indicates a lack of vocabulary, Brigette chided.

  Iain gave her a scathing look, then said, Lets go home.

  No, she refused. I cannot feel safe with you.

  Damn! This English bride of his was infuriating. Iain counted to ten, then added another twenty for good measure. I swear upon my sainted mothers soul to protect yer virtue, even from myself, Iain promised, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

  How can a woman who bore a child out of wedlock be sainted? Brigette shot back.

  Dinna strain my patience, Iain growled, his expression darkening even more. Ive given my word as a mon of honor, and ye must accept it.

  Very well, Brigette gave in reluctantly. I warn you that I am quite capable with weapons and will, if provoked, defend myself.

  Please do, Iain said, amused at being threatened by so small a creature as she. I assure ye, yer virtue and my health are safe. For the moment, he thought to himself, then stood and helped her rise.

  Iain went fishing alone the next morning. With his horse grazing a few feet away, he stood at the waters edge and pondered the weighty problem of what to do with his wife. Should he return to the lodge and tell her the truth? No, the seduction must come first.

  Hearing a sound behind him, Iain turned to see Percy dismounting. Whats the news from Dunridge? he asked.

  As usual, Percy answered. Black Jack wants to know when yell be returnin and Antonia is anxious to meet yer bride. Then he added, Ye displayed tremendous control yesterday. A feat, ye might say.

  I dinna ken.

  Percy grinned wickedly. Jamie says any earl whod hump his countess beneath a tree is a good mon to follow.

  Ye were watchin?

  We were guardin ye, no watchin, Percy returned indignantly, but his eyes sparkled with humor. Is she so hot ye canna wait for the bed?

  Groaning, Iain turned away, but Percy grabbed his brothers arm and studied his pained expression. Shes a virgin still? Percy roared with laughter. Good God, mon! Yer losin yer touch wi the lassies.

  Without warning, Iain struck, his fist connecting with Percys jaw, sending the younger man sprawling on the ground. Yer tongue and yer brain are losin touch wi each other, he growled. Open yer mouth aboot this, baby brother, and yer a dead mon.

  Iain mounted
his horse and left, but the echo of Percys laughter followed him back to the lodge.

  4

  Percy! Iain exclaimed. What are ye doin here?

  Good mornin to ye also, Percy said cheerfully as he dismounted in front of the lodge. His eyes quickly scanned the area. Where is she?

  Pickin early berries. Iain frowned, adding, Ye shouldna be here.

  Have ye breached her yet? Percy asked baldly.

  That isna yer business, Iain snapped, his anger flaring. Ill thank ye to leave now.

  Black Jack sent me, Percy said, ignoring his brothers invitation to depart. Its August, ye ken? Our crops and cattle are growin larger, and Menzies has become more visible.

  Trouble?

  The northwest sector, nearest the Menzies land. The crops were torched and a substantial number of our cattle were lifted. And that isna the worst of it. Several of the crofters died protectin their few possessions. Their women and children were burned in their cottages!

  Sweet Jesu! Iain was horrified by the atrocity. Murdac Menzies was worse than an animal. Only an unspeakably evil man could order the burning of helpless women and innocent children.

  Black Jack needs ye, Percy was saying as he took up the reins of his horse and mounted, and expects ye home.

  Well return in the mornin, Iain assured him.

  Iain? Percy looked down at his brother and smiled. Have yerself a grand day and an even grander night.

  Almost wearily, Iain entered the lodge and sat in the chair in front of the now-darkened hearth. He was glad for the opportunity to sit and think before Brigette returned.

  Always, Iain had taken what he desired from women and had given nothing in return. Brigette was different. She was young, very young. She was his wife, but unprepared, he felt, to learn the truth.

  Since shed arrived, his life had been a purgatory of sexual frustration, but Iain was loathe to bed her and chance ruining the easy relationship that had sprung up between them. He wanted Brigettes love and affection and respect, not just her body, much as he wanted that too.

  The world outside Dunridge Castle was dangerous and cruel. Iain needed a wife with whom he could live in peace and harmony, a wife to create a haven from warfare and political intrigue. But how could that be if his wife despised him?