“Oh, he’s such an arrogant fool–”
James Campbell stopped her with, “Now, Bridget, that’s no way to talk. The lad has an eye for ye. Give him half a chance.”
She looked at him in disbelief, eyebrows raised.“Why, Father, you too?”
He smiled, his slow serious smile, thinking of the time he had been rejected by Robert when he had married Bridget’s mother, and also thinking how very much alike Robert and Bridget were. Strong willed and stubborn when they felt they were in the right.
He spoke quietly, looking at her fondly, “Think about it, lass, you could do worse. He’s a good lad.”
She looked at her father in amazement, but could think of no answer at the moment. As she reached for a piece of fruit from the table, she noticed Robert, kilts swaying, heading across the room towards them.
At about the same time, the fiddlers struck up the music for a quadrille, and it seemed the dancing space on the floor was instantly filled, her mum and father being amongst the dancers. Aidan and Elsie were in the four couple set with them and dancing as if their very life depended on it.
Bridget, watching them with mixed emotions, thought how very lovely Elsie was with her flawless complexion, lovely hair and eyes, and a slender figure she showed off with a sort of haughty pride. She could indeed be a prize for any man. Bridget wondered just what her relationship was with Aidan.
Robert sat down at the table with her and asked, “Are you enjoying yourself, lass? You seem usually quiet.”
“I’m just a wee bit tired, Robert, but it is a lovely party. Look at my parents dancing, they are really having a fine time of it tonight. I am so glad they came.”
“Aye, lassie, I’m glad too.”
When the dance was about to end, the hubbub of voices got louder as friends visited with each other. Robert said, “The night is getting on, Bridget, would you play something on the piano before the guests go home?”
“Of course, Grandfather,” she answered getting to her feet, “Anything special you would like to hear?”
“Aye. Would you play the 'Mountains Of Mourne?' It’s a great favorite of mine. I’ll ask Sandy Stuart to sing along with you.”
And so it was. Bridget’s expert rendition of the lovely old song combined with the mellow tenor voice of Sandy captured the attention of the guests. As the plaintiff words, “Where the Mountains of Mourne, sweep down to the sea,” faded away as the song ended, there were tears in the eyes of many of the older folks.
More requests for favorite songs followed, and now everyone joined in the singing. Even Aidan and Elsie came to stand around the piano with the others, and although she clung to Aidan as if she owned him, his eyes seldom strayed from Bridget. He seemed fascinated by the speed of her fingers flying over the keys as she added runs and glissandos to the comparatively simple songs. Then, it was time to end the festivities and the musicians started playing "Auld Lang Syne," the closing song.
As she got up from the piano stool, Bridget was surprised when Aidan reached for her, and without asked, put his arm around her for the last dance.
She was very tired and welcomed the support of his arm, and as they glided around the room she involuntarily rested her head against his chest.
The lowered light, the voices softly humming “Auld Lang Syne,” the very sweetness of the moment, all put her in a dream like state that she wished could go on endlessly. She came back to reality as the music ended and some one turned the lamps up again.
She looked up into Aidan’s dark and handsome face. He was smiling, his beautiful transfiguring smile, and at the moment all animosities seemed to have vanished. She smiled back at him,
“Thank you, Aidan, that was lovely. Such a beautiful old song.”
He kissed her on the fore head, “I enjoyed it too, lassie, and wish it could have gone on longer, but much as I hate to leave you, I’m afraid I must. I think I have some ladies to walk home, and must go and change my clothes. The hour is late.”
He left her then, and as he strode away she felt as if a light had gone out somewhere. She was annoyed with the emotions he aroused in her, and yet absurdly happy. She tried hard not to like him, but his very presence set her heart to racing.
She now thought of the remark she had heard Elizabeth MacPherson make earlier in the day, “Everyone knows his reputation with the ladies.” Bridget wondered if she was just another one to add to his list.
With a sigh, she turned and started for the door where she would join her grandfather in bidding the departing guests goodnight and good wishes, just as they had greeted them together a few hours earlier. First, she went to the sun room where the ladies had put their wraps to see if she could help in any way.
She ran abreast of Elsie Carlisle; the look she got from her would have floored a lesser personality. “So, Miss Campbell,” she began, “you got him away from me for the last dance, didn’t you? But don’t build up any hopes, that was just out of loyalty to your grandfather.”
“Oh, don’t be silly, Elsie. I have no interest in Aidan. You are welcome to him.”
“Then, see you remember that,” Elsie snapped back at her, “just because you are to be living in the same house doesn’t give you any privileges.”
Bridget, nettled by her attitude asked, “Are you engaged to Aidan?”
Elsie’s face reddened. “No, not yet, but we do have an understanding.”
Bridget couldn’t resist a parting shot. “So, he is still fair game then? I shall remember that also.”
Elsie’s face was a study of resentment and anger as Bridget walked away.
Then just as Elsie and Aidan were about to leave, Mary and Elizabeth came hurrying to the front door, Mary saying,
“Oh, Aidan, Elsie lives out our way, would ye mind if we walk along wi ye?”
“No ladies, I don’t mind, we’ll be glad of your company. Come along,” said Aidan, but from the look of disappointment on Elsie’s face, Bridget knew she didn’t agree with him one bit. She raised her hand to her face to hide an amused smile.
James and Alice Campbell were about the last ones to leave. “We’ve had a grand time, Father, and thank you for having us,” said Alice with a smile. Turning to Bridget she whispered, “Take care o’yerself now and remember, if yer no happy here, ye can aye come home.”
“Don’t worry about me, Mum, I’ll be fine.”
Her father looked at her and smiled, “Goodnight, lass, come and see us often.”
Bridget loved her mother, but her father she idolized. For a moment she became almost frantic at the thought of parting with him and leaving his home. She threw her arms about him and held him tightly, unwilling to let him go.
Then, looking at him through tear filled eyes, said quietly, “I’ll be to see you every day.”
Her grandfather broke in, very seriously addressing his daughter, “Alice, my dear, it was grand having you and James here tonight. I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves, and thank you for letting Bridget come to stay with me for a while. You’ll no regret it I assure you.”
Chapter 5
The grandfather clock in the parlor downstairs struck 2 a.m. and Bridget was still not asleep. The events of the night were thrashing about in her mind, and tired as she was, sleep just wouldn’t come. She spread her arms out on her big bed, suddenly aware of how nice it felt to stretch out without worrying about waking her sisters. She was the eldest child, so she had not slept in a bed alone since her sister Aileen came along when she was a young child. Bridget loved having her own room, but missed Aileen and Bethia. She wished she could share her good fortune with her sisters and bring them to the castle with her, there was certainly plenty of room, but it wouldn't be appropriate given their young age and the fact that her parents were able to provide for her.
Bridget promised herself that once she was settled and had gotten a better feel for her grandfather's moods, she would have her sisters to visit as often as possible, giving each girl a chance to come stay at the castle separately so as n
ot to overwhelm Robert and to allow the other to have their parents' attention all to herself, which neither girl had enjoyed like Bridget did when she was a young lass. This brought her some comfort, but did not wash away the excitement of the evening.
She finally thought, I’ll go downstairs and get that book I have been planning to read. Maybe that will help me drop off.
Opening the bedroom door she listened for any sound, but there was none, and presuming the others to be asleep, she took her oil lamp in hand and went quietly down the stairs.
The fire was banked for the night but still giving off a little warmth. Going quickly to the bookcase by the fireplace, she found what she had in mind and was thumbing through the pages when she was startled by a sound behind her. Spinning around momentarily afraid, she was surprised to see Aidan there, still in his outdoor clothes. He had apparently just come in. She pulled her dressing gown closer about her and pushed her hair back off her face as she spoke, “Aidan, I thought everyone was asleep but me. I am so wide awake, I thought I’d read for a while.”
He removed his jacket and cap, studying her for a moment before replying, “I have just come back from walking the ladies home. Thought I saw a light in here and came to investigate. Why can’t you sleep?”
“Oh, I don’t know, not used to so much excitement I suppose, and maybe the different room I am not used to yet, but I’ll get back upstairs now and read until I get sleepy.”
He smiled, “A glass of wine would do the trick much better than reading. Will you have one with me? I know you don’t drink anything stronger than tea, but maybe this once wouldn’t hurt.”
Without waiting for an answer he went to the side board and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. As he came back towards her she couldn’t help thinking how how attractive he looked in his close-fitting tartan trews, which showed his muscular body to great advantage.
He was still wearing the white shirt with ruffled front and cuffs, reminding her of some old time cavalier, and for one mad moments she longed to be in his arms; she wanted to touch the unruly black hair and to feel the strong dark face against her own. How easy it would be to just break down and let him love her. But no, she thought, he’s not going to find me such an easy mark.
`As he poured the wine she said, “Oh, Aidan, I don’t know, my parents would be very angry if they knew I had anything strong to drink.”
He looked at her, smiling, “Who’s going to tell them. Come on, let go for once. I’m having one anyway to warm me up. It’s a very cold night.”
“Well,” she started hesitantly, “just a small one.” She sat down on the settee as he poured the wine. He seated himself beside her, handed her a glass, and with an amused smile on his lips, watched as she took her first sip.
She made a wry face. “Aidan, that tastes terrible. Why do people think liquor is so wonderful? Ach, that makes me shudder.”
“Drink up Bridget, you’ll get to like it after a while. When you feel the warmth inside you’ll know what I mean.”
Then they sat, slowly sipping their drinks and discussing the party.
“That was a fine thing you did for Robert tonight lass, he was very proud of you and I don’t think I have ever seen him quite so happy.”
She answered smiling. “Yes, the darling man, he did seem to enjoy himself and it makes me feel good to have played a small part in it.”
They talked quietly in the semidarkness, Aidan filling her glass again without her awareness of it, and she was enjoying his company for once.
Taking her now empty glass, he set it on a nearby on the side table, placing his own beside it. She was getting more relaxed and drowsy by the minute, but also a bit uneasy by the look Aidan was giving her. She said hurriedly, “I better get back upstairs, I’m sure I can sleep now,” but as she attempted to get to her feet, he reached for her, one arm going around her waist, the other about her shoulders.
“No, Aidan, don’t,” she whispered, trying to push him away, “it was so nice just sitting here talking, let’s not spoil it.”
Without answering, his face came close to hers. She closed her eyes, knowing full well he was about to kiss her and there was nothing she could do to stop him. He bent his head and merely brushed her lips with his own, just a touch, sending a quiver of feeling through her. She thought he would release her then, but as she attempted to get up, he pulled her roughly closer against him, holding her tightly.
Sensing her reluctance he questioned, “What are you afraid of Bridget? I’m only what you know we both want, and besides, Robert wants you to be my girl, you know?”
This made her very angry and gave her the strength to pull away from him. “How dare you, Aidan MacLeod. I don’t think I have ever met a more conceited person than you are, and no matter how many girls swoon over you, I am not one of them. Didn’t you get enough kissing when you took Elsie home tonight? She seemed eager enough for your attention.”
“Ah, so you did notice, and do I detect a tone of jealousy?” There was a glint of mockery in his eyes.
Without answer she got to her feet, but found she was a bit unsteady from the wine she wasn’t used to.
Aidan laughed. “Come on, I’ll help you upstairs. I do believe you are a little tipsy.” Bending down quickly he picked her up in his arms saying, “How can anyone as small as you are have so much venom in them?”
“Put me down this instant, Aidan,” she fumed, “or I shall wake the household.”
“No, you won’t,” he laughed, “I don’t think you would want Robert to see you running around in the middle of the night with nothing on but your nightgown.”
Tears of frustration filled her eyes as she realized there was no use struggling against him, and suffered him to carry her upstairs. At her bedroom door he sat her on her feet. She didn’t notice that her dressing gown had fallen open until he slipped his hands inside and around her body, soft now in her night clothes.
Holding her close for a moment, he kissed her gently, lovingly. She felt the wild beating of his heart against her own. Afraid of her riding emotions, whispered, “Please, Aidan, let me go now.”
Releasing his hold on her then, he held her chin within his hand and tilting her face up toward his own, said quietly, “All right, Bridget, I’ll let you go, I know you are dead tired as we all are.” He looked at her intently, and then continued, “but there will come another time, when I won’t let you go.” Opening the bedroom door for her, he then ran quietly downstairs.
The next few weeks at the castle flew by, and Bridget was amazed how easily she fell into a routine there. Robert treated her like the lady of the house, deferring to her in many small matters. Besse seemed to follow suit, reluctantly. She was kind enough to Bridget's face, but sometimes Bridget thought she saw the housekeeper scowling at her out of the corner of her eye. She was not sure, however, of what she saw and she did not know what she should do about it anyway. She also was unsure what to do about Aidan. He was avoiding her, spending his time in the stables or out tending to the land with Robert. She could almost forget he existed.
“You can do it Bridget,” said Miss Wallace, looking over the top of her steaming cup of tea, “and it will be a wonderful opportunity for both of us. Your final exam is over and you passed with flying colors. There is no one I would rather entrust my beginning students to than you.”
Bridget sipped her tea and sat quietly, mulling things over in her mind. She had planned on taking most of the summer off to rest up from all her studies, but this offer put a new perspective on things.
She looked around the pleasant room she had spent so much time in, the last few years. The piano she had played on so often stood across one corner between the fire place and a large bay window,and on the opposite side of the wide of the window stood the old pump organ and directly across the room from it, there was a handsome side board, used mostly for storing miscellaneous music books.
The iron kettle, black with soot, stood on the bink at the side of the open fire, a
lways at the boil, ready for a quick cup of tea.
The large table in the center of the room served as a desk for students written theory lessons, before their actual half hour at the piano. Miss Wallace living quarters adjoined this room, making it a very convenient way of life,for a single woman.
She now looked at Bridget speculatively and continued,
“There is something else I want you to do for me, Bridget, while I am away.”
Bridget now felt the excitement rising in her.
“How wonderful,” she thought, “to have my chosen work handed to me like this. It would give me the experience I need before advertising for my students, and mum and father would be so pleased.”
She looked across at her teacher with a smile,
“Yes, Miss Wallace, what is the other thing you would like me to do for you?”
“Well don’t get frightened at what I am about to say, but I would like you to be acting organist at the church also, while I am gone.”
The two women looked at each other, Bridget’s eyes popping wide, mouth flying open.
She stammered,
“Oh Miss Wallace, I don’t know about that, I’m afraid I would be too excited and nervous to play in front of all those people.”
“Nonsense my dear, you have no need to be afraid, you are a fine player, and since I won’t be leaving for a few months yet, you will have ample time to come to church once a week for choir practice, and I ahall let you take over a few weeks before I do leave. Wouldn’t you like that?”
Bridget’s eyes were now shining with excitement at the thought of this golden opportunity. She smiled, saying, “Thank you so much, Miss Wallace, for your confidence in me. I think I shall try out for the job, and you will still have time to get someone else if I don’t work out to please you.”
The older woman laughed, transfiguring her usually austere face, “I am not afraid of that Bridget, and wouldn’t have asked you to do this, if I thought you were not capable of it. Off you go now, it’s almost supper time.”
Her Rebellious Heart: A Scottish Historical Romance Page 5