by Deb Kemper
Mallow stood and brushed her hands down the front of her dress. “Well, I better see wha’ the handsome lad wants, then.” Her shoulders squared, Mallow left Amalie to muse the problem of mothering a beautiful daughter.
****
“Has your lad, well…had a woman yet?” Garth matched his stride to Livesey as they strolled along the path beside the loch.
“I have no idea. Would I know that?”
“My da did. He kenned less than an hour, after I left the girl.”
“How old were you?”
“Sixteen. She was three summers older and I thought she wanted me fer myself, but she wanted to say she’d been wi’ me first. Positions we carry through life cause a great deal of havoc with emotions.”
“Aye, that they do. I was seventeen the first time. I knew she loved me. Why else would she sacrifice herself, to my pleasure?” Heath glanced at Garth.
Garth chuckled. “Aye, and….”
“She just wanted to be my first. I was devastated for several days. My father knew exactly what I’d done.” Heath smiled. “We’ll have to remember to drink a toast to the ladies who wanted us purely for our…well we may think it was our brawn.”
Garth laughed.
“By the way Mackintosh, who was the lovely dark-haired woman at the dock?”
Garth froze, in shock.
Livesey stopped with him, grinning. “You thought no one noticed?”
Garth’s head dropped. He kicked at the path with the toe of his brogue and sighed. “Someone I dallied with occasionally after Mary died. She was a friend’s mistress and knew how to keep quiet.” He met Livesey’s gaze. “I dismissed her the day Amalie came to live in my home. She kens that shameful time of my life. I had to tell her, to avoid a public scandal.”
“Why did the woman feel so bold as to approach you in the open like that?”
“Tha’ I don’t ken. She’d been watchin’ Mallow while we waited fer ye. Mallow’s too sharp to fool, and she asked me about her.” Garth wiped both hands over his face. “I’ve prayed she’d not haunt me, but now….” He shrugged. “I don’t ken what she’s up to.”
“If I may offer advice, why not go to her and ask? If you wait she may choose to come here or catch you, with Amalie, out in public.”
Garth nodded. “I hate to see her, but I feel I must, to end this pointless maneuvering. Do ye mind accompanying me? Our children can keep each other occupied and we’ll slip away, mayhap, on the morrow.”
“Aye, I’ll be honored to be your second. It will be a duel, sir, of wits, if nothing else.” Heath began to walk again.
Garth watched the cool night air settle over the loch. Mist rose, to hover like faeries’ breath, above the tranquil water. He set off behind his friend.
****
The Mackintosh, Lord Livesey, and Brigit stood in what had once been a well- appointed drawing room. Two chairs sat in the middle of a rug, to one side of the cold hearth.
Garth glanced around. “Why were ye headed our way a few days ago at the dock?”
Brigit seethed, fists clenched, beside her dust-laden skirt. “Ye cost me mightily, Mackintosh. Ye told John’s wife about our arrangement. Ye, I could afford to lose, but me and John’s been together a lot o’ years. He had to break it off. She didn’t leave ’im any other choice.”
Garth’s hands rested at his side. He shrugged. “Wha’s that to do with me?”
“I saw ye there, wi’ yer lass and worked up the courage to approach ye, to ask fer help.” She gestured toward the room. “I’m skint. I wanna leave this damnable place, but I need to raise the funds to sail. I’ve sold all I owned, but still need a few quid. Now that ye’re standin’ in the middle of it, I’ll ask. Will ye give me the money to leave here?”
Garth studied the floor for a moment. “I canna be any part of yer life.”
She flung her hands in the air. “Then wha’ the hell do ye want?”
Garth looked at Heath. Heath nodded once. Garth walked to the window.
Lord Livesey addressed Brigit. “How much do you require, Brigit?”
She looked from one to the other. “With what I have, two hundred pounds will get me to America and set up.” She glanced at Garth’s broad back.
Livesey nodded. “Right then.” He hefted a satchel, slung over his shoulder and counted out two hundred pounds, passing them to her. “Understand there will be no more.” He handed over an additional hundred.
She frowned at him and nodded. She turned to Garth’s back. “This is an elaborate ruse. Ye think me daft to believe ye bring yer high-minded friend, to my house to hand me money, it ain’t the same as ye done it?”
Garth spun and roared. “I don’t give a tinker’s damn what ye think! I canna hand ye a bloody thing!” He stomped towards the door.
Livesey hoisted the satchel to his shoulder again and followed. He looked back at the door. “There’s to be no communication from you, from this day forth.”
“Ya, ya, ya. I thank ye kindly, sir, fer doing what yer friend canna.” Brigit dropped a curtsy and waved him from her presence.
Chapter 42
Garth and Heath returned to Moy Hall. The stable hand met them in the yard for their horses. “Collin’s returned, sir.”
“Ta, Grant.” Garth alit and removed his leather gloves. He turned to Livesey. “Let’s take a moment to see Collin. He and Ceidra live at the guesthouse. Come, this way.” He followed a path to the back of the property, through a garden, to a lovely stone cottage. Garth tapped on the door.
Ceidra opened the oak door to the laird. She dropped her head and curtsied. “Milord, welcome.” She stepped aside.
“Ta, Ceidra. I heard Collin’s returned.” Garth stepped in and stood near the fireplace, a blaze warming the room.
“Aye, sir. He’ll be out in a tick. He’s puttin’ our son down fer a nap. Seth’s at the house, with Jessie.”
“I’m sorry, Ceidra, this is Lord Livesey. Heath, Ceidra Collin.”
Heath took her hand and kissed it. “You’re as charming, as I expected you’d be.”
Ceidra blushed.
Collin walked into the room, gray-blonde hair damp, from a recent bath, hanging loose halfway down his back. “My bride.” He held his left hand out to her. “Lord Livesey.” He reached to shake hands, with the doctor. “Laird, I bring good tidings from the fair land of The Chattan. Sit, please.” Collin perched on a floral settee with Ceidra beside him.
“Wha’s that, Collin?” Garth’s humor felt restored, since entering the cottage. He pulled a chair around to face his champion.
“Macgillivray sends ye a missive. All is well, but he and his lady are still in residence, at the castle. MacGregor’s moved on, no one has word of ’im but tha’ he lives. The Chattan’s running smoothly. Macgillivray sits judgment, his lady at his side, to mind him. He’s appointed a new taxman, until ye return and there can be a proper vote.”
Garth nodded. “What do ye think abou’ going home?”
Collin grinned. “I’m ready, just tell me when.”
Garth smiled. “I’ll speak to my wife and we’ll decide, on the morrow. Heath and Edmund return to England in a few days. So we’ll take our leave and let ye enjoy being back wi’ yer bride.”
Collin rose, went to his satchel, and produced a letter, sealed with Garth’s wax, from his study and stamped with Macgillivray’s own ring. “I don’t ken what all happened between ye and him, but Macgillivray’s a different man.”
“Could be the heart problem. Nearly dying changes things, doesn’t it?”
“Aye, it does, at that. See ye on the morrow, sir.” Collin closed the door behind his company and leaned against it, for a moment eyeing his bride. “Milord has a good idea. I think I’ll enjoy me bride now.”
Ceidra blushed and giggled. She rose to meet her husband and extended her hand, for him to lead her to the bedroom.
****
As soon as Garth and Heath cleared the front door of Moy Hall, Mallow pounced on them.
“Da, where ye been?” Her lovely frown made her da smile.
“Out, away, no’ in yer reach. Wha’s going on, lass?”
She squirmed. “I just needed to see ye and ye were nowhere to be found.”
Heath Livesey grinned. “I’ll excuse myself. The two of you have important matters to discuss.”
Mallow turned to him. “I’m sorry, sir, I forget myself. You’re company and….”
Livesey held up one hand. “Shh, I need refreshing, after our ride.” He glanced back at Garth and smiled, heading for the stairs.
Garth slapped his palm with Macgillivray’s letter and nodded toward the library. “In here. Now wha’s the trouble, Mallow?” He closed the door and sat in one of the leather chairs, by the fireplace. He leaned his elbows on his knees and waited for her to seat herself.
She took a deep breath. “Da, Edmund asked me to marry him.”
“Mmm…I see. What did ye say?” Garth leaned back and studied the lass.
“I sai’ I have to talk my da.”
“That’s wise.” Garth nodded solemnly. “What else?”
“He wants us to go, the whole family, to their estate, to meet his mother. Da, what if she doesn’t like me?” Mallow tossed her hands in the air.
“What if she does?” Garth watched her unwind.
“Well, I didn’t think o’ that.” She stared at the fire, her lips pursed.
“We’ll go to England when Amalie’s over birthin’ the twins and we can make the trip. Does the way ye and Katherine get on determine whether or not ye’ll marry the lad?”
“Nay…aye, I don’t ken. What if she’s a witch and hates me on sight?”
“She isn’t. It’s been years since I’ve been in her presence, but I assure ye she’s a kind lady, who takes care of her home and all the folks on their estate. Heath told me of her attention to new mothers. She holds classes fer them to learn to care fer their babes.”
“Really? Edmund hasn’t told me much about her. He says we’re a lot alike.”
Garth looked thoughtful, for a moment. “Aye, strong-willed, driven, concerned fer yer charges. Ye’re both lovely ladies. I understand why he sees ye as a young version of his mother.”
She sighed. “So, do ye think I should say ‘aye’ to him or wait?”
“Do what yer heart tells ye, lass. I suggested ye might have a long engagement, if it suits ye. But ‘aye’ or ‘nay’ is up to you. Understand ye’re makin’ a contract fer life, though. Ye’re no just landin’ a sire fer yer bairns.” He grinned.
She blushed. “Mam told ye that?”
“Aye, we laughed, fer a while about it, ye marryin’ a Mayhew boy to sire yer bairns because they’re handsome and ye can manage ’em. I’m sorry ye haven’t seen a lot to teach ye better what marriage is about. This one thing, lass, remember. Only marry a man ye love and respect. Life’s hard enough, without fightin’ each other, all the time. Ye wanna be friends, as well as lovers.” He leaned back and crossed his legs. “Do ye really feel like tha’ about an arrogant Englishman?”
She blushed again. “Can I say anythin’ without ye hearin’ about it?”
“I was standin’ in range tha’ day. No one told me. Do ye still feel that way?”
“Aye and nay. I’m so confused. My thinkin’ will be clearer when he’s gone. We can write letters. I’ve already promised to write to him, more than last time. He leaves in a few days. I’ll be glad and sad. But I ken I’ll miss him more, this time.” She rose and stood by Garth’s chair. She leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Ta, I love ye, Da.”
“I love ye too, Mallow.”
She turned and fairly skipped out of the room.
****
Garth looked at The Macgillivray’s letter, put on his reading glasses, and broke the seal. He read the message penned by his friend.
Garth, thank you for the time Larena and I have had to heal in your home. Thank you also, for sending my brother to me. Peter arrived the following day and stayed more than a fortnight. Oh, what a time we had together.
First I owe you and Amalie apologies. I am so sorry I lost my head over the foolish notion that Amalie being Jewish, mattered. It does, but I can now say, not in a negative way. Who better to understand the plight of a Scotsman than a Jew? Who better to grasp the despair and the glory of our identities?
Alas, I also spoke harsh words to you about our friendship. I am so sorry. I love you, as much as either of my brothers. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and accept me again, as your trusted comrade.
We have reviewed the tax ledgers, in light of MacGregor’s actions, and found that he has kept himself quite well, at The Chattan’s expense, for some time. I have replaced him, until your arrival, when we may call together the council and vote in a new taxman.
We cannot leave, until I’m fully healed; Mortimer and my own physician agree. So, unless you linger, we shall still be in residence, when you arrive home.
Larena asked me to tell you both that our arms long to hold Imogen and Isaac and to play with Ewan until he’s exhausted.
Your friend until death, Daniel
Garth wiped his face free of tears and rose from the chair. He refolded the letter and set out to find his wife. Amalie so missed Larena and feared their friendship gone forever.
****
Garth quietly opened the bedroom door. Gerty pulled shades to lighten the room. His wife stirred, from her nap.
“Garth?” Her voice was soft with sleep.
“Aye, ’tis me and no’ yer help.” He sat on the side of the bed, where she lay. He ran his hands over her soft body, covered with a linen sheet. “Ye feel wonderful to my touch, Amalie.”
“Your touch feels the same to me, milord. How’s your visit with Lord Livesey?”
“Well, we went into Inverness this morning, to tend a spot of business.”
Amalie turned on her side. He moved closer to her and rubbed her back.
“I heard Collin’s returned.”
“Aye, I stopped in to see him, before coming back. He brought a letter from The Macgillivray. All is well, my heart.” He slid his hands to her hip and kneaded the soft flesh. “Where are yer two escorts? I think I’ve not seen ye without them or Ewan, in a fortnight.”
She smiled in the dim light. “Gerty took them back to the nursery, after I fed them, so I could rest.” She passed her hand over his thick arm to his hand. “How is Daniel recovering?”
“He says they’ll still be at the castle, when we arrive home. We’ll begin to pack, after I put the Liveseys on their ship day after the morrow. There’s better news. Peter, Daniel’s brother, is a minister. He came to the castle, at my request. He helped Daniel ken that Jews are not our enemies, but our friends. As he so eloquently put it: who better to ken the plight of a Scotsman?”
“Oh, my.” Amalie sighed. “So do we still have friends?”
“Aye, my love. Daniel quoted Larena, sayin’ they can hardly wait to hold Isaac and Imogen and will gladly play with Ewan, until he’s exhausted.”
Amalie swiped her face with her wrist. “I’m anxious to go home, sir.”
Garth kissed her damp cheek and followed his instincts to her neck and beyond. “Mmm, me too, my sweet.”
Chapter 43
Garth and Heath stood aside, while Mallow and Edmund had last words.
“You promise you’ll write to me daily?” Edmund held Mallow’s hand.
“Aye, daily, I will.” Mallow nodded, with her head tilted up, so that her bonnet kept her face shaded.
“Your da says your family is coming, when your mam can travel. My mother will be anxious to meet you. We’ll host an engagement party then and a dance. I want all my friends to know you.”
Mallow blushed. “Tha’s verra kind, Edmund, if ye’re sure. I am Scottish, not all English will be as fond of me, as ye.”
“They’ll be particularly smitten with you, I think.” He leaned to her lips for a kiss. “Take care, my sweet.” He spoke only for her ears.
> She blushed, feeling stiff and awkward. “Aye, and ye.”
He released her hand and joined their fathers. Edmund extended his hand to Garth. “Sir, thank you for your hospitality and indulgence. We’ll look forward to seeing you all, at our home soon.” He offered a short bow.
Heath and Garth shook hands. “Until we meet again, my friend.” Heath grasped his son’s arm and started toward the ship.
Garth took Mallow’s hand and held her close. “Ye’ll not cry will ye, lass?”
Mallow burst out laughing. “Hardly, Da. Let’s go shoppin’. I’d like to buy Mam a pretty to cheer her, please.”
“That sounds like an excellent venture, daughter. There’s a jeweler, nearby where I bought her a necklace and wedding band.” Garth steered Mallow to the west side of town.
****
“Ah, Lord Mackintosh!” An elderly man with stooped shoulders greeted Garth and Mallow, as they entered his dim shop.
“Harrod, this is my daughter, Mallow. We’re interested in purchasing a fine piece, for my wife. She gave me twins a few weeks ago, another lad and a lass.”
“What do ye have in mind?”
Garth let Mallow take over. “I’m thinkin’ a ring, Da. Perhaps the silver one, there.” She pointed in the glass case.
Harrod removed the ring and handed it over to the young lady. Mallow turned it for Garth’s inspection. “The stones reflect the light nicely. Do ye think Mam will like it?”
“If it’s what ye want, I’m sure she will.”
Harrod offered assistance. “There’s a bracelet and necklace to match the ring, here.” He laid an exquisite necklace of four silver chains gathered and clutched with a wide clasp studded with the same dark green stones as the ring. The bracelet mimicked the necklace, sparkling against a swath of black velvet, on the counter.
Mallow’s breath caught. “Da, it’s so lovely, delicate looking, like Mam. Don’t ye think she’ll love it?” Her eyes glittered.