by Deb Kemper
“I do, sweet.” He met Harrod’s grin. “We’ll take it, wrapped in somethin’ elegant.”
The bell on the door sounded. When Harrod looked up at the newcomer, and back at Garth, his smile dissolved.
Garth glanced back, to find Brigit behind him and turned away.
The baubles captivated Mallow. “Da, look at this wedding band. Is it custom for the groom to provide the band or should Edmund and I choose our rings together?” She peeked up, when Garth didn’t answer immediately.
He scrubbed his knuckle across his chin. “I don’t ken, sweet, perhaps both. Do ye like the cloisonné box, there?” He pointed to the shelf, in front of them. “What do ye think if Harrod wraps the jewelry inside tha’?”
Mallow’s gaze slid past, to the woman behind him. She felt the tension and realized Harrod had not greeted the newcomer. She turned a smile to the jeweler. “I think it’s fine. Shall we return, after tea, for Mam’s gift, sir? To give ye time to help yer customer?”
Harrod seized the opportunity. “Aye, lass, I’ll have it wrapped fer ye, within the hour.”
Mallow tucked her arm into Garth’s and steered him to the door. “Let’s hie to the sweetshop, Da. I’ve a hankerin’ fer peppermint. We’ll buy some to take home to Jessie and Ewan.”
Garth allowed her to guide him, mumbling, “Excellent, Mallow.”
A few doors down the street, the sweetshop’s window tempted passersby with teacakes, biscuits, and a variety of candies.
Mallow stopped to admire the display. “Tha’s the same woman who tried to stare a hole in me, at the dock a fortnight ago. Who is she, that she shuts the mouth of The Mackintosh?” Mallow demanded.
Garth sighed. “She’s a woman I spent time with, after Mary died. She’s also the mistress of a former friend. I caused her a good deal of inconvenience when, in anger, I told his wife about her. She lost her living, as a result. I tried to help her with funds to get her on her way out of Inverness. She obviously hasn’t gone yet.”
“So ye’re done with her, since when?” Mallow checked her father’s expression.
“I don’t have to answer to ye, young lady.” Garth calmly held a palm out to her.
“Ye better tell me now, Da. Otherwise I go back to Harrod’s and ask her myself.”
“Mallow, it’s not yer concern.”
“Da, it is, if yer breakin’ off with her is a recent event. Have ye been keepin’ her since ye married Mam?” Mallow tried to keep her anger in check. She felt her face burning, as she rushed into unfamiliar territory. “As The Mackintosh is this a dirty secret I’ll have to keep from my siblings?”
Garth’s head snapped back. “There’s nothin’ to keep secret, Mallow. I broke off with her, the first night Amalie spent in our home. I ran into her a few weeks later and we spoke, tha’s all.” He glanced around, to be sure no one eavesdropped. “I was at her house a few days ago, with Lord Livesey, to find out what she wanted of me, at the dock, the day we met them. She needed money, which he gave her, in my stead.”
Mallow paled. “We’ll get the sweets to take home and pick up Mam’s gift.”
Garth gestured toward the door. “Le’s have tea while we’re here.”
“Ta, no. I think I won’t be able to swallow, right now.” Mallow shook her head and watched the light rush of people passing.
Garth nodded and opened the door. “Peppermints, then.” He approached the clerk and bought sweets for his children.
****
The ride home was silent. Garth kept track of their progress, watching through one window of the coach. Mallow kept watch through the other. Nearing Moy Hall, Garth decided to address the issue again.
“There’s no need for Amalie to ken I was at Brigit’s house, a few days ago. To bring it up causes her pain. I had to tell her, about the affair, as Lady MacGregor tried to use it, as a weapon, to blackmail us. That’s when I told her about MacGregor keeping the woman fer years.”
Mallow didn’t answer.
Garth growled in her direction. “Are ye hearin’ me, lass?”
She nodded. “I’m hearin’ ye, just havin’ a hard time believin’ ye, Da. Right now, I wish I didn’t ken what I do, but someone has to shoulder the burden. Mam has enough on her, with the bairns. I don’t want her upset over this woman either.”
“Fine then.” Garth studied the lay of the land. “Have dinner with us, this evening, if ye feel ye can swallow, in my presence.”
Mallow’s scorching gaze turned on her father. “I might, if I find myself able to stomach food atall.”
****
Mallow took Isaac from Amalie. She lifted the infant as he stretched, his fists clinging to his cheeks. “Come to me, wee man.” She nuzzled his neck.
Ewan arrived, at the sound of her voice. “Mallow!” He grabbed her leg and buried his face in her skirt.
“There’s my other wee man.” Mallow adjusted the infant to the crook of her arm and brushed her fingers through Ewan’s hair. “Mam, do ye think Sabba and Safta would mind tha’ I want to visit them, in Dublin?”
Amalie settled Imogen at her breast, quieting her fussy daughter. “Nay, they’d love to have you, I’m sure. But tell me, what’s wrong, darlin’?” She checked Mallow’s frown. “Are you missin’ Edmund already?”
“Nay, it’s no’ tha’. I just feel I need some time away, ye ken, from everyone.” Mallow sat in the chair across from Amalie. “Safta said they’ll teach me Torah and traditions. I wanna go to learn what I can. If I marry Edmund or anyone else, I’ll never have freedom, like I do right now.”
“That’s true. I think it a grand idea. Have you spoken with your father?”
“Nay.” Mallow’s tone was sad.
“Have the two of you argued?” Amalie tilted her head to one side, studying her daughter.
“Aye. I don’t wanna discuss it with ye.” Her voice dropped. She began to cry. “I just wanna run away.”
“You canna. You know better.” Amalie’s smile softened Mallow’s resolve.
She returned the smile. “Aye, but I can dream, can I no’?”
Garth propped in the doorway, listening. He carried the cloisonné box of jewels. He stepped into the nursery. Ewan ran into his arms, as quickly as his chubby legs would carry him. “There’s a fine lad, now.” His son hugged his neck and placed a wet kiss on his da’s cheek.
“Hello, sir.” Amalie smiled up, into her husband’s defeated façade. “I’m supposing the Livesey men were successfully shipped off?”
“Aye.” A sad smile touched his mouth. “Mallow purchased jewels fer ye, while we’re in town.” He placed the box in her lap.
Amalie glanced down at the porcelain painted metal box. “How lovely.” She flipped the top open with her free hand. “Beautiful!” She lifted the bracelet. “I’ll have to wear them to dinner tonight.” She smiled at Mallow and her husband.
“Is most everything packed fer our trip home?” Garth shifted his feet and changed Ewan’s position, to his left side.
“Da, I’m stayin’ here, until I sail fer Dublin. No need to go all the way back to The Chattan.” Mallow kept her back to Garth.
“I see. Well, who’ll ye have to accompany ye?”
“I thought Perry might see me there and return home, if it’ll suit ye.”
“Perry’s a fine lad but I prefer Gordon or Collin. Ye’re worth a king’s ransom, kidnapped.”
She nodded. “Mayhap Gordon then.”
“I’ll tell him. When are ye leavin’?”
“As soon as word comes back from the Solomon house, that I’ll be welcome.”
Amalie watched each one, in turn of the conversation. “Why don’t you face each other and talk about whatever’s hurtin’ you both? If you need me to leave the room, I will.” She checked Imogen, dozing in her arms, covered herself, and rose to take the tyke to the bedroom. She sat the box on a nearby table. She returned with her arms crossed. “Come, husband, take my chair, and talk this through. It’s no good parting, with angst between you.
” She picked up the box and walked toward the entrance, pausing to lay a hand on Garth’s arm before she left.
Garth and Ewan took Amalie’s chair. “Why do ye wanna run away? Wha’s happened, that’s so awful ye canna face me?”
Mallow locked gazes with him. “I’ve nothin’ to be ashamed of, Da. I feel wha’ I feel and I canna change it.”
“Mallow, if we pass a beggar, in the crossroad, hat in hand, starvin’, what do I do?” His brow furrowed.
She shifted. “Ye ken tha’s not the same.”
“If we pass a beggar, in the crossroad, who lost his livin’ because I destroyed it: wha’ do I do?” He set his jaw.
Her eyes teared. “Da, there’s more. There’s the immoral part ye’re leavin’ out.”
“I’ve paid, with shame, on every occasion, Mallow. I feel no pride for my participation, but ye’re avoidin’ my question. If ye need time to think it through, then take it to heart.”
She straightened and wiped her cheeks. “Ye hand over yer purse and thank the good God of heaven fer forgiving ye. How’d Harrod ken there was a connection between ye and…her?”
“I paid in gold, should she ever have need, of the funds. I made the purchase from Harrod. I imagine he recognized the gold coins and the disquiet her arrival stirred.” Garth scrubbed his chin. “Mallow, I have no need of any other woman. While ye don’t understand the connection between a husband and wife yet, let me assure ye, Amalie’s more than enough. She’s twelve years younger than I, and very…fond of our married relationship. I wou’ never betray her trust. I am not a man to lie.”
Mallow met his eyes. “I ken tha’, Da. I didn’t mean ye lied.”
“Ah, but ye do, lass. If I’m no’ faithful to my wife, I’m an adulterer, a liar.” He shook his head. “I’m not an adulterer. God is my witness; I could never be unfaithful. I promised my wife to keep myself only to her and she promised me the same.”
“But, Da, I didn’t mean it tha’ way.”
“But tha’s what it means to be unfaithful, Mallow. It means ye think I’m deceitful, a liar, and adulterer. Think long and hard abou’ the accusation.”
“I’m sorry, Da. I didn’t understand. I apologize fer callin’ ye a liar. I’m sorry.” Mallow looked away.
“Come home with us. When word comes from Amalie’s parents, I’ll take ye myself or send Collin. Enough nonsense. We may not always agree, but I’ll never dishonor my family or my wife.” Garth stood and set Ewan down. The tyke made haste to his toys. Garth parked both hands on his hips. “What about Edmund?”
Mallow glanced up. “I don’t ken yet. Give me time away. I’ll pray and see what Adonai wou’ have me do.”
“Are ye’re changin’ the way ye talk about God, then?”
“Mam explained what it meant and why her people use indirect names to refer to God. It’s a matter of awe and respect. It changes the way I think too. ”
Garth nodded. “Well, I’m going to find my wife. I’ve been away from her genteel ways too much, the past fortnight.” Garth left the nursery to search out Amalie.
****
The following day, the household prepared to return home.
“The coach is ready for you, my heart.” Garth watched his wife feeding Isaac, in the parlor, a shawl draped over her shoulders.
“Thank you, sir.” She met his wolfish gaze with a smile. “Did Millie leave already?”
“Aye, she and Mr. Douglas pulled out this mornin’, with Granny Mae in tow. They should nearly be home. She wanted to be sure everythin’ is up to her standards, before we arrive.” Garth held his son while Amalie secured her dress. He nuzzled the sleepy babe’s neck.
“Did anyone else go with them?”
“Nay, Gordon left last evenin’ and Collin’s with us. Why?” A frown knotted his brow.
She tried to smile. “I don’t know, just a strange feelin’ has come over me.” She shook her head. “Probably nothin’.” She picked up her bag and reached for her son to tuck him expertly, in the crook of her arm.
Garth led her to the coach and helped her up. “Collin, change of plan: have Perry drive. We’ll ride escort.”
“Aye, sir. Perry! Lad, come up and take the reins.”
Perry dismounted his horse, to tie him behind the coach. “Aye, sir.”
Collin climbed down to the ground and untied Coot from the carriage. He peeked inside at Ceidra. “I’ll be ridin’ close by. If we meet trouble, you get the lads to the floor and lay down under the seats as much as possible. Don’t get up ’til I tell ye, ken?”
“Aye, is somethin’ the matter?” Ceidra pulled Seth closer to her hip. Their toddler slept in the sling across her body.
“Just usin’ caution, lass. Probably nothin’ to worry your lovely head abou’.” He winked and left her to circle the carriage and make sure everything was secure.
Garth joined him, in the rear. “Ye wanna lead or follow?” He grinned at his friend and champion.
“How can I rescue ye if I’m leadin’? I’ll hold the back, ye go ahead.” Collin chuckled, but felt a chill sweep over him. He circled the entourage, to be sure all was secure.
Garth called out to Perry. “Hie to the castle, lad.” He rode about a quarter mile ahead to scan the landscape.
****
After being on the road home, for more than an hour, Garth called a halt, silently raising his left hand high. Perry pulled up and waited. Collin rounded the carriage, to see what he could. Garth left Jack and went ahead, on foot. Collin held back and watched, alert to any movement, in the surrounding forest. Far off, he heard wailing.
Jack trotted after Garth and returned in a flash, his master astride. “Collin, there’s been an attack! Mr. Douglas is down. Keep yer guard up. I’m going back fer Millie.” He turned and made a dash, for the road ahead.
Millie sat beside her husband of more than forty-two summers, his head in her lap. She stroked his thick gray hair away from his face, her tears washing tracks, in the dust on her cheeks. She felt his life draining away, as his blood continued to soak the ground.
Granny Mae lay across the road. She moaned once, right after the brigands attacked the wagon and knocked her to the ground.
Garth returned to the scene and slipped off Jack’s back. He approached Millie slowly, scanning the woods around them. “Millie, wha’ happened?” He squatted beside her.
“Uh, sir, they came at us, from tha’ side.” She pointed across the road near Granny’s body. She wiped her face on her soiled aparan. “Mr. Douglas was quick to get off a shot and took one man down, but they swarmed out like bees from a hive. The mule bolted, jerkin’ the wagon, and he fell.”
“How many, Millie?”
“I don’t ken, five or more, I think. They wore hoods, but I think I ken one was MacGregor’s man.” She wiped away tears again.
Garth blanched. “I’ll take ye back to the coach to Amalie. Come, Millie.” Garth stood and extended his hand.
“Nay, I canna leave me man.” Millie stroked her husband’s hair again.
Garth leaned over her and hissed, “Ye must, woman! Give me yer hand.”
She shook her head and sobbed. “I canna, sir.” She bent over her husband’s body.
He checked Mr. Douglas and found he stilled breathed. “Let me get ye to the coach and I’ll come back fer ’im.” Garth reached for her shoulders to lift her to her feet, but she shrugged him off.
“Alright, then. I’ll get Collin to bring them here.” Garth turned, mounted Jack, riding back to the group, almost a mile away.
Collin inched the party forward, keeping an eye on their flanks, even as he checked the coach carrying Amalie. “Milady, ye ken what to do if trouble starts?”
“Aye, Collin, we get to the floor and stay down.” She checked her sleeping children. “Where’s Garth?”
“There’s a problem ahead. Milord’s tryin’ to fetch Millie. Here he comes now.” Collin slapped Coot’s flanks and met The Mackintosh.
“Let’s move on down the road ah
ead. Millie won’t leave Mr. Douglas, and he’s still breathin’.” Garth turned to Perry. “Perry, drive on in, it’s abou’ a mile ahead of us. I’m going back.” He sprinted back to the clearing, in minutes. All was still calm.
Millie glanced up, at his arrival, and wiped her face again.
Garth slid to a stop, in front of her, and dismounted Jack. “They’re on their way, Millie. Amalie needs to take a look at Mr. Douglas and see if there’s somethin’ we can do.” He squatted beside her.
“Thank ye kindly, sir.” She tried to smile.
“’Tis no more than ye’ve done fer me a thousand times.” Garth squeezed her shoulder and stood, as the coach came into sight.
Perry drove the team into the clearing, slowing as he approached Garth’s outstretched palm. “Whoa!” He tightened the reins.
Amalie alit as soon, as the wheels stopped rolling. She’d removed her bonnet and carried clean linen rags they used for the bairns, in one hand. She was at Millie’s side in seconds. She gathered her friend into her arms and spoke comforting words.
“Now, let me give Mr. Douglas a look and see what ails him.” Amalie smiled at Millie and dabbed at the blood seeping from a wound to his scalp. “Has he been like this the whole time?”
“Aye, he’s not made a peep since they struck ’im.” Millie watched Amalie clean the wound. “It don’t look so awful, now that we can see it.”
“Sometimes head wounds bleed a lot, even when they aren’t serious. Because he’s still not awake, makes this a verra grave injury.” Amalie explained. “We’ll need to get him home, at once.”
Garth kneeled beside her. “What say ye about this, wife?”
“We’ll need to make a stretcher and get him loaded. Perhaps the top of the carriage or coach can carry him. He needs to lie flat, I think.” She watched Garth trot to the coach and order the transfer of their trunks, to the wagon nearby.
Amalie drifted across the road to check on Granny Mae. The healer’s body lay crumpled in a heap. Lady Mackintosh laid her hand on the old woman’s back and felt a bit of warmth that lingered, even though her spirit had flown.