“I’m fine, really. I’ve never felt more rested, but I don’t remember anything after I took the powder. What happened? How did you escape?”
Taylor briefly explained how enraged he became when he saw her unconscious. His fury had enabled him to overcome Donnegan. He told her how Hug had arrived with additional men at the cave entrance in time to haul Donnegan, Nelly, and Henry back to Dublin.
As he talked, she absentmindedly scratched Tyrone, who had finally settled down and was sprawled alongside her hip. “What became of Kyle and the other lads?”
“Several dragoons took the lads back to their families with orders to ensure that a doctor visits regularly until they’re well. Donnegan vowed that their condition was temporary, but time will be the judge whether or not the man spoke truthfully. As for Kyle, he never recognized me, nor Paddy and Isabelle. It broke their hearts to see him behave in this manner, but it also relieved their worst fears that he’d been lost forever. At least now there’s hope, and we’ll do all we can to see him return to good health.”
“It’s all so sad,” she said, staring at Tyrone.
“Aye, but we must think on the bright side,” he said as Biddy burst through the door carrying a tray of food and a short crystal vase filled with a few tea roses. Tyrone leaped to his feet, anticipating part of the meal.
“Get away, you rascal,” Biddy lovingly scolded the beagle. “This is not for the likes of you.” Taylor moved so Biddy could set the tray on Jalene’s lap. Then he sat back down beside her.
“I’m so glad to see you awake and safely home.” Biddy squinted at Jalene. “The black hair color held up well with that ointment.”
Jalene smiled. Biddy was sweet to consider that she was part of Knights’ Head, though she truly wasn’t. “I’m glad to be here, Biddy. Don’t get too attached to this color. I think I like my own sandy color better.”
Biddy put her hands on her hips. “My dear you could wear a milk pail on your head and still be pretty.”
Jalene laughed, and Biddy turned to leave. “Oh, Biddy,” she called to her. “Have I received any messages from White Wylie? He said he would leave word if he heard anything about Wil.”
Biddy walked over to the foot of the bed, but Taylor spoke before she had a chance.
“Hug is planning to check in at White Wylie’s on his return from Dublin,” Taylor informed her. “I’m sure if he’s heard anything, he’ll pass the word along. Keep in mind, he may be detained at the King’s Arms.” He winked at her.
She smiled and allowed herself to blush, recalling her behavior the time she visited the King’s Arms.
Biddy spoke up. “If someone would quit jawing and give me a minute.” She directed her tone towards Taylor before she reached behind her apron, into the pocket of her cotton skirt, and pulled out a letter. “It came from London only yesterday.” She handed it to Jalene.
Jalene hesitantly reached for it. Her heart was pounding. It was definitely Wil’s handwriting. Did she want to hear what he had to say? What if he revealed something far more horrible than what she already knew?
“I’ll leave ye be now,” Biddy said, and left the room.
“Aye.” Taylor stood to do the same.
“Nay. Don’t go,” she tugged on his arm almost knocking the tray off her lap while forcing him to sit back in place. “We’ll read it together.”
“You don’t have to do this, Jalene.”
“Please. I want you here.” She tore the seal on the letter and stopped instantly. “You were right about James. He was involved in smuggling,” she said sadly. “But he was being blackmailed. You heard Donnegan say he threatened to kill Margaret and the twins if James hadn’t cooperated.” She sighed. “He killed James anyway.”
“I know,” Taylor said. “’Tis over, Jalene. I would have done the same as James did if my family’s lives had been at stake.”
“You would have?”
“Aye. Now, let’s read the letter.”
Dear Lord, how she loved the man. She smiled up at him and opened the missive. A worn piece of paper fell from inside. She studied it a moment and handed it to Taylor. She began reading.
My Dearest Jalene,
Forgive me for what could only appear to be the motivation of a coward. When I realized death— our friend Donnegan—was knocking on my door, I had only one choice and that was to flee. It was not a heroic action on my part, but Mr. Wylie assured me you would be under the best of care and protection with Captain Traynor.
My only hope for your forgiveness is to understand that I was truly watching out for your best interests. The enclosed map is the evidence I wished to share with you before this entire episode got out of hand.
One day, while I was tending to business with one of the shipping companies along the quay in Dublin, I had a short wait for the gentleman I needed to see. As I gazed out the window, I had a clear vision of the wharf, and who should appear, but James. He met briefly with some gruff scrubby who handed him a book. James took it, and they both walked off in opposite directions. This scene certainly held my interest, but what prompted me to take action was when a slip of paper fell from the book. James didn’t notice.
I raced out the door and quickly grabbed the fallen sheet. This same seedy character, who had just handed James the book, happened to turn about and hurry towards me. (I think back now, and an accomplice from across the street must have pointed out to him the map on the ground.) If it hadn’t been for several of my peers passing by at the same time, I fear this undesirable would have ripped the paper from my hands and next attacked my throat as well. Fortunately, I managed to escape through the shipping office and depart undetected.
I didn’t truly study the paper until I got home that night. That is when I realized it was a map and that James was involved in smuggling. If you look on the map you’ll see various locations with dates as to when each of the illegal shipments was to take place. All areas were on the northwest coast and marked with the initials BW next to them along with the number of casks. Knowing all your shipments were sent directly to Dublin first and fanned out to establishments on the eastern coast and across the Irish Sea, I knew he was involved in something illegal. I figured since the ruffians on the quay didn’t know me, it was safe to pass this information along to you. Unfortunately, these men worked for Donnegan and would stop at nothing to find me. They finally tracked me to Belleek. Little did I know that Donnegan was searching for you, too. No thanks to me. Had I not asked you to meet me in Dublin, you wouldn’t have needed Captain Traynor’s protection. It was in Belleek that I realized Donnegan was in partnership with James. I send you this letter to plead for forgiveness, but also to leave the map in your hands to do with as you will. I may not have been chums with James, but I never wanted it to end this way for him.
You’re in my thoughts constantly, Jalene. You can obtain my exact whereabouts from my solicitor on Grafton Street in Dublin. Please find it in your heart to reply. If not, at least send word that you are well.
As always, I remain faithfully yours,
Wil
She pursed her lips and stared into Taylor’s handsome face. His expression was sympathetic.
“What will you do with the map, Jalene?” Taylor folded it and handed it back to her.
“As you said, it’s over. I know in my heart James was an honorable man. We’ve proved that, with Donnegan’s capture. I’ll write to Wil and tell him what has happened. The map is yours to use as additional evidence against them.” She handed it back to him.
He kissed her forehead and said, “That won’t be necessary, but I’ll get rid of it just the same.” He tucked it away in his boot and stood. “Eat your breakfast.” He lifted the lid that kept the plate warm. “I asked Biddy to go lightly. Hence, the small mashed potato omelet. You haven’t eaten in almost two days. I don’t want you to get ill from eating too much too soon. Quinn will bring in a bath for you. Afterwards, come downstairs. I have two surprises for you.”
“What are they?
”
“Let’s go, Tyrone.”
The beagle instantly came to his heels, yet appeared regretful that he’d not received the tiniest morsel to eat, despite his perfect pose as beggar the entire time.
“Tell me the surprise now,” she urged.
“You’ll see. Remember, the longer it takes you to ready yourself, the longer it will be until you know.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her and closed the door behind him.
Chapter 25
If Taylor had known that she was too nervous to eat, he would have scolded her. Yet, not eating surely wouldn’t have caused the jitters she now experienced in her stomach.
Quinn had carried in a steaming hot tub of lavender-scented water. When he appeared to want to chat for an interminable length of time, she politely mentioned that she was anxious for her bath, since Taylor had a surprise for her. He understood immediately and left.
She cleansed her hair and luxuriated in the bath only to hurry through her wardrobe, choosing a cream-colored day gown with dull silver and white ribbon trim. A quick check in the looking glass confirmed that the gown did indeed accentuate her eyes, but her hair needed work. A few minutes passed before she tied and retwisted her hair in a knot behind her head to where she was satisfied. Then she left to see Taylor.
As she neared the bottom of the staircase, he heard her coming and greeted her. “You look lovely,” he said. In no way did he attempt to hide the desire that flamed in his eyes.
“Thank you.” His simple words of admiration sent heat creeping across her chest to her cheeks. She swallowed. “I understand there is a surprise waiting for me.”
“Indeed there is, madam. Follow me.”
“Outside?” she asked when he opened the front entry-way door for her.
“Aye, but this is not where it will stay.”
It didn’t take her long to understand what he meant. Beyond the circular drive of Knights’ Head stood a dark, apricot brown foal nursing with its mother, who was tied to a pine tree.
“Taylor, I don’t know what to say. She’s precious and it is so sweet of you, but I ...”
“You what, Jalene? You’re uncertain of this little creature?” Taylor wrapped Jalene in his arms. “Sweetness, I bought you this horse so as she grew, so would our understanding and trust for each other. I love to ride, and when I’m on Aristotle, I want you at my side.”
He wanted her at his side. She repeated his words to herself. Did that mean as his mistress? What did it matter? She loved him.
She walked over to the foal and rubbed her nose. “She’s a pretty little one, isn’t she?”
He nodded, and said, “See how she’s nuzzling against you. She likes you already.”
“Do you think so?”
“Aye, I do.”
“Then how can I refuse such a thoughtful gift. Thank you, Captain.”
“This is only your first surprise. I’ll take her and her mother back to the stables. Go inside and get the picnic hamper from Biddy and meet me at the stables.”
“Where are we going?”
“Must you always question me, woman? Just do it,” he ordered and patted her bottom while gently shoving her in the direction back towards the front entryway.
“Aye, Captain,” she answered playfully and did as requested.
Moments later, with picnic hamper in hand, she met Taylor by the stables in time to hear his conversation with Tyrone.
“You are not coming along, Tyrone. You’re to be a good boy and stay here. Do you understand?”
“What did he answer?” she asked and smiled.
“He said he didn’t blame me for wanting to be alone with such a lovely lady.” He took the hamper from her and set it underneath the seat of a waiting phaeton.
“I think you’re up to mischief, Captain Traynor.”
“That I am, sweetness, but only the best kind.” He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a quick kiss before he helped her into the seat and climbed aboard himself.
“Where are we going?” she repeated as they left the immediate grounds of Knights’ Head.
“You’ll see soon enough.”
With that, they both fell silent, content with each other and with the world around them. She raised her face to the heavens and let the early afternoon sun shine directly upon her. She’d intentionally left her hat behind. Today, she wanted nothing that would make her feel confined. The sun was gloriously warm, and she wondered if such a beautiful day was a good omen after the darkness in the cave and the nearly disastrous days before. She thought about Donnegan’s operation and asked, “What happened to the distillery? Did you destroy it?”
“Aye. You slept through the most spectacular display I’ve ever seen against the night sky, but Biddy and Quinn saw it.”
“What? How can that be?”
He chuckled. “Ironically, Donnegan’s distillery was located on a remote section of Traynor property—property that none of us thought about much.”
“You mean he was making and distributing illicit whiskey from your very own land?” she asked in disbelief.
“Astonishing, but true. The area he occupied was so far from the main house and unneeded to keep Knights’ Head running smoothly, so we’d simply let it alone.”
“I guess you’ll be doing more frequent inspections all around Knights’ Head from now on.”
“Aye, that I will, but that is not the reason for the outing today. I knew you were taken by the beauty of the flax in bloom, so I thought we’d have a picnic amongst the flowers on a section of Traynor property that I’m sure is currently used.”
“Oh, Taylor, I’d love that.” No sooner had she said the words than the flax fields appeared before them. “This is such a lovely sight. Thank you.”
He stopped the phaeton and jumped down to tie the horse to a nearby tree. “We’re in luck. The flax rarely blooms this late in the day.” He grabbed the picnic hamper with one hand and assisted her with the other. Together they walked a short distance to another tree at the edge of the fields. He set the hamper down, turned and gathered her into his arms and kissed her long and passionately.
She swayed against him, kissing him in return with equal intensity.
When he finally lifted his lips from hers, he whispered against them, “I love you, Jalene. I meant what I said in the cave.”
“And I, you, Taylor. I love you.” He kissed her again and held her tightly to him. After a few seconds, he broke their embrace to pull a blanket from the hamper. He sat on it and motioned for her to do the same.
When she was comfortably seated next to him, he wrapped his arms around her and they sat staring out at the sea of blue flowers.
“’Tis hypnotic, I know, but I hope what I have to say will have an even more pleasant effect on you.” He worked the silver Knights’ head ring off his little finger, reached for her left hand and placed it on the fourth finger. “This is only until I can get you a proper ring. Jalene, will you be my wife?”
She studied his handsome face, her heart bursting with happiness. Hadn’t she hoped to meet the man of her dreams one day, get married and have children? Taylor was this man, and she answered him first with a deep kiss, then briefly broke away despite his reluctance to let her go. “Aye, my love,” she said in a husky whisper, “I would be honored to be your wife, but for now, love me, Taylor.”
Instantly, she was back in his arms. He kissed her as he never kissed her before. Hurriedly, they helped each other shed their garments until they lay entwined, shamelessly naked.
He kissed one breast and next the other before he made a trail of kisses down to her navel and placed his tongue there. She sighed in ecstasy, and he moved his lips lower to her triangular patch of curls and kissed her there. Dear Lord, she loved this man. He fondled her in her most intimate place until she writhed in ecstasy. In a throaty voice she whispered, “I want you. Take me now.”
Slowly, he kissed his way up her body until his lips found her mouth once again, and his body was positioned partly
over hers. She reached for his manhood and gently stroked him. He moaned in pleasure and moved to enter her and to cover her completely. She moved her hips against him as his thrusts into her started slowly at first and soon became more rapid.
He waited until she reached her climax, then shuddered in delight as he did the same. She marveled at the happiness and completeness she experienced. Never before had she felt this way. She caressed his face when he sighed in pleasure. Content, they rolled over to their sides to snuggle, each in the other’s embrace.
After some minutes, he spoke. “As much as your body has satisfied one form of hunger—for now anyway—” he winked at her, “I still have to deal with this grumbling protest from my stomach. I’m famished.” He raised himself from her, and pulled her up as well. He planted a kiss above her breasts and handed her undergarments and gown to her. After he’d slipped on his breeches and shirt, he began rummaging through the picnic hamper.
“Here.” He handed her a slice of soda bread and chomped into a slice of his own, before he pulled out a container of potted beef, pickled cauliflower and oranges that had been roasted with sugar and wine.
She set out some utensils and napkins, and began filling their plates. While they were devouring their food, he paused a minute and said, “I almost forgot. I owe you an apology.”
“You do? Whatever for?”
“I said if we found Donnegan in the north, then you would be right with regard to the direction he traveled, and I would apologize.” Having briefly stated this, he shoved a piece of beef in his mouth.
“Ah, that is true. How could I have forgotten?” She placed her forefinger on her cheek as if in thought. “You don’t sound so apologetic.”
He raised an inquiring eyebrow at her. “What more do you want?”
“I think you should be punished for doubting me.”
“And what would be the proper forfeit, my lady?” He wiped his hands on his napkin and waited for her response.
“I think a kiss here,” she pointed to her cheek. He complied. She pointed to her forehead. “And here.” He placed his warm sweet lips on her forehead. “And here,” she pointed to her mouth. He kissed her long and hard before he released her and said, “Does my lady feel I’ve been justly punished?”
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