by Annie Seaton
“What is this place?” she asked quietly.
“It is my home,” he replied.
“Why am I here?’ Her voice quavered and he could sense the fear behind her words.
“Don’t worry. You are safe here,” he reassured her.
“You tried to kill me.”
He reached down and picked up one of her hands between his and rubbed it gently. Her eyes fluttered closed and she sighed.
“No, I saved your life. You were in grave danger...and you still are,” he replied
She didn’t answer and as her breathing evened out, Dougal wondered if she had even heard his reply. Mary came back in from the main kitchen with a jug of warmed wine and a plate of bread cakes and placed it on a low table between them and the fireplace. For a few moments, the only sound was the crackling of the flames in the fireplace, until a log popped and dropped into the fire. Sofia opened her eyes and pushed her hands against his chest
Dougal slid across the bench and made room for her between his body and the end of the bench against the wall. She looked up at him and tucked her bare feet beneath her. He lifted the shawl and draped it across her shoulders.
“What do you mean grave danger?” Her words were softly spoken, but measured and calm.
He reached for the jug and poured the wine into the pottery cups Mary had placed on the tray. He held Sofia’s gaze with his as he passed her the hot drink. She wrapped her fingers around the warm cup and smiled.
“Not a poisoned chalice, Dougal?” A nervous pulse flickered in the side of her neck and he realized she was attempting to stay calm.
He leaned forward and put his head in his hands. “Edward of Kilmarnock and I, were entrusted with the task of killing you.” He didn’t look at her as he spoke, but she sat up straight beside him. I am a righteous man and I am on a journey to fulfill my father’s wish to end the corruption that is rife in our country.” He determined to tell her the whole story and she would understand why she had to stay in the castle on his island.
“Your research in the laboratory in Vienna has come to the attention of this evil group and you have threatened what they believe is their God-given right to immortality.”
Her eyes were shadowed but fixed on his mouth as he spoke. He had her attention. But she didn’t speak.
“I was sent to Vienna to observe you.” He reached into his pocket and removed the monogrammed glove he had carried for weeks since she had dropped it at Westbahnhof. “You eluded me at the train station, but I could confirm to my masters it was you.”
Her gaze was icy as he continued and she moved away from him, wrapping a second shawl around her shoulders.
“Edward and I were sent to kill you after we had confirmed in Vienna at your salon, it was definitely you we sought.”
“So why am I alive?” she asked. “Why am I here?”
“We had no intention of killing you, but we had to make it look as thought you were dead.” He reached out for her hand but she snatched it away. “Your sister and your nephews, your manservant, your staff. They all believe you are dead.”
Despite the warmth of the fire and the warm wine he had sipped, the look on her face chilled him to the bone,
“I demand you take me to my sister’s manor in Cornwall immediately.” Her tone was imperious and he could see the shrewd couturier who commanded such respect in the world of fashion. The Knights did not know the strength of this woman working against them.
Regret filled his chest and he shook his head, denying her request. “I am sorry, Sofia. For your own safety, you must stay here until Edward sends a message to say it is all clear.”
“Stay here? Stay where? In this draughty pile of stones?” She stood and walked across to the fire, the deep scarlet shawls accentuating the pallor of her skin. “You will take me immediately to my sister’s. If there is danger, I will hide there.” Her voice dropped as she gestured to the walls around them. “You really expect me to live in this...this... it is really little better than a hovel.
Anger burned up from his stomach and Dougal clenched his jaw, highly offended. It might not be silk-lined and have the latest in gadgets like her salon in Vienna but this castle was his home and it had been in his family for hundreds of years. He stood and drew himself to his full height. “You will stay here until I say it is safe.”
She laughed. “Make me.”
“Oh, I will Sofia. Have no doubt of that,” he replied. The anger burned in his throat and he fought the attraction he had for this woman. It was not the time to follow the urges of his body, even if his heart was in agreement for the first time in his life. That may come later, after he and Edward were sure the Knights were no longer a risk. Once the order was gone, he would reconsider his feelings for Sofia.
But not before then.
“You will stay here. I will get you some clothes from Mary and I will show you your room. There is no need to lock you away...as there is nowhere for you to go.” He left her sitting alone in front of the fire.
Chapter 12
Sofia kneeled in the kitchen garden and tugged at the weeds between the cobblestones. The Irish wolfhound who had been her constant companion for the past three months snored quietly beside her. Bored with gazing at the sea between the small Isle of Rothmore and the Scottish mainland, she now sought menial tasks to fill her days. Mary gave her chores in the kitchen and the garden.
The cold had chapped her once flawless hands and now green streaks from the moist plants she pulled from the cracks in the stones, colored her fingers. Tucked behind a high stone wall, this small courtyard where Mary grew her kitchen herbs was protected from the chill wind which seemed to blow constantly from the sea. Sofia pushed herself to her feet and wandered across to the bench next to the gate in the wall.
She sighed as the dog followed her and flopped at her feet. It was almost as though he had been set to guard her.
Not that there was anywhere for her to go.
In the months she had been Dougal’s prisoner she had walked around the small island every day. No one visited the island and the servants lived in the castle and did not speak to her. She had searched for a boat to no avail. Dougal disappeared for days on end and even when he was in the castle, she had not been able to find his boat.
They dined together each night and after the first few meals in stony silence, they had both thawed slightly and were able to converse without argument as they ate the food Mary prepared for them each night.
She now knew the Knights were fully aware of her laboratory in Vienna and she had expressed her concern for the Professor to Dougal. He had assured her everything was in place to ensure the safety of her staff...and her family.
It had taken many days but she had finally come to an understanding of the danger surrounding her quest and how close she had come to death. However, Dougal would still not explain how they had travelled to the Isle of Rothmore despite her insistent questioning. Although they spoke each evening, he remained aloof and withdrawn and had not laid a hand on her. She had been moved to a small room in the top of the castle where sunlight streamed in during the day but she was bored.
No news of the outside world; she was keen to hear of the ramifications to the government and the business regulations since the assassination of Queen Victoria. Sofia had questioned Dougal at length, but he was not forthcoming. He treated her as a person who had no cause to be interested in the politics of the day
As a woman.
She clenched her fists; there had been enough of that in Vienna with the refusal to let women into the university. She would not be beholden to the whims of this man...no matter how much he felt the need to protect her.
If it is the last thing I do, I will get off this island.
Voices drifted over the wall and she rose and moved to the gate. Dougal stood with Edward of Kilmarnock on the grassy rise leading to the beach and she quickly crossed to them with hope in her heart.
Perhaps if Edward was here, all was well and she could leave
.
Dougal watched her without expression as she opened the small wooden gate and held it back for the wolfhound to follow her.
“Edward.” She nodded to the young man and smiled to herself as his face flushed a deep red.
“Sofia,” he mumbled. “It is ...er...it is good to see you looking so well.”
“And alive,” she replied sharply. “Do you have news?”
Dougal shook his head at the younger man and Sofia drew a deep breath.
“Do not treat me like a simpleton.” Her voice rose. “If there is news to be had, I want to know. Anything to get off this godforsaken island and leave this pile of stones behind me,
“When it is safe, I will tell you and you can go back to your fancy life in Europe.” Dougal’s voice was short and a pang of regret lodged in her chest as the harsh words about his home left her lips. It surprised her but she had actually come to tolerate being on the island and living in his castle.
Time to think and time to enjoy every day.
It reminded her of the years she spent in the wilds of Cornwall with Indigo when the twins were born. Her time in Vienna was not her own and she had pondered on the reasons for the moonflower quest.
Were they interfering with nature? Should they continue their research or now let it go?
Now that lives were in jeopardy, it was time to rethink their plans, their ambitions, and their quest. Almost as though he had read her thoughts, Dougal continued in a softer tone.
“Sofia.” She looked up into his face and was surprised to see sympathy on his face.
“What? What has happened? Is my family safe?”
Dougal took her hand. “There has been an...incident. In Vienna.”
She looked from Dougal to Edward. “Tell me.”
“I have been to Vienna carrying out a task for the Earl of Rothmore.” Edward spoke slowly. “I have spoken with your Professor and with your manservant Henri.”
He looked at her intently and Dougal held her hand tightly. “The laboratory has been burned to the ground and all of the work destroyed.”
“The work? Does anything remain?” she asked urgently. Confused thoughts filled her mind. Just as she was wondering about the reason for their quest...to receive this news.
“The research notes, the elixir...all burned.” Edward’s voice was solemn.
“The staff?” She looked to Edward as she thought of the professor and how much time he spent at the university.
“All safe,” replied Edward. “The professor is down in Cornwall with Captain Thoreau and your sister. I delivered him there myself. Henri is keeping watch at your salon where business continues as usual. The other staff are still on their holiday.”
She turned to Dougal as despair filled her chest. It seemed as though she was no longer needed anywhere. “Please, can I leave here now? Can I go to my sister?”
He looked at her for a long moment before speaking.
“No, I am sorry. It is still not safe. It is essential they believe you are dead. There are too many spies in Cornwall. The influence and the money of the Knights have corrupted many across the country.”
Sofia stamped her foot in anger and the wolfhound gave a low growl. “When? How much longer?”
Edward turned away as Dougal reached for her and held her close as wrapping his strong arms around her.
“Sofia, I beg of you to be patient. Edward and I are very close to achieving our goal. You have to trust. It is much more than your research and your life that is at stake.” She let her cheek rest on his shoulder and his warmth comforted her which surprised her. He was her captor, he had staged her death and would not let her free, but the simple touch of his skin on hers was enough to make her want to stay in his arms forever.
She pulled away reluctantly. “So what now?”
“We continue as we were. You will stay here and Edward and I will continue to work against the Council.”
Sofia looked up and caught such a look of naked longing on Dougal’s’ face, she shivered and goose bumps skittered down her arms. She shook herself angrily.
It is the cold wind that makes me shiver, not this man.
She turned her back to the two men and snapped her fingers at the wolfhound. “Come Zeus, we will go to the kitchen where it is warm and we can have a sensible conversation with Mary.”
“COME, EDWARD, WE TOO shall go in from this cold and partake of some wine.” Dougal spoke to the young man as they watched Sofia cross the courtyard. Despite the homespun wool dress, she still carried herself like a lady of quality and her beauty shone through the plain garb. Her hair had lightened from spending so much time outside. He knew she roamed the coast each day searching for a way to escape and he fully understood her desire.
Dougal looked up at his castle, an awesome grey stone silhouette against the darkening September sky. It was time to finish what they had to do and end the Council’s influence forever. The next few days were critical; Edward had gathered support from the local knights and they were about to make their move.
Although Dougal was longing to stay in his castle without the constant trips to the mainland, it would be a lonely place once Sofia returned to Vienna. He turned abruptly and went to call his hound, before he remembered the dog’s allegiance was now with Sofia. He smiled grimly; she had bewitched the whole castle, servants and animals alike. Edward opened the gate and they crossed the courtyard to the castle where they would make the final plans to remove the Council.
Chapter 13
Mary and Sofia had prepared a special meal in honor of Edward’s visit and Sofia and the two men of them sat at the large trestle table on the dais to partake of the meal as Mary served and cleared the courses.
Edward belched and then blushed his usual bright red. “Oh... please forgive me, Madame.”
Sofia laughed at his embarrassment. “I will take it as a compliment, Edward. Mary has taught me much about preparing meals.”
Dougal sat back and watched the candlelight play on her face. Shimmering silver light shot from her hair which was bound tightly in braids around her high forehead. Her deep brown eyes looked back at him unwaveringly and it was almost as though it could read her thoughts.
“I am going to turn in for the night,” Edward said. “If I may be excused?”
“Certainly,” Dougal replied. “You will need a clear head for tomorrow.”
Edward bid Sofia goodnight and wandered out through the kitchen. The crackling of the flames in the huge fireplace filled the silence in the cavernous room. There had been a shift between them since he had held Sofia this afternoon in the courtyard and even with Edward between them at the table, the tension filled the room.
No doubt the reason for his hasty exit.
He sat back and sipped his wine, conscious of Sofia’s unwavering stare fixed on him.
“Dougal, would you walk with me?” she asked suddenly.
“Can I trust you not to assault me and try to escape?” He smiled trying to lighten the tense atmosphere between them.
“I think you can trust me,” she replied. “I have come to trust you over the course of these weeks.”
He stood and came around the table to her and held his arm out to her. “We shall walk on the ramparts. It is a clear night.” He looked down at her as she stood and took his arm. There was something about the tilt of her head, the sudden smile that took Dougal by surprise. All antagonism had left her and he sensed her confidence in him was growing.
“You do know it is almost over?” he asked in a low voice. Sofia’s eyes narrowed as she took his arm and rose to her feet.
“I believe so,” she replied.
“You will be free to go.”
They walked silently across the large room and into the corridor at the base of the steps leading to the ramparts.
Sofia chuckled softly and the happy sound filled Dougal’s chest with warmth.
“I have become accustomed to walking up stairs and not having the convenience of my automated devices i
n Vienna.”
“I do not think we will ever have them in Scotland,” replied Dougal. “Even with the death of Queen Victoria and the change in government, the Scottish parliament remains adamant we will not turn to what they call the ‘new fangled’ contraptions.”
“Not so ‘new fangled’ in England.” Sofia smiled up at him and his heart kicked up a notch as she leaned into him. “One day, I shall take you to visit my sister and you will be quite happy to do without them. The English models are so archaic it is necessary to wear ear muffs to ride in their perambulators.”
“Their dirigibles are comfortable,” he replied and then he chuckled. “ But the poor automaton I took as my wife when I visited your salon in Vienna ended up a pile of springs in the airship. Poor Edward was quite distraught.”
Their silence was companionable as they climbed the stairs, each lost in their own thoughts. Dougal pushed open the heavy door at the top of the stairs and they stepped onto the rampart that circled the entire castle.
Sofia’s quick gasp filled him with pride in his home. The full moon was rising across the firth and a silver path of moonlight lay on the still sea. The wind had dropped at dusk and the sea was like a rippling sheet of silver cloth, a long slow and heavy swell rising and falling with the tide. Despite the lack of wind, there was a chill in the air and Dougal pulled Sofia close to him.
Sofia was taut with apprehension; for many weeks she had searched ceaselessly with one goal in mind—to escape this island. Now the time to leave was coming close, she was filled with regret and longing for this man holding her. He was a good and righteous man and she would miss him. She very much wanted to believe that he would miss her as well. Just a few months ago, she would have been appalled by the need consuming her. It was time to leave and return to her old life, before she changed her mind.