Rogue of the High Seas

by Cynthia Breeding

  “Probably because you are trying to do accounting,” Owen said and reached over the counter to close the ledger she’d been working on. “I have told you before it is a man’s work.”

  Shauna glared at him, but before she could speak, Robert did.

  “You object to a woman using her mind?”

  Owen narrowed his eyes. “It depends on how she uses it.”

  Robert’s gaze remained level. “Do you want to explain that?”

  Owen studied him and then shrugged. “I only meant a woman’s place is in the home, running it efficiently and seeing to the needs of her husband and children.”

  “And if she wants to do more than that?”

  “Oui,” Colette said, stepping toward the counter and frowning at Owen. “Papa is very proud that I am a painter.”

  “And I suspect a very skilled one,” Owen said smoothly and held out his hand. “May I see your sketches?”

  Colette’s ruffled feathers smoothed as though he’d petted her on the head. “Bien entendu,” she said and spread the papers over the counter. “What do you think?”

  Owen looked at them and then at Colette. “I think you are quite remarkable, mademoiselle.”

  Robert stared at Owen, and Shauna wondered if he were jealous over Owen’s remark. A fraction of a second earlier, Shauna had thought maybe Robert was defending her with his question, but the conversation had quickly turned to Colette. Maybe Robert thought the French girl remarkable too.

  Shauna’s head began to ache in earnest.

  By the time her Thursday volunteer day came around, Shauna was almost glad Robert would be leaving the next day with Shane and Owen. This past week with Colette flittering about in the mornings, touching Robert—really, did she have to show him how to stand and sit?—had taken its toll on Shauna’s patience. Not to mention she hadn’t had a chance to talk to Robert herself. Colette always waited until Robert departed for Leith before she left.

  The visit with Mr. Adler and his son was just the distraction Shauna needed.

  She greeted Mrs. Tate with a smile as she signed in on the visitor sheet.

  The matron beamed at her. “The open house went well. We received pledges from a number of businessmen. That Frenchman, Mr. Frazier, made a generous donation on the spot, and his daughter seemed interested in our establishment as well.”

  Colette again. Shauna shook her head. Could she not get away from the girl?

  “What is it?” Mrs. Tate asked. “Why are ye shaking your head?”

  “’Tis nothing,” Shauna replied. “I am glad the day went well. ’Tis good that people take an interest in what ye do here.”

  “What we do,” Mrs. Tate corrected. “Your work is important too. I think Mr. Adler and Mr. Austin are waiting for ye in the day room.”

  She found them sitting by the small table at the window where weak, wintry sunshine streamed in. Mr. Adler had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

  Neal rose to pull a chair for her. “Miss MacLeod. We are so glad you could come today.”

  “Thank ye,” Shauna said and turned her attention to his father. “Are ye nae feeling well?”

  Mr. Adler coughed. “I am feeling rather low today, but I am sure it is nothing to worry about. I am so sorry we cannot take a carriage ride though.”

  “Doona fash about that,” Shauna said. “We can go when ye are feeling better.”

  “I shall look forward to it.”

  “Would ye like me to read to ye?” Shauna looked around for a book. “Mrs. Tate keeps books under the counter—”

  “That will not be necessary, my dear,” Mr. Adler said. “Your company is always a delight.”

  “Thank ye.”

  “I noticed your young man, Mr. MacLean, at the open house last Friday,” Mr. Adler remarked. “Have you changed your mind about accepting his suit?”

  “Nae. ’Tis difficult to reject the mon outright though.”

  “I met Mr. MacLean at the Commercial Company last week,” Neal said. “He mentioned a business venture with your cousin.”

  “Aye. Shipping kelp.”

  “He mentioned something about going to Glasgow with your cousin to determine the feasibility, I believe?”

  Shauna nodded. “Aye. They leave tomorrow.”

  “How far is Glasgow from here?” Mr. Adler asked.

  “Without a carriage, a two-day ride.”

  “So they will not be gone long?”

  “Probably at least a sennight,” Shauna replied. “They also wanted to check how much kelp could be produced at Loch Linnhe and Loch Shiel.”

  Mr. Adler smiled. “You sound quite the astute businesswoman, my dear.”

  Shauna smiled back. “Thank ye. ’Tis kind of ye to acknowledge that.”

  “Young MacLean is a fool if he does not,” Mr. Adler answered.

  She couldn’t agree more, although she left it unsaid. Also unsaid—and she felt a little guilty—was her hope the kelp production wouldn’t be as much as expected and that Owen would decide to stay home instead of returning to Edinburgh. She knew it was wishful thinking, but… She sighed and then stood as Mr. Adler started coughing again. “I should go so you can get some rest.”

  Mr. Adler shivered. “I suppose rest would be good.”

  Neal rose too. “Let me see you out.”

  “Thank ye, but it will nae be necessary. I need to speak to Mrs. Tate about collecting our pledges from the open house,” Shauna said.

  Neal bowed slightly. “Hopefully, we can go on another carriage ride next time.”

  “Aye, I would like that,” Shauna said.

  Nicholas turned back from the door with a grin on his face as he rejoined Wesley. “She said she would enjoy another carriage ride. She just does not know how it will end.”

  Wesley snickered and threw off the blanket. “Yes, I want her to look forward to it so the end of that ride will be so much the worse. How lucky and convenient that MacLeod will be gone.”

  Neal smiled. “Convenient? You might want to thank me for arranging that. After I made a point to meet MacLean at the Commercial Company, it was fairly easy to persuade him that a trip to Glasgow to check things out himself would be in order.”

  Wesley gave his son an appreciative glance. For once, the boy had used his head. “Good work.”

  “I might also have suggested they look into Loch Linnhe and Loch Shiel.”

  “I could not have done better myself,” Wesley said. “So now we make wise use of the time. When MacLeod returns, his lovely cousin will be gone.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Shauna returned home from the dock office on Monday thoroughly disgruntled. She’d anticipated a sense of emptiness since Robert had left with Shane and Owen the past Friday, but she hadn’t expected the return of David, Albert’s young apprentice who’d been beaten in the streets last fall and needed months to recuperate. With his arrival, her assistance in the office was no longer needed.

  As she disembarked from the carriage and walked toward the townhouse, she was tempted to tell Johnny this was the last time he’d have to come down to the docks to bring her home. She knew the other two footmen teased him about being assigned to what seemed like nanny duty, but then he’d hear the news soon enough. Albert, although he’d thanked her for her service, had seemed glad David was back. Shane would probably be happy to find out she’d been replaced as well.

  Not only had she lost doing something she enjoyed, but she’d also lost the opportunity to see Robert on a daily basis.

  Curled up in a comfortable chair in front of the library’s hearth, Abigail looked up from the book she was reading when Shauna entered. “You are home early.”

  “I will be home from now on.”

  Abigail closed the book. “What happened?”

  Shauna told her, trying not to sound sorry for herself.
“I ken David needs his job back. I am just going to miss…the activities.”

  Abigail peered over her spectacles at Shauna and smiled. “I think we can bring one of those…activities here for dinner at least once a week.”

  Shauna’s face heated. “I dinnae mean Robert.”

  Abigail’s smiled widened. “Now did I mention his name?”

  “Nae.” Shauna felt her face grow even warmer. “I—”

  “Shhh. I know you like him.”

  “Is it written on my face then?” Shauna slumped into the chair opposite Abigail’s. “’Tis silly of me, I suppose, especially with Colette claiming his time.”

  “Colette is doing his portrait.”

  “Aye. Ye should see how she touches him every chance she gets.”

  Abigail placed her book on the table beside her. “Does Captain Henderson touch her back?”

  Shauna thought. “I have nae seen him do such.”

  “Hmmm. Does he cook dinner for her like he did for you?”

  “Dinner was for all our benefit.”

  “I do not think Captain Henderson would have returned three evenings in a row because he thought a whole household was starving to death,” Abigail said.

  “Mayhap he was concerned for your bairn.”

  “Even so. I have observed him watching you at dinner. And I do not think he approves how Owen speaks to you.”

  “Neither do I.”

  Abigail smiled. “It could mean that Captain Henderson is jealous.”

  “Jealous?” A strange sensation like butterflies fluttering in her belly flashed through Shauna. She knew Robert didn’t particularly like Owen, but she hadn’t questioned why. Could he be…? She shook her head.

  “Why not? I have seen hunger in his eyes when he looks at you, and it does not have anything to do with food.”

  She had noticed his eyes turned darker sometimes. And there was that night when he’d almost walked her home…his eyes had smoldered then, but he’d changed his mind about the walk. Shauna shook her head again. “The mon has nae even flirted with me.”

  Abigail shrugged. “Shane would seriously injure him if he did—or at least threaten to. Captain Henderson is aware you have two rather imposing brothers as well.”

  “Aye. He does respect them.”

  “Which is all very well and good, but it is not getting you what you want.”

  “What do ye mean?”

  Abigail unfolded her legs and leaned forward in her chair. “You might remember that Shane was a bit…reticent…about our relationship?”

  Shauna nodded. “Shane thought he was married to the sea. He dinna think he could take care of a wife and had nae plan to marry.”

  “Maybe Captain Henderson feels the same way. Such men think it dishonorable to trifle with a woman’s affections.”

  Shauna inhaled sharply. Could Abigail be right? Then she sighed. “If the mon doesnae want—”

  “Phish! Sometimes men do not know what they want until it is pointed out to them.”

  Shauna frowned. “I can hardly ask the captain to talk about it.”

  “I did not say talk about it. I said pointed out…like taking things into your own hands. Literally.”

  Shauna widened her eyes. “Ye mean touch him like Colette does?”

  “You do not have to be that bold.” Abigail smiled. “Just find ways to stand close to him or sit close to him. Without touching. He will soon want to touch you.”

  “Did that work with Shane?”

  Abigail patted her rounded belly. “We are married, are we not?”

  “But I—”

  “Are ye telling girl secrets in here?” Kyla pushed the door open and came through with a tray of tea cakes that she set down on the table. “Janet thought you’d be wanting these.”

  Shauna felt herself blush again and reached for a cake. Kyla had no idea of how close to the truth she was.

  “Thank you,” Abigail said as Kyla eyed the cakes, “Would you like one?”

  “Aye,” Kyla replied. She took one and moved toward the door before turning back. “I almost forgot,” she said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter for Abigail. “The post just came.”

  “Who is it from?” Shauna asked after Kyla left.

  “Jillian.” Abigail tore open the envelope.

  “Maybe she’s had the baby. Does she say if it was a boy or girl?”

  “A boy,” Abigail replied and then frowned.

  “What is it? Is the baby not healthy?”

  “The baby is fine.” She finished the letter and then looked up. “But Bridget’s husband, Brodie, is ill.”

  Shauna put her uneaten cake down. “Does Jillian say what’s wrong?”

  “The physician is not sure. Brodie is fevered and his breathing labored.”

  “Dear God.” Shauna jumped up and began pacing. “My sister has always run the household. If Brodie is that ill, who is doing it? Jillian cannot help if she’s just birthed a child. The twins are too young…” She stopped suddenly. Maybe David’s returning had been a godsend. Fiona would say it was faerie magic, not that it mattered to Shauna. She looked at Abigail. “I am going to Glenfinnan.”

  “I thought you might.” Abigail gave herself a push and got out of the chair. “I will go with you.”

  “Ye are in nae condition to travel.”

  “Nonsense. My babe is not due for another four months.”

  “Shane doesnae want ye to even leave the house.”

  “Shane is not here.”

  “He will be furious with ye—and me—once he finds out.”

  “Hmmm. Well, let me worry about that.” Abigail gave Shauna’s hand a squeeze. “Like I said earlier, sometimes we just have to take things into our own hands.”

  Johnny had glowered at them when Abigail told him to be ready to leave on the morrow. Jacob and George had adamantly refused to take the trip until Kyla announced she’d be going as well.

  All three footmen were still grousing under their breaths the next morning as they loaded trunks and valises on top of the large, rented coach. Shauna heard bits and pieces about their hides being tanned when Shane found out and being grateful they weren’t sailors or he’d have them walk the plank. From their dour expressions, they had no hope of retaining their positions.

  Even Albert had his doubts about letting them leave until Janet reminded him of how much care he’d needed and how she had not been able to attend to the household. Although he still looked skeptical, he’d finally agreed they needed to go.

  Thankfully, the roads were in fair condition. The previous snow had melted and the area had been spared recent rains, which would have left muddy ruts to plough through. The coach, not as comfortable as Shane’s smaller barouche but sturdier, lurched and rocked, threatening to toss all three of them against the sides unless they hung onto the leather loops hanging from the ceiling.

  “I doona see why we cannae have George and Jacob sitting inside,” Kyla grumbled. “It would save me sliding all over this seat.”

  Shauna bit back a smile. No doubt Kyla would enjoy bumping against both of the young footmen. Since Abigail had brought to Shauna’s attention the benefit of being close, she was eyeing Kyla’s actions in a different light.

  “You know the only reason Albert agreed to let us go was if the men would ride outside on the rumble seat to keep watch,” Abigail said.

  “Armed to the teeth,” Shauna added. She knew when Ian had sent the footmen to Edinburgh as an attachment for Abigail last year, he had chosen three who could handle both swords and muskets. However, once Albert had finished outfitting them, each now wore both musket and pistol, as well as a long sword. Various knives were tucked into their livery. Abigail’s eyes had grown big at the sight of so many weapons, and she’d asked if they were really necessary. Albert had replied
that just because the clans weren’t feuding openly, it didn’t mean brigands weren’t on the roads. Shauna carried her sgian dubh strapped to her calf as well, although she thought it might be better not to remind Abigail with that fact.

  “I am sure Johnny, George and Jacob will be glad to see the Highlands again,” Shauna said to divert Kyla from more complaining.

  The statement had the desired effect. “Aye, they will,” Kyla said. “I’m wondering how many other braw lads your brother has working for him.”

  “Quite a number,” Shauna said and leaned back against the squab. Kyla would be occupied thinking about them for some time, which allowed Shauna some thinking time of her own.

  Albert was right that Scots were not openly feuding any longer, but that was because the English had outlawed the whole clan system. It didn’t mean the clans didn’t exist, nor that they had forgiven past transgressions. They just didn’t announce it openly…which brought back the problem of Owen. Besides Bridget needing help, Shauna wanted to make this trip to talk to Ian as well.

  She wasn’t at all sure how amiable Ian would be to the idea of her not marrying Owen. Bridget’s marriage had been arranged. Brodie was a Cameron, his ancestral land bordering north of Glenfinnan. Although in the past his clan had fought with the MacDonalds and against the MacLeans, they’d also been staunch defenders at Culloden. When Bridget had been but two-and-ten, their father had decided an alliance with the Camerons would be a good one. After he’d been killed in a carriage accident, Ian had seen to the marriage carried out when Bridget turned seven-and-ten.

  That had been nearly a decade ago. What went on behind the closed doors of their chamber, Shauna didn’t know. There had been no bairns, but she thought that Bridget and Brodie seemed happy together…or at least content.

  Shauna didn’t see herself being happy with Owen—or even content. She was aware of what happened in the marital bed, and the thought of allowing him…of having to submit her body to him made her shudder and her blood chill.

  The thought of sharing that same bed with Robert made her blood heat and her body tingle in strange places.

  Lord, what was she going to do?

  Wesley settled back on the squab of the fancy landau waiting on the drive in front of the charitable home. He’d had Nicholas rent this expensive carriage because today was a special occasion. Wesley gave a self-satisfied smile. Finally—finally—everything was going his way.