She threw herself into Ruairi’s arms and lowered his head to hers.
Eight
Ruairi’s mouth covered Ravenna’s, and her lips were soft and searching. Reluctantly, he pulled back, his breathing labored. He placed his forehead against hers, stopping before he lost all sense of reason.
“I told ye. I will have ye in my bed where we will nae be interrupted.”
A dim flush raced like a fever across her pale and beautiful face. She pulled away and then uncertainty crept into her expression. “Why did you ask me if I could finish Torquil’s studies within a sennight? Am I so unbearable that you’d want to get rid of me so soon?” The expression in her eyes suddenly changed from passionate to openly amused.
“Och, lass, ye arenae that unbearable. I may find ye a wee bit tolerable, even if ye are English.”
They shared a smile, and he reached out and took her hand in his. He walked with her along the beach.
“Why donna ye tell me of your clan…er, family.”
Her eyes lit up with surprise. “There is not much to tell. I’m afraid my life is not nearly as captivating as that of a Highland laird.”
“I’ll tell ye a little secret.” He lowered his head and whispered, “’Tisnae that captivating.”
“Now I don’t know about that,” she said with a trace of laughter in her voice.
“Ye seem to have me at a disadvantage, lass. Ye know much of my life and I know naught of yours. I understand ye’ve been a governess for some time, but I have to admit, I am somewhat surprised.” When she raised her brow, puzzled, he added, “Ye are a bonny woman. I’d have thought ye’d be wed. Or mayhap ye were wed before?”
She shook her head and looked down at the sand. “I was in love once—a long time ago—but no, I’ve never been wed.”
Ruairi sensed an odd twinge of disappointment coming from her.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me. My assignments do not grant me that privilege. I understand the price I pay for such responsibility. I simply can’t afford to get too close.”
He briefly wondered if her words were meant for him. He was about to ask her, but then decided against it. “Do ye have family waiting for ye in England?”
She smirked. “I have three unruly younger sisters.”
“Three?”
“Yes. My mother and father passed away, and now we have only each other.”
“And ye work as a governess to support them?”
“I try my best. Kat and Elizabeth are the youngest. My sister, Grace, is almost ready for marriage, but she wants no part of a man.”
Ruairi chuckled. “Aye. I cannae say that I blame her. Most of us are rogues. At least your sister has enough sense to see that.”
“I suppose, but Grace is very headstrong and always gets into trouble. She does whatever she pleases and doesn’t listen at all.”
He gave her a wry grin. “She is verra much like her sister, then.”
Ravenna slapped him playfully on the arm. “Now that wasn’t very nice, Laird Sutherland. I am not headstrong and don’t get into trouble…much.”
He nodded in amusement. “Four women under the same roof. Frankly, I cannae even imagine. Is it difficult for ye?”
“At times.”
“I’ve ne’er had any siblings, but I do have Fagan. Sometimes I find he can be verra annoying.”
“It’s easy to see that the two of you are like brothers.”
“Aye. I guess ye could say that. I consider Fagan and Ian both my brothers, even though we arenae bound by blood.”
“When Fagan and I spoke on the parapet, he mentioned that your father and Laird Munro’s father were lifelong friends. I see you carry on the same tradition with his son. I’m sure your fathers would be proud of the two of you.”
“I would like to think so. My father was a great man who believed heavily in honor and tradition. I hope to instill the same in Torquil.” He stopped and turned, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Ravenna, the Highlands can be a verra dangerous place, especially for a lass who doesnae know our ways.”
“I know. I’ve seen Angus, remember?”
He chuckled. “Be that as it may, there are others who are far more vicious than Angus. Nay matter how much I enjoy having ye under my roof, I would be indebted to ye if there was anything ye could do to move along Torquil’s studies.”
“I don’t understand. Why this sudden sense of urgency?”
He paused. “The Gordon asked something of me, and he wants my answer within a sennight. I’d like to see ye safe and away from here before it comes to that.”
Ravenna lifted her chin in the air. “You don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.”
“Lass, the man killed my cattle to make his point, and I donna know if he will stop there. Now I will ultimately refuse his request, but the Gordon will be verra cross with me. I cannae say what he’ll do once he hears an answer he will nae be happy with.”
Her eyes became searching. “Ruairi, what did he ask of you? You said Laird Gordon was concerned with politics. I can only assume the reason for his visit was to get you to do something for his own political gain.”
Ruairi smirked. “For a governess, ye certainly have a keen sense for political matters.”
“What will you do?”
He hesitated. “I told ye. I will refuse his request.”
“And he will not take your refusal lightly,” she simply stated.
He sighed. “For many years I’ve tried to keep peace with the Gordon, if only for my wife’s sake. I think I can nay longer postpone the inevitable. I’ve tried to keep our clans from warring, but I will protect what is mine if the Gordon doesnae see reason.”
***
As they rode back to the castle, Ravenna was silent. From what she could interpret from Ruairi’s vague responses to her questions, this was nothing more than another battle between the Highland lairds over clan politics. She didn’t have any proof that the men conspired against the realm.
Perhaps Uncle Walter was right and the Highland lairds were completely out of control. All they seemed to do was battle with one another. Now she knew why King James required these men to report to Edinburgh to stand for their actions. The king’s laws were difficult to administer in the Highlands because the men were so far removed. Apparently, Highland justice was the only law present in northern Scotland.
Ruairi dismounted in the bailey and assisted Ravenna from her horse.
“I think I’ll be able to give Torquil a good start in the time you’ve requested.” She gave him a warm smile. “And you don’t have to worry. I’ll report back to the king’s man that all is in order here, but I will have to tell him of your wife’s passing. Nevertheless, he doesn’t have to know the time of her death. You have my word.”
“Thank ye, Ravenna.”
She nodded in response and walked to her chamber. At least she’d be able to journey home faster than she’d initially anticipated. Grace and her insolent behavior were undoubtedly driving Uncle Walter mad. He was more than likely praying every night for Ravenna’s safe return. She hoped her uncle had learned his lesson, and she smirked when she thought that Grace’s willfulness was indubitably punishment enough for the man. But Ravenna would gladly refresh her uncle’s memory of keeping watch over her sisters the next time he decided to send her so far from home.
She closed the door to her chamber and sat down to pen a letter telling Uncle Walter she was coming home. She also asked him to send Grace to meet her in Edinburgh to give the poor man a much-needed break.
If Ravenna was being truthful, she couldn’t overlook the fact that a part of her would miss the Highlands. She didn’t have a single regret about meeting Laird Ruairi Sutherland or the time she spent with him, contrary to what most English lords thought about the Highland barbarians. She’d be sure to tell the men their interpretation was completely wrong—at least about one laird in particular.
Ravenna sealed the missive and then approached the washbowl
. She splashed cool water on her face as her mind drifted to Torquil. The boy would be thankful he no longer had to be trapped in the library with her. And she had to admit, she was relieved that she no longer needed to vie for his attention. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Torquil by giving him false hope that his mother had been replaced.
She picked up a cloth and patted her face dry. Even though she couldn’t wait to see her sisters, she felt a sudden, inexplicable sourness in the pit of her stomach. But she refused to dwell on these ridiculous notions any longer. When it was time to sup, she made her way to the great hall and noticed that Laird Munro and his men were not in attendance.
She took her seat as Fagan looked up from his meal. “How did ye enjoy the beach?” he asked with a wry grin.
“It was quite lovely.”
“Aye. I told Ruairi ye would enjoy it.” He tossed a piece of bread in his mouth and wiped the crumbs from his hands.
“Where are Laird Sutherland and Laird Munro?”
Fagan swallowed his bread and took a drink from his tankard. “Ian took his leave after the Gordon departed.”
She nodded. “I suppose you’ve heard that I’ll be leaving in a few days.”
His eyes shot up in surprise. “Truly? Nay, I hadnae heard.” A strange look crossed his face and he paused. “Ye’ve completed Torquil’s studies, then?”
“For now.” She wouldn’t mention the fact that next year Ruairi would need to make certain Torquil was sent to the Lowlands to continue his studies, especially since Ruairi’s wife had now “officially” passed away.
“Well, have nay doubt ye will be missed around here, Ravenna. Ye’ve livened up the place with your presence. And ’tis quite obvious Torquil has developed a certain fondness for ye…and so has Ruairi.” His eyes caught and held hers.
She promptly lowered her gaze to her trencher. “He’s developed as much fondness for me as Angus, I’m afraid.”
Fagan’s voice deepened. “Now I wouldnae say that, lass. Know this… Ruairi doesnae let just any lass close to his heart.”
Ravenna raised her eyes to find Fagan watching her. “And how would Ruairi feel about the captain of his guard saying such words to his son’s governess?” she asked in a scolding tone.
“Ye should know me well enough to recognize that I am nae just Ruairi’s captain. I’m his friend, his brother, and sometimes the one who kicks him in the arse because he doesnae know what’s best for him.”
She immediately felt a sense of guilt. “Come now. You barely know me.”
“’Tis my responsibility to look out for Ruairi. I’ve been watching ye for weeks. I’ve noticed how kind ye are to everyone around ye, except mayhap Angus.”
“With good reason.”
He waved her off. “A blind fool can see that ye care for my laird.”
She lowered her voice and feigned indifference. “My duty is to… In England, I have family, other people who depend on me. And you can’t overlook the fact that Ruairi has responsibilities here to his lands and his people.” When Fagan seemed disappointed by her response, she added, “You have a kind heart, but don’t look for something that isn’t there. Ruairi and I live in and are from two completely different worlds. Nothing would ever work between us.”
He looked as if he was weighing his response. “Mayhap, but if ye loved him, ye’d find a way.” He paused and lowered his voice. “Do ye love him?”
Ravenna’s mouth dropped open, and she found herself suddenly irked by Fagan’s prodding. She knew he meant well, but the question was like a double-edged sword. Of course she cared for Ruairi. But love? She didn’t love him. She couldn’t. It was impossible. She hadn’t even known him that long. No matter what she felt, she couldn’t think any more about Fagan’s question because she’d be gone by the end of the week.
Fagan continued to watch her with the eyes of a hawk. He studied her as she was struggling to collect herself. When she realized he was still waiting for her response, she wondered what he would say if she told him that her feelings or lack thereof were none of his concern.
She felt as though she was speaking with Grace because her sister also had a way of hounding her to the point of madness. That’s when she had a revelation. Fagan actually reminded her of Grace. The two of them were from the same mold, never knowing when to hold their tongue. She needed to change the direction of this conversation.
“I always find you to be so interested in Ruairi’s life. What of your own?”
His eyes narrowed. “What do ye mean?”
“I think you know exactly what I mean.”
Fagan shifted uncomfortably in the chair. “Many lasses have captured my heart, but nae one of them has held it.”
“Mmm…I can’t help but wonder why that is.” She tapped her finger to her chin. “And why do you think that is?”
“We were speaking of ye. I’m nae sure when ye made the switch, but that was verra clever of ye, lass.”
“What did she do now?” asked Ruairi, pulling out his chair.
“It was naught,” said Fagan, turning his attention back to his meal.
Ravenna felt someone pull on the sleeve of her day dress. She turned her head to see a grim expression crossing Torquil’s face.
“I nay want ye to leave.”
She pulled the boy close and embraced him. “You are doing so well, Torquil.” He lifted his head and she brushed back the hair from his face. “I will miss you too, but I must return to England.” When he lifted his brow, Ruairi repeated her words in Gaelic.
The boy nodded and pulled away from her, taking his seat with hastened purpose. Her eyes met Ruairi’s and he offered her a smile.
“I was surprised when Ravenna told me she was taking her leave,” said Fagan to Ruairi. Something unspoken passed between the two men, and Ruairi’s eyes narrowed.
“Ye know there are pressing matters upon us.”
“Aye, but I didnae think ye would make her—”
Ruairi silenced Fagan with a glare, and Ravenna suddenly had a strong desire to simply disappear.
She stood. “If you will both excuse me…”
As she walked away, she heard Ruairi say, “Now look what ye have done.”
***
“What did I do?” asked Fagan with widened eyes.
Ruairi lowered his voice. “Do ye honestly think I would want Ravenna here when I refuse the Gordon men and arms?”
“I guess nae. I just didnae think ye’d send her away so soon. I know ye favor her. I thought ye’d keep her around for a wee bit longer.”
Ruairi shook his head. “Ye do remember she is a governess who was sent here by King James. Whether she takes her leave within a sennight or remains for several months, she will eventually take her leave. Ravenna cannae stay here, and if ye thought as much, ye are a fool.”
Fagan grabbed his tankard, an amused look crossing his face. “Are ye telling me those words for a reason, or are ye only saying them aloud to reassure yourself?”
“Ye’re an arse.”
“Admit it. Ye love me for it.”
Ruairi smirked. “I’d rather ye worry about yourself and let me worry about me.”
“But if I didnae interfere—”
“My life would be so much easier.”
“Believe what ye will, my laird.”
Ruairi sought a much-needed respite from Fagan by retiring to his chamber. He’d thought of luring Ravenna to his bed, but he needed time to clear his head. He didn’t even bother to undress as he lay across the bed, waiting. The lass had lowered her defenses on the beach earlier in the afternoon, and he’d tried to convince her to talk about herself. She never did. Her life must be hard, losing her mother and father and now having to care for her younger siblings. Ruairi didn’t like to see anyone struggle, especially someone as kind as Ravenna. He would be sure to line her purse with coin before she departed. That was the least he could do.
He stood and looked out the small window in his chamber. As he studied the moon, he real
ized it was almost time for low tide. Now was the perfect time to gather coin, because after tonight, he would make certain the lass shared his bed every eve until she left. And there was no way he was leaving the comfort of her warm embrace to wander the cold, dark tunnels alone.
Ruairi walked through the halls and entered the kitchens, hesitating when he reached the pantry. The room was silent and no one was about. As he had done so many times before, he pushed back the cloth and entered the pantry. He approached the shelved wall and lifted the false shelf to pull the lever. When the wall creaked open, he paused to make certain he was alone, as he had done before. When he didn’t hear anything, he pushed open the partition and walked through. He lit the candle and closed the wall behind him.
As always, the air in the passageways was cold and damp. He descended several hundred feet through the tunnels and turned east. The sound of the ocean waves crashed in the distance. He had just set foot in the natural room when he thought he’d heard something behind him.
He walked back out and held up the candle. He looked left, then right. There was no sign of anyone. He reentered the room and placed the candle on the ground. Bending over, he once again encircled the giant rock with his arms. When the hole in the floor was revealed, Ruairi removed the pouch from his sporran and lowered himself to the wet stone floor. His fingers reached around in the hole, but something didn’t feel quite right.
He grabbed the candle and lowered it into the hole. He knew he had recently added the rents, but the amount of coin was less than before. How was that possible? He shook off the thought—he had to be mistaken. He reached in and tossed a couple handfuls of coin into the bag.
Ruairi replaced the rock and stood, wiping the grit from his hands onto his kilt. He had grabbed the candle and was walking out of the cavern when he heard a loud banging from the opposite end of the tunnels. He turned around and followed the noise he had definitely heard this time. When he reached the end of the tunnel that entered into the hidden glade, he stopped. There were no signs of anyone or anything, but he was certain he’d heard something. As he turned, his foot scraped something on the dirt floor.
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