Then, much to her chagrin, Camry pulled Adeline close to him. She felt his breath on her face and knew what he was expecting of her next. Indeed, despite his lack of love for her, Camry pulled her closer and rested his lips on her own.
Adeline pursed her lips in response, unable to give anything back to this man. However, it seemed that he would not be appeased.
The Search for Adeline’s Captor
“Almost there, men!” Richard announced, realizing that his troop had nearly arrived at Borthswick and they would be entering a situation with little information to go on. He still had no idea whether or not the mutiny had begun, or if it was still just simple talk.
Mr. Hudson was toward the back of the cavalry, and Richard wished he was closer to him. Nevertheless, he was relieved to know that he and his men had almost made it and would soon be solving the problem at hand.
No matter the inconvenience it represented, Richard appreciated the distraction. He was glad for something to focus on, a problem he knew he was capable of handling. He preferred solving problems over wallowing in them, as he had been doing regarding the issues facing Adeline.
However, his thoughts continued to stray back to her and he found himself, as always, wondering what had come of her since their separation. He found himself aching to be at her side.
Then, as if like a flash before his eyes, Richard recalled the emblem again. That curious crest, black with gold shells. It had been sewn into the man’s jacket and he also had the crest as a badge.
Clearly he was of noble blood, but what family? Furthermore, who could Richard ask to find out?
Arriving at Fort Borthswick, Richard was immediately confused.
With all his men behind him, they watched as the soldiers there sat back, laughing, and relaxed. Then their eyes turned to this new army that had come upon them and they appeared confused and nervous.
Richard wondered if the information had been entirely wrong altogether. These were not mutinous fiends. They were soldiers, average soldiers, men who had little to hide.
Nevertheless, due diligence required that every man be questioned. Richard and his men had orders. That meant they had to seek out any hint of a plan to overthrow their leadership.
“Good day, men,” Richard began.
The soldiers stood, seeing that Richard had a higher ranking, and they all greeted him with respect.
“My name is Lieutenant Holloway. I have been sent on orders from the Crown. We are here to question you. If you have nothing to hide, then you have no reason to fear. No innocent man shall face any consequence or punishment. We simply ask for your cooperation so that we can do our duty and be gone,” he explained.
The soldiers continued to look at one another in apparent worry. They could not understand Richard’s presence among them.
A tent was set up, allowing an easy place for questioning. Richard’s men stood guard, ensuring the soldiers at the camp could not break free and run if they did, indeed, have anything to hide. Meanwhile, Richard questioned the men one at a time, with one of his officers standing behind him for a second opinion on any who seemed suspicious.
Once Richard had questioned the first five men, he felt confident that the information that had been given to Major Dashfield was false. Perhaps even drummed up by the leaders of the fort in an effort to bring in more military support to the area, he believed.
However, as Richard questioned the sixth man, he realized that he might have an opportunity to learn a few things for himself.
“Officer Daily, you are dismissed,” Richard said, turning to his man.
Officer Daily gave Richard a questioning look, but respected the authority of his leader and respectfully exited the tent, leaving Richard alone with the soldier of Fort Borthswick.
“Soldier,” he began. “I have questions that do not necessarily pertain to the issue at hand, which you have already given answer for.”
The man knit together his thick brown eyebrows and waited for Richard to continue with his questioning.
“Are you aware of a crest that is black with gold shells?” Richard asked, drawing a basic sketch of it on a loose sheet of paper. “Like this.”
The soldier looked intently, as if studying the image. “Actually, Lieutenant, I do recognize it. I believe the family is quite near here. It’s a local earl. I’m trying to remember his name, but honestly, I only just arrived with the new batch of recruits two weeks ago,” the soldier admitted apologetically.
“So you do not know that name? That’s alright, I’m glad to know they are around here. That gives me confidence I will get answers,” Richard replied.
“Indeed, Lieutenant. I think Jenkins can give you those answers. He is the most familiar with local residents. And he’s been here nearing six months, a good deal more than my fortnight,” the soldier suggested.
“Jenkins?” Richard asked.
“Yes, Lieutenant. Paul Jenkins. He’s on track to be a lieutenant soon with the way he works. He’d be the man to talk to.”
“Thank you. That is very helpful. Could you please call him in for me?” Richard asked.
“Yes, Lieutenant,” the soldier said with a nod before standing and leaving.
Moments later, Jenkins entered the tent and sat down on the chair. Richard first got his questions of mutiny out of the way, knowing it was better to handle that issue first. There was no hint of betrayal in the man.
After that was handled, Richard launched into his questions about the man known as Camry, and showed Jenkins the crest.
“Oh, of course, Lieutenant! That’s the Earl of Firbrook’s crest. He’s got a son by the name of Camry. He has another son, too, an older one, actually. Camry won’t get the title, but I’ve heard he’s pretty fiercely devoted to the Jacobite cause. And he’s a man with extreme determination,” Jenkins began.
“Yeah, from what I’ve learned about that family, the elder, Callum, is the better of the two, although they are both bound by their duty to bettering the Scottish lands and they’re willing to sacrifice just about anything to do it.”
“Really?” Richard asked, dumbfounded by all the information. “And do you know of any alliance between the House of Firbrook and Dunmore?”
Jenkins’s eyes widened. “Wow. I think that would be a very powerful alliance. I mean, I know they are friendly, but beyond that, I’m not sure. I imagine putting those two together would be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
“And how do you imagine such an alliance would be formed?” Richard asked.
Jenkins paused to think and he let a breath rush out of him. “I suppose there are plenty of ways. A formal decree? A financial transaction, maybe? Or, of course, a marriage,” Jenkins voiced his thoughts.
At this last possibility, Richard’s blood rushed to his face in anger. Of course Camry would want to marry her for those purposes!
He was an earl’s son, but he would never hold the title while his brother lived. He wanted to make his mark on the Jacobite cause. What better way than marrying into the family of a powerful clan?
Not to mention the fact that Adeline was an orphan, so her family, including her once-powerful father, could not object to the match. Most likely, her uncle, the laird, would not object because he cared little for her own thoughts and feelings and more about his own betterment.
Richard dismissed Jenkins after learning that the estate of the Grennock family was not far from their camp.
He continued to question men about the mutiny at hand and felt confident that none of the soldiers had plans in place to overthrow their leadership. Richard finished by having talks with the leaders and reassuring them that there was nothing to be concerned about.
While his thoughts were distracted by Adeline and Camry Grennock, Richard had to pass the day at Fort Borthswick with his fellow soldiers, enjoying the same boiled potatoes he ate daily at Fort Amswold, and listening to the war songs made up by these soldiers.
They told bawdy jokes and stories, and laughed as ev
ening fell. For Richard, it felt good to be away from his own camp, but still among men who understood him. These were men who lived in the same unique situation as he. They were soldiers; Englishmen hated in the land they were invading.
They had to fight for their cause nonetheless. No matter the struggle, they had been repeatedly assured that it would all be worth it in the end.
Richard wondered at the fact that he might soon be free of his military constraints. He knew not what he would choose to do with his life after, but he knew that he was ready to finish this season.
All he could think about was how he wanted to spend those future days with Adeline by his side. He wanted her to be with him no matter what.
However, that meant he would have to rescue her now.
Richard considered that she might already be at Dunmore, but he also knew there was a chance she was at the estate of the Earl of Firbrook, which was so near to him now.
He was angered by the knowledge that it was very possible Camry Grennock didn’t even love Adeline. He was likely using her for his own purposes! He wanted the advantage of a bride from Dunmore to prove his worth and his loyalty to the Jacobite cause.
The union would make him successful, strong, a force to be reckoned with. All those things, all those motivations, all those treacheries, sickened Richard as he thought of how his wife was to be used as a pawn for Camry’s game in gaining power.
Then Richard began to consider the other sides of the issue. He understood Camry’s goal, but how could he stop it? He could not charge it, as Camry believed had abducted Adeline, and demand her release. He could not convince Camry that they were, indeed, married and in love.
In some ways, a doubt crept into Richard’s mind. What if Adeline wanted this? What if she loved Richard, but the ease of being with Camry was too tempting?
What if she, too, saw the benefits of the union? She was not a woman who sought power, but that didn’t mean that she wouldn’t do it for the sake of her family. Or their legacy.
And again, the ease of it all! It was clear that she struggled with the barriers in their cultures. Would the temptation of being a Scottish wife be a comfort she could not deny? Why wouldn’t she want that? Why wouldn’t she choose it?
Richard realized he needed to learn of Adeline’s aspirations. He had to know with clarity what she preferred. Not doubting for a moment that she loved him, he still had to know if it was worth it for her.
Richard made the decision. If Adeline was at Firbrook Estate, he would meet with her. He would go and scout out the home before fully making his plan, but he knew well that it would involve great risk but the satisfaction of answers. This was the temptation that most got under his skin.
He would first go to the estate, as the soldiers laid to rest that night. It would be easier than ever. He was a guest here, and he was a leader. None would dare question him, even if they did realize he had gone out that night.
Once at the estate, he would see how he might get in and find Adeline. It was as if fate had sent him south for this very purpose.
However, if she was not there, it would be only a matter of a day or two before he would be sent back to Fort Amswold, and he knew that from there, he might be able to get away once more for the sake of finding Adeline. So long as he thought up a good excuse for Major Dashfield.
Whatever happened, Richard had to know. He had to learn what Adeline wanted and whether it was something he could give her.
A Surprise Guest At Firbrooke
“A piping in?” Adeline asked with slight amusement. It was no holiday or big event, but Camry had ordered the bagpipers to present the haggis at mealtime that evening. He had told Adeline that for him, it was a special dinner because he would formally announce to his family that they were officially engaged.
Adeline had argued that she’d never agreed to be his wife, but Camry laughed it off, insisting it was nonsense to deny they would marry.
The days with Camry had seemed long. She had been able to enjoy her own culture, to indulge in the things loved by the Scots. However, it didn’t make her feel any better about being far from Richard. In addition, it didn’t make it better that she was Camry’s prisoner and soon-to-be wife.
“Ye ken I ensured that we had haggis, not because of the celebration, but because it is yer favorite. Ye may not believe it, but I will be a good husband to ye,” Camry leaned over and whispered.
Adeline was irritated by his arrogant declaration. He would not be a good husband. Good husbands didn’t have to kidnap their wives. They didn’t have to force women to marry them. He was far from a good husband. He was just a man, and a man who was selfish and cruel.
On the other hand, there was the underlying knowledge that he would be an easier husband. He would be a husband that understood her. That was terribly tempting.
Still, she did not love him. She did not want to be his slave wife. She did not want to rub his feet or draw his bath.
Certainly he had servants who did those things, but it would still be expected of her because that’s who Camry was.
Richard would never ask for those things. Yet, for him, she would gladly do them.
Richard would not understand these things before her. He would not understand the tradition of playing an instrument to welcome in a food that had a legend as if it were a creature of its own.
He would not understand the reading of poetry in their dialect. He would not understand the things they did or why they did them. Adeline knew that she would be deeply saddened being with a man who didn’t understand her.
At the same time, she was far more upset without him. Yes, she would rather have Richard by her side than all the comforts of home.
After dinner, Adeline stood and crept through the house before the celeidh began. She needed a moment alone, so she stood on a balcony, one of many, and stared out at the sky.
Just then, someone tapped on her shoulder. Adeline turned to see a fiddle in his hands, but when her eyes met his, she was shocked! “Richard?” she asked in disbelief.
“Please, come to the garden with me. I must speak to you,” he insisted, setting the fiddle down just inside the doors that opened to the balcony.
“I will try to get there. But why are ye here?” she asked, still in shock.
“We will speak down there. I will wait for you,” he promised.
Adeline followed slowly behind, cautious that she was not seen by any of Grennock’s family or servants. She knew well that she had to be safe if she was going to meet Richard. Especially since he was the very man Camry had taken her from.
Finally she managed to get through a side door and out into the garden. No one of any consequence had seen her escape.
Once in the garden, she hid behind a large topiary until she saw Richard behind another. Adeline quickly made her way to him and they were both hidden, without any chance of being seen from the house. So long as no other lovers had snuck out, they were safe.
“What are ye doing here?” she asked, her voice now edging on anger. The more she had thought about it on her way out to meet him, the angrier she became.
“I-I came to rescue you,” he replied, clearly taken aback by her tone.
“To rescue me? How do ye plan to rescue me when ye’re risking everything? Yer very life! Did ye even consider that?” she asked, her voice rising in pitch.
“My life is nothing without you, Adeline. Why should I not have risked it to be with you? Why should I not have sacrificed everything to know that you will be in my arms this night?” he asked in reply. There was desperation in his voice.
Adeline knew he desired her more than Camry ever could. “Ye dinnae understand, Richard. Ye dinnae understand at all what ye’ve done in coming here. I cannae just go with ye. It doesnae work like that. Ye want me to just run off with ye? Do ye have any idea how many warriors are here?” she asked, her voice rising further still.
“But look how easy it was for us to come out here to the gardens. We left the estate easily e
nough, why not the grounds?” he asked.
Adeline scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Dinnae be a fool. I can guarantee ye that at least three men have already been sent to look for me since Camry hasnae seen me since dinner. The fool thinks he’s to be me husband. It doesnae matter what I want. Ye cannae just come here and take me away,” she said again.
“Your husband?” Richard asked, Adeline seeing his heart break with the words.
“It’s not what I want, but it’s what he’s arranging. I have to figure out me own way to avoid it. But coming here like this, with the warriors, the guards, yer little disguise isnae going to get us out of here,” she said in irritation.
As if on cue, voices rose from the doors of the estate. “She isnae inside! We looked everywhere,” one guard declared, worry in his voice.
“Blasted Grennock will have our heads if we dinnae find her,” said another.
Adeline and Richard crept lower behind the topiary and she turned her eyes to him as if to confirm her wisdom and his foolishness.
“Please, listen to me, Adeline,” Richard said in a whisper. “We can still get out of here. I can take you with me. We will be alright.”
“No, Richard. We willnae. And I cannae have yer head on me hands. They will destroy ye. Not only because ye’re a threat to me marriage to Camry, but because yer very coming here is an insult.
“The very fact ye think ye can waltz in here and invade a guarded place like this will be such a wound to the pride of the Grennocks that they would kill ye on principle. Just to make a point. Just to show ye that they could. That ye dinnae have any authority here,” she explained.
“They would kill me because I’m Hanoverian, I know this,” he said.
“No, ye dinnae. I didnae say they’d kill ye for being Hanoverian. I said they’d kill ye because ye thought ye could. Listen, Richard. I love ye. And I am desperate to be with ye and I ken that means escaping from Camry, but right now, I cannae do it. This isnae the way. We’ll both get killed. At least ye,” she said once more.
Kidnapped Highland Bride (Ladies of Dunmore Series) (A Medieval Scottish Romance Story) Page 13