Laird of the Mist

by Foery MacDonell

  Hmmm. Perhaps not such a boy after all. With a cock like that, he could be quite amusing. Quite amusing, indeed.

  Fiona MacHendrie had found a temporary diversion in the Highlands that she loathed.

  ―Comtesse,‖ Camden pressed her against the wallpapered entry wall after the other guests had gone. ―I have been waiting all evening to be close to you again.‖ He ran his hand down the back of her gown to show his intent. ―I was hoping you felt the same after the kiss we shared yesterday.‖

  ― Why, Captain, surely that innocent kiss did not inspire this?‖ Fiona teased him, eyes sparkling with the thrill of the game they were playing.

  Camden had been touching her thigh under the massive oak table all through the elegant dinner. Surrounded by important guests, the Commanding Officer of the garrison among them, it had been a perilous and tantalizing amusement. Now alone, the situation could turn serious and electrifying. It would intensify the players as well as the match. Fiona was at her best.

  ―Innocent kiss?‖ Camden pulled back to look deeply into her eyes. He smirked a bit as he ran his strong hands down her shoulders and arms. He gripped her wrists.

  ―My dear Comtesse, you are no innocent. I know the game you are playing.‖

  ―I play no games, Captain.‖ Fiona laughed and tossed back her head. She twisted her wrists away from him,and then grabbed his forearms with an iron grip. ―Iknow what Iwant, Camden, and Ialways get it‖

  ―Do you, Fiona?‖heasked. He leaned toward her and began to run his hot tongue along the side of her neck, causing Fiona to give a sharp gasp of pleasure. She let go his hands, and deftly ran her fingers along the inside of the waistband on his trousers.

  ―I did not give you leave to address me by my Christian name, Captain.‖

  ―Ah, Fiona .‖ Camden sighed as he nipped her neck lower toward her décolletage. ―You may get what you want, but I takewhat I want. That is the difference between us.‖

  Lost in the pleasure of the chase, Fiona gave a little, lascivious laugh. ―I suspect there is no difference between us, Caldwell,‖ she retorted in a low and guttural tone. ―Surely there are bedrooms in this manse of yours?Would you care to give me a tour?‖

  Camden broke the embrace and took her hand, leading her toward the sweeping staircase. ―It would be a pleasure, Comtesse,‖ he answered. ―Allow me,‖ he said, putting a foot on the lowest stair to lead her up.

  ―We shall see what I will allow,‖ Fiona teased, and picked up her skirts to follow the deathly attractive captain.

  ―Oh, it‘s only ye, Cat. Ithought it was Robbie Colson.‖ Carrick looked up from his desk where he had been reading. ―He is due here any moment. What is it, lass?‖ He laid down the sheaf of documents he was holding and sat back in his chair, arms folded behind his head.

  Cat sat in front of the desk and leaned over it. ―Ye ken that Fiona has gone to Inverness these past three weeks, do ye no?‖ She was a bit miffed that he had not told her before.

  Carrick let out a long breath. Heknew what was coming. ―Aye, Cat. I kent it. I dinna wish to alarm ye with the knowing of it.‖

  ―But, Carrick, why? I mean, why did she go? I ran into Laurie, the housekeeper there. She told me Fiona left right after the ceidhli. And what is she up to? It cannabe anything good where Fiona is concerned.‖

  ―I dinna ken, lass. I wouldha set a tail on her, but with the distilling season upon us, I couldna spare anyone for so long a time. Wecan only hope she doesna cause any grief.‖ Carrick stood at the knock on the study door. ―Ye‘d best go, Cat. This is bound to end up in words exchanged.‖

  ―Robbie‘s been violating the stalkingrules again, aye?‖ Cat rose to leave. ―Best I go help with the laundry, then. Later, love.‖

  ―Aye, best ye be gone from here,‖ he said, opening the door to allow her exit. ―Later, indeed.‖ He brushed a light kiss across her cheek. ―Ah, do come in, Robbie, and have a seat.‖

  ―Good day to ye, LadyMacDonell.‖ Robbie Colson nodded acknowledgment to Cat and took a chair. A wiry, scruffy looking man in his late thirties, he had a belligerent air about him.

  ―And a good day to ye as well, Robbie.‖ Cat answered and closed the door behind her. Robbie breaking rules again. Carrick had looked concerned and not a little angry. Best to let him deal with it, she thought, having every confidence in her husband‘s ability to deal with the man. Laundry was calling.

  ―Thank ye for coming, Robbie,‖Carrick began as heseated himself behind the desk. ―Ihave a thing to discuss with ye.‖

  Robbie sat casually in his chair. He appeared to be without a care, staring Carrick in the eye with a weasel smile.

  ―Aye, Laird. Ye ask me to come, I come. What is the thing ye wish to discuss?‖

  ―Ye recall I‘ve warned ye before—about the hunting on Beinn Fhithich lands, aye?‖

  Robbie folded his hands in his lap and grinned innocently. ―Aye, Laird. I recall it.‖

  ―Then ye also recall I effected a rule on that. I have given all the tenants hunting rights. We all must eat and feed our families, aye? But I asked that none hunt the young deer, nor fish the young salmon, so as to conserve the resources here for all and future. Ye recall it, Robbie?‖ Carrick waited for the man to absorb his words. He watched as Robbie made a nearly imperceptible squirm in his chair and then repositioned himself.

  ―Oh, aye, I recall the rule. Yer point being…?‖

  ―I have evidence that ye have been breaking that rule, Robbie.‖ Carrick tried to sound measured and reasonable. He had to control his temper with this unpredictable man, but the estate and its tenants had to ensure the food sources it had in its game.

  ―I havena broken yer rules, Laird. Who says I have? Who accuses me?Bring him on!‘ Robbie s voice began to rise.

  ―I have several tenants who have seen ye taking the small salmon and stalking the young deer, then selling them to the Sasunnach in Fort William for yer own profit.‖ Carrick‘s voice began to rise at the man‘s denial. ―Should it come to that, they are willing to give testimony.‖

  Robbie rose in fury and slammed his fist on the desk. ―By God, Laird, I havena done such a thing. Bring yer testimony. I have taken only what my family needs to survive, the same as any other.‖

  ―Sit ye down, Robbie,‖ Carrick ordered. ―Ye listen to me, now. I willna have ye selling Beinn Fhithich game to the bloody English, ye hear? Ye‘re a traitor to the land and yer Laird. Ye will stop it forthwith, Robbie, or I will be forced to evict ye for the good of all here. Is that clear?‖

  Robbie rose to his feet, blood in his eyes. He reached the door, thrust it open, and was halfway through it when he turned back.

  ―Ye are accusing the wrong man, Laird Carrick MacDonell. I‘ll see ye and yer precious Beinn Fhithich brought low before ye evict Robbie Colson and his. I swear it!‖

  With that, Robbie stomped from the room. Carrick could hear the man‘s boots on the wooden floors as he made his way down the long hallway, and the slam of the front door as he left.

  ―May God save us from the likes of Robbie Colson,‖ Carrick muttered to himself. But he knew there was worse to come.

  Chapter Eighteen

  ―I am very glad your father could spare you for a few weeks, Fiona.‖ Camden nuzzled closer against her back, coiling his body tight aroundher from behind. ―It has given us time to know each other better.‖

  Fiona gently pushed him off and turned toward him. She stretched her long arms overhead and yawned. Camden ran his fingers through her long red curls that spread out over the pillow.

  ―Yes,‖ she agreed as she began to rise with the sheet wrapped around her naked curves. ―But I must leave end of the week, and you must return to the garrison tomorrow, Caldwell. Let‘s not think of it just now. Let‘s dress and enjoy the day together, shall we?‖

  Fiona got out of the high bed and made her way to the dressing screen in the corner. She draped the sheet over the side and stepped behind it, not even a glimpse of her body in view.

  ―Fi
ona?‖ Camden called to her as he sat in the nearby chair and donned his clothing. He looked fit in his grey trousers and white ruffled shirt. A red waistcoat completed the ensemble, and his black hair gave a striking contrast to his white skin and black eyes. ―There is something I would like to ask you…‖

  A knock at the door interrupted his train of thought, and he went to answer it. A young kitchen maid in starched black and white linen entered, carrying an enormous silver tray.

  ―Good morning, m‘lord.‖ She attempted a curtsy. ―Where may I set the tray, sir?‖

  Camden took the tray from the girl and dismissed her. ―Thank you,‖ he said. ―That will do.‖

  She quickly left and closed the door. Camden set the tray on a circular table in front of the fireplace between two overstuffed chairs.

  ―Come, Fiona,‖ he called. ―Breakfast has been brought. I believe you willenjoy this.‖

  Fiona stepped from behind the screen, her hair swept up with curls hanging down the back to her mid-shoulders. The pale blue of her velvet bodice pushed her high breasts up, nearly peeking above the fine lace edging. She put her hands on her waist where the boning tightened and nipped just above the full dark blue jacquard skirt that flowed to her toes.

  ―The new gown fits quite well, Caldwell. Ithank you again for the gift,‖ she purred, movingcloser for his inspection. He held out a glass of champagne mixed with orange juice and kissed her rouged lips.

  ―You look ravishingin mygift, Comtesse. And perhaps you will allow me to ravish you later, eh?‖He tossed his should-length black hair with a shake of his head and placed a warm kiss on the top of her bosom.

  Fiona gave a delighted laugh and sipped at her drink, adroitly spilling a few drops onto the top of her breast, as though his kiss had caused it.

  Camden instantly took the hint and lapped the liquid, his eyes meeting hers as he did. Panther to tigress.

  ―Caldwell,‖ she breathed, not taking her gaze from his. ―Do you suppose we should eat a bit of something? I would so hate for you to lose your strength, my love.‖

  Camden straightened himself and reached for a glass of his own. ―Perhaps you are right, Fiona. Let‘s have a bite. Of food,this time?‖

  ―Quite right.,‖ Fiona laughed, and seated herself in one of the gold velvet chairs. Camden set down his glass and took up a plate of china.

  ―May I serve you, Comtesse?‖ He reached for the fork on the sausage platter, his eyes piercing her.

  ―Always, Caldwell,‖ she commanded. ―Serve me. You know mytastes bynow.‖ She sat back into the chair as though it was a throne put there for her regal use.

  ―I live to serve you, my glorious, exotic cat.‖ Camden busied himself with plating the various items—fruit, pastry, egg, meat.

  Fiona jolted at Camden calling her a cat. It shocked her sharply with the memory of her daughter, Caitriona, whom she had left behind in the detestable Highlands.

  ―Perhaps not a cat,‖ she quickly corrected. ―I have an aversion to the name. Humor me in future, Camden.‖

  ―Of course, my darling,‖ he acquiesced and handed her the china dish, laden with succulent choices. ―And speaking of mine, Fiona. I still have that question to ask you, if I may?‖

  Certainly,‖ she said between bites of a blueberry muffin. ―What is it, Caldwell? You look so serious.‖ ―We do get on rather well, do we not, Fiona?‖ he began as he sat in the chair opposite her. He leaned forward and folded his hands between his knees. ―I do enjoy your company very much. I should hate for our friendship to end. Do you agree?‖

  ―It has been an enjoyable diversion while I have been in Inverness,‖ Fiona said pleasantly. ―What are you getting at, Caldwell?‖

  ―I realize the late Comte did not provide nearly enough—ah—resources for a woman of your tastes and stature. Would you consider becoming Lady Camden, Fiona? I could keep you quite comfortably, either here or in London. I also have a home in the country west of London, if you prefer.‖

  Fiona sat back and gave a laugh at the thought. Seeing the expression on his face, she changed hers to match. ―Why, Caldwell, you are serious, aren‘t you?‖

  ―Very serious, Fiona. I do love you, you see. I know I haven‘t said as much, but I did rather think I showed it in the manner of my gifts and attention. It seems to be an incurable state that I find myself in.‖

  He lowered his eyes to the floor and continued. ―Neither of us desires a family, and we are well-suited in our interests and predilections. I think it would be a fine match.‖

  ―But Caldwell,‖ she said, crossing her hands in her lap and adopting a gentler tone. ―I am nearly fifteen years your senior. What would your family say?‖

  ―I have no family, Fiona. And I believe we have already proven the difference in age is not an issue. Oh, do say yes, Fiona.‖

  He stood and moved toward her to take her hand. He pulled something out of his jacket pocket, placed it in her palm,and closed her fingers around it. ―Say you will honor me by becoming Lady Camden.‖

  Fiona opened her hand to find a magnificent diamond and ruby ring. ―Camden!‖ she exclaimed. ―It is a marvelous piece. It must be at least threecarats of diamonds!‖

  ―Four,‖ he said plainly. ―A family heirloom fit for a Comtesse. I realize you may not wish to give up your title, of course…‖

  ―Lady suits me fine, Caldwell. Comtesse only seemsto matter in France, after all.‖ She looked from the ring to his eager face. ―Yes, Lord Camden, I think it will be a most suitable match, indeed.‖

  Camden pulled her to her feet and took the ring. He placed it on her finger, then pulled her into his arms where he kissed her deeply.

  ―I will make the arrangements so that we can marry before you go to Edinburgh.‖

  ―So soon?‘

  ―Why not? Say that you will. Say please just once. Let me know you care?‖

  ―I do as I please, I never say the word. You would do well to remember it, Camden,‖ she flirted with him. She let out a small giggle as she looked at the ring again. ―Oh,, all right. Please.‖

  ―Thank you, my love.‖ He pulled her back into his arms. ―You have made me a very happy man.‖

  And you have made me very rich. This will be most rewarding and not a little entertaining.

  ―Cat? What are ye doing up here, lass?‖ Carrick put his arms up to help Cat alight from Solas. The patient mare stood quietly grazing, while Carrick helped her down to the ground beside him.

  ―I‘ve brought ye some lunch, husband,‖ she answered with a bright smile and shook out her skirts. ―I have a wee bit of news for ye, and I thought I‘d bring ye food while I delivered it.‖ She reached back into the saddlebag for a cloth bag that contained their noon meal. She drew out a woolen blanket and tucked it under her arm before turning back to Carrick.

  ―Let‘s find a shady spot away from the malting house. I would have a thing to say to ye, if ye can spare the time.‖

  ‖Always time for ye, Cat. There‘s a nice place over there, under the firs. Go on,and I‘ll just tell Geordie to take the noon break now, aye?‖

  Cat went to the place he had designated and laid out the blanket and food. When all was ready, she lowered herself to the blanket, soft and inviting with the sweet-smelling grass underneath. She laid slices of cheese and bread on the linen napkins she had brought, and smiled again as Carrick came to join her.

  ―The malting‘s nearly done,‖ Carrick informed her as he sat on the blanket and picked up the bread and cheese. ―Mash will be next. Ye came at a good time, Cat. The men were getting hungry with the hot work.‖He tookabite and looked more closelyat her. ―Yeseem extrahappythis day. Thenews must be good, aye?‖

  ―Aye, it is,‖ she said coyly, casting a sideways lookat him. ―At least, I hope you will think so.‖

  ―If it makes ye happy, Cat, then I am glad of it. Now, tell me. What could be so important as to bring ye this far up the glen?‖

  ―Well…‖ she began, taking his hand in hers. ―Ye‘re to be a papa, C
arrick. Grandda just confirmed it this morning. In about fivemonth‘s time.‖ Her face radiated joy and light.

  Carrick put down his food and swallowedhard. ―Are ye sure?‖ he croaked. His eyes misted and a glow suffused him. ―Are ye quitesure, Cat?‖ He ran his free hand through his auburn hair, as if thinking it through.

  ―I hope ye are as happy as I about it, Carrick.‖

  Carrick rose quickly with a grace belying his stature. He pulled Cat tightly into his arms and held her. ―Beyond happy, Caitriona. A dream come true, to be sure. I never thought—‖

  ―Ye never thought?‖ She pulled back to look into his proud face. ―Because of when I was Jenny?‖

  ―I suppose…summat like that. It just never occurred to me. It just doesna seem real.‖

  ―Well, it is verrareal.‖ Cat laughed and hugged him hard. ―It‘s the best thing ever, Carrick! We will name him after ye!‖

  ―Me?‖ The thought seemed to stun him. ―A son? But we dinna ken what it will be. Any road, it is an enormous responsibility and oh…‖ A shadow crossed his face.

  ―What is it?‖ Cat stepped back and grabbed his arm in alarm. ―What is it, Carrick?‖

  ―I was just thinking—the poor bairn will be coming into verra bad times,no?‖ Cat could feel a small shiver rake down his body.

  ―Aye, perhaps,‖ she agreed. ―But we arena without resources, Carrick. We will raise a fine family no matter. I ken ye‘d never let anything happen to us. Ever.‖

  Carrick‘s face brightened a little and he assumed a stronger countenance. ―Aye, ye‘re right, Cat. I would defend and protect ye all to my last. I promise ye. I swear it to ye and the coming bairn.‖

  Cat threw her arms around his neck and whispered, ―Ye always have done, my love. And ye always will.‖

  ―Is the tea to yer liking, Lady Cat?‖ Mary stood near Cat‘s chair, awaiting her verdict. She had become a loyal and protective member of the household since Cat and Carrick had given Mary and her family a home at Ben Fhithich. Carrick had even attempted, under the legal Laird Ian‘s signature, an appeal to obtain her Duncan‘s release from Fort Augustus. They had had no word as yet.