Bride of the Solway

by Joanna Maitland

  'Possibly. It seems to be growing away strongly. My wife tells me that, in its native habitat, it is something of a weed, romping through everything.'

  'Where is its native habitat, sir?' Ross was trying to sound more inter­ested than he really was. He had rarely given a thought to plants and gar­dens before.

  The colonel grimaced, and then grinned a little sheepishly. 'I'm afraid, Graham, that I don't know the answer to that. I have a vague idea it might be Madeira, but... No, I think I am confusing this plant with another one. Something my wife mentioned. Perhaps Miss Elliott knows for sure?'

  The lady shook her head. Tin afraid I'm not certain, sir. I think Mrs Anstruther did speak of a jasmine from Madeira, a very highly scented one, that she hoped one day to possess. But it is a plant for the conser­vatory only, I think. I must confess I have forgotten the name.'

  'I shall consult my wife. If it's from Madeira, she shall have it, when my expedition returns.'

  'You have sent out a plant-hunting expedition, sir? Why that is most wonderful. To see all those amazing plants in their native abundance... Oh, what a delight that must be.'

  'Forgive me, Miss Elliott. I did not mean to mislead you. I do intend to send out an expedition, but it has not yet left these shores. It had been my intention to lead it myself, but that is no longer possible, because...' He cleared his throat. 'I am now looking for someone trustworthy to take my place as leader. Once I have found him, I will be able to make the fi­nal arrangements.'

  'An expedition leader would have to be a remarkable man, I would imagine,' Miss Elliott said thoughtfully. 'For he must combine so many qualities—a profound knowledge of plants, of course, and the ability to lead a band of men in often difficult and dangerous circumstances. I as­sume it would also help if he had some knowledge of seafaring as well. Do you think you will find this paragon you are seeking, sir?'

  'I do not believe it is essential for the leader to be knowledgeable in seamanship or in horticulture, ma'am, provided there are sufficient among the expedition members who do have that knowledge. I was planning to lead it myself, after all, and I am far from skilled in such matters. As my ignorance demonstrated just a moment ago.'

  Miss Elliott smiled. It was a smile full of understanding. 'You are too hard on yourself, I think, sir. But I do understand your reasoning. The leader would need to be awake on all suits and to be ready to deal with any emergency. He would be unlikely to be doing that if his eyes were fixed on the ground, searching for rare specimens. Better that he keep his eyes on the horizon, perhaps, watching for pirates?'

  'Would the necessary qualities not depend, sir, on the precise desti­nation of the expedition?' Ross asked, trying to ignore the mischief in Miss Elliott's voice.

  'Yes, of course. An expedition to Madeira alone would present no real dangers. Why, I have heard that invalids go there, nowadays, to take ad­vantage of the climate. I believe it is very mild. And very good for the health.' He stopped abruptly. 'I wonder whether... But no. She would never stand the journey.' His voice had sunk to a whisper. He was talking to himself, rather than to his companions.

  Ross felt a pang of sympathy for the man. As usual, he was thinking about his poor wife and looking for something—anything—to ease her suffering But surely she would be unable to stand a voyage lasting for weeks? And what if the ship met bad weather?

  'What is the destination of your proposed expedition, Colonel?' 'I had hoped to fund a ship for southern Africa, ma'am. That was why I mentioned Madeira. The ship would call there on its outward and re­turn journeys- I intended to collect some plants from there on the way home.'

  'Oh I do envy you, sir. I should so love to go on such an expedition. But it would be impossible, I suppose?'

  The colonel smiled indulgently. 'I have not heard that any lady has ever taken part m sucn an expedition, ma'am. And if you have read of the hardships experienced by Sir Joseph Banks and his companions, you will not wonder at it.'

  'I have read of Sir Joseph's adventures with Captain Cook. But surely that was much different? They were venturing into lands where white men had never been seen before. Whereas your expedition—'

  'My expedition is quite likely to encounter hostile natives in Africa, ma'am It would be no place for any woman, and certainly not for a lady.' 'As far as Madeira only, perhaps?'

  He patted her hand in a fatherly way. 'That might be possible. For a married lady, with her husband. But I doubt your brother would agree to accompany you on such a trip, ma'am.'

  'No, he would not,'she said bleakly.

  Cassie said nothing more. There was no point. The colonel, like so many gentlemen, was convinced that ladies were much too frail to under­take any journey beyond a few miles. And certainly not one where there was the least possibility of meeting danger. If she said anything more, it might allow her frustration to show. That would be extremely unwise, besides being impolite to her kind host.

  Colonel Anstruther seemed to have noticed nothing. He was in full flow about the plans for the garden. As he talked, Cassie's cross mood receded. He might not be terribly knowledgeable, but he had caught something of his wife's passion, and he spoke with real dedication. Cassie was sure that, whether or not Mrs Anstruther lived to see it, the garden would be finished.

  'This part of the garden, Miss Elliott, is barely touched, so far. But we have interesting plans. I can show you a drawing, if you should like.'

  Cassie nodded.

  'Over there—' Colonel Anstruther pointed to where the ground rose to form a small hillock '—we plan to—Yes, Gordon, what is it?'

  One of the footmen had appeared, quite suddenly. 'Begging your par­don, Colonel, but I...but Mr Elliott...' He stopped, self-consciously. The sideways glance he stole at Cassie made her shudder. What on earth had James done now?

  'Well, what is it? Spit it out, man!'

  'Er.. .Mr Elliott is.. .has had rather too much...' He cleared his throat. 'One of the maids says that he...'

  'Ah, yes,' the colonel said before the man could finish. 'I shall come at once.'

  Cassie turned to accompany him.

  'No, no, Miss Elliott. There is no need for you to come.'

  'But he is my brother, sir. I am well used to dealing with these.. .er... unfortunate starts.'

  The colonel shook his head sympathetically. 'No doubt you are, ma'am, but on this occasion I fancy it would be better if a man dealt with this slight.. .difficulty. Your brother will be more likely to take heed of what his host has to say than his sister.'

  Goodness, the colonel was being extremely blunt, Cassie thought.

  'Captain Graham, perhaps you would be so kind as to allow Miss Elliott to take your arm. There is much more of the garden to see and we will not have another such evening in which to enjoy it.'

  Cassie knew she had no choice. And the colonel was probably right. James had paid precious little heed to her pleas in the past. Why should he start now? But he would not be able to ignore a complaint from his host. She nodded. 'Thank you, Colonel. Captain Graham and

  I will miss being able to ask questions about the garden, but we shall enjoy it, none the less. And please accept my apologies for my brother's behav-—'

  'Nothing more to be said, ma'am. Nothing at all. I promise you it will be resolved in a trice. Enjoy the rest of your stroll.' With that, he hurried up to the house in the wake of the liveried footman.

  Captain Graham offered his arm. 'Shall we walk, Miss Elliott?'

  Cassie could not look at him. She knew her embarrassment was clearly written on her features. What woman would not feel stricken at the ap­palling behaviour of such a brother? Drunk, certainly, and no doubt pes­tering his host's maids before he had been in the house for half a day. It was scandalous.

  Captain Graham tucked Cassie's hand comfortably under his arm. There was a smile in his voice as he said, 'I beg you, Miss Elliott, do not concern yourself. You cannot be your brother's keeper. If he behaves in a way that is.. .ah.. .ungentlemanly, it is none of yo
ur doing. If he were to take his example from you, no one would have anything to reproach him with.'

  Cassie swallowed very hard. 'That is the kindest thing you could pos­sibly have said to me, sir,' she whispered, still not daring to look up at him.

  He must have sensed her continuing embarrassment, for he put his free hand over hers, where it rested on his sleeve, and squeezed gently. 'Miss Elliott, pray do not concern yourself. Colonel Anstruther does not blame you in the least. And neither does anyone else.' He squeezed again. 'Neither do I.'

  A shiver of awareness rippled through the flesh of her hand and tin­gled up her arm. It was as if she had been touched by a hot wire, and yet it did not burn. It was more a sensation of melting and glowing, like the embers in a banked fire. What did it mean? Why was she responding in this way to a man who was almost a stranger to her? An inner voice re­minded Cassie that he was a stranger who had saved her more than once. Although she had known him for such a short time, it seemed as if she understood him, almost as well as she understood herself.

  She shook her head a little to clear the strange sensation. She must dismiss such fanciful notions and find a way to ask for the captain's help.

  At any moment the colonel might return and her opportunity to confide would be lost.

  'I wonder what the colonel's plans are for this odd-shaped hummock?' Captain Graham said companionably. 'Shall we take a look? Ah, take care, ma'am.' He pulled her sharply towards him. 'The ground is muddy just here.'

  'Thank you, sir.' She stepped carefully to the side. The mud had made the path so narrow that they were almost touching with every stride. Captain Graham had drawn her very close. It was only to protect her from the wet but it felt.. .it felt... Oh, she could not tell how it felt, except that she had spent so many years of her life avoiding men whose aim was cer­tainly not to protect her. With Captain Graham she had no doubt that his intentions were both kind and generous.

  She smiled up at him, allowing him to guide her steps. 'You seem to have forgot, sir, that when you first saw me, I was mud-spattered from head to toe. You must know that I am not used to such courtesy.'

  Was that another slight squeeze of her fingers? It was so fleeting she could not be sure.

  'I have no doubt you had your reasons for what you did that day, ma'am. And at your request, I have forgotten it. In any case, it would be no justification for me to treat you as less than a lady.'

  The glint in his blue eyes was not humour. Not now. It was more than kindness. There was an intensity of feeling there that Cassie did not dare to put a name to.

  Now was the moment. She would never have a better opportunity. 'Captain Graham, may I ask a favour of you?'

  He looked surprised, but merely said, 'Why, of course, ma'am. Please do. If I can help you in any way, it would be my pleasure.'

  Cassie felt herself blushing. Just wait until he heard what she was going to ask. 'Captain Graham, I.. .I... Oh dear, this is going to sound so strange. And so very improper. Sir...I am desperately in need of some ready money. I.. .I wondered if it might be possible to ask you for a small loan?'

  Now, he was clearly quite astonished. 'A loan, ma'am? But surely, your brother—'

  'No, sir, my brother— I cannot apply to my brother for this. Forgive me. I cannot explain why.'

  'Nor is it my place to ask,' he added quickly, smiling at her.

  Cassie fancied it was supposed to be a reassuring smile. But, in truth, it contained more puzzlement than reassurance. She waited.

  After a moment, he said, 'Miss Elliott, I.. .I find it difficult to know how to respond to such a request.'

  Oh, dear. She would have to say something now. She decided to stick as closely as possible to the truth. 'I need to pay a visit to my godfather, on the English side of the Solway. It is.. .er.. .most urgent that I do so, but he has been estranged from my family for many years. My brother would prevent the visit if he knew.'

  'Was that where you were going when I first—'

  'Hush!' Cassie whispered, glancing round to see if they were over­heard. 'Better to speak no more of that. But, yes. You are right.'

  'Miss Elliott, I would willingly help you, if I could. But it does seem an extraordinary request for a lady to make. You could perhaps write to your godfather?'

  There was nothing for it but to tell him at least part of the rest. 'My.. .er.. .my brother checks all the letters leaving Langrigg. He would not permit such a letter to be sent.'

  'Ah, there I can help you, ma'am. If you were to give your letter to me, I could ensure that it was despatched without your brother's knowledge.'

  Cassie grimaced a little. 'I doubt that, sir. My brother has many spies in Dumfries and beyond. A letter addressed to my godfather would al­most certainly find its way back to James.'

  'Good God, ma'am! Does the law hold no sway in this part of the country?'

  'Not when the devil is in James Elliott, I fear. Not when he has the ability to grease palms. He may ensure that his sister never touches a gol­den guinea, but he has plenty when he needs them.' As soon as those bitter words were out, Cassie knew she should not have spoken so frankly. Es­pecially to a comparative stranger. But Captain Graham's face was full of sympathy. And if she asked him to preserve her confidence, he would surely do it. He was an officer and a gentleman, after all.

  'Sir.. .what I said just now. I should not have— It was not a proper thing to—'

  'Think no more of it, Miss Elliott. I have forgotten it already.'

  His bright blue eyes were smiling confidingly into Cassie's. She knew, without the trace of a doubt, that she could trust this man. She would tell him the whole truth. All of it, no matter how degrading.

  She opened her mouth to begin, but he was before her.

  'I have another proposal to make, Miss Elliott. Give your letter to me and I will deliver it to your godfather personally. No one will be able to intercept it on behalf of your brother, because no one—except us two— will know that it exists.' He grinned at her. 'Surely that is the best solution?'

  No, it was not. Little did he know what he risked. 'Captain Graham, I— Might we walk a little further from the house? And away from this shrubbery? If we are to talk frankly—and I fear we must—I would pre­fer there to be no possibility of eavesdroppers.'

  He said nothing, but a shadow of concern crossed his face. He tucked her hand more closely under his arm and walked her, in silence, into the open area of the garden where there was no cover at all. No one would be able to overhear their discussion. When they reached the low lily pond, he paused and turned to face her. He still said nothing. He just stood, waiting.

  Cassie took a deep breath, pulled her hand from his arm and clasped her fingers tightly together in front of her. She must not be embarrassed by this. It was too important. If she trusted the captain—and she knew, instinctively, that she could—she must tell him everything and rely on him to help her.

  'Captain Graham, you are all kindness, and I do appreciate your offer. Very much. But I dare not accept it. Allow me to speak frankly. I am very much afraid of my brother's violence. To me, and to others. If he were to discover that you were carrying my letter to my godfather, he would do almost anything to stop you. He has no scruples in such matters. On your first encounter, he merely threw you into gaol. He was relying on the law to do the vile business for him. I have to tell you that he admitted as much to me. I fear that, if he caught you, he would not involve the law again. There are many drowning accidents in the Solway, you know. One more would not be unusual. And it would not be investigated, either.'

  'Come, Miss Elliott, surely you exaggerate? I cannot believe that any gentleman would behave so. Your brother clearly has a violent temper, but murder? No, it must be impossible.'

  He was looking at her so very strangely. What was he thinking? And then it came to her. That quizzical look betrayed him. He thought she was mad. He thought she was imagining all sorts of plots that did not exist. He probably thought she should be consigned t
o the Bedlam forthwith. Oh, it would be amusing, if her situation were not so dire. How ironic that James had threatened her with the asylum and now Captain Graham had concluded the same. There was no point in pur­suing this discussion any further. His mind was closed to all her en­treaties.

  'I can see that you find it difficult—impossible—to believe me, sir.' She shook her head firmly, with more than a hint of exasperation. She did not care if he knew it. 'So let us speak of other things. You said you live in London, I believe?'

  'If I did, I misled you, ma'am.' She fancied he was relieved that she had changed the subject. 'I do not have a house in London. Before I came north, I was certainly there, visiting...er...an old army friend of mine. He has property in London and is always happy to give me house room when I go up to town. My own house is down in Wiltshire.'

  So he did have an estate of his own. James would crow with delight at that news. Yet, there was something in the way he had described what he had been doing in London. That uncharacteristic hesitation. Cassie could almost have sworn that he had something to hide. What on earth could it be?'

  'Wiltshire. I know where it is on a map, of course. We had intermi­nable lessons on such things in Edinburgh. But I have no idea what it is like. Is it a flat county, sir? Is it beautiful?'

  'By comparison with the landscape here, it is somewhat tame, I would say. But it is beautiful in its own way. The rolling downs are very plea­sant. And there are many fine old estates.'

  'Yours is also an old family holding, I presume?'

  'Er.. .no. My agent found it for me when I came of age. It was con­veniently enough located. And, to tell the truth, I have spent very little time there. You must understand that I have been serving in the army for many years.'

  'Of course. I had forgot. After our discussions on the availability of tea in the Peninsula, I should have remembered.' She started to walk back towards the main path, knowing that he would follow. After a few steps, she turned and smiled innocently up at him. 'I think you mentioned, when we last met, that your family came from this part of Scotland?'