by Dawn Brower
Clarissa watched as Ewan’s face tightened and he turned to Haggis to give a nod. Clarissa realized that Uncle Haggis wasn’t likely to take the news well. He clearly thought Ewan and Fiona had made a match. Her nerves fluttered for him but she knew he could handle himself.
Then he looked back at her. “Since I’ve no meetin’ this mornin’, may I join you lasses in the garden?”
“That would lovely, Lord Dumfries,” Aunt Judith smiled.
Clarissa’s cheeks heated. Perhaps she’d been hasty in thinking that time in the garden would give her a break from wanton thoughts of Ewan.
Sitting on a bench with her aunt and cousin, she watched the muscles of his back work as he spread a blanket down in some grass. Then he sat atop it with his book in hand.
“Care to join me?” He turned to her, his eyes holding her hostage once again.
Aunt Judith clucked her tongue and muttered under her breath, “How Haggis can still think he’s courting Fiona is beyond me. It’s so obvious where his interest lies.”
Clarissa warmed, her cheeks flaming at the words. Apparently it had been obvious to near everyone that Ewan had eyes for her and not Fiona. She’d have seen it sooner if her experience in London hadn’t clouded her judgment. She supposed Uncle Haggis had his own reasons for missing the truth.
She stood from the bench and walked over to where he sat in the middle of the quilt. She picked a corner and sat, arranging her skirts.
“Why so far away, lass?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.
She nibbled on her lip. “You’re dangerous, my lord.”
He gave her a wicked grin. “At this point, lass, call me Ewan.” He lounged back on the blanket, giving her even more space. “And here, in front of your aunt and cousin, I’m no danger to you.”
Oh but he was. He kept manuevering past her defenses, his smile was doing it this very moment. Making her forget her promise to end any chance of a courtship.
Even now it whispered, what is the harm in courting? He said you didn’t have to make any promises. And that was a dangerous thought. But she made light of it. “Rakes always find a way to compromise a lady.” She knew he wasn’t a rake. But it was an easy defense now. Far easier than admitting her own fear of poor judgment.
Her resolve was weakening. With each passing hour, she grew more desperate to throw herself in his arms and forge the consequences.
He sat up again, his face going black. “Ye think I’m a rake? I’m nothing like the man who compromised you in London.”
Very true. Davenport ruined her without a single touch. Damaged goods because of rejection. Engaged couples were allowed time alone, it didn’t matter they had never touched. But Ewan, he had touched her and made no promises yet. And was not just involving her pride but her heart.
“You’re much worse.” She inched a little further away but he closed the distance between them coming as close as propriety allowed. She was trying so hard to be strong, to protect her heart but his nearness was making it hard to think.
“How can ye even say that?”
“Did you forget what happened in your room?” she whispered, her eyebrows rising to her hairline. How could he not know the effect he had on her? How she was losing her senses?
He had the decency to look abashed then. “But I’ve asked to court ye.”
“He courted me too,” she answered softly.
“Wait,” his face clouded with confusion. “Why didn’t ye just marry him? Not that I’m advocating it. But if he ruined ye, and he was courting…”
Her mouth was hanging open and he stopped, looking more confused still. He thought she’d actually been compromised. Of course, that’s what most thought, but no one had told him that she’d broken the engagement and that meant, to society, she was a fallen woman. “It wasn’t like—”
But she stopped because her Aunt Rhona came running into the courtyard, skirts held up in her hands. “Fiona is missing!”
Chapter 10
Ewan could have cursed aloud. He was worried about Fiona, of course. Though she was a lass with a penchant for fun and disregard for rules or safety. She’d likely taken herself on an adventure. But Haggis thought he and Fiona were still courting, and that did not bode well for him.
And Clarissa, she’d been about to tell him something important.
Standing, he held his hand down to Clarissa. “Should we start a search party?” he asked.
Lady Ravenscraig’s hands fluttered to her cheeks. “I’m not sure, I don’t know, I…”
“What’s all the ruckus about?” Lord McDougal bellowed across the courtyard.
“Oh Haggis, it’s Fiona. She’s not in her room. No one’s seen her. None of the servants or the girls. I’ve searched everywhere.”
Haggis levelled him with a glare. “Lord Dumfries,” he grated out.
Ewan stood straighter. “Yes, Lord Ravenscraig.”
“Where is my daughter?”
“I don’t ken.” Crossing his arms over his chest. “But I can help ye look, if ye’d like.”
Haggis glared at him for a few more minutes before finally giving his head a shake of agreement.
“Lady McDougal, where have ye looked exactly?” Ewan gave Haggis one more glare before he turned to his wife.
She rattled off a list of rooms in the house that included the attic and the root cellar. But nothing outside of the house.
He gave a nod. “Assemble the staff. Let’s start with her favorite places. If that doesn’t yield anything, we’ll fan out.”
Within a quarter hour, they’d assembled all able bodies and made a list. The lighthouse, the village, the barns, and the horse fields were where they would start.
Agnes, Emilia, and Kieran went to check the lighthouse, while Haggis and two servants went to the grazing pastures.
The aunts headed off to the village while Ewan and Clarissa made for the barn. They walked silently side by side and Ewan was aware of her every movement while lost in his own thoughts. He wanted to court her but somehow, he couldn’t untangle himself from Fiona. It was maddening.
“Ewan,” Clarissa’s voice trembled slightly.
“Aye, mo chridhe?” He rubbed his eyes.
Her hand fluttered to touch his arm. “You seem worried. Do you think Fiona’s hurt?”
He swore under his breath. He honestly didn’t think she was hurt but still, he should be thinking of her rather than himself. “I think she’s fine but I am concerned about the repercussions of this day.”
“Me too,” she admitted softly. “Uncle Haggis thinks that you…”
He glanced over to see her face shadowed with worry. “I had nothing to do with Fiona’s disappearance.”
“Oh, I didn’t think you did.” She stopped, looking over at him. “Fiona would not be out of the house if you and she had been—” Her cheeks flamed pink. “But Uncle Haggis is suspicious and if he thinks you’re responsible you’ll have to leave and—”
He reached for her hand. “Ye want me to stay?”
Her mouth opened and closed several times before she finally answered. “Lord preserve me, I think I do.” She took a breath and then the next words rushed out. “I promised myself that I would tell you no but I just can’t. I’m not saying yes, but I can’t say no either…I’m sorry to be so—”
“That’s enough of a promise for now, lass.” He pulled her a little closer. “I’ve just got to make sure yer uncle doesn’t insist I marry yer cousin. I was trying to help the lass but I’ve landed in a right bit of trouble.”
“She told me what you did for her. It was verra kind.” Her body had moved closer and she was smiling up at him in a way that made him weak in the knees. When she spoke with a burr, he near lost his senses. His lips began drifting down to hers.
“Ye’re out in the open, ye know?” Fiona called from the entrance of the barn. “Are you two just goin’ around kissin’ all the time?”
“Fiona McDougal,” Clarissa stepped away from him hands on her hips. “Where have y
ou bloody been?”
His blood heated even more as she chastised her cousin.
“What are ye talkin’ about? I just got up early and headed out to the barn for a ride.” Fiona’s cheeks colored.
“Is that why ye’re wearing the same dress as you were last night?” Clarissa stalked up to her. “It’s fine if you want to get yourself into a whole pile of trouble but yer father thinks Ewan is responsible for you being gone.”
“It’s Ewan now, is it?” Fiona crossed her arms.
“You’d better go change right quick. And don’t let anyone see you because Ewan is done covering up for you. You have to tell Uncle Haggis today that you’re not getting married.”
Fiona huffed a breath, “And why is that?”
“Do you want to marry him? If you do, then pray, continue.” Clarissa gave her cousin a furious stare.
Ewan pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. It took a lot to win an argument with a Scottish woman but Clarissa was winning.
“Maybe I’ll just tell Da you want Ewan for yourself and that’s why I can’t marry him.” Fiona was near shouting now.
Clarissa stepped even closer, her voice rising to meet Fiona’s. “And maybe I’ll tell him that you snuck into the barn to meet Colin Campbell.”
He tried not to laugh. It wouldn’t help either of the angry women in front of him. But there was a little pleasure in seeing Clarissa put Fiona in her place. That little trickster needed it.
But she was getting her due now, because her skin had gone ash white under her freckles. “You wouldn’t.”
Clarissa was right in her face. “All this time, I was so worried I was taking something from you. But you have been trying to take something from me. You’re ruining my chance to play another one of your little tricks. Fiona McDougal, you’ll come clean this instant or—“
“It’s a chance, is it?” he grinned calling over them.
“That isn’t…I mean it’s not…I didn’t…”
He approached them both. “It’s all right, lass. But don’t be too hard on Fiona. I’d likely left days ago if it wasn’t for what she said to Colin.” Putting his arm around Clarissa’s waist he whispered. “Help Fiona get into a riding habit quick. She went for a morning ride. Nothing more. Needed to clear her head because she’s decided she just can’t marry me.” He winked. “Now go, both of ye and make it quick.”
Clarissa’s feat flew down the lane to the castle as she and Fiona kept a sharp eye for any family or staff. Sneaking into the back door, they ducked into a broom closet as one of the maids came down the stairs and into the kitchen. Then they scampered up the servants’ stairs.
“Where is the habit?” Clarissa asked breathlessly, as she helped Fiona unbutton her dress. There was straw sticking to every part of her underclothing. Even in the strings of her corset. It must have been terribly uncomfortable.
Fiona raced to the wardrobe and pulled out an emerald green habit, crossing back to Clarissa. Clarissa stuck her arm up though it and hoisted it over Fiona’s head, allowing the fabric to fall into place. Twisting her cousin around, she began doing up the buttons in the back. “Are you…are you ruined?” It was none of her business but she couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out.
“Nae,” Fiona answered softly. “Swear you won’t tell?”
“Of course,” Clarissa said. “I know what I said earlier about telling your father but the truth is, you can tell me anything.”
Fiona nodded. “You can tell me anything too.” She took a breath. “I wasn’t ruined, in the strictest sense of the word, but we did things…” Fiona’s face flushed bright red.
“I understand.” Clarissa gave her hand a squeeze. “I was ruined in London for having nothing other than bad judgment. And here in Scotland, I’ve done things that would actually ruin me, but we’ll keep each other’s secrets.”
Fiona sighed. “Ewan wants to marry you.”
Clarissa wrinkled her nose. “I’m English, remember?” But Fiona’s words filled her with warmth and hope. Somehow, today when she’d thought she’d really lost him to Fiona, a decision had been made. She couldn’t let him go. She needed to at least consider this.
“Aye, and Scot too. He sees that now, I think.” Fiona looked away, her face clouding. “But I don’t know how Colin feels about me. I thought he hated me.”
“Isn’t it so strange?” Clarissa asked. “I was sure I hated Ewan. Right up to the point he kissed me and then I stopped thinking all together.” She finished the last button. Then pulling several pieces of straw out of Fiona’s hair. “You’re ready to go.”
Fiona nodded. “Meet me in the entry in five minutes. Don’t take too long. Da is going to be furious.”
“I won’t.” Clarissa gave her a quick hug. “Good luck.”
“I’ll be needin’ it.” Fiona swept out of the room.
Clarissa waited for no more than a minute and then raced back toward the barn to find Ewan. They’d come in together as though they hadn’t seen Fiona at all.
Racing down the path to the barn from the kitchen door, Ewan met her, sweeping her up into his arms. She let him, pressing her body close to his as her arms wrapped around his neck. “Were you seen?” he mumbled, as he pulled her behind an outbuilding.
“No,” she whispered as she pressed closer. “I told Fiona I’d meet her in just a few minutes. I think she’s worried how Uncle Haggis will react.”
He nodded, kissing her temple. “I just want to hold ye for a moment, lass, and then we’ll go in.” There was just a touch of sadness to his voice.
“What’s wrong?” she asked pulling back.
But he shook his head holding her closer. “Nothing yet.”
“But you’re afraid something will be.”
His hand traveled into her hair and his lips whispered over her ear. “If Haggis sends me away, all you need do is send me a letter and I’ll come for ye.”
She gasped. Her uncle wouldn’t really send him away, would he?
Chapter 11
But Ewan had the right of it. Before they’d even reached the house, they could hear Haggis’ booming voice yelling at full volume. Apparently, he was already back from searching the pasture.
And as they moved inside, Clarissa could clearly see Haggis standing, larger than life, in the entry of the castle. Fiona seemed to be doing her best to keep her shoulders straight but her face was crumpling under her father’s words. “You’re marryin’ now, young lady. I’ve had enough of your nonsense. It’s time for some other man to try his hand at taming ye, because I’m done.”
It became clear that Fiona had mentioned Ewan because as soon as he and Clarissa stepped through the door, Haggis pointed his finger at Ewan and said, “You!”
Ewan stood straighter. “Me,” he rumbled back. His gaze narrowing.
“I want to see both of ye in my study now.” Haggis turned on his heel and headed up the stairs, expecting Fiona and Ewan to follow.
Fiona raced over. “I only told ‘im that I’d decided not to marry ye. But he kept asking why in a louder and louder voice. I lost my temper and said that you were only pretendin’ because of what I’d said to Colin. That’s when the real yellin’ started. I’m so sorry, Ewan. I’ve been nothing but trouble to ye.”
Ewan waved his hand. “I’ve fought entire armies. I’m sure I can handle one angry father. But let’s get it over with, shall we?”
“Thank you, Ewan,” Fiona breathed. “You’re a gentleman and an honorable man and I’m glad to ken ye.”
With a nod, he turned to her. “Wait for me in the library.” Then he placed a quick kiss on her forehead. He started up the stairs.
Fiona turned to her and gave her hand a squeeze. “I ken ye’ve been hurt. But he’s a fine man, you’ll never find one finer. Don’t let Davenport ruin your chance at happiness.” Then Fiona dashed up the stairs behind Ewan.
Clarissa watched them go, her heart thudding in her chest. Aunt Judith, Agnes, Fiona—they all thought Ewan was the kind of
man she should be with. Mayhap, they were correct. She needed more time, and time was suddenly running short. But how could she trust again so soon after being scorched by marriage?
Ewan stood as straight as a man more than six feet could as he walked into Haggis’ office. He’d let this get out of hand and he had no idea how fix this mess he was in. Because he had to stay to court Clarissa. She was trying like the devil to keep her walls up but he was chipping them away stone by stone.
When he didn’t want to growl in frustration, he had to admit that it was damn fun, chasing a woman like this. He was alive in ways he hadn’t been in years. And he realized he was in love. He wasn’t sure when or how it happened but he was. Irrevocably in love with an English lady who had a Scot temper. She was glorious.
Even this, being called to Haggis’ study, felt like living. Later, after he made Fiona pay for all of this, he’d thank her for helping him find himself again.
He sat in the chair across from Haggis and Fiona took the seat next to him. “What have you got to say for yourself?” Haggis was looking directly at him, there was no mistaking who he was talking to.
He blinked twice. He didn’t have anything to say at all. As far as Haggis knew, anyway. But he couldn’t very well blurt that out. “I’m sorry?”
“Damn right you are!” Haggis roared. “Pretending to court my daughter all the while making eyes at my niece.”
Oh, well, there was that. He cleared his throat, trying to present some reasonable explanation.
But before he could, Fiona broke in. “I already told ye, we don’t want to marry. Never did. He was just trying to help me—“
“He wasn’t helping you, he was giving himself more time with Clarissa,” Haggis fired back.
Fiona looked at him quickly in question but then she answered. “That’s not true. It was only the second day. He and Clarissa had barely spoken. You can’t take away honorable actions, Da.”
Haggis tossed his hands in the air, but didn’t respond. He simply glared at Ewan, then at Fiona.