In Pursuit of a Scottish Lady (Moonstone Magic Book 2)

by Hunt, Brenda

  She loved Colin. But her mind reasoned, Colin was the Duke of Worthingston. She knew Colin. She did not know this Duke of Worthingston. She knew how to love Colin. She had no clue of how to love a duke. She needed away from this place. She needed away from his influence. She knew if she stayed, she would not be able to say no to him. At Glendenning, she could have lived with him but as a duke, she could not just be his mistress. As a duke, that is all she could ever be.

  A soft knock sounded at her door. Marie entered.

  “Everything is ready, my lady. The Duchess has instructed me to accompany you. She says it is proper for you to travel with a maid,” explained Marie.

  Lili wiped the tears from her face. Things were already changing because of the duke. “Do you want to come with me? Oh my, I cannot pay you Marie.”

  “Oh, my lady, I would love to come. T’is an adventure it is. If you don’t want me------.”

  “Oh no, Marie,” interrupted Lili, “you are very welcome to accompany me.” She had come to like the young French girl. “But like I said earlier, I cannae pay you.”

  “The Duke pays me.”

  Lili sighed. Of course, he would. She would deal with it later. She needed to be gone. Besides, it would be nice to have Marie traveling with her.

  “Very well,” agreed Lili.

  She watched Marie grab the small bag she had packed earlier and followed her out the door. Lili gazed down the hall to Colin’s door with momentary longing. Then squaring her shoulders, knowing she was doing what was best, she turned and followed Marie down the hall, down the stairs.

  The Duchess and two other servants awaited her downstairs.

  “My dear, this is Bennings. He will accompany you and Marie. I have booked you passage on a ship that will have you in Edinburgh in a little over a day. I thought this would get you there in the shortest amount time,” explained the Duchess.

  Lili nodded. So this was Bennings, her grace spoke of. Colin’s valet. Why was he coming she wasn’t quite sure. She was glad to have him. She still didn’t believe Edward would not turn up. Edward was still out there.

  She had never been on a ship. She remembered seeing them when she had visited Edinburgh with her father. They told her it was the fastest way to get back to Glendenning. She was all for that. “Thank you, your Grace.”

  “Come then, my dear. Meyers tells me they wish to leave on the evening high tide and we must get there now.”

  “Again, I wish to thank you, your grace.”

  “I am coming to see you off, my dear. I want to make certain everything is seen to,” added the Duchess. She hoped her son would make it in time to stop her. But so far, Colin had not been found, nor had she had any word from him.

  Meyers helped the Duchess with her pelisse and turned to Lili with a cloak of honey colored soft wool. Lili looked to the Duchess in question.

  “I am told it can get rather chilly on the water. I thought you could use it.” The Duchess smiled. It was such a pleasure to be able to give something so simple that was appreciated so much.

  “Thank you again, your Grace.” The cloak felt so soft about her. Her hands brushed it lovingly.

  “The carriage awaits, your Grace,” stated Meyers.

  “Then let us depart,” replied the Duchess.

  Bennings assisted the Duchess, Lili, and Marie into the coach. Bennings climbed on top with the driver. Lili sat next to the Duchess while Marie sat on the bench across. Lili looked out of the window as they traveled through the streets of London. Lili was glad now she had not tried to leave on her own. She would have been lost as soon as she would have walked out of the door.

  Lili watched the scenery of London streets pass by. A part of her wished she could stay and get to know London but another part of her wanted to get away, as quickly and as far as possible. She reminded herself, that as exactly what she was doing.

  All too soon, they were at the riverfront. Lili could smell salt and brine and the stench of the river. It made her stomach churn. She closed her eyes for a moment to allow her stomach to settle. Marie handed her a handkerchief to cover her nose.

  The Duchess watched with concern. Lili appeared to pale before her eyes. She wondered.

  “Are you all right, my dear?” she asked. She found the smell of the dock quiet offensive as well.

  “Yes.” Lili nodded.

  “Your grace, the Morning Star is awaiting us. The captain wishes to leave as soon as we board,” stated Bennings.

  “Yes, of course,” replied the Duchess.

  Lili stood beside the Duchess and watched Bennings and Marie board the small ship with their bags. It came time for Lili to say goodbye to the duchess, she found herself at a loss for words.

  The duchess spoke first. She took Lili’s hands in her own. “I am truly sorry, my dear. I would have loved to have gotten to know you better. I think my son is making a grave mistake. Please, know you are welcome back.” Where was that son of hers? He should be here making sure Lili did not leave.

  Lili had tears in her eyes. She too would have loved getting to know the duchess, as well. “Thank you, so very much, your grace. You have been so kind. Please tell Colin, the Duke, I am sorry.”

  “I wish you would stay. I am certain he wants to talk to you.”

  Lili shook her head. She couldn’t explain. As much as her heart told her to stay, her mind told her, she could not. She wanted his love, but it was the one thing he had not given her.

  “I understand.” She kissed Lili’s cheek. “Please take care, my dear.”

  Lili nodded, unable to trust her voice.

  A tall man in Captain’s clothing approached them, bowed and said, “Your grace, my lady. I am Captain Farley. It is time my lady boards. We need to be on our way.”

  The Duchess nodded. “Of course, Captain Farley. Safe journey, my dear.”

  Lili turned and took the Captain’s offered arm. She followed him aboard the Morning Star. She stood at the rail with Marie at her side and watched as the crew set the sails used to maneuver through the boats that littered the Thames, as they set out for the channel.

  Lili waved to the Duchess till she could no longer be seen. She watched in fascination as the crew went about their duties. The wind felt good upon her face. The Captain suggested she go below to her cabin but she was not ready to be in an enclosed place. Her first thought was the dungeons. She would need time to convince herself, she could go down to her cabin.

  Chapter 20

  Away the good ship flees and leaves

  Old England on the lee.

  A Sea Song

  Allan Cunningham

  He that hath the steerage of my course;

  Direct my sail.

  Romeo and Juliet

  William Shakespeare

  Tears prickled behind her lids as she watched the English countryside drift pass. She kept telling herself, she was going home but a part of her did not want to go. There was nothing left for her here. No, that was not right. Colin was here.

  Captain Farley approached her. “My lady, I think it would be best if you went below to your cabin. We will be heading out to sea shortly and it can get rather choppy.”

  Lili nodded. She turned to find Bennings nearby. “Shall I escort you to your cabin, my lady.”

  “Yes, thank you, Bennings.” Lili followed him down below to her cabin. For a brief moment, she thought of the dungeons but it did not have the look of the dungeon. The feeling of desperation did not materialize. The queasy feeling in her stomach distracted her.

  Marie awaited her in her cabin. She and Marie would be sharing. Lili looked about her. The cabin was small with two small bunks.

  “My lady, the captain has invited you to dine with him.”

  The thought of food turned her stomach. She closed her eyes and felt the movement of the ship beneath her feet. It had not bothered her up on the deck, but down below in her cabin closed in, the movement made her stomach turn.

  “My lady, are you alright?” asked Marie in co
ncern. Her ladyship had tuned pale and did not look well.

  Lili sat abruptly down on the bunk closest to her and covered her mouth with her hand. Marie immediately brought her the bucket. Another sudden shift by the ship, Lili emptied what little she had in her stomach out into the bucket.

  “Aw, my lady, I have seen this before. Not everyone can take being on the water.” Marie wet a cloth from the water basin. “Lie down my lady.” She eased Lili back upon the bunk and placed the cloth about her neck. “This will help.”

  Lili laid back. She hated being sick like this. She had heard of people being sick at sea. But she would have thought she would be one it would not bother. The ship seemed to steady itself and began gliding through the water. That and the cloth seemed to help a little.

  “I will make your excuses to the Captain, my lady,” said Marie watching her new mistress with grave concern.

  Lili tried to nod but the slight movement of her head intensified the queasy feeling of her stomach. “Please do, Marie,” whispered Lili.

  “I’ll be but a moment, my lady.”

  Lili heard the door open and close. With great effort she turned toward the wall. The queasiness of her stomach over shadowed the pain of her heart breaking. She had never felt so miserable in all her life. Tears of despair flowed down her cheeks. The emotional toll of the past few days took its toll and exhaustion claimed its hold.

  Marie entered the cabin moments later to find her ladyship curled in a tight ball with her face to the wall. Hopefully, she would feel better when she woke up. Marie did not understand why her ladyship was leaving the Duke and going back to Scotland. It was obvious how much they loved each other. Ah, these English nobility, thought Marie. Did they not know love was the most important thing?

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Lili woke up. The cabin was in darkness except for a small lantern that hung from the middle rafter. She could see Marie’s shape on the opposite bunk. She could hear the soft breathing of her sleep. Lili rose quietly from her bed. She relieved herself on the pot in the corner. That was something else she found had changed lately.

  Quietly she opened the door and peered out. No one was about. She could see the light of dawn shining through open door to the upper deck. She walked out onto the deck. Several of the sailors were about. They nodded to her as she made her way to the railing.

  She leaned against the railing and watched the sun peek over the horizon. The blue gray clouds on the horizon were edged in orange from the small section of sun as it crept steadily upward into the sky. Lili watched its progression turning the sky into all shades of orange, pinks and mauves. From the railing she watched the packet slice through the small waves with no effort. It was taking her home, to Glendenning. There her heart could find some peace.

  “My lady, can I help you?” asked one of the sailors gently. “I’m Mr. Webb, the first mate, my lady.

  Lili smiled at him. He was tall, dark brown hair with dark brown eyes that crinkled at the corners as though he had squinted looking into the sun for many a long day. His eyes were kind. “Are all the sunrises at sea this spectacular, Mr. Webb?” she asked.

  Mr. Webb returned her smile. “Many are, my lady. It seems this morning’s one rivals the glow on my lady’s face. Congratulations, my lady. My own Claire had that glow with each child. Your maid said you were sick last evening. It doesn’t last long, my lady.”

  Lili looked at him in shock. He thought, she was with child. No, that couldn’t be. But then, she thought back over the past weeks and so many things fell into place. It all made sense now. She smiled. She carried a part of Colin within her. She placed her hand over her stomach. She would always have a part of him.

  “Thank you, Mr. Webb for your words of encouragement.”

  “I take it is your first, my lady?”

  Lili nodded. The idea was still new and strange to her. She wanted to enjoy the realization before all the complications of this made themselves known.

  “Then extend my congratulations to my lord, as well.”

  Lili looked at him. “His lordship does not know, yet.”

  “Aye, you plan on telling him when you get to Edinburgh. T’is no wonder you were most anxious to get there. We should be there well before nightfall.”

  “Good.” Lili did not tell him differently. Let him believe she was going to her lover and not leaving, not running away from him. Time enough for later to deal with all the repercussions that would come. For the moment, she just wanted enjoy the fact--- a child-----Colin’s child. Her heart sang with joy

  “Allow me to escort you down for breakfast, that is if ------”

  “Yes,” interrupted Lili. “It appears I am famished this morning,” Lili smiled as she took his offered arm. “Please, Mr. Webb, I would like to keep this secret a little longer.”

  “Of course, my lady.”

  Lili followed Mr. Webb down below and found the captain enjoying his own breakfast.

  After many assurances, she was feeling much better, she and Captain enjoyed their meal. He regaled her with some of stories, he had encountered at sea.

  When her stomach became slightly queasy again, Lili was able to deal with, knowing the reason for it. Though the ship seemed to be sailing quickly along, it was as though, it was taking forever to get Edinburgh. Her stomach felt better on deck than stuck in her cabin. The coastline changed as they sailed further north.

  As anxious as she was to get to Edinburgh and it felt like forever to get there. Lili stood on the deck as the Morning Star came around the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Lili stood on the deck out of the way of the sailors as they went about their business. Mr. Webb had showed her where to stand. It was amazing to watch as each sailor had a job to do, sails to take down or trimmed so the ship could enter the harbor and dock at Leith. The sun was just beginning to set in the western sky as the Morning Star docked.

  Lili thanked the Captain. Mr. Webb smiled and whispered. “Good luck, my lady.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Webb.” Lili smiled knowing the secret she carried, Mr. Webb had introduced her to.

  “My lady, I have a carriage waiting,” stated Bennings.

  With Marie at her side, she followed Bennings to the waiting carriage. Once inside, Bennings said, “The driver states that The Royal is one of the best inns here. He is taking us there. This driver has also stated he can direct me to a coach and driver for hire that will take us to Glendenning. I will see to it first thing in the morning.”

  Lili nodded. She was glad now Bennings had accompanied her. She had no clue on how to go about securing rooms or hiring a coach to take her to Glendenning. She sent a silent thank you to the duchess, for thinking of all these things.

  The Royal proved to be a very excellent inn, better than anything she would have taken. It appeared Bennings was accustomed to handling these things. At their arrival, Lili turned to him and before she could ask him, he informed her, a letter of credit had been issued by the duchess. She was not to concern herself about any of it. He was there to see to it all for her.

  She was escorted to an immense room with walls the color of light blue. Everything in the room was various shades of blue. Marie was to stay with her. There was a small servants’ bed in the far corner of the room.

  Her meal was delivered and set up on the small table near the window. She insisted Marie join her and listened as Marie chatted on. Lili learned Marie was a fountain of information and loved to chat about anything and everything.

  After supper, Lili stood at the window and looked out to the streets of Edinburgh. She wondered if Colin had stayed here when he and Aiden had come those weeks ago. Had Aiden enjoyed his trip? She missed them so much. She wondered what Aiden would think when she showed back up at Glendenning with no Colin. He would undoubtedly be upset. He and Colin had gotten close.

  But not close enough for Colin to inform any of them he was a duke. She still had trouble understanding why he had never told her. And now she thought, now, she carried his child. Ther
e was no possible way she could tell him. She placed her hand protectively on her stomach. No, he must never know.

  “My lady, shall you change to your night dress? I have set it out for you.”

  Lili looked away from the window. She did not know how to adjust to having a maid. Though she was grateful for Marie’s company, she did not need a maid. But not to hurt Marie’s feelings, she acquiesced.

  “Yes, I think I shall go to bed early this evening. Bennings said we are to leave early in the morning if we are to make to Glendenning in three days time,” explained Lili.

  “Oui, my lady. I am most anxious to see this Glendenning of yours.”

  Lili smiled. “I am most anxious to be back home again.”

  Lili lay in the large bed and stared up at the ceiling wondering now if she had made the right decision. Standing at the window staring out unto the city, her decision seemed to be the only possible one to make. But now lying in the dark, all alone, she wondered, if she should have stayed and talked it all over with Colin and come to some understanding. Being in his company, she could not think. He filled up the room; he filled up her thoughts, her emotions. Yet, now alone, she should be able to think clearly, then why was she so befuddled. Why did she miss his presence so?

  Lili turned to her side and curled up in a ball. Her fingers immediately went to her throat to touch her necklace. It was not there. Edward had robbed her of so many things. Tears flowed softly down her cheeks. Everything about her was changing. She was frightened of this new change. But frightened or not, this was how it was. Was she strong enough to do all of this on her own? Would she be like Elsbeth, just her and her child? No, she and her child had Elsbeth, Rab, Aiden and Alyssa. But would that be enough? Her mind told her it had to be, but her heart told her, she wanted more. She fell asleep wondering what the future held for her, for her child.

  Chapter 21