“Me?” Dougal said, smirking. “I do believe ‘twas ye who fell over my form in the dark the first time.”
Lord Browne grabbed onto his arm. “Come, we shouldn’t discuss plans in the bright daylight for anyone to see.”
Dougal nodded. “Aye. Come tae the bakery. The lass there swoons for me, and she will keep a secret, I can tell ye that.”
Lord Browne rolled his eyes. “Fine, lead the way then. There is much to discuss.”
Dougal took Lord Browne a back way through the forest until they emerged in the nearby village. They wandered into the bakery, and Lord Browne noticed the chubby woman behind the counter, blushing at Dougal’s arrival.
“Hello, Mr. Menzies. Back so soon?” She brushed a curl behind her ear, and Lord Browne looked disgustedly upon such a spectacle. He could not be removing Ruth a moment too soon. Marianne must be left to her fate, but there was still a chance for Ruth to escape a country of heathens and brazen women.
Dougal winked at Robyn. “Aye. Ye must call me Dougal, lass. Ye see me here every day. Please bring two sweet rolls. We’d like tae use yer fine establishment for a bit of a business meetin’ if ‘tis not too much trouble, lass?”
“Nae. Come. ‘Tis a bit warm, but ye’ll be comfortable enough.” She motioned them inside and then went to find them a pair of rolls.
Dougal lowered his voice. “Still keep yer voice down. She is a friend of yer daughter’s, lad, but she’s wrapped around me little finger, she is.” Dougal looked inordinately pleased, and Lord Browne harrumphed.
“Do not address me so informally, Scotsman.”
Dougal seemed to not hear him and continued to look gleeful. “Come, tell me yer news, then.”
Lord Browne stood proudly. “I have spoken to the man, this minister of yours, to say that Ruth is spoken for and has known it all along. I am certain he will not follow us to London. He is currently nursing his broken heart in the sanctuary.”
Dougal nodded. “Excellent, but ye will never guess my news!” He lowered his voice even further. “I have found the ---” Robyn approached the gentleman with a tray.
“Your sweet rolls, Sirs.” She curtsied, and Dougal winked at her again, sending her hurrying away before blushing anew.
Lord Browne bit into the roll hungrily. He was not used to such treasures anymore, and he was growing dangerously thin. Soon enough, he would be able to bulk up once more, he thought excitedly. He narrowed his eyes as he concentrated on Dougal’s story.
“Continue on, man!” He cried out impatiently, as Dougal was looking after Robyn as she walked away.
“Quiet.” He grinned once more. “I have found the cross! I took the opportunity while ye were in the church. I spoke tae your daughter out in the hills, and I saw Troy wandering about. When he went to the church, I peeked inside tae see the two of ye discussing matters. I took my chances and went through the open door in the back. ‘Twas open! Too trusting, these village folks. So, I clambered up the stairs and found it in his rooms, just as I predicted.” Dougal stood proudly.
“He did not do much of a job of hiding it, I’ll say. But no matter. And yer daughter is convinced to leave. I have told her of Troy’s betrayal and filled her mind with adventures upon the sea. Ye may leave tomorrow night.” Dougal sighed. Yes, all was working well. Lord Browne was now incorrectly informed about Ruth’s position on leaving, and on the supposed date of their departure. He forgot one last detail.
“Do not speak to yer daughter of this. She does not wish tae concern yer other daughter. Just meet her outside at midnight tomorrow evening. I will leave money for ye inside of the carriage.”
Lord Browne nodded sharply, licking his finger after consuming the sweet roll in three large bites. “Excellent, Mr. Menzies. You are far more cunning than I would have ever given you credit for.” He placed a hand on Dougal’s shoulder in way of congratulations.
Dougal smiled in return. Ye stupid English fool. Ye dinnae know the extent tae which my cunning reaches.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ruth paced in her room after returning from her walk with Dougal. She had returned home in a sort of angry daze. The tears refused to flow rapidly and merely squeezed out one at a time with each fresh reminder of all of the betrayals. How could she have been so blind?
Of course, she had always known her father was up to something, but Troy. Beautiful, sweet, Troy had seemed to be everything she ever wanted in a man. How could he have betrayed her in such a way, proclaiming their love trysts to all the village? And he lied to her about so much. Or at least kept it from her.
Ruth didn’t know who Troy Ferguson really was. Was he a bloodthirsty pirate, who had slaughtered her countrymen for revenge and treasure and slept with innumerable prostitutes? Or was he the gentleman who had told her she bewitched him and had taught her what he knew about navigation?
Dougal was a friend, and he had been coming to gain back what his crew had lost after Troy’s betrayal of them. “He is an affectionate friend. There would be no reason for him to lie,” she said aloud to herself, continuing to pace back and forth, twisting her hands in front of her.
She stopped by her window and looked out at the green hills. Brechin had become a safe haven for her after the horrible actions of her father. It was the beginning of her freedom, but she wanted so much more. No matter how she felt about Troy, how much she...loved him, she could not live her life trapped in one place, never allowed to travel and be free. And now with Troy’s betrayal, it pushed her even further towards escape.
She wanted a life of freedom. That desire still beat within her breast, desperate to get out. And now was her chance? Why was she faltering? Surely Marianne could forgive her for such an action. Was Ruth hoping for one last chance that Dougal might be wrong?
But truly, she had no time to lose if her father had plans to marry her off in London. She needed to disappear and quickly. Besides, the whole village would know about her exploits with Troy, and she couldn’t bear the shame. Tonight. She would leave with Dougal tonight.
A half an hour later, Ruth wandered downstairs to meet Marianne for tea. She placed a hand on her stomach to steady her nerves. This would be the last time she would see her sister for a while, and she must impart as much love and kindness and reassurance as she could.
Marianne was sitting already, looking at a book, when Ruth arrived in the parlor. “Ruth, thank you for joining me. I know it is not always a part of your daily schedule, but with Amelia gone, I find I am in even more need of company.”
Ruth smiled, and she offered to pour the tea. Over the brim of her teacup, Marianne began, “William told me he spoke with you. I hope he was helpful.”
Ruth nodded, remembering. “Yes, William is the best brother-in-law in the world. I know how hard you fought against loving him, but you have made an excellent choice, sister.”
Marianne beamed, and Ruth chuckled. “I can just picture it now, how he would try to woo you. He’s very persuasive.”
“That he is,” Marianne nodded. “But, now that I have weapons at my disposal and the skills with which to use them, he cannot always be so persuasive, even if he wishes it.”
Ruth laughed. She would miss this. “Marianne, how are you feeling?”
“Today? I am very well. I would like to continue walking, despite William’s arguments, for I will go mad if I stay inside all day. The sickness has subsided.”
Ruth touched her on the arm. “Excellent. So glad to hear it. I hope your new baby comes out smiling and happy.”
“Once he or she sees his Aunt Ruth’s smiling face, I’m sure they will.” Marianne smiled at her sister, who attempted to smile weakly back.
They chatted for a little while longer, then Ruth stood. “I have some drawings I’d like to finish, Marianne. And I wouldn’t dare bump into Father if I do not have to.” Marianne nodded.
Ruth began to walk away and then turned back. “I love you, Marianne. Thank you for giving me the chance to live life as I please.”
Marianne said, “Of course, Ruth. We must all make our own choices.”
Ruth nodded, smiling. “Yes, yes we must.”
* * *
Ruth packed away what she could for her journey before dinner. She knew she would have to endure one more dinner with her father, but that was it. Then she would be on her way with Dougal to the sea to experience who knew what. She looked down at her dress and pulled on the woolen skirts. She would need to eventually be fitted in breeches, or at least thinner garments if she was going to be aboard ship one day. She would have to ask Dougal about how to acquire a pair.
The dinner was uneventful, but her Father seemed the same jolly self that he had brought with him from London. It continued to unnerve them all, but Ruth was attempting to block him out of her consciousness. She did not need to worry about him anymore. She would be outwitting him, and that would be the most satisfying thing of all.
She excused herself early, to the concern of William and Marianne, and she moved towards her room, determination filling her with energy. Tonight was the night. She spent the rest of her evening packing and writing three letters: one for Marianne, one for Robyn, and one for Amelia. She did not want her friend or sister to think that she left out of lack of care for them. She also thought to leave a letter for Amelia and Jamie once they’d returned. She wanted to let them know how grateful she was for their kindness and generosity.
She waited, watching as the sun slipped down and down and disappeared, blanketing the Brechin hills in darkness. She called for wine, which was brought, and she sat before the flames of the hearth, even though it was a warm enough spring evening. This is right. This is right. She repeated to herself over and over in her head. Her skin tingled with anticipation. What would her new future hold for her? Knowledge, excitement, new places, love?
She stopped herself, not wanting to think on love any further. No, she would not give herself to a man anymore. At least not for love. She had fallen for it too many times and with the same man. It was humiliating enough without having another incident happen again later. She would not let herself love another.
She fell into a daze before glancing at the clock and realizing it was time. She had planned to meet Dougal by the May Pole, and she was certain that everyone would be asleep in the castle. Her father never kept late hours, and her sister and William were often to bed early during Marianne’s pregnancy. She gathered up her small bag of belongings, and when it was in her hands, she thought back with a smile of her escape with Marianne from London.
It was just the same. Fighting against tyranny and enslavement. Marianne would understand. She would have to. Ruth donned her cloak and laid the three letters neatly on the desk with their labels showing. She took one more glance around the room before whispering a farewell, and hurried out the door, hoping to find the servant’s exit unblocked.
* * *
Outside, by the May Pole, Dougal waited eagerly. His men had been given instructions to bring the carriage to the closest drinking establishment, and he and Marianne would walk there together, if she would come. But, he had a feeling she would. No woman would want to stay after being betrayed by their love and potentially entrapped for marriage by their father. She would follow him, for certain.
He wandered around, his muscles tensing. At least he had the cross, and it was safely tucked away in his bags. He would be able to buy a new ship for his men and continue the life they wanted to lead. He wouldn’t need to be dogged by revenge and hatred anymore. Troy was nothing to him now. He had taken his mission, and now he would take his woman. His beautiful, innocent woman, who knew not of what she was doing or where she was going.
Dougal smiled as he thought about what Ruth would be doing with him. He would bring her aboard ship, but for now, while his men searched for a new ship, he would keep her as his mistress and spoil her as much as possible. Was that not adventure enough for a young woman? Besides, Troy would be burning with envy at his loss in this game. His ultimate loss. Troy would now have nothing. And he had left him a taunting letter in the sanctuary, just to let him know how deeply and truly he had lost. He’d also enjoyed leaving a little letter for the foppish English Lord as well, just to let him know that he had lost to a brutish Highlander. It was all too comical.
Soon, he heard footsteps nearby, and he swung around with his lantern to see Ruth hurrying towards him. “Ye’ve come!” he whispered to her, his eyes wide with surprise and pleasure.
Ruth nodded. “You were right. There is nothing left for me here. I am eager to start my adventure. Tell me, where will we go? What will we do?”
Dougal smiled. “Ye have done well tae come. Yer father told me this very evening he would be taking ye with him the next night. He has signed the papers with this new man.”
Ruth gasped. “The bastard! And he, my own father. ‘Tis as if he was born of the devil himself! Come, let us hurry. I fear his eyes may be everywhere, following me, watching me.”
Dougal smiled and grabbed onto her arm. “With me, ye’ll be safe enough, lass. Yer father will never be able tae harm ye again.” With that they hurried off into the night, Dougal’s lantern lighting their way towards the pub, which would then lead them on to their watery adventure.
* * *
Troy awoke the next morning, having barely slept. And he had not washed, so he felt the sweat clinging to him as he stood before a broken looking glass. He looked so hollow and ghostly that he barely recognized himself. He rubbed his hands over his face, groaning. Ruth Browne was to be married to an elegant Englishman. Not a dirty Scotsman who lies.
That phrase had been imprinted upon his mind as he looked up into the darkness as he tried to sleep the night before. She was lost to him, and there was naught he could do now. He poured water into his basin and splashed it onto his face. A new day. She would be gone by tonight, and then, it was up to him to make something of his life.
He would leave the church. He would take the cross with him and return to the Isle of Skye to complete his mission. From, there, he was unsure. Perhaps he could offer his services aboard a sailing ship. Then he could soon feel the sea breezes in his hair and attempt with all his might to forget the English woman that had stolen his heart in Brechin. He wandered downstairs, in search of useful, distracting employment, when he spotted a white sheet upon the altar. He wandered closer, curious. It was a letter. He began to read:
Dear Captain,
Despite yer victory against me in body, I have taken far worse from ye. Yer cross and life mission is gone. And, yer woman has come with me. She will be mine, Ferguson, and will sate my lust upon the ship I shall buy with the jeweled cross. She was in need of adventure and get it she shall. Ye won’t find us. We travel unseen like the wind atop the waves. We may even attempt tae purchase the old ship, the one ye betrayed and deserted us upon.
I have won, Ferguson, and my duty tae the crew is done. Now I shall live out my days with Ruth by my side and captaining my own ship.
Dougal
And, yer woman, yer beloved woman, is the one who told me where I could find the cross that was so precious tae ye.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lord Browne awoke with an energy he had not felt in a long while. Tonight was the night when Ruth would return with him, and he could gain back all of the prospects he had lost. As he dressed, he thought worriedly for one moment, that he had not held up his end of the deal, in that he had not found the cross himself, but he had still been helpful, right? Dougal would not think to renege on their deal, would he?
No, he had helped the Scotsman through distraction. He had done enough. He comforted himself as he wandered down to breakfast. But, before he was able to sit down in the main room, a servant came with a letter in hand. “This has come for ye, Sir,” she said, her eyes downcast. Lord Browne snatched it gruffly and tore it open.
He scanned over the page quickly.
Lord Browne,
Ye have gotten yer comeuppance sure enough. Yer daughter is now gone, come with me tae h
ave an adventure upon the sea. When I said she was convinced, she was convinced tae join me in my journey tae regain my ship. I confess she knows not all of what we do, but she will be my mistress. It will be the adventure she has been seeking.
The cross is also in my possession, thanks tae yer distraction efforts. All ye English lords are the same. Normally, I would have sent my blade through yer gut as I do upon the sea, but ye were necessary for a time. How does it feel tae be bested by a Scotsman?
Dougal Menzies
Lord Browne clutched tightly to the paper, his knuckles white, matching the pallor of his face. Marianne noticed the change that came over him. “Father? What is the matter? Are you ill?”
William rolled his eyes. This man changed moods like night and day. He had no wish to concern himself with him. He only wished for him to leave as soon as possible. Marianne moved to her father’s side, and William stood, frustrated. Marianne needed to rest, not care for this bastard.
Capturing The Reluctant Highlander (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 3) Page 20