A Druid Stone

by Kim Allred

  The lantern was where she'd left it, and she picked it up, leaving it unlit for now. In a far corner, in the least drafty place she could find, several inches of fresh straw had been laid out. A picnic basket and jug sat in the middle of two blankets that had been thrown over the straw.

  They didn't say a word as Finn pulled her into his arms. This time his kiss was slow and seductive. He drew her down to the blankets, stopping long enough to move the basket and jug to a safer spot. Then he began to unwrap her, slowly stripping off one piece of clothing at a time until they were both panting with need.

  AJ worked at the ties of his shirt, wanting to take her time undressing him. She missed the feel of his skin on hers, and the slow anticipation of things to come, but goose bumps erupted on her skin from the chill of the barn. Finn pushed her hands away and stripped quickly before drawing her down to the straw bed. He tugged one of the blankets over them, but the heat from his body was enough for her to forget the chilly air.

  Neither could stop running their hands over the other, moving to the sensitive places that drove each other wild. This might not be their bedroom at Westcliffe or the cabin of the Daphne Marie, but it didn't matter. As precious as those memories were, they were only places. What mattered was him, the feel of their bodies melding as one, and the intoxicating cedar scent that carried the essence of the man.

  And for a few hours, they could forget the danger around them. When he buried his face in her neck and breathed in her scent, she clung to him as if they might not have a tomorrow.

  49

  AJ opened one eye, then squeezed it shut when the sun pierced her retina. Typical. She'd managed to position herself in front of a small hole in the barn, turning the bright light of morning into a spotlight. She moaned and rolled over, snuggling into the warmth of the man next to her.

  Finn kissed her forehead, her nose, and then her lips. "Good morning, sunshine."

  She ran a hand through his hair, tugging on the ends. "Mmm. Can we make this last a few more hours?"

  "I wish we could, but Jamie will return with the men soon. I'm surprised he's not here already."

  "But we have hours before the ball." AJ released a soft sigh of disappointment, hoping it might sway his decision. "I know I'm being greedy, but the team's as solid as we're going to get. Another few hours of training won't change the outcome of the mission."

  "Aye. I was more worried about getting you back to the house before the men arrived."

  "I don't care."

  When he arched a brow, she pinched his cheek. "It's past time we told them we're married. If all goes well, today will be the last day we'll ever see them. They might as well know we're a permanent thing."

  "A thing?" His grin was playful, and he nipped her lip. "I'm a thing now?"

  She shoved his chest. "You know what I mean."

  He laughed and rolled them until she was on top of him. "I'm not sure I do." His Irish accent thickened. "Perhaps a lass should show me."

  An hour later, straw sticking out of her hair, she munched on leftover bread from dinner then sipped from a skin of water. She stared at the jug. Last night had been her last glass of wine on this side of the jump. She wouldn't drink another glass until she was sitting across the table from Stella toasting their safe return.

  They were walking hand in hand toward the cottage when the first group of horses approached. Jamie, with Fitz by his side, led a dozen men into the clearing. He gave the couple a wink as he trotted up to Finn. "I'm glad to see someone's had time to relax while the rest of us work."

  "You've been listening to Fitz too long if you think a night of cards and dice is considered work," Finn replied. His impish grin matched the twinkle in his gaze.

  "Ah, boss, you've left out the ale and whiskey," Fitz complained. "And there would have been debauchery if we had more time."

  They laughed as Finn looked past his friends to the group of men. They slumped in their saddles, their unshaven faces and tired eyes speaking volumes.

  "Has Jamie discussed the plan?" When a few nodded, he smiled. "Good. There's room in the stable for your horses. And if I can trust my nose, a late breakfast awaits you in the cottage. Eat, then find a spot to get some sleep. We'll gather mid-afternoon to discuss the operation again." He took the time to meet the eyes of each man, and this time, they all nodded in return. AJ would bet most of them had fought by his side before.

  "Well, get to it," Finn barked. "Before Lando finds the breakfast table."

  That forced a laugh from the men as they scurried to the task.

  Finn guided AJ toward the porch where Ethan and Beckworth sat in chairs, their boots resting on the railing. The two men watched the quiet clearing turn into a base camp of fighting men.

  "Have a good night?" Ethan greeted them with an exuberance AJ hadn't expected. Maybe he'd found some alone time with Maire. Considering what the next twenty-four hours might hold in store, he seemed too chipper.

  Truth be told, considering their plan, they all had to be just a touch this side of crazy.

  "It's disgraceful, really. Acting like common alley cats." Beckworth lifted his chin as if personally insulted and stared at the clearing.

  AJ twitched her lips. The way Beckworth and Ethan had teamed up to razz them, she had to wonder what they'd missed last night.

  A quick side-glance from Finn confirmed he was thinking the same thing.

  "I think someone spiked the coffee this morning." Finn mounted the stairs, his grip on AJ's hand tight as he pulled her along. Before they entered the house, Finn stopped long enough to stare down at the two men, who grinned like Cheshire cats.

  "And how I spend time with my wife isn't your concern." He pushed through the door with AJ still in tow. She had the barest of seconds to catch the men's shocked expression as she was pulled into the house.

  "Are you kidding me? That's how we're announcing we're married?" AJ blustered, then stopped short when she entered the main room.

  Finn pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "Seemed the quickest way."

  She'd already forgotten what they were discussing, unable to take her gaze away from the long table taking up most of the cottage's living space. Her mouth watered at the feast laid out for the team. They'd been lucky Finn had been mad enough a couple days prior to make the men go hunting. Several glazed pheasants and ducks, along with what smelled like roasted pork, were surrounded by potatoes, vegetables, cheese, bread, fruit, and unnamed pastries. Jugs of ale and dozens of mugs filled another side table.

  She felt horrible. "They did all this while we were…"

  "Stop." Finn squeezed her. "Beckworth brought two women from town last night to help Eleanor. It was arranged days ago. They've been well paid and were happy to help." He pulled her in for another kiss. "We all have our roles to fill."

  "Are you going to just stand there, brother, and play house with your bride, or lend a hand like our parents raised us?" Maire's lilt was thick as she hugged AJ. "I could use your help with the porridge, and Eleanor made a fresh pot of coffee for the two of you."

  Maire pulled AJ away as Ethan and Beckworth stumbled in, mere steps before Lando.

  "What's this about a wife?" Ethan bellowed. "When did you find the time, and why weren't we there?" His expression was somewhere between anger and hurt.

  AJ couldn't leave Finn to answer. Not with Ethan. She gazed down at her toes before raising her head to give him her best apologetic smile. "You didn't miss anything. It happened before we jumped. We would have said something, but with Maire missing, then we were split up…"

  "Stop. It doesn't matter." Ethan hugged her and whispered in her ear, "As long as you're happy. You know that's all I ever cared about. That and your safety."

  AJ stepped back so she could see his expression. "I know. But your approval means everything to me."

  "And you have it. No question about it."

  Beckworth said nothing but had the good grace to shake Finn's hand. It was an awkward moment, and both men s
tepped back as if neither wanted anyone to have witnessed the moment.

  Lando could only grin and didn't hold back as he grabbed each of them into a bear hug, almost squeezing the stuffing out of AJ.

  Maire threw up her hands in false protest. "We might as well make a party out of it." She pushed AJ toward Finn. "Go tell Jamie and Fitz, they'll be hurt if they hear it third hand."

  By the time Finn and AJ shared the news with the men, the late breakfast turned into a wedding reception. Fitz and Lando sang sailing ditties, and when several men joined in, others danced with Eleanor and the women from town. The laughter and singing eventually slowed as the men filtered out of the cottage to find a place to sleep.

  When Thorn and Dodger returned ahead of Thomas and the earl's men, only a handful of people remained in the house. The table of food looked like a tornado had hit. Mugs and empty plates littered the kitchen and living area. Thorn skewered the remaining carcass of a duck with his dagger and lifted it up, disappointment marring his elegant face.

  "So what did we miss?"

  50

  AJ tugged at the bodice, not remembering the dress being cut so low. Most of the fitting had been a blur, her attention focused on Dame Ellingsworth rather than the elegant gown. The dress had arrived late, just two hours earlier. Fortunately, the gown fit perfectly, or their schedule might have been delayed while Eleanor made last-minute adjustments.

  "It's time," Finn called from the door.

  When she turned, Finn's lustful gaze heated her cheeks. "You'll put every woman to shame tonight."

  Butterflies stirred. All she wanted to do was rip the dress off and spend the rest of the evening in his arms. "I hope your compliment is just the expected praise from a husband. I'm supposed to blend in."

  "You couldn't blend in if you tried." He kissed her hand, refusing to release it. "But for tonight, please try your best."

  She gave him a quick perusal. Everything about him was black as night—pants, shirt, and overcoat. Nothing to give him away in the light of the moon. She brushed an errant lock from his forehead. His kiss lit a fire in her belly, temporarily chasing the butterflies away. She held on, not wanting to let go.

  "Don't worry. I have the stone that Beckworth had been carrying. If we get separated, I'll use it to follow you."

  The knowledge they both had a way to time jump if needed should have calmed her, but she still felt a slip of dread.

  "By morning, we'll be home in Baywood." Finn's continual words of encouragement strengthened her backbone. "Just keep that thought, keep your head, and everything will go as planned." He gave her another kiss, and she sensed his reluctance to let her go. Then he did, and for the briefest of moments, a deep sense of loss swept through her, followed by a shiver.

  She forced a smile. "Be careful." She handed him his thin black mask, and he tucked it in the pocket of his overcoat.

  He studied her for a moment, and she was certain she'd caught a glimpse of his signature grin before he grasped her elbow. He guided her through the cottage and out to the waiting coach.

  Ethan, standing rigid next to the carriage, gazed off into the distance, his forehead creased with worry. He bore no resemblance to the carefree man from earlier that morning. His brooding eyes, dark and menacing, seemed appropriate for his coal-black ensemble. His hair had been trimmed in a more fashionable cut, and while he may standout with the women, he should blend easily with the other men at the ball once he donned his plain black mask.

  She understood his changed mood. His thoughts were of Maire, who'd left with Eleanor an hour earlier. She'd been dressed as a housemaid. Her hair, darkened with henna, had been braided, rolled tightly into a bun, then topped with a white cap fitting for her uniform. Makeup had been applied to her face, neck, and hands, giving her a ruddy appearance, hiding her flawless alabaster skin. Eleanor had proven to be a master of disguise. AJ shouldn't be surprised. Beckworth chose his friends wisely.

  Finn scanned the group, then slowed as he reviewed Lando's livery attire. Nodding his approval, he handed Jamie and Fitz two bundles before they climbed into the carriage. Lando waited by the door. He would play the role of coachman—at least until they were all safely ensconced in their positions.

  Thorn and Dodger had left with Maire and Eleanor so they could get in place before the guests arrived and the guards were stationed.

  Thomas would follow the carriage with Hensley's and the earl's men. After spending all night and morning at an inn, the earl's men were fresh from their long ride the day before, and were eager to work with Finn and Ethan again. Thomas and Finn had briefed them before dividing them into smaller teams. Beckworth suspected Dugan would keep most of his men close to the manor. The team agreed a smaller advance party would move to a position behind Dugan's men. The selected team would be swift and deadly if the need arose. The rest of the men would create a tight perimeter around their inside teams' exit once the mission hit its zenith.

  "Come on, princess. Your carriage awaits." Beckworth's mocking tone was softened by a slight smile. She couldn't fully read his expression, but if she had to guess, it was a sense of satisfaction. This would be a warning shot to his brother. If they were lucky.

  AJ dragged her feet to the coach, fighting down the building nausea, as she took Ethan's hand to help her inside. She took a moment to give Beckworth the timid smile she'd been practicing all afternoon.

  "I'd say try not to get yourself killed, but, well…" She couldn't help the teasing remark.

  Beckworth leaned toward her. "You know you'd miss your favorite pincushion."

  AJ laughed, unable to resist the man's wit. "That I would." She gave a quick glance to Finn before her smile turned menacing. "You watch his back, or I'll stick you with something much larger than a dagger."

  His smile never wavered. "You have my guarantee."

  Unsure of the veracity of his statement, she nodded and climbed into the carriage. Jamie and Fitz sat across from her, and Ethan took the spot next to her.

  "I hope you don't mind." Ethan grasped her hand, ignoring the glance Jamie and Fitz shared. "I could use some encouragement."

  She tightened her grip on his, then leaned over and kissed his cheek. "She'll be all right. She knows that manor as well as Beckworth."

  He nodded and turned to gaze out his window.

  AJ, still gripping his hand, leaned toward her own window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Finn. She needn't have bothered. He stepped to the window and stuck his head in.

  "Remember, you're only to follow Reginald to make sure he stays downstairs. Signal Letty the minute you think we need to run. We'll go in a half-hour after dark." He glanced at Ethan, who continued to stare out the other window. "Don't take any risks. We don't know which of his guests received the other invitations, so everyone at the party should be considered a danger."

  "If this is supposed to be a pep talk, you need to work on it," AJ muttered. But she couldn't take her eyes off him, memorizing every line, every feature. With her free hand, she cupped his cheek. "Make sure you remember your own words about not taking extra risks. If you can't find the book within your allotted time, get out. There's always a plan B."

  His response was a hard, swift kiss, and then he was gone, running to his horse. Once mounted, he whistled. The coach moved out with the rest of team following. When they came within sight of the estate, the group stopped. Jamie and Fitz gave her and Ethan a brief smile and words of encouragement before jumping out.

  Hearing horses riding off, AJ leaned out the window in time to see Finn turn his horse toward the coach. His smile looked forced, and she returned her own heartfelt smile, giving him a wave. Then he turned the steed and rode off, Beckworth and the advance party falling in behind him. They would approach from the backside of the estate. The remaining men, who would create the perimeter teams, continued with them as the coach drove on.

  Ethan's grip on her hand remained as they heard the last of the horses leave them ten minutes later. Only the sound of the coach
remained as they turned down the tree-lined drive to Waverly.

  51

  Maire pressed herself against the wall of a small alcove in the east wing of Waverly. She waited as the two men stormed down the hall, their long winter cloaks floating around their boots. She slowed her breathing, wanting to close her eyes but didn't dare. Had they seen her? She didn't think so.

  "You there. Halt." The gruff voice came from only a few feet away.

  She glanced down, thinking maybe her skirts had given her away. But they were tucked between her legs as she remembered doing when she'd first dashed into the alcove.

  Then she heard a squeak and turned her gaze to the right. A young housemaid had dropped to her knees, her arms, filled with towels, were raised in supplication. Their eyes met momentarily before the girl dropped her head.

  "I'm sorry, sir. I needed more towels for the guest rooms, but there weren't any more in the west wing, so I had to get them from the linen closet in the east wing." The young housemaid's voice trembled with fear.

  If there wasn't so much at stake, Maire would stab both men in the kidneys. One thing she'd never heard during her long stay at Waverly were frightened servants. While she cursed her time at Waverly, she'd noticed how loyal the servants were to Beckworth. Her only true friend had been her lady's maid until AJ arrived. The servants were loyal because Beckworth treated them fairly, not out of fear. He'd get plenty mad, sometimes so irritated his face turned red when the staff hadn't performed to his expectations—especially during one of his parties or hunts. But the rest of the days, he always seemed to have a kind word. Funny how she hadn't noticed at the time.