Kissing the Lass (Scot to the Heart #2)

by Charles, Jane

  “Then I best be on my way before she locks us all in a room to keep us from leaving.”

  Gideon strode for the door and then turned to look at his brother. “I’m glad you are home Max. And, thank you.”

  His bother lifted the glass in salute. “You’d do the same for me.”

  Gideon stopped only long enough to leave instructions for a carriage to be brought around and his destination before he rushed upstairs to see that a trunk was packed. Sophia and Scala were out enjoying the gardens with their children and with any luck, and if he were quick enough, he’d be gone before she was any the wiser.

  “Where are you going?” She demanded as he exited the manor.

  Gideon stopped and watched as the footman loaded his trunk. “I’m off to Scotland to retrieve my bride.”

  Sophia narrowed her eyes on him. “You are bringing her back here?”

  “Of course. I’d like Arabella to meet all of my family, as it may be years before she is given another opportunity.”

  Instead of being taken to task for disobeying her wishes, a smile broke on her face. “Well, do be quick about it. I cannot wait to meet your handfasted wife.”

  “Where has everyone gone?” Arabella asked Niel who seemed to be the only person about.

  “Sheena is fishing. Rose has gone to stay at Grant Manor since Madeline is nearing her time and everyone else has gone off to Edinburgh.”

  Arabella blinked at him. “Everyone?”

  “Donovan was in a fight. Word reached us early this morning. He will survive, but his injuries will keep him bedridden. Uncle Aiden has gone to see to the severity and the others have decided to intervene.”

  “Intervene?” She didn’t understand.

  “Since Mary became a widow and Donovan left before her return, he’s been in a bad way with drinking far too much and getting into fights in Edinburgh.”

  Arabella sank into a chair.

  “We were trying to keep it from everyone, but he nearly got himself killed this time, or so we’ve been led to understand, and it’s time that our brother is given help, whether he wishes it or not.”

  “Why didn’t you go?”

  “Because someone needed to remain here and I believe Uncle Aiden, our brothers and cousins will do well by him. However, everyone’s departure has left us in a difficult position.”

  “How so.”

  “A delivery is due in Ayr in four days and I doona believe anyone will be home in time to deliver it.”

  “I doona understand. Why canna ye take it?”

  “I’m bein’ watched too carefully. Our cousin, Ewan that is, was to make the delivery because nobody thinks he’s bright enough to smuggle without getting caught.”

  She had often discussed smuggling with her female cousins, as well as Fanella and Jesse Grant, wishing they’d be allowed to participate, and perhaps this was the perfect opportunity. “Let me do it.”

  Niel’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Ye?” Then he laughed.

  Affronted, Arabella sat straightened. “And why not?”

  “Exactly how would you deliver the whisky without being caught?”

  Slowly she smiled and explained. “Please, let me do this. I need to get away from Anagburn.”

  “Ye need to take yer mind off of yer husband?”

  Niel was always the most perceptive. “Aye.”

  He offered her a small smile, sympathy in his eyes. Did her entire family feel sorry for her?

  Well, she’d not have it. Arabella needed to get on with her life without her family worrying about her.

  “Ian had mentioned they were needing to be more creative.”

  “As I ken nobody outside of Bonnybridge, I willna be recognized.”

  Niel sat in through for a few moments. “I doona like it.”

  “What else are ye goin’ to do? Ye canna do it yerself. Ye said yer bein’ watched.”

  Then he stood. “I’m going to ride to Grant Manor and discuss this with Ian.”

  Chapter 34

  Cameron MacGregor was correct, Dunure was a lovely location. Sandy beaches and tall grass. Waves and wind and few inhabitants. As Gideon rode along the coast, he knew that he’d located his home. This wasn’t the first place he’d considered on his trip north, and he’d stopped at many potential locations where he might purchase land, but none of them had felt right. At least, not until he had arrived in Dunure.

  The parcel of land that he chose also held a small manor. It wasn’t as large as Anagburn or Trent Manor, but would be perfect for just him and Arabella, and any eventual children they may have. Further, there was a corner room with windows that opened toward the beach. He’d be quite content writing there with the sound of waves in the background.

  Gideon then set about purchasing as much land surrounding the manor as allowed. Then he hired builders to erect mews so that Arabella could have hawks or falcons or whatever she wished. He also consulted with a man who would be in charge of constructing a small golf course.

  As there were few residents in Dunure, Gideon had spent much time traveling to area villages and towns where he hired a housekeeper, maid, cook, two footmen, and temporary servants to clean and repair the manor that had stood abandoned for nearly a year. Then he set off for Anagburn.

  Though he wished to reach his destination that same day, anxious to be reunited with Arabella, tell her what was in his heart, and take her to the most perfect setting to begin their lives, Gideon soon realized that he’d not arrive before midnight. Reluctantly, he stopped at a coaching inn just outside of Glasgow. After obtaining a private room in which to take his meal and securing a room for the night, he stepped outside to advise the driver. His eyes were drawn to the arrival of another carriage followed by a wagon that held a coffin. Most disturbing, however, was that the carriage displayed the crest of the Marquess of Brachton. Gideon stopped and waited, fearful of who had died. The MacGregors were close to the Grants and if there had been a loss in the family, Arabella would be devastated.

  He waited as the footman opened the door. The first to emerge was Ian Grant, who then assisted his wife, Davina Grant, clothed in black for proper mourning, from the carriage. Next to appear in the door was Arabella and Gideon sucked in a breath as his heartbeat picked up. He started forward only to stop when she placed a black veil over her face and stepped from the carriage. She was also clothed in black.

  It wasn’t a Grant who had passed but a MacGregor. Why were they traveling with the coffin so far from Anagburn?

  Urged to comfort his wife, Gideon started forward again, only to stop when she turned and he noted her condition. It was as if someone had punched him in the gut with enough force to suck the air from his lungs. His wife, the woman he loved, was increasing and it was most definitely not his child.

  He’d not seen her in over a month, but Arabella looked to be at least six months along, if not more. Regardless of how long Arabella had been pregnant, it occurred long before he arrived at Anagburn.

  Was that why she’d fought their marriage? Fought the handfasting? There was another who held her heart? If so, where the blazes had he been?

  It certainly explained the panic she’d suffered when MacGregor determined they were to be wed.

  Yet, she kissed him so sweetly…passionately. Why would she have done so if she cared for another?

  Unless, she hadn’t particularly cared for the father of her child. Or, perhaps the father of her child had not cared for her and Arabella was afraid to name him? Or, something unspeakable had occurred. Something none of her family knew anything about. Something that women did not share and if that were the case, he would hunt down the bloody bastard and make certain he never harmed another woman again. And, if that were the case, no wonder she’d been tense on their wedding night.

  Of course, Gideon was jumping to conclusions because Arabella could have easily had a lover who took advantage and then left her alone, which would also explain why she feared being heartbroken.

  Regardless of the
circumstances, Arabella should have told him. Even if they were only to be handfasted for a year and a day, that child would be born during that time and the courts would recognize it as his child. It would have his name.

  Did the MacGregors believe the child was Gideon’s? Surely they could tell by looking at her that it was impossible.

  Gideon was too stunned to know what to do or say, though anger was very close to the surface and he was not a gentleman who angered easily.

  Her words of being afraid of falling in love and heartbroken haunted him in that moment. How much of it had been the truth and how much had she really been afraid of his reaction when he learned the truth?

  If she had been honest with him, maybe things could have ended differently. Instead, she’d lied. Or, at least hadn’t been honest and Arabella, above anyone else in Scotland, knew how important honesty was to him.

  As painful as the next moments would be, Gideon knew he must face her, then return to Dunure to cancel all plans, sell the property and return to Cornwall where he’d inform his family of what transpired and ask that they never speak of it again.

  “Come along, Mary, we’ll get you settled,” Davina said to Arabella.

  Mary? Was she holding herself out to be Ian’s sister? Was it to protect Arabella’s reputation? If she was afraid of anyone learning, why had she left the safety of Anagburn? Unless she was going somewhere to hide until the child was born. It wouldn’t be the first time that a miss who found herself in an interesting condition went off to visit distant relatives for the duration and birth of a child. If that were the case, why the blazes had she waited so long. Why hadn’t she left before her condition had become obvious?

  Though, those circumstances didn’t explain the mourning attire or the coffin, unless it was an elaborate ruse of some sort.

  All these questions rumbling around in his mind would produce no answers and Gideon stood in their path as they turned toward the inn and waited to be noticed.

  Grant was the first to see him, and his eyes widened in surprise. Then it was Mrs. Grant and her mouth formed a silent “O”. Arabella had yet to look up, but she appeared to be watching her steps, which he could understand in her condition with the uneven ground from carriages and horses pounding the dirt on a daily basis.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Grant.” He nodded to the couple, then focused on the widow.

  Arabella’s head jerked up at the sound of his voice.

  “Gideon?”

  At least she wasn’t trying to hide her identify from him even though it was difficult to see her face through the veil.

  “What are ye doin’ here?” She asked, not even a bit concerned that he’d come upon her. She even sounded happy.

  Then again, her opinion of him had always been that of a milksop so maybe she assumed she’d be able to get around him, counting on what she had considered the kindness of his heart. She’d soon learn that there were situations where any man would find it challenging to be understanding. This was one of those situations.

  “I was on my way to Bonnybridge and only stopped here for the night.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Ye were comin’ back?”

  “We are husband and wife,” he reminded her.

  “Shhh.” She quickly looked around. “I am Mary Soares, widow of Captain Soars,” she hissed.

  “You know how I feel about dishonesty,” he reminded her.

  “Can we discuss this in private and not in the yard of a coaching inn?” Mr. Grant asked.

  Gideon glared at him. He didn’t give a bloody damn where they discussed Arabella’s current circumstances.

  “I’m not certain you quite understand.” Grant glanced around. “This matter should be discussed quietly.”

  There was a warning edge to his tone and even though Gideon wasn’t threatened in the least, he was also not one who wished to be gossiped about either, and there were too many people gathered. Some were leaving and waiting for their coaches and others were arriving. That was the only reason he did not insist on answers in that moment. It was for him and not his wife. “I’ve secured a private room to take my meal. You are welcome to join me.”

  “Thank goodness,” Arabella murmured.

  As he turned, Gideon once again noted the wagon with the coffin as it pulled further away from the stables. Regardless of the circumstances, Arabella and her cousin had lost a loved one and given how close the family was, her heartache must be deep. “May I ask, who is in the coffin? Who did you lose?”

  “Uncle Barley,” Arabella whispered.

  It took a moment for her words to sink in. Bloody hell, she was smuggling whisky. Not only that, she was quite pregnant in doing so and her cousin and her husband had come along.

  Once again Gideon was reminded that the MacGregor’s were quite mad, and that madness apparently now extended to the Grants and Arabella.

  Arabella’s heart leapt at the sight of Gideon and her pulse sped when he announced that he was returning for her. She’d truly not expected to see him again, nor did she anticipate receiving another letter until the end of the summer when he offered another excuse for not coming north, or inviting her to Cornwall. Seeing him outside of the coaching inn had proved that she had it all wrong.

  Oh, if only they weren’t in such a public setting, she’d hold him close and kiss him, but instead, she must play a grieving widow. Further, she couldn’t show any deference to Gideon as her husband since hers was supposed to be in the coffin.

  “We need to change the story,” Davina stated quietly to her husband.

  “I doona understand,” inquired Ian.

  “We canna claim that this is Mary’s husband when Gideon will be wishin’ to visit with his wife. I willna besmirch Mary’s name in such a way.”

  “Has anyone inquired as to who was in the coffin,” Arabella asked because she couldn’t recall.

  “Nay, not yet.”

  She and Davina looked at one another. “A grandfather?”

  “Uncle?” Davina suggested?

  “Nay. It canna be anyone too close, and easily inquired into,” Arabella said. “A cousin. One who came to visit and died unexpectedly.”

  Davina nodded. “Cousin Brodie. He went off to America some years back. Nobody kens him.”

  Arabella nodded. “We are takin’ cousin Brodie to be returned to his family.”

  The two nodded and looked to Ian for his agreement.

  “Why would ye leave the estate for a cousin in yer condition?” He hissed.

  “We’ll claim I was particularly close to him.” And hoped nobody inquired further.

  “That’s it then.” Ian straightened. “Shall we continue inside and inquire about a room for Davina and myself?”

  They continued on, but Gideon held back. Arabella turned. “Are ye not comin’ with us?”

  “Yes.” Yet, he followed reluctantly, as if he didn’t really wish to be near her. And, he seemed angry? Was it the travel or the surprise at seeing her? Was he truly on his way to Bonnybridge or was it simply a coincidence that they found themselves at the same coaching in?

  As they reached the entry to the inn, Ian stopped. “Lord Gideon, could you please escort Arabella and Davina directly to the private dining room so they are not questioned and speculated upon?”

  “Of course.” He offered an arm to both of them and quickly moved the two past the patrons and into a back room before he closed the door.

  Arabella was so grateful to be out of the carriage and in private that she immediately removed the hat and veil and then stretched her muscles.

  With a smile, she looked to Gideon, hoping that he truly had been coming for her. Instead, his face was red, eyes hard and jaw taut as he stared at her mid-section.

  Goodness! Perhaps she should explain.

  Chapter 35

  Gideon had never seen anyone devise a story, a false tale, so quickly in his life as the three of them had in the yard. What else had Arabella lied to him about? Had any of their conversations been honest? />
  He needed answers, and wanted them now, but perhaps this wasn’t the best place. If he understood Grant, Arabella would be sharing Gideon’s room, therefore, once they were alone, he would most definitely demand an explanation and she’d better not even think about telling a single falsehood.

  “Nobody warned of this discomfort,” she complained.

  Gideon nearly snorted. Yes, he well knew that women suffered difficulties and discomfort as they increased and, though he should feel sympathy, Arabella was the one who chose to travel in this condition and further, she wasn’t the slight bit embarrassed that he’d discovered her thus.

  “Um, Arabella, perhaps you’d better explain.”

  She blinked at Mrs. Grant, who nodded at Gideon.

  “Explain what?”

  “Yer interestin’ condition to yer husband.”

  Arabella’s focus flew to him and her face turned a deep crimson.

  At least now she suffered a bit of embarrassment.

  “We’ll talk in private, when we retire.” His eyes bore into hers.

  “Ye doona understand,” Arabella began but Gideon held up a hand. He would not have the discussion in front of her cousin. Further, Grant would soon be joining them and what he and Arabella had to say to one another would be done in private.

  “I’ve drawn a few conclusions, but I’ll let you explain when we are alone.”

  Arabella gulped. “Are ye certain? I can tell ye all about it now.”

  He didn’t want to hear the details in a private room at an inn. Besides, the walls were paper thin and he’d not have her overheard.

  “When we retire,” he groundout.

  “It isna what ye think.”

  “Later!”

  “Verra well.” She plopped into a seat and frowned at him.

  “Supper will be served shortly, but I’ve brought ale,” Grant announced as he entered the room carrying two mugs.

  “What of us?” Mrs. Grant demanded.