Donnan's Rose, page 16
This was where he and Rosalind spent hours together as children and later young adults. They would talk for hours on a host of topics. It was also where he'd first kissed his wife.
"I can't believe you did this. It is perfect, Donnan." Rosalind went through the cottage, her hands gently running across the backs of the furniture.
"I'm glad you like it."
"Did you have something special in mind you wanted to do while we're here?"
"I thought we could sit and talk for a while. It's nice to have you somewhere quiet. Somewhere without all the hustle and bustle of the castle."
"If that's what you'd like to do, then why don't we sit over near the fireplace."
Donnan extended his hand out to her. "I thought we'd talk over there. On the bed."
She took his hand and let him lead her across the cottage to the large bed. The sheets and coverings had been brought from the castle.
"You wish to talk in bed?"
"Aye," he replied with a naughty grin. "After I make love to my wife."
Rosalind stood at the side of the bed and watched her husband as he pulled the white shirt over his head. It fluttered to the ground next to him. His skin, his well muscled chest in particular, was honey-brown. He pulled off his boots and stood in nothing but his kilt. The plaid fell to the floor as he stood there naked, his cock now rock hard with want.
He helped his wife out of her gown before lifting her to the bed. His body came down on hers, pressing Rosalind back into the bed. Her hands came up to his neck, and her fingers began to run through his hair. She arched her hips and pressed against him.
"Donnan, do not tease..."
"Never," he replied as his finger sank into her warm depths. She was ready for him, her breathing labored.
Donnan positioned himself over her and slid slowly into her. She groaned as she arched against him as he plunged into her. He lost himself in her as he established a rhythm. She was with him.
At some point, he came up on his knees. He put his hands under her hips, pulling her up to meet his hard strokes. She started to cry out with each drive of his hips. Grabbing for her breast he brought it to his mouth. In the next thrust of his hips, he emptied his seed into her as her body convulsed around him. His body, damp with sweat, settled on to hers. Never in his life had he experienced shared passion as he did with his wife.
Rosalind was still trying to catch her breath as she snuggled against Donnan. "Husband, I've never felt anything like what we just shared. What was different this time?"
"I don't know," he replied against the top of her head as he kissed her. "It was so wonderful."
"Perhaps it's because we've snuck off."
"No, because all time is erotic and wonderful with you, wife."
"I am flattered. I love you, Donnan. You always make me feel cherished."
"Ah, that's because you are and always will be."
"Do we need to start back, or can we stay a bit longer?"
"I think we need to stay a while longer, lass. But only if you'll ride me."
Rosalind gave her husband an odd look then glanced down his long, muscular body and found him hard for her once again. She wrapped her hand around his cock.
"Hmmmm," she said. She straddled Donnan, her hand still holding his hard cock. Slowly she began to impale herself over it. "Donnan..."
"What, leannan? Do you want more?" he asked as he thrust himself into her. He watched as she flung her head back in ecstasy. Donnan placed his hands on her hips and began to guide her up and down his shaft. First, he would withdraw slowly, and as soon as he heard her suck in a breath, he slammed into her, seating her against his hips.
Unable to control himself, Donnan rolled them over until he was over her from behind. As he began to pick up rhythm, he reached around with one hand to her wet clit and began stroking her until they both screamed with pleasure. He slammed into her one last time as his seed came spilling out; this time, it seemed to never end. He held her to him, and slowly, the two collapsed onto the bed.
"Wife, you do me in."
"I doubt that is possible."
He laughed softly. "Aye, I am like an animal around you, Rose. All I need to do is touch you, and I'm hard for you again. I could stay here all day and make love to you."
"Sadly, we should probably head back."
"You're probably right. If not, I'll have you again."
"Save yourself for tonight. I have the feeling you'll be needing all your strength."
Donnan rose, slowly withdrawing from his wife. "I'll remember that. Let me find a cloth and some water for us to clean up, wife."
Fifteen minutes later, they were walking out of the cottage and back to where Donnan had tied their horses. As he helped Rosalind mount, he ran his hand under her gown to her thigh. She was still damp from their coupling. He gave her a wink and headed to his stallion. Once again, his body wanted her. Tonight would be long in coming.
They began to walk in silence until Rosalind stopped and glanced one last time at the cottage. "Thank you for doing this, Donnan."
"My pleasure."
"Do you think Rory will ever find happiness?"
"Aye, but it's different for him. He may be doomed to have a marriage of convenience. Given his position, love may not be an option."
"Perhaps they'll find love together in time."
"Aye. Perhaps."
"I would hate to see him in a loveless marriage."
Donnan nodded. "Time will tell." He smiled at his wife. "Why the interest in my brother's happiness?"
"Because he didn't ask to be born into his position. Finding a duchess he loves as much as we love each other is something he deserves."
"Aye, but no one will ever have what we have, leannan. What we share is something quite special."
"It is, isn't it?"
He reached down and stopped her mare. He leaned over and kissed her passionately. "Aye. I cherish every moment we have together, whether it is sharing time like this or in bed making love. I love you, Rose. I have for years."
"I think I understand," she said as she placed her free hand on his cheek. "Now I believe we need to be getting back to the castle."
"We needn't hurry."
"Aye, the rain is starting," Rose said. She laughed as she urged her mare on.
"It's Scotland. What better reason than the rain to make love?" he yelled as he followed her.
Donnan watched her as she tried to stay a few strides ahead of him. The rain was light, but as he looked upward, he saw the dark clouds. The storm would be setting in.
"We should have stayed in the cottage." Rosalind laughed.
"You're a wicked woman, leannan."
"No, just practical. Hopefully it won't get worse until we're inside the castle."
They kept going at a lively pace until they were safely inside the castle walls. Donnan followed her inside, the two of them laughing.
"I best get back to my inventory and ledgers," Donnan whispered.
"That sounds boring, but I should find your mother. We were making sure guest rooms were aired and made ready for guests."
He leaned over to kiss her. "Sounds tedious and boring."
"Aye, but you know it's part of the charm of having a party here."
It was true. Living on Skye had its drawbacks. Guests stayed. Normal parties turned into house parties, with guests staying for far longer than overnight.
"I know. Now go before I change my mind and drag you to our bed."
"Promises, promises." Rosalind laughed. "I'll see you later, husband."
Donnan grunted and walked off down the hall. Rosalind watched him for a few moments. How had she gotten so lucky?
Chapter 21
Guests began arriving at Castle MacLeod a week later. Rosalind noted that Donnan and Rory made sure they were preoccupied elsewhere when guests arrived.
To her delight, Mac was among some of the first to arrive. It was a surprise to Edana, and she was delighted.
Wallace, on the other hand, was stuck at university and told by Rory under no circumstances was he to show himself on Skye. He expected Wallace to finish his studies and catch up on what he'd missed while having grand adventures with Donnan.
"I cannot believe Rosalind was able to get you back here in time."
"I was happy for the diversion. Tavish and Kent are settled in Paris. I was eager to return."
"You don't like Paris, Mack?" Rosalind inquired.
"I like it just fine, but it's not Scotland."
The dowager duchess eyed him. "Why don't you go to your chambers and freshen up? We can talk later. I'm sure you're tired from all the travel."
"Thank you. I shall see you ladies later. I'll need to find Rory and Donnan and see how the distillery has been doing."
Edana discreetly placed her hand on Rosalind's elbow as they said their good-byes to Mack.
"I thought he was going to be making distribution deals in London for Rory."
"He is. The boys like to know all aspects of how things are run. That way when something happens, like losing Kent and Tavish, the place keeps on," Edana replied. "Donnan is far better at the process of making the whiskey than Mack. Though Donnan can make the deals, Mack doesn't have the reputation Donnan does."
"I know. I wonder how long that is going to follow him around."
"Which was another reason Rory wanted him back here. If Donnan isn't seen in the midst of clubs in Edinburgh and London, the quicker men will forget his unorthodox ways."
"You mean regard him as a gentleman and not a highlander."
"Yes. Some people are always going to see Donnan as something he is not and never was."
"Which is why we leave business to the men. Let them work things out among themselves. Even if they are stubborn."
Rosalind looked out at a carriage pulling into view. "I wonder who that is?"
"Probably the Earl of Durham and the countess by the look of their entourage. Beth wrote and said the earl was delighted for the invitation. He wants to enjoy the fish and to hunt while he's here."
"So they'll be here for a couple of weeks?"
"A fortnight, yes. Which is why I chose the north suite for them."
"Yes, it'll be perfect. There are two bedchambers and the sitting room."
"You're learning fast, Rosalind," Edana replied. She smiled at her daughter-in-law.
"I wonder if they're bringing their obnoxious daughter with them? Or has Lady Helen found herself someone?"
"Lucky for all of us, Lady Helen is visiting her grandmother in Brighton at the moment."
"Thank goodness. I remember how she attached herself to Rory and Donnan the last time she was here."
"Yes. From what I've heard, the poor thing refuses every offer. The men aren't good enough."
"She must have her eyes on someone."
"She does. I've heard she's determined to make a match with the duke of Somerset's son."
Rosalind laughed. "Has he offered? Or has he even shown the slightest interest in her?"
"Neither, but Lady Helen is determined. Why else do you think she'd travel all the way to Brighton?"
"You have to give her credit for ideas."
"I'm sure we'll learn a lot more with her mother staying here."
"Yes."
The shiny black carriage was pulled by four matching white horses. As it came to a stop, Edana pulled Rosalind out of view. "Come, let's let them settle in."
"You don't wish to greet them?"
"We'll see them at tea at five. Unless you wish to greet the countess now and be standing in the great hall listening to her until then."
"I see your point. She is a bit of a talker."
"Besides, a good hostess does not always greet her guests as soon as they arrive."
"What are we supposed to be occupied with?"
"We're with the dressmaker. Which is not a lie. She is here."
"I don't think I could ever be a duke's wife. I am far more suited for a lesser son, like Donnan."
"Donnan is not a lesser son. Of all my sons, Donnan is the only one who's made his own way without any help from Rory. Donnan is his own man."
"Aye, he is that."
Edana arched her eyebrow. "If Donnan was duke instead of Rory, you'd do just fine."
"How do you figure?"
"The two of you are made for each other." Edana smiled at her daughter-in-law.
* * *
Rosalind smoothed the skirts of her muslin dress and drew in a deep breath as she prepared herself to enter the red drawing room. The dowager duchess had given her a reprieve of sorts, allowing Rosalind to appear fashionably late to tea. Edana knew her daughter-in-law would be on edge, feeling as though she were on display before her friends. Though the festivities were for Donnan and Rosalind, Edana knew her friends with eligible daughters would want to know all about her eldest, the duke. Tavish and Kent's disgrace meant nothing if the MacLeod took an interest in their daughter.
"There she is now," Edana said as Rosalind gracefully walked across the room to the women.
Introductions were made before Rosalind sat down. Sitting across from the dowager duchess, Rosalind accepted a cup of tea. She'd met most of the women in the room. The majority had yet to arrive. There weren't a huge number of guests from far away, but the local women made it far more fun and less stuffy.
"I was surprised to hear Lord Donnan agreed to come back to Skye to live. He's never wanted much to do with it since he grew up," Penelope Stewart said as she picked up her tea cup.
Rosalind hesitated before answering. Penelope had been one of her husband's many admirers in the past. "Donnan's always been devoted to his family. He didn't hesitate when Rory asked him." She cut herself short of going into any detail. It wasn't as though it was Penelope's business.
"Rory needs to lighten his work load. Donnan made that possible," Penelope replied.
Rosalind was not surprised in the lack of manners. She always had a thing for Rory, but he barely recognized her.
"His Grace knows Donnan has an abundance of skill sets he doesn't."
"Yes, he does." Penelope smiled at her.
"Did I mention I had a letter from Helen? She was planning to leave Brighton and join us," the countess of Durham said, smiling.
"That's a long ride," Edana replied.
"Her father's rented a house near Portree for the summer. My husband loves to hunt and fish here. It'll give Helen and Rory time to get to know each other better."
"Poor Rory. It seems his social calendar is going to be quite busy. The MacDonald girl, Helen, and a host of others. Maybe he'll find a wife soon," Edana said. She picked up her cup of tea and sipped. Penelope would be the one woman she'd put her foot down over.
"Maybe he already has," Penelope replied.
"It's more complicated for Rory," Edana said. "He's not only a duke, he's laird of his clan, and with that comes great responsibility. It will bring a lot of that to his duchess as well."
"As you well know," Rosalind said with a smile on her face.
"Yes. At one time Rory wanted to marry for love. He realizes that may not be possible now," the dowager duchess replied.
"It won't be the same without Tavish or Kent here," Penelope said.
The woman was trying to stir up trouble, hoping if their English counterparts didn't know anything of Tavish or Kent's misdeeds, they would before they left. A family scandal like that wasn't something a lot of peers would be willing to engage themselves in. Thus leaving her a better chance with Rory.
"Have you heard from them?" the countess asked Edana.
"Yes, and Mack's returned from Paris. They're doing well. They're working on some business deals Donnan and Rory started. I believe Paris agrees with them," Edana replied. "I think you will love spending time in Portree. It's quite lovely this time of year."
"I agree. I sometimes get so tired of going to the same places, doing the same things every summer."
"That's very progressive, you know. I would love to go somewhere. I'm hoping to go to Paris this autumn."
"Paris is beautiful then. Like it is in spring," the countess replied.
* * *
"Who has arrived with daughters in search of a duke for a husband?" Donnan asked later as they finished getting ready for dinner.
"Donnan! That's rude. They're here for our ball. Though after talking with the women this afternoon at tea, I swear landing Rory as a husband is the big draw, not us."
"That's what I thought."
"And I can't believe how obvious some of them are. Do you know Penelope addressed Rory by his given name and not his title? Oh, and Lady Helen is in route. She supposedly is coming for our ball and to spend the summer with her parents, but it's all a farce. She, too, is after a duke, and a Scottish duke is just as good as an English one."
"Tell me again why we agreed to this blasted party?"
"You know perfectly well."
"Anyone mention Kent and Tavish?"
"Yes, but I don't believe it's as big of a deal as some people try to make it."
"It's not. Besides, they're helping Rory and me. Saves us both a trip to the continent. At least until autumn."
"You know, your mother really doesn't get to go anywhere. She's pretty much stuck on this isle. I think a trip to London as well as Paris would do her a world of good."
"When the time comes, I'll make sure she sees both. For now, it's here for all of us."
"I will be ready for a reprieve, husband. The ball isn't for two days, and I already feel as though I'm going to bite someone's head off. Women are so cruel."
Donnan gathered his wife in his arms. "I would say an afternoon at the cottage is in our immediate future."
"But I can't leave your mother. I need to be there for the afternoon activities."
"What? Boring lawn games or a trip to the loch?"
"Which isn't very far and will be tomorrow if the weather cooperates."
"If it doesn't, I'm sure she can handle an afternoon of parlor games. We, on the other hand, can sneak away. She won't mind, and no one will miss us."
