Donnan's Rose, page 7
"Fascinating."
He was obviously holding something back from her. He was giving her a cleaned up version of what he did. One he would tell his mother, perhaps. For now she would accept what he told her, but from now on would keep her ears and eyes open.
"Come, why don't we try and get a couple more hours in. I would like to get into Edinburgh by mid morning."
He came around to assist her onto her horse. As soon as she was settled astride the mare, he mounted his stallion.
"Where shall we sleep tonight, husband? Surely not the side of the road?"
"Dinna worry, wife. I won't let you into harm's way. We'll be safe."
"I wasn't implying you would. It's simply that I'm not aware of any inns along the way."
"There are none. I know a place. Trust. Remember that always, leannan."
"I do." She stopped herself. He didn't need to think she was some weak female. Remember that. Always remember that. You're not weak. Trust him; he'll let no harm come to you.
They rode along at a steady clip, pushing the horses and themselves. As the sun began to go down over the mountains, Donnan finally slowed them to a walk. Continuing on until he stopped and putting his finger to his lips, he let her know he was listening for anything out of the ordinary. Someone following them. They had seen only one or two carriages heading to Edinburgh and a couple of lone riders, which Donnan commented on as being odd. It wasn't the most direct route to Edinburgh, but it was well traveled.
Without a word, he turned his horse off to the left and on to the grassy field. Rosalind followed, cutting her eyes in all directions. She followed Donnan into a thick patch of trees. They were far enough in the trees that she could barely see the road.
"Stay here with the horses. I'm going to see if we're being followed." He grabbed a rifle he had strapped to the side of his saddle. Moving with lightning swiftness, he knelt out of sight behind a huge old oak.
Rosalind watched from her vantage point, though with the light fading, it was harder to see her husband. She had her back against a tree, holding both horses’ reins, watching Donnan as he crouched down.
Moments later, two horses appeared. She couldn't make out much more than that. They had stopped, and the two riders looked around. One of the riders turned his horse, heading in their direction. She held her breath. His partner must not have agreed with whatever the first one said, because after some discussion between the two, they resumed their trip down the road toward Edinburgh.
Donnan didn't move from his spot, and Rosalind was too afraid to move. After staying this way for what seemed to be an eternity, Donnan stealthily moved back toward her.
"Who?" she mouthed to him.
"Travelers, such as us. One wanted to seek shelter in the forest. The other man wanted to ride more."
"You heard them talk?"
"Aye. To be sure, let us stay here. At least for now. We'll be safer in here than on the road."
"Sleep here?"
"If you can, leanan. James should have the carriage along shortly."
"Carriage? I thought you sent it to London?"
"I did, but I have more than one carriage and set of four. James had the second brought from Edinburgh to rendezvous here."
"So you've known all along we weren't going to sleep on the side of the road, or in a ditch or in the woods."
"Aye, and I apologize, lass. I'm simply not used to sharing information."
"Especially with a woman or a wife. Is that it, Donnan MacLeod?"
"A little of both."
"You are sure about those men? We aren't going to find them on the road ahead?"
"Fear not, leannan. When the carriage arrives, there will be protection. I will nae let any harm come to you."
"I know, and I'm sorry if I sound like a weak woman. I'm simply tired from the past week."
"As am I, as am I. Why don't you sit and lie against the tree? I'll be on the lookout for the carriage."
Rosalind, instead, leaned against Donnan, who wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He was right; what she needed was sleep, and she was hungry, too. That could wait. She held her breath as he loosened his grip on her. Placing his jacket on the ground, he motioned for her to sit as he moved the two horses away.
He came back a minute later and wrapped his plaid over her. She could make out his gentle smile in the starlight that came through the tree canopy. She watched with heavy lids as he rose and walked back to his place at the edge of the forest.
It was the last thing she remembered until she heard the sound of a carriage in the distance, out on the road above them. Forcing herself to wake up, she stood and wrapped the plaid around her shoulders tightly. The sight of her husband and another man speaking in the field made her feel at ease. Picking up his jacket, she stood against the tree, waiting for him to fetch her.
"You're awake, leannan. Good. The carriage is waiting. Come. I'll bring the horses."
Nodding, she stood and watched as he gathered her horse's reins and whistled to his stallion. Taking her hand in his other, he guided her out of the wooded area and through the field. It was colder out here, a gentle breeze blowing. She suppressed a giggle as she saw it catch Donnan's kilt. He must have felt it and knew her eyes were on him. He said nothing, but his face had that wicked rake look she'd seen over the years.
Settling her in the carriage, he nodded to his men before joining her. Sitting across from her, he felt around under his seat and produced a basket.
"I know you have to be as hungry as I am. James had the good sense to have a basket prepared for us. There is some bread and cheese, along with a flask of wine. It will tide us over until we arrive in Edinburgh."
When he passed her the flask, she made a face, wrinkling her nose. After the night before, she wasn't sure it was what she needed, but it was the only thing. That or the flask of whiskey she saw Donnan produce from the basket. She took a drink off of it, not realizing how thirsty she'd become.
"Careful, lass. Have something to eat before, or you'll be foxed on me again." He chuckled as he took a long drink of whiskey.
"I could say the same for you, my lord," she replied smartly, tearing off a piece of bread before handing it back to him. She accepted a hunk of cheese, and the two of them sat in contented silence eating.
* * *
Having risen before Rosalind the next morning, Donnan dressed and headed downstairs. He'd left his bride in what was to become her suite of rooms the night before. Both weary from the long day of travel, she'd fallen asleep almost before he could help her disrobe. As tempting as she looked, he left her sleeping. Tonight, perhaps, he would make her his in every respect.
He headed downstairs, intent on reading the local Edinburgh papers and eating breakfast in the quiet. Instead, he was met by his youngest brother, Wallace.
"Where have you been, you young runt? Mother was beside herself when you didn't appear for her birthday ball!"
"Taking care of your business, brother," Wallace MacLeod replied, cockily. His ginger red hair was windblown and unkempt, and he appeared to have slept in his clothes.
The youngest of the MacLeod siblings, he'd been coddled all his life by his mother and sister. He was suppose to be attending St. Andrews but had dropped out. That fact was unknown to the family. To everyone but Donnan.
"How did you get in here? Never mind."
"Yes, and I hear congratulations are in order. You finally married Lady Rosalind. After compromising her, of course."
"Thank you, I think." He eyed his brother warily. "I suppose you're hungry."
"Yes, quite famished, and I have much to tell you."
"Come then. I was just about to sit down. After which, I will see James has a room and a bath ready for you. You smell as though you've been living with pigs."
That got him Wallace's imitation of a pig as he led his youngest sibling to the breakfast room.
"Where is your bride?"
"Sleeping. The past few days have been full."
"Gretna Green rather than a proper wedding? Is she with child, Donnan?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but no. You know perfectly well Rory banished me for a year. 'Tis not my fault Rosalind chose to stow away rather than wait the year."
"And Tavish and Kent found you in your rooms with her?"
"Yes, and I must say you know a whole lot for someone who wasn't even there."
"James is a wealth of information," came the sly reply.
Donnan stood in amazement as his brother piled a plate high with food before finding a place at the table. Either he hadn't eaten, or he was on yet another growth spurt. Wallace stood taller than any of his other brothers, towering over them at least at six foot six.
"When was the last time you ate?"
"A meal? I don't remember."
Donnan joined him, sitting at the head of the massive oak table. He nodded for the footman to serve tea. The corners of his mouth curled up as he watched Wallace dig into his food.
"You must have something to tell me if you've tracked me all the way here."
"Aye, I do."
Donnan eyed his sibling, who continued eating.
"And?"
"Kent and Tavish. They're not to be trusted."
"I've known that for quite some time. Kent's sniveling ways may work with Mother or Rory, but I've seen through him for some time."
"Kent is convinced you are Lucifer. He's got Tavish convinced that your privateer business is merely a cover up."
"How would he even know of that?"
True he had a writ from the queen herself, but he hadn't made a big showing of it. He kept it to himself in order to do the other. Having the paper from Her Majesty ensured if he were stopped that he had the royal approval.
"You remember the Fury?"
"Yes, quite well. A huge bounty."
"Both our brothers have a financial interest in her and her cargo."
"You don't say. That explains quite a lot." Donnan eyed his brother closely. The lad hadn't stopped eating except to speak.
"How do you plan to continue making runs when you have a wife, Donnan?"
"That's not your concern. For now, Lady MacLeod and I are staying here for a few days. I have business to attend to before we go to my new estate. That's all anyone needs to know, including you. As to the other matter, you let me attend to my wife."
"I never thought I'd see the day...you're far more fitted as the captain of the Tigress than some gentleman sipping tea with a wife."
"Really? And when did you become so knowledgeable in what your brother needs or doesn't need, Wallace MacLeod? And why are you not at university?" Rosalind's voice filled the room as she stepped into the breakfast room. She was wearing a green day dress, her red hair swept up.
Wallace jumped up and bowed to her. Donnan, who'd also stood, smiled at his brother's youthful misgivings. Directing his gaze to his wife, he felt his cock harden at once.
"Good morning," he said quietly as he watched her pick up a plate and begin choosing her food.
"Good morning." She wrinkled her nose. "My goodness, Wallace, when was the last time you bathed? You smell like a barnyard. As soon as you finish eating, we will see to getting you into a bath."
"Yes, my lady." He grinned as he shoved another forkful of eggs into his mouth.
"Don't worry, leannan. James will take care of this stray pup. I thought when we finish, you'd like to go to a modiste and perhaps see about having whatever you need started. I have an errand I need to run near one of the best seamstresses in Edinburgh."
"I'd like that. Very much. You don't need to tend to business? The Tigress?" She put a spoonful of eggs on her plate, not looking his way. A smile crossed her lips.
"No, it can all wait until we return."
She nodded at Donnan, then returned her attention to his brother. "Wallace, you still haven't told me why you aren't at university."
"I decided I don't need to go. Not right now. I can be of more use helping Donnan."
"I highly doubt Rory or your mother would agree with you."
"Well, they are all the way on the isle, and we're here in Edinburgh. It could take a while before word reaches them. By then I'll be gone."
"You like the adventure? Like Donnan?"
"Oh, aye."
Donnan cleared his throat, staring directly at his brother, a reprimand for not addressing his wife correctly.
"Er, I meant yes, my lady."
Rosalind took a bite of her toast. She looked well rested, and if all went well, he intended to use it to his advantage this evening.
"Anything in the newspapers I should be aware of?"
"I don't know. I was blindsided by my brother. I haven't had the luxury of reading them yet."
"Yes, and I don't know how one could concentrate on them anyway with the pig smell in the room." She gazed at Donnan, winking at him with her blue eyes.
"I told you both, I'll take a bath as soon as I finish eating."
They both ignored Wallace, turning their attention to other matters to tease him.
"Will you be ready to go in, say, a half hour?" Donnan inquired.
"Yes. Let me finish my breakfast."
"You," Donnan addressed Wallace. "I expect you to bathe and make yourself presentable. We shall finish our discussion later today."
"Very well. I look forward to it."
"Do not get used to it. Barging in like you did today. You're welcome, of course, but mind your manners. I won't tolerate you acting like a street urchin. You were brought up better than that, Wallace."
"Yes, sir."
Donnan gave Rosalind a sly wink. She, in turn, carefully covered her mouth with her cloth napkin, trying not to let the grin on her face show.
Chapter 7
Donnan followed his wife into the modiste’s shop. He knew it to be the finest in Edinburgh. The woman was French and had worked in London before coming to Edinburgh with her late husband. She was quite sought after, therefore, he'd made sure word got to her he'd be bringing his wife and would be spending an obscene amount of money for her services and goods.
"Lord MacLeod," the short blond headed woman greeted him as he escorted Rosalind into her shop. "I've been expecting you and your wife. My lady." She curtsied and took Rosalind in.
"Mrs. Frasier, it is good to meet you," Rosalind replied.
"Very nice to meet you as well, my lady." The older woman smiled warmly at Rosalind before turning to Donnan. "Lord MacLeod, I believe your wife and I can take it from here. I'll take her measurements, and we'll pick patterns and fabric. She should be ready for you to come for her in two hours."
"Then I leave you in Mrs. Frasier's capable hands, leannan. I have a couple of stops to make myself. I'll see you in two hours." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, catching a whiff of the honeysuckle fragrance she wore.
Donnan walked toward the jeweler once he was clear of the seamstress's shop. The sky was blue, dotted by a few puffy white clouds. A perfect day indeed. He'd sent word to the man what stone he was after and what it was for. The jeweler had never failed him in the past, and he was sure he wouldn't now.
"Lord MacLeod, I've been expecting you," the jeweler, an aged man wearing wire rimmed spectacles greeted him as he peered up from whatever piece he was working on.
"Mr. McTavish. You received my specifications?"
"Yes. I think you'll be quite pleased with the selection of sapphires to choose from. I took the liberty to set the band with smaller stones I thought best matched the larger ones. I hope that was all right?"
"Yes, yes of course. Your eye is far better trained than mine."
"Let me lock the door, and we'll go in the back and look at the stones."
The man came around the counter, walked over to the door, and locked it. He then led Donnan to the back of his shop to what appeared to be his office. He bent down and opened a safe, withdrawing a dark blue velvet bag.
Sitting across from the man, Donnan watched as he gently poured out six sapphires of various sizes. Opening a drawer, the man brought out two rings. One had two diamonds, but no other stones; the other was the band. He picked up the band and handed it Donnan.
"It's quite nice. The stones are incredible," Donnan murmured.
"These are the six best, I believe." He sat back, letting Donnan pick up each stone and look at it closely.
He picked up the ring and set each sapphire next to it, then picked up the band and repeated the process before he made his choice.
"I think this one. It is dark and appears flawless. It goes well with the smaller stones."
"I agree, and it is flawless, if you'd like to look through my eyepiece."
"No need. Is it possible to have the stone set today? I'd like to give it to my wife this evening. I'm sure you're aware we married in Gretna Green, and she's been wearing my signet ring ever since."
"Not a problem at all, Lord MacLeod. It won't take me but perhaps thirty minutes. Does that meet with your approval?"
Donnan chuckled. "Aye. My wife is over at Mrs. Frasier's ordering gowns. I was run off for the next hour and a half. You have plenty of time. I'll leave you to your work and take care of some other matters."
"Very well, Lord MacLeod."
"I shall be back, and then we can also talk about another piece I'd like to commission you to make for me. For my wife."
"I'd be honored to design and make whatever you have in mind, my lord."
"Good. I'll leave you to your work."
Donnan stood up, shook the man's hand, and proceeded towards the front door. As he reached to unlock the door, he noticed a man with a familiar face walk across the street. He watched, fascinated. The man, Gregory Parr, was a man his brother Tavish kept in his employ. Donnan knew the man did things for Tavish when his brother didn't want to be seen himself. He held his breath, watching as the man passed the shop where Rosalind was. What the devil was going on? Everyone by now should know they were headed to London, or at least think that's where they were. Did Tavish not believe the ruse and send Gregory Parr to check and see?
