Donnan's Rose, page 8
"Lord MacLeod? Is everything all right?"
"Yes. I thought I saw someone I hadn't seen in quite some time. It seems I was mistaken."
"There was a gentleman in here earlier asking about you."
"Really? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"It slipped my mind, my lord."
"What did he ask?"
"He asked if you'd been in recently. I told him I hadn't seen you in months. He nodded and left. Did I do right, my lord? I know how you prefer to keep your presence low key when you're in town."
"You did fine." Donnan unlocked the door, opening it. "I'll see you in thirty minutes or thereabouts. Lock the door behind me."
Donnan looked both ways, up and down the street before moving on to his next stop. He didn't see the man. Perhaps he was here innocently, but he didn't believe Tavish nor Kent was doing anything innocently. His staff knew not to speak about the private goings on of his house, including whether or not he was home. This would extend to Wallace and certainly Rosalind.
Quickly he made the one stop he needed before returning to the jeweler. He made a point of checking out the area surrounding the shop where Rosalind was before walking across the street to the jeweler.
Seeing him near his shop door, the jeweler opened the door, locking it behind them.
"I have everything ready, my lord."
"Excellent. I would also like to commission you to do a necklace with a matching bracelet and ear bobs. In sapphire of course. Would it be a problem?"
"Not at all, my lord. In fact, I have purchased a lot of sapphires from my cousin in London. He had a gentleman who wanted something similar, but decided on another stone at the last minute."
"Take as much time as you need. I don't wish to overwhelm my bride, but sapphire matches the color of her eyes so perfectly. They're my first choice for her."
"May I take the liberty to ask what color hair Lady MacLeod has, my lord?"
"Red. It's a brilliant shade of red and she has the bluest eyes."
"May I also suggest emeralds as a possible stone for the future? They go quite elegantly with women with that hair color."
"I shall consider that. Thank you for the suggestion."
Moments later, Donnan walked out of the shop with the rings safely tucked inside his jacket. He paid the jeweler in cash, not wanting to chance Rosalind perhaps coming across a bill for the rings. She was quite inquisitive, and he knew he needed to keep himself attuned to her questions and comments. He looked around and decided surely Rosalind must be ready. He'd sit outside and wait.
A short time later, she emerged, loaded down with packages. This was his new life, not one he planned. Seeing the look on her face and how she glowed made any misgiving disappear. He stood and relieved her of any package.
"I see you enjoyed yourself."
"Indeed. She said she will have everything ready for a fitting in two weeks time. I cannot wait, Donnan. Plus she said she would come to your new estate for the fittings. If that meets with your approval? I told her if it did not, I'd let her know immediately."
"That will be fine, leannan. Whatever you want." He passed the packages off to a footman who had been standing nearby with the carriage.
"You spoil me too much already, Donnan."
"I like to see the excitement in your face." He couldn't wait until later that evening. He'd already played it out in his mind how and when he would surprise her with her new rings.
"Were you able to get everything done you set out to do?" she inquired, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.
"Yes, I did. If you are hungry, I know of a quaint restaurant where we can go have a meal."
"I would like that."
"Very well. We'll take the carriage as it is a bit too far to walk." He chuckled, remembering the day before on the road. "I think we both did enough walking yesterday."
"Yes, we did."
Arriving at the restaurant a few minutes later, they were seated inside. Donnan had requested they not be seated near any windows. Should Tavish's man still be nosing around, he didn't want him seeing them.
After ordering for both of them, he sat back and stared in awe at Rosalind. Most women he knew could never go through what she had over the past days. Then Rosalind had always been a strong woman. She certainly was going to make life as his wife interesting.
"Can you tell me about this place you recently acquired?"
"It is outside Aberdeen. It sits on a good bit of land. My family had interests nearby, though none of them seemed to be interested in spending time on this side of Scotland. Unless, of course, it was to come to Edinburgh."
"Of course. Is it a large house? As large as the castle?"
"No, but it is big enough."
"How did you come by it? Most estates simply don't go up for sale without a good reason."
He chuckled. "You're quite inquisitive, leannan. You are right. Most estates never go up for sale unless there is financial trouble or something to that nature."
"So someone died, and the family had to sell it?"
"No, not exactly."
"What exactly do you mean by that, Donnan MacLeod?"
Donnan sat back in his chair and studied her for a moment. He was confident if he told her how he acquired it, she wouldn't think twice. Rosalind knew he did things his own way, and that included business. If they were going to make a go of it, and not simply be a marriage of convenience, he had to put his trust in her.
"I won it."
"You won it? How?"
"In a card game. With a MacDonald, I might add."
"A MacDonald! No wonder you haven't said a word to Rory about it."
"He'll find out soon enough, but I'll hold that minor detail back for now."
"What happened to them?"
"Who?"
"The MacDonald you won it from. In a card game, Donnan?"
"Aye, and the MacDonald in question is living in the cottage my family had nearby. There's another structure, but no one's lived in it. I suppose you might say we swapped estates. Though I still own the land the buildings sit on," he replied smugly.
"When will we go?"
"In a few days. I thought I mentioned the place was being properly cleaned and made ready."
"Yes, I believe you did. What can you tell me about it?"
"I'll leave that up to your beautiful mind for now. Let's enjoy our meal."
"Very well. You seem to have things planned out. What else for today?"
"I thought you might like to lie down once we returned. I'll take care of my correspondence and such while you do."
Her lower lip jutted out, teasing him. "What about Wallace, tonight?"
"Wallace has matters to attend to for me. He'll not be around. In fact, dismiss your maid after you dress for dinner. You won't be needing her later."
"Really?"
"Yes, I'm quite sure of it. I believe I can manage my way around a ladies wardrobe."
"I'm sure. You've given me a taste of it the past few nights. You're quite resourceful for a man."
He cocked an eyebrow at her remark. "Meaning?"
"You know how to undress a lady." She smirked at him, giving him one of her demure looks.
"I know how to do much more than that, as you will find out tonight." He gave her a subtle wink as the waiter brought their plates. For a second, he swore he saw her cheeks flush. Not at all like Rosalind, and he looked forward to becoming one with his bride at long last.
* * *
She sat in front of the looking glass, brushing her long red locks. The modiste had a large selection of undergarments and nightwear already made for her to choose from. Knowing tonight was meant to be special, she'd chosen carefully. Rosalind wanted everything for this moment to be perfect.
Rosalind dismissed her maid earlier in the evening as Donnan had requested. Wallace had disappeared, off doing whatever his brother required of him. Part of that was keeping himself out of trouble since, at the present time, no one was aware he'd dropped out of university.
Donnan had a decanter of sherry sent up to her rooms, knowing she would be nervous. Slowly she stood up, satisfied with what she saw looking back at her. The white night wear was nothing like any she'd worn before, and it made her nervous with anticipation at the unexpected.
Actually, she was prepared for what was to happen. Having spent a great number of years living among the MacLeod brothers, she'd heard more than most young girls should probably hear. Rory, Mac, Donnan, and the rest loved sharing their conquests between themselves. She smiled to herself, wondering what they'd think if they knew she'd heard many a tale. True or not.
Slowly she walked into the bedroom and poured herself a glass of sherry. Though it was supposed to be a drink for women, Rosalind had never developed a taste for it. Still, she managed to swallow it quickly. Pouring herself one more, she walked to the bed and set the glass down on the table.
Her maid had already pulled back the covers, making slipping in between the sheets easier. She gently tugged the covers over her and waited for Donnan to knock on the door.
He didn't keep her waiting long. Opening the door that separated the two bedrooms, he walked through, carrying two glasses and a bottle of champagne. He looked elegant in a long burgundy robe. His dark hair was loose, and not pulled back like he normally wore it. It made him look almost wild. Like, like she could imagine him looking as the pirate named Lucifer. In fact he took her breath away.
"I thought one bottle to celebrate."
"The sherry has helped calm me," she replied, watching him keenly as he poured two glasses and handed one to her. He sat down on the edge of the bed.
"That's good. I promise not to get you foxed tonight. This is a very special night, leannan."
"Yes, it is." She patted the empty side of the bed. "Join me." It wasn't a question but a statement, but she wasn't ready for what he did next.
Setting his glass of champagne down on the bedside table, he undid the belt holding his robe closed, and drew it open. Donnan was naked from head to toe as he came out of the robe. Climbing over her, he reached over and kissed her before taking his glass.
"Like what you see, wife?" He grinned, looking down at his jutting manhood. His facial expression quickly changed as he realized she was somewhat shocked.
"I...I suppose."
"Leannan, you have nothing to fear. The first time may bring some pain, but after that it will be heavenly. Trust me, you'll see."
"I suppose I have no choice. I've trusted you since we were children. I have no reason to doubt you now. You've never led me astray."
"Nor will I ever." He raised his glass to hers and grinned. "To my wife, the mother of our future children. You make me happier than you'll ever know, Rose."
"I hope I never disappoint you. I shall do my best to make you proud."
She nervously took a drink of champagne, her eyes never leaving his. When his hand came up to take the glass away, she didn't hesitate, letting him place both on the table. Feeling his hot breath on her neck, she leaned back and closed her eyes.
"You are beautiful," he said. "So beautiful." Rosalind felt his hands touching, exploring her body, down past her breasts, over her belly, down her thighs. She loved his touch.
He covered her with his body, and she lifted her hips against him.
"I love you, Donnan."
"I love you, too," he whispered, his hard cock finding her wet entrance. He pressed into her, stretching her gently, before he stopped. "Are you all right, leannan?"
It felt wicked and strange but at the same time wonderful. "Yes."
"This may hurt, but I promise you it never will again. He rocked into her deeper, breaking the barrier, her maidenhood. A wince of pain, then no more. They were together now as one. Donnan MacLeod was hers, and she was his, now and forever.
"I love you, Rose," he said as he reached between them as he was close to his end, and began to stroke her. His thumb circled her as he watched her take her pleasure. He rocked deeper, harder and faster until he lost control and joined her. Calling out her name, he filled her with his seed.
Rosalind lay with her head against her husband's chest, listening to his breath slow. He had been so kind and attuned to her feelings. She ran her finger along his chest, outlining his muscles as though trying to burn every detail of his body into her mind.
"What you thinking, leannan?"
She stopped and gazed up at him. Their eyes locked. "How incredibly lucky I am." She sighed.
"Aye, we are both lucky things worked out as they did."
"You never felt trapped into marrying me?"
"Never. Aye, it happened not as I planned, but I've always known someday you and I would marry." He moved on to his side, taking her with him. Kissing her, he sat up. "I have something for you. I would have given it to you when we married at Gretna Green, but I dinna have them."
"You've spoiled me already, Donnan."
"As I intend to keep doing."
Walking to where his robe was, he picked it up, digging around in the pockets. Whatever it was, she couldn't see it as he wrapped his long, slender fingers around it. He rejoined her on the bed, taking her hand.
She watched as he gently placed the two sapphire rings on her left hand, then held it up to admire them.
"They're perfect on you, just as I imagined they would be. I love you, Rose. Never forget that."
Picking up her hand and staring at it, Rosalind gasped, "They're exquisite, Donnan. I shall cherish them always." She felt tears stream down her face. "I love you, Donnan MacLeod. I always have."
Chapter 8
"Donnan, it's beautiful!"
He handed her down from the carriage, watching her as she gazed up at the tall structure. They'd come a day early from Edinburgh. Donnan wanted to get out of the city, but also wanted to be near the Tigress, which sat offshore and out of sight.
A trio of people came out the front door to greet them. He'd kept on most of the MacDonald staff, as the old MacDonald himself lashed out at anyone near him upon losing his family home.
"Leannan, this is Mrs. MacIntyre, the housekeeper. Mr. MacIntyre, her husband, butler, and Mr. Hendley, who oversees the grounds."
"Welcome, Lady MacLeod,” the older woman said, smiling gently.
"Thank you."
A sharp breeze and a clap of thunder had everyone looking skyward. The day had been cloudy, and now it appeared there was a storm moving in.
"Come, let's move inside. These storms come up quick sometimes," Donnan said, leading her by the arm into the house.
Once in the grand hall, Rosalind looked around, not believing what she was seeing. The incredibly ornate woodwork that greeted them. The grand staircase was something to behold.
"This is incredible, Donnan. Will you take me on a tour?"
"Aye, whatever you want. Right now, why don't you follow Mrs. MacIntyre? She'll show you to your rooms. I'll be along in a little while.
He could tell she wanted to say something, and was choosing her words carefully. She always had a look on her face, as though she were in deep thought.
"Very well," she replied quietly. He watched as she gathered her skirts and glided across the great hall and up the stairs behind the housekeeper.
Once the two women were out of sight, he turned to his valet, James.
"Is everything in place and ready?"
"Yes, my lord. All I have left to do is put your things in their proper place."
Donnan hid a grin. James was excellent at talking in such a way; no one but he could understand the double meaning of the man's words.
"Very well." He turned to the butler, who'd been standing not ten feet away from them. "Mr. MacIntyre, do I have correspondence awaiting me?"
"There are a few things, my lord. I placed everything on your desk in your study."
"Excellent. James, we can talk later about my rogue brother. I need to get to my correspondence before my bride decides she wants me to give her a personal tour of the house."
"As you wish, my lord," James replied before turning and disappearing.
"Is there anything else you require, my lord?" Mr. MacIntyre inquired.
"No, not at the moment. The sooner I take care of business, the happier Lady MacLeod will be, I'm sure."
Donnan turned and strode toward the study. Opening the door, he found a fire going in the hearth. He stood next to it for a moment, warming himself from the dampness that had set in with the storm. Eyeing the small stack of correspondence, he sighed to himself and walked toward the desk and sat down.
Most of what greeted him was household bills. He went through each one, making notes to speak with the housekeeper about it, how she kept the house. It was something to be turned over to Rosalind, but since the house was still fairly new to him, he wanted to understand the inner workings.
At the bottom of the small stack was one from his eldest brother, Rory. He opened it and carefully read it. Rory was trying to figure out where they were. Whether they had gone on to London as planned with a trip to the continent or if they were in Scotland. He mentioned Tavish and Kent had insisted Donnan had once again gone off and done what he wanted. He then said that their mother wanted to be sure her son and new daughter-in-law were safe.
So Kent and Tavish were in his business? Following him and Rosalind, having them followed. He decided to write Rory and say that an urgent business matter had called him to Edinburgh, but that by the time he was reading the letter, he and Rosalind would be on their way to Paris. He also made mention that he knew Tavish and Kent were having him trailed and would Rory tell them to back off. He was married now and didn't need the interference of those two. Whatever it was.
He was deep in his work when he suddenly felt a pair of eyes searing through him.
"Like what you see, leannan?"
"Very much so," she replied, sitting herself in the chair in front of the massive mahogany desk. She smiled seductively at him. The past few days in Edinburgh, they'd spent much of it locked in the bedroom. He'd showed her much about pleasuring him. She had been more than willing. It was hard not to take her upstairs this moment, or lock the door to his study and have her again.
