Cowboys and Highlanders (15 page)

"I killed him," Chloe whispered.

Elise stared. When had it happened? What had been the defining moment in history when womankind became convinced that if anything went awry in the lives of those they loved, they were somehow responsible? Had it begun with Eve? Had the beguiling serpent planted the seed that all mankind would suffer as a result of her misdeed? Elise fell to her knees beside Chloe's bed.

"No." She took the shaking girl into her arms. "It isn't your fault. It's no one's fault."

Chloe clung to her, her tears bathing Elise's neck.

It seemed hours later when Elise heard the creak of the door and looked up to see Winnie standing in the doorway. Winnie's gaze went to Chloe, who slept, then came back to Elise. Elise rose from the bed and tiptoed across the floor. Winnie stepped from the doorway and Elise followed, quietly closing the door behind her. The porch, not long ago filled with friends and neighbors joyously awaiting the arrival of the newest MacGregor, now held only silence.

"You told Daniel?" Elise asked.

"Aye."

"Where is he?"

She nodded to the left of the cottage where the path led into the cover of the moonless night. Elise started down the steps.

"Perhaps ye had best leave him to his grief," Winnie offered.

Elise paused, then disappeared into the darkness.

Daniel hadn't gone far. She saw him, arm outstretched on a tree, shoulders shaking with silent tears. She halted a few feet from him. "Daniel." She heard his quick intake of breath and stepped closer in order to put a hand on his shoulder. "Daniel."

His shoulder stiffened beneath her fingers. She turned him toward her. Without hesitation he fell into her arms and wept.

"A son," he said between sobs.

"I know," she replied, and his tears fell even more freely.

At last, he released her and stepped back. He straightened, again the proud warrior. Elise breathed a silent sigh of relief. He would recover. Now for Chloe. "Daniel, the loss of the child is terrible, but you have something else which must be dealt with now."

"What?"

"Chloe."

"Is something amiss? Winnie said she would live." He looked as if he would race back to the cottage.

"No," Elise quickly put in, "you misunderstand. She will live. However…" Elise hesitated. These Highland men weren't known for having a deep understanding of their women, and she, a stranger, stood before one of them, presuming to tell him how to better deal with one of his own.

"Out with it," he growled. "If she is in danger—" His voice lowered. "Did Winnie lie?" He seized her shoulders.

Elise laid a hand on his arm. "The danger doesn't lie with her body, but her heart."

"Her heart?"

"She blames herself. What's worse, she believes you blame her."

His hands dropped away. "Of course I don't blame her."

"She thinks otherwise."

He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "She'll think differently tomorrow."

Anger shot through Elise. "You, sir, have no idea what a woman thinks."

A silence drew out between them before he said, "What did she say?"

"She didn't tell me outright, but I… I understand how she feels."

Daniel studied her. "You lost a child?"

"Yes."

He breathed deep. "What's to be done?"

"Go to her. Be with her. Let her know you still love her. It's you she needs."

He stared for a moment then, without a word, strode toward the cottage.

Elise watched until he disappeared into the darkness. A moment later, she heard the shuffle of boots on the porch. With the click of the cottage door, exhaustion washed over her. She took three steps to the closest tree and leaned against the trunk, resting her head. What a fool she was to have become too entangled with these people. They were no longer faceless strangers, but named friends whose lives had touched her. Friends she had deceived—Marcus most of all. She pushed from the tree and started down the path.

No guard remained to escort her home. The moon peeked from behind clouds. She welcomed the solitary walk. The moment the thought formed, tears rolled down her cheeks. Elise gave her head a hard shake but only succeeded in further blurring her vision. The moon dipped behind the clouds again and she was plunged into shadows. Her toe slammed against a rock. She lurched forward. She thrust her hands out in defense of the fall, but large hands seized her waist and yanked her against a hard body. Elise opened her mouth to scream but the arm tightened around her and the scream emerged a squeak.

"Re-release me you brute!" she wheezed, giving her assailant a hard kick to the leg.

He cursed softly. Her stomach did a somersault.
Marcus.

"Brute, is it?" he murmured. A strained note in his voice said the kick had been successful. "You dare call me brute when I saved you from a nasty fall?"

Elise sagged against him. "You gave me a scare." She took a deep breath.

He ran a hand over her shoulder, following the caress with a kiss to her neck. "'Tis not nice for a lady to call her lover a brute." Another kiss followed on her shoulder.

"
Good Lord
." She broke free and faced him, trying to discern his features in the darkness. When unsuccessful, she muttered, "You truly are a man."

He chuckled. "That doesn't please you?" Marcus took her hand and started down the path. "Never mind. It will soon enough."

They walked for a few moments, then he slipped an arm around her waist. A shock rippled through Elise, settling between her legs. This feeling she had to guard against. When she left—her heart wrenched and she became painfully aware of his arm around her. His warmth had seeped through her dress, comforting, offering the promise—Elise clamped down on the burgeoning desire. She wouldn't hurt him by giving herself to him then leaving. She had to keep him at a distance for just a little longer.

"You must be exhausted," he said.

She thought of Chloe. "I'm worried about Chloe."

"She'll be fine. Daniel loves her."

"Yes. Their love is their salvation."

"'Tis always the case," Marcus stated matter-of-factly.

Her heart leapt. "Oh?"

"Aye. The love between a man and a woman is salvation itself."

"Perhaps. However, they will be needing an extra dose now."

"You don't think Daniel loves her?"

"I believe he will do his best to comfort her," she replied.

"And who will comfort Daniel?"

"Chloe, of course. Who else?"

"Who else, indeed?" Marcus repeated softly, and this time she couldn't stop the flutter of her heart.

* * * *

When they entered the castle's kitchen, Marcus ordered Mary to prepare a hot bath for Elise. She protested, but he shook his head.

"I planned on going straight to bed," she complained, as he escorted her through the kitchen.

"Trust me." He forced her to keep pace with him as they crossed the great hall. "You will thank me in the morning." They neared the stairs and he prodded her up.

She remained silent until they reached her door. "Really—" she began.

"Go," he interrupted. "I'll return in a moment."

Elise sighed but acquiesced.

Marcus strode down the hallway to his room. He pushed past his bedchamber door and crossed to the sideboard in the far corner. He poured a brandy and drank it in one swallow. He grimaced, then poured another and went back to Elise's room. Pausing at her door, he knocked once then entered. She looked up sharply, one hand on the remaining boot she was in the process of removing.

"You might have waited until I gave you permission to enter," she said, giving him a reproachful look.

"Drink this." He handed her the brandy.

Elise set the boot on the floor, then took the glass. She sniffed and peered at him over the rim of the snifter. "Napoleon brandy." She drank it in nearly as quick a flourish as he had.

Marcus raised his brows. "Careful, lass. One should acquire a tolerance for spirits before gulping them."

"I wish you'd brought two. Mmm." She stood. "Makes me feel warm all over."

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," he called.

Elise frowned. "This is my bedchamber," she said, as the door opened and two men entered carrying the bathtub. "If you don't mind, I will be the one to allow visitors entrance." Her gaze shifted to the tub. She thrust the glass forward, bumping Marcus's chest. He grasped the snifter as she released it and stepped past him. "Over there," she instructed, "by the fire."

Two more men followed with pails of steaming water. "Mary said the rest of the water will take a little time to heat," one man said, as he dumped his pail into the tub.

Elise walked to the tub and peered into it. "Two pails of cool water will do."

The men nodded and were gone. She faced Marcus. He gave her a questioning look, knitting his brows as though not comprehending.

"
Marcus.
"

"Ah, yes." He set the glass on the nightstand, then came to stand beside her. He grasped her shoulders and spun her facing away from him.

"Wha—?"

He began unbuttoning the buttons down the back of her dress.

"Marcus!" She tried to twist free.

"Hold still," he commanded, holding fast to the dress, "or you'll rip the fabric."

Elise reached back, slapping at him, and hit the hard muscle of his hip. She instantly snatched her hand back. He regretted his lack of foresight in not standing closer. An inch or two more, and she might have managed a nice swat to his groin.

"Release me," she growled.

"Not unless you intend to bathe in your clothes." He tugged on the final button, leaving the dress open to her waist.

She grasped the back of her dress, whirling just in time to hide her back from the man who entered with the two pails of cold water she'd requested. She stepped out of his way as he hurried past her and Marcus to pour the water into the tub. He turned and left. The door clicked closed behind him. Elise faced Marcus. He grinned and leaned against the bedpost.

Her eyes narrowed. "Marcus MacGregor."

"I could wash your back—"

"Out!" She pointed to the door.

He sighed, straightening from the bedpost. He started for the door then halted, and faced her. "Mayhap another brandy? It would take me only—"

"Ohhh!" She lunged forward and shoved at his chest.

He took a faltering step back. "It would relax you, lass. Trust—"

Elise released her hold on the back of her dress and used both hands to push even harder. He stepped back several paces until he came up against the door.

"Surely you don't mean to keep all the warm water to yourself," he said.

She leaned into him. "You want to share the water?"

His body tensed. "I would gladly share your bathwater, love."

Elise shoved away from him. "Fine. I will have it sent to your room when I'm done."

Marcus entered the kitchen an hour later to find Mary sitting by the fire. "How is Elise?"

"I haven't heard a peep. Should I see to her?"

He shook his head. "I will go."

A few minutes later, Marcus opened Elise's door. He froze at the sight of her fast asleep in the tub. Mesmerized, he tried to throttle the dizzying current that raced through him. He had held her intimately. Yet those encounters had not prepared him for the sight of her naked. Earlier, he had teased her mercilessly, knowing full well she wouldn't give in. Now, she lay before him in all her womanly splendor, his for the taking.

In his mind's eye, he saw himself lift her from the water. Her eyes would flutter open to register first surprise, then desire. Desire streaked through him. A blush crept up her neck as he slid is gaze to her breasts. When he pressed her close, the moisture that clung to her skin dampened his shirt. Water dripped from her body and across the floor as he carried her to the bed. He laid her on the bed, coming down on top of her—Marcus jarred from the vision. The throb in his groin deepened and he couldn't halt his gaze from moving down Elise's body, past her breasts, along her stomach to the curls below. He closed his eyes. If he took her now, she might acquiesce but would later blame him, feeling he had taken advantage in a moment of weakness.

God help him, she would be right.

If he took a single step toward her, nothing could call him back.

Marcus whirled. Behind him, sweet victory whispered. Then laughed.

Elise awoke the following morning, the lingering warmth of Marcus's body from her dream state so real that she jolted awake upon reaching out and touching only cool sheets beside her. Sadness settled over her. There would be no mornings where they awoke together, no mornings where Marcus pulled her close and kissed her body before slipping inside her.

Tears stung her eyes. This time when she left, there would be no clues, no one to confess that she had gone with Peter McFie. She didn't blame Winnie. When confronted by her master, Winnie had told the truth. Elise expected nothing less. She had gambled and lost. She wouldn't lose a second time. Now, if she could only locate the secret passageway leading from the castle to the outside.

The mantel clock chimed softly. She looked at the clock. Nearly seven. Elise bolted upright. Marcus had likely already gone to the fields. She swung her legs over the side of the bed then paused before rising. He would be preoccupied with final preparations for the celebration starting that night. If she chose the moment with care, he might not overanalyze her request to go to Michael's.

A pang of guilt surfaced. Was the need to check for the notice in the
Sunday Times
worth manipulating him one last time? The question went beyond morality. When she reached Glasgow, if no ship left immediately for America, she might have to go to another port. London was the best choice. But if the notice was still in the paper could she risk it?

When Elise stepped from the postern door ten minutes later, she spotted Marcus at the front gate. He stood among a group of men, his horse's reins in hand. She hurried across the courtyard toward him. He turned as she neared. A smile spread across his face. When she came within arm's length, he surprised her by dropping the reins and sweeping her into his embrace, then twirling her about.

"Marcus," she breathed, "put me down."

He twirled again. The ground spun around her and she squealed, burying her face in his neck. Her cheek instantly warmed with the contact of his skin. Her breath quickened. Good Lord, she'd forgotten about his open shirt! He stopped and she looked up into his grinning face.

"What brings you here this fine morning?" he asked, still holding her off the ground.

"Put me down," she said. His grin widened, and Elise felt her cheeks flush even warmer. "People are watching."

"Lass," he said, imitating her secretive whisper, "we have no secrets."

Elise glanced at the men who spoke amongst themselves as though she and Marcus weren't there.

"Have you come to wish me a good day?" he asked.

She looked back at him. "Of course."

"Then ye mean to leave me with one of your sweet kisses." He lowered her to the ground.

Her heart sped up.

Marcus's eyes darkened.

There was something warm and enchanting in his humor and, against her better sense, Elise wound an arm around his neck and pulled him to her. Their lips met. Marcus gave a gentle but firm thrust of his tongue against her mouth. She jerked, sure every man present knew of the intimacy, but Marcus held her another moment before breaking the embrace.

He nuzzled her neck. "You make me feel as though I err going into the fields today."

Elise pulled back and gazed up at him.

He smiled. "Surely my time would be better spent with ye in your bedchamber?"

She drew a sharp breath.

"Nay, sweet." She tried to break away, but he held her fast. "You don't kiss a man thusly and expect him no' to want more."

Elise dropped her gaze to his chest. Warmth flooded her midsection at sight of the tan chest visible through his open shirt. She had sped past embarrassment into idiocy. Michael MacGregor and the
Sunday Times
be damned, she should have stayed in bed.

"It was just a simple kiss," she said.

His masculine laugh rippled through the air. "I would say then that gives me much to look forward to."

She jerked her head up.

Marcus released her. "I had better go." He gave her a roguish wink. "Or I won't be going at all."

"Wait," she said. "I have a request."

"A request?" He turned to test the cinch on his mount's saddle.

"Michael hasn't arrived at Brahan Seer as Erin said he would. Lammas begins tonight, and he promised to be here yesterday. I would like to make a quick visit to see if he is well."

Marcus turned his gaze on her.

"I know there is a lot to do," she added hurriedly. "But I would only go there and back."

"Lass—"

"You can send someone with me. I don't mind."

"'Tis best—"

"You cannot deny me. It isn't right—"

Marcus grabbed her and she yelped as he clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Hush," he said. Eyeing her suspiciously, he loosened his hold, then removed his hand from her mouth altogether. "I will send Erin to fetch his father."

"And if Michael isn't feeling well?"

"I will send someone along with Erin. If Michael is unwell, the man can fetch someone to tend him. Erin will accompany me this morning. I'll send him to his father's this afternoon. They will be back in time for the festivities."

Her heart sank. "I wanted to see for myself that he is well."

"If he feels too poorly to make the trip, he'll need a more experienced doctor."

She scowled. "You think yourself clever, Marcus MacGregor." His mouth twitched and she gave him a dry look. "All right." Before realizing her own intent, she gave him a quick kiss on the jaw.

Surprise flashed in his eyes.

Elise backed away. "I have work to do." She whirled and hurried toward the castle.

* * * *

A hard day's work hadn't dampened Marcus's anticipation. He spotted Elise standing on the far side of the courtyard, winding her way through the throng gathered in honor of Lammas. Her hair, piled atop her head, left the soft contours of her shoulders bare. With his gaze, he traced the low-cut bodice of the olive green gown that hinted at the tender, creamy flesh of her breasts. She had adorned herself with MacGregor colors—his colors. A red and green sash of
plaide
crossed one shoulder and fastened at her waist. She paused in the crowd to speak to one person, then another.

Musicians struck up, fiddle and bagpipe leading the music, and the crowd cleared the center of the courtyard for those who joined in dance. Brian MacGregor swept Elise into the barn dance being played. She threw her head back, her delight in her companion obvious. Marcus waited a few turns, then caught them as they neared.

"You can't keep the lady to yourself, Brian," he said.

"Laird," Brian replied, and released his hold on Elise.

Marcus pulled her close. The music ended. He remained motionless, his gaze holding hers until the band began
The Scottish
. He realized the quickening of her breath in the rise and fall of her breasts as he swung her to the right in unison with other dancers.

Her gaze broke from his, her lashes dropping demurely. A tremor passed through him. Was she toying with him? Her fingers tightened on his shoulder as he executed a quick turn. Elise leaned into him, her hair brushing his jaw. She tipped her head up slightly. He felt her breath against his neck. A tiny smile lifted one corner of her mouth, then her brow puckered.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Nay, love."

"You seem deep in thought."

Marcus dodged another couple who strayed perilously close, then looked down at her. "I was thinking how I would like to take you from here and ravish your sweet body until you cry 'enough!'" Her mouth parted in a tiny gasp and he went on. "Then I would slowly and methodically make love to every inch of your body until you lie exhausted beneath me."

She stumbled. If not for his tight grasp, she would have fallen. Delighted, he pulled her closer. "I see the idea appeals to you."

Her gaze dropped. When she brought her eyes back to bear on him, she looked at him through her lashes, a shy expression on her face. "I can only wonder, sir, if you have the strength to fulfill such outlandish claims."

Deviltry played in her eyes, and Marcus felt his body harden at seeing more than a little curiosity mixed in the bargain. "Aye." He pressed her more intimately against him. "I have the strength."

Her intake of breath told him she felt his arousal.

"Do you not agree?" he asked.

She remained silent for a moment. The noise of the crowd filled the air, the music winding between the spaces as if for them alone.

Her eyes darkened, and she said, "It occurs to me, milord, that if you fulfilled such a promise, logic dictates it would be
you
who lay exhausted on top of me."

"Indeed?" he said with the raise of an amused brow.

He whirled her into the final spin of the dance before the music ended. The dance crowd dispersed and new couples assembled as the music began again. They stood, still in each other's arms. She moved to step away, but he held her fast. She gave him a quizzical look.

"Come, take a walk with me, love," he said.

The dancers began dancing around them.

Elise shook her head. "You can't abandon your guests, and I promised Winnie I would help with the food." She pushed his arms from her and backed away.

A couple danced between them. He saw the bemused look the woman gave Elise and realized she had seen it too. She was clear of the dancers now.

"I had better go see if any help is needed in the kitchen," she shouted above the music.

Marcus watched her turn and hurry away. So, the little minx had ventured a dip in the waters only to yank her foot back when it had been nibbled. Perhaps next time he would simply yank her in.

* * * *

Marcus hadn't considered the possibility that Elise would wish to accompany the women the following day on the yearly tradition of swimming in the cool waters of Loch Katrine. Now, the procession had started and, per his order, his guards had stopped her from passing beyond the gates. He grimaced at seeing her agitated pacing as he approached. She stopped and glared at him.

"Do you mean to keep me here while the other women go to the loch?" Her narrowed eyes dared him answer
yes
.

"John," he called to the nearest guard, "fetch another man and the two of you accompany the women to the loch."

John's eyes widened. He cast a quick glance at Elise, then jerked his attention back to Marcus.

Marcus gave him a dry look. "You are to watch for trouble, John, not the lasses."

Marcus looked back at Elise and stifled a laugh at the tight-lipped look on her face. Apparently she didn't care for being singled out with an escort. Imagine how she would feel when he came for her in a short while. The most important part of the tradition was allowing the women enough time to discard their dresses and frolic in the water. The men later followed to engage them in a sporting game of chase.

Elise abruptly whirled and strode through the gates down the path.

"Hurry, lad," Marcus urged. "She's getting away."

John called to a man on the wall, then hurried through the gates after her.

Marcus turned his attention to Elise's retreating back. "Any antics, lass, and I'll turn you over my knee."

She didn't acknowledge the threat, but he knew she'd heard him. His first wife, Jenna, hadn't been predisposed to clan traditions and never participated in the game. This year, he had reason to participate. Elise disappeared from view down the path. She didn't understand the game. She soon would.

Twenty minutes later, unable to resist the idea of Elise's scantily clad body gliding through the water, Marcus emerged from the trees at the bottom of the mountainside. He hurried across the twenty-foot clearing where he ducked behind one of the larger patches of juniper bushes lining the jagged shoreline.

Peering through the foliage and across the rocky shore, he witnessed the exact scene he had imagined. Elise, stripped to her chemise, dove into the blue waters of Loch Katrine along with the other giggling women. The thin cotton chemise she wore the night he accosted her in his library revealed far more than the heavy flannel the women wore in the interest of modesty during this adventure, but he envisioned the revealing shadows he knew would be visible through the wet material. A giddy anticipation settled in his stomach. She would, at first, be furious. With gentle persuasion, however…

Marcus emerged from his hiding place and strode to the shore's edge. The women splashed one another, the recipients shrieking when their companions' aim found a mark. A woman squealed. He had been spotted. Elise looked his way. Just as he thought, the surprise on her face said she hadn't been informed of this part of the game. He suspected that, if she knew the real reason behind the yearly ritual, she would have declined participation. She insisted on being a part of Brahan Seer; logic dictated that she receive full measure.

Eyes steady on her, Marcus stripped off his boots. He stepped into the loch, his shins, then thighs, slicing through the water as he ventured deeper. The women blazed a path for him, shrieking with delight while Elise remained frozen.