Love's Ransom (18 page)

Thirteen

Isabella wrote long letters for her mother and sisters for Sam to take back with him to Braidlands but it saddened her when the time came to say good-bye. She and Zander rode with them as far as the tunnel through the mountains. Duncan accompanied them and Isabella guessed Sir William had sent him as a chaperon, rather than her protector. It was true that a couple of hours in the isolation of the long glen with only the two of them would have been a great temptation. It took only a certain look from Zander to turn her bones to jelly and make her stomach muscles clench with desire. She knew he felt the same but it seemed impossible to spend any time alone together. Isabella knew this was a good thing, given that she was now a widow but in her heart longed to be with Zander in every possible sense, openly with truth and happiness and unfettered by the guilt of stolen hours. She sensed Zander’s growing frustration, but there was more. He was tense and sometimes brusque, as though there was some secret he could not share.

‘I am tempted to use the secret entrance to your chamber,’ he said gruffly one morning when they met by chance. ‘There are things I need to tell you and time is getting short.’

‘Please, Zander, don’t do that.’

‘Why not? Don’t you love me now you have children, Isabella?’ His blue eyes were a little hurt, reminding her of her toddler son.

‘You must know I have never stopped loving you and longing for your arms around me, Zander,’ she whispered urgently. ‘But I am a widow now. If we made another baby we could no longer pretend Henry is the father. Your Uncle might suspect other…’ She broke off as a door creaked. ‘Someone is coming. I must get back to the kitchens.’

‘Yes, you’re right,’ Zander sighed. ‘I will walk with you. Even walls have ears around this place, but you are free to marry me now you are a widow. We must not delay. I want you so much, Isabella but I know a baby without marriage would arouse my uncle’s anger and suspicions. When I heard of Henry’s death I told your mother and brother I wanted to marry you and that it has been my desire since the day I first saw you riding from the marshlands like a beautiful wraith.’

‘You did?’ Isabella’s eyes shone with love. ‘What did they say?’

‘Your mother believes love can conquer all and she wished us happiness and long lives together. Jamie said he had guessed how I felt, even though we barely knew each other. He suspected you felt the same, as though some invisible thread drew us together.’

‘I see.’ Isabella blushed. ‘I didn’t know I was so transparent, or that love could strike like lightening from the sky.’

‘I shall tell my uncle we want to be married. You have been a widow for more than a year so he can have no reason to refuse.’

‘I hope you’re right,’ Isabella said. ‘But Zander? I sense there is something troubling you?’

‘Yes,’ he sighed. ‘I need to go away again for a time.’

‘You’re going away? Again? Even though…Oh Zander!’

‘I shall not stay away one minute longer than I can help, Isabella. I wish I didn’t need to go, but I gave my word.’

‘I see,’ Isabella said flatly. She felt her happiness evaporate. What could be so important? Why was he so tense? Did he have a woman in another country? Maybe a child too? She couldn’t blame him if he had. None of them could have known Henry would die so young. She couldn’t bear the thought of Zander being with someone else.

Zander sensed Isabella’s dejection matched his own at the thought of parting again. He went to find Sir William to tell him he and Isabella wanted to be married without delay.

‘You cannot marry Isabella. She is under my protection. I promised Henry. She is my daughter-in-law and the mother of my grandchildren.’

‘She is a widow. I love her. I will care for her, and the children.’

‘If you loved her you would not leave her. You might drown at sea, or be killed by pirates. You have no right to demand Isabella should marry you. She will remain in my care’

‘You want her to yourself!’ Zander accused recklessly. A vague recollection of Henry voicing fears that his father might get Isabella with child if he did not do so himself flew into his head. ‘She is not for you. You are an old man…’

‘Quiet!’ Sir William roared. ‘A man is not old at forty six, as you will discover if you live that long.’ He did not deny such thoughts had entered his head. ‘I made promised Henry on his deathbed that she will not marry again.’

‘Henry asked for such a promise?’ Zander asked incredulously. ‘But he could not have known I would return. He would have wanted me to take Isabella as my wife, and care for her children.’ Henry had known how deeply he loved her, and he had been glad. Zander’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the ruthless man who was his father in everything but name, the man who would not acknowledged him because he was not a Douglas.

‘All you care about is the name of Douglas!’ he snarled recklessly. ‘Henry did not know Isabella would have a son, but he knew you would do anything to make sure she produced a child bearing the Douglas name. He was afraid you would force Isabella to become
your
wife.’

‘How dare you!’ Sir William’s ruddy face paled. ‘You were not there. You know nothing.’

‘But you can’t deny it is what Henry feared? He tried to protect Isabella with his last breath.’

‘How should I know what he feared! I promised to protect her and you plan to go away and leave her. She cannot marry you. Get out of my sight! Get out I say.’

‘You’re angry because I speak the truth,’ Zander hissed. ‘I must leave because I made a promise. If I had known of Henry’s death I would not have burdened myself with other responsibilities, but I shall make my fortune and when I return I shall not be dependent on you any longer.’

‘Money is all you care about. Go then!’ Sir William shouted angrily. ‘Make your fortune! You have caused naught but trouble since the day you were born.’

‘You mean since the day I was conceived,’ Zander sneered, ‘and we know who was responsible for that,’ he added, throwing caution to the winds in his anger. ‘I shall return and claim Isabella as my bride with, or without, your consent. If that means fighting you, then I shall fight for the woman I love, and her children. I know many of our men will stand at my side.’

Neither of them was aware of Lizzie’s indrawn breath as she stood at the bottom of the spiral stairs.

Zander waited until he could speak to Isabella alone.

‘I must leave tomorrow,’ he said without preliminary greetings although they had not seen each other all day. Isabella’s face paled. ‘You are sailing across the sea again? Is –is there someone there you love?’ Zander stared at her.

‘Love? Dearest Isabella, you are my only love. I told Sir William I wanted to marry you…’

‘You did? Oh Zander that’s wonderful!’ Her eyes shone with love. Zander hesitated for a moment, reluctant to dim her joy but he had to tell her.

‘He refused,’ he said harshly. ‘I am leaving because I made a promise, to a dying man and to my partner. I shall make my own fortune and I shall return to claim you as my bride without his permission. Will you, and our children, come with me then, my sweet Isabella?’ he asked gruffly.

‘You know I would go with you to the ends of the earth.’

‘Mama,’ Alex called plaintively, reminding her of her duties as a mother.

‘He wants me to tell him a story,’ she said softly to Zander. ‘I could never leave our children behind…’

‘I shall never ask you to do that, Isabella. They are the reason I cannot take you with me to Holland now. Walter has promised his support, if I need to fight for you.’

‘Surely Sir William does not want a quarrel, or to drive us all away?’

‘Only me,’ Zander said grimly. ‘But you must not trust him Isabella.’

‘He has been kind to me, especially since Henry’s death. Did he give a reason why I cannot marry you? Will he agree when I have been a widow longer?’

‘He says he made a promise to Henry on his deathbed. I can’t believe Henry would not have been happy for us to marry. He knew I loved you with all my heart. I may be away for several months. Will you wait for me, Isabella, whatever happens?’

‘You know I will,’ she whispered hoarsely and her eyes filled with tears at the thought of parting from him again so soon. ‘Promise you will take care.’

‘I shall not journey to the east again.’ His mouth tightened, and Isabella saw the determination she had already seen on the face of her son when he could not have his own way. ‘I promise to return as soon as I can,’ Zander said huskily, ‘in the meantime I want you to take this pouch and hide it safely. Do not tell anyone you have it. If Sir William tries to make you do something against your will, or threatens to harm you, you must take Duncan and Thomas and go to Father Oliver at the monastery. You will be safe there. I shall find you and we shall return to collect our children. Promise me you will do as I ask, Isabella?’

‘Oh Zander I could not bear to leave my children.’

‘They will be safe with Nell and Lizzie. Sir William will not harm them while he regards them as his grandchildren. Promise you will flee to the monastery if there is any danger, my dearest love?’ Isabella nodded, then all other thoughts vanished as Zander drew her into his arms and kissed her as though he would never let her go.

The following morning Zander was up before dawn. His heart was heavy at the thought of leaving but he had to keep his promise. Moreover would need to make his fortune now if he was to keep his wife and family and be independent of Sir William. He was surprised to see Duncan so early in the morning when he went to the stables. The lad was fidgeted nervously and Zander guessed he had been waiting for him.

‘I-I we’re s-sorry ye’re going away again, Master Zander,’ he said diffidently, his young face earnest. ‘I promise to watch over Mistress Isabella and the bairns until you return. You – you will c-come back?’

‘Oh yes, I mean to return as soon as I can, Duncan,’ Zander assured him but I am depending on you to watch over Mistress Isabella.’

‘I will guard them with my life,’ Duncan said fervently.

‘With your life eh, my young friend?’ Zander said wryly. ‘Well it may come to that yet. When I return I shall need some loyal young men to help me. I intend to make Mistress Isabella my wife whatever Sir William says.’

‘But Master Zander, Lizzie says Mistress Isabella loves you, and you love her. So we can’t see why you cannot marry?’

‘Your mistress is under the protection of Sir William. Apparently he promised Master Henry that she would not marry again.’ He mounted his horse as he spoke, his mouth tight.

‘But sir,’ Duncan caught the bridle urgently. ‘Master Henry asked for you to come back. He only asked Sir William
not
to
force
Mistress Isabella to marry. He wouldn’t be forcing her when she loves you, would he? He wouldn’t be breaking his promise to Master Henry then?’ Duncan looked up at him earnestly. Zander’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

‘You’re sure that is what Master Henry said when he was dying?’

‘Oh yes, sir. Lizzie, or Master Walter would tell you if you don’t believe me.’

‘I do believe you Duncan.’ Zander felt in his pouch and drew out a gold coin. He pressed it into the boy’s hand. ‘Thank you, laddie. Take this and use it if ever you are in need. You have earned it today.’ He smiled, feeling his spirits lighten a little. So Henry had asked for him. ‘I shall return and I shall marry Mistress Isabella, but I confess it troubled me if I was going against Master Henry’s last wish. I know the truth of it now.’

‘Thank you, sir, oh thank you! I shall practise even harder with my pistol and I shall fight for ye when ye come back.’ Zander nodded at the boy’s enthusiasm. He gave a wave as he cantered away. Zander knew, as clearly as if Henry was riding at his side, that he would have given his blessing if he and Isabella married. Sir William was a sly old fox, but even he would fear for his soul if he broke a promise to his dying son. He would not force Isabella to marry him, but he didn’t intend anyone else should marry her either, at least not until he had tried to persuade her himself. It had been hard, very hard to leave, without going to her bedchamber and loving her as he longed to do, but that would have made him as bad as Sir William, if he gave her another child and did not return in time to marry her. He knew that was possible. Every journey could be perilous. Please God keep me safe so I can return to the woman I love, he prayed silently

Zander made good progress before he stopped for the night. He awoke to find another bright autumn day and decided to make a detour. He had never been close to Father Oliver in the same way as Henry had, but he trusted the old priest and it would be reassuring to know he would take care of Isabella’s interests, and those of their children, if some mishap should befall him and prevent his return. Father Oliver would know how to use the wealth he hoped to gain when he sold his share in the trading ship.

He was dismayed when he arrived at the monastery to find Father Oliver looking frail and ill but genuinely pleased to see him. He asked many questions about his travels.

‘Even as a boy you made up your own mind about things,’ Father Oliver said with a smile. ‘Henry was trusting and eager to learn. He had no fear for himself, or for his soul, but he had no craving for adventure as you had. His father is a reluctant Christian but he is fearful of his fate if he ignores the church completely.’