Page 64 of Deception and Desire
“Are you sure? It will only take a few minutes.”
Fenella nodded and picked up the comb. She gathered the thick tresses with a satin lavender ribbon and let the curls fall down her back.
Her grandmother sat at the table, reading the Friday issue of theGlasgow Heraldwhile she sipped her tea. The usual white kertch covered her upswept hair, wire glasses perched on her nose. Rose had just finished steeping a cup for her mistress.
“Good morning, dear,” Grandmama said with a smile, brushing crumbs from her champagne walking dress. “Ye look refreshed and ready for a day out with yer sweetheart.”
She nodded and accepted the cup of tea. “I’m going riding later on the Green.” Her mind wandered to the first time she’d been alone with Lachlan. He’d brought her to that grove of trees overlooking the Clyde and told her it was his favorite place in Glasgow. A spot where he could think and get away from the din of the mill and the bustle of the city.
“What did yer sister have to say in her letter?” asked Aileen. “Her correspondence has become quite regular as of late.”
“My sister is presently at the country estate of Lord Brecken,” she announced. “They were invited to a party, and she and Mother will remain for two weeks.”
“Weel, that sounds like a courtship in progress.”
“It seems my mother has finally seen reason. I’m no longer required to marry a foppish, titled gentleman.” She slathered a biscuit with marmalade.
“Ye’re heart is here in Glasgow now, I understand that.” Her grandmother frowned. “The fact still remains, ye’ve no’ told Lachlan about yer mother. It doesna matter she willna try to force ye into a betrothal with a nobleman. She still willna accept a Scot.”
“I know. I will tell him today, after our ride, but”—she swallowed the anxiety down—“do you truly think he’ll fight for me?”
“If ye’re honest with him, lass.” Aileen waggled a spoon. “Ye dinna tell him today, I will. I’m fond of the lad myself, and it’s no’ right to play with his heart like this.”
“It’s not all her fault. She’s tried twice, and he’s kissed all thought from her head.” Rose giggled. “I can’t say I blame her.”
The older woman snorted. “Today!”
“Yes, ma’am.” Fenella was just about to take another bite of her biscuit when a loud tattoo sounded at the door. “Who could that be so early in the day?”
Rose stood to answer the insistent pounding as MacGregor burst into the dining room. “It’s Colin, and he looks like the sky has fallen.”
Rose darted down the hall and collided with the giant. Fenella was on her heels and froze when she saw his face. “What’s happened? Is Lachlan hurt?” Her stomach clenched, her arms instinctively hugging her middle. She struggled for breath as he shook his head and held Rose close.
No, no, no!Her brain screamed.Not now, please not now.
“What in heaven is going on?” demanded her grandmother’s calm voice of reason. “Answer us, mon. Is Lachlan hurt?”
Colin shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck. His blue eyes were dull with exhaustion. “I canna find him. I’m worried he’s… after I told him of Ian…”
“Fergus,” she yelled only to find MacGregor right behind her. “Help this man to a chair. He needs to sit before he falls.”
Fenella’s mind whirled. Colin was not supposed to return until next week. Yet here he was—without Ian—and Lachlan missing. Trepidation gripped her heart.
“Stay calm,” commanded Aileen. She settled Colin in a chair and put a cup of strong, bitter coffee in his shaking hands. “Why are ye back early? What’s happened to Ian?”
“He’s dead.” His eyes were dark with grief, and he took in an unsteady breath. “Killed Monday during a demonstration in Manchester. It was gruesome the way the cavalry came in. I got separated from him and—”
“What?” Rose and Fenella cried in unison.
“Drink and then we’ll feed ye.” Her grandmother pulled a chair over and sat next to the weary man. She reached up and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Ye willna be any help to yer clan if ye fall down from lack of sleep or sustenance.”
MacGregor let out a low whistle. “So ye’ve ridden like the devil to get here with the news.”
Colin nodded. “I made it to town in the wee hours and woke Lachlan. When he saw the coffin in the wagon bed, he went mad.”
“Ye brought the body home, then?” Aileen’s brown eyes misted. “Och, ye poor mon. Ye must have driven straight through.”
“What else could I do? I told the undertaker he had to get home to his clan.” His voice cracked, and tears filled his eyes. “I have to get him home.”
