Page 56 of A Bonny Pretender
Early May
Brigid hugged Gideonand her aunt, then turned to Lissie. “Ye ken I love ye like a sister.” She looked over her shoulder at her English cousin and whispered, “And I see the affection in Gideon’s eyes for ye.”
“But I—”
“Deserve to be happy like the rest of us. Dinna close yer eyes to love because of loyalty or timing.” She hugged Lissie. “Life is fragile, and we must grab whatever happiness fate sends our way.”
The post-chaise had arrived, and the rest of the group waited outside to bid them farewell. “If you want to make Gretna Green before dark, we need to get going,” called Evie.
Outside, she wrapped her arms around Lachlan and then Fenella. “Sister-in-law twice, I canna wait for ye to visit us at Raygin Castle. Ye can bring this bufflehead of a brother if ye choose. I’ll not make it a requirement.”
“Did I mention my Brownie is pregnant?” asked Lachlan, his brows raised. “If ye want one of the pups, ye best be nice tome!”
“Oh, Lachy! What a wonderful wedding present that would be.”
“That’s better.” He grinned. “I promise ye first pick.”
Next to Colin stood a petite, darkhaired woman, holding Boy-O’s hand. She’d only met Fenella’s maid briefly at Lachlan’s wedding. Colin hovered over her with a lopsided smile on his face. She turned to the child, who beamed and clutched Brigid’s legs. “You’re my hero, Miss Brigid. If he wasn’t marrying ye, I’d do it.”
“And I’d accept,” she said, squatting down and putting her arms around the thin shoulders. “But what about Rose and Colin?”
“Rose will be my ma,” he said solemnly. “I canna marry my ma.”
“Verra true.” She kissed the lad’s cheek and gave Colin a questioning look. “Remember, Master MacNaughton sounds fierce, but he’s jelly on the inside.”
Colin grunted, then smothered her in a tight embrace. “It seems love is in the air, Cousin. Treat that poor mon well. He’ll be earning every smile ye give him.”
She punched his arm. “As will Rose. Does she ken what she’s getting into?”
“I do,” the woman said with a smile as Colin pulled her close to his side.
Frank appeared from the back of the house, leading two horses. “Is Barker riding with ye?” she asked. She was sure he’d want to sit on the back bench with Louella.
“He’ll be with the ladies inside the coach,” Frank answered with a grin.
“There’s no room. How—”
“And you will ride sidesaddle with me.” He handed her the reins. “No more secrets. Agreed?”
“Only if that includes no’ keeping secrets about the secrets ye’ve been told.” Brigid placed her hands on her hips, trying to act offended.
Lachlan had a sudden interest in the clouds that hung in an azure sky. Colin whistled and studied his boots.
“I have no idea what that meant, but I’ll nod my head and agree if it will send us on our way.” He cupped his hands and bent, waiting to help her mount. With a grin, she placed her boot in Frank’s makeshift stirrup and hoisted herself onto the saddle.
The party exited to loud shouts of “goodbye,” “write soon,” and “Godspeed.” Brigid drew in a deep breath. How funny life was. A few short months ago, she’d left MacNaughton Castle in tears. Now she was excited to start a new life, in England of all places. But it was close to the border and only two days from Glasgow. And tonight… Tonight she would lay with her husband. Francis, Lord Raines, the man who’d stolen her heart.
Brigid rearranged her knee around the hook of the side saddle, longing to ride astride. Patience would be her friend while Frank became accustomed to his irregular wife.
Ye’ll surprise yerself at what ye’re capable of for the right mon.
How wise her mother was. Brigid dug her heels into the horse’s flanks and caught up with Frank, wondering how long she should wait before asking for a different saddle.
“Ah, there’s my bonny pretender,” he said with a wink and an atrocious Scottish brogue. “And no argument about my new pet name for you, or I’ll change my mind about letting you ride bareback in front of the staff.”
She closed her mouth and beamed at him. He’d played a charlatan himself. Two shams that created one truth.
Saints and sinners! Fate had a sense of humor.
