Dawn Annis (3 page)

Kate finished up her duties and slowly climbed the staircase, dragging the hem of her gown, too tired to pick it up. Her legs felt like iron. She plodded down the hall past Sidney’s rooms and made her way to the second door and went into her bedchamber.

Kate rubbed her temples, trying relieve the pressure from the day’s events and from the constant smell of the black dye used to transformed most of her wardrobe into mourning gowns. Kate sighed with exhaustion. Her hands shook slightly as she slipped out of her gown. She had never liked having a maid dress her and would not call for one now. She undressed herself down to her shift and slipped into her floor-length, finely woven cotton robe then stepped over to the window and opened it several inches. She sank gratefully into the heavily cushioned chair close to the curtained window with her legs tucked beneath her and took a deep breath. She could hear the drumming of rain as it fell onto the roof. The wind blew the trees, the leaves fluttered wildly. Kate shivered as she inhaled the cold, fresh air. A brief knock broke the silence and the door opened without her response.

“You’ll catch your death sitting by an open window.”

Kate smiled her first genuine smile of the day. John Smithers, her manservant, carried a silver serving tray into the room. He set it on the polished table beside her, then picked up a linen napkin and placed it on her lap. Their eyes met. She saw sympathy in his.

“It has been a long, arduous day. Your supper, m’lady,” Smithers said softly as he removed the silver covers from his offerings. “I have tea and hot soup for you.”

Kate lifted the cup to her lips and blew on the hot tea. She sipped and smiled. The taste of chamomile flowers, blackberry leaves, and lemongrass was sweet. Her tension eased. The brew would help her sleep.

“Thank you, Smithers. I believe this is exactly what I require. The day has left me a bit overwhelmed and weary. I doubted the wretched evening would ever end, truthfully. I am, indeed, enjoying this bit of peace.”

Kate frowned.

“Did you see them? Did you see those horrible people watching my every move, waiting for me to make some terrible mistake?”

“Ah, but you did not make a mistake,” Smithers reassured her. “You handled yourself with grace. Rest assured”—he touched her shoulder—“they leave here frustrated with the lack of fodder you have given them for their entertainment.”

Kate patted his hand. “Thank you for that, Smithers. I appreciate you saying so. I so depend on you.”

Smithers gave her hand a gentle squeeze, then let go. He walked over to the fireplace in the far corner of the room, his middle-age figure still straight and proud. He added two logs to the fire and banked it for the night. He crossed to the elaborately hand carved bed, with its curls and ivy. He turned down the sheets, coverlet, and fluffed the down pillows.

Crossing the room, he said, “I shall close this window so the night air won’t chill you.”

“Enjoy your peace. I fear it may be a while before you have it again. If you are in need of something you have only to call. I will bring it posthaste.”

Smithers crossed the room, turning when he reached the door.

“If I might, offer a bit of advice to you, m’lady,” he said with a brief nod. “Your life has taken an unexpected though welcome turn. Life is full of surprises that often come in odd packages. Do not let the opportunities go by unnoticed because you do not recognize the wrapping,” he said softly.

“Thank you, Smithers. I do look forward to the surprises.”

Kate sipped the cooling tea, and leaned back in the comfortable chair. Her headache eased. She didn’t know what was in her future, couldn’t hope to know. She did anticipate it, whatever it held for her. Smithers was right. Sidney’s death had been a welcome turn of events.

His pledge to her father and mother, his promises to her and his vows in the church were all a part of Sidney’s lie. Reflecting back, she’d truly believed she and Sidney could be happy. She’d been eager for a life with a loving husband and family and she’d pictured them surrounded by their children and grandchildren. A stab of disappointment and hurt shot through her and she forced her thoughts to Smithers. Smithers had been a constant source of comfort and continuity in her life and she appreciated him and his dedication to her. Because of the formal, uncaring relationship with her father, it was to Smithers she’d run with skinned knees, teary eyes, and broken hearts. Her fears and problems were his to solve and he did so with what seemed to her ease. He was her confidant, her protector, her friend.

Chapter 3

Kate opened her eyes and rolled to face the window. The bright sun shone through the room, promising a better day.

She stood up and stretched then searched through the wardrobe for a serviceable gown. She sighed. All of her clothing had been dyed black. Such a bleak color. Kate donned her shift and stepped into the gown. What had once been soft and supple was now scratchy and stiff. Smelling the awful odor of dye she wrinkled her nose and coughed. She immediately pulled the cord for a maid as she took the gown off once again.

A young girl with wide, fearful eyes came to the door.

“Please have my gowns given to the laundress. Tell her I would like her to remove the lace and braiding and rinse them until the smell of the dye is not so overwhelming,” Kate requested, and then smiled, noticing the girl’s unease.

The girl’s hands trembled as she took the dress.

“Aye, m‘lady,” whispered the maid as she left the room.

“Well, the staff is in a proper uproar this morning,” Smithers mocked as he brought in her tray. “It was blasted difficult to accomplish your breakfast. Why can’t someone just pick up a pot of jam and place it on a tray?

“Everyone is speculating your next move, of course, making it doubly hard to accomplish any task. They are certain their positions here are doomed to hear some of them talk. They know who you are and where you’ve come from. No one knows quite what you’re about. They are assuming you are the same as their lord and see no hope for their futures.”

Kate smiled and said, “I had a minor bit of that myself this morning.”

Smithers chuckled. “I’m glad to see you are feeling better. I worried yesterday may have been too much for you.”

“My dear friend, those people were pathetic, were they not? I will never understand the higher classes and their desperate regard for their hold over their society and members. Yet they have so little concern for any one individual and the hardships they may be facing,” Kate said. “Now tell me, how goes it downstairs? You said you had difficulty.”

“’Tis nothing, m’lady.” Smithers’ shoulders relaxed. “I am only anxious to leave the English and their ways behind. It brings back many memories.”

“Surely, some good.”

“Not at all, m'lady.”

Smithers’ look brooked no further discussion on the matter. Kate changed the subject.

“I have sent my gowns down to be rinsed. The smell is awful.” She wrinkled her nose again. “I believe I shall wear this old gardening kirtle while I wait for them to be rinsed and dried,” Kate said, tugging at the fabric. “I want to take a walk around the grounds. The signs of spring are coming and I would like a bit of fresh air. I know it is gray, but until my other gowns are available, I have little choice. The color is close enough to black and I shall wear a shawl.”

Smithers nodded. He gave her a wink and took his leave.

“Oh, and, Smithers,” Kate called.

“Yes, m’lady.”

“It is not necessary for me to continue to have my meals in my bedchamber. I am not infirm and perhaps ‘tis part of the problem. The staff does not see me often.” Kate brushed her hair and put it in a quick twist atop her head. “They do not yet realize I am not at all like their lord. Please ask them to assemble in the parlor in an hour, so I may have a word or two with them to end their suffering.”

He bowed slightly. “As you wish. I must bring to your attention, however, that as a grieving widow, the servants will not think your actions proper,” Smithers said, looking very grave.

“I am so very tired of pretending to mourn what I do not.” Kate sighed heavily.

Smithers cocked an eyebrow.

“Very well.” Kate pursed her lips, deciding. “I will continue to have my meals in my chamber but I will have a walk out in the sunshine this morning. Afterward, I will return and keep up the charade.” Kate added, “We are not going to delay our return to Scotland. I will only go so far with this farce.”

A smile twitched at the corners of Smithers’ mouth as he left.

Kate slipped her feet into a pair of brown leather boots. She grabbed a hunk of bread off the breakfast tray, descended the back stairs, and burst out the door. The fresh air invigorated her and the feeling of relief washed over her. The sun was warm on her face as she made her way to the flower gardens behind the manor. She strolled through the rose gardens and inhaled the soft scent of rain dripped roses. She laughed then quickly covered her mouth. She wanted to dance and twirl in circles. Her chains were gone and she was finally free.

As the baronetess, she still held title to the lands and estates. Last night as she drifted off to sleep, she decided to keep the house open for an occasional trip to England, but would continue to live for the most part in Dumbarton. Too many bad memories plagued this house. She heard the scuffle of feet then felt something tugging at her skirt. She peered down to find the cook’s son.

“Smithers told me to find you quick-like. You have a visitor.”

Kate frowned. Who would visit at a time of mourning?

“Here I am. Dressed like this. Well, there is nothing for it now.” She smiled down at the boy and tousled his hair.

“Tell your mother to give you something sweet for delivering the message so promptly,” Kate said.

The boy ran for the kitchen with a grin.

Kate walked quickly back to the house. She entered through the back door, startling the servants. One of the younger girls dropped a large kettle with a bang. The other young women skittered out of her way. Kate barely noticed. She searched for Smithers. He came in and met her wearing a frown, appearing ready to do battle.

“Andrew Colquhoun,” he growled. “He could not be bothered to attend his dead brother’s funeral and has now has come to steal a share, I’ll wager.”

Kate nodded. She must have looked as upset as she felt because Smithers took her cold hand into his and squeezed quickly.

“Everything will be fine. Keep your back straight when you talk to him. Don’t let him see your fright.”

Kate rested her head on Smithers’ shoulder briefly. She straightened and squared her shoulders. Gathering her shawl protectively about her shoulders like a shield, she walked out of the hallway and into the foyer on her way to the parlor. A queer feeling rolled in her stomach and a spot behind her eyes began to ache. She’d had only a few dealings with Andrew when she was married to Sidney. He gave her the chills. While Sidney was cruel, Andrew was pure evil. She hated the way he watched her, his eyes following her every move. Like a cat waiting to pounce on a frightened mouse.

She peeked into the parlor where Andrew waited. Kate swallowed hard. Andrew leaned against the intricately carved fireplace mantle, tapping his delicate, narrow fingers against the marble. He appeared to be studying the portrait of his brother, which hung over the fireplace.

She took in his thin, almost feminine form. He was of average height. Not quite as tall as Sidney. His lanky body lacked any strength. His black doublet and breeches were made of velvet and satin. His hose were made of silk at obvious expense. Every hair was in its place, every bit of his appearance perfected. She shuddered.

He turned and raked his mean brown eyes over her mockingly. She sucked in her breath at the hatred on his face. “So, my brother’s memory means so little to you, I see,” Andrew said as his eyes took in every inch of her.

She imagined his lecherous thoughts as his gaze moved from her breasts to her thighs. “No matter, I do not suppose someone of your class would have been taught differently.”

Kate bristled. Her class! How dare he compare his medial class with her own? She was an earl’s daughter.

She ruthlessly pushed the thought aside before it showed on her face
.
Let him think what he like.

“Well, I have not come to call upon my dead brother’s widow,” Andrew said, changing the subject. “I’ve come to inform you, you will vacate the premises immediately.”

Kate could not prevent the shock as it quivered through her body. She watched his beady eyes undress her and chose to ignore his look of lust. She heard his comments regarding her class and dismissed them. She couldn’t shut out what she just heard.

“What are you saying?” Dread filled Kate’s stomach. The cat had caught the mouse.

“Even now, no reaction, you pitiful little bitch. Sid told me he had a devil of a time getting one of any kind from you.” Andrew’s eyes narrowed. “Granted, his tastes leaned toward the more, let us say, physical side. He always wanted to leave his mark, as it were.” Andrew waved a hand dismissively then continued.

“What I am talking about is simply this. With my brother’s death I have petitioned the king for the now vacant title of Baronet Colquhoun and the entailed estates. Because Sidney had no children, the property will now fall to me.

“My dear departed brother did remember you in his will, by the by. However, it should come as no surprise he gambled your inheritance away long ago. The creditors owned all of his estate until I paid them off this morning. The king and his courts have granted my request. Paying Sidney’s debts forestalled any objection they may have had in bestowing the title upon me.” Andrew sneered.

“Amusing just what can be bought? I was not about to let them or you, my dear, take what is rightfully mine.
I
am now Lord Colquhoun,” Andrew said, placing the emphasis on “I.”

“You will leave today. Unless of course you have some means to pay me for what I now own.”

Kate shook her head dumbly.

“I thought not. Know this as well, my dear. The little country cottage you are so fond of in Dumbarton is also mine. Andrew said, his lips contorted with a cruel smile. “Frankly I do not care where you go as long as you leave.”

Stunned, Kate abruptly sat down on one of the velvet-upholstered chairs. Her heart pounded as her stomach rolled. Thoughts raced, fear and panic rising on top of one another. She was the baronetess. The estate and title were hers by rights. She had no idea the amount of debt Sidney had amassed. For Andrew to have received the title from the king for paying them off, the debt must have been considerable. There was nothing left for her.

Her relief at Sidney’s passing had blinded her to the cold hard realities surrounding her. Not only had her recent plans been for naught, now according to Andrew, she had nowhere to go. Nowhere to live.

Without any funds or family she was vulnerable. She was at a loss as to what she should do. Where did she begin?

Smithers came into the room. His tall form dominated the doorway blocking the sunlight from the hall. His shadow fell over Andrew.

“What are you doing in here? This is a private conversation. Your mistress did not call nor did I,” Andrew stated imperiously.

Smithers gave him a disdainful look and marched over to Kate and took up a position behind her.

Andrew sputtered. He did not say anything further to Smithers after receiving another dark look from him.

“Sidney told me how you watch over the lady of the house as if she were gold. How you constantly interfered. I never understood why my brother tolerated such irreverence in his home.” Andrew stood with his arms at his sides, flexing his hands.

Kate turned to Smithers as her eyes filled with tears. He shook his head slightly and she blinked her tears back. She refused to let Andrew see how he affected her. How he had left her with barely a breath in her body. She sat, hardly registering what Andrew was saying. She shivered.

“I expect you to be gone by this afternoon,” Andrew continued, directing his attention back to Kate. “You may keep your personal belongings. I will allow you to take a coach. Leave all else here. You may send a message to Dumbarton to have the servants there pack for you. Only your belongings. Nothing else. No servants are to leave with you.” Andrew withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and waved it at Smithers. “Other than your man here, if he chooses.

“Now if you will excuse me, my dear sister-in-law, I will look over the estate accounts.

Andrew bowed mockingly and started to strut from the room.

“No! I will not allow you to come in here, take all I own.”

He stopped and stared at her. “What?”

Feelings of indignation and anger and the liberty to display them flooded her. But her survival depended on her control over her emotions.

Andrew chuckled. He turned to make his way to the library.

“You will leave, madam,” he said over his shoulder as he strode from the room.

Kate stood rigid, her fists clenched at her sides. The shock rapidly disappeared and anger replaced it. She wouldn’t let Andrew get away with this. She couldn’t. Her anger threatened to overwhelm her. Something she could not afford right now.

“I will go to Lord Colquhoun‘s solicitor immediately and determine the legality of throwing a widow out of her home. In the meantime, you must rest and for now, stay out of his way,” Smithers said as he put his arm around her.

Kate leaned into his comfort for a moment then stood tall.

“I am not going to rest! I shall pack my belongings. We are leaving, have no doubt. Regardless of what information you find, I want to be gone from this place and that vulgar little man by nightfall,” she said, nearly shouting, tears running down her face.

“I did not want to come here in the first place and I long to be home. We will do more than just stop in Dumbarton! I do not care what the nasty toad says. I will go home. I refuse to dance to his tune.”

Smithers went to the hall and gathered his cloak. Kate followed him to the door.

“Let him think he has won and perhaps for now, he has. I will not just bend to his will. There must be something to be done.”

Kate saw Smithers off to determine what he could about Andrew’s claim. She paused for a moment to lean against the doorjamb and catch her breath, the ache inside her chest sharp. How much more was she to endure? She stood upright. She would endure. Whatever she had to endure.

Iain MacGregor and his men watched as a man left the home of Lord Colquhoun with great interest and little understanding. His plan to kidnap and ransom the Lady Colquhoun had begun in the Highlands during his ride with Shane. What better way to get the money needed by his clan? He had not shared his plan with Shane. He wanted to be able to present his laird with the money and the deed already done or, at the very least, the lady. He gathered together the MacGregor’s most trusted men and advised them of his plan. They all quickly agreed and added their own suggestions. Iain knew the plan would work without a hitch.