Highland Belle (15 page)

Brigette checked her pocket for her coins. Empty! Outraged, Brigette raced frantically after the boy, who she was certain had stolen her money.

As she struggled to run in the mud, her heavily sodden skirt became entangled with her legs and down she went. Tired and hungry and cold, Brigette was defeated by circumstances. There she sat, loudly wailing her misery. That the daughter of a belted earl had sunk so low!

Yeow! Someone tripped over her and landed beside her in the mud. Through a hazy blur of tears, Brigette saw a young woman covered with mud.

What the bloody hell dya think ya doin? the woman screeched, leaping to her feet. She glared belligerently at Brigette, who cried even harder.

Earthy was the word a casual observer might use to describe the angry woman. Of average height, she was much taller than Brigette and had a well-endowed frame. Curly as a mop, her hair was a light shade of brown, shot through with strands of pale blond. Intelligent hazel eyes topped a nondescript nose that sported a smattering of freckles thrown on for good measure.

The woman looked Brigette over speculatively. Aha! she thought when her eyes touched on Brigettes smooth, ivory hands. An honest days work is a stranger to those pretty hands. This is no low-class wench, but someone of quality. Are ya so addle-brained, she sneered, ya cant think ta get out of the rain?

I — Ive n-no place to g-go, Brigette sobbed.

A runaway! Some fine lord will pay a handsome reward for her safe return. The woman extended her hand and said, Ya have now.

Brigette looked dumbly at the offered hand and then into hazel eyes. W-what?

I said ya got a place ta go, the woman repeated. Give me ya hand and be quick about it. Brigette accepted the extended hand and stood. My name is Marianne, but call me Randi — all my friends do.

My name is Brigette, but call me Brie — all my friends do.

Yave got friends? Marianne asked in mock disbelief. Id never have known it by the way ya were wallowin in the mud like a bloody, squealin pig.

Of course I have friends! Brigette returned indignantly. Many friends! Quite obviously, they do not reside in Londontown.

Indubitably so. Marianne mimicked her uppity accent. I humbly beg your pardon, my lady. How embarrassingly remiss of me not to have realized.

In spite of her woes, Brigette burst out laughing, and Marianne winked at her. Come along. The Rooster is just around the corner.

Rooster?

The Royal Rooster Tavern, Marianne explained. Where I live and work.

The two women trudged through the mud. Before reaching the corner, Marianne pulled Brigette into a dingy, foul-smelling alley. Well use the back door, she said. Lookin like we do, I dont want ta alarm any customers.

Halfway down the alley, Marianne led Brigette into the taverns kitchen, then shoved her ungently onto a nearby stool. Stay put, sweetie, she ordered. Ill get ya somethin ta revive ya spirits.

Brigette primly folded her hands on her lap and glanced around. Several feet away stood the taverns cook, staring at her. He was short and grossly stout, bordering on elephantine. His lips were blubbery full, and his dark, beady eyes were snakelike. Brigette had never seen a more repulsive-looking man.

Drink it all up, Marianne ordered. She passed Brigette a dram of whiskey, then noticed the cook staring at them. What the bloody hell dya think ya watchin, Bertie?

Bertie opened his mouth to reply, but Mariannes tongue was fast and sharp. Why dont ya go bugger yaself, pig? Brigette choked on the whiskey, and Marianne slapped her back, nearly toppling her off the stool.

The door from the common room swung open, and a blond-haired woman walked into the kitchen. She was comely and knew how to flaunt her good looks, as evidenced by her revealing, low-cut blouse.

Spying the two mud-covered apparitions, the newcomer stopped short. What the bloody hell did ya bring home this time, Randi? she screeched. Another stray?

Back off, Lil, or yall regret it! Marianne snarled. And dont never call me Randi — the names reserved for friends only!

Whats going on here? a deep, masculine voice rumbled. The voice belonged to a brawny, roughly handsome man whod run into the kitchen at the sound of the womens angry voices. Weve customers waitin. Move ya blasted arses!

Bertie scurried back to his cooking, and Lil retreated into the common room. The man turned his attention on Marianne. What the bloody hell happened? he questioned sharply. And whos this?

I fell over this lady in the street. The sweetest of smiles graced Mariannes face. Brie, this is Bucko Jacques, the Roosters owner. Bucko, this young lady is Brigette . . .?

Brigette Devereux MacArthur. Its a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jacques.

Buckos dark eyes narrowed and Marianne tugged on his sleeve like a child. Bucko, love, might we speak privately?

Bucko nodded and walked to the far side of the kitchen with Marianne. The wench is not a wench, she whispered, but a lady in distress. Sooner or later, a rich lord is bound ta come searchin for her. If we keep her safe here, hell be ever so grateful and hand us a bag of gold for our trouble.

I dont know, Randi. Bucko looked doubtful.

She can work for her keep until he comes. We could use an extra pair of hands.

Wheres she ta sleep? he protested. Business is good and weve no empty rooms.

Smiling coyly, Marianne rubbed her lush breasts against his arm. If she shares the room with Lil, Ill be forced ta share ya bed.

An excellent idea. Buckos eyes gleamed with lusty anticipation. An extra pair of hands, a bag of gold, and you! What more could a man want?

Bucko returned to the common room, unaware hed fallen into a tender trap. Marianne smiled with satisfaction at his retreating back, then fetched a pan of hot water and a bar of soap. Follow me, she ordered Brigette, who fell into step behind her.

They went up the narrow, creaky stairs at the far end of the kitchen. At the top of the stairs, Marianne turned left, and they entered the first chamber. Depressingly small and windowless, it contained two cots, two small chests, and one ancient table, standing almost on its last leg.

Yall share the room with Lil, Marianne said, placing the pan of water on the table. Its the best I can do. She rummaged through one of the chests and pulled out an old, frayed nightshift, then glanced at Brigette, whod made no move toward the pan of water. Strip!

I — I beg your pardon?

Beg it all ya want, Marianne returned, but drop those clothes and wash, then get into the nightshift.

Brigette removed her muddied cloak and gown but retained her chemise. Then she began washing.

Ya call that strippin? Marianne asked sharply.

W-what?

Strip means ta take everythin off, sweetie. I want ta see ya bare-arse naked!

I beg your pardon? Brigettes face was a vibrant scarlet.

Ya really are an innocent babe, aint ya? Marianne chuckled. Listen, angel, ya aint got nothin that I aint got more of. Understand?

Your words are quite clear.

And I aint bein naughty, Marianne added. I want ta wash those clothes.

Oh. Brigette removed her chemise and stood there, self-conscious in her nudity.

Hurry up and wash. Ignoring her embarrassment, Marianne grabbed the soiled clothes and headed for the door. Ill bring ya somethin ta eat.

Brigette washed quickly and donned the tattered nightshift. Then she sat on the edge of a cot and waited.

Carrying a tray, Marianne returned a few minutes later. Here we are, baby, she said. Ive brought ya stew, bread, cheese, and mulled wine. Fall to and eat every bite.

Marianne sat on the other cot and watched, keeping up a steady stream of chatter all the while. Ill be sleepin at the far end of the hall. Dont let Lil bother ya — shes all kitties and no brain. Brigette opened her mouth to speak, but Marianne cut her off. Eat, she ordered. Ill do the talkin. Ya too skinny, and Im plannin ta add some flesh ta those bones. In case ya didnt know — flesh attracts men and bones attract dogs.

When Brigette had consumed every morsel of the food, Marianne set the tray aside. Its time for sleep, sweetie. Ill wake ya early, and ya can come to Cheapside Market with me. In motherly fashion, she tucked the coverlet beneath Brigettes chin.

Youre a great lady, Brigette said softly, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Youve been exceedingly kind.

Its noble of ya ta say so. Marianne patted her hand.

How can I ever repay you?

Dont worry about that, Marianne said, then grinned. Im certain Ill think of somethin.

Alone in the darkness, Brigettes thoughts veered to Scotland, traveling those many miles in the blink of an eye. Ill never see Iain again. Has he returned to Dunridge? Does he know Im not there? Does he even care? Turning her face into the pillow, Brigette cried herself to sleep.

10

Ye stupid bastard!

Iains fist connected with Percys jaw, sending the younger man crashing to the floor in front of the hearth in Black Jacks study. Percy leaped nimbly to his feet. Poised for battle, the brothers circled each other.

Brie left while I was in charge, but she wasna runnin away from me, Percy jeered. What did ye do to her?

Enraged, Iain swore loudly and attacked, capturing his brother by the shirt. He raised his fist to strike but was grabbed unexpectedly from behind.

Dinna be rash, Black Jack said. Yer brothers a blockhead, but slaughterin him isna goin to bring yer wife home. Ye ken?

The wisdom of his fathers words penetrated Iains fury. He took several deep breaths to cool his boiling temper, then nodded. Black Jack released him, then cast Percy a scathing glance, more painful than Iains fist.

Enter! Black Jack bellowed, hearing the almost hesitant rap on the door. Moireach and Spring entered at his call. Ladies, he said, tell us what ye recall of Bries departure.

Nothin. Moireach shook her head sadly. I could almost swear she took nae food.

I ken yer the ladys kin, Black Jack said, his attention turning on Spring, but tell us what ye know.

She took no change of clothing, nor did she wear her warmest cloak.

Yer protectin her, Iain snarled. Where is she?

I swear I know nothin.

Perhaps theres been foul play, Black Jack mused aloud. Brie couldna be so lackin in common sense that shed flee wi nothin.

Yes, my lord, Spring disagreed, she could.

I knew Lady Brie was leavin, a small voice announced. She told me. All eyes darted to the door, where Glenda stood.

Why did ye no tell Percy two weeks ago? Iain roared, frightening the child. Tell us what ye know!

Glendas face became deathly pale. Her bottom lip quivered as she struggled to stem a rushing tide of tears.

Shut yer mouth, Black Jack growled at Iain. He sat down in the chair in front of the hearth, then smiled at Glenda and beckoned her. Come in, hinny. Dinna be frightened. Uncle Iains cross because hes worried aboot Lady Brie. Sit yerself right here.

Glenda perched on Black Jacks lap. Enfolding her in his arms, he gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek. Did ye miss me, hinny?

I did.

I missed ye also. Now, sweetheart, tell me what ye know aboot Lady Brie. Glenda glanced nervously at Iain, who was pacing the chamber like a wild beast.

Nae need to be frightened, Black Jack assured her.

I — I was havin my lessons, Glenda told him. Lady Brie asked Father Kaplan if she could speak privately wi me. She asked me to care for Sly while she was gone. I wanted to go, too, but she wanted to be alone to think aboot her problems.

Did she mention where she was goin? Black Jack prodded.

Ridin.

I see. Black Jack smiled at his granddaughter. And have ye been carin for Sly?

Glenda grinned. Most diligently.

Black Jack hugged the little girl. Shell be pleased wi ye when she returns.

Lady Brie will be comin home, then?

Of course, Black Jack assured her. Do ye doubt it?

I met Brie in the foyer, Percy interjected. She mustve just left Glenda. I offered to ride wi her, but she refused, sayin she needed to be alone.

Ye should have insisted, Iain snapped.

I amna the one who caused her unhappiness, Percy defended himself.

What was her frame of mind, Black Jack asked, when last ye saw her, Iain?

She was purrin contentedly from our lovemakin.

Black Jack chuckled. So, ye said yer farewells upstairs?

No, Brie was in the garden when I left.

Her spritely step betraying her light heart, Antonia fairly danced into the study. Oh, Iain, she gushed, pasting an appropriately sympathetic expression onto her face, Im so verra sorry Brie has deserted ye. She seemed like such a sweet thin.

When Iain faced Antonia, he recalled how his sister-in-law had cornered him in that very chamber and thrown herself into his arms. What did ye do to Brie? he demanded, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her roughly.

Nothin!

With the vilest of oaths, Iain pushed her away.

When ye saw Brie in the garden, Black Jack asked again, what was her frame of mind?

Iain ignored his fathers question. Antonia kissed me, he recalled, and then I found Brigette, strangely disheartened, in the garden. To get to the garden, she had to pass the study door. The open study door.

I believe my wife has returned to England, Iain informed his father. Hopefully, shes arrived there safely. Ill be leavin in the mornin to bring her home.

Ill come wi ye, Percy offered.

Iain glared murderously at his brother. Therell be a Highland blizzard in hell before I have need of yer dubious aid.

Marianne gently nudged Brigette awake. Placing a finger over her lips, she warned her young guest to silence. Lil still slept in the other cot.

Wash and dress, Marianne whispered, then come downstairs.

Brigette dressed hurriedly, then went downstairs. Bertie was alone in the kitchen. Swallowing her revulsion, Brigette smiled and asked, Randi?

Shell be along. Bertie was impressed with the change in Brigettes appearance. After studying the beauty of her face, his beady-eyed gaze dropped to peruse Brigettes body as if she were a succulent sweetmeat. Anticipating the taste of her tempting flesh, the cook smacked his blubbery lips together, and a dribble of spittle ran slowly down his chin.