Love's Ransom (21 page)
Authors: Gwen Kirkwood
In spite of Father Barron’s company Isabella had found the long dark days of winter dragging slowly. She yearned for Zander’s return and the feel of his arms around her. In her room at the top of the tower she had asked Duncan to help her move her heavy clothes chest so that it stood in front of the oak panel hiding the entrance to the secret tunnel. She was convinced Sir William must know about it even though Zander had told her Henry had found the entrance by chance while searching for birds’ nests. He said the steps were worn and the passage very narrow. She tried to believe Sir William would be unable to squeeze his broad figure along the last few yards but her tension increased when Sir William asked twice more if she would be his wife.
She knew her father-in-law believed Father Barron had too much influence on her and the children but she was genuinely sorry when he decided it was time to leave.
‘The weather does seem set to improve this time so I must make plans to return to the monastery,’ he said towards the end of March.
‘It’s about time too,’ Sir William said abruptly.
‘Did the stranger bring word you are needed back at the monastery?’ Isabella asked.
‘No. I believe the letter he brought was for Walter Nixon and his wife.’
‘Who was this stranger and why did the man not come to me if he brought a letter?’ Sir William demanded. ‘Where is he now?’
‘He was merely passing through.’ Father Barron knew the stranger had spent the night at Walter’s house and that he had left this morning at dawn but he kept the information to himself. Walter had waylaid him to ask if he would postpone his own departure for five more days.
Two nights later Isabella was wakened by scratching behind the wooden panel.
The night was still dark. She sat up, her heart thumping with fear. Was it her father-in-law? She lit her candle stub. There was more fumbling. Someone was trying to get into her room.
‘Who – who is there?’ she called in a hoarse whisper.
‘Isabella? It is me – Zander. I can’t open the panel. What the…’
‘Zander! Oh Zander, can it really be you?’
‘Are you expecting someone else?’
‘Yes. No. I can’t believe it’s really you?’
‘It is, if only I could…’
‘Wait! My clothes chest is against the wall. She tried to move the heavy box, first barely an inch at one end and then at the other, almost sobbing with frustration, but it was enough to let the panel slide open. Zanders stepped out onto the chest, and almost danced from it into the room, grinning triumphantly as he seized Isabella’s trembling figure in his arms, lifting her up to hold her close to his heart. Many breathless kisses later he asked. ‘Why did you move the chest? Didn’t you want me to visit , my love?’
‘Duncan helped me move it. I-I was afraid Sir William might c-come to me.’
‘Aah, dearest Isabella, even if he knows of the tunnel he could never squeeze through there.’ He held her away from him to look into her face, his eyes no longer laughing. ‘Has he …?’
‘He has asked me to b-be his wife. Three times.’
‘Ah, I knew he wanted you for himself. So, I was right to return in secret. Only Walter and Anna know I am here. Is Father Barron still here?’ he asked urgently.
‘Yes. He had intended to leave a few days ago but he changed his mind.’
‘That’s good. Will you marry me Isabella? Tomorrow? If you agree we shall ask him to marry us in the village church. The local priest is old now and dependent on Sir William, but Father Barron is not afraid of him, nor dependent on him for his daily bread. Only Walter and Anna will know of our plans. Once we are married in the eyes of God, and the world, even Sir William can never come between us.’
‘Oh Zander I can’t believe you’re really here, or that we shall soon be together. I’ve missed you so much.’
‘As I have missed you, my love. Tomorrow we shall be married. Must I wait until then to make you mine?’ His voice throbbed with passion.
‘Oh Zander,’ she whispered. ‘I love you so much.’ He lifted her in his arms and laid her gently on the bed.
‘You will always belong to me, and only me, from this night on,’ he said hoarsely.
Zander left Isabella before dawn so that he could get to Walter’s house unseen, but he promised to meet her at the church in the village with Father Barron. Isabella could not hide her happiness. It showed in her bright eyes and the smile hovering constantly on her lips. Sir William noticed a new spring in her step. Lizzie raised her brows in question.
‘It must be the spring,’ she muttered. Isabella caught Father Barron’s eye and remembered he was not only aware of their plans but a part of them too.
‘Tomorrow I shall leave,’ he said
. ‘But today is beautiful. Will you ask Nell to dress the children as though it is the Sabbath? We shall have a service of thanksgiving and rejoice for the safe passage of all those who travel.’ His eyes held laughter as they met Isabella’s but she understood his secret message and it would be lovely if the children were there in church to see her marry Zander.
‘We have all heard enough of your sermons,’ Sir William muttered. ‘Why waste time in church on such a lovely day.’ He strode outside and they heard him calling for his horse to be brought. Isabella hoped he would stay away until after the marriage ceremony. She couldn’t bear it if anything happened to prevent it. She climbed the stairs to the solar where she guessed Father Barron would be waiting.
‘Do you think it is safe to take the children to the church, Father? I would not like them to see any fighting if their grandfather returns and finds us there.’
‘Zander knows him well enough. He says he may have a lot of complaints and bluster but he will not harm the children. He would not like to be cast out even though he does scorn my work. I think he will welcome Zander’s return. Eventually he will accept him as your husband. He will not want to lose all of you, even if he is a proud and stubborn man.’
So Nell and the three children were dressed in their best clothes. Isabella promised to join them at the church in a little while. She was surprised when she found Duncan waiting to accompany her. Walter and Anna and their children were already waiting for them at the Church.
‘Will you go inside, Duncan and help Nell keep the children quiet,’ Anna asked. ‘Zander is waiting there impatiently. She smiled merrily at Isabella. ‘You look radiant, dearest sister.’ She handed Isabella a posy of wild flowers. ‘I know Zander wanted this to be very secret and quiet but Father Barron thought the children should be here to see you married and share your happiness. Afterwards we have a surprise for you. It has been difficult to keep it a secret.’
The marriage service proceeded joyfully without interruptions and there was no doubting the happiness on the faces of the bride and bridegroom as they walked out of the church accompanied by six dancing and laughing children.
‘If you will bring the horses Duncan we have a surprise for Isabella but we need to ride into the Long Glen. Perhaps Nell could ride behind you on Moonlight. I will take the twins and we will each take up one of the other children.’ So the little procession followed Walter and Anna.
‘Do you know what the surprise is, Zander?’ Isabella asked curiously.
‘Oh yes, I asked Walter to prepare it, but I have not seen it myself yet.’ He lowered his voice. ‘There were other more important things I longed to see when I arrived last night.’ He grinned when he saw Isabella blush.
‘Oh Zander, I am so happy,’ she said, her eyes shining, ‘I…’ she broke off, staring round eyed at a fine stone house beside the burn. ‘What is that? It was never there before.’ Further along the burn was a half built stone barn.
‘The barn is not quite finished yet,’ Zander said ‘but the house will be our home and I intend it will be filled with love and laughter, and perhaps even more children,’ he added his blue eyes dancing as they met her own. He saw the delicate blush which never failed to mount her fair skin.
The children were excited, running from room to room and exploring. Anna had sent her own cook and two other women servants down early that morning and now the smell of cooking and a well laid table greeted them.
‘It is just as well your donkeys have not arrived yet, Zander,’ Walter chuckled. ‘The way the children are exploring everywhere you precious gifts would be broken.’
‘What’s this about donkeys?’ Isabella asked.
‘Zander has brought you so many materials and furnishings,’ Anna laughed, ‘that he needed five donkeys to carry them all.’
‘That’s because I had to bring some for you too, dear Anna,’ Zander smiled.
They were about to sit down for their wedding meal when Mamie and Nettie ran inside.
‘Here’s Grandfather!’
‘Here’s Grandfather!’
‘You missed the wedding Granpy!’
‘But you’re in time for the food, Grampy.’
‘Uncle Zander married Mama and he kissed her.’
‘He kissed her in Church and Father Barron didn’t mind, did you Father?’
‘I see,’ William Douglas said slowly. He looked around at the happy faces. Suddenly he felt an old man amidst such youthful happiness, but these were all his grandchildren. No one could take them away from him. Could they? His eyes travelled over the sturdy stone house. He had not been near the Long Glen since the picnic with the children and Isabella. From the hill near Anna’s house he had seen the horses heading this way and he had come to investigate. Now Isabella looked at him, her grey eyes pleading for his understanding. Zander’s arm was round her shoulders, looking back at him, blue eyes wary, yet challenging.
‘So ye’re back,’ he said gruffly.’
‘Aye, I said I’d return, and here I am,’ Zander said. ‘We’re about to celebrate our marriage. Would you like to join us?’ Sir William hesitated.
‘Do come in, Grampy
.’ Mamie tugged at one hand and Nettie took the other.
‘There’s a pig on the spit in front of the fire and it’s nearly ready to eat.’
‘I’m hungry, Grandfather,’ Anna’s son, William, said impatiently. ‘Come on.’
‘Mmm, it seems some think I’m welcome,’ Sir William said gruffly.
‘We all welcome you,’ Isabella said promptly, ‘don’t we Zander.’
‘You will always be welcome in our home, so long as you come in peace,’ Zander said, his deep voice ringing with sincerity.
‘Aye, I come in peace.’ Sir William sighed. ‘It is good to see you safely returned, son. I think I always knew you’d win in the end.’ He stepped into the house. ‘I’d have brought a barrel of French brandy to wish you well if I’d known.’
‘We don’t need the brandy but we accept your good wishes,’ Zander said, his spirits rising as he realised there would be no fighting, and no more deceit and feelings of guilt. He and Isabella would live here and be happy, enjoying their children and loving each other for the rest of their lives together.
A Question of Love
Coming Home
A Home of Our Own
Heart of the Home
T
o see the full list of twenty four novels visit website
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www.gwenkirkwood.co.uk
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If you enjoyed
Love’s Ransom
you might be interested in
A Question of Love
by Gwen Kirkwood, also published by Endeavour Press.
Extract from
A Question of Love
by Gwen Kirkwood
‘
Never underestimate an intelligent woman who is in a position of authority.’ Euan Kennedy recalled his mother’s advice, ‘especially if she has the respect of her colleagues. Such a woman has to be twice as worthy as a man to have achieved her position. She will not be the sort of bimbo who succumbs to your charming smile, my boy. It might not be good for your ego but it would teach you a lesson. Indeed I hope you do meet such a woman one day,’ she had added with a gleam in her eye, which he might have described as malevolent if she had not been his ever loving mother.
Did
he need a lesson? Had success gone to his head? Surely not. Yet he couldn’t deny he was irked by Roseanne Fairfax and he was beginning to wonder whether she was the type his mother had had in mind. Certainly all the staff seemed to like and respect her. But he was not about to turn his back on a challenge.
‘Whew!’ Euan Kennedy whistled in surprise as his gaze travelled over the computer screen at end of his first week at Kershaw & Company. ‘So Uncle Simon’s P.A. is not the Miss Perfection he believes,’ he muttered to himself, ‘in spite of the aloof, touch-me-not persona she presents.’ He had a strong suspicion Miss Fairfax did not trust him with the firm’s computer systems, but on what grounds he had no idea. Especially considering he had built up a successful IT business of his own from scratch. His eyes returned to the computer screen and he stifled a spontaneous bark of laughter, but a chuckle still rumbled deep in his chest when he glanced through the glass partition at Roseanne Fairfax in the adjoining office. He appreciated the dry wit evident in her email. Maybe time spent at his uncle's business premises would not be so dull after all. He never could resist a challenge and Miss Fairfax’s icy demeanour had already proved resistant to his usual brand of masculine charm, not to mention the fact that she refuted his right to take over his uncle’s office.
It had not taken him long to realize she was popular with all the staff, from the factory foreman to the administration staff in the office
. He had envied the beaming smile she gave the middle-aged door keeper when she arrived in the mornings. They all spoke of her with warmth and respect and he would have had to be blind not to notice she was damned attractive.
‘
Not everything is as it seems though,’ he murmured to himself as he re-read the email she had written. Uncle Simon’s Miss Perfect was not without a bit of humour, he admitted, even if it was at his expense – at least this time. His mouth firmed as he resolved to get his own back. Euan knew without conceit that he was reasonably good looking. He was intelligent and he had worked hard and used his abilities, as the success of his business had proved. Above all he was not used to being ignored, especially by women, young, old, ugly or attractive. He was both irked and intrigued by the indifference Miss Fairfax had displayed towards him since he arrived.
He
had volunteered to install the new computer system in the offices of his uncle’s meat processing plant during Simon Kershaw’s absence but he usually left the checking and tweaking to one of his subordinates. The job had been a spur of the moment assignment to occupy him while he was here so there was nothing for it but to attend to any final adjustments to the program himself. He always knew exactly what was required,
whenever he undertook a new program but on this occasion he didn’t exactly have a free rein. For the first time in his life he was not sure why he had changed his plans at the last minute.
He had made careful arrangements so that he could be away from his company for three months while he visited his mother in Australia. It had been a shock to him when he learned she had undergone a major operation without telling him and he was relieved to hear she was making an excellent recovery. Apparently the news had also been a shock to Uncle Simon because he had also made plans to visit his only sister while she was recuperating. There was no doubt her brother’s proposed visit had been a pleasant surprise which his mother was eagerly anticipating. There seemed no point in both of them visiting at the same time so Euan had decided to break his journey to Australia and visit Scotland instead, allowing his uncle and mother time alone together to catch up.
So here he was at Kershaw & Company, his Uncle Simon’s meat processing plant in Scotland while the boss himself was on the other side of the world. Euan’s eyes gleamed with devilish amusement as he re-read the email which had never been intended for his eyes.
In
her own office Roseanne muttered in irritation and wondered why she felt so restless. Why was she so aware of the man across the passage? She had been left in sole charge of Kershaw & Company scores of times while Mr K went off on his meat buying trips. Why should it be any different this time? And why should she be so on edge? During her holidays from university she had wanted to earn some money so at various times she had worked in almost every part of the factory. She had got to know the staff and the different systems. She understood the routines, how the processing and packaging plants operated, and why certain things had to be done to comply with health and safety and hygiene regulations. The experience had proved invaluable, even though her mother had irritably declared at the time that it bore no relation to her degree in accountancy.
She had known Simon Kershaw since she was a child. He had been like an adopted uncle when she was young. They got on well together. When she finished at university he had confessed that keeping records and accounts was not his strong suite, especially now the company was beginning to expand, so he had offered her a permanent position in charge of the office staff and the accounts at
Kershaw & Co. She had accepted. On several occasions she had proved herself more than capable of dealing with problems and she could handle the administration of the business blindfolded – well almost. Perhaps it would be better if she was blindfolded then she wouldn’t be so conscious of Mr K’s nephew now occupying the boss’s office right next to hers; she wouldn’t see his long legs taking the stairs two at a time to Mr K’s spacious flat above the offices either. What right did Euan Kennedy have to come here out of the blue and assume so much authority? She felt he was taking over her space, as well as his uncle's. She had an uneasy premonition he might take her over completely if she was not careful.
No!
She thumped the desk. She didn’t allow anyone to interfere with her work, though plenty had tried. The trouble was Mr K had never travelled half way round the world before, nor been away for as long as three whole months. He had been genuinely upset when he heard the news that his only sister had undergone a serious operation without telling him. Although they kept in touch regularly it was years since they had seen each other and her illness had filled him with consternation and jolted him into action, hence the trip to Australia.
‘
You see, lassie,’ he had explained, ‘Aileen is all the family I have. She’s had a serious operation and it’s made me realise neither of us will be here forever and I ought to go and see her.’ He had given Roseanne his boyish smile. ‘I might even give some of your ideas a try if I see their electronic machines in action over there.’
‘
I’ll believe that when I see it!’ She had grinned at him. They both knew he hated changes and he avoided anything to do with computers if he could. She hadn’t dared suggest any changes down at Ashburn, the organic farm they owned between them, thanks to her Grandfather Fairfax. One step at a time, was her motto when leading Mr K into the modern world of technology.
‘
Aileen has a son,’ he had said, ‘but I havena seen him since he was a wee laddie. He's built up a business developing computerised machinery. He travels all over the world. I’ll give him a ring and let him know I’m going to visit his mother. If I meet him there I might invite him to come over to Scotland for a visit. He could give us his advice on modernising some of the processing plant when I return. It’s time I got to know the boy.’
Euan
Kennedy had responded to his call quicker than either of them could have anticipated. He explained his sudden decision to break his journey and visit Scotland, the land of his birth, now he knew his Uncle Simon was already booked to travel to Australia himself. Uncle and nephew had met briefly at the airport. Roseanne knew all about the plans but now Euan Kennedy was sitting in Mr K’s office as though he owned the place and he had made it plain he planned to stay until his uncle returned. So far he had been too busy installing and checking a new computer system in the offices to interfere with Roseanne’s work overseeing the factory, but she had noticed the way he cast his eye over them all whenever he passed by the glass fronted offices. Annoyingly his speculative gaze always seemed to linger longest on her. Roseanne wondered why, quite unaware that her polite reserve represented an irresistible challenge to any red blooded man, and Euan Kennedy was certainly that. He had one of those assessing sort of stares, as though his eyes could see inside your head, Roseanne thought irritably.
She had never been easily influenced by the opinions, or attentions, of male colleagues, however charming they might be and she made it a rule never to mix business and pleasure.
‘
Oh drat Euan Kennedy!’ she mumbled aloud, glad she had an office to herself. That was when she had acted on impulse and dashed off an email to her sister to relieve her feelings. Rob would understand her frustration.
Euan contemplated his uncle’s parting words at the airport. ‘
Whatever you do, laddie, don’t upset Miss Fairfax. I couldn’t run the business without Roseanne. Together we’re a good team – the best in fact. We complement each other. We’ve almost doubled the business since she joined the company.’
There
hadn’t been much time for chat but Euan could still hear his Uncle’s urgent admonition, making sure he knew how essential his PA was to him and to the company. It had surprised him. His mother had always maintained her brother was a confirmed bachelor who liked to do things his own way.
‘
I believe you’re like him in many ways, Euan,’ she'd told him more than once. ‘You’re both successful in business, but you’re thirty now and you still have no serious girlfriends as far I know.’ He’d heard the wistful note and the faint question in her voice. He knew she longed to see him settle down and provide her with a brood of grandchildren.
Euan’s mental picture of
his uncle’s PA as a middle-aged woman dressed in a smart grey jacket and skirt, and with a hatchet face and grey hair worn in a bun couldn’t have been more wrong. He guessed Roseanne Fairfax was at least five years younger than him, tall and slim, with the fair skin which went with her auburn hair – well not auburn exactly because it shone like a golden halo when the sun came through her office window in the afternoons. If he ever got close enough he could wager there would be a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her small straight nose. Although her face was an almost perfect oval there was a determined tilt to her chin; her mouth tilted upwards at the corners as though ready to smile, except when she stared back at him, then it straightened and her green eyes seemed to shoot sparks at him, even before he began asking her questions about the way his uncle’s business was run. Her thick hair was coiled in a neat pleat around her head. He wondered what it would be like when she let it down to blow free in the wind. He imagined it would be like a glowing flame. If Uncle Simon had ever read his PA’s personal emails he might have changed his opinion about some aspects of Roseanne Fairfax’s character, he mused. His grey eyes glinted as he pressed the print button. He would keep a copy of this particular email and enjoy a bit of sport with Miss Fairfax. He watched as the printer sent out a sheet of paper headed - Kershaw & Co. – Suppliers and Processors of Fine Quality British Meat Products.
Hi
Rob –I’m writing this from work because I shall be busy packing this weekend ready for the move to our new flat. My own computer will be off until I get moved and sorted out again. Four weeks before you get back you said? I wish you were here now.
Euan
frowned. His mother had been at pains to warn him about Uncle Simon’s strict moral standards. What would he say if he discovered his prim and proper Miss Fairfax was moving in with her boyfriend while he was away? He read on.
You’ll
never believe it, Rob. We’re moving into the modern world at last. We’ve even got Broadband, AND a completely new computer system. It came with a hunk of prime meat too! No, not another of Mr K’s prize bullocks. This hunk is Mr K’s nephew. He’s Australian and his name is Euan Kennedy. Mr K. phoned from the airport to warn me of his arrival. He hadn’t expected him to come to visit until he returned to Scotland himself. He- the nephew - has been closeted in Mr K’s office every day so far. I can’t help wondering what he is delving into. Gladys and some of the girls keep casting hungry glances whenever he does come out so maybe he’s afraid of being processed too. I’m too busy to pay much attention to him but first impressions are that he’s a fair looking beast with a fine rump on him. I’d say he’s been around a bit so he could be ripe for a roasting, if you agree? I could do with a bit of fun.
Must
dash now. Miss you lots.
Love
Ros. XX
***
Roseanne stared at Euan Kennedy as he sat behind his uncle’s desk regarding her with a smug expression on his handsome face. She was proud of her reputation for efficiency and integrity, and that of her staff too. He cleared his throat, drawing her eyes back to his face. He was eyeing her like a cat with a mouse before it pounced. What was he waiting for? Why was he looking at her so expectantly? She was not used to feeling at a disadvantage. She frowned. She had learned to control the temper that went with her auburn hair but she knew she was in danger of losing it with this infuriating man. Mr K admired her calmness in a crisis. It was one of the reasons he was happy to leave her in charge when he went on his buying trips.