Resisting the Highlander: A Scottish Romance (7 page)

He kissed her on the forehead. “I enjoyed it too, lassie, and wish it could have gone on longer, but much as I hate to leave you, I’m afraid I must. I think I have some ladies to walk home, and must go and change my clothes. The hour is late.”

He left her then. As he strode away she felt as if a light had gone out somewhere. She was annoyed with the emotions he aroused in her, and yet absurdly happy. She tried hard not to like him, but his very presence set her heart to racing.

She now thought of the remark she had heard Elizabeth MacPherson make earlier in the day, “Everyone knows his reputation with the ladies.” Bridget wondered if she was just another one to add to his list.

With a sigh, she turned and started for the door where she would join her grandfather in bidding the departing guests goodnight and good wishes, just as they had greeted them together a few hours earlier. First, she went to the sun room where the ladies had put their wraps to see if she could help in any way.

She ran abreast of Elsie Carlisle; the look she got from her would have floored a lesser personality. “So, Miss Campbell,” she began, “you got him away from me for the last dance, didn’t you? But don’t build up any hopes, that was just out of loyalty to your grandfather.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Elsie. I have no interest in Aidan. You are welcome to him.”

“Then, see you remember that,” Elsie snapped back at her, “just because you are to be living in the same house doesn’t give you any privileges.”

Bridget, nettled by her attitude asked, “Are you engaged to Aidan?”

Elsie’s face reddened. “No, not yet, but we have an understanding.”

Bridget couldn’t resist a parting shot. “So, he is still fair game, then? I shall remember that also.”

Elsie’s face was a study of resentment and anger as Bridget walked away.

As Elsie and Aidan were about to leave, Mary and Elizabeth came hurrying to the front door, Mary saying, “Oh, Aidan, Elsie lives out our way, would ye mind if we walk along wi ye?”

“No, ladies, I don’t mind, we’ll be glad of your company. Come along,” said Aidan, but from the look of disappointment on Elsie’s face, Bridget knew she didn’t agree with him one bit. She raised her hand to hide an amused smile.

James and Alice Campbell were about the last ones to leave. “We’ve had a grand time, Father, and thank you for having us,” said Alice with a smile. Turning to Bridget she whispered, “Take care o’yerself now and remember, if yer no happy here, ye can aye come home.”

“Don’t worry about me, Mum, I’ll be fine.”

Her father looked at her and smiled, “Goodnight, lass, come and see us often.”

Bridget loved her mother, but she idolized her father. For a moment she became almost frantic at the thought of parting with him and leaving home. She threw her arms about him and held him tightly, unwilling to let him go.

Then, looking at him through tear-filled eyes, she said quietly, “I’ll be to see you every day.”

Her grandfather broke in, very seriously addressing his daughter, “Alice, my dear, it was grand having you and James here tonight. I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves, and thank you for letting Bridget come to stay with me for a while. You’ll no regret it I assure you.”

Bridget hoped he was right.

T
he grandfather clock in the parlor downstairs struck 2AM. and Bridget was still not asleep.  The events of the night were thrashing about in her mind, and tired as she was, sleep just wouldn’t come. She spread her arms out on her big bed, suddenly aware of how nice it felt to stretch out without worrying about waking her sisters. She was the eldest child, so she had not slept in a bed alone since her sister Aileen came. Bridget loved having her own room, but missed Aileen and Bethia. She wished she could share her good fortune with her sisters and bring them to the castle with her, there was certainly plenty of room, but it wouldn’t be appropriate given their young age and the fact that her parents were able to provide for them.

Bridget promised herself that once she was settled and had gotten a better feel for her grandfather’s moods, she would have her sisters to visit as often as possible, giving each girl a chance to come stay at the castle separately so as not to overwhelm Robert. That would also allow the other to have her parents’ attention all to herself, which neither girl had enjoyed like Bridget did when she was a young lass. This brought her some comfort, but did not wash away the excitement of the evening.

She finally thought to go downstairs and select a book to read, hoping that would help her drop off.

Opening the bedroom door she listened for any sound, but there was none, and presuming the others to be asleep, she took her oil lamp in hand and went quietly down the stairs.

The fire was banked for the night but still giving off a little warmth. Going quickly to the bookcase by the fireplace, she found what she had in mind and was thumbing through the pages when she was startled by a sound behind her. Spinning around, momentarily afraid, she was surprised to see Aidan there, still in his outdoor clothes. He had apparently just come in. She pulled her dressing gown closer about her and pushed her hair back off her face as she spoke, “Aidan, I thought everyone was asleep but me. I am so wide awake, I thought I’d read for a while.”

He removed his jacket and cap, studying her for a moment before replying, “I have just come back from walking the ladies home. Thought I saw a light in here and came to investigate. Why can’t you sleep?”

“Oh, I don’t know, not used to so much excitement I suppose, and maybe I am not used to the new room yet. But I’ll get back upstairs now and read until I get sleepy.”

He smiled, “A glass of wine would do the trick much better than reading. Will you have one with me? I know you don’t drink anything stronger than tea, but maybe this once wouldn’t hurt.”

Without waiting for an answer he went to the sideboard and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. As he came back towards her she couldn’t help thinking how how attractive he looked in his close-fitting tartan trews, which showed his muscular body to great advantage.

He was still wearing the white shirt with ruffled front and cuffs, reminding her of some old time cavalier, and for one mad moment she longed to be in his arms; she wanted to touch the unruly black hair and to feel the dark face against her own. How easy it would be to just break down and let him love her. But no, she thought. He’d not find her such an easy mark.

As he poured the wine, she said, “Oh, Aidan, I don’t know, my parents would be very angry if they knew I had anything strong to drink.”

He looked at her, smiling, “Who’s going to tell them? Come on, let go for once. I’m having one anyway to warm me up. It’s a very cold night.”

“Well,” she started hesitantly, “just a small one.” She sat down on the settee as he poured the wine. He seated himself beside her, handed her a glass, and with an amused smile on his lips, watched as she took her first sip.

She made a wry face. “Aidan, that tastes terrible. Why do people think liquor is so wonderful? Ach, that makes me shudder.”

“Drink up, Bridget, you’ll get to like it after a while. When you feel the warmth inside you’ll know what I mean.”

They sat together, slowly sipping their drinks and discussing the party.

“That was a fine thing you did for Robert tonight lass, he was very proud of you and I don’t think I have ever seen him quite so happy.”

She answered smiling, “Yes, the darling man, he did seem to enjoy himself. It makes me feel good to have played a small part in it.” 

They talked quietly in the semi-darkness. Aidan filling her glass again without her awareness of it. She found that was enjoying his company for once.

Taking her now empty glass, he set it on the side table, placing his own beside it. She was getting more relaxed and drowsy by the minute, but also a bit uneasy by the look Aidan was giving her. She said hurriedly, “I better get back upstairs, I’m sure I can sleep now.” But as she attempted to get to her feet, he reached for her, one arm going around her waist, the other about her shoulders.

“No, Aidan, don’t,” she whispered, trying to push him away. “It was so nice just sitting here talking, let’s not spoil it.”

Without answering, his face came close to hers. She closed her eyes, knowing full well he was about to kiss her and there was nothing she could do to stop him. He bent his head and merely brushed her lips with his own, just a touch, sending a quiver of feeling through her. She thought he would release her then, but as she attempted to get up, he pulled her roughly closer against him, holding her tightly.

Sensing her reluctance, he questioned, “What are you afraid of Bridget? I’m only after what you know we both want, and besides, Robert wants you to be my girl, you know?”

This made her very angry and gave her the strength to pull away from him. “How dare you, Aidan MacLeod. I don’t think I have ever met a more conceited person than you, and no matter how many girls swoon over you, I am not one of them. Didn’t you get enough kissing when you took Elsie home tonight? She seemed eager enough for your attention.”

“Ah, so you did notice, and do I detect a tone of jealousy?” There was a glint of mockery in his eyes.

Without answering, she started to walk away, but found she was a bit unsteady from the wine.

Aidan laughed. “Come on, I’ll help you upstairs. I do believe you are a little tipsy.” Bending down quickly, he picked her up in his arms and said, “How can anyone as small as you are have so much venom in them?”

“Put me down this instant, Aidan,” she fumed, “or I shall wake the household.”

“No, you won’t,” he laughed. “I don’t think you would want Robert to see you running around in the middle of the night with nothing on but your nightgown.”

Tears of frustration filled her eyes as she realized there was no use struggling against him. She suffered him to carry her upstairs. At her bedroom door, he sat her on her feet. She didn’t notice that her dressing gown had fallen open until he slipped his hands inside and around her body.

Holding her close for a moment, he kissed her gently, lovingly. She felt the wild beating of his heart against her own. Afraid of her riding emotions, she whispered, “Please, Aidan, let me go now.”

Releasing his hold on her then, he held her chin within his hand and tilted her face up toward his own. He said quietly, “All right, Bridget, I’ll let you go. I know you are dead tired as we all are.” He looked at her intently. “But there will come another time when I won’t let you go.” Opening the bedroom door for her, he then walked quietly down the stairs.

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B
ridget awoke suddenly from a deep slumber, eyes flying open. She didn’t think she’d been asleep long and wondered what had awoken her. A noise at her door drew her attention. Turning to look, she saw the knob turning. She wondered if Aidan had returned and was trying to get in, but she’d thrown the latch and knew the door wouldn’t open. The knob stopped moving soon after. She listened for a few moments but heard nothing.

Sleep pulled at her and satisfied that everything was fine, Bridget let her exhausted self fall asleep once more. By the morning, she’d forgotten all about it.

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T
he next few weeks at the castle flew. No one had tried to get into her room again, as far as she knew, but she’d heard some strange scratching noises a few times that she attributed to Sarge.

She went to bed each night exhausted. Bridget was amazed how easily she fell into a routine there. Robert treated her like the lady of the house, deferring to her in many small matters. Besse seemed to follow suit, reluctantly. She was kind enough to Bridget’s face, but sometimes Bridget thought she saw the housekeeper scowling at her out of the corner of her eye. She was not sure, however, of what she saw and she did not know what she should do about it anyway. She also was unsure what to do about Aidan. He was avoiding her, spending his time in the stables or out tending to the land with Robert. She could almost forget he existed.

This suited her needs as she spent every spare moment at the piano readying herself for the exam she was to take soon. Her grandfather had offered to pay her expenses and her parents had surprised Bridget by agreeing. Now it was on her to make everyone’s sacrifices worthwhile.

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B
ridget returned from her examination full of pride at having passed. Her parents threw her a small party at their home, just for immediate family, though her cousin Margaret had arrived partway through the festivities, claiming she was just dropping by and had forgotten about the party to which she hadn’t been invited. The Campbells certainly couldn’t turn away their kin, so Margaret was invited in and asked to share the small cake made for the occasion.

Bridget’s grandfather arrived toward the end of the gathering to present her with a gift, a grand new music case that put her old one to shame. Bridget was grateful for the gift but more happy that he had come at all. He had seemed annoyed that she didn’t ask to have a party at the castle when she invited him, but she had reminded him that her birthday was coming soon and asked that they do something then instead. After reminding him that she was not comfortable being spoiled, he had readily agreed with her solution.  

The next day, she went to meet with Miss Wallace. The older woman was overcome with pride as Bridget was her first pupil to pass the exam.

“Well done, my dear, well done. Now sit down, I have something to tell you.”

Bridget sat, not knowing what to expect. Her teacher handed her a cup of tea and took one for herself before sitting down.

“I’ve decided to go on holiday this summer instead. I have confidence that you are ready to fill in for me now,” said Miss Wallace, looking over the top of her steaming cup of tea, “and it will be a wonderful opportunity for both of us. Your final exam is over and you passed with flying colors. There is no one I would rather entrust my beginning students to than you.”

Bridget sipped her tea and sat quietly, mulling things over in her mind. She had planned on take time off to rest up from her studies, but Miss Wallace’s request to have her take over lessons this summer instead of next was something she could hardly refuse.