Dougal sighed. Until a moment ago, his beautiful wife had been all purrs and smiles, delighted to be back where she belonged—in his arms.
Now she was no longer perched cozily on his lap but was standing before him, hands on her hips, her blue eyes sparkling with outrage.
“Sophia, my love, I didn’t mean it to sound quite like that, but—”
She whipped up a hand. “Wait. You accidentally told your brother that the best way to ensure his future happiness with his new wife was to train her like one of his horses?”
When she put it like that, it did sound rather bad.
Sophia’s gaze pinned him to his seat. “That was your best advice?”
“Well, I—”
“How about telling Hugh that a happy wife is a happy home?”
“I suppose I could have—”
“Or that he should spend some time getting to know her, since they were thrown together in such a mad way?”
“That would have been a good ide—”
“Or that he should take care to make her comfortable in his home or she’ll feel like an outsider?” Sophia’s eyes flashed fire. “Did you think about that? Or did you perhaps forget it in your zeal to sound knowledgeable, which you obviously aren’t.”
Sophia’s Scottish accent was becoming more pronounced, a sure sign he was in deep, deep trouble. He held his hands wide open. “Sophia, the second it was out of my mouth, I knew I’d made an error. But Hugh seemed to respond to it, so perhaps it’s working well.”
“Have you visited them lately?”
Dougal shifted in his chair, thinking of Hugh’s solemn looks as the days had progressed. “Yes, though you can’t always tell how people are feeling.”
“Of course you can! Do Hugh and his new wife appear happy? Do they laugh? Smile at one another? Hold hands?”
Truthfully, Dougal had never known Hugh to look less happy. “Well…he looks at her a lot.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s interested.”
“I should hope so! He married her, didn’t he?”
“He was forced to marry her. And not through any fault of hers, which he openly admits.”
“How generous of him,” Sophia snapped. “So he marries her and then brings her home to ‘train’ her. Call for the coach—we’re going over there this minute.”
“But Hugh sent word that he’d fetch the girls later—”
“We are leaving now, with the girls. You and I can undo the damage your little pearl of wisdom has caused.” Sophia turned on her heel to march out the door, but Dougal was quicker.
He leaned out and grasped her by the waist, spun her about, and set her back on his lap. There he held her, though she remained stiff and unyielding. “Sophia, I didn’t mean to cause any harm.”
“How could you tell him such a thing?”
“You know how he is about horses, and I was trying to explain in a way he understood that you have to work at being a good—”
“Don’t say ‘trainer.’”
“I was going to say ‘husband.’” Dougal sighed. “Sophia, I admit that I said it badly. What I meant to tell him was that if he’d just be patient and spend time with her, like he does with those damn horses, then perhaps he could build a relationship worth having. I know I’ve made a mull of it—but I just wanted him to have some of the happiness that I’ve found with you.”
Her expression lost a touch of its severity. “You are a very fortunate man.”
“The luckiest,” he said honestly, savoring the feel of her in his arms. God, how he’d missed her.
He captured one of her golden curls and slipped his fingers through the silky length. “Oh, Sophia,” he said in a low voice, “I’m sorry if I made you angry, but I’ve missed you horribly.”
She sniffed.
He hid a smile and kissed her cheek, whispering, “I only wanted Hugh to find what we did. You mean the world to me, Sophie.”
Her thick lashes dropped to her cheeks and she curved a bit into his arms. “We are happy, aren’t we?”
He brushed another kiss across her creamy cheek. “More than I ever imagined possible.” He nuzzled her neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She shivered and leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, her blond hair tickling his neck. “I missed you, too. I’m sorry I was gone for so long, but the trip was so hard on poor Red.”
“I’m glad your father is doing better now.” He hugged her tighter.
Sophia was silent a moment; then she sighed and sat upright. “I’m sorry I was so mad at you, but that was horrible advice to give your brother.”
“I knew that as soon as I said it. If you’d been here, you’d have known exactly what to say, but you weren’t, and he was so miserable that I had to say something.”
A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Miserable, hmm?”
“He’s more taken with her than he realizes. And every day, he seems more so.” Dougal frowned. “If he would just let her close to him, I think they’d discover their feelings are stronger than they realize. But he’s afraid she’ll hurt him—and the girls, too.”
“Of course he is. He’s been so busy protecting the girls from their mother that he’s built a beautiful shell about them all.”
Dougal captured his wife’s hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Rather like someone else you once knew.”
“Yes, but you were afraid of caring for me because you thought such strong feelings would cause you to lose control over your temper. That hasn’t happened.”
“If anything ever happened to you—” He clamped his mouth shut at the thought. “In some ways, I was right.”
“No.” She placed her warm hand on his cheek, her eyes shining. “If anything ever happened to me, you’d be sad, but you’d also know that I love you. That would help.”
He covered her hand with his, his heart aching and tight. “I can’t promise anything.”
“Yes, you can,” she said firmly. “And so can Hugh. Besides, I’ve never seen him worry about losing control of his temper.”
Dougal was silent a long moment. “There was a time when we were all mad with fury and loss.”
Sophia’s eyes were suddenly somber. “When Callum died?”
Throat too tight for speech, Dougal nodded. His youngest brother, the darling of the clan, had died a senseless death, and his five remaining siblings had been furious and grieving.
Their collective rage had raised winds so strong they’d lifted houses from their foundations, rain so harsh that streams had burst over their banks and become raging rivers, carrying away houses, barns—whatever was in their path. Lightning and thunder had roared through the skies, striking every moving object, while deadly hail had rained from above.
Once the storm had begun, they’d come to their senses, but it was too late. None of them could control it…. During the worst of the storm, Dougal had found Hugh collapsed upon the castle parapet. That was what had brought the rest of them to their senses.
Dougal’s chest ached at the memory of Hugh, crumpled on the roof, soaked by the rain, so pale that they’d thought him dead. Only the small quiver of heartbeat in his throat had assured them otherwise. They’d placed him in bed, fading fast, until Old Woman Nora arrived to tend him. With her knowledge of potions and herbs, she’d managed to bring him back, but it had been almost a year before he’d regained his strength.
Dougal rubbed his forehead. He wondered if Hugh had ever really been the same since.
Sophia tilted her head to one side. “How are the girls with Triona?”
“They haven’t given her a chance. I’ve tried to talk to them, but that just seems to make them more determined not to like her.” Dougal hesitated, then added, “I fear they’re up to something.”
“Why? What have they done?”
“I don’t know, but they’ve been very secretive the last few days. I’ve caught them whispering, and when I ask what they’re doing, they say ‘nothing?
?? in too innocent a tone.”
“Then they’re planning something for certain.” Sophia kissed his cheek. “Come. We need to go to Gilmerton. I’ve a feeling that once we get there, things will become clearer.”
Triona descended the stairs for breakfast, pausing to place the letter to her sister on the tray in the front hall. The butler would make sure that it was sent. Hugh hadn’t even stirred when she’d arisen; he had to be exhausted. If the trip to find the mare hadn’t done it, then their exertions in bed had. She smiled at the thought, but it slipped almost immediately. She and Hugh had a wonderful relationship in bed, but she so longed for more.
Heart heavy, she started toward the breakfast room, but Angus stood in front of the door. That was odd. “Is breakfast ready?” she asked.
A frown rested on his face. “Aye, m’lady. But ’tis a bit difficult to get into the room. Liam went to fetch two o’ the stableboys to help move the buffet, but—”
A knock sounded on the front door.
With a mumbled apology, Angus dashed to answer it.
Mam walked in. “Och, there ye are, lassie! I came to see if—what’s wrong? Ye look perplexed.”
“I was just going to the breakfast room, and—”
Another knock sounded on the huge front door.
Triona hid her impatience and nodded for Angus to answer it.
Christina, Devon, and Aggie entered, their cheeks pink from the cold, while Angus kept the door open, waiting for Lord Dougal.
Triona’s heart lightened. “There you are! I was wondering when you’d be back.”
The girls stood together, Devon and Christina looking about uneasily.
“Has Papa returned?” Aggie asked excitedly.
“Oh, yes. He’s sleeping right now.”
Aggie’s shoulders sagged. “Oh.”
Dougal entered the foyer, and at his side was a very petite woman who was quite easily the most beautiful creature Triona had ever seen.
The woman smiled warmly and came forward. “My dear! I’m so sorry I was out of town when you arrived.”
Triona politely held out her hand, but the woman enveloped Triona in a warm hug.
For a startled moment Triona simply stood there, but then she laughed and hugged the woman back.
“Sophia MacFarlane, is that ye?” Mam asked.
The woman turned, gave a delighted cry, and swept forward to hug Nora as well.
“Good heavens,” Triona said. “The whole world has come to visit us this morning.”
Mam’s grin broadened as she returned the hug. “I thought ’twas ye! How is yer pa, rogue that he is?”
“Pardon me,” Dougal said in a mock serious tone. “Sophia’s last name is now MacLean, and has been for some time.”
Mam “pssht!” him, and said to Sophia, “I never thought tha’ rapscallion man of yers would make such a gran’ husband, but I was wrong. He’s takin’ to it like a duck to water.”
Dougal bowed elegantly, his hair glinting gold. “I am well under the cat’s paw and happy to be there.”
Mam cackled. “That’s as it should be.”
Triona watched wistfully as Dougal shared a look with Sophia, his expression both tender and loving. What did she need to do to have Hugh look at her that way?
Dougal turned to Triona. “You may not know this, but your grandmother once saved our sister, Fiona. In fact, she’s had her hands full keeping the MacLeans well-mended over the years.”
Triona caught sight of Devon whispering to Christina. “Oh, I hadn’t thought of the children’s breakfast. Have you eaten yet?”
“No,” Dougal said promptly. “And we’re starved.”
Sophia laughed. “I was in such a rush to come meet you that we decided to throw ourselves on your mercy for breakfast.”
“I’m sure there is plenty.” Triona turned. “Angus, will you inform Mrs. Wallis we have guests for breakfast?”
Angus, who’d been helping everyone with their coats, took them, bowed, and scurried off.
Triona saw Christina staring at the breakfast room door, a frown on her brow. “Christina, have you eaten?”
The girl started, her face flooding with color. “No, no! I mean—I’m not hungry at all.”
Christina and Devon exchanged a glance, and Devon asked in a challenging tone, “Where’s Papa?”
“As I told Aggie, he’s asleep upstairs. He came in very late, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you woke him up.”
Devon’s eyes flashed. “We don’t need your permission to wake Papa.”
There was a startled silence.
Sophia sent a disapproving glance at Devon, while Mam clicked her tongue.
Christina, her cheeks still red, said quietly, “If you don’t mind, we’ll just—”
“Papa!” Aggie cried. She flashed past them and was up the stairs before anyone could move.
Hugh had walked onto the landing. Without pause, he swooped the young girl into his arms. The other girls were not far behind and he laughed, hugging them all.
His face softened with love as he spoke to each of them. The girls laughed and chattered, alternately hugging him and pulling back to exclaim over this or that. Triona watched from the bottom of the stairs. She’d been a fool to challenge Hugh’s love for his daughters. He did love them—it was evident in everything he did. Why couldn’t he include her in that love? She curled her fingers into her palms against an onslaught of tears.
Suddenly Mam was at her elbow. “’Tis a fine family ye have, lass.”
“They’re not mine.” Every word burned through her, tears clouding her eyes.
“They’re yers, dearie, whether they know it or no’.” Mam put an arm about her shoulders. “Sometimes fate enjoys makin’ ye wait fer wha’ ye want most. But if ye’re patient and dinna quit the journey, ye’ll reach yer reward.”
Triona nodded. Mam was right—and she was no quitter.
“Pardon me,” came a soft voice.
Triona found Sophia at her other elbow.
She smiled. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Your grandmother is correct; the girls will come around, but it will take some time. They’re good children, but high-spirited. Honestly, it’s good you’re here. They need someone in their life.” Her gaze went to the top of the stairs. “They all do,” she added softly.
Hugh, hugging the girls, caught Caitriona’s gaze and his smile disappeared. There was tension in her face, and he instinctively knew something had happened.
Devon pulled on his arm. “Can we eat? We are famished.”
“We are!” Aggie said.
He looked at Christina, who shook her head. That was odd; lately she’d had a robust appetite.
Devon tugged on his arm again. “Uncle Dougal and Aunt Sophia are hungry, too.”
“Well, then, we can’t keep our guests waiting, can we?” Hugh went downstairs, the girls trailing behind. “We seem to have a large complement for breakfast.”
“I hope you don’t mind,” Dougal said. “Sophia arrived home just this morning, and was determined to bring the children to you as soon as possible.”
Nora cackled. “Gettin’ rid o’ them, eh?” She looked at the girls and winked. “Ye aren’t causin’ trouble, are ye?”
“No,” Christina said in a breathless voice. “Of course not!”
Sophia came forward to give Hugh a sisterly kiss and hug. “I would keep them forever, as you know, but they’re always so excited to come home that I brought them right away. Besides, I wished to meet your wife.”
Hugh flicked a glance at Caitriona. “I’m glad you did.” She looked especially adorable this morning, all prim upswept hair, her spectacles perched on her nose as if trying to disguise her beauty, but failing miserably. It had been a disappointment to awaken and find her gone. He must have been more tired than he realized, for he’d not heard a thing until Dougal had arrived.
Mrs. Wallis swept into the foyer. “We’re havin’ breakfast brought up now. The room should be about ready. I had Li
am and Angus climb in through the window.”
A loud scraping sound caused everyone to turn toward the breakfast room.
Hugh frowned. “What in he—”
Triona cleared her throat and looked meaningfully at the girls.
The door opened then, and Angus and Liam grinned out at them. Mrs. Wallis smiled at the gathering. “Come eat. We’ve eggs and ham, porridge and butteries, and Abernathy biscuits!”
Hugh slipped a hand into the crook of Triona’s arm and walked with her to the door. As they crossed the threshold, she came to an abrupt halt. Just as in his library, every piece of furniture—with the exception of the heavy table and the large buffet against one wall—had been moved. The chairs were lined to one side along with the smaller buffet, which, from the floor scrapes, had apparently been resting against the main door. Angus and Liam were putting things back to rights, but the disarray was obvious.
“Lord above,” Nora exclaimed, “What’s happened here?”
Dougal looked curious. “Were you cleaning the carpets or—”
“No,” came a clear, loud voice.
Everyone turned toward Devon.
Head high, her face pale, she said steadily, “Papa told Triona she could do what she wanted with the furniture.” The girl looked around the room with an expression of satisfaction. “I don’t like it, though. I don’t like any of it.”
Mrs. Wallis shook her head. “The missus and I only changed the sitting room.”
Hugh turned to look at Devon, who appeared ready for a fight. She stared back, defiant, while Christina avoided his gaze.
His irritation must have shown, for Christina paled and took a step back while Devon’s hands fisted at her sides. He said sternly, “Girls, you have—”
Caitriona gripped his arm, pulling him toward her. “Hugh, let’s talk about this after breakfast. No one has eaten yet.”
He frowned.
“We can replace the rest of the furniture after breakfast. But since we have guests now…” Her calm hazel gaze locked with his.
Ah. So she didn’t want him to upbraid the girls in front of their aunt and uncle. He reluctantly supposed she was right.
“I am famished,” Sophia said brightly. “And I like the look of that small table by the window. It would make a lovely nook for more private meals.”