Juliana managed not to groan. She hadn’t considered that. Of course, Rory would have socialized with the MacDonnells and one of the females felt an attachment to him. She should have known. The MacGregor men were all a good-looking lot, she had to admit, and they seemed to attract women with little effort. Ian’s ward, Glenda, had fancied herself in love with him and had resented Emily. Neal’s sister Margaret had a lusty interest in Devon. And even Lorelei enjoyed flirting with Alasdair, although in her sister’s case, it was as much practicing for London’s Season as it was for real interest. At least, that’s what Juliana thought. No matter. She definitely did not need a MacDonnell woman jealous of her.
She also remembered too well the not overly warm welcome her sisters and she had received when they’d arrived at Strae Castle. She wouldn’t have her sisters for reinforcement if the reception here was the same. She’d be entirely dependent on Rory. A thought that did not sit well under any circumstances, but most especially when she would be the only English person for who knew how many miles around.Especiallyif Cousin Morag had set her sights on him.
He had not said much when he’d woken her this morning. She hadn’t asked if he’d had a comfortable night—she couldn’t even think how to word that question without it sounding like prying—and he hadn’t offered the information. Other than making the decision to take the postal packet, he hadn’t been inclined to conversation on the way to the landing, either. And their latest exchange had nearly turned into an argument.
Aileen’s sister gave her a curious look. “Why is Rory bringing ye north?”
“Greer,” her sister warned. “Maither says we shouldna ask such questions.”
“Well, he wouldna tell us anything.”
“Mayhap he is wanting to speak to our uncle first.”
“About what? She is nae Rory’s hostage, ’ere she’d still be below.” She turned to Juliana. “He dinna steal ye, did he?”
It seemed as though Aileen were going to reprimand her sister again, but then her expression changed, and she gave Juliana an expectant look.
So he hadn’t told them, at least not about the handfasting. Which was probably a good thing. Or had he remained silent because of Cousin Morag? Juliana gave herself an inward shake. She was creating problems that didn’t need to exist. Rory had probably not explained the situation because of the crew being able to hear everything. But how much should she say? The captain appeared to be concentrating on steering the vessel, but he wasn’t that far away. And Rory had gone forward to help the men on the bow.
Perhaps it was best to stick with the highwaymen story, at least for now.
“So Rory thought it best if we went north and took a circuitous route home to avoid running into them again,” she finished.
Apparently convincing Scottish women of such a tale was harder than appealing to an English lieutenant and a couple of merchants. Both Greer and Aileen looked skeptical. She’d left out the part of whom they “suspected” the highwaymen were for now.
“I doona ken how Cousin Morag will take this,” Greer said.
Aileen gave her a stern look. “It doesna sound like Rory had a choice now, does it?”
“Aye, but—” Greer clamped her mouth shut as Rory came into view.
Juliana didn’t think she’d ever been so glad to see him.Notthat she’d admit such.
He probably saw her as a burden he was saddled with, even though she had to admit he’d felt wonderfully solid and strong when he’d insisted she hang on to him while he held her firmly against him. She chided herself for those thoughts. Rory certainly hadn’t been flirtatious in the least, only civil. And, she reminded herself, there was Cousin Morag, whom he’d evidently paid some attention to.
Rory was simply making sure he got his burden home safely, that was all. Juliana grimaced. He’d have too much explaining to do if she washed overboard.
…
She’d nearly gone overboard. Juliana’s stumble on the slippery deck had unnerved him more than he’d cared to admit, and he went forward to help haul in the jib to work off the shakiness that he felt. With the churning water in the loch making the boat pitch and roll, along with near blizzard conditions, she’d have been lost if he hadn’t grabbed her.
He’dtoldthe daft woman to hang on.Then, when he told her to let go so he could lead her to safety, she’d started to argue with him. Again. Why did this particular female have to contradict every single thing he said? Even his sister, Fiona, who didn’t take kindly to anyone telling her what to do, had common sense. Had Juliana not realized how perilously close to death she’d been?
Rory sighed. He was going to have grey hair by the time they returned home.
And then there was theotherproblem that continued to niggle at him. In spite of repeatedly telling himself that Miss Juliana Caldwell was nothing but trouble—he was seriously beginning to believe that he’d done something to anger the fae and dealing with her was the faeries’ retribution—he still couldn’t seem to keep lustful thoughts of her out of his head. She was both opinionated and quarrelsome and they rarely agreed onanything, as had just been proven a few minutes ago, but somehow that cantankerousness aroused him. He enjoyed matching wits with her. Not that he would admit such.
There was also the small fact that he knew he was lawfully handfasted to her, even if Juliana didn’t. That gave him the right to take her to his bed, according to Scottish tradition. He’d never forced a woman, and he never would. Still, knowing he was entitled to claim her only gave way to more lustful fantasies, damn it.
Rory slowed his pace as he approached the deck locker where all three women sat huddled inside, looking at him. The hair rose at his nape, an indication that danger was imminent. He glanced up at the rigging to make sure he wasn’t in harm’s way, but all appeared to be secure. Sheets were wrapped around cleats; none were loose or flailing in the air. The reefed mainsail was well off to starboard, its boom not a problem. No lines lay strewn about the deck, and sailors were attending their posts. Nothing posed a danger from the ship. That left only the women.
He turned his gaze back to them. Deer-like brown eyes blinked back at him and green eyes twinkled in amusement, but it was Juliana’s eyes, flashing like fire, that made him uneasy. What in the name of creation could he have donenowto make her angry? He’d been helping the men up on the bow, for God’s sake, and hadn’t taken part in whatever conversation the women had been having…
He paused. What had they been talking about? He’d left Juliana with Greer and Aileen because he had no other choice. She’d been green as a summer vegetable garden when he’d gone below and probably only moments away from retching. Once that process started, the victim was in for sheer misery until back on solid land. With their reduced sail due to the wind, mixed snow, and sleet, it was going to take twice as long to reach the dock at Invergarry. He’d had to bring her up on deck. Once topside, conditions certainly didn’t allow for her to wander about. She was obviously no more used to a ship’s movement than a horse’s, so he’d led her to the one safe and warm place. And occupied by the two MacDonnell women, who had a penchant for mischief.
Rory proceeded forward—actually,aft, since he was moving toward the stern, which just indicated what a tangled mess his mind was in—and decided a casual question might be in order to establish Juliana’s mood.
“Do ye need another tartan for warmth?”
