Capturing The Reluctant Highlander (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 3) Read online

  The new trade of shepherding had been introduced, but it had been woven into the fabric of the clan, adding to it and not taking away from it. Ruth was always impressed by Jamie and Amelia and what they’d done as well as how they mingled with the clan. She smiled as she saw them talking spiritedly to other villagers, and little Jamie holding his mother’s hand being taught the same way.

  Ruth watched as Troy walked up to them with a smile, greeting them warmly. Jamie said something, and Troy laughed. It made Ruth want to laugh as well, seeing his head thrown back in joy. She remembered how much they’d laughed this morning before they had been so rudely interrupted. And then, his eyes caught hers, and she blushed as she knew he’d known she’d been staring at him. But she didn’t look away, and if it wasn’t just a trick of the light, she thought he actually winked at her. Winked!

  A little while ago that would have thrown her into a spitting fury as she rambled on about men and their dastardly ways. But she had softened since the dinner last evening when she had said those cruel things and had later felt compelled to humbly apologize. She had been holding the arm and attention of one man, but she wished she could have been holding the arm of the other. This man had avoided her, insulted her gender, and rejected her kiss, but she still couldn’t look away. She still couldn’t shake him, no matter how hard she tried. Something new was pumping through her veins.

  She wanted him. She knew it, and now she was going to admit it. The fire was warm, she had wine in her hand, the evening was lovely, and she’d be spending it enjoying herself with friends. And tomorrow, there would be more celebrating. But right now, there was a man across the way whose gaze was making her heart flutter, her skin tingle, and her core throb with the natural, very human desire to possess and be possessed.

  She began to move towards him around the fire, amidst the laughing crowds. It was as if she was drawn to him. Troy stood still, looking at her, and the closer she approached, the wider the grin grew across his face. Jamie and Amelia had moved to speak to others, and he now stood alone. By God, he is handsome. The firelight does well for this man with his tall, strong physique, his broad shoulders, his muscled arms, his tight clothing, and his rough beard. This man was made for desire. It’s almost as if he was made to tempt a woman.

  She chuckled at that. Her father would have heartily disapproved of the idea of God making people in order to tempt others to do wicked deeds. Her father. She didn’t want to think of him now; his arrival threw a gray cloud over this beautiful moment. She didn’t know what was going on, but she could feel it, and she wanted to follow the feeling wherever it led.

  She was only a few steps away from Troy, and he had opened his mouth to speak, when Dougal approached and clasped her hand. “Ruth! I’ve been looking for ye, lass. Ye look mighty bonny this evening.” Dougal’s gaze wandered approvingly over her frame and chosen dress. Ruth looked down at his hand touching hers in slight confusion. She had been imagining the feel of Troy’s hand in hers just a moment earlier, but now another man had stepped in. She looked up and broke out of her daze.

  “Ah, Dougal. Thank you.” She smiled tightly, and she saw out of the corner of her eye that Troy had scowled and slipped away into the shadows to hide amongst the other partying guests. Her heart sank. What did this all mean? She hadn’t noticed, but Colin as well had attempted to approach her and would have done so first, until Dougal cut in, glaring at the younger boy.

  “Ye still interested in that little piece of information I had for ye this morning?” He held on to her hand and pulled her away, back around the fire.

  Ruth remembered. Ah yes, he had a secret that he wanted to share tonight if only she would sit near him. She normally would have been begging for such a thing. More tales and exciting mysteries of the far-off lands he’d visited. But right now, all she could think about was Dougal breaking that tie that seemed to bind her and Troy across the roaring Beltane blaze. The touch of Dougal’s hand had been cold, while her whole body had been afire from Troy’s gaze. But it was done. The moment was gone with whatever feelings had been within it. She shook herself free of the spell that had taken over her at the sight of Troy. She placed her full attention on Dougal.

  “I remember now. A secret was it?” She smiled at her new acquaintance. Yes, that is what he would be now. A friend. One to discuss tales with and laugh with. He would not be a lover, despite his handsome rugged features and his alluring mouth filled with exciting adventures to share. No, he did not give her the same warmth that Troy gave her. She would treat him as a kind friend.

  Dougal grinned, oblivious to all that was resolving in Ruth’s head. He looked around to make sure no one was listening. “Sit here with me.”

  They sat, and Ruth asked again. “Well? You really know how to keep a woman on edge.”

  Dougal winked at her. “I definitely know how tae do that, lass, but then I give her what she wants.”

  Ruth swallowed, noting the sensual tone in which his words had been spoken, and she looked away. Oh no, she hoped she hadn’t given him too much of an idea that he would have a chance of being a lover. How could she remove herself from this? How was she supposed to act?

  She decided to ignore the tone and move on. “Tell me the story, Dougal! You know I’ve been waiting since this morning.”

  He sat back a bit, smiling, preparing for his story. He was looking at the fire. “Remember when I told ye of the famous pirate who suddenly disappeared?”

  She got excited again, just remembering it. “Yes! I remember it well.”

  He glanced over at her, not stopping his grin. “Well, there’s another mystery about the pirate people cannae figure out. When he disappeared, he took part of the treasure with him. His crew was furious, and they’ve been searching out for him and the treasure ever since.”

  He turned to see Ruth’s glance. She was smiling, mesmerized by the tale. What a wicked adventure story! It thrilled her to her core to think of such a mystery. It seemed like it was from another world, a world that could never penetrate her tiny, entrapping world of Brechin, Scotland, or her father’s house. It was like a breath of fresh air.

  Then she thought about the beautiful cross she found in Troy’s room, and a seed of intrigue was planted in her mind. Bloody Ferguson? Missing treasure? Could Troy Ferguson be the missing pirate?

  She laughed out loud. Too ridiculous, she thought. She caught Troy’s eye across the fire again, and he looked slightly pained. She looked away quickly.

  “Och, so does it entertain ye, then?”

  “Aye, that it does.” She smiled. “Nothing nearly as exciting as that ever happens around here. That is why I’d love to travel and see as many new places as I can and get as many new stories of my own as I can.”

  Dougal laughed. “I wouldnae be too certain it’s happening far away from ye. Sometimes adventure is closer than ye think.”

  Ruth blushed, thinking Dougal was discussing sensual acts once again. She stood up hurriedly. “Sorry, Dougal. I would love to hear more stories, but I do have to discuss a few things with my sister.”

  Dougal waved away her words. “O’ course, lass. At least we got tae sit together for a few moments.” He winked once more, and she moved away, breathing easier as she left. He was another one of those men built to tempt a woman, but not for the woman who had no desire to be tempted by him.

  She thought no more of his story. She spent the rest of the evening talking with Robyn, drinking wine, laughing with the other young ladies of the village, and speaking to William and Marianne. Troy was mysteriously absent from wherever she was. She would see him in conversation with other men, couples, and, annoyingly, other ladies. Young, giggling girls who had watched him each week in the church, flirting with him at the door to the sanctuary, who finally thought that maybe Beltane Eve would be a good time to try their luck.

  He was polite and smiling, and Ruth could have started the fire herself with the anger and jealousy she felt at such a sight. But she tried to push it aside, to
appear normal and at ease. A man should not be able to ruffle one’s feathers so. She pushed it out of her mind and enjoyed the rest of the evening, hoping for a bewitchment spell of her own for tomorrow’s May Day. Maybe that would persuade a certain gentleman to open his mouth and speak his mind.

  * * *

  May Day arrived with a bright sunrise, promising a fruitful spring to Kinnaird land. All the doors in the village had been adorned with greenery and bouquets of flowers on the doorsteps. Some had been laid by Ruth, some by the other women of the village, adhering to the old traditions. Each home wanted to be blessed with good fortune and bounty for the year after the cold winter, and so no one was left out.

  Ruth was a little nervous as she stood before the mirror, adorned in her white linen dress, prepared for the May Day dance. Her hair was down, as it usually was, curling about her shoulders, and she placed the wreath of flowers on her head. She smiled, for Troy was right. She did look like an elf, and she was just about to dance among the heather like a wood-nymph. She hoped, and also didn’t hope, that Troy would watch her.

  Looking at herself in the looking glass, she saw that the old mask of depression had left her face, leaving her with a slight glow. She was nervous, but she was excited. There was nothing to spoil the day ahead. Father was not yet to arrive, and she had an adventure to plan once the festivities were over. But today was today, and perhaps Troy would be compelled to finish that tantalizing sentence he had begun at the May Pole. She twirled around in her room once more before hurriedly leaving, unable to wait for the festivities to begin.

  * * *

  A few hours later, the crowd gathered in the large field behind the castle. Bagpipes began to play as vendors set up tables. Servants wandered in and out, laying meats, breads, and treats for the public to consume. Every one of the clan was there, bright smiles on their faces, for they could spend the day in merriment, not in work, and not in worrying about their family or the tasks that lay ahead in the coming Spring. Some of them were daring enough to have donned the clan colors in their kilts, although England had outlawed the wearing of such traditional garb. But Jamie was different, and she knew that they felt safe to perform their old traditions.

  Ruth arrived with Marianne and William, both sisters holding on to William’s arms, and Ruth was amazed. She turned to Marianne. “What wonderful spirit this all has!” she exclaimed as she looked around at everyone. Marianne beamed. Ruth had been growing steadily happier and more excited each day as May Day approached, and she knew that she had a few days more before her father arrived to spoil it all. Just a few more days of beautiful happiness with her dear, wild sister. She wanted to savor it all.

  “Aye, lass, ye and Amelia have done well to organize the food preparation.” He winked at Marianne, and Marianne rubbed a hand on her stomach.

  “I must admit that was more Amelia’s doing, but the people at the castle have slaved away for a long time preparing for the event. I cannot take credit for that, I’m afraid.”

  William leaned down to kiss Marianne on the cheek. “Aye, but ye’ve done well. And ye look as bonny as ever.” Marianne stood on her toes to give William a soft kiss on the lips.

  Ruth peered around the other side of them and rolled her eyes. “Come, you two, look at everything! No time for kissing. We have plenty to do! We must begin the games and competition, and I need to find my girls for the dance.”

  William grinned devilishly. “I think ye’ll find, wild sister, that there is always time for kissing.” And he leaned down to kiss Marianne once again. Ruth huffed and walked away, and William chuckled behind her. He whispered to Marianne. “Dinnae let her fool ye, my love. I know just who she’s thinking about kissing, although she wishes to keep it from us.”

  Marianne smiled. “Yes, I know. I haven’t even needed to think of any new ways to matchmake since the dinner. Since you found them at the May Pole in such a state, it appears everything is going along smoothly.”

  She gripped onto William’s arm as they walked forward, and William shook his head. “I dinnae approve of matchmaking, but there’s nae denying what’s going on betwixt the two of them. The lad will come tae figure it out soon enough.”

  Ruth ran off to leave the kissing couple behind. Before, these kinds of displays had just annoyed her, in a sisterly way. But now, it made her ache slightly for that kind of touch and affection from Troy. It also made her nervous. Maybe he would kiss her today and make her feel once more like her insides were melting, and she was soaring, flying over the sea into the sunset. Please, God, let him kiss me again. She felt it a strange request to ask of God, but in her mind, God wanted people to enjoy themselves, not lock themselves away from everything that is good and pleasurable. As she walked around the festival, she repeatedly smoothed her dress, adjusted her hair wreath, and licked her lips, finding any way to release the nerves and tension that wound her stomach into a tight knot. Then she spotted him, and she nearly fainted dead away at the sight of his beautiful figure slowly unbuttoning his waistcoat and shirt.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Troy had thought throughout the seemingly endless night about Dougal’s intrusion. Seeing Ruth at the fire last evening had awoken fresh feelings in him, many of which he could not name, or did not yet have the courage to name. The tension between them was palpable, like a string pulling them towards each other. He had locked eyes with her and had never looked away, grinning like an idiot the closer she had moved. Her gown was tightly secured around her, and her auburn hair fell to her shoulders like she usually wore it.

  The shadows that the firelight created on her figure would make any man fall to his knees and thank God for such a woman. He could see more so than in the daylight that her breasts were large and full. He remembered the feel of them and the hard nipples on his chest when they had kissed at her party, and it made his cock harden at the memory. It had taken every ounce of resolve in him to push her shoulders away.

  Her waist was thin, and she moved with a liquid sensuality towards him, a slight smile curling up the corners of her lips as if she held a secret of her own that he was never to know. But, bloody Hell, he wanted to know it. He wanted to know her, and the delightful mystery of her body that had been taunting and teasing him with every step she took. He had held out his hand to her, ready to bring her into his embrace, despite the crowd of people around him, and then Dougal had stepped in.

  Suddenly, something snapped, and a coldness filled the space, despite the large fire beside them. Dougal had broken the spell, and with a smug smile, had pushed Troy to the side with his intrusion.

  Troy had moved away quickly, oddly hurt by what had happened. It was not as if Ruth had rejected him, but it was that he had to concede to Dougal’s demands in that moment, and it filled him with rage. Today, he arrived at the festival with a new resolve to beat Dougal to the ground and win the contest. He hoped that would assuage his frustration, but he knew deep down, that all he wanted was for a certain pair of luscious pink lips and warm, brown eyes to be upon him.

  He stood at the competition field, beginning to prepare for the sword fighting competition by unbuttoning his shirt. But one of the other clansmen stopped him.

  “Eager tae begin are ye? But there has been a change. We will do the other competitions first and save the sword fight until the end. Come, eat and drink yer fill, minister!”

  Troy smiled and thanked the man, before buttoning his white linen shirt up again and replacing his woolen waistcoat. He was rolling up the sleeves as well when he saw a figure in a white dress to his right. He turned to look and saw a surprised Ruth peering from around one of the food stalls. He saw her eyes open wide, and then she turned quickly away when he spotted her. Troy smiled to himself. That boded well. Ruth was now seeking him out even in the light of day and had been staring at him as he undressed.

  He thought idly about undressing before her in a room where they were alone with her naked as well, and a cheery fire in the hearth. He let his mind wander over the figure o
f Ruth’s form for a moment, before he was jolted out of his daydream by a slap on the back. “Come, lad! We need a few pints in us!” It was William, come to find him and pull him back into the present merrymaking.

  Troy was grateful. If he had been any longer in that delicious daydream, his cock would have been hard and long, pointing forward from his breeches, and that would be unsightly and unseemly for the holy man of the village. And it would have given Jamie and William too much enjoyment. They would never have let him forget it.

  He walked around the food stall to see a slowly wandering Ruth in a beautiful white dress. He hurried his steps up slightly to match hers and walked beside her, hands behind his back. “Hello, Ruth. Could it be inferred that ye were watching me just now?”

  Ruth crossed her arms, but he noticed a slight smile on her lips. “No, of course not! What would ever have given you that impression, minister?”

  “Well, it’s a strange occurrence to see a young woman hiding, appearing as if she’s watching ye, then running away as soon as she is discovered. Ye cannae blame a man for thinking of such a thing. Not that I blame ye, of course. Ye did the same last night as well.”