Knight of the Highlander (17 page)

"Had you any doubt?" Colin replied with a grin tipping the corners of his mouth.

"No, but 'twas delightful tae be reminded."

Colin chuckled and, quite reluctantly, set down his soft burden, and placed her on her feet in the grand room.

Arywnn's eyes grew wide once again as she studied the velvet and tapestry covered room. Rich and heavy woods accented light colors and large windows. A marble fireplace boasted a warm fire, and several pastries were laid out next to another steaming pot of tea.

"I cannae' sleep here!" Arywnn turned, her eyes wide and her expression overwhelmed.

"Why ever not?" Colin asked, curious at the adamant expression on her face.

"Do ye see me dress? Me skin, even! I'm wearin' more dirt that this house has ere' seen before! I'll not ruin tha' lovely bed with my dirty self!" She continued to regard him as if he'd lost his senses.

"Arywnn, love. I'm just as filthy as you, but I fully intend on taking a bath first. I didn't want to embarrass you by mentioning it in front of a man you hardly knew. I'll have a maid bring up a tub and water for you. Silas is already gathering supplies, and that will include a new dress or two for you to wear, so don't worry." He leaned forward and kissed her slightly tilted nose.

"A bath would be lovely." Arywnn's voice carried a deep wistful tone that made Colin grin.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

"Ye think it's funny? I'll have ye ken that ye are far filthier than I. 'Bout the only thing I recognize on ye is yer eyes. Everythin' else is dirt colored." Arywnn leaned back and crossed her arms.

"I don't doubt it love. But ye must admit. I wear the dirt well." He wagged his eyebrows and took a step toward Arywnn, even as she stepped back.

"Ye might wear it well, but ye smell like yer horse," she fired back, though her eyes were softening.

"All the more tae remind ye that I'm a braw Highland warrior that'll take yer heart as my prisoner and'll never let it go." He lapsed into a thick brogue.

Arywnn giggled.

"So I'm yer intended, aye?" She glanced up at him shyly.

Colin traced his fingers down her arm, and inhaled the scent of horse mixed with the rosemary he would forever associate with her.

"Aye. Perhaps I did not make myself clear when I kidnapped you." Colin chuckled as Arywnn rolled her eyes at his statement.

"I love you. You are mine. I want you to grow old with me, tease me when I'm blind and senile." She slapped playfully at his arm. "I want tae wake up with your face my first sight, and fall asleep with your scent filling my lungs and my mind with promises of tomorrow. I want tae caress and kiss every inch of your body, and make it mine and only mine, and watch our children grow within you. I want every part of you, nothing left out because loving you is like breathing, and tae cease tae have you in my life would cease the beating of my very heart."

"When ye ask that way…"Arywnn pulled at his soiled tunic and kissed him fervently on the mouth. Her sweet taste flooded his mouth and he plundered her mouth further, starving for more of her flavor. Her full lips melted within his, but a soft knock followed by a startled gasp broke through his passionate haze. When he released her from the kiss he glanced at her swollen lips, and couldn't suppress the self-satisfied grin.

"Pardon!" a feminine voice called a moment later.

"No need. The lady will appreciate your assistance." Colin finally broke eye contact and glanced to the petite maid who was blushing and averting her gaze to the floor.

"Thank ye," Arywnn spoke huskily and then cleared her throat, but it was too late. Her tone had already reignited the flame burning brightly in Colin's body. With the self-control of a saint, he winked at Arywnn and walked away, wishing he had married her already so that the bath would be for more than just cleaning. Perhaps for his own bath he would request cold water rather than warm.

Arywnn released a contented sigh as she watched Colin's broad shoulders swagger slightly as he walked away. He reminded her of a rooster strutting. The idea caused a giggle to bubble up.

"I'm sorry ta' interrupt—" the maid walked in further. Her brow furrowed with concern and residual embarrassment.

"Dinnae' fash yerself." Arywnn placed a caring pat on the maid's wrist. The petite, dark-haired woman offered her a small smile and nodded.

"Let's see about yer bath." The maid straightened and collected herself.

Arywnn lingered in the water as long as possible as she scrubbed herself clean over and over. The lavender scented soap was a welcome luxury as she lathered her hair and rinsed the bubbles away. Her hair was a matted mess from the hasty braids and lack of combing, but at least it was now clean. Surely she could find at least a small comb in such a beautiful place such as this.

Again the beauty of the house astounded her. The keep where she grew up was the finest dwelling in the clan. Never had she traveled beyond the Chattan borders. Never had she imagined the stories she heard were underestimations of what really was out there beyond her home. Humility washed through her as she questioned her place.

Surely Colin wasn't accustomed to this type of lavish lifestyle? He didn't seem concerned with the opulence or beauty. Was he simply at home here with his friend? Or was this part of his secret? What if he wasn't just a common Englishman? What if he was one of the Lords? Arywnn sunk deeper into the warm water, letting it calm her anxiety. What she did know was the certainty of his love. With that truth close to her heart, she trusted that any other obstacle would be overcome.

As she was drying herself, a knock sounded at her door.

"Miss? I have yer dress," the maid's voice called through the thick wooden paneling.

Arywnn glanced about for something to cover herself. Seeing a white blanket, she grasped it and wrapped it securely around her. "Please, come in."

"Here miss. I hope it's the right size. If not, I can adjust it however need be." She placed the garment on the bed and turned to face Arywnn. "I also took the liberty of securing new underclothes as well as a corset for ye miss."

A small package was placed beside the dress on the bed. Arywnn nodded and glanced back at the dress. It was far different than anything she had ever seen. Next she glanced to the corset. She was familiar with stays, her own had been stuffed with straw, but this was sewn with almost invisible stitches, and appeared to be very stiff as if wood or bone was sewn in.

"I'll assist ye miss. Please turn," the maid asked politely.

Arywnn wordlessly turned. She blushed when the maid gently tugged the blanket that was covering her. When it was placed on the bed, the maid proceeded to help her dress with the stiff corset, petticoats, and several other layers that were adjusted before the maid finally lifted the dress from the bed. Arywnn tried to lift her arms, but the stiff and tight corset almost eliminated her breath. After sucking in a deepest breath possible with the confinement of the corset, she tried again. The dress was pulled over her head, and settled around her various layers. The deep green of the fabric opened slightly in the front of the skirt giving a peek at one of the petticoats she wore beneath. The back was secured, and the linen fabric was a strange weight on her shoulders as she adjusted to the strange feel of such foreign clothes.

"Lovely. I'll address yer hair now. Would ye care to sit?" The maid gestured to a cushioned seat.

Arywnn nodded, silently praying for the poor maid. Indeed her hair was as tangled as a misused loom.

As she walked, the whisper of the fabric seemed a strange noise, but as she moved the garment seemed to settle and become more comfortable. She sat in the cushioned chair and glanced into the mirror. With a gasp, she studied her reflection. The color of the dress illuminated the green of her eyes and auburn hue of her hair. Even though her hair was tangled and snarled almost beyond recognition, Arywnn felt beautiful.

The maid worked tirelessly as she struggled to untangle Arywnn's auburn mess. After the last snarl was defeated, the maid began to braid and twist. Arywnn's head was tugged in several different directions, and the strange sensation of something scraping her scalp caused her slight confusion. She watched in the mirror, but was unable to discern exactly what the maid was trying to accomplish.

"What are ye doing?" Arywnn asked politely.

"Pinnin' yer hair up. The master said we needed ye tae appear as English as possible. That's why yer wearin' this type of dress, and I'm giving ye a proper coiffure. Ye'll look the lady fer sure, miss. Dinnae' fash yerself."

"English?"

"Aye, I'm assumin' ye ken why. The Master, he doesn't speak in detail much. He'd rather be with his plants."

"Tha' would explain the plants in his study."

"Och, tha' ain't the half. Ye should see the back garden! Or the kitchen, for that matter! Cook finally surrendered when he explained how tae use the herbs for cookin' proper but, it was an interesting sight, I tell ye. There. Yer finished. Would ye care tae see yerself? If ye hold this small mirror just so…"

"Aye." Arywnn nodded, and the maid reached around and picked up a silver mirror. She handed it over. Arywnn glanced up at her reflection, not recognizing the woman staring back. Her auburn hair that was usually pulled back into a tight braid was tamed into gentle curls that were secured to the top of her head. Pearls and combs held the heavy locks in place. She held the mirror back further and could see not only her face, but also the top of her dress. The sight was astounding. Only hours ago she was the wild Highland lass, covered in dirt. Now she appeared to be a lady, English no less!

A knock sounded on her door and caused her to jump.

"I'll get that miss." The maid rose and answered the door, backing away immediately as a tall gentleman entered the room. His hair was still damp, causing the color to be almost black. He was dressed in tight pants with polished boots over them, and a coat that hung lower in the back. He nodded to the maid, and then glanced over at Arywnn.

"Colin?" Arywnn tilted her head and covered her mouth in shock.

Colin grinned widely revealing his appealing smile, and Arywnn noticed his beard was completely gone. The jawline and cheekbones were more distinct, and gave him a more powerful appearance, if possible. His blue-black gaze raked over her from head to toe. She felt a blush heat her cheeks. Would he approve?

"My sweet Arywnn. You are utterly breathtaking, but I must admit to finding you just as beautiful barefoot, and wearing your plaid," he whispered as he came closer. The cloying scent of clove and cinnamon assaulted her senses, and she closed her eyes.

"Ye clean up well," she managed after a moment. She opened her eyes and stared intently into his.

"I'm glad you approve."

"I do. But… is this part of how we're hidin'?"

"Yes. I have news. We will leave in two day's time for England aboard a passenger ship."

"I see." Butterflies took to flight in Arywnn's belly as she thought of leaving her home.

"Yes, it will be safer. I have information I must deliver, and I will not leave you." Arywnn's heart skipped at the powerful figure he presented. He seemed more sure of himself, more confident. As if actually able to be in his own skin, rather than the blacksmith personality he had adopted. Questions whirled in her mind. Just who was Colin?

"In the meantime, we'll remain with Silas and I'll be coaching you on how you'll need to act when we arrive in London."

"Coachin' me? How so?"

"While it will be clear from your speech that you're from Scotland, what we'll need to do is present a different identity. To protect you. While we won't be in London long, we will be there enough time for your presence to cause some suspicion, especially in regards to the news I bear."

"So I'm tae appear…?" Arywnn leaned forward slightly, waiting for him to answer her question.

"You are to appear as Scottish nobility, of the distinct persuasion of English rule." Colin glanced down at his highly polished boots.

"I see."

"If there were any other way—" Colin began, his tone apologetic.

"I will do my best, but I cannae' help but worry."

"You feel traitor to your country?"

Arywnn glanced up at Colin, her brow furrowing with confusion. Traitor to her country? How so? Because she was pretending to be English? She suddenly felt ashamed of her true reasons for concern…

"Arywnn… what troubles you?" Colin's gaze bore into hers, searching for an answer.

"In truth, I dinnae' think about my country. My concerns were more… selfish."

"Selfish?"

"Aye. I'm bound tae make a mess as I try to appear the lady, Colin. I grew up quite wild, ye ken. I dinnae' ken how ye will pass me off as a gentle bred woman of means." Arywnn glanced to the ground. "Ye can dress up the pig in finery, but does no' change the fact that it's still a sow."

"Arywnn." Colin chuckled and pulled her into his warm embrace. His chest shook slightly as he continued to find amusement in her words.

Irritated, Arywnn tried to get out of his embrace.

"Tis no' funny! I'm sure tae embarrass ye!"