Chapter 10

Dearest Ruth,

Firstly, to put your mind at rest. The Lady Cordelia is a delightful girl, something of an original I am bound to say. She has not taken well to society life, and I must say I could see a marriage between her and a man like Muir might be the very thing for her. From what I know of the girl, she would like nothing better than a quiet life with a family to care for. In my opinion, she is the kind to hide her light under a bushel, but she has quite a lively, if eccentric, way about her, which I found charming.

In short, my dear, I think you will adore her.

I am currently awaiting my darling Tilly, who we expect at any moment. Pip is coming to town, and you will not believe this, Ruth, but he intends to find a bride. What is more, he has even asked us for a list of suitable candidates. Can you imagine? I pray he finds someone with whom he can finally fall in love, for it pains me to see him still so alone. I do not believe he ever loved Tilly's mother, but her death and the discovery of his daughter seems to have had a profound effect upon him. He adores Tilly, of course, but I am afraid the child will rule the roost if he does not find a capable woman to keep her in line. But can you think of a woman who would love the child as she deserves to be loved? I fear for the girl, for there are too many women who would profess they would be a mother to her, only for the chance to be his wife. Still, Pip is no fool, and I do not believe anyone could pull the wool over his eyes.

I am so glad he has agreed to stay with us instead of opening up his own property. Lucian is in alt, though I fear Tilly will be even more spoiled than she is now if I do not keep her doting pops from giving her the moon if she asks for it.

―Excerpt of a letter from The Most Hon'ble Matilda Barrington, The Marchioness of Montagu to The Right Hon'ble Ruth Anderson, The Countess of Morven.

31 st March 1850, Wildsyde Castle, The Highlands of Scotland.

"What do ye mean, she is nae here?"

Luella gave Muir a look of mild exasperation as she lifted her baby daughter Fiona up, settling her on her hip. Little Gordy was sat on the floor at her feet, drawing what looked to Muir's eye to be a dragon with three heads. "Exactly what I said. I think she went for a walk."

"Alone?" Muir asked in concern. "And ye let her? Luella, she hisnae the sense she was born with, and she disnae ken the place at all."

"You do her a disservice, if that's what you think," Luella said shortly. "She's an intelligent young woman and perfectly capable of looking after herself. If you've given her the impression you think her a fool, I can well understand why she's refused to marry you."

"She told ye?" Muir asked, discomforted by the realisation.

"She did," Luella replied coolly. "And she's not alone in any case. She took Murdoch on her walk, and when Hamilton saw she was by herself, he went after her. So, she is quite safe."

"Quite safe!" Muir repeated in alarm, his heart thudding with anxiety at the realisation his charismatic brother was with Delia. "Alone with Hamilton? Good God, Luella, have yer wits gone begging? Faith, I had best go after them." He set down the large bunch of daffodils he'd been clutching as a peace offering and turned to leave.

"There's no need," Luella said, before he could turn and stalk off again. "They're back."

She nodded towards the window of the parlour and Muir looked to see his brother and Delia, walking arm-in-arm, chatting animatedly, and looking like they'd known each other for years.

"Damn him," Muir growled, irritated, and stalked off towards the front door.

"Muir!"

Impatiently, he swung around to look at Luella, who glared at him. "If you actually have sense enough to wish to marry Delia, I should think very hard before you go charging out there and throwing your weight around. Hamilton was walking with her, that's all, and if you'd not done whatever it was you plainly did last night to make her refuse you, there would be no cause for concern, now would there."

Unbidden, the memory of last night returned and Muir felt heat surge through him, guilt and desire creating a messy tangle of emotions that knotted in his chest, making him feel entirely out of sorts. He drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to consider the truth of Luella's words.

"Aye," he said grudgingly. "Very well, I winnae murder him this time, but he had best keep his nose out of my affairs," he added caustically, before striding out to greet them.

Delia stiffened when she saw him, her expression settling into one that was less than friendly, which was not an encouraging sign, but hardly surprising.

"Good morning, Delia," he said, smiling at her. "And may I say how bonnie ye look this morning? The fresh air has put roses in yer cheeks."

"Thank you," she replied, though her manner was reserved, her gaze speculative.

"Hamilton," he added with a nod, giving his brother a look that told him he was not entirely pleased to see him.

"Muir, ye are looking well. It seems ye misadventures of late hinnae harmed ye. I heard ye had a time of it with Malmsey."

Delia flinched at the man's name, and Muir glared at him. Trust Hamilton to step in with both feet. "Aye, but my lady disnae wish to discuss that. Come in out of the cold, sweetheart, and have some tea."

Something flashed in her eyes at the endearment, and he carried on hurriedly.

"Something smells good too, so I reckon Mrs Baillie has been making shortbread."

"Ach, nae. She knows I'm here, so it'll be Abernethy biscuits," Hamilton said smugly, making Muir want to tell him to go the devil. He minded Luella's warning, however, and held his tongue.

"Well, whatever it is, it's bound to be good, aye," Muir said, offering Delia his arm.

"Come along then, lassie, let's warm ourselves by the fire," Hamilton said, guiding her into the house before Delia could even decide if she wished to switch brothers or not.

Irritated, but determined not to show it, Muir followed.

"Good morning, Fiona!" Delia exclaimed, on entering the room to find Luella with her two children. Fiona made an excited sound and reached up her arms towards Delia, who promptly scooped her up and planted a kiss on her chubby cheek. "Oh, you smell better than the biscuits. I think I shall eat you up instead," she declared, pressing her nose into Fiona's neck and pretending to eat her. The little girl giggled and squealed, squirming madly.

Muir felt a peculiar surge of warmth in his chest as he watched her, so at ease with his little niece and so ready to have fun with her. Delia laughed and then looked up, blushing crimson as she discovered Muir and Hamilton both watching with amusement.

"'Gain, Dede!" Fiona demanded. "Do it ‘gain!"

But Delia had turned shy now and only kissed the child, distracting her by showing her how to pet Murdoch gently.

"She's a treasure," Hamilton said, and Muir turned to see his brother watching as he had been, admiration shining in his eyes. "Pretty as a picture and sweet as honey."

"Aye, and she's my betrothed, so I'll thank ye to keep yer hands and yer sweet talking to yerself," Muir growled, hearing the heat of his own anger in the terse words.

"That's nae what I heard," Hamilton replied, regarding Muir with a wicked gleam in his eyes that Muir did not like one bit. "I heard she gave ye the go by. Smart lassie," he added, winking at his brother.

Muir opened his mouth to tell Hamilton precisely what he thought of that comment, but the door opened, and Mrs Baillie bustled in, hefting a heavy tea tray.

"Sheenagh, for heaven's sake, you're supposed to get the footmen to bring such things," Luella protested, but Hamilton rushed to take the tray from the woman. He set it down and then wrapped his arms about Mrs Baillie and gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek.

"She didnae want to give it to the footman for then she'd nae see me for another hour or more and she couldnae wait," he said, grinning at Mrs Baillie, who pushed at his chest, looking torn between scolding him and melting at his feet.

"Oh, ye great lummox, yer squashing me all to bits. Yer a deal too bold, my laddie," she said, trying to sound cross and failing miserably.

"Aye, Mrs Baillie, but ye love me all the same, aye?"

"Aye, ye wretch, I do at that," she admitted, and reached up, patting his cheek. "'Tis good to see ye. It's been too long. Now I've made Abernethy biscuits and I've all yer favourites ready for dinner, so ye make sure ye eat everything. I know ye dinnae eat right when ye are working all the time in that heathenish town."

"'Tis only Wick," Hamilton protested with a laugh. "'Tis nae Sodom and Gomorrah."

"All the same," Mrs Baillie said with a sniff. "Now pour the tea before it gets cold," she commanded, and bustled out again.

"I always was her favourite," Hamilton told Delia with a wink.

"Ye were nae," Muir objected, scowling. "Ye are just the one she disnae see so often, that's all."

"If ye say so," Hamilton replied, shrugging and taking a biscuit from the tray, popping it in his mouth in one go. "Abernethy biscuits," he said around the mouthful, smirking at his brother.

Muir rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Delia. "I wondered if ye would like to visit the farm this afternoon. The first lambs have arrived and they're sweet little creatures."

"Oh," Delia said, her eyes shining, yet she hesitated.

Muir held his breath, knowing she was reluctant to spend time with him again, and yet she wanted to see the lambs. She turned to look at Luella, who nodded.

"I can drive you over there in the dog cart when the children take their nap, if you'd like?"

"I would, thank you, Luella," she said, happy now she had a chaperone.

Less pleased at Luella's involvement, Muir only nodded.

"Well, I'll look forward to it, lassie," he said, holding her gaze and giving her a warm smile.

Colour rose to her cheeks, and he knew she was remembering those intimate moments they'd shared last night—as was he. Truth be told, he'd not been able to think of anything but the kiss they'd shared, the feel of her shapely legs beneath his hands, and he'd come over to see her the first second he'd been able to. As was their wont, the first lambs had arrived in the early hours of the morning, and though Dugald and his men were more than capable of managing without him, Muir did not like to leave it all to them. The next weeks would need every man to do his part and if any of them got more than a couple hours sleep at night, he'd be amazed.

"I'll see ye later, Delia, Luella. Hamilton," he added, glaring at his brother.

"Hold up," Hamilton said, surprising him. "I'll see ye out. Pour the tea, Lulu. I'll be back in a moment."

Muir walked out of the room as Hamilton followed, closing the door.

"Aye?" Muir asked, folding his arms.

"Are ye all right, a chuilein?" he asked, such sincere concern in his eyes that Muir sighed, unable to remain annoyed with him. No one ever could, which was half of Hamilton's trouble. "Malmsey was a nasty piece of work, and nae mistake, but it could nae have been pleasant for ye."

Muir shrugged, touched by the concern but not really wishing to discuss it. "Aye, 'twas nae a fun afternoon, I'll grant ye that," he said, with more sangfroid than he felt. The memory of that day had come back to him forcefully the previous night, when his hands had been covered with blood after bringing a new lamb into the world. That was what he'd always loved, helping new life emerge, not taking it away, and the moment had been spoiled by a vile blackguard who'd had no business in Muir's life. He knew it was a foolish to make the comparison, but Malmsey's blood had stained his hands and he felt it had stained his life too in some intangible way. His whole life he'd been known as a charming devil, a fun-loving young man with a ready laugh and an easy manner. What did people think of him now? The knowledge that parlours from Wildsyde to London were likely buzzing with gossip about him made him angry at Malmsey all over again.

"They're calling ye a hero," Hamilton said, his lips quirking. "I thought ye might like to ken that much."

Muir snorted, not feeling much better for hearing it. "Aye, for now. And then they'll remember that business with Richmond and people will step aside to get out of my way."

"Disnae sound so bad," Hamilton said with a grin. "I may play up to being little brother to murderous Muir Anderson, aye?"

"Christ! Is that what they're calling me?" Muir demanded, appalled.

"Nae, laddie, keep yer hair on. I'm only playing with ye. I'm glad ye're well, aye?"

"Aye," Muir said grudgingly, accepting the hand Hamilton held out to him. "'Tis good to see ye. I'm glad ye came, aye, but stay away from my girl or I shall make ye sorry."

"Like that, is it?" Hamilton said with interest. "I heard ye were nae pleased at being caught in such a way."

Muir shrugged, avoiding his brother's eye. "A man likes to choose his bride, aye? It's nae a secret, but… but I'm thinking I might have chosen her anyway, if given the choice. It's complicated, so dinnae stick yer oar in and muddy the waters."

Hamilton watched him curiously. "Maybe I will, maybe I won't."

"Hamilton," Muir said, a warning note to his voice.

"See ye later, brother," Hamilton said, flashing him a swift grin as he went back into the parlour.

"You're very quiet," Luella observed as the pony trotted ahead of them, bearing the little dog cart and its two occupants to Muir's farm.

"I'm sorry," Delia said at once. "Forgive me. I'm being a terrible guest."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Luella said at once. "I know you must have a good deal on your mind. I only wanted to offer to be a shoulder to cry on, or lean on, or someone to complain to if that's what you need."

Delia smiled. "You're very kind, Luella, kinder than I had any right to expect."

"Nonsense. I told you from the start, I like you, Delia, and I should be glad for you to be my sister, but I wish for you to know that I would be your friend too. If you decide Muir isn't for you, I would not hold it against you. Choosing your own path is important, and marrying a man you'll spend the rest of your days with a decision that cannot be taken lightly or overnight."

"Thank you," Delia said gratefully. "I just keep thinking that the longer I delay the more I presume upon your kindness, and the worst the scandal will become, and yet I am so confused I… I do not know what to think or what do to."

"Hardly surprising after everything you've been through," Luella said, guiding the cart neatly around a rocky part of the path before encouraging the pony back to a trot. "But really, if you are thinking you might say yes, there is no hurry. You may not have noticed but scandal does not really touch us here at Wildsyde," she added with a wry smile. "I mean, that's not to say there isn't a scandal, but all the time you remain here, there may as well not be, for no one will speak of it and you need not think of it."

Delia nodded, relieved to discover that their little indiscretion last night had not yet reached Luella's ear. "Hamilton said it's a magic place."

Luella laughed softly. "Yes, I suppose it is, and that's just the sort of thing he would say."

"He proposed to me."

"What!" Luella was so startled she fumbled the reins and had to take a moment to pick them back up. "He did what? When?"

Rather sheepishly, Delia explained about Hamilton's outrageous offer within moments of his arrival at the castle that morning.

Luella shook her head, obviously as stunned as Delia had been. "Good heavens. Even by Hamilton's standards, that's quite an extraordinary thing to do."

"I don't disagree," Delia replied, still reeling herself.

"What will you do?" Luella asked her, concern in her eyes.

"Well, I won't accept him," Delia said at once. "I should never do such a shocking thing. Good heavens, to have tangled Muir in such a dreadful scandal is bad enough, to then jilt him and marry his brother? What a dreadful thing to do."

Luella let out a breath of relief. "Well, that's good. I would not want Muir to be hurt."

Despite her best intentions, Delia could not help the contemptuous little huff of laughter at her words. Luella shot her a quick glance, her expression curious.

"I beg your pardon," Delia said at once. "But I really do not think Muir will care one way or the other. The only reason he wishes to marry me now is because I've told him I won't."

"I'd like to say what a typical man," Luella said ruefully. "But really, it's just human nature, love. And, to be honest, I believe there's more to it than that. He's confused too, I think, at having been plunged into this business so violently. The one thing I do know is that Muir is a good man, and he feels things a lot more than he lets on. Lyall thinks the business with Malmsey disturbed him more than he's allowing us to see. So, perhaps you should give him another chance. But, Delia?"

"Yes?"

"Don't be afraid to stand up to him. Like all the Anderson men, they can trample you if you're not careful. Talk back, shout at him if you need to. Make yourself heard."

Delia made a sound of derision. "Oh dear, and after having spent so much time ensuring people didn't hear the daft things I say."

"You're not the least bit daft, and Muir knows it or he'd not have been so furious to see you with Hamilton this morning."

Startled by this information, Delia perked up. She had noted the daffodils he'd left for her, not that he'd actually handed them over, but perhaps if he was cross with Hamilton, he'd forgotten. It was not a good excuse, but it was a reason she could understand. "He was furious?"

"Green as grass, more like," Luella said, winking at her. "I think Hamilton could not have arrived at a more propitious moment. If Muir thinks he's in danger of losing you, he might actually exert himself to say the right thing instead of putting his foot in it."

"I don't want him to say things just to win me like I'm a silver cup in a competition, though," Delia objected.

"Then make sure he knows you are flesh and blood," Luella said with a laugh. "And not made of cold silver."

Blushing, Delia looked away, and wondered what the afternoon might bring.