Uncertain Times

F or ten nights, Willow made the clandestine trek to Niven's bedchamber. Because he spent most of the daylight hours at the shipyards, it was the only plotting time available to them—at least, that was the excuse she used to justify her foolhardy actions. In reality, she craved his touch, the warmth and strength of his body as they lay naked together, the rapture. He taught her how to please him. She'd never seen anything more wondrous than his seed erupting from his magnificent maleness. She'd glimpsed her brothers' dangly bits when they were all younger, but Niven's silky length bore no resemblance. Her power to bring him intense pleasure was intoxicating.

It was fortuitous that her brothers were totally preoccupied with their coming deployment. They'd been seconded to a Cornish regiment. Once over the shock, they forgot their disdain and talked endlessly of being assigned to the 8 th brigade of the 5 th Anglo-Hanoverian Division of the Allied army.

It was all Greek to Willow, but the Three Trees seemingly couldn't wait for the war to begin. They too spent hours at the shipyards assisting with the loading of men and artillery destined for the war effort.

Niven was of the opinion they should postpone their escape until the day of her brothers' departure and she agreed. It would be easier to get away once they were under sail.

Niven found himself unexpectedly caught up in the enthusiasm surrounding preparations for the coming war. Rowan and his brothers talked of little else. They had taken over much of the responsibility of assigning Withenshawe ships to the transportation of soldiers, and were doing an unexpectedly fine job of it. However, Niven still oversaw the operation as a whole. Watching thousands of men embark for Europe, he wondered poignantly how many of them would return.

He felt a special affinity for the men of Highland regiments and spoke with many of them personally while they were waiting to board. He was honored to pipe them aboard ship.

"I've tried to deny it," he confided to Willow at night. "I'm feelin' guilty about staying safe in England while even fellow Scotsmen are risking their lives to halt Napoleon's renewed aggression."

"You needn't feel guilty," she replied. "You're not a soldier."

"Nay," he agreed. "But yer brothers will likely return covered in glory and I'll still be an unworthy commoner."

She poked him in the chest. "I consider you a very worthy man. Why else would I be willing to elope with you?"

"Indeed," he replied half-heartedly. The closer the time came for the planned elopement, the more anxious Niven became. He just wished he was absolutely certain it was the right thing to do.

"My father has decided to organize a farewell gathering for the night before our departure," Rowan told Daisy. "I thought it would be a good time to announce our engagement."

Lying in his arms in the secluded meadow behind Ramsay House, Daisy rolled her eyes. Their behavior over the last while had been most inappropriate—intimate touches, heated kisses—all risky behavior given the proximity of the Dower House where her mother and step-father lived. The warm weather of early summer had even prompted the removal of Rowan's coat but this was the first time he'd mentioned marriage. It was a relief that he was serious about her, but she'd hoped they would marry before he went off to Europe.

"I wish you didn't have to go," she lamented.

"Don't worry. We'll soon have Napoleon regretting he didn't stay on Elba. We can marry when I return."

"The conquering hero," she exclaimed, unable to rid herself of the ball of dread lodged in her belly. She supposed it was the lot of every female whose mate went off to war.

"So, you'll come to the party?" he asked.

Rowan could be obtuse. Why would she not be there if their engagement was to be announced? She put the absent-minded question down to a preoccupation with his imminent departure. "Of course I'll be there."

Surrounded by a large gathering of friends and acquaintances of his family, Rowan mused about the future. He had gone off to war before and thought nothing of it. He was a soldier and that's what soldiers were expected to do. However, he'd never seriously considered marrying before because he'd never been in love. This time was different. He tried to be nonchalant about it, but he didn't want to leave Daisy. He kept telling himself it would be dishonorable to sleep with her before he left, but the temptation was overwhelming. He couldn't rid himself of the premonition that if he didn't take her now, he'd never get the chance again.

It wasn't a good frame of mind for a soldier going off to fight a mighty enemy the very next day. Perhaps the plan to kidnap Niven had thrown him off balance. It wasn't an honorable plot. He'd developed a healthy respect for the Scot. However, he had to make sure his sister didn't make the biggest mistake of her life.

A loud cough drew his attention to the dais where Daisy's brother stood with Rowan's father.

"You're miles away," Daisy murmured close to his ear. "Kenneth's about to make the announcement."

"Sorry," he replied, squeezing her hand. He truly did love this woman and he wasn't treating her as she deserved.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Duke of Ramsay began. "It gives me great pleasure to announce the betrothal of my sister, Lady Daisy Hawkins, to Rowan Halstead, eldest son of my dear friend, the Duke of Withenshawe."

Amid the polite applause, Rowan offered his arm and escorted his blushing fiancée to the dais.

His father raised his glass of wine. "I would ask you to join me in wishing health and happiness to my son and his bride. To Rowan and Daisy."

The toast echoed around the ballroom to be followed by loud requests for a speech.

Somewhat miffed his future brother-in-law hadn't mentioned his title, Rowan realized he would have to comply, though his head was full of conflicting thoughts. "I thank you all for coming and for the gracious welcome you have given to my future Marchioness."

"Hear, hear," a few shouted.

"As you can imagine, I wish my brothers and I weren't leaving for Europe tomorrow. I certainly have no desire to leave my fiancée."

The sinking feeling he was acting like a lovesick fool was confirmed by the puzzled frowns on both brothers' faces. He stiffened his spine, determined to pull himself together. "However, a true Englishman must ignore his own wants and needs in this hour when Napoleon threatens the security of Europe. I must follow Wellington."

The resulting cheers were deafening, but Daisy's scowl was worrisome.