Page 23 of The Widow Wore Plaid

Surely their enthusiasm would transfer itself to Lathbury and the others to make the outing a fait accompli so he could have Jane all to himself.

“But I say, Kinellan.” Suddenly Brack’s sunny face turned glum. “The ladies will be with Jane all day.”

“Actually that gathering will have to wait for another time, it seems.” Whilst mulling the problem of an excuse over, Gareth had had a flash of inspiration. “The vicar of the church in Fodderty has asked us to come by to discuss the wedding. Mr. Ross’s note arrived rather late, so I have not been able to apprise Jane of the change in plans yet.” He let his countenance droop. “I do wish I could have accompanied you myself, but the coachman will, of course, know the way.”

A flicker of regret passed over Brack’s face, but it was fleeting. “Good show.”

“Capital, Kinellan, capital.” St. Just’s eager grin added his approval to the scheme. “The very excursion we needed to round out our stay in the Highlands. Come on, Jemmy, let’s find our wives and tell them the good news. See you at breakfast, Kinellan?”

“To be sure.” Nodding, Gareth heaved a sigh of relief as the two friends headed off toward the dancing, laughing and talking animatedly, the frightful accident all but forgotten. Except not by Gareth.

Still shaken, he’d at least recovered sufficiently that he could mask it from everyone else. Best head back to the castle to repair his appearance before he went to Jane’s chamber tonight. He should, he suspected, go find her and tell her of the incident now, but seeing him thus disheveled, with the ruined jacket as evidence of the close call, would only make her more fearful. Of course, Brack and St. Just would certainly tell their wives, so there was no hope of Jane not discovering it. At least he could look his best to minimize her fears. Still, he’d best steel himself for a curtain lecture. It would surely come no matter what he tried to do to avoid it.

* * *

When Gareth scratched on the connecting door between his apartments and Jane’s later that evening, a deep, throaty “Come in” sent a shiver of anticipation straight to his member. All his pent-up emotions from the day’s excitements had him randy and ready to release his tensions.

However, when he opened the door he found Jane still in her light blue gown, leaning against the end of the bed, hands on hips. Her mouth puckered in a very disturbing way—as if she was about to ring a large and loud peal over his head. Which he would wager the castle itself she was. Someone had told her and quickly.

“Kinellan,” she began, her face darkened with anger, “why in the name of all that is holy did you not tell me immediately? But for God’s good grace that sent Jemmy and Rob to your rescue, this moment you’d be writhing in agony or . . . or . . .” Outrage gave way to tears and an incoherent sobbing.

Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, laid her head on his chest, and simply let her cry out all her anger and fear and worry. She would soon be his wife. She’d earned the right to fear for his safety as much as he did for hers.

“Hush, my love. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you myself, but I’m fine.”

“B . . . but . . . Jemmy said—”

“Yes, I cannot lie, had he and St. Just not been there, it would have gone very badly for me. Gravely bad, I suspect. But as you can see I am able to stand before you with little more than a ruined jacket.” He ran his hand over the back of his head gently. His valet had done his best, but the hair was several inches shorter than before and still smelled burnt. His scalp might have some blisters on it as well. It was tender. “And hair that will grow out again.” He cuddled her closer, which brought on an even more intense spate of tears.

“You could have died, Gareth.” She raised her gaze to his, misery in her eyes.

“Yes, I could have, my love. I cannot deny it, but no one is assured of tomorrow.” He caught a tear before it could slide down her already moist cheek. “Do you think I will be any less fearful when you are bringing our children into the world?” Natural though it might be, childbirth was one of his gravest fears for her. “After the tragedy of Princess Charlotte, I am more than a little fearful for your life when you come to your confinement. Most husbands are these days.”

“Well, as I have already gone through that ordeal four times, I think you need not worry quite so much.” Wiping her eyes on the back of her hand, she took a deep breath. “I will most likely be fine.”

“And I have attended the annual bonfire for thirty-odd years, since I was a lad of five or so. Never until tonight was I ever in danger.” He smoothed her hair back. “We can never take this life for granted, Jane, but neither can we lock ourselves away from everything and everyone and live as hermits. That isn’t life, my love. At least, not as I am determined to live it.” He peered down at her. “Do you understand that?”

Still wiping at her eyes, she loosened her death grip on him and stood back. “I suppose I do.” She gazed up at him, misery in every line of her face. “But this was twice in one day, Gareth. First the shot, then the fire.” Anguish riddled her eyes as she continued, “Never two without three.”

At her use of the same phrase he himself had used, a sudden chill swept down his spine making him swear a goose had walked over his grave. He had to shrug this off. “That is superstition, pure and simple, my dear. Nothing else is likely to happen to me tonight.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “At least nothing bad.”

“Don’t change the subject.” But her mouth softened as he coaxed a smile out of her.

“But I must, because I am about to divert you for the rest of the evening, and I may not remember to tell you this once we are otherwise occupied.” Nuzzling down her neck, he delighted when she shivered in response. “We must go to see Mr. Ross tomorrow in Fodderty, so I’m sending our friends off on an excursion to the Heights of Brae.” He nipped her earlobe and she squeaked. “Or did Elizabeth tell you this also?”

“Elizabeth?” She pulled back to look at him. “I didn’t speak to Elizabeth. Georgie told me about the fire and the change in plans.”

Ah, then St. Just had given him away. No matter. “As long as you know. Brack and St. Just will lead the party, with the coachman to show them the way. I’m assuming at least some of the ladies will not wish to ride horseback so I’m sending them in the landau. That way all our friends can join the excursion.”

“You seem to have thought of everything, my dear.” She narrowed her eyes, as if considering if that was actually a good thing. “If you wish we can ride to see Mr. Ross.”

“That would be splendid, my love.” That played into his plans nicely.

“Do you think we will be able to meet the party on the way back from Fodderty? I haven’t seen the Heights of Brae yet.” Another calculating look from his beloved and Gareth sensed she guessed more than she should. He could tell her his little scheme now, but he’d like for her to be surprised and hopefully pleased at the outing he actually had planned for tomorrow.

“That will depend on how long Mr. Ross has need of us, but I think we may not make the Heights this time.” He hoped she’d like his choice even better.

“As long as there is nothing to impede our wedding, then I won’t care where we have to go.” She took his hand and pulled him toward the bed. “Just as I hope you won’t care where I’m taking you now.”