AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jamie stood at the edge of the sea, staring out into the waves. The water was frigid, but it felt good to feel the prick of cold pain on his skin as he mulled over everything that had occurred. He had spent three days at the cottage, no word to anyone of where he was, although he knew William would probably know his location.
He had barely slept, the confusion and pain keeping him tossing and turning throughout the night. As he dreamed, the only image that kept coming back to his mind was that of Amelia, her blond hair spread out around her, smiling up at him with her beautiful lips and bright blue eyes. And, then he remembered her betrayal, and the image would leave.
He spent the past few days switching between a longing for Amelia and anger at what she’d done, and nothing was resolved. He sighed and moved his hands down his face in frustration. Even the silence of the cottage was deafening, and he couldn’t find clarity no matter where he turned.
Then, he thought of his mother. He had just left her to the whims of a crazed power-hungry Donald, and he hadn’t even spoken with her. He was totally blinded by rage and betrayal that he’d forgotten about what it would do to her. Would Donald ask her to leave the castle? He knew William would take her in, but that was not his responsibility. That was his, and he’d failed, thinking only of how much Amelia had hurt him.
He decided then to return home, to face his demons and think of a plan with his mother. He ran up to the cottage to pack what he had, saddle Faolan, and head back to the castle, plans formulating in his mind.
* * *
Donald waited patiently for Amelia’s answer, enjoying the feeling of her shock and surprise. Then, her face twisted into hatred. “No, I shall not marry you. I will find some other way for the money.” She then turned to run back into the house when Donald yelled,
“Donnae be hasty, young lass. Ye wouldnae want tae compromise the health of yer ma, would ye?” The words hung in the air between them.
Amelia’s back was facing Donald, and she slowly turned around.
“I am certain if ye told yer ma that ye could get yer da from prison, she would make a quick recovery. Do ye not think? I have contacts in London who I’ve sent letters tae tae collect yer father once they receive payment.”
All of this was sounding wonderful to Amelia’s eras; beautiful words mixed with daggers. If the debts were paid, her mother could get better, and her father would return. But, on the other hand, she would be betraying the Kinnaird family once again by marrying this traitor. But...an idea came to her.
She smiled, feeling confident in this plan. “Aye, I agree. I will marry you. But, we will sign a new contract. Once I have seen the money to be paid all ready, then I will marry you.”
Donald’s shock showed only briefly on his face. He walked up to her and gave her a toothy grin, “Agreed. Meet me at the church in two days’ time at midnight. I will organize the minister and the certificate. I will bring the money as well.”
Amelia nodded, and then Donald mounted his horse and rode away into the night, leaving Amelia to form a plan.
She went back into the house to find Marianne trying to get her mother to drink more tea. “Amelia! What happened with that villainous creature?” Marianne looked worried.
Amelia sat down and assisted in holding her mother as Marianne poured the tea down her mother’s throat. “He...he proposed an idea, a solution to the problems.”
“Oh? And what is it?”
“To marry him.”
Marianne nearly dropped the tea cup. “What?! How dare he? That evil conniving, devil of a man! What did you say in reply?”
“At first, I told him no, but then...I said yes.” Amelia sat back in her chair with her harms crossed, once her mother had taken in a full cup.
Marianne was speechless. “You said yes? Why? After everything that he did? What about Jamie or marriage or the future?”
Amelia burst out, “What about him? I have betrayed him! He will never speak to me again, so if I cannot have him, it does not matter who I marry or if I marry at all! This man offers to marry me in exchange for payment of all debts. My mother will heal, my father will return, and she will be happy. My chance for happiness has passed. It does not matter what I do now. And I have a plan.”
“And what is that?”
“Once we are married, and the debts are paid, I will simply leave. There is no reason for me to stay, and that will be my final vengeance against that horrid man.”
Marianne was quiet, seeing the anger in her friend’s eyes. She knew she cared for her mother and wanted her to be happy, but this...this seemed to be too far.
“Whatever you think is best, my friend.” Marianne gave her a smile.
“Thank you. I know it will be fine. I have learned my lesson from before. I told him that I need to see the money before anything happens. I am to meet him in two days at midnight at the parish church.”
Marianne nodded, fearing the worst for her friend.
Amelia spoke to her mother, “Mother? Are you awake?”
