Beyond a Doubt(8)

“It is not necessary. A friend of Bryce’s is a friend of ours. Besides, the Lord calls us to treat those as we wish to be treated.”

The idea that she might have entered a house of Catholics caused an inner cringe. Hesitating but a moment, she asked, “Are you Christians?”

“Aye. We even have our own Protestant minister,” Arbella announced proudly.

Lucy parted her lips. These people were clearly Bryce’s friends. Should she warn them of the dangers they brought upon themselves with that blatant admission?

A knock resounded. Arbella clapped her hands together. “The water!”

Pail after pail was brought into the room and poured into a large metal tub placed before the fireplace. Arbella handed her a bar of soap and left the room.

For a moment, Lucy stared at the spectacle and hoped it wasn’t a dream in the process of disappearing. In a rush of exuberance, she secured the door and removed her clothes. The days of sweat and grime had stuck the material to her frame, lending to a peeling sound as the fabric loosened from her skin.

The water had cooled to the right temperature by the time she slid inside. She scrubbed until her flesh glowed pink. She washed her hair, delighting in the rose smell scenting the air.

When the water turned lukewarm, Lucy stood, dried, and dressed.

Studying the gown on the bed, Lucy determined it didn’t belong to Arbella because of the shortness in length. Short and made for a person yet undeveloped, perhaps even a child. The material felt soft yet appeared sturdy, indigo in color. The dress had gold trim and a square neckline. Lace dangled from the long sleeves. Buttons located in the front made it easier for Lucy to dress herself.

The gown fit perfectly.

A looking glass provided a way to study herself. Twirling about, Lucy noticed how the dark material matched her eyes. Although not her usual attire, the fabric was comfortable, clean, and wonderful.

At the edge of the bed rested a pair of sturdy leather shoes with thick soles. They would be better suited toward walking than her heeled slippers.

Tears formed and slid down her cheeks. Kindness in the world didn’t exist, at least not apart from Christ. Anyone who thought otherwise was fooling themselves.

With renewed vigor, Lucy stood. Refreshed in spirit, and in body, she hungered for food. Perhaps one night in the Sinclair’s company would not put her too far behind schedule.

Outside the room, Lucy searched for Bryce. She walked down a long corridor that ended in a balcony. Then she walked the upper circle that surrounded the main hall. Below her stood men of all ages slapping someone on the back, laughing and behaving in a general way of mirth.

The one to whom the mirth was directed gazed up. The visage took her breath away.

Dressed in a fresh tunic, Bryce’s new plaid was wrapped around his waist, flung upon his shoulder and pinned in place. His hair glistened in the light, water droplets still clinging to the strands. The light caused his skin to glow with a bronze color which served to highlight his strength. But none of this caught her attention as much as his smile.

His lips spread from ear to ear as he caught her gaze. He lifted his hand in summons and Lucy found herself moving forward not of her own accord.

Once she reached his side, she lifted her head to look upon him and his arm snaked around her.

Whispering in her ear, he asked, “How do ye feel?”

Too overwhelmed to answer, Lucy could only manage a shrug.





Chapter Fifteen




Even though he’d left only a few weeks before, they held a feast in his honor. Pride swelled within his breast as the Sinclair family fawned and fussed over Lucy.

Food liberally covered the Sinclair table. Pints of ale passed between the guests, skipping Bryce. Music flowed and Arbella urged Bryce to sing. A curious stare by Lucy sent a rush of heat to his face.

Waving away the voices, she said, “Won’t you sing? For me?”

The pleading tone sent him to his feet. The instruments stopped as his voice filled the room. People closed their eyes as the words reverberated off the rafters and into their hearts. The song ended, and Lucy stared at him. She stretched her lips into a wide smile.

Thanking the musicians, Bryce returned to the table and sat beside her.

“That was amazing. I didn’t know you could sing.”

He shrugged. There were lots of things she didn’t know about him.

Musicians stood. The men pushed the heavy tables aside and everyone took to the floor. The female guests were grasped and tossed about but Bryce held tight to Lucy, her small frame trembling in his large hands. Fear flitted across her face, her eyes widening as she stared at the crowd.

“Don’t worry, lass.”

“What are they doing?”

“Dancin’.”

She knitted her brows as the guests twirled around the dance floor. During part of the dance, Lucy moved in closer, laying her head upon his chest. The flutter within his heart increased. He rested his chin on her head and they danced for what felt like hours.

As if in a dream, they floated together. She squeezed his hand and pulled him to the side of the room. “Could we go for a walk?”

Bryce led her outside. The crisp night air caused Lucy to shiver and he wrapped his arm about her shoulders. The moonlight shone on her brown hair, highlighting strands of gold.

A garden surrounded the main building of the keep. A path wound within, allowing a person to walk through. The rock stone path was empty. Flowers lined either side, lending a romantic quality to the air.

Bryce had never felt more comfortable, more natural. With his arm wrapped around the lass, he felt like he’d come home. Thoughts whirred through his mind. What would happen if he asked Lucy to go back with him to Cameron lands? They could walk through their own garden. They could raise the animals and tend the ground. But would she willingly accept life as a sheep farmer’s wife?

Perhaps she would prefer he left his home and went to live with her in England? What would it be like to be married to a member of high society? Parties and fancy clothes, mingling with those who thought themselves better than him, struggling to fit into a world that didn’t need him or want him.

The words rested on the tip of his tongue. He would ask her preference. But she stopped him. “Bryce, we can leave tomorrow, right? I must hasten to London.”

In jest he said, “Do ye have someone waitin’ for ye?”

Lucy pulled back, color draining from her face.

“What’s his name?” he whispered, heart sinking as Lucy looked away.

When she didn’t answer, he added, “We will leave in the mornin’.”

He turned to leave. She placed her hand on his arm, causing him to stop. “Bryce, it’s not like that.”

He shrugged, but he didn’t look at her.

“Bryce, don’t do that. Please don’t shut me out.”

His heart breaking, he walked away, leaving Lucy alone.





Chapter Sixteen




Left to gawk in the moonlit garden, Lucy stomped her foot in anger. How could he walk away from her like that? Just leave her standing there alone, not knowing where to go or what to do next? The big oaf!

And what right did he have to be jealous anyway? Countless hours the man had spoken of Crissy and their future together. How many times had she listened to tales of Cameron lands? Of their greatness, of their bountiful yield, of his sheep, wonderful sheep, and how much he couldn’t wait to get home to not only his animals but his woman as well. Had she ever complained? Well, maybe internally, but never where Bryce could hear her.

To believe after all this time that now he wanted to act all hurt by the mere idea of someone waiting for her in London. Why, he wouldn’t even let her explain!

If that’s how he wanted to be, then he could just suffer. Lucy wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of an explanation. He didn’t deserve one. Let him stew over the possibilities.

Lucy sat on a bench carved from a huge rock that resided along the path. She wondered what to do. The situation she found herself in was turbulent. She had no time to lose. Bryce’s feelings didn’t matter.

Lucy tapped her chin. She crossed her legs, making circles in the air with her foot. She gnawed on her lip. Perhaps he could lend assistance.

But nay, dragging Bryce into the fray seemed an unfair thing to do. Of course he would go willingly. He’d been her protector from the beginning. From the time she’d pulled him from the river, he’d not let her down. Bryce had clothed her, fed her, and ensured her safety through miles of dangerous travel. In truth, Lucy knew she could trust him with her life as well as her secrets.

A patch of wildflowers grew beside the stone bench. A daisy brushed against her arm. Lucy plucked the flower and rubbed the petals. Why had Father left her in such a situation? Why had she ever agreed to take on the task?

Placing her hand in the bag at her waist, she drew out the fan. Light reflected through the thin, glossy material and she narrowed her eyes. It was no use. The code was undecipherable without the key. Disheartened, she placed it back into the bag. The enormity of her situation hit her, and she wept.