Beyond a Doubt(9)

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The next morning, Bryce waited astride Emissary. The Sinclairs had graciously provided another mount for Lucy as well as spare clothing and food stores for the rest of their journey. Their generosity caused tears to well in her eyes.

A letter of introduction was pressed into Bryce’s possession. They planned to ride to Greenbriar before heading to Carlisle. Sarra and Cedric MacNeil were sure to extend a warm welcome and plenty of hospitality before the continuation of their travels.

Arbella hugged her goodbye while Bryce received a farewell handshake from Duncan. Leaving such a friendly place was bittersweet. For a brief time, Lucy had felt normal, with a roof overhead and a warm, comfortable bed at night. But, as always, the feeling never lasted.

The sense of ease between Bryce and herself had all but disappeared overnight. The awkwardness from their first encounter returned with a flourish. Perhaps this was for the best. The anger would make their parting that much easier in the end.

They left the Sinclair home with little fanfare. The villagers still slept in their beds, and the sun lay behind the hills.

The first day of travel, they didn’t speak. The silence between them was punctuated by the sounds of crickets chirping and small animals scurrying into hiding places. Angry and hurt by Bryce’s demeanor, Lucy swore she would never be the one to break the silence.

As night fell, Bryce found a cave. Barely more than a hole in the rock wall, it still sheltered them from the wind. Bryce started a blazing fire at the entrance and Lucy edged closer to the heat. She sent a glance in Bryce’s direction as he huddled against the back corner.

The childish act begged a response. Not usually one to back down from her word, Lucy could stand the silence no longer and made an exception. “Bryce, I’m cold.”

“Move closer to the fire.”

“If I get any closer, I’ll be in the fire. Aren’t you cold?”

“Nay.”

“Oh, must just be me. I’m sure I’ll be all right. I’ve heard shivering warms a person. No need to worry.”

The Scot fidgeted and Lucy fought the urge to smile.

“Of course, if I become ill, travel will be more difficult. Why, I might have to ride with you lest I become faint and fall from my horse.”

Bryce inched closer.

“The wind has an extra bite tonight, don’t you think? Maybe it’s because last night I was snug and warm in a soft bed and now I’m not. By the way, I don’t believe I thanked you.”

Without warning Lucy moved in and placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek. Even with only the glow of the crackling fire, Lucy noticed a red hue covering his face as he jumped to his feet.

“We need more wood,” he mumbled, stalking off into the darkening night.

Lucy leaned back against the cave wall. Memories of Bryce speaking about Cameron lands, Bryce droning on and on about sheep, and Bryce extolling the virtues of his future wife Crissy, reverberated through her mind and she realized her mistake. Bryce was a sensitive, caring man who didn’t take things lightly. Like her, he wanted to settle down in one place and raise a family, but unlike her he had that choice.

She was a flighty sort. Although as a young child she had rested her head upon the same pillow for more than a day, now that had changed. One place to live, and having a family, were not for her. Other people depended on the role she played. She couldn’t stop now. To end her mission would have extreme repercussions.

The kiss had done nothing more than offer a kind soul a false sense of hope. One she couldn’t expect to reciprocate. What had she done?





Chapter Seventeen




He had to get away. The proximity to Lucy was killing him. Thoughts of Crissy had fled and left in their wake a budding love for another. Lucy was exciting, and here with him now.

Even he knew a future with Crissy was mostly fantasy. Of course he’d told Grant and the others she waited for him upon Cameron lands. But was it true? Perhaps only in his mind. Without the words of commitment, how could he be certain? And what about his newfound faith? These years apart had changed him. Living in the Sinclair keep had changed him. Bryce wasn’t the same man he’d been when he’d left Crissy.

And so what? Even if he did have feelings for Lucy, what about her statement that someone waited for her in London? Lucy had never commented on whether this person was a suitor, but she’d never said he wasn't, either. Avoiding her was his only option. If he didn’t speak to her, if he didn’t watch her, if he focused on everything else around him, then maybe he could ignore her existence. He only had to make it to Carlisle.

He’d been doing so well. They hadn’t spoken to one another all day. Bryce had almost patted his own back and then she’d started talking about being cold. Instinct had kicked in and before he knew it, he had scooted closer. Honestly, he’d tried to stay away but the lass just kept sucking him back in. And what about her last action? How could she lean over and kiss him like that?

He placed his hand against his cheek. It still burned where her lips had pressed ever so slightly. Would he ever forget the feeling that coursed through his body at such a simple touch? Crissy, nor any other lady, had made him feel such a way.

The woods ran on forever. Afraid of losing sight of Lucy, Bryce pounded a circle in front of the cave. Pacing and muttering, muttering and pacing. Things were meant to be this way. He had a plan for his life. Go to Cameron lands, be a sheep farmer, husband to one woman, and a father to many children.

But he also had an obligation. A commitment to deliver Lucy safely to Carlisle had been spoken. If that meant he must suffer through holding her in his arms to ward off the chill, then so be it.

Those thoughts brought a smile to his face. Walking back to their camp, he saw Lucy sitting beside the fire, bundled in heavy furs. Duncan and Arbella had been generous with their giving, which made Bryce pleased to call them friends.

A twig crunched beneath his foot. He hoped the noise would be enough to alert her to his presence. Her head snapped upward. Her eyes widened with fear, reflecting in the dancing flames.

“It’s me, lass.”

A whoosh of breath passed through her clenched teeth, and Lucy visibly relaxed. Without asking, Bryce lifted a corner of the coverings and slid inside. Within minutes they generated enough heat to enact a sweltering effect.

“Is it hot in here?”

“Aye.”

“Perhaps we don’t need so many coverings.”

“Aye.” The sound of his own voice repeating the one-word answers made him cringe.

“We should sleep,” she said.

Bryce nodded. The two of them settled side by side, their arms touching. Lucy rolled toward him and stared at his face. Lights from the dying embers flickered, causing shadows to dance on the rock.

“I’m sorry.”

The unexpected apology had him turning toward her and asking, “Why?”

“I shouldn’t have kissed you. You may find it hard to believe, but sometimes I can be a bit impetuous.”

The eyebrow rose before he could stop himself. Lucy must have seen it in the flickering light, for she continued to offer an explanation.

“Father always complained about my impulsive nature. You must understand, I was born this way. I’ve always chased the cat and pulled its tail or stuck my hand in a hollow tree and been stung. I see your frown. You don’t believe me?”

“Aye, I believe ye.”

“What is it, then?”

“I believe ye are impetuous, lass. What I’m havin’ trouble with is yer explanation.”

“And what, pray tell, is wrong with my explanation?”

“Well, it seems a bit contrived. I believe ye wanted to kiss me, but now yer embarrassed by yer forwardness. But don’t be. I understand.”

“You understand?”

“Aye. I’ll forgive ye. We can move past this incident.”

“We can?”

“Aye, we can. Now close yer eyes and go to sleep. Tomorrow the ride will be long.”

Lucy furrowed her brow yet within minutes, a soft snore escaped her lips. Bryce reached out and smoothed her wrinkled brow. The silken feel of her skin caused heat to radiate up his arm. The boasting from before seemed far away. What had led him to flirt with her so? It surprised and pleased him that the lass had seemed flustered by his words.

Staring at her now, he realized if he moved a tad closer, their lips would touch. Would the feeling be as powerful as the kiss upon his cheek? If he kissed Lucy, would he ever want to let her go? As much as he hated to admit it, the day was coming when he would have to say goodbye. Perhaps his desire to be close to her would decrease with time. If not, then he would leave his heart and his life in Carlisle.





Chapter Eighteen




The arduous journey across the Scottish lowlands began in earnest the following morning. No sooner had the sun peeked over the hills than they mounted their horses and set off. The days flew by. Too many passed. Would her arrival come too late?