The devil had a sharp tongue and when he lashed out it stung. Abigail found herself wincing at the harshness in Kendrick’s voice. Oh dear. This was not expected. Who would have imagined the very laird of the clan coming into England to kidnap her? Here she’d thought she could reason with the man but given the fact he was a part of the kidnapping party she knew there would be no reasoning with him! She was good and stuck here. Heaven help her! Talking her way out of this one wouldn’t work. She’d already railed at them the entire journey and not once had Kendrick flinched or sent her on her way. He was bent on keeping her around. He had a message to send and it was directed to her brother. Even she, as a woman, could see the message clear as day. Good heavens! What would her brother think of her living up here with them? He’d think she’d been dishonored! The entire court would think that. These men were savages known for their lust of women. Abigail had been told many times she was too beautiful for a man to deny. Some had even tried to steal kisses or grope at her, but her brother always managed to protect her from those unsavory characters. Who would protect her now? A shiver coursed through her and this time it wasn’t because of the insufferable cold that seemed to get worse with each ride further north. No, it was her mind’s taunting making the chill much worse than it was. Abigail watched as Kendrick Laird of the Ross clan crossed his arms and stared at her as if she’d snapped the last strand of her patience. Each word that was dragged out of his mouth seemed to be like a die he cast at her daring her to say something. Fortunately for her, she’d been shocked into a state of silence and could only stare at the handsome devil.
Abigail dismounted. When she was sure her legs wouldn’t disgrace her, she turned to find Kendrick- Laird Kendrick smirking at her pitiful condition. The man had the manners of a dog. She would have told him so if she weren’t aware of his status. Instead her eyes glared daggers at him. He knew what it meant that he was laird. Him as laird meant no escape for her. “ Abby, is a name reserved only for family and close friends. You laird are neither family nor friend. Indeed where I’m from we call you foe.” Intimidated? Hell yes this news intimidated her but she couldn’t fall out and weep. It wasn’t her style. Besides, she had a plan. Abigail knew well how to play politics, which was fortunate given the current situation she found herself in. She was going to need a strong head on her body if she desired some reasonable outcome. Abigail realized the folly in taking a step toward the laird. He created a distraction smelling like the woods and some other scent she couldn’t put her finger on. Whatever the scent was she knew it wouldn’t smell the same on anyone but this man. Her eyes connected with his chest. Abigail said a prayer of thanks that he was closed and not walking about bare-chested like some of the men in the crowd that gathered earlier. Abigail didn’t even look to see if they were around. She’d been intimidated by the crowd enough for one day thank them very much! They hated her that much was a given. You’d expect it was her raiding the land and doing the killing instead of the men of her family. But, she supposed blame had to put somewhere and she did carry the Bennett name. It was only suiting that she carry the brunt of their hate. Even if that was unreasonable!
Silence stretched and made her uncomfortable. Looking up at Kendrick, Abigail was surprised to find him staring down at her. Wetting her lips she wondered what she’d done to deserve his unrelenting gaze? She’d only thanked him for arranging a place for her. Most men weren’t that considerate about their hostage! Hadn’t she heard cases where women were tied up and tossed in the barn or some worse fate? Yet, here she had lodgings arranged for her and he looked at her as if she’d grown two heads. Abigail turned her face from his gaze. It was much safer to look at the shirt he was wearing than to gaze into his eyes. Did he really have to be so attractive? At least she would have an interesting tale to tell her best friend when she returned home! This was just the sort of thing Johanna lived for. Her friend did love a good tale about handsome men. She’d often urged Abigail to dabble in a few men. Abigail always rejected the offer. She believed in love. Johanna never understood Abigail’s view on sex and love and marriage. She was French after all- exploring was what she did best. But, she soon learned Abigail would not be swayed to have her own affairs, so she had enough for both of them. And, the woman never spared her the least bit of detail. Which was why Abigail knew it wouldn’t be wise to provoke Kendrick. He could simply give her to one of his men and they could have their way with her! Some of the things she’d heard from Johanna were…well just thinking about them made her blush.
A strong finger raised her chin. Abigail was shocked to find herself looking up at Kendrick. What did she do now? His expression changed with the wind. The man was unpredictable! He thought she had some reason behind thanking him! Were all Scots this untrusting of a simple word of thanks? Good heavens! No wonder they had so many problems on their hands. Abigail wanted to kindly inform him that Englishmen kept their words even if the Scots didn’t. But, she had a feeling that wouldn’t set well with Kendrick nor his clan. So, she kept that remark to herself as she tried to keep up with his speech. The man’s accent was so thick it promised to swallow the words even as they fell from between his two lips. A fine mouth he did have. What was it Johanna said? A man’s mouth should be firm and dominate; it should drive a woman to lustful thoughts. Wanton! Abigail couldn’t help the curve of her lips as she thought on her friend’s words. Don’t expect friendless immediately. She didn’t expect a drop of friendless at all. Just how long did Kendrick intend on keeping her here? Long enough for them to see that she wasn’t a threat and didn’t have an army of soldiers underneath her bodice? What did the people think she was capable of? Bearing down on them in their sleep with her skirts and hair combs? They wouldn’t care to give her a good what for! She wouldn’t care to give them one back! Abigail admitted she had been harsh with the men helping her. Hadn’t meant to be, but this was a strenuous situation. It wasn’t every day a woman was kidnapped. How did one deal with it? She wondered if she posed the question to Kendrick what sort of answer he would come up with? Something that would make her want to kick him no doubt. Insufferable man.
They reached a standstill until he suddenly dipped forward. Abigail reached out to steady him, but that was fruitless. Kendrick steadied himself. Surprised by his laughter, Abigail took a step back to see two little children clinging to his legs. His own? Johanna couldn’t help the pang in her chest. She missed her father. It had been ages since she’d run into his arms. He was aging and there were some days he could barely remember their life together. It was a constant ache in Abigail’s heart. She’d never imagined Kendrick would be a loving man to his children. Where was his wife? Abigail took another step away from him. Married. She’d never even thought he was married. For some reason she hadn’t pictured him as such. But, seeing his children right in front of him with dark hair just like his how could he not be? His wife must have the green eyes she saw sparkling with delight between the two. Were they twins? The appeared to be the same age. Abigail enjoyed kids. She’d never been in direct contact with them before but she knew she wanted some of her own. Mother’s always seemed to have a glow a promise about life that she could never put her finger on. She also wanted that relationship she missed with her own mother. That bond between mother and child nagged her womb for years now. Abigail wasn’t even conscious of the fact that her hand lingered over her stomach.
She’d been so enthralled by the contact between father and children before her, she hadn’t noticed the woman behind Kendrick until he turned to wave at her. The woman didn’t look happy. Was that his wife? Oh gosh, if that woman was going to be taking over her care then she was in for a rough ride. There was no compassion in that gaze, no understanding. Abigail would like to think she’d not judge the cover before reading the book if their situation was changed. War was a man’s game. Women she always believed should find ways to bring about peace. Abigail realized it was hopeless a woman’s view. Besides she’d never experienced the devastation of war the way these people had. IT had never come to her front door in the way it pounded on there’s. The woman had a right to look at her the way she did. Abigail hoped she could remain this understanding for the duration of her stay here. Hopefully the woman wouldn’t provoke her into forgetting her pledge to be understanding. Abigail wondered how much longer they’d stand in this same spot. Kendrick and the children seemed to be looking for someone. Her curiosity was peeked. Who else would be included in this family reunion?
Another child!
This one looked nothing like the other two. Kendrick’s face filled with love for this child in a way it didn’t for the other two. He’d been happy to see them yes, but this. He loved this child. With just a few words the red haired girl flung her arms around his neck and held on tight. Abigail lowered her head. It remaindered her too much of her and her father. Unconditional love. She recognized it when she saw it. Why Kendrick only gave it to one of his children was what she didn’t understand. Having experienced jealousy from her eldest brother a time or two she knew what that could lead too. Her brother didn’t hate or harbor ill towards her, but he never let her forgot she had been spoiled. Her heart went out to the other two children and to the young girl. Abigail wondered how many children Kendrick had and how many women? How did his wife feel about this special welcome to this red-haired child? Abigail looked over at the woman to see her reaction. The distance was too great for her to know the woman’s reaction. Stepmother’s weren’t always affectionate towards their step children. Or, so she’d heard. Abigail’s father never remarried so she’d never suffered through that sort of mess.
He insisted on calling her Abby! Gritting her teeth she inclined her head. He could be a stick in the mud but then so could she? If he refused to call her by her given name then she refused to acknowledge him with more than a nod of her head. He ruined it all by telling her to ask questions as they walked. Of course she had questions to ask! But, she’d just promised not to speak to him. How could she ask questions? Your too rash with your promises, darling. Oh Papa! If you could just see me now! On second thought, it was best her father didn’t know what was going on. She couldn’t take him thinking the worse. He’d already lost his wife, no need for him to think he’d lost his daughter as well. That would surely send him to a quick grave. Would her brother realize this? She hoped he kept this a secret. The last thing their father needed was a surprise. Her kidnapping definitely counted as a surprise. Thinking about it wasn’t going to change her circumstance. Abigail followed Kendrick and held onto the promise of a meal once she’d settled in. For their journey she’d been eating nothing more than rice cakes and other quick meals forged together on the journey. Not that she was complaining she was grateful for the food. But a bigger meal would be great.
Another pause. Then surprise, surprise! An introduction. But, only to one of his children. What about the other two! Surely he wouldn’t go as far as to shun his other two kids. Abigail was shocked at his behavior. She’d been right about him after all. he really was a cold hearted man! Glaring at him she turned to the young girl in his arms and smiled, “ it’s a pleasure to meet you Fiona.” She wanted to mention the other children but it wasn’t her place. The little girl really was adorable. How she’d managed to given as a gift to Laird Ross, Abigail had no idea. Still God knew why he did the things he did. Who was she to question the workings of the Creator? Surely some good would come from this man having this young woman in his life. Her father always said she’d been his saving grace. It could be the same for these two. She could only hope the other two children didn’t feel slighted by their father’s lack of attention.
Kendrick said something to the men as turned to walk off and they flanked her side. No getting away! Smart on his behalf. She’d been a fool it had been a perfect time for her to make a run for it! But, where would she go? Everyone knew the highlanders hated the English. They’ d possibly do worse to her than the way Kendrick treated her. She would admit to herself that he treated her well. Was treating her well. That was as far as she would go with compliments given to him. Following behind him Abigail tried to stop staring at the man’s massive back and the ease in which he carried his daughter. Whenever the little girl peered at her she managed a smile for her. Innocence was a beautiful thing. If only Fiona could share that with her stepmother and the rest of her clan then maybe Abigail would feel a bit more comfortable during her stay.
Her stay! Did she knock her head? Abigail couldn’t recall but she must have because she wasn’t here on vacation. She’d been kidnapped. Kidnapped. It would be best if she remembered that. Just because she’d been treated good thus far- that didn’t mean things couldn’t change. She was a hostage. Oh gosh! A hostage! Imagine that!
