His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell (the beginning after the end read novel .TXT) 📕

"But surely 'twould be easier to pay the ransom than to try and storm Caraidland?"

"Aye, sweeting, it would, but mayhaps they feel that is just what we would think. They hope to lull us into a false sense of security." He muttered a curse. "I wish I had thought upon all this ere I had sent out my men. Nay. Nay, I cannae think that the MacBroths would deceive us so."

"How far a ride is it to the MacBroth keep?" Storm asked, wishing that Tavis sounded more certain.

"An all goes weel, they will reach there by nightfall. Any mishap and they will need to camp, not reaching there until day's dawning. If there is no trouble at Athdara, the soonest they would return is by tomorrow night. That means at least eight and forty hours at half strength, possibly more. Let us pray that Sir Hugh hears naught of it, for he could, if informed, be at our gates at day's dawning."

In troubled times spies were abundant, and there was one at Caraidland. Although he knew his use as a spy would be ended by the venture, the man made haste to Hagaleah. His excuses for leaving would mean that he could reach Sir Hugh with the news of this opportunity before his absence was questioned. This was the chance Sir Hugh had sent him to watch for.

Sir Hugh was growing very tired of waiting, always waiting and never acting. He lay sprawled upon Lady Mary's bed, frowning up at the ceiling. His devious mind was awhirl with plans to keep most of Lord Eldon's fortune within his grasp by aiding Lady Mary in her quest to hold onto it. He also plotted to regain hold of Storm, whose fortune would be his alone once they were wed. There was no fear of a long stint in the marital noose, for Lady Mary would be more than willing to help him become a grieving widower.

Lady Mary turned from the table where she had been brushing her hair and strolled to the side of the bed. Sir Hugh was her favorite amongst her many lovers, for he was as amoral as she. Her other lovers tended to balk at some of the variations she suggested, but Hugh never did. As she studied his fine physique she tugged her bell rope. A smile touched her face as she thought of the surprise she had for him. This would be a new twist and would momentarily divert his mind from all his scheming. Her bedroom was for entertainment, not plotting.

"Bored, m'dear?" he drawled, his eyes studying her robe, which showed more than it hid.

"You must admit that you have been a little preoccupied of late."

"There's a great deal to think about. Storm possesses a fortune and I want it."

"And her. I think your lust for my dear departed husband's daughter comes mostly from her refusal of you."

"She not only refused me, she insulted me," he growled, his fists clenching, "and she was party to my humiliation. For that she will pay, and pay dearly. No woman does that to me."

"There now, Sir Hugh, your chance will come, but for now, a little surprise." She smiled as a slender, lovely girl of Moorish descent entered the room. "What do you think?"

"Beautiful," Sir Hugh said as his gaze took in the girl's gentle curves, shown to advantage in a nearly transparent gown of the finest white silk. "Where did you find her?"

"My sister sent her to me, for her husband was too fond of the girl." Lady Mary touched the proof of Sir Hugh's own attraction for the girl. "As you could be. Care for a closer look?" When Sir Hugh nodded Lady Mary slowly disrobed the girl. "She has many talents," Lady Mary purred as she watched Sir Hugh greedily eye the slim, brown-skinned girl. "Shall I demonstrate?"

Nodding, Sir Hugh watched as Lady Mary began to caress the girl. He watched avidly as the girl discarded Lady Mary's robe and the two women began to make love in earnest. Moving aside when they fell onto the bed, hungrily pleasuring each other, he briefly envisioned Storm in such a tangle. That proved too much for his already strained control. He moved behind Lady Mary and fiercely possessed her. When the three lay in a damp, sated tangle he grinned at her.

"Your surprises are ever a delight. Who is it?" he bellowed when a knock sounded at the door.

" 'Tis your kinsman, Lawrence, returned from Caraidland. I have news, Sir Hugh," the young spy announced.

The two women slipped beneath the covers as Sir Hugh donned his robe. He curtly ordered Lawrence inside to deliver his message. The young man's eyes stayed fixed upon the bed as he told Sir Hugh about events of Caraidland. He had heard tales of what went on in Lady Mary's chambers, but he had doubted them. As the young man struggled to recall all of his information, he realized the sin-filled, whispered tales were all true.

"So the little bitch still lives?" Lady Mary asked, sitting up and clutching the sheet to her breasts.

Lawrence swallowed hard, for her movement had left the Moorish girl exposed to the waist, and his gaze was fixed with hungry fascination upon full brown breasts. "Yes. She remains Tavis MacLagan's lover."

Seeing how the news angered Sir Hugh, Lady Mary could not resist goading him. "Your prize will be well trained ere you gain it. I wonder what skills a Scotsman could teach a woman?"

That drove Sir Hugh into a tirade filled with bloody vows of vengeance. Lady Mary smiled as he stormed about her room. Then, bored with watching that diversion, she turned her attention to Lawrence. Seeing the direction of his gaze, she let her hands play over the Moor's full breasts until the dusky tips were taut, and Lawrence was plainly having trouble breathing. Slowly, she moved her hand downward, taking