She believed only the worst of him now, but it was clear he had already made some slight inroads with her kinsmen. They were still wary of him—Allan Fraser looked at him with downright hatred—but given some time, hard work, and patience, he might just have a chance to earn their grudging approval and a measure of their trust. Then Madeleine’s affection must surely follow.
Garrett got out of bed and quickly pulled on his boots. It was late, but if he was going to set his plan quickly into motion, he had to accomplish a few things before leaving Edinburgh in the morning.
He blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness, then moved swiftly to the door. His footsteps were determined as he strode down the silent hallway, a resurgence of hope spurring him along. He took the steps two at a time and was almost to the front door when Clara rounded the corner from the kitchen and nearly bumped into him.
“Och, Major Marshall, ye frightened me,” she exclaimed, stepping back.
“Clara, could you see that the meal is cleared away in Lady Marshall’s room?” Garrett requested. “She might be sleeping, so be careful not to wake her.”
“Aye, I’ll be quiet as a mouse,” she replied. She studied him strangely, no doubt wondering where he was off to on his wedding night.
Garrett suppressed a smile and opened the heavy oak door. “Oh, yes,” he added as an afterthought. “Lady Marshall should be awakened at sunrise and her things packed. We’ll be departing early, no later than eight o’clock.” He ignored her startled look as he walked out into the narrow street.
“But—but Major Marshall, we lock this door at midnight. Will ye be back by then?” she called after him.
“Depends if I complete my shopping, Clara. I’ll pound on the door if it’s locked against me.”
“Shopping?” Garrett heard the young woman mutter incredulously as she closed the door.
He chuckled under his breath. Yes, shopping.
Chapter 27
The cobbled street was awash in bright morning sunlight when Madeleine stepped from the inn and was helped into the carriage by her silent husband. When Garrett closed the door behind her and climbed atop with the driver, she knew she would be riding alone. She was relieved she had been spared his company. His light touch on her arm had flustered her altogether.
“A good journey to ye!” the Merretts cried out as the two shining black coaches jerked forward, the second surrounded by its somber guard.
“God’s blessings to ye and yer husband!” Clara called to her, waving her apron gaily.
Madeleine forced a smile, waving back, then settled against the plush seat as the inn disappeared from view.
She yawned drowsily. She had been awakened so early, just after dawn, that she was still tired. She closed her eyes, her head bumping upon the cushion, but the carriage was swaying so much she knew she would never be able to sleep. Instead, she watched as the cluttered houses and narrow streets of Edinburgh swiftly gave way to rolling hills and trees aflame with vibrant, autumn color.
They had journeyed no more than a quarter hour when the carriage rumbled to a stop.
Madeleine leaned curiously out the window, wondering what had caused their delay. She was stunned to see a long line of loaded wagons waiting beside the road, and even more surprised by the anxious lowing of cattle filling the air.
She shielded her eyes from the sun. There were soldiers everywhere—Hawley’s troops. Garrett had said they would be meeting their escort on the road leading out of the city. But why so many wagons? She counted quickly. There were twenty-six in all and a herd of Highland cattle, including a bull. She had never seen such a cavalcade!
Her attention was diverted as Garrett jumped down from the driver’s seat and mounted a beautiful dappled-gray stallion brought to him by one of the soldiers.
“Garrett, what’s going on?” she asked loudly, raising her voice so she might be heard above the din. “Are all of these wagons bound for Strathherrick?”
He reined in beside her window, an enigmatic smile on his face as he nodded.
“Will ye kindly tell me what’s in them?”
“Supplies for the long winter ahead,” he said, looking at her warmly.
“What kind of supplies? And what of the cattle?”
“A herd for Mhor Manor. If you’ll excuse me, Madeleine, there’s work to be done.”
Before she could reply, he veered the restless stallion sharply around and rode into the midst of the soldiers. She could hear him issuing commands, and the confusion began anew as wagons were brought into line behind the carriages, the cattle bringing up the rear.
Exasperated, Madeleine fell back against the cushion. His short answers had hardly satisfied her curiosity. Surely Garrett realized the stable at Mhor Manor couldn’t possibly hold so many animals. And twenty-six wagons full of supplies? Was he thinking to use part of the manor house for storage? Where would they find room for everything?
She gasped as the carriage suddenly lurched forward, and she had no choice but to resign herself to her questions remaining unanswered, at least for now. If Garrett wouldn’t tell her, she would just have to discover for herself exactly what was in those wagons.
