Page 79 of Fire in his Highland Heart

The next morning, Arguen and Blake simply enjoyed the state of comfort in each other’s company. It was a leisurely morning--a servant brought up breakfast for them, cold meats and fruits with some bannocks and a pitcher of coffee--and they lay in bed together and enjoyed it.

Arguen was blissfully happy and could not wait to spend many more mornings like this, but she knew Blake was anxious to get back to Ernmore Castle. He was also curious to see Mirellain’s reaction. She had been asking for a mother for so long, and her name for Arguen was “angel.” He could only hope she would be pleased.

When their breakfast was finished, they began to pack whatever little they had brought with them. They had not planned on staying so long, so there was not much to pack. Arguen decided to take the rest of her clothes with her, along with a few of her mother’s items. She had the earrings, but Douglas also kept a busk from her, as well as a small handheld looking glass, and a little leather bound book detailing the properties of plants, her mother’s handwriting filling the margins. She knew that they would be the most valuable things she owned, and she looked forward to keeping them safe in her possession at Ernmore.

Because they were bringing more things back to Ernmore, they did not want to overburden the horses. Malcolm lent them a carriage, a generous offer which Blake tried to refuse, but Malcolm insisted, saying that the new laird and lady should travel in comfort on their journey back. Arguen was secretly happy at the prospect. Riding horseback with Blake had been fine, but her body grew tired simply from holding on to him and trying not to fall off whatever little saddle space there was. She’d only ridden in a carriage a few times too. Most of the time her transport consisted of walking, or on rarer occasions, horseback. It was exciting to act the part of a lady.

As they loaded some of the things in the carriage later that afternoon, Malcolm and Douglas came to see them off.

“Will ye not come with us, Douglas?” Blake asked. “I’m sure Arguen would enjoy havin’ family ‘round.”

Douglas shook his head. “Nay, I’ll stay here a bit. Malcolm an’ I will travel tae England at week’s end. Finally got word that we were granted an audience with the King, on account of Cataline’s fraud.”

Blake raised an eyebrow, amused. “As soon as we are home, I’ll send a letter wi’ my seal on it. I assume he’ll need tae hear my side as well.”

Malcolm nodded. “Aye, but enjoy yer time for now. I ken ye want tae be back home as a family.”

Arguen smiled, thinking of sweet little Mirellain. She was a bit nervous about the child’s acceptance, but Mirellain seemed to like her before, so perhaps there was nothing to worry about.

“I’m happy for the both of ye, truly,” Malcolm said. There was the faintest hint of sadness in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile.

“Thank ye, Malcolm. Ye’ve done so much for us,” Arguen said sincerely.

“Anythin’ for friends that’re like family.”

She hugged him, however improper it was, but she felt it was called for in their situation. When she pulled away, he smiled ruefully. “Och, Malcolm. Ye’ll find a bonnie lass one day, someone who treats ye with immeasurable kindness,” she said. He nodded in response.

Then she hugged Douglas tightly. No words were spoken for a few moments. “I’ll write tae ye as soon as we reach Ernmore,” she promised.

“Aye, an’ I’ll come visit ye one day. I want tae see my niece or nephew.”

Arguen held a hand over her stomach. She had not yet started increasing visually, but she could feel it. “They’ll be here before ye ken,” she said. Blake smiled and kissed her cheek.

“Right, lads. We’ll be off. We cannae thank either of ye enough,” he said.

“No need,” Douglas answered. “As far as I’m concerned, ye’ve fulfilled yer debt tae me,” he said cheekily.

All of them laughed at that, before Arguen and Blake climbed into the carriage.

James took the driving seat, to which he’d attached their horses. “A’right, ye two, no funny business in the carriage. I dinnae want the axle tae break simply because the two of ye couldnae control yourselves,” he shouted through the window opening.

They both protested and told him to shut it, but James only laughed.

“Alright, gentleman. See ye on the other side,” he said, saluting Douglas and Malcolm, and they drove off, ready to start their new life at Ernmore Castle.

* * *

The journey to Ernmore was significantly more comfortable with the carriage. Arguen did not feel like she had to hold on for dear life, and she could see that Blake was more relaxed, too. The closer and closer they got to Ernmore, the more relaxed he grew. When the carriage finally came to a halt for good at the stables, four days later, all of them seemed to breathe a collective, though inaudible, sigh of relief.

Arguen insisted on carrying her own bag and her mother’s things, even though her husband had offered. She felt very protective of her mother’s old possessions, and she also did not want to treat her new husband like a pack mule. James stayed behind to unhitch the horses and carriage, which he would have to return to Bruckstone after the winter.

Before either of them could open the side door through the garden, Mrs. Kinney threw it open and welcomed them with open arms.

“Och, my dears, I’m glad tae have ye back home,” she exclaimed.

They began to thank her, but at that moment, Mirellain shot out from behind Mrs. Kinney’s skirts and bolted toward her father.

“Papa!” she shouted, clearly excited to see him. He put down his bag and swept her up into his arms, blowing raspberries on her cheek and making her squeal with delight.