Marriage Material – Chapter 6 The Soiree Part II
Claire POV
I have finished the 12 ½ miles and look to see my time would have been. If I would have made the team or not. 10:26 am. 2 hours 9 minutes. 21 minutes to spare. I smile for a moment as I drop out of my run and into a jog to cross the bridge, never taking my eyes from the church. As I round the wall, I slow to a walk and stop at the foot of the steps leading up to the main doors. I pull my hoodie up over my head and hat and place my sunglasses over my eyes. No one attending this ceremony, save one, has ever seen me in running attire. There is no concern that anyone will recognize me, though it never hurts to take a few precautions.
XXJAMMFXX
I watched the Captain walk away, re-entering the house through the door we had exited. "You know, I understand now why men love to watch women walk away when they are wearing a skirt... the way your kilt moves when you walk... it's hypnotic. Seductive. And very, very sexy." I turned to look at the Major. "Your godfather is a very nice man. Funny, too. Is he married?"
The Major seemed surprised that I asked as his forehead wrinkled. His tone clearly inflected confusion in his reply. "No. My godfather has never married. I don't think he's ever even been on a date, now that I think about it." He looked at me a little sideways, with an unasked question in his eyes. He shook his head to wipe away a thought and cleared his throat, "Ian tells me you're a holistic healer. You prefer herbs to drugs... Do you practice what you preach?"
I blinked. "Done a little homework on me, have you?" I asked with a grin.
The Major looked shocked and his ear tips turned a bit red, with blush. "Weel, I was only listen'n te Ian, out'a kindness..." he stammered. "He said somethi'n about it the other day and so I did a little research, 'tis all."
"I was just teasing, Major. It's alright. It's nice you were interested enough to do some reading on your own. I'm flattered, though I think I am pretty boring. I put myself to sleep sometimes with the things I say."
"No. I do'na think ye are bore'n. I think ye are verra braw for a lass. Clever too. And Jen and I are grateful for all ye've done for Ian." The Major looked at me and opened his mouth to say something more, then closed it. He walked back toward the decanter of whisky and pour himself another, then waved the decanter at me. I followed him and extended my empty glass. "My Aunt Geillis, is quite the gardener," he said to break the silence. "And by that I don't mean your average rose garden. Come," he motioned with his head toward the steps. "Let me show ye her wee herbs and such..."
The Major took prestigious care of me. Making sure to fortify my glass of whisky before we walked down the path. "As lovely as you look in that dress, and as grateful as I am to the seamstress that created it, especially the back of that gown, you will be cold when we leave the shelter of the house." He said as he straightened my shawl over my shoulder, his fingers gently skimming my skin in a light caress.
"We'll have to walk in the grass and I do'na think yer heels will fair very well." He commented and he located someone's gardening Croc's near the steps. I sat on the wall and changed my shoes. I left my heels by the steps and followed him as he led me toward his aunt's garden, whistling for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort us.
Approximately twice the length of a Rugby Pitch from the house, we walked through a large fifteen foot hedge and into one of the most amazing private gardens I had ever seen. A secret garden, completely hidden from the house. Even from the 2nd floor patio we had just left. I have always had a thing for gardens; for plants, especially ones with healing properties. A unquenchable fascination. I turned to Major Fraser and gasped, "How in the world did you know?"
"I guessed" he answered shyly, "with a little help from Ian. "We knew about your preference for medicinal herbs. A fascination my Uncle's 2nd wife shares. Consider it my way of say'n Thank You for what ye have done for mo bràthair," and he offered me a smile.
I stopped to take in the awe inspiring view other side of the hedge. The space opened to a large cultivated semi-circle, much like a tiered amphitheater, that ended, not at a stage but a beautiful lily covered pond. There was an eight foot stone wall on the left of the path that led to a shorter 4 foot wall, which separated the garden from a small grassy span that surrounded the pond. There were four paths off to the right as you walked down the main bricked path, with six deep steps that lead down to each separate tier. Each tier contained it's own row of smaller, individual gardens, all with their own unique surprises, that formed the half circle around the pond. The eight foot wall was covered with climbing roses. "They are all white, in honor of Bonnie Prince Charles, my aunt says." and he laughed. "I suppose she fancies herself a Jacobite or some such nonsense."
He turned us down the first path, made of a fine grass, like a putting green. There I found berries. "This must be the jam section" I said and smiled.
Jamie snorted at my little joke. "Ye and Ian must get along just fine," he commented.
Two large side by side sections were each covered with a specific berry... raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries and blueberries and strawberries. Jamie told me about the time he spent here when he was a young man. Lived with his Uncle and first wife, his Aunt Maura and four daughters, Molly, Tabitha, Margaret and Eleanor. "My own Da felt it 'twas important to ken my Ma's clan and family so I spent two summers here, during school breaks. Tabby was the first lass I ever kissed." He frowned and added, "My Uncle found out and put a quick stop to it. I don't ken I ever really forgave him for ending it so suddenly. She was a bonnie kisser," and he gave me his version of a wink, he blinked at me.
I laughed.
We cut back toward the main path as we walked down the second tier and found the path covered in small white stones. These gardens were the usual plantings of a traditional Scottish garden. There was Thistle, Gorse, Beautiful Purple Heather, Juniper, Scottish Bluebell and Flame, Cornflower and Chickory and Lily of the Valley. I found Lady's Bedstraw, Teasel, Foxglove, Wild Carrot and Sea Kale, Thrift and Sandal Seawort. As we walked the semi-circle I spied shrubs like Eared Willow to attract bees, purple Osier, Yew and Blackthorn. I told Jamie a bit about my nomadic life, living with my Uncle and some of the countries we had spent time in. "I was all of eight when I had my first kiss. The nine year old son of the Dragoman (translator), while we were living in Egypt. I wasn't very impressed. It tasted of smoke, because we had been smoking a stolen fag. Though for years I thought it was all rather exotic," and I sort of shrugged my shoulders.
"I am sorry te hear that Claire. I believe everyone's chiad phòg (first kiss) should be special," Jamie commented as the corner of his mouth twitched, I assumed in an attempt to suppress a smile.
When we reached the end we turned down the third tier, this path was made of brick. To my surprise, the very cunning Lady of Beannachd, knew her medicinal herbs as well and had taken care to hid some in among the ordinary plantings in this row. There was Bearberry for urinary infections, Hart's Tongue for dysentery, burns and an early treatment for diabetes. I found Meadowsweet used for headaches, Mugwart, placed under the pillow for sweet dreams, Common Valerian to calm nerves, and Tormentil helped treat gum disease and mouth sores. I also found Wolfsbane, Foxglove and Hemlock and Nightshade. Interesting choices I thought, and wondered if she knew of their more evil uses.
The Major allowed me to roam freely in this row. He followed quietly along, not trying to keep up a conversation as I squealed and laughed and hopped from plant to plant. Sweet Gale for scenting candles. "Self-Heal" I yelped in surprise when I discovered it. Used for just about everything... helped heal wounds when blended with butter and stopped bleeding. Every new find, I looked up at him and smiled. I picked leaves and broke them, to smell their properties. I put them in my mouth and chewed to take in their taste. I sipped the nectar from the honeysuckle and ate the petals of off a marigold. I found cooking herbs mingled in with those for healing. Chamomile and chives, basil and mint, fennel, Horseradish, Sage, Thyme, Marigold, Parsley and Peppermint. Garlic, Tarragon, Oregano, Lemon Balm and Lavender. I simply could not thank the Major enough and I gave him a look that told him so.
I could swear I heard him release a sigh of contentment.
The last and finally row was devoted to vegetables. Tomatoes, several varieties of squash, carrots and cucumbers, leeks, onions, and potatoes. When I had seen enough, we walked the edge of the pond. It was a beautiful night and music from the party softly waft on the breeze and kept us company. We spoke sporadically, exchanging thoughts and ideas as we strolled in the dimming light. It had been a long time since a man cared enough to talk to me. Most of the men I met talked at me and only about themselves. "Jamie" he finally insisted I call him, asked about my work, my life, more about my travels and actually listened to the answers. We walked, side by side, to the far end of the pond and found a bench near the edge. We sat for a long while and spoke of our childhoods and how we had both lost our parents at an early age. I was sorry to hear about his loss of both an older and a younger brother. He was sorry I was an only child. He was also the perfect gentleman. He never once tried to hold my hand or kiss me. Though, truth be told, I wanted him to.
Jamie selected a different path back, to The Main House, as Jamie referred to the manor. We across a path that led to the stables and Jamie couldn't resist showing me a newly acquired horse he had stabled here. It was a short walk through a small wooded area and on the other side was the large modern building. When we entered, Jamie walked to the wall and flipped the light switch and entered what I assumed was an office or the tack room. As I waited, I counted 8 stalls on each side. The place was spotlessly clean. Immaculate. My own apartment was dirtier and I cooked and ate in it. I turned to see a pair of dark eyes set in a beautiful dappled gray face watching me. The horse nickered and nodded it's head. I walked over with an extended hand and the horse's soft lips caressed my palm. Behind me a small brown head with a shaggy black mane appeared, whinnied and kicked at it's stall door. I scratched the dapple gray's nose and jaw as it lowered it's head and extended it's neck. I scratched behind the nearest ear and the horse twisted it's head in appreciation. I was working my way down the neck when I felt Jamie's hand slip under my shawl and found purchase, once again, on my bare back. There was that light tingle again as his fingers lightly caressed my vertebrae; such a sensual movement, I closed my eyes and quietly sighed. If he heard me, he showed me no indication as he offered the horse a carrot, holding it while the horse bite off half and chewed. Once finished, the dapple gray took the other half and turned back into it's stall.
"Is that Donas?" I finally regained enough composure to asked.
"No. 'Tis my uncle's mount. Donas is down there. The last stall on the right. Away from the others because he's a bad lad. He bites, ye see, does no' like the other horses and does'na really care to be ridden."
I laughed. "Then what possessed you to buy him?" I asked incredulously.
"Just wait. You'll understand when ye see him." Jamie responded as he guided me across the aisle to the pleasant brown faced horse and fed it a carrot as well. We passed each stall by walking back and forth across the aisle, offering each friendly face that greeted us a carrot and a scratch. All carrots were enthusiastically taken and consumed until we stood in front of the last friendly face, directly across the barn from Donas' stall. An Albino Mare, complete with red eyes and a pink nose. Donas' stall door remained vacant. No head came out to greet us. No friendly nicker of hello.
As Jamie fed the beautiful white animal, "Taibhse (ghost) my aunt's personal mount," I stepped across toward the empty, open half door. "This is were Donas is suppose to be?" I asked as I approached the vacant opening.
"Claire, wait.." I heard him utter.
I turned and smiled. I elected to completely disregarded the look of concern I received as I turned back and placed my hand on the edge of the door. "Are you sure he's in..." and suddenly there was a large black head with dark black eyes just inside the stall door. "Oh, there you are," I cooed. "You are a pretty boy, aren't you?" as his nose slowly extended over the door. He was beautiful. Black as night, with a long flowing mane and tail, which he dramatically swished for effect, and feathered lower legs. "Jamie, is Donas..." I turned to ask and stopped short when I saw the panic in his face.
"Claire. Come to me. Please..." His hands waving me to him as he stepped quickly toward me. Panic wasn't the right word, it was more like terror. His arms were outstretched, desperate to reach me.
Stupidly, I smiled and ignored his concern. "He's a Friesian, isn't he?" I said as I turned back to Donas. I found that I was looking at him from the side now. His head and neck were completely out of the stall, his chest up against the half door. As he leaned on it, the door creaked from the weight of him. I reached out my hand to scratch behind his ear as I whispered "Who's the handsomest horse in this stable? Yes, that's right, Donas is..."
I totally missed Jamie's instructions to run.
"Yes he is" and I scratched his cheek. The large black head turned and looked at me. "Yes, you are... just a handsome boy" He blinked, lowered his head to sniff me, then snorted. "Well I think you smell nice too," I told him as I scratched his velvet nose. I turned to look at Jamie. His face was as white as the mare he'd just left. "He's beautiful, Jamie. Where ever did you find him?" and I turned back to Donas. "Yes you are. Beautiful." I stroked his long, black neck, his coat smooth as silk. "I bet you make all the fillies crazy, don't you boy?" and I kissed the side of his face. "The only one I've ever seen was in France," I said as I glanced at Jamie. "The mare was white, not black. Donas is spectacular. Truly."
He was standing in the center of the aisle, just staring. A huge smile on his face. He walked over and handed me a carrot to feed Donas. "He did'na bit ye. He did'na even try," was all he said.
We lost track of the time as he told me all about Donas, and his love of horses and how he became the team's leader and being Scottish and Jenny and Ian and his nieces and nephews and Lallybroch. He shared his dream of ending life in the military and having a farm to breed and train horses. I shared mine, wanting to be a holistic healer and maybe to some day raise bees for their honey, which is quite medicinal. Twice I had thought he was going to kiss me, hoped he would, but, sadly, he did not. My heart was beating a crazy rhythm in my chest just by being near him. I wanted to lean into him and just smell him; take it the scent of him into my lungs. I really wanted him to gather me in his arms and kiss me, hard and long. I hadn't felt these crazy mixed up feeling for a guy in a very long time. I couldn't remember the last time I'd made love or even just had non-committal sex. He did not seem to have the same interest in me, however, so I kept myself in check. After all, I reminded myself, he was directly related to one of my patients; my own rules disallowed him as a boyfriend, date or better half. And that did not even recognize the claim that Laoghaire made. I wondered if she were even here.
Jamie cleared his throat. "Claire," he began as he tucked a loose curl behind my ear. "I'd really like... I want to... I wonder if..." and his phone rang. Murtagh. Alerting us that everyone was queuing for the buffet and Jamie's absence was noticed and beginning to be questioned.
I said good bye to Donas as Jamie took my hand and led me to a golf cart parked on the side of the barn. Back to the Main House and the stone patio. Jamie headed straight for the music room door when I stopped and let my hand slip from his grasp.
"You go on ahead." I said when he turned back to look for me. "I need to change my shoes and find the ladies loo. I need to clean up if I am to sit down to dinner with your family. You go on ahead. I'll be along. I'll ask someone for guidance if I cannot find the dining room."
"No." He replied simply. "I'm not letting you out of my sight." He walked to the edge of the porch and found my shoes, right where I had left them. He knelt down, set my heel on the stone and held it in place as I slipped my foot into it. I rested my fingers gently on his firm, muscled shoulder to keep myself from wobbling. My heart fluttered at the slight shock I felt as a finger grazed his neck. He made me feel like Cinderella. When he repeated the movement with the other shoe, I could hardly draw breath. He stood and I could not help myself... "Thank you" I whispered and kissed his cheek. "I can't remember when I've had such a lovely time."
He looked at me, once again, with that same confusion on his face he had worn on and off all evening, then asked, "Would it be alright if I kissed you, Claire?"
The way he whispered my name... the sound of his voice rolling the "R" … my breath hitched as I nodded.
His lips were softer than any I'd ever known. He was gentle and tasted of good whisky. His hand slipped around my back and held me against him. My hand moved from his shoulder to softly trace the line of his jaw. Suddenly it was over, before it really began, and I found myself breathless and searched his face for why it had ended so suddenly. Was it not as good for him as it was for me? Did he not want it to be longer? For it to be more? I know I did.
His eyes searched my glass face. He smiled and kissed my nose in reply.
I giggled. Giggled like I was 16 and been kissed for the first time.
"I want to see you again, Claire."
I stopped breathing as I nodded in reply. "I want that too" I replied quietly as I searched his face for answers. Fuck that, I wanted to ditch the damn dinner and throw my rule about dating a patient's family member out the window. I wanted wake up in bed next to him tomorrow morning, naked and wanton.
He took my hand and opened the door. We entered the room with the grand piano and crossed it into the main hallway. Jamie quickly traversed the hall, pulling me along with him until we were directly under the master staircase. He turned right and we went down, passing people carrying trays of food going up. At the bottom, we ducked through the swinging doors and found ourselves in a very large, very busy kitchen. He pulled me to the left and we quickly walked down half the length of the room. He opened a door that revealed a small lavatory. He reached in and turned on the light. "You first. I'll wait right here for ye." He pushed me in and closed the door. I pee'd and washed my hands then splashed cold water on my face. So much for my makeup and perfume. I ran my fingers through my hair, pinched my cheeks and opened the door.
Jamie was a few yards away, standing in front of a stainless steel table. When I came up beside him, he picked up a piece of asparagus from a plate and fed the tip to me. I took a bite and moaned. "Perfection. Cheese and garlic, grilled perfectly," I said as I savored the flavors. His eyes were full of merriment as he popped the rest of the spear his mouth. I returned the taste by offering one of my own. I selected an endive leaf with goat cheese and chives, lightly salted and drizzled with olive oil.
I offered Jamie the first bite and he chewed experimentally. Smiling after he swallowed. "I've never had that before. 'Tis good."
He selected a Kalamata Olive, a piece of Feta Cheese and an marinated artichoke heart on a toothpick of sorts and placed the entire presentation in my mouth. When my lips closed around it he removed the toothpick and I uttered another soft moan as I chewed. "Devine" was the only word I managed.
Jamie picked a second one up and fed himself. "So good" was what he managed to utter.
"James Fraser! Yoo get away from that table and 'oot of ma kitchen, do ye hear me? I turned to see a small, round, rosy faced woman vigorously walking toward, from the other side of the table, waving a large wooden spoon.
"Mrs. FitzGibbons!" erupted from Jamie's mouth along with a smile. He picked up another olive, feta cheese and artichoke heart combination, popped it in his mouth, closed his lips around it and slid the little stick out. "Wait right here, Claire, I won't be but at minute." He quickly said to me. "Promise me you'll wait for me."
I nodded my head. "I promise" and he ducked into the loo. "Forever" I whispered as he closed the door.
The woman stood across the table looked me over from head to toe. "What do we have here?" she asked me.
"Hello" I said and held out my hand. "I'm Claire Beauchamp."
Mrs. FitzGibbons did not shake my hand. "I suppose yer a friend of Jamie's then." She stated, not smiling.
"Um, acquainted, yes, I suppose. I don't know if he would call us friends... yet." I said as a small smile crossed my lips.
She seemed to like that answer. "How de ye ken each other then? Work? Are ye one of the office secretary lasses then?"
"Well, no. Jamie and I don't work together. You see..."
And suddenly Jamie was back. "Good Night Mrs. Fitz," he said as he grabbed my hand and we left back out the kitchen and up the main staircase. Halfway down the hallway we passed through a set of open french doors and, just like that, we were in the dinning room. There was still a line at the buffet table set up against the wall, so we waited our turn, picked up plates and helped each other fill them. Try this. Oh I love that. Have a roll. Do you like... ? This smells heavenly. Oh, Aunt Geillis had them make my favorite... We oooh'd and ahhh'd until our plates were full.
With our plates in hand, Jamie with two piled high, we found Murtagh, sitting in the last chair on one side of the table with only the one empty chair beside him. Murtagh got up and pulled a very ornately carved chair out and motioned me to sit. He pushed it back in after I was seated. I closed my eyes as Angus waggled his eyebrows and tongue at me from the chair on my other side. When I opened them, I watched as Jamie sat in a vacant chair directly across from me, in-between an elegantly dressed woman, with grey eyes and red hair and similar features to Jamie's, and Laoghaire MacKenzie. I watched carefully as she seemed very excited to see Jamie. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, right over the one I had left not 15 minutes ago and then placed a napkin in his lap for him. She helped herself to a piece of his stuffed celery and smiled at him as she ate it. I realized I was staring so I turned my gaze down the lengthy, elegantly set table. I recognized Rupert, or rather Sargent MacKenzie, on the other side of Laoghaire and then found I knew no one else except the Lieutenant-Colonel sitting at the head of the far end of the table. He raised an eyebrow when our eyes met.
"Hello Doc." I heard and turned to address Angus.
"Hello Corporal Mhor." I replied and began to be very interested in my plate of food though putting none of it in my mouth.
"'Tis a very bonnie dress ye have on this evening." He said oozing with sincerity.
I made the mistake of making eye contact with him.
"it looks verra easy to get out of. Is that why ye wore it?" He asked as he made his eyebrows dance again.
Suddenly his head pitched forward as Murtagh reached around behind me and slapped him upside the head. "Mind yer manners, Angus. Remember yer speak'n to a lady, aye?"
Without raising my head, I looked up through my lashes to see Jamie and Laoghaire whispering and gesturing in earnest. As they conferred, she brushed something from the shoulder of his jacket and buttered his dinner roll. She even drank from his glass of wine. Jamie was clearly uncomfortable with her attentions though never stopped her when she rested a hand on him or she helped herself to his food. To me, Jamie was clearly admitting there was some sort of understanding between them, almost like a commitment.
"Who's that sitting next to Jamie, Murtagh?" I whispered without taking my eyes off them. I needed to know if the blonde was really who she said she was and all she said she was.
"That would Jamie's Auntie Jo. Jocasta Cameron, that is. His mam's sister, younger sister. Born next after Dougal" and he gave the red headed woman watching us, a long, handsome sort of smile. He liked her. I could tell. I can't tell you what Jocasta Cameron was thinking as she watched in return. I know which side of the family Jamie got his poker face from.
"No. The blonde on his other side," I whispered a tad louder. "The one feeding Jamie like he was a child. Is that his Uncle Dougal's daughter, Tabby?" I hoped wistfully.
"Tabby?" Murtagh said with surprise. Jamie gave us a quick, puzzled look, then Laoghaire said something to draw his attentions back to her. "No lass. Tabby's married 10 years at least and has half a dozen bairn by now. She's probably around here somewhere..." and Murtagh started to look down the table for her.
I huffed with annoyance. "Murtagh" I whispered sharply. "Who is the blonde sitting next to Jamie?"
"Oh," Murtagh exclaimed. "That's Laoghaire MacKenzie. She's Mrs. FitzGibbon's granddaughter. Mrs. Fitz...
"Yes, yes" I whispered with irritation in my tone. "I know who Mrs. Fitz is. I met her downstairs in the kitchen just before we came to supper." I snorted with exasperation. "Is this Laoghaire... someone of importance to Jamie? They seem to be very... close. Very friendly..."
Murtagh turned and looked at me. "They've ken each other since Jamie lived with his Uncle for several summers," he said. "When Jamie was a lad of fourteen and she barely school age" and he smiled. "She was at Ian's party that night at the pub, the night Ian was discharged from hospital. Did Jamie no' introduce ye?" He added as he moved his silverware around the table with his fingers. "Why do you ask, lass? Did the lad do somethi'n te worry ye?" His eyes lifted and watched my face carefully.
I could not hold my gaze with Murtagh. I dropped it and once again, played with my food. "No... no. I was just wondering. They just seem rather close, that's all and I did not know who she was. Never mind." and my heart fell to my stomach. I read between the lines. I had my answer.
Jamie did not bring her name up once in the three hours we talked. And I asked a great many questions about Lallybroch and the bairn. He never once mentioned Laoghaire or her daughters. A woman that Jenny described as family. I needed to ask one more question. I needed to know for certain. I knew in my heart I was clearly in love with this man. I needed to know, for certain, if he was in love with her.
I laid my fork down on my plate and looked directly at Jamie, my head held high. Jamie turned, looked at me and smiled... that beautiful half smile thing that he did that made my stomach flip-flop. "Murtagh," I said. "Does Laoghaire live at Lallybroch with her two daughters?" I watched as Jamie first registered that I knew who was sitting next to him and then that she lived on the family farm. I watched as his poker face failed him for a moment as his eyes shifted from me to Laoghaire then to his godfather.
I turned to look at Murtagh as he lifted his eyes from his plate to look directly at me. "Don't look at Major Fraser, Captain or I will assume an answer. Look at me and reply. It's an easy one. Yes or No."
He didn't have to say yes or no. His eyes told me all I needed to know.
I would not return my gaze to the Major, though I knew he was willing me to do so. I refused to give him the satisfaction as I began to raise my walls, to protect my heart. Trust and believe I chanted to myself. He could not have kissed me with such tenderness and feeling if he did not truly mean it. I unknowingly stroked my lips with my fingertips as I thought. He said he wanted to see me again. He would not have asked if there was an understanding between them... if he was in a relationship with this Laoghaire. Jamie was an honorable man, I reminded myself. He would not play me false.
Staring blindly at the items Jamie had helped me select only moments ago, the tastes I thought we would be sharing, my mind worked into overdrive to make sense of all this, to find a reasonable answer for the behavior I was watching. He had just kissed my knees out from under me minutes ago... made overtures to see me again... spent three hours sharing our truths. Trust him, every fiber of my being screamed. Trust and believe...
"Jamie, who is this you brought with ye to ma table?" the woman seated at the head of our end asked. I looked up, pulled from my unpleasant thoughts. The woman was not beautiful but her unique features made her stand out, so you took notice of her. Younger than I, with long strawberry-blond tresses held back by two small braids so you could clearly see her fetching green eyes. I could tell those eyes did not miss a thing going on at her table, either. She was a vision. Her dress was was nothing special - burnt orange, spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline. It was the jewelry that made her breathless. She had an enormous drop sapphire, beautifully set, on a long chain around her neck that hung between her small breasts, with matching drop earrings. Against her pale skin and that orange dress, the blue was breath taking. A sapphire crusted tennis bracelet accented her small wrist and a stunning square cut sapphire ring rested majestically on the index finger of her right hand. Her left hand held the most ostentatious, marquise cut, single diamond I had ever seen on the finger of anyone I knew, with a diamond studded wedding band seated next to it. This woman clearly knew her gems.
Jamie set his fork down and cleared his throat. "Aunt Geillis, I'd like te introduce ye to Doctor Claire Beauchamp. She's a surgeon at Inverness Hospital. Ian's doctor." He stated simply. Without inflection. He turned to me, expressionless and said "Claire, this is my Aunt Geillis, my Uncle Dougal's wife. This is her home and party ye are attending."
"Ahhh..." Geillis said as she exhaled and her eyes darted to the other end of the table. "I'm verra pleased te meet ye, Claire," She said and offered me a friendly smile. "I am happy te finally meet ye in person. Ma husband had done noth'n but sing yer praises since ye repaired my niece's husband. A fine job I hear ye did now. We are all so verra grateful."
"Mrs. MacKenzie," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm honored to have been invited. This soiree of yours has quite the reputation," and I picked up my knife and fork to pretend to eat.
"All good, I trust," she said and took a sip from her wine glass.
I had just cut into a shrimp and was about to place it in my mouth, when I realized she had directed her comment to me. I rested my wrists on the table, looked my hostess directly in the eye and said, "I wouldn't know, I'm afraid. I never listen to gossip." and popped the morsel of shrimp in my mouth. I moaned. A little to loudly, I'm afraid. And closed my eyes as I savored the flavors that were set loose in my mouth. I opened them to see everyone within six seats had stopped eating and were looking at me. Except Jamie. "Excuse me." I said. I raised my hand to cover my mouth and was sure I turned beet red. I could feel the heat of embarrassment on my face. I turned to my hostess and said, "The shrimp is delicious. I've never had such a collection of flavors in my mouth at one time. It's... um... well, it's almost better than sex..." I whispered. I glanced quickly at Jamie as I selected another piece, to gauge his reaction to my comment.
There was absolutely no hint that he had even heard what I'd said. Busy pushing his food around on his plate, tasting none of his either. Laoghaire, however, had heard what I had said and laughed. She placed her hand on Jamie's arm and announced to all who would listen, "Perhaps yoo just have no met the right lad then. For I can tell yoo, sex, with the right partner, is amazing.
I had no air in my lungs. Checkmate. Match to Laoghaire MacKenzie. It was all I could do to remain seated. I wanted flee, to run away. Hide in a hole and never come out. The bastard.
Angus smothered a "hee haw" of laughter. "The lass is right, Doc. Perhaps ye just have no had the right partner. I maybe, could help ye out there," he volunteered.
Murtagh, however, snorted and patted my back after he thumped Angus upside the head again.
Geillis... she laughed. Out loud. Hooted and placed her hand on the arm of the woman beside her. "Claire, you are a treasure. You are welcome at my table anytime." And she smiled at me. "I understand you ken a little about herbs yourself. Tell me what ye taste..."
I took a deep breath, returned her smile and rose to the challenge. "The spices are definitely not local. I would say Cajun. American. New Orleans. Or... the Caribbean Jamaica. Chili, thyme, garlic, onion..." and I dabbed my finger in the sauce and placed it on my tongue. "Do I taste cinnamon?" I turned and looked at her.
"Aye. Ye have fine palette, Claire. Ma cook is from Jamaica. I stole her when I was there on vacation. And she sat back in her chair and smiled. Her perfectly manicured fingernail clenched between her teeth. "Ye missed ye call'n. Ye should have been a cook. Ye have a knack for the flavors."
"No." I replied, shaking my head. "Cooking requires more than just taste buds. Trust me when I tell you, I can not cook. I am a disaster in the kitchen. I will dirty every pot, pan and plate yet produce nothing that is edible. I cannot even boil an egg."
Geillis laughed so hard she snorted and placed the back of her hand over her mouth. "Excuse me, please" she said to the guests close enough to have heard her. She looked at me with nothing short of merriment on her face and in her eyes. "I always thought doctors were so stuffy and full of themselves. Where have you been hiding?"
"I think she lives at hospital, Aunt," Jamie chimed in. "That's how Ian got so lucky. Claire was just there catching up on paperwork. Uncle Dougal said Claire here, fought hospital... to save the knee. The other surgeon wanted to amputate most of his leg."
Laoghaire watched as Jamie spoke, then smiled at me, said nothing and turned to Rupert on her right and jumped into the conversation he was having with others . She reached out and placed her hand, possessively, on his arm however. Jamie allowed it to rest for a beat or two. He then moved his arm under the guise of continuing to eat, and allowed it to slip off.
"Who ken ye were so witty, Claire?" Angus whispered quietly in my ear and patted my hand.
Dinner couldn't end fast enough for me. I felt my stomach churning, the acid building. I was going to be sick. I tried to distract myself by watching how carefully the red-headed woman, on the other side of Jamie, watched Murtagh like a hawk.
As dinner was winding down and dessert plates replaced our dinner ones, large platters of assorted sweets, puddings, pastries and cakes were placed throughout the table, allowing us to serve ourselves without leaving our seats. A waiter with a coffee pot and another with a tray laden with coffee cups and saucers, offered the hot, aromatic beverage to each guest. Another followed behind carrying cream and sugar.
I asked for a cup of tea, needing to settle my stomach for the long drive home as Murtagh placed a cookie on my plate. "'Tis a coconut cookie. Ma favorite," he said and gave me a shaky smile. He knew he and Jamie were not in my good graces, that I had caught them, maybe not in a lie, but certainly an un-truth.
"'Tis a macaroon," the woman across from us corrected him and smiled.
"Aye." He answered. "'Tis a cookie. 'Tis made with coconut. Thereby 'tis a coconut cookie. Don't let her have ye believe'n things are fancy, Claire, when they aren't." And he gave the woman a warm, lingering smile.
Suddenly there was a clanging noise. Of metal tapping crystal. Like at a wedding, Dougal was standing at the head of the table, water goblet in one hand, spoon in the other. It took several taps but all conversation came to an end. He cleared his throat. "I would like to thank ye all for com'n te Geillis' little dress up bash again this year. 'Tis good to have ye gathered at ma table. It's been a busy year. Hectic. Lots of travel for us. We are missing some team members..." and he paused for a moment... "and we have new team members to welcome." He raised his wine glass and all the men stood and raised their glasses as well. He uttered "Slànge" and the men repeated the cry in return and they all drank. He gave everyone a moment to settle, then he began again. "There will be some organizational changes come'n for the teams. I will be moving members around and making some adjustments, both to schedules and members. Change is necessary to keep the teams in balance and running at peak performance. Some new technology will be introduced, which will mean re-training or bringing on new members. I will speak to teams individually about that over the next couple of days." He took a swallow of his drink. "I want to take this opportunity to thank the families here as well. For without ye love and support, our teams could no do what is asked of us. So here's to the wives and loved ones we leave behind when we board those planes to travel." Everyone raised their glasses and drank. Except me. Dougal took a drink of water and said, "Jamie. Jamie lad, I need ye and Laoghaire. Will ye join me, please?" He smiled.
Laoghaire practically jumped out of her seat.
The woman seated on the other side of Jamie, placed an hand on his arm and shook her head No.
Jamie looked at Murtagh and then shifted his eyes to me. Imploring me. Imploring me to do what? I silently looked back at him, madder than hell. His eyes remained on me as he stood and pushed his chair back. He mouthed sorry, and turned to look at his uncle. From the side I could see the hostility in his eyes. He straighten his shoulders and never gave me another glance.
"Jamie!" Murtagh whispered from his chair. "Lad?" He stood and whispered gruffly, "Don't let ye Uncle force ye te do what yer heart says is wrong..." He pronounced as Jamie pushed his chair in. Murtagh turned his gaze to Jocasta. She made a grab for Jamie's hand but he reached for Laoghaire's instead. Together they walked to the Lieutenant-Colonel. They stood next to him, at the head of the table, and faced the rest of us. Laoghaire clung to Jaime like she was a conjoined twin. Wearing a smile as big as the world.
Suddenly, I really didn't feel well. I didn't want to be here. In this room. At this table. Here at this house. Not even in Scotland. I closed my eyes and listened...
"I know ye all ken that my older sister, Ellen, her boy Jamie here, has been like a son te me. He has been see'n our cook, Mrs. FitzGibbons', granddaughter Laoghaire." Dougal placed an arm around the young girl's shoulder. Yoo ken they have been date'n for over six months now. Weel, I'm here to announce that there's to be a wedding." Cheers from everyone at the table went up. Whoops and Hollers and Coarse remarks were made as Dougal dug into his sporran and produced a small box. He turned to Jamie and said, "Ellen was the oldest. Our mother's engagement ring would have gone to her. Since she has passed, the ring is rightfully yers. I thought, you might could give it to Laoghaire tonight as an..."
Laoghaire grabbed the box and opened it. She squealed in delight. She shoved the box at Jamie. He fumbled but managed to removed the ring and, with shaking hands, slipped it on her finger. She gave him a chaste kiss on the lips then held her hand up and wiggled her fingers to show everyone in the room the ring. Jamie stood behind her, his hands resting on her waist. Eyes focused on the large painting hanging on the wall behind his Aunt Geillis. A hunting scene. A large stag being attacked by half a dozen deerhounds, bringing it to it's knees. In the background, the hunters approach on horseback.
I set my napkin down and scooted my chair from the table. I noticed that both Jocasta and Murtagh were gone. Completely. Totally missing from the room. I turned to my hostess, "I need to find a lavatory... I think I'm going to be sick," I managed as my stomach made a most unpleasant noise and I heaved slightly.
Geillis looked at me, concern flashed in her eyes as she looked to her husband and back to me. "George," she said with a wave of her hand.
A man was immediately at her side. "Doctor Beauchamp needs the loo. Be so good as to help her..."
XXJAMMFXX
I almost didn't make it. 20 minutes later, I had cleaned myself up and found my way back to the main hallway. From there I was sure I could find the front door and the car valet. Suddenly my arm was grabbed from behind and I found myself face to face with Lieutenant Foster. A very drunk Lieutenant Foster.
"There you are. I have been looking everywhere for you. You promised me two dances." He grabbed my hand and dragged me into a rather large room. A DJ was playing at one end and the floor was packed with all sorts of people doing a whole lot of gyrating and jumping but nothing I would call dancing.
Dealing with the Lieutenant, was like fighting off an octopus. He was all arms. I would free myself from one limb only to find myself entangled with the other. I finally gave up. I was too numb to fight. "One, Lieutenant. One single dance. Only one. It is time for me to go. I have a long drive..." and suddenly I was being twirled around the dance floor. Who knew the Lieutenant could dance. Waltz, even. With amazing dexterity, he maneuvered us across the dance floor passing hopping and bouncing dancers as skillfully as Steve McQueen missed obstacles in the chase scene in Bullet. The music ended but my partner, as if listening to a beat inside his own head, kept us dancing. The DJ noticed and quickly played another tune. Three minutes more and the music ended and I stopped. "I have to go now Lieutenant. I really do." His face was sad as he released me and I walked away, right into the arms of Private William Coulter. Now, I have a soft spot in my heart for Willie. Of all of Ian's team members that came to see him, I always had a smile for him. He was the youngest but also had the kindest of hearts. I was surprised he had plucked up the courage to even ask me. I could not say no to him. He wasn't much of a dancer, he stepped on my toes as often as not but he was trying his best to make me smile. If I wasn't so upset, I might have thought it was fun. At the end of the dance I gave his cheek a quick peck. He blushed and placed his palm over the spot.
Sorry, no pictures Gail.
I started toward the ballroom door to leave out the way I came in, when my heart stopped. I watched as Jamie bowed to his dance partner, not Laoghaire, and began to scan the room. I quickly ducked out a side door before I thought he had seen me and I found myself back on the beautiful stone patio from earlier in the evening. I walked quickly to the end where I knew the steps to be, passing a woman, half hidden in the shadows. I would not have even noticed her if it weren't for the glowing ember of the fag she was puffing on.
"Leaving so soon, Claire?" Jocasta MacKenzie asked as she blew smoke from her lips. The hand holding the fag now gripped the edge of the wall she sat on.
A steady breeze blew the smoke away from me, thank gracious. "Yes. I have a long drive home and rounds early tomorrow morning. It was nice to meet you" and I continued walking.
"Liar." She threw out at me.
I stopped and turned to look at her. "Pardon me?" I stated and began to slowly walk back to her.
"Oh, how very English of you... Pardon me." She sort of sneered. "Don't you care for my nephew enough to fight for him?" And she put the fag to her lips and inhaled again.
Jesus she was a hard core smoker. There was no filter on the end of the cigarette. The old broad rolled her own. "I don't see how what I think or feel toward Major Fraser is any of your business." I said and started to walk away again.
She released the smoke and said, "Major Fraser is it now? How convenient." She folded her arms across her chest. "I ken my nephew and he is crazy about you. I watched him tonight. And you. I ken who ye were the moment I laid eyes on ye. Murtagh's talked enough about ye." She looked up at the stars and sighed. "My nephew could'na stop stare'n at you, all evening. You'd ken, if ye'd bothered to look at him. Hanging on your every word, he was. Never seen him like that with any of the others."
I stopped. Counted to ten. Nope, didn't help. I turned back and walked right up to her as she sucked air through the fag again. "You know what? I did. I lied. I am not pleased to have met you. To have met any of you." I spat out in anger. "Your git of a brother man-handled me tonight. I'll have bruises for a week thanks to him. Your shit of a niece has never once had a kind word for me, not that I expect to be thanked for doing my job... and your bloody ass of a nephew, kissed me tonight before dinner, like I've never been kissed before. Then his Uncle JUST announced his engagement to some child and HE mouthed sorry to me as he gave her his grandmother's ring. So No, I am not glad. It was not nice to meet you. ANY of you. FRASERS or MACKENZIES. You can all go to hell" and I stomped off, or as close to stomping as I could in those stupid heels. I got all the way to the steps and stopped. I turned around and walked all the way back, halted directly in front of her.
"Forget an insult?" She asked as she inhaled smoky death from her fag.
"Except Murtagh." I declared and I wagged a finger at her. "He is a treasure and must be from a completely different clan. A nice one." And I turned to walk away. Then stopped again, turned and added. "Because your fucking clan sucks!" And this time I almost made it to the stairs when I heard.
"Nice te meet ye, Claire. I'll be see'n ye again, real soon."
I flipped her off as I almost fell down the flight of steps.
I found my way to the front drive, gave the valet my fob, and within 10 minutes, I was headed home. Got lost 3 times. Fucking Scottish Highlands.
XXJAMMFXX
Murtagh stepped out of the dark and approached Jocasta carrying two glasses of whisky. He handed her one. "I guess she told you," and sat down on the wall next to her.
"Yes, she certainly did. She's a spitfire for sure. Perfect for Jamie, in every way. But, you know," she paused to take a sip from her glass, "I'm in a bit of a quandary right now."
"Oh," Murtagh said as he raised an eye brow and sipped from his glass.
"I'm afraid I am no longer certain of her feelings. At the supper table I thought I knew for sure."
"Jo, do'na fret. Jamie will make this right. He will fix this mess yer no good bràthair has made."
She turned and smiled at him. "No. Well, yes, I have faith that Jamie can outsmart my idiot brother and make this right," and she placed a hand on his cheek and stroked his beard. "But that is not my cause for concern." She started to take another hit from the joint, when Murtagh gently removed it from her fingers, and took a pull from it first, then handed it back to her.
She gave him a hostile snort.
"Don't get so mad, Jo. It's just one hit. I'll roll ye another," and he smiled at her. "Now tell me what has ye so perplexed."
"First, ye best hope you don't get called in for a random drug test, my wee git. Second, I can'na decide if the woman is unknowingly in love with you, rather than my nephew." She turned to look at Murtagh, full in the face as she took a drink of whisky.
Murtagh raised both eyebrows in surprise. "I ken that I have a bit of a way with the ladies," he smiled a knowing smile at her, "and that I am a treasure... but Jo, ye ken there is no worry. She loves the lad, the anger she's exhibit'n is proof enough of that. As to me, weel, she doesn't stand a chance of winning my heart for it already belongs to another... as ye well know."
Jocasta Isobeail MacKenzie Cameron looked into Murtagh's eyes and whispered, "I know." She kissed him, gently on the lips. And when they parted, Murtagh took a sip of whisky and smiled.
"Jamie certainly loves her. Damn yer brother, Jo. Now, what are we going to do to fix this mess?"
"First thing you need to do is go downstairs to that kitchen and have a word with that relation of yours."
"Glenna? Why?"
"Because that blonde child is her granddaughter. Glenna must have some control over her. Do ye really think she is pregnant? And that our Jamie is the father? She took another hit from the joint, paused and released the smoke. "And I want my mother's engagement ring back. Bad enough that red-headed witch of a second wife my brother married has my mother's diamond. Which, by the way, I will pry from her cold, dead hand one day..."
They sat reflectively for several minutes. Murtagh broke the silence. "Did ye remember te put yer drops in today, Jo? The Ophthalmologist said it would be important, to aid with the Glaucoma treatments."
"I ken Murtagh. I ken ye are worried for me too. The cannabis helps. I am grateful to Geillis for scoring me some, and you for rolling it into joints. What will I do without you?" She set her head against his shoulder.
"I will give Dougal ma resignation as soon as yoo are safely on the plane back to River Run. I will follow as quickly as I can, Jo. Ye have ma word. I'm done work'n with ye arse of a brother and all his shenanigans." He took her hand in his. His thumb softly caressed the back of her hand. And so they sat, amiably enough.
Until Jamie found them. Then an exchange of opinions began in earnest.