A/N: When Melinda is arranged to marry a Lord from Scotland, she holds out for more, and Jim is everything she ever wanted. No ghosts obviously lol but Jimel in a historical setting is just... ugh. Perfect.

Anyway, most of my knowledge of this time period is from Outlander and the little bit I did research, but other than the mention of Culloden most of this is just pure fantasy and doesn't pertain to anything that actually happened back then. But I just wanted to put that out there for any history buffs like me.

The idea spawned after I took down the Heir of Grandvista so some parts might read familiar because I took certain scenes from there and changed them to fit this story. Overall it's just less about Katie and Ned (at least in the beginning) and more about Jim and Melinda. Enjoy!

Ages:

Jim — 28
Daniel — 25
Melinda — 22
Andrea — 22
Robert — 20
Katherine — 17

In the eight months since her father told her she was to marry some Lord from Scotland, Melinda had waited to marry James Clancy. She took it all seriously— the duty of loving her soon-to-be husband, giving him her virtue, bearing him children, and being a woman worthy of him. He was the origin of every fantasy her heart had ever held, even if she didn't know him.

Yet, after her father died, there was a moment when she thought the marriage might not happen, but then it was settled by her uncle and everything was put into motion. Her soon-to-be husband would be sailing to England to meet and marry her before taking her back to his home.

It was hard to keep an open mind with the rumors she heard of Lord Clancy's handsomeness and overall mystery, but she expected that overlooking certain activities, especially as she aged and lost her beauty, maybe part of her duty as his lady wife. She wondered what it would be like to love a man who kept so much inside him.

A man of mystery, the people of the surrounding villages called him.

Still, nothing had prepared her for the way her legs would tingle when she watched her husband-to-be walk off the ship and greet her, bowing and taking her gloved hand to press a chaste kiss there. She supposed she was lucky to marry a young, handsome man when her younger sister Katherine had not been as lucky.

They ride together the short distance from the docks through the small fishing village and to her family's estate. As they rode up to the manor, they were greeted by the staff, who all stood outside neatly.

An older gentleman stepped forward to help her dismount from her horse, but Jim beat him to it by sliding off his own quickly. She felt his strength in how easily he swung her down. There was no hesitation or give to the muscles on his body.

After greeting the staff, they walked up the steps together arm-in-arm so that she could show him where his rooms were. Melinda was now very aware of the hardness of his arms beneath his jacket, and the smell of him. It's not intolerable or perfumed, he smelled more natural and earthy. It's more manly than the likes of most perfumed lords she'd met before.

"There will be a party tonight in your honor," she said as they walked through one of the upscale corridors that lead to some of the staterooms that were for guests of the manor. "In our honor, I should say. We will be married tomorrow at dusk." His hand that had previously been holding her arm found the small of her back, and she found herself pulled closer to him as they came to stand in front of his chamber door. "This is your room, my lord. I hope it will be of your standards."

His hand slid out from her back and took hold of her hand, pressing a kiss to the top of her palm and pulled away from her, his eyes stormy. "It will meet them. I have no doubt about that, my lady." He said appreciatively.

"If there is anything you need, you will only have to ask," she replied kindly.

He smiled. "I shall see you tonight at the feast then, Lady Melinda," he said with another kiss, but this time to her cheek.

"I will see you tonight, my lord," she said, curtseying as he turned to enter his chambers and the door was closed.

The next evening, they were wed in the gardens of her family's estate with only the stars and waning moon lighting their way. Jim didn't wear silks or fancy clothes. Nothing that suited for a lord's wedding ceremony.

He made do with his best armor, which had been shined and polished. So while he was in his own clothes, he truly didn't feel like it. He felt like an imposter, but he pushed such feelings aside as he walked through the hedges for his and Melinda's wedding.

Few knew of it and fewer still attend, only their families and a few very close friends. Her uncle gave her away and he felt every pair of eyes on them as he took hold of her hand. The priest led them through the ceremony and they said their vows before the pastor said a blessing over their rings.

As the words, "You may kiss the bride," filled his ears, her eyes fell closed and she waited for his kiss, but instead, he kissed her forehead.

The newly wedded husband and wife went straight to the ballroom, where many more guests had already gathered by the time that the newly wedded couple made their entrance. The room was big and bright with huge chandeliers and bustling music in the air.

There are hundreds of tables with the most exquisite food with attendants waiting to serve them. No expense had been spared, every glass was filled with sparkling amber bubbles and there were gilded platters of fine food being served by the dozen. Friends and strangers alike fill her home, and she was expected to smile at them all - they were all here for them.

Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time eating and conversing. After their hunger had been satisfied, the bride and groom opened the dance floor with their first dance together as a wedded couple. Jim had hardly had the chance to speak with his wife all night, for each time they came close, someone would pull him or her away from each other. Melinda looked stunning and each time he caught the gaze of her, his breath was sucked out of his throat.

Even as they sat at their wedding feast, he could hardly believe that she was his wife. On the dance floor, it was a dream as they moved as one, their movements complemented by the other. They looked absolutely wonderful and the crowd of guests managed to be mystified by their beauty. They both danced gracefully across the dance floor to the same waltz all of that night.

Before long there were calls for the bedding, Jim had refused at first, but it wasn't long before he ran out of excuses and the noblemen were arguing that some of the traditions needed to be recognized. Yet, the last thing he wanted was to make Melinda uncomfortable. He could see she was just as reluctant as him, a blush crept on her cheeks as she met his gaze sheepishly with a small smile as she took a bite of their wedding cake.

"We will go to bed on our own. We will be sailing with the low tide for Scotland, and no one will follow us," he said, standing up and holding his hand out to her. "Shall we ride for the docks, my lady?" There wasn't any hesitation before her soft hand was placed in his and they both rose, walking out of the ballroom. The moment the door closed behind them, he ushered her just a few steps away before turning to her with a slight smile and said, "If you wish to spend tonight in your own cabin, lass, you may. I will not pressure you as we are still unfamiliar with each other. I swear."

He had a brogue tone to his voice, mainly because he was Scottish, but he could tell she liked it. There was something about how she looked at him when he talked, looking eager to listen to everything he said as though it was a new experience. Though he supposed it was and it was the drawl and brightness in his voice that attracted her.

She shook her head. "What will that say to the ones around us?" She asked quietly.

"I suppose you are right," he replied. "We will share a cabin. I dinna ken when my brothers will stop drinking their arses off, but I will make sure they don't come bothering us. They can be… a bunch of bastards."

She laughed and nodded. "Some drinking is allowed for a celebration such as a wedding though, no?" She said jokingly.

"I can agree with you there, lass," he said. "Drinking is mighty fun if you know when to stop."

"You have a point and since you wish to check on your brothers, I'll take my leave and meet you on the boat," she said and turned around.

Melinda had no expectations as to what her wedding night would be as she boarded the ship and the crew greeted her. She was shown to the captain's cabin, a courtesy often shown to a lord or lady when they boarded a ship, especially on a journey for their honeymoon. She was surprised to find that there were already some minor personal items of James' in the cabin.

Her fingers touched the pale blue damask bedding, which has been folded back to reveal stark white sheets. She stared at them for a moment, before turning back to Andrea. "We should begin to get this dress off, shouldn't we?" she asked, sitting on the end of the bed, the thick white skirts of her wedding gown fanning around her.

Andrea nodded and went to her adjoining changing room and left her alone. She rose from the bed and began to take a look around. It was a larger room than she had ever had before, one with a four-post bed and two comfortable enough looking sitting chairs which were bolted to the ground.

She walked back over toward the bed and her fingers drifted over the book on Jim's nightstand, which she picked up curiously and turned over. It was not from an author she recognized, though she supposed he might be better read than her. Along with the book, there were several pairs of cufflinks and a pad of paper with his name printed on it.

Her own side table has an elegant dish with an intricate design in her favorite color, clearly for the purpose of her dropping her jewelry there. There was also a vial of her favorite lavender oil. It was likely this was sent along with her other belongings to take with her.

When the door clicked, she was surprised to find her husband entering. She stood before Jim , still in her wedding gown from their ceremony. She had not expected him so soon and doubted he thought she would have already made it to the room.

"I— er, I hope you can excuse me for intruding, my lady," he said, bowing slightly.

"It's alright, my lord," she said quietly. "I thought that you were going to find your brothers…?"

He nodded as he shuffled inside and closed the door behind himself. "They dinna seem likely to stop celebrating our union any time soon. I thought it would be best for me to take my leave while I could," he said, his eyes full of worry that he might've startled her, and he had. "If you would rather me wait until your ready, I can step outside."

"There's no need. You may stay here. I will go to the dressing room," she said, sidestepping toward the door. "My lady's maid is likely waiting for me."

He was blushing, she noticed, and a smile appeared on her face as his words soothed any more worries she had about their wedding night together. "If you so wish, lass," he said.

"I do, my lord." She answered.

Jim nodded as she took her leave, meeting Andrea in the doorway and walking further into the dressing room.

Her lady's maid said nothing and closed the doors behind them. The process to undress her took almost as long as it had for her to prepare for her day. Her gown came off first, then her corset. One by one, pieces were removed until she was left nude.

Andrea helped slip a nightgown over her head, and Melinda almost gasped from how immodest it was. She felt like she was being wrapped up like a gift for her husband and it made her stomach clench with nervousness.

To keep the chill from her bones, she pulled on a silk robe. Her hair was let down from her elaborate updo and brushed until her hair shined. "Thank you, Andrea. You may take your leave for the night," she murmured and then squeezed her friend's hand. "I'll see you in the morning."

"You mustn't worry, mistress. He seems like a good man," Andrea said, trying her best to reassure her, but it only did so much. "The usual time? Or should I wait for you to summon me?"

"Whenever you see fit. There's nothing to hurry about for tomorrow." Melinda said and turned back toward the closed door that led to where her new husband was waiting for her. She slowly entered and noticed he'd poured them each a goblet of wine but didn't look up as she walked toward him.

Jim's eyes drifted to her face, taking in the sight of her. She noticed his tongue sneak out to wet his lips and his Adam's apple bob in his throat. "Sit with me here by the fire, if you want," he said and cleared his throat. She moved to sit beside him, only a bit of space between them. "I want to be honest with you. I know not what I prefer in this… matter. I apologize if that disappoints you, Melinda." He clasped his hands in front of himself, hoping she would understand.

Oh, she thought. A man of mystery they say and it was all because he had yet to bed a woman. "We are evenly matched then," she replied, earning a slight chuckle from him. "Are you as nervous as I am?"

He shook his head. "I know what to do. That's simple enough," he sighed. "It's only that I do not wish to share your bed until you want me to. I will never force myself on you. I promise you that."

She knew the basics as well, but that didn't stop. "And what if I never wish for you to share my bed, my lord?" She asked, curious as to what his answer would be.

"Then I never will, Melinda." He seemed sincere about that. She could tell. "Perhaps we could sit and talk for a bit? I poured some wine," he said, gesturing to the other goblet in front of him. "And call me Jim. Please. I've never been fond of my title."

She moved at his invitation, grabbing the silver goblet and sipping the red liquid. After several moments, her voice echoed in the room, a bit skittish. "I have never been outside of England. What is it like?"

"Oh, yes. Your uncle told me. That's why I thought it would be best to sail about for our honeymoon. Explore the world a bit," he confessed. "It is a beautiful world… all of the colors, creatures, and people you could want to see."

"It sounds wonderful," she said, looking at the wine in the goblet. "You know, I was thinking… Do you think we could visit my sister?"

"We can do anything ye wish to," he said and looked at her then, and Melinda stared back with her brown eyes. "Whereabouts does she live?"

"When my father died, my uncle set about marrying us off as quickly as he could. Our marriage was fast-tracked and Katherine was sent to marry an older man who lives in Spain. I haven't seen her since she left a few months ago. We write to each other as much as we can, but I miss her." She gave him a small, sad smile, unsure of what else to say.

"We shall visit her often then. If there is anything I can do to make you happy then just say the word," he said with a smile. "I want for us to have nothing but happiness."

He was a good man. Andrea was right. She usually was. "Are you as close with your brothers as I am with my sister?" She asked then, sipping her wine.

"I suppose," he replied. "We've fought our battles together as brothers through and through. I dinna ken other men who know me as well as Daniel or Robert. While only one may be my true blood, it's not Robert's fault he was born a bastard."

"You are different from other men," she concluded out loud and their eyes met again. "You're thoughtful, kind, and you don't take what you've been given for granted. Many men can't say the same. That much I know from meeting you today, James Clancy."

"Am I?" He asked.

"Yes, and I would like for you to share my bed tonight," she replied, softly. "We can take everything slowly… see how things feel? Is that alright?"

"Of course, Melinda." He said, holding his hand out to her. "I would be honored to share your bed, even if we only lay next to each other. Shall we go together?"

"Yes," she voiced in a small whisper. "Take me to bed, James."

His eyes grew wide as she moved closer beside him and placed her other hand in his. With his own hands, he guided her to stand up and then let go of them, leaning forward to kiss her and cupping her cheek.

It was their lips that met this time, lingering longer than he'd ever would have dared in public. Her arms twined around his neck. When he gently broke away from her, she smiled at him.

"Don't you carry me away now?" She asked, breathlessly.

"Aye." He smiled brightly at her. "I do."

She had never seen him smile like that before. It was glorious, how it lit up his whole face from his eyes to his mouth. It made her smile even wider. And then, with a self-assurance that shocked her, he picked her up in one smooth motion and strode towards the bed.

He had always imagined this moment, taking his bride into his arms and bringing her to bed. However, Melinda was more than he'd ever expected as his bride. He felt firm beneath his clothes, suggesting more muscle than she had anticipated. Feeling bold, she kissed him softly on the cheek and threaded a hand in his hair.

When they made it to the bed, he set her down gently, her legs dangling over the edge. For a brief moment, he stood slightly transfixed and contemplated his next move. She reached for his tunic and began to loosen it, deciding for him. She quickly had him down to his breeches, both delivering gentle kisses and caresses of shoulders, neck, and arms in between the effort of disrobing.

When she saw his bare chest and her suspicions of its well-muscled makeup were confirmed, her hand twitched at her side, ready to touch him, afraid of being too brazen. Jim saw and took her hand in his, placing it at the spot where her gaze was fixed (right above his heart). He was warm, smooth, and firm.

"You are very handsome," she confessed, meeting his eyes.

"As are you a bonny lass, Melinda." He kissed her then, his fingers ghosting over her shoulder and down her arms until they reached for her waist.

She felt small as his hand nearly circled it fully. She wanted the kiss to deepen as she was no stranger to a man's tongue in her mouth (Eli and Kevin had both made sure of that), but she waited for him. But rather than invade her mouth, her husband moved down her neck and across her collarbone.

His hands stroked her sides, up and down, never going quite high enough to reach her breasts. He gently guided her back onto the bed, stepping between her legs, and leaning over her to continue kissing a path across her body. She felt him then, between her legs, straining against his breeches. It was nothing but slight pressure but it caused heat to rise in her belly.

His hands stilled just below her breasts and his head stilled on her chest. She could feel him panting slightly through the fine fabric of her nightgown. He pushed himself up and off of her, standing away from the bed. "Forgive me."

"For what? Is this not what I wanted you to do?" She asked. "You're my husband, James."

"I never wished for this to… be a duty." He said, turning away from her. "I don't want to rush you. It might be best if I sleep over here."

Tears welled in her eyes. Was she that much of a displeasure to him? "I did not think it was so unpleasant," she whispered, confused.

"I know - I know that I was forced upon you and that you had no choice but to marry me when your uncle told you to, but as I said before I do not wish to force myself on any woman, let alone my wife. Especially as I am not… prepared for how… to help you enjoy this." His head hung, dejected and inadequate to the task before him.

"Jim… will you look at me?" She whispered and he raised his head to look at her. She spoke slowly and quietly to him. "Yes, for years, I dreaded the day my father would tell me that I would marry and it only worsened when my uncle purposely made my little sister's match less than favorable, but you've proved me wrong. Every rumor or whisper I heard about you was wrong. You have already shown me that you are strong in how you care for the ones you love, but also gentle and I am grateful for that." She held out her hand and he took it, stepping closer to her. "I am grateful that we can share this night, these two weeks together. And I know when it's over, you will have to go back to your duties as a lord, but I am determined to enjoy that time with you and ensure this is a good match for the both of us." Her voice grew fierce and determined. She met his eyes and her hand crushed him with surprising strength. "You are the only man in my life that has ever taken account of my needs… and I've known you for all of two days. I trust you." She grabbed her nightgown and pulled it over her head, letting it float to the ground. She took one more step towards him, her heart pounding. "I trust you with everything."

And then he came at her full tilt. His mouth flew to hers, his hands wrapping around her to crush her against his chest. She met him with equal fervor, tilting her head, stroking his mouth.

There were so many things he wanted to do to her. And he knew she was right, there was no guarantee they would have found love in each other, but who were they to stop it from happening? He could feel the blossoming of something more as he kissed her, holding her soft skin in his hands. He just had not known she would be so willing to give herself to him.

They fell onto the bed in a pile of limbs. His mouth found one of her breasts and kissed it, circling her nipple until he finally laved at it with the full width of his tongue and sucked it into his mouth. She moaned and her hips shuddered against his stomach involuntarily. Desire rose in him, his blood galloping in his veins.

He slowed down slightly, giving the same attention to the other. His free hand ghosted over her stomach, her hip, and her thigh, gently pushing her legs apart. He barely brushed his fingers between her thighs with his knuckles but found them soft and a bit damp. He brought a hand up to rest just below her belly button, as he moved back to her mouth.

He kissed her fully, his fingers dancing on her lower belly, giving her time to stop him. When she did not, he moved lower, sliding his hand between her thighs. She soaked the finger that plunged into her, moaning into his mouth, as her nails dug into her arm.

Jim peppered her neck with kisses and he searched for the pearl his brothers had told him was there on all women. When he found it, he drew a circle around it with his index finger. Melinda's hips rose into his touch. He did it again.

She panted, "That's good," and it made his heart sing. "So good."

He kissed his way back to her breasts and then sat up as he continued to work her with his fingers. He marveled at how soft she felt, how she slipped through his fingers like silk. He wanted to look at her, how she was made. And when he saw her pink, glistening flesh and inhaled her scent, he knew he wanted to try something else. He removed his hand and tentatively licked his finger.

He realized then that her eyes were upon him, her mouth open in lust and confusion as he sucked the taste of her from his hand. Their eyes stayed locked as he lowered himself toward the bed, taking one of her thighs over his shoulder. He heard her give soft, incoherent noises of protest the closer he got to her, but he found one of her hands in the sheets and wove their fingers together.

She held her head up to watch him as he gently placed a kiss over the bud between her legs. Then she felt the firm pressure of his tongue mix with the coarseness of his facial hair against her flesh and she could keep her head raised no longer.

He never pressed into her too hard. He was gentle and persistent. As if she was writing a secret language upon her with his tongue. She could not deny it felt good but she was also not sure that he should be doing it at all. Then he changed positions slightly and she felt him lick her entrance. She tried to keep quiet but she bucked against his face. He repeated the action and she bucked again. She felt his lips curl into a smile and sighed, sad she could not see it.

He squeezed the hand that still tangled with hers. Then, he set about her like a parched man coming out of the desert. Her legs slammed over his ears and yet he still heard the noises she made, unlike anything he had ever heard escape human lips. Her muscles seemed to all tense at once, lifting her off the bed, winding tighter upon themselves and he kept up his action, hoping she would snap.

Sensation rushed over her. She could not control it, name it, explain it. It built inside her; her body was a creek that raged with rapids after a hard rain, and then finally, the water crested, leaving her a puddle on the bed.

She felt him leave her for the briefest moment as she rode her high. Then she felt him return, a finger, probing her sensitive center. She looked up at him through hazy eyes and realized his trousers were still on.

"Are you going to take them off any time tonight?" She asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"Shh," he shushed her with a kiss to the temple before slowly. He was grinning with pride. "Don't worry about me, lass. Another time." He moved beside her and they were still wrapped together when he looked up into her face, this beautiful woman in his bed, and he brought his lips softly to hers. Smoothing her hair out of her face, he settled in beside her.

"Are you sure there is nothing I can do?" she asked, smoothing his hair in the same fashion.

"This was enough for one night," he told her. " My heart will burst if we try any more."

She nodded, running a hand through his damp hair. "You may call me Mel if you'd like. My sister used to."

"Mel," he said, saying it out loud to hear it on his own tongue. His accent was so thick as he tried to say it that it made her smile. "Like that?"

"Yes, just like that." She whispered as he gathered her to his chest and was lured into an exhausted sleep by the sound of the waves against the boat, feeling both warm and content in her husband's arms.