P&P FF

NOTE: HEADS UP, some will say this is unbelievable and unrealistic, but there ARE people who pick other dialects up rapidly, from here on out, Mary will be picking things up faster than most, she will represent that group. Hence she will be speaking informally (and my common apology for those that do not need reminders , but this will stay up for awhile.)

"Captain's Concession: A Bennet's Destiny"

Previously:

The other women gasped, taken aback by the revelation. "As for Emil, don't ask me how I know; I just do." By nightfall, Mary's intuition was proven right, and by morning, the captain was seeking to resolve the issue of McBean's attempt to trick his family into selling their lands during his absence.

Trip

CH. 19

Emil was totally taken by Mary and couldn't stop watching her as she got the campfire going on their last night outside. He'd brought enough supplies and used the stars at night, just like he relied on landmarks and gut feelings to guide them from their highland home to Rockhaven. And every night, Mary had managed to start the fire all on her own.

"Yer've have learned well. I must confess, I questioned how much ye would've balked learnin', ye bein' eighteen afore ye were expected ta learn."

"It's amazin' what ye can do when ye've a mind to."

Emil could have made a joke about her picking up the local way of talking so fast, but he wasn't blind. He knew she missed her family. "Tell me, Mary, why did ye say 'aye' when ye barely knew me? Did ye reall' know my other option ta yer father was gone?"

"I didn't jest know it from de night visions, I felt it," Mary said, touching her stomach. "Right here, I felt sick. So, ya, I knew ye thought ye had it'all figured out, but it wasn't true. I couldn't stand de idea of my da in jail, and even though…" Her voice softened even lower than it had been. "I didn't reall' know ye; I knew one thin' for certain... I dinna want ye ta lose face in Meryton. There are some reall' bad gossipers in town, one of them bein' my own aunt. Also, while she is tryin' hard not ta be one, I do confess, I greatl' feared she might slip and start back up. And then ye would be ruined afore ye even set foot in de town afore yer uncle even met his demise."

Her honesty got to Emil again, and her speech reflecting so closely his own family's settled her into his heart even more. He gently pulled her in close. "I planned to live in Bristol, or maybe even Meryton when I wrote ta yer da, Mary." He kissed the top of her head. "But then my famil' sent for me. My brother was killed, and my family needed me."

"I'm sorry if I'm a bit off, I'm just gettin' used to everythin'. It's a lot different from my old life. I'll get de han' of it, I promise. I'm not complain' I promise."

Emil didn't say anything, just let her know he'd handle the cooking. "Just don't get ta used ta it. And dannae go tellin' anyone I can cook, or ye'll end up sleepin' with de sheep!"

'Danne fear, I won't." Mary laughed. "I'm not stupid."

After they ate, Emil and Mary sat close by the campfire, its soft light on their faces. They didn't talk as they looked out over the endless Scottish Highlands. They were almost to Rockhaven, with Mary hoping to send a message to her parents and Emil needing to check on some business.

As the night got darker and Mary was making their bed, the sound of horse hooves broke the silence. A Scotsman Emil knew showed up, making Emil stand up protectively between Mary and the newcomer.

"Douglas," he said, not sounding too friendly.

Douglas got off his horse roughly and gave Mary a look that wasn't exactly proper. "I see ye've got compan'," he said, with a bit of a challenge in his voice.

"We're not lookin' fer trouble," Emil said firmly, keeping his hand close to his knife.

Douglas stepped closer, giving Mary a look that lingered a bit too long. "Sure, but can she handle de wilds of Scotland?"

Before Emil could answer, Mary stood up, her voice firm. "I can handle more than ye'd think."

Douglas let out a rough laugh that cut through the quiet night. "Is that so? Let's see iffin yer captain here agrees."

Quick as a flash, Douglas reached out, as if to challenge Mary. Emil was faster, grabbing Douglas's wrist tightly. "She's me wife, and she's under me protection. Remember that."

The two men stared each other down, a silent standoff. Douglas, realizing Emil wasn't backing down, pulled his hand back. "Jest messin' around," he muttered, getting back on his horse.

As Douglas disappeared into the night, Emil turned to Mary, his face softening. "Ye okay?"

"Aye. Let's get some sleep. I'll take care of de fire."

They got up early the next morning, hitting the road before sunrise. Emil was anxious to get to the Craigs; Mary had woken up feeling sick, and he was no doctor.

The rough roads gave way to open fields, and they passed other travelers. Mary felt a bit better after some crackers and ginger. But when she tried her favorite dried fish, she got really sick.

"I don't get it," Mary said as they stopped the carriage. "Dried fish never bothered me afore."

"Mrs. Craig or her doctor will know what's up," Emil reassured her as they started moving again. "Stick with de crackers fer now."

As the day went on, they saw the outskirts of Rockhaven. There were horses, animals, men working the fields, and kids rushing to finish chores and get back inside where it was warm.

Mary was so relieved to finally see the Craigs' place. She was too wiped out to even notice what it looked like. Mrs. Craig led her straight to the bedroom, which had just enough room for a bed.

"Get some rest, you and yer little one," Mrs. Craig said when she heard what was going on. Mary was too tired to catch what she meant and fell asleep right away. Emil, who was standing near the open door was not.

""Ma wife's expectin' a wee one? "Emil's face beamed as he made the inquiry when Mrs. Craig closed the door.

"I'd be more than taken aback if she tweren't. Many a lady has had the selfsame thing happen to them when they're carryin' a wee lassie or lad. Ye didn't dilly-dally around, did ye?" Mrs. Craig gave a knowing wink, a chuckle, and then bade herself goodnight.