P & P

Hidden in Plain Sight

Previously:

"I do..." Thomas thought back -yet again- how he had broken then news to Mary. "Why was I not thinking.. She could have lost that child, still might."

"Thomas, this whole situation is a mess. Mary said herself she does not blame you. You need to drop the subject and move on. However," Anne grinned wide. "I suggest you keep that axe out of her hands if Dexter has the audacity to show his face around here."

"Forget her hands, keep it out of mine."

New Union

Ch. 25

Time had not been kept track of as James' group had raced under the cover of night away from the fire. They had slowed down and camped for the night around two campfires. Blankets some maids had been able to grab, along with ones the butler and gardener had hauled out from outer buildings, were now wrapped around couples, brothers, sisters, and friends, some of whom who were married.

"Who started the fire?" James asked low to Mr. Shein as they talked away from the group. "Were you able to catch sight of anyone?"

"Yes, it was that pompous fellow we kicked out of the party, only I could not go after him. I was too busy trying to get people out of the building."

"Was he aware of being seen?"

"I do not think so; he never looked back or, if he did, I was too busy at that point to have seen that… male… take that particular action." Mr. Shein admitted not to having paid attention to where they were going. "I was too busy talking to one of the maids; she was struggling to breathe for quite some time. So, I kept focused on keeping her calm, and not on our surroundings. It is only recently I was able to turn her over to someone else."

"We crossed into Scotland quite some time ago. Have you seen any signs of Colonel Fitzwilliam's men? I mean once you turned the lady over to another's care."

"No, but we should be seeing at least one of them soon. If what you saw on your trip connects to what Miss Thayne told you, how did we miss him being so close? Even you were not that distracted." He was referring to a boy being seen by the edge of the neighboring estate just hours before the fire started.

"We cannot say for sure that was Lord Ashford's son. However," James shook his head. "If it was, I have not a clue how I missed it. I would not have gone as far out as I did. Thank heavens, Miss Thayne caught onto the fact the young man was hanging closer to our property line than was typical for one's neighbor to do so; he was also doing other odd things. Now, thinking back on it, I think he was trying to get someone's attention. That alone made it so our men discovered other children being hidden there. They are now back with their parents, including a Duke and Duchess from York." He then went off by himself, his thoughts turning to the conversation he and Iona had privately; one where he had not used her fake name.

"I sent Colonel Fitzwilliam down to your father's place, or I should say Lord Ashford and I did. He will be told everything, but a funeral will be held for you for people must believe you are dead until we can get the chancellor's grandson back. I, however, have requested him to ask for your father's permission to marry you. That is, if you will have me."

Kitty had looked torn. "I want to say yes, but to have banns read under a different name?" Tears threatened to fill her eyes.

"Kitty, I am sorry." James, for the first time since she had stood in the restaurant with him by her side, used her legal name first name showing how much she meant to him. "I told him to tell your father our vows would most likely be by irregular Scottish laws; there would be no banns read."

"You mean we are to marry by handfasting?"

"It is not safe to have banns read, whether by our legal names, or the ones we now use. Too many people know both." He sighed. "I understand if you need time to think about it, or if you say no right away. I will not attempt to force you into a marriage you do not want."

"I do not need to mull it over; I have been doing that for some time. I will be more than happy to be your wife." She wiped her tears. "Forgive me for crying, there has been so much stress, and I simply always thought I would be wearing white when I exchanged vows."

Looking over at Kitty, James simply could not think of her as Iona at the moment and saw her helping a young maid fix a meal. He had told her if she said yes, the servants would only hear him say the words 'she is my wife' around the campfire. He knew they ones which had fled with them would consider it valid and had said as much. The meal she was helping fix, and the way the servants were interacting with her, let James know they would have Mr. Hurst and Kitty's backs, even if they knew them as Mr. MacDonald and Miss Thayne.

"Mr. MacDonald." Mr. Shein walked over and pointed a rider coming close. "I believe that rider is Sargent Horatio."

"I do." James nodded. "Most likely being sent from Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Mr. MacDonald, Colonel Fitzwilliam sent this message with us for you. Plus, there is one from an old friend." The sergeant stopped his horse, took a folded piece of paper out of his coat pocket. "

James walked past the two small campfires and up to the gentleman's side. Taking the paper, he unfolded the first. It was from Lord Ashford and the colonel. They both had received another note, more serious this time. It not only insisted they receive the money but, this time, said the boy would not ever be returned if their demands were not met. Lord Ashford's note read longer, but James saw no need to dwell on it as it was information useful only to him. He put it into his pocket the special agent opened the next one and read it.

"Take care of my daughter, please- if at all possible, bring her home. Let the rouse I just played be not in vain. Until then, declare her to be your wife, have a handfasting ceremony if you must, but- please- get to preacher as soon as possible."

Waving Iona over to him, without actually saying her name, Mr. MacDonald allowed her to silently read the letter and then took the note and tossed it into the fire. The flames crackled and danced, casting a warm glow on their faces as the paper turned to ash. Everyone else assumed it had to do with the case; James let it stand, for to keep Kitty safe, people around her had to keep thinking her name was Iona.

"Sir," speaking to the Sergeant, "why do you not join our party? We were just about to have a handfasting ceremony, or you can turn around and ride back the way you came. Nonetheless, I would urge you to stay as it is already early evening."

The sky now held hues of deep blue and purple as the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon. The air was crisp and cold, with a gentle breeze blowing over the field where they had camped. The ground would have crunched underfoot only the snow, which had been in existence, had been so little it had already melted. The campfires flickered, their light reflecting off what little moisture was left on the grass, creating the perfect scene for two people to exchange vows, so the sergeant thought.

Sergeant Horatio, a tall man with a solemn yet kind face, nodded and dismounted his horse. "I will stay. You are correct in saying it is too late to travel safely."

Mr. MacDonald took Iona's hand and led her back to the nearest campfire. The group surrounded them and acted as natural barrier, providing the only a sense of intimacy and seclusion they had to offer from the outside world. The stars began to twinkle in the clear night sky, adding to the ethereal beauty of the scene.

Mr. Shein stood nearby, holding a length of ribbon that had been given to him by one of the younger maids. His breath formed small clouds in the cold air as he watched the couple with a gentle smile. The other servants, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the campfires, had seen this one coming a mile away. Hence, they had talked among themselves.

"Mr. MacDonald." An elderly gentleman stood up and brought forth three items. "They are not much, nor are they fancy, but we got together, and these rings were found among us, along with this plain white dress. It is up to you if you wish to use the items."

"I do not know what to say." Mr. MacDonald looked at the plain silver bands and dress. "Are you sure? I know one of them is your own wedding band."

"No need to fuss over that." The old man's smiled stayed in place. "My wife has passed on. I have no need for it."

"No need to fret over the lady's ring." A voice spoke from off to Mr. MacDonald's side. "It was my mother's. True blue Scotswoman, wed by handfasting herself before a preacher could get to where she lived. I doubt she would be upset I gave it to you to put on Miss Thayne's hand. And none of us can fit into the dress." The lady had in fact overheard back at the estate talk that let her know Iona's real name but loved the woman too much to reveal it. So, everyone waited until Kitty, gladly, changed into the simple, white, dress and was soon back by Mr. Hurst's side.

James took the rings and then spoke. "We gather here tonight to witness the union of two souls. Though the circumstances are far from ideal, we have decided the love and commitment between us is real and unwavering."

Iona, though a bit nervous, smiled wide and made attempt to move away from Mr. Hurst. This James was not the one everyone had first seen upon coming to Netherfield. No, this one touched no drop of alcohol, played no card games of any kind, spent no time at the tracks risking hard-earned money and so on. If he did those things; it was all an act to catch horrible men who needed bringing down.

James looked at his soon-to-bride. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her breath mingled with the frosty air. The flickering firelight danced in her eyes, reflecting depth that few held. He now knew firsthand there was such a thing as a soulmate, and not simply a partner in life.

Mr. Shein stepped forward and handed the ribbon to James who now focused solely on his present, and not on any past for this was indeed his soul mate in front of him. "This ribbon symbolizes the bond you are about to create. May it be as strong and enduring as the love that can and will grow as long as you hold on tight and continue to work as hard at your marriage as you do the cases you have worked and the one you now seek to finish."

James took the ribbon and gently wrapped it around their joined hands. "With this ribbon, I now bind my life to yours. In times of both joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, I will stand by your side and not leave you to be with another."

Iona's voice was steady as she replied, "With this ribbon, I bind my life to yours. Together, we will face whatever hardships come our way, and our love will be our strength. Though I am not a submissive woman, I vow to give submission to you."

James had to smile. He knew enough to know the difference between submissive and submission. Mr. MacDonald's bride was loudly, and clearly, stating, he may have the final say, but his wife would not just be quiet about her opinions either.

Sergeant Horatio, standing as a witness, nodded approvingly. "May your union be blessed and your love everlasting."

The cold air seemed to hold its breath as the couple exchanged their vows. The quiet of the winter night enveloped them, broken only by the occasional crackle of the fire and the soft rustle of the wind.

James and Ioan lifted their hand and the small group of servants, including Mr. Shein, clapped softly. Every face filled with warmth and happiness despite the chill in the air. As the ceremony concluded, Mr. MacDonald lowered their hands and apologized, and thanked, the group at the same time.

"I am sorry, we did not see the intruder sooner and had to flee so quickly. However, thank-you for following me into Scotland. It is grand to have your support; it means more to us than words can express."

The night deepened, and the stars shone brighter, casting a silvery light over the snowy landscape. The campfires continued to burn, providing warmth and light as James turned to Mr. Shein and told him plans would be made in the morning as to places the boy most likely would have been taken to.

"If that boy was the Chancellor's grandson, I doubt he was kept at the property next to 'my' old place, not after Lord Ashford's carriage was spotted headed that way."

"I agree. Now..." Mr. Shein pointed to a small building off in the distance. "I happened to have checked out that small shack. It is empty. I think a pair of newlyweds deserve at least one night alone. And Mrs. MacDonald..." He turned to a blushing bride. "Do not worry, there are plenty of people who will help make this irregular marriage a regular one when things settle down."