A Highland Romance (Markson Regency Mystery Book 5) Read online

  A Highland Romance

  Markson Regency Mystery

  Lindsay Downs

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  A Highland Romance

  Markson Regency Mystery

  Copyright © March 2016 by Lindsay Downs

  Cover designed by Heidi Sieverding

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  Acknowledgement

  Mrs Marlowe's Book Emporium and Tea Shop, aka, Bluestocking Bookshop, is an online interactive story-telling creation of the Bluestocking Belles and is used by permission.

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  Chapter One

  April 1796, Bridge of Orchy, Scotland

  With a smile to the boy who had delivered to her a post, Aileen then pushed a strand of red hair back from her eyes. Turning the note over curiously, she wondered why someone would be writing Toby, her husband of six weeks.

  She set the folded and sealed piece of foolscap on the table and returned to the fireplace where she had lamb stew cooking. Lifting the cast-iron lid, she stirred the meal. A painful cramping sieged her stomach causing her to almost lose her balance.

  Taking a seat, she instinctively laid her hand on her belly. Could she be increasing? Her mother had told her when a woman was late with her monthly course then she should expect a youngin’ in about nine months.

  She smiled and thought over the possibility.

  Hearing a horse outside, she got up and rushed to the window. She saw Toby slide off his massive beast and then lead the animal into a paddock. Aileen stepped out and watched as her husband strode toward her, a panicked look in his eyes. “My darling, what has you so worried?”

  “I’m sorry, dearest. I don’t mean to upset you. There was a murder in Tynburm and I needed to make sure you were safe.”

  She gasped then rushed into his arms. After a moment, Aileen stepped back.

  “Do you know who was killed?”

  “No.”

  “Come inside as lunch will be ready soon. You’ve received a post from someone named William Atkinson. Is he the man who sent you to me?”

  Aileen had always suspected that her Toby worked in tracking down traitors to the Crown, but he had never said anything to her. Her suspicions of his duties came when he started talking in his sleep. Even though she’d mention these facts to him he brushed them off. She always worried when he went off for weeks at a time that he would be hurt, but she trusted that he’d come home to her safely.

  “Yes, he is.”

  She led the way into their tiny thatched roof cottage and pointed to the post. Leaving him to check on the stew, she glanced over her shoulder at him while he read the note. Gathering two pewter bowls, she ladled the meal in.

  Setting Toby’s to the side as he was still studying the post, she took her chair and started to eat. After a few bites, and he hadn’t started his dinner yet, she cocked her head in curiosity. “Is that good news?”

  “I’m afraid it’s not. I need to go to Stirling. If fortune is with me I should return within the month.” The fear in his eyes belied the calm tone of his voice.

  She dropped her spoon and it clanked loudly. “When must you leave?”

  “Today as the post is over a week old,” he answered as he scooted his chair back and got up.

  “Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked.

  “It smells delicious, but I lost my appetite.” He kissed her on top of the head and made his way into the bedroom.

  Aileen’s desire to eat had vanished also. With the killing in the village where she worked and her husband leaving, she wondered if it would be safer for her to live in the Hampshire castle until Toby returned. This way he wouldn’t worry about her while doing his job.

  Getting up, she went to the threshold into their room where he was gathering a few things for his trip. She sighed heavily.

  “Dearest wife, if you’re thinking what I believe you are and as I have to go through Tynburm I’ll take you to the castle. I’m sure Mrs. Macbay will let you stay in your old room.”

  “Yes, on that you’re correct. Let me put a few things in a satchel then I’ll be ready.”

  Aileen quickly packed what she’d need. She only had two dresses, the one she was wearing and the other, which she’d worn for their wedding.

  With a last glance around the small room it was all Aileen could do not to shed a tear. This was going to be the first time since they’d married they would be apart. The only thing that made this separation bearable was that it would only be for a short time. When he returned, if she was correct in her thinking, he’d find her belly starting to grow round.

  Arriving at the castle, she entered through the kitchen door to be met by Mrs. Macbay.

  “My husband is being called away for work. He’ll be gone for a month and considering the murder I wondered if I could stay in my old room?”

  “Of course, you may. Now give him a hug and kiss to send him on his way. As today is your day off and just because you’re here doesn’t mean you shall work.”

  Later, settled in her tiny cell in the attic Aileen unpacked her few items, then returned to the kitchen for tea. As the staff were aware Toby sometimes would disappear for days or weeks they didn’t ask about this latest trip.

  “Aileen, does your husband know you’re increasing?” Cook said.

  “No, he doesn’t. I wasn’t sure myself. This morning when I got dressed the bodice did seem a little snugger than before. I shall save the news until he comes home.”

  “That’s very wise, my dear. Granted, we don’t know what he does but I’d wager the work is dangerous and he’ll need to keep his mind clear,” Mrs. Macbay said.

  As the days turned into weeks Aileen began to tire easily. This helped confirm, along with missing her courses, that she was indeed pregnant. She was happy Cook hired an assistant baker to help with some of the work.

  Slowly, the days grew closer to when Toby was returning. Then a letter arrived for her.

  My Dearest Aileen,

  This job is taking longer than I was first told it would, which has me angered as I miss you greatly. I promise to return to you as quickly as possible.

  Your loving husband

  “Aileen, from the sad look in your eyes, I’m guessing that’s not good news?” Cook uttered.

  “No. Whatever my Toby is doing isn’t as easy as he thought. He has no idea when he’ll be coming home.”

  “Fear not then my child. You are more than welcome to stay with us. At least this way if he doesn’t return by the time you g
ive birth, we’ll be here to help you,” Mrs. Macbay assured her.

  “Thank you so much.”

  As one month stretched into the next Aileen could feel herself becoming more and more despondent as no more letters came from Toby. The staff tried to keep her spirits high, but nothing worked.

  The baby grew within her. Aileen hoped he’d return in time for the birth.

  Entering the final month of her pregnancy, Mrs. Macbay instructed Aileen not to work, but rest. She protested but her words fell on deaf ears. Resigned to her imposed exile from the kitchen, except for meals, she took to walking the grounds. One of her most favorite places to visit was the little cottage in the back of the garden.

  Several times she took a book with her and sat at the table in the rear of the place. Then, one day as she was reading, a sudden stabbing pain drove her to her knees. She cried out, alerting several gardeners to her presence.

  Many hours later, and what seemed an eternity, Aileen gave a final push bringing a screaming brown-haired little baby girl into the world.

  “Oh, dear she is so beautiful. What are you going to call her?” Mrs. Macbay asked.

  She hadn’t decided, hoping Toby would have helped name their baby. She’d held out hope that he would return, but finally reality had settled in. She had a child to think about.

  Glancing about the room she spied a small vase with flowers in it.

  “Rose, will be her name.”

  Aileen rested with her new born in her arms when a pain cut through her.

  “Mrs. Macbay,” Aileen called out.

  The older woman came rushing into the room. “What is it, my dear?”

  “Something’s not right.”

  Mrs. Macbay pulled the sheet from Aileen’s legs and examined her. She saw panic in Mrs. Macbay’s eyes.

  “Go rush and get Cook to bring her special tea which will help stop the bleeding,” the housekeeper ordered a maid who was standing in the doorway to the room.

  “Yes. I know which tea,” the girl answered then raced away.

  Aileen raised a hand. It had gone white, then grey. She tried to take a breath, but couldn’t. Her head rolled to the side as she could feel her life slip away.

  Chapter Two

  June 12, 1815

  “Good morning, my dearest wife. How did you sleep?” Robert whispered, then teased the swell of her ear with the tip of his tongue.

  After getting in late, the night before, he and his loving Kristina had partaken of a simple dinner then retired for the evening. On arriving they’d been met by the castle’s senior staff, including Glenn. This had made Robert happy.

  “Quite well, thank you. Shall we start the day?”

  “Yes. Let me ring for Amanda and Evan.” Robert gave her one last kiss.

  He tossed the covers off, exposing their naked bodies to the cool morning air then slid from the bed. When he saw Kristina give a slight shiver, he picked up her bathrobe from the floor where it had ended up last night. Helping her into it, he stepped over to the bell pull and tugged it three times.

  “I’ll slip into my suite as I know, unless they are bickering about something ridiculous, both should be along shortly.”

  “We’ll meet in the family dining room shortly?” he asked, then took her nod as a yes.

  He waited for her to depart then stepped into his private room to take care of his morning needs. As he started to apply the lather with a brush to his cheeks and neck he glanced out the door and found that Evan had entered.

  “Boots, breeches, shirt and scarf,” Robert said.

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  Robert finished his morning ritual. He returned to the suite he and Kristina shared. His valet was busily laying out the requested attire. Since they weren’t in England, but the highlands of Scotland, the last thing he wished was to be encumbered by the latest fashions. He suspected his wife felt the same considering her delicate condition.

  He planned to visit several of the farms today after reviewing the latest reports with Glenn. He also suspected his horse, Julius, could use a good workout. Robert wondered if his wife would be joining him?

  That particular question was answered when he stepped out of the suite and was met by her, wearing one of several riding outfits she’d brought with her.

  He slipped his gaze over her, admiring the way the riding dress fit her new rounded body. He’d heard that men weren’t supposed to lust after their pregnant wife, but he scratched that up to ignorance. There was nothing more beautiful than a woman becoming full with child. He stepped forward, pulling her against him for a kiss that would start their day perfectly. Lifting his lips from hers he continued to hold her as she leaned back and smiled to him.

  “M’ lord, that is a lovely way to begin the morning as I see we’re both of the same mind.”

  “Yes. I was planning on heading out after meeting with Glenn,” he declared.

  “Perfect as I wish to talk with Rose to see how she’s doing, then Cook to review the menu for the next few days. After which I’ll be ready to join you.”

  He offered his arm and escorted her down to the dining room.

  Looking over to the sidetable, he was relieved to see there was no haggis. In the letter that he’d sent to Glenn notifying him of their arrival Robert had instructed his oldest friend to make sure the Scottish delicacy wasn’t on the menu. As he’d told the man, “If I am desirous of some, then I’ll eat in the kitchen or out of Her Ladyship’s presence”.

  Guiding Kristina to her seat he waited until she was settled then selected her breakfast. Passing the plate over to Hamish he repeated the process for himself then retreated to his chair. Digging into his meal he kept a close watch over Kristina to see if there was something she didn’t wish to partake of. This information he’d store for the future.

  What he did find fascinating was the closed-eyed moan she gave on biting into the sweet roll. Never before had he seen or heard her make this sound while eating. Picking his up he tore off a piece, slathered the morsel with butter then popped the bite into his mouth. The treat was certainly delicious.

  “M’ lady, when you speak with Rose compliment her on the rolls. Even our bakers at the estate and in London have never made them so light and fluffy.”

  “I most certainly plan to. I also wish to see the baby as Mrs. Fairbairn wrote telling me of the birth, yet she failed to mention if it’s a boy or girl.”

  This started Robert wondering about the future of the infant. Granted, between Rose and Keith, they made a decent wage, but when the child grew and wished to marry, what then? Would they have the funds for a dowry if need be? Somehow he’d have to look into that. Turning his attention back to his breakfast he continued to work his way through the meal.

  With a final sip of coffee, he glanced over to Kristina only to see her watching him.

  “M’ lord, a few moments ago you looked so deep in thought. Would you care to share what you were thinking about? Or is it private?”

  “If you don’t mind, for the time being I’d rather keep them to myself. However, once I work out the details I’ll be more than willing to share. Now that we’ve finished shall we take care of our morning tasks?” he said.

  “I agree. Where should we meet? Also, would you be so kind as to inform Seamus I’ll be wishing to ride Daisy while you take that beast of yours?”

  “When you finish come to the office as I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but when you arrive that will give me an excuse to stop. When you speak with Cook let her know we should be back for luncheon.”

  He stood then assisted his wife to her feet. When she disappeared through the door to the kitchen he marched out and up to his office. No sooner had he started his task of reviewing posts when a knock on the door interrupted him.

  Raising his head, he saw that Glenn had brought the estate journals. Several times a year, through his man of business, Robert received reports on the different estates, but those were financial. This meeting would concern the specific farms
and how they were doing individually in regards to necessary repairs.

  “Well, don’t just stand there in the doorway like a statue, come in and show me what you have,” Robert directed.

  “Aye, m’ lord. You’ll be pleased with what I have to report.”

  Taking a seat behind his desk, Robert waved his old friend into the chair opposite.

  “Before we start on the farms, tell me about Rose and her baby.”

  “Yes, and what a little darling she is not to mention a screamer if she doesn’t get what she wants. That is according to the nannies who look after all the little ones.”

  It took a moment for Robert to understand what Glenn was talking about, but then he remembered the change. On their visit, several months ago, Kristina had suggested hiring the young women even if they were in a family way, or had a baby or small child. As the nursery wasn’t being used, at the time, Robert had the space converted to handle the influx so the mothers would be able to not only work, but look in on their offspring.

  Not sure of the various ages of the children this would be something he’d have to look into and maybe figure out how to give them, if old enough, some schooling. This he’d discuss with his wife.

  “Thank you. Her Ladyship is or will be speaking with Rose to ask about the baby. Do you know what Rose’s baby’s name is?”

  “Of course, m’ lord. Kristina in honor of Her Ladyship.”

  Robert liked hearing this piece of news, but suspected this wouldn’t be the last time a baby girl was named after his wife. Boys, in many cases, would carry his name as did Glenn’s oldest.

  “How are the repairs on the cottages going? Also, what’s the state of the gold mine? Is there any chance we might have any on the estate?”

  “Everything is going along quite well. There are only one or two houses which need a little more work, then all the buildings will be able to stand the worst weather. I must say, the suggestions you sent, along with having an architect here, had been a great help. There was a time we thought he might have stayed when he was seen spending time with one of the young ladies from the village. For gold on the land, we’re still looking and have found several locations which look promising. Hopefully, we should have a definitive answer within the week.”