A walk between worlds

Lord Richards

Lord Richards

          It has been almost two weeks since Murdoch and his ship, the Siren’s Song arrived on the bluff.  Murdoch spent much of his days along with Peter and the crew on the ship making necessary repairs.  Jack was getting around better, but he stayed closer to the cottage with me and Tavish.  I insisted the three men continue to stay in my home with me to make sure they got proper rest. 

          The sun outside was coming up and I scooted down the stairs to get breakfast around for the men.  Tavish has been with me most of the time and I must admit I am growing very fond of the lad.  He is about 12 years of age and my heart does not want to see him go back on the ship.  Keeping him here with me would be an option, if he wanted to stay, but it would be his decision.  I made a mental note to myself that I would discuss it with Murdoch, to get permission to ask Tavish first.

          Jack was the first one up this morning and had been making good use of the crutches that Tavish made for him.  I quickly got him some tea and sat it on the table.   

          I fixed myself a bite to eat and sat with him.  “I was thinking, would you like to go down to the ship with the men today instead of being stuck up here with me?  I could have James take you down in the wagon?”

          Jack smiled, “It’s not that I don’t like the company of a lovely lady, but I would greatly enjoy that!”

          “I will go out and tell James to get the wagon ready so when Murdoch and Peter leave you can go with them.  But I swear if you mess up the progress, we made with your leg you will regret it.”

          Jack started to laugh and threw his hands up in the air as if to surrender, “I will not, I have seen you angry once with Jayden.”

          I laughed and then looked down at my plate for a minute.  “Jack, what is Murdoch’s relationship with Jayden?  I mean are they lovers?”

          Jack sat up straight and looked as though I made him extremely uncomfortable.  “I think you should ask Murdoch that question lass.  I don’t want to be talking out of turn because it’s the captain.  But I will say this much, I have never seen him look at Jayden the way he looks at you.  And if he doesn’t make up his mind soon about what his feelings really are, Peter and I will be fighting over you.” 

          I smiled, “Thank you Jack.  I really am going to miss you all when you leave.  I will fetch James to hook up that wagon.”

          Getting up from the table, I wrapped my tartan shawl around my shoulders and stepped out into the morning air.  Walking across the field to the barn, the crisp morning air met my face.  Although there was a slight chill, this was the time of day that I enjoyed the most.  When everything is quiet and slowly begins to wake up.  I thought about what Jack had said to me this morning.  Murdoch was trying to figure out his feelings, but what exactly were mine.  I met up with James, and he assured me once he had everything hooked up, he would bring the wagon around to the cottage to get Jack.

          By the time I got back to the cottage, Murdoch, Peter, and Tavish were all awake.  “Good morning my men!”  I laughed.  They were all gathered around the table talking.  Jack said, “I will be going down to the ship with you this morning.  Isabell has James hooking up the wagon.”

          Peter said with a smirk, “Well, since Jack won’t be staying here with Isabell, I can keep her company today.” 

          Murdoch glared at him, “You have work to do.  Besides, there are things I need to discuss with Isabell, and I don’t want either of you around.”

          Peter smiled across the table at Jack like there was something they knew that I did not.

          I put hot plates of food on the table for them and an extra plate as I heard James pulling up with the wagon.  Once they were done eating Peter helped Jack in the wagon and took Tavish with him.  Murdoch yelled to them, “Make sure the sails are intact, and no more holes are in them.  I will be down shortly.”

          Standing in the kitchen cleaning up the plates, I felt Murdoch come behind me and place his hands gently on my hips.  I felt myself shiver at the sudden touch. In a husky voice, he said, “Isabell, turn around so I can look at you.” Slowly turning to face those blue eyes that swallowed you like the sea itself.  He lifted his hand up to my face, staring into my eyes, “Never in all my life, have I met a woman who consumes every waking moment.  You even haunt my dreams.  What kind of spell have you cast on my heart?”  My eyes looked towards the floor for a moment, then he said, “Isabell, do not look away from me, I can not bear it.”  In that moment he pulled me into his body and kissed me, gently.  I could not stop what I was feeling in that moment, wanting to know him, taste his lips.  Wrapping my fingers in his hair I found myself pulling him deeper into me.  The kiss became hungry, wanting, and I felt my body responding to a need I had never felt before.  His calloused hands moved along my body, searching for what laid beneath my garments.  I was losing my mind.  He started to kiss my neck then move down to the neck line that hid my breasts beneath my dress.  Trying to catch my breath, I said, “Murdoch, please we need to stop, its not right.” Putting my hands on his chest and gently pushing him away.  “Please, I am not a woman who beds any man that comes within my home.  I do not want you to think that of me.”

          Murdoch smirked, “I already know that lass, tis why I want you so much.  I can not help myself.  However, I would never do anything you would not want me to do.  I may be a rogue, but I would never take a woman against her will.  You stir feelings that I do not know what to do with.  Make me think things that I know are not possible to have between us.”

          Stepping back, I said to him, “Then what is the difference between me and Jayden.  You obviously have a relationship with that woman, and I don’t want to be something new that you pass your time with.” 

          His eyes became dark, and he looked angry at my words that were spoken.  “Is that what you think of me.  Wait, of course you do, I am a pirate after all, one that is not capable of real feelings and uses women for my own needs.  Taking advantage of sweet innocent women and seducing them.  Of course, you would think that of me.  I just thought you were different.  As far as Jayden, there is nothing between us, at least on my end.  I apologize if I have upset you.”

          He turned without letting me respond and stormed out the door.  Shaking, I felt myself start to cry.  What was wrong with me.  But I already knew what was wrong, I had fallen for Murdoch.

          Later in the day I decided to go for a walk around the top of the bluff.  All I could focus on was that kiss.  My late husband and I shared kisses and soft caresses, as we were still getting to know each other with our marriage be arranged and he didn’t want to force me.  Then after only a few short months, he fell ill, and I lost him.  We never made love, and I never felt the way I do about Murdoch, I knew he was dangerous, but I also saw something else in him as well.  I was so lost in my thoughts, that I did not see the rider approach on horseback.  Glancing up, I saw Lord Richards..  I felt my stomach churn.  He was no doubt here wanting an answer from me regarding his proposal of marriage.  I did not love Lord Richards, but what choice did I have sooner or later, I would have to marry. 

          Lord Richards slowed his stallion and dismounted, He was a tall board shouldered man, with dark wavy black hair and dark eyes.  He was an attractive man that most women would throw themselves at, dressed in tan breaches, black riding boots, with a dark green shirt and a matching tan riding coat with and intricate gold design on the hem.  No doubt showing his status as a Lord.  But as attractive as he was, I always felt something dark within his eyes, that made me feel uncomfortable. 

          Striding towards me, he reached out and took my slender hand and kissed it, “Isabell, such a pleasure as always.”  I curtsied to him, “Lord Richards, what an honor for you to grace my presence.  What brings you here today?”

          “I have come to check on the properties and wanted to stop and see you.  You look as lovely as ever my dear.”

          “Thank you, Lord Richards.”

          His eyes raked over my body and made me uncomfortable.  However, something else caught his eyes down below.  “Hmm…do you have visitors?”

          Nervously I answered, “Why yes, they needed some medical assistance, and I was only too happy to help.  It is my understanding that they will be leaving within the week.”

          Looking back at me he said, “I don’t like you being a lone woman, especially a beautiful one at that, being in the presence of all of those men.  Perhaps, I should stay until they leave.”

          “That is not necessary, they have been nothing but gentlemen, plus I have James here with me.  I can certainly take care of myself.  I have done so thus far since Angus passed.”

          “I still do not like it, Isabell.”  He seemed to be angry and I did not fully understand why.

          “Isabell,” someone was calling my name and as I turned, I realized it was Tavish.  He waved to me as he came running to me.

          “Who is the lad?  Is he with the ship?”

          Lying to Lord Richards, I said, “No, his name is Tavish McNeil, nephew of my late husband’s brother.  He has come to stay with me for a bit.”

          As Tavish got closer to me, he eyed Lord Richards and almost looked uncomfortable under this gaze.  I reached out and squeezed his hand, “Tavish, this is Lord Richards.  Lord Richards, my nephew, Tavish McNeil.”  Tavish looked at me with a silent understanding, then bowed, “Lord Richards, a pleasure to meet you.”

          “The pleasure is mine.  Isabell, I will take my leave now.”  He turned then mounted his horse and looked down at me, “I will be back at the end of the week Isabell, and I expect an answer from you.  I am not a patient man.  Good day.”

          I finally let out a breath that I had no idea I was holding and placed my hand on my stomach.  “Miss, what was all that about.  You seem upset.”

          “Tavish, I may have put all of you in danger.  Come we have much to do for dinner this evening and I need to speak to all of the men.”

          “What did he mean about wanting an answer from you.” 

          “Tavish, I am afraid that I will have to no choice but to marry Lord Richards.  This time he will not take no for an answer.”

          “Why did you tell him that I was your nephew?”

          Taking a deep breath, I stopped walk and placed my hands on Tavish’s shoulders.  “Tavish, I wanted to get permission from the captain to talk to you but now it seems things have become more urgent.  How would you feel about staying here with me?  Permanently, and becoming my family and heir to my estate?  I have no children and worry that if I don’t have an heir, my lands will be taken away from me.  I realize you have no parents to go home to, and I don’t want to see you go back on the ship.  You posses such ability to become a great young man and I want you to stay.  But the choice is yours.”

          Tavish stood like a stone statue with his eyes looking at mine, and then they became glassy.  He threw his arms around me and buried his face in my shoulder.  “Oh miss, I would love to stay here with you and have a home.  I promise I will not let you down.  I will take care of you and James.”

          I patted his back, “Tavish, thank you.  From here on out, your last name will be McNeil.”  He squeezed me into a tight hug and stayed like that for a minute.  I don’t know who was happier, me or Tavish.  “Come now, we have much to do for dinner tonight.  And much to discuss with the crew.”

     I put together a meal of fresh bread, and venison provided by the farmer down the road for helping his little girl get through a fever.  I added potatoes and root vegetables and it certainly looked like a feast fit for the king’s men.  I did not eat much as I was nervous knowing I had to address the men.  They were happily eating and drinking and praising the food I prepared before them.  All through dinner I could feel Murdoch’s gaze upon me, making me even more nervous.  Looking up into the pool of blue eyes, all I could think was that I put him and his men in danger.  I had to protect them all.  Once I could see the dinner winding down, I stood up from the table.  “I need to speak will all of you this evening as something unfortunate has come about.  I had a visit today from Lord Richards who tends to the taxes and property.  He saw your ship, and I told him that some of you needed medical assistance.  He insisted on staying here, but I was able to talk him out of it telling him that you should be gone within the week.  I fear if you do not leave by that time, he will tell the British to investigate and they will come looking for you.  You have all become like an extended family to me and I don’t want to see any of you in danger.  To make the situation worse, Lord Richards wants to marry me and feels threatened with you all being here.  I am so sorry to have put you all in this situation, but I have been able to by you some time.”  My voice started to c***k, and I felt my eyes start to well up with tears.  “If you all will excuse me.”  I quickly walked away from the table and went inside upstairs to my room.  I laid on the bed, tears escaping my eyes.  I had not slept in my bed since Murdock arrived and my pillows smelled of sandalwood.  It only made me cry more. 

          I must have fell asleep because I woke in the night and a fire was made in the hearth.  Making out a sleeping form on the settee.  It was Murdoch and the settee was much too small for his 6ft 2 frame.

          I swung my legs off the bed and crept over to him.  Gently placing my hand on his shoulder, I said, “Murdoch, wake up.” 

          “I am not asleep Isabell.” 

          Please come to bed, the settee is much too small for your frame.  He turned and looked up at me, “I will come to bed, but you are coming with me.  I promise, I will not touch you other than to hold you.”

          I stood there for a minute looking at him and apparently losing my senses, because I reached my hand out for his.  He took it and pulled me into an embrace and then kissed me ever so softly.  “I don’t know how I am going to let you go Isabell.  I want to know what it is like to wake up with you in my arms for as long as I can.” 

          Walking over to the dressing screen, I removed my dress which only left me in my shift.  When I came from behind the screen Murdoch was standing before me in only his breeches.  The glow of the fire dancing across his sculpted muscles.  I could see a slight smirk on his face as he caught me scanning his chest.  Walking to the bed and crawling under the quilts, all I thought about was what it would feel like to have him make love to me.  He pulled me into his chest and kissed my forehead.  The feel of his arms around me made me feel so safe and warm. 

          “Isabell, I am going to tell you something and I want you to let me finish speaking before you interrupt me.” I looked up at him and said, “Ok.”

“These last few weeks with you, watching you and living here have been the most content I have ever felt.  You make me think of what it would be like to have a home, and children and a life away from the sea.  To be loved and married to you and to share a future together.  Tonight, when you told me of Lord Richards, I was so angry, to think that another man would dare take what I want to be mine.  All I could think about was taking you away with me on the Siren’s Song.  Away from here.  But that would prove to be dangerous.  I have money hidden and put aside, enough for a comfortable life.  We could meet in the America’s and build a new life and start over.  I want to spend my life with you Isabell.  To be my wife and mother of my children.  I need to know what you are thinking right now?”

          Reaching up to take his face in my hands, I kissed him.  Whispering, “I love you Murdoch.  I’m not sure when it happened, but yes I want a life with you.”

          “Isabell, I feel in love with you the moment I opened my eyes and saw you taking care of me.  I kept asking myself, why would God send me an angel, because I certainly did not deserve you.”

          He leaned in to kiss me, and it started out soft and gentle, then turned into a hungrier and more passionate kiss.  My lips parted inviting his tongue to enter my mouth.  Soon our tongues were in a dance.  His hands running along my curves as I leaned my head back and allowed him to leave a trail of kisses down my neck to the top of my breasts.  I felt a slight moan leaving my mouth. 

          Murdoch turned me onto my back, “Isabell, I want to make love to you, but I don’t want to force myself.”

          Placing my hand around the back of his neck and pulling him down to kiss me, I whispered, “I want to know how it feels to be with you Murdoch, but I never have done this before.”

          “Not even with your late husband?”

          “We were still getting to know each other when he got sick.  You are my first.”

          Murdoch smiled at me then whispered, “I will be gentle, and if you are afraid just tell me.  I want you to enjoy it as a man and woman should.”

          His hands roamed over my body so carefully and I could feel my self start to get warm between my legs.  I wanted to feel all of him, see all of him, I kissed his chest and felt his muscles with my fingers.  Soon my chemise was discarded and I laid before him with no shame. “God, you are so beautiful, to imagine, all of this was hidden and just for me to see.”

          Sitting up and pushing him back I said, “You are overdressed.  These need to come off.”  My fingers reached for the buttons on his breeches as I watched them slide down his legs.  There he stood in front of me as naked as I was and everything that I imagined him to be. 

          He started to bend towards the bed, kissing the inside of my calves, and then my thighs. A small moan escaping my lips, as his fingers slid upside of me.  I clenched my hands in his hair pulling his mouth down on mine, “Please Murdoch...”  

          Slowly he placed himself between my legs and then pushed himself inside me, and then allowed me to get comfortable with him.  He then continued to push himself in further until I was completely filled with his manhood.  Breathless, he said, “Are you ok, am I hurting you?” 

          “No…please more.”  He then started to move, gently at first, until I squeezed my legs around him pulling him in for more.  His kissing more aggressive, lustful, and I was getting lost with every thrust.  “God woman. What you do to me.”  Then a wave of euphoria came over me and with one last thrust, he released inside of me and we collapsed together unable to come down from the high of our love making. 

          He buried his face in the crook of my neck and left a soft kiss.  “Mo ghradh leatsa mi.” (my love you are mine).  We fell into a deep sleep holding each other into the night.