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Chapter One,   Chapter Two,   Chapter Three

London, 1860

Rafe MacLachlan stepped from his carriage and took one more look at the ransom note. Anger surged through him again as he re-read the menacing words before he folded the paper and stuffed it back inside his vest pocket. Thank God he had been looking for the pocket watch he had lent his brother, Saul, when he found the note. Rafe strode up to the elegant townhouse and rapped on the front door.

While he waited for someone to answer it, he scanned the late afternoon sky. Winter refused to give the oncoming spring a chance. Dark brooding clouds marched their way in toward the city.

A moment later the plump housekeeper, Mrs. Jones, answered the door. "Oh, Mr. MacLachlan, thank God yer here. Miss Selena is simply beside herself."

Rafe strode into the dimly lit foyer. "Where is everyone?"

"Only Miss Selena is home. Everyone else is out looking for Miss Penelope. My sweet Plum, only twelve years old." The housekeeper shut the door. "And things are in a complete uproar with the wedding scheduled for tomorrow morning. Presents keep arriving, caterers coming and going, flowers everywhere."

Mrs. Jones wiped her ruddy face with her large white apron. "What are we going to do? My precious Plum," she blubbered. "Tis a wicked world. Taking my darling."

"Aye." Rafe impatiently tossed his hat on the marble topped mahogany table. "Where is Miss Selena?" He pushed back a loose strand of hair.

"In the parlor."

"Thank you." Rafe hurried along the hallway that was overcrowded with roses, lilies and hyacinths, their perfume flooding the air. He entered the room and saw Selena.

In front of the fireplace, she paced, clasping and unclasping her hands. He could hear the soft blue wool of her skirt swish against the dark furniture as she walked. A tall, graceful woman, her long strides ate up the distance.

For an instant he recalled the first time he had seen her. She had been dancing with Saul, and like lightning on a clear, moonlit night, his heart had been struck. His reaction totally surprised him for he had promised himself he would never love another woman again. Never give another woman the opportunity to betray him again, but this woman tugged at his heart.

It had been a wonderful pleasure to dance with Selena, hold her in his arms, inhale her soft, haunting fragrance of warm lilacs. But that one dance had been a mistake for him. During the ensuing weeks it had become harder to keep his heart distant from her which he had to do, not only because of his self-imposed promise, but because she was marrying his brother.

Nonetheless, though, every time he saw her, she put a lift in his heart. And for the first time he could ever remember, he was jealous of his younger brother.

Saul had charisma, good looks, an abundance of charm, and Selena had succumbed to all of Saul's attractiveness. But she would be dismayed and horrified if she knew the truth about the man she was engaged to.

"Miss Robbins."

Startled, she whirled around and stopped. Surprise and relief glimmered in her eyes. "Mr. MacLachlan." Continuing to wring her hands she hurried over to him. "I'm so glad you've come."

"I came as soon as I found out."

"We need all the help we can get to find my sister."

He jerked off his taupe-colored leather gloves. "First, tell me everything that happened."

"My sister and I were about to enter Mrs. Cornwall's to pick up Plum's hat for tomorrow when three or four men, I don't know how many, rushed at us." She covered her face with her hands as if the memory was too awful to relate.

"Then what happened?"

She lifted her head, took a deep breath and continued. "One of them knocked me down and the others hauled Plum away."

"Can you describe the men?"

"No." She shook her head. "It happened too fast."

His emotions vacillated between relief that she hadn't recognized any of the men and just as contrariwise, disappointment. She hadn't seen Saul, which was too bad. She would have called off the wedding.

"I see." He momentarily tapped his gloves against his leg before crushing them into his coat pocket.

"I keep hearing Plum's scream and then her muffled cries for help." Selena sat down on the dark rose velvet love seat, then abruptly got up again to resume her pacing. "She's in grave danger. Who knows what could happen to her? If we don't find her soon, we may never see her again." Her voice rose with each distress-ladened word.

Rafe moved closer to the fireplace and held his hands out to the fire's warmth.

Selena followed him. "Surely, Mr. MacLachlan," she pleaded, "you could warm yourself later after Plum -- Miss Penelope -- is found."

"It's brisk outside and it's going to rain."

She huffed a breath. "I don't care what the weather is doing. My sister is in trouble and everyone else I know is out there searching for her except you."

He could feel the fear and anger emanating from Selena and silently cursed his brother. Rafe pulled his gaze from her and blindly stared at the yellow and crimson glow of the burning coals. "Not true. You're here."

"Do you think that either my father or Saul would allow me to search for her? I'm stuck in this house waiting." She swung away from him and began to pace again. "How it galls me to be put in a position like this. Since my mother's death, I'm the one who has managed every household necessity, yet in this crisis, as if I'm incapable of doing anything more than some needlework, I'm told to stay home. It seems that when any emergency occurs, women are kept in their place, always waiting. I would do anything to get her back safe and sound." The words raced from her.

Rafe took a deep breath and felt the folded sheet of paper tucked away in his vest pocket. Somehow he had to keep Selena from marrying Saul, find Plum before any harm befell her, and protect his brother from his own wrong doings. There was only one quick solution he could immediately think of. It would require him to force Selena's hand. Something that put a bad taste in his mouth to do so in this manner, but the end result, if things played out to his satisfaction, would not entirely displease him. Selena would at least be his.

"Anything?" he asked softly.

Selena paused in her steps and gazed at him. The flickering light from the fire cast red highlights in her curly brown hair. Her usually beautiful calm gray eyes glistened with terror and frustration. "Anything." She clasped her hands tightly together. "What can I do?"

He drew his pocket watch out from his vest pocket and looked at it.

"Are you going to tell me what you have in mind, Mr. MacLachlan, or simply study your watch?" Desperation echoed in her voice.

He put his watch away. "'Tis a promise I want from you."

"What?" she asked sounding quite annoyed. "Whatever it is I'm sure I can manage. I told you I would do anything."

He held her gaze for a long moment. The fates of several lives depended on her answer. "When I find Plum and bring her back, I want you to marry me. Tonight."

She backed up a step, put a hand to her throat and gaped at him. "What?" she croaked out.

"You heard me. Marry me tonight after I bring Plum back home." He watched her slowly inhale and lift her head. Her cheeks drained of their color.

"Mr. MacLachlan, I am appalled by your untimely request."

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at her. "Request. Bargain. Promise. Whatever you want to call it. But you heard my terms."

"I...I'm supposed to marry Saul. I love him and he is the man I intend to marry." Her gaze seemed to scatter around the room as if trying to find an easy answer to her dilemma. She nervously touched a loose curl on her cheek. "Your own brother. Tomorrow morning."

"Aye." Her conflict was clearly written on her face. Rafe was counting on her selfless need for someone to find and protect her sister in order for her to make the choice he discovered he desperately wanted her to make.

He knew if Selena married Saul, she would end up bruised and battered. Or worse. Her life would be in danger and he simply could not stand the thought of Saul harming her. At this moment he knew she would not believe any declaration of love from him; not that he did, but neither would she believe any disparaging remark he might make about Saul. She would see his statements as simple jealousy.

Selena's breast heaved with a breath and she crossed her arms. Tapping her foot she said, "Do you mean to tell me that if I don't promise to marry you, you won't go out and search for Plum?"

He decided to keep his own counsel. However, regardless of her reply, he would go and search for Selena's sister.

"You are a dreadful man, Mr. MacLachlan. The day before I am to be married my sister is kidnapped and now you want me to give you my promise that I will marry you?

The fine edge of hysteria in her voice made him feel like an unspeakable cad of the first order. He could ask her to delay the wedding, and she might be more willing to agree. But Saul would be on his best behavior until they married. The only way he could manage to protect Selena was to marry her. Besides he found he...his mind stopped. He could not, would not, admit to love; but he did desire her. Desire was nothing more than need. He could live with that particular emotion.

"I am waiting for your answer."

She looked like she had just put something bitter in her mouth. "No man I know would think of forcing me into making a decision like this when I am in such distress."

He came up to her and gently put his hands on her arms and gazed deeply into her eyes. Beneath the fine cotton material he felt the muscles in her arms tense. "I will find Plum. Ye will marry me. Tonight."

"That would mean breaking my promise to marry your brother."

"Aye." He wished it didn't have to be so painful for her, but at the moment he could see no other way.

"I can't marry you and then leave Plum here alone, not after everything that has happened to her. Not even Saul would ask that of me."

"You won't be leaving Plum alone."

"I don't understand." Her gaze remained steady on his.

"We will take her with us. Do I have your promise?"

"What about my father? We would need his permission."

"People elope everyday without their father's consent."

She bit down on her lower lip for a second. "The authorities, as well as my father and Saul, are looking for Plum." She broke away from him and walked over to the windows. Arms crossed she gazed out at the early evening sky. "I'm sure they will find her."

"The authorities have more to do than search for one missing young lass. And if they're not successful in finding her tonight, you may never see her again."

Her shoulders fell in an action that said despair and she turned back to stare at him. "Why would you want to marry me?"

He kept silent. The truth gnawed at him though, if he did this, forced her into marriage, he was no better than his brother. But it couldn't be helped. Both he and Selena were being forced to do something neither wanted. Only she was unaware of the dilemma.

He supposed he could simply ask Selena to break off her engagement to Saul, but if she did and she eventually married someone else, who knew how Saul would react. It would be far better that he marry Selena. He knew what to expect from his brother.

"I don't understand your silence." She inhaled a ragged breath. "Mr. MacLachlan, how would you get a special license so we could get married tonight?"

"Bishop's my uncle."

She blinked at his statement. "How convenient."

Her voice dripped with unmistakable sarcasm and he couldn't blame her. "It will take me only a moment to write him a note and then I'll be on my way to find Plum. That is if ye will agree to my conditions."

"And if Saul and my father find Plum first? Or the authorities?"

He heard the hope in her voice, but only snorted and shrugged a shoulder. The odds were in his favor that they wouldn't find Plum. London was a big city. And Saul was, no doubt, at this very moment leading Mr. Robbins on a wild goose chase.

Selena stared down at the floor for a second and then looked back at him. "We don't need your kind of help, Mr. MacLachlan."

"I know where to look, but I won't go unless ye agree to marry me."

"And where would you look?"

"Places no lady should know about."

Head high, lips trembling she studied him for a long moment before she lowered her gaze from his.

Chafing to be on his way to search for Plum he decided to try and force the issue. "Every minute you take to decide..."

In a small shaky voice she said, "If you find Plum safe and sound, Mr. MacLachlan, before anyone else does, I'll marry you."

After he had his assistant driver hurry off with the note to the bishop, Rafe told his other driver, Harlan, to head into the Wentworth Street area. Once inside and settled against the leather seats, he fished out the ransom note from his pocket. As the carriage turned the corner, he took one more look back at the Robbins's home before he flipped the paper open and looked at it. It was too dark to really read it, but the words, carefully forged in his own precise handwriting, were burned into his mind. Carefully, he refolded the paper and tucked it back into his vest pocket.

He knew he had taken terrible advantage of the situation; but every action he had taken, he could justify.

That one evening in the warm moonlight, months ago, when he had been introduced to Selena, he had known he would somehow have to save her from his younger brother, if only for her own safety. But Selena thought she was in love with Saul. She had no idea what he was truly like. Rafe had lost count of the times he had had to pay off some madam because Saul had lost his temper and had beaten a woman. Saul was now banned from at least three establishments. Ever the gentleman in Selena's presence, Saul became a devil with any woman he took to bed.

Rafe had tried to talk to Selena's father about the upcoming marriage and Saul's foul temper, but Mr. Robbins chose to turn a blind eye to Saul's ways with women. He had laughed it off, saying he would never treat a lady in that manner.

Now, for whatever reason Saul had seen fit to kidnap Plum, Rafe had come up with a plan not only to get Selena away from him, but to marry her himself. He prayed, much like Selena, he ruefully acknowledged, that tonight he wouldn't be too late in rescuing Plum -- or his marriage to Selena would be over before it even started. And then he didn't know what he could do to legally protect Selena and her sister.

An hour later, he disembarked from the carriage.

"Need any help?" Harlan asked from his lofty position. "This is one of the more dangerous parts of London."

Rafe shook his head. "I doubt that she's here, but best to find out."

"Aye."

A minute later he found himself inside a not so discreet whorehouse. The perfumed scented air was cloying and thick, but one look around told him that was not the place he would find Plum and left. He tried a couple of more whorehouses that were much like the first place, but had no luck at either.

"Harlan, head for Claymount's in the Spitalfield district. And hurry."

The rain dampened Rafe's clothes as he hurried across the sidewalk and into the noisy tavern. He took one quick look around and left. Standing beside the carriage he looked down the street for a moment. "Harlan."

"Aye, sir?"

"Where else would Saul have taken her?"

Harlan studied the horses in front of him for so long that Rafe took a step closer to the carriage. "Either you know or you don't. And I don't care to be standing out here in the rain getting wetter as you take your time."

"Just thinkin' of which place to go to first."

"I don't care which place." Impatience fired his voice. If he didn't find Plum in time, Selena was sure to marry Saul. Her life would be miserable and Rafe would always feel at fault. "Just get us there quick. The night is growing deep and we need to get Plum before Saul does."

Forty-five minutes later Rafe stood outside a three-story building. He could hear the muted sounds of men's raucous laughter, even the occasional catcall and whistle. Rafe checked his pistol and shoved it inside his waistband.

Harlan leaned over. "If ye're no' back in five minutes, I'll come after ye."

"Agreed." Checking first to see if Mr. Robbins's carriage was nearby Rafe looked down the street. He did not want to meet up with Saul and have all his plans to marry Selena himself disappear. Not seeing Mr. Robbins's carriage he strode to the front door and walked in.

The blue haze from the cigar smoke hung like a thick cloud in the room. Heavy red drapes covered the windows and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Seeing the madam, he quickly made his way over to her.

With a knowing look she lifted a dark brow and fluttered her fan. "Looking for someone special?" she purred.

"Possibly." He vaguely wondered how long she had been in the flesh trade business. Her hair was black and brittle and her low cut dress exposed sagging, wrinkled breasts.

"Anything in particular?"

"Young. Fresh." He gazed about the crowded room.

"I have just the woman for you. Lynette." Lightly she put her hand on his arm.

His mouth must have turned up in a strange smile for she batted her eyes up at him.

"There she is now. Over by the older gentleman." She pointed out a woman dressed in a dark lavender gown shot with jet beads.

Rafe shook his head. "No. Not quite what I had in mind." He looked down at the madam again and cringed at the thought of Saul going back to Selena after being at such a notorious whorehouse.

"Perhaps I should have said 'new'."

"How new?" She folded her fan and gazed steadily at him.

Rafe inhaled deeply and immediately wished he hadn't. He coughed to expel the smoke. "Someone, say...new today."

"That would be very expensive."

"Money does not concern me." To prove it he reached for his wallet, making sure she could see his pistol, and thumbed the bills in it. He watched her look about the room with old, knowing and calculating eyes. He was amazed when she shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I don't have anyone quite fitting your requirements."

He gave her a sharp look.

"I see you are surprised by my honesty."

"Aye."

Lazily she re-opened her fan. "You're a new customer. I'd rather have you satisfied than disappointed." She took a quick glance at his wallet and looked away as if she did not want to be caught peering at his money.

"Perhaps the next time we will have someone suitable."

"Perhaps." He put his wallet back.

"But...there is one place you might look. It is well know in the more discreet circles that they have the purest girls."

Rafe waited for her to continue.

"Information like that does not come cheap."

"I understand." He retracted his wallet and pulled out a few bills.

The crisp money crumpled in her hands as she took it from him. Quickly she gave him the address. "The house has a blue door. Knock on it, three times, quick-like."

Rafe hurried out of the building. As soon as the door behind him shut, he reached up to his neck and loosened his silk cravat. He hated the damnable things; he always felt like he was choking in them.

"Harlan, I have a possible lead."

"Aye, sir." Harlan said as he undid the carriage brake.

Once back inside the coach, Rafe whipped off his loosened cravat and stuffed it into a pocket not caring if the ends were trailing out. As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Rafe jumped out and stood still in shock. Wide, expansive lawns, each surrounded with black wrought iron fences and ornate gates, fronted all of the large houses. The baroque style gaslights sparkled in the wet air. He gazed up at his driver.

"This looks like a respectable neighborhood."

"Aye," Harlan nodded.

Rafe studied the house before him. All the window coverings were pulled down, not a light peered around the edges. "They certainly like their privacy."

"Aye."

"It would be nice if for once you would say more than one word at a time, old man." Rafe hurried up the slick walk and did as the madam had told him. A butler swung open the well-oiled front door.

"Yes?"

"I was told this was a place of, ah...entertainment."

"Your name, sir?"

"Rafe MacLachlan."

"Do you have a reference?"

Rafe hesitated before answering. "Saul MacLachlan."

The butler gazed at him for a moment, then stepped back and gestured for Rafe to come in. "Straight down the hall, sir. The second set of double doors on the left."

The thick gray carpet silenced Rafe's quick steps as he went down the quiet hall. When he put his hand on the cool brass knob, he heard the distinct call of an auctioneer.

"Come now, lads. This lovely, young woman is worth more than that."

Rafe slipped inside the room. On a small stage stood a large, beefy man holding a young, blond girl by her arms. Behind them were four other young girls, all bound, gagged and held. One girl was a redhead, the other three dark haired. They all had their heads down, their hair falling over their faces so that Rafe couldn't see if one of the brunettes was Plum or not.

"Sold," rang out the auctioneer and the young blond was hustled off the stage.

One of the brunettes was brought forward and the man behind her grabbed a fist full of her hair and forced her head up. Her large dark eyes told of her awful terror.

Plum.

Finding it warm in the room Rafe undid the first button on his shirt. One young man made a bid and another upped it.

"That's too low for this beauty, and remember you are paying for the privilege of being the first to have your way with these young ladies," the auctioneer said.

Another bid was called out. Rafe watched for a moment and took another step into the room.

"Much better, sir," called out the auctioneer. He looked about the crowded room. "Do I hear another bid? Surely you gentlemen here are not going to let some young buck initiate this lovely, pure thing into the pleasures of passion."

Silence.

"Be warned then. Going." He paused. "Going." He raised his gravel.

Rafe raised his hand and called out a bid tripled from the last amount. Everyone turned to him. Whispers, mixed in with curious looks, filled the room.

"Hush, now," the auctioneer ordered. "I see we have a true gentleman in our midst tonight." He looked around the room. "Does anyone care to take up his challenge?"

Rafe folded back the opening of his jacket and put his hands on his hips allowing everyone to see his pistol.

"That's not the weapon you need tonight, sir," the auctioneer said.

Snickering laughter echoed throughout the room.

"Going, going, sold to the gentleman in the back." The auctioneer waved at the man holding Plum and he hustled her off the stage. As Rafe made his way to the stage he looked about him. He did not see Saul, but that didn't mean he wasn't nearby. However, he probably would not bring Mr. Robbins here in his deceitful search for Plum. Saul wouldn't get the ransom money he wanted.

When Rafe reached the front of the room, a large man wearing a brace of pistols greeted him.

"This way, sir."

He was ushered into a small room lit by gas wall sconces where a handsome woman dressed in a most discreet black silk gown sat at a desk. A large man, his arms crossed, stood behind her.

"As soon as we are done with our transaction, Charlie will show you upstairs to one of our guest rooms," she said to Rafe.

As there were no other chairs in the room, he stood. "Not until I see the girl."

"You pay first, Mr. MacLachlan."

He gazed down at her. "You know who I am."

"We are well informed as to who enters our establishment. Are you related to Saul MacLachlan?" She folded her hands.

Rafe hesitated. "I know of him. Why?"

"Just curious."

"Umm." Rafe counted his money and laid it down on the desk. As the woman put her hand on it, he laid his on top of hers. "If she's not a virgin, I'll want my money back."

"In this business, it's buyer beware. But, in this one case, you'll find this one pure as the first snow." She pulled her hand, filled with Rafe's money, free of his. "You're paying for the pleasure of taking her virginity and I guarantee that this young woman has never known a man."

A moment later the door opened and, still bound and gagged, Plum was led in. She hung her head down, her dark hair hiding her face, and when Rafe reached over and with his hand lifted it, she shied away and looked down again.

"Has she been drugged?" he asked peering closely at Plum.

"Just a little something so she wouldn't fight. Her name is Penelope."

"How did ye come by her?" He was fairly sure that Saul had a hand in it, but he wanted to hear this woman's explanation.

"Why do you care? As you can see by her clothes this young lady is no street urchin. You are going to get what you paid for."

"I have my reasons for wanting to know."

"Three days ago that very man we were talking about visited us and beat a young woman so badly she won't be able to work for the next few weeks. Nearly killed her. He had until six o'clock tonight to replace her or we would extract some other method of payment from him."

Rafe's stomach churned in response to learning about his brother's actions. Somehow he had always hoped that Saul would eventually outgrow his weakness for treating women so badly.

Kidnapping Plum and allowing her to be ruined and somehow still manage to collect money from Mr. Robbins tore through his gut. And now hearing about another woman being beaten, his heart wanted to deny that his brother was capable of such a heinous crime, but his head told him that Saul was most likely involved.

"Are you sure it was this particular man?"

"Fairly sure."

"But not certain," he replied, a small measure of relief filling him. He badly wanted to grab at that slight chance that the man responsible for beating the whore could have been someone else.

The madam gave him a steady gaze. "What's done, is done. Charlie, show them the way."

As they left the small office Rafe took hold of Plum's arm and she whimpered. He wished he could tell her that in just a minute or two her ordeal would be over, but he couldn't chance it.

"This way, sir, if you would follow me. We will use the back stairs."

As soon as Rafe felt he could, he pulled his pistol free and jammed it into Charlie's back. "I have no intention of using one of your upstairs rooms. I don't care to be spied on. Now, lead us out of here, quickly."

Rafe chanced a look down at Plum and saw she had finally recognized him. But her drug-hazed eyes held questions and fear in them. He shook his head at her, trying to tell her not to do anything that would jeopardize their situation.

Charlie didn't budge. "You shoot me, sir, and everyone will be here in a second."

"Stand here," Rafe ordered Plum in a harsh tone. Wishing he didn't have to, he slammed his weapon on the back of Charlie's head. As soon as the man had fallen to the floor, Rafe turned and quickly untied Plum's hands and loosened her gag. Then, holding on to her tightly, he headed back the way they had just come. He knew that he and Plum might only have seconds before someone else would come upon them. They came to a juncture and he swerved to the right, taking the hallway.

"Plum, do you know how to get out of here?"

She shook her head.

They came to a door and he tried the doorknob. Locked. They continued on, hurrying, but Plum stumbled and Rafe clasped her around her waist. He heard a commotion and assumed that someone had found Charlie. Another door and Rafe once again tried the handle. It turned and Rafe, his heart beating hard, cautiously opened the door. The unoccupied room appeared to be a large parlor. "Come on."

Plum again whimpered.

"We're almost out now, lassie. Everything will be all right."

He took the time to close the door and saw no means to lock it in order to give himself and Plum more time. They ran across the room dodging the many small sofas and love seats scattered about and Rafe, using his gun to carefully push the door open, checked to see where they were. They had arrived at the front hallway; and fearing the butler was nearby, Rafe waited a moment longer. When the sounds of people approaching from the other hallway became louder, he took the chance and he and Plum made a dash for the front door.

Rafe threw open the door and pushed Plum out ahead of him. Driving rain hit them square in the face and only Rafe's hold on Plum prevented her from slipping on the sidewalk. "Harlan," he yelled. "I've got her. Get us out of here."

"Aye, sir."

Four men exploded out of the house behind them. "You can't take her," yelled one of them. "You've no right to her."

Rafe shoved Plum inside the coach and turned, gun pointing at them. The men backed up a step. "I have every right to her. She's my sister."

The men exchanged nervous, slant-eyed looks and Rafe got into the carriage. He heard Harlan crack the whip over the horses and the carriage lurched forward. Plum collapsed on the seat crying weakly.

"Shh, shh, sweeting," Rafe said as he shrugged out of his jacket. "You're safe." He wrapped her as best he could with his coat and she laid her head against his chest. "We'll have you home in no time at all." He hugged her tighter against himself and placed a small kiss on the top of her head.

When they arrived back at the Robbins's home, the rain had ceased. Rather than disturb Plum, who was sound asleep, Rafe carefully maneuvered her into a corner of the carriage.

As he stepped out of the carriage Selena came rushing out of the house followed by Mrs. Jones. As soon as Selena saw him, she stopped. He could see the disappointment in her that it was him and not her father and Saul.

"Did you find her?"

"Aye."

She ran up to the carriage. "Thank God, thank God, you found her," she said as she pushed past him and started to climb into it.

"Shh," Rafe whispered as he held her back. "She's asleep."

She glanced at him once and then looked back into the carriage. "Is she all right?" Selena reached inside and touched one of Plum's hands as if to ascertain that her sister was truly there.

"Aye."

"Let's get her upstairs to bed, Miss Selena," Mrs. Jones whispered.

Selena shook her head. "No, I think it would be better if Mr. MacLachlan leaves her right here."

Mrs. Jones's eyes popped wide. "What are you talkin' about, Miss Selena?"

"Just do as I say, Mrs. Jones. Mr. MacLachlan and I are going to take Plum someplace safe for awhile."

"I don't know --"

Rafe turned to the housekeeper. "Mrs. Jones, we don't have much time." His nerves jangled within him. With every passing heartbeat the chances grew that Saul and Mr. Robbins would show up while he was still there and he would not be able to get Selena and Plum away from Saul without a confrontation.

"But --"

He cut the housekeeper off. "Plum's safety is at stake here. The thieves that took her could be here any minute."

Mrs. Jones inhaled sharply. "Oh dear. What can I do?"

Rafe glanced at Selena. "Are the trunks ready?"

"Yes." She looked at the housekeeper. "Mrs. Jones, I packed a large trunk for Plum just in case Mr. MacLachlan found her."

Mrs. Jones wiped her hands on her apron. "You are always so organized, but to leave before --"

"Mrs. Jones, we have no time to discuss this. Plum could still be in danger."

"Harlan," Rafe said, "accompany Mrs. Jones and bring the trunks out."

"Aye."

They hurried into the house.

"Mrs. Jones," Selena called out softly. "Please bring our wraps."

"Of course, dear."

Selena licked her bottom lip in nervous anxiety. "You are very good in dreaming up quick lies to tell our housekeeper."

He took a quick look in the carriage. "Did you leave any message for your father?" he asked quietly.

Selena closed her eyes for a moment before answering. "Yes. As well as one for Saul, but I don't feel very honest about it."

"Fortis et fidus."

She frowned at him. "I have long forgotten my Latin."

One brow rose. "It means 'Brave and faithful'."

"I don't feel particularly brave or faithful."

"You are brave to accept my proposal and faithful to Plum."

"I guess you can apply those words to anything you want." Selena shivered. "You are aware that Saul will be very angry with you, which he has every right to be. And angry with me."

"Saul is going to be angry no matter what." He exhaled a sharp breath and anxiously looked down the street. "We don't have much time. Your father and Saul are bound to be back soon, and the bishop is waiting for us."

She wrapped her arms around herself. "The bishop will just have to wait. But do you really expect Saul to believe that I have fallen in love with you and out of love with him?"

"He'll believe what he wants to."

"You do know that the moment Saul reads that note he will surely rush back to your townhouse. Our reprieve from his shock and anger will be short lived."

Rafe shook his head. "Not so. I have no intention of living here in London. Come first light you and I and Plum will be on the train heading north for Edinburgh. We will be livin' at my estate, Parras Oidhche."

Selena felt her mouth drop open. She couldn't help it. Never once had she considered that they might be living someplace else. "I don't know anyone in Scotland."

"You'll know me. And Plum."

"That's not what I meant. And I hardly know you to begin with." He wanted her to move away from her family and all her friends? Had he no consideration at all for her feelings? Of course he didn't, or he would never have come up with such a vile bargain in the first place.

"I hardly consider that moving to Scotland is going to keep your brother from coming after us."

"I'm counting on him coming after me."

Frowning, she looked at him. What a strange thing to say. Did they consider her a prize to fight over? Before she could ask him about his answer, Harlan trudged out of the house, a large trunk on his shoulders. Mrs. Jones followed him carrying the cloaks Selena had requested. "Has she awakened yet?" Mrs. Jones whispered.

"No, Mrs. Jones." Selena took the cloaks from her.

"I've brought your hats as well," Mrs. Jones said as she handed them to Selena.

"How many more trunks?" Rafe asked as he helped Harlan.

"Three," Harlan answered.

"I'll help you. Selena," Rafe said, "get in with Plum."

His words were spoken like orders and Selena glared at him.

"It's all right, Miss Selena." Mrs. Jones helped Selena with her wrap. "He's only thinking of what's best for our Plum."

"Yes. Of Course." Selena opened the door, paused for a second, turned and gave Mrs. Jones a tight hug. "I've left Father and Saul a note each to let them know that Plum and I are safe."

"What about yur wedding tomorrow?"

"Don't worry about that, Mrs. Jones." Selena tried her best to sound cheerful hoping that Mrs. Jones would not hear the catch in her voice. "I am getting married. Just not quite when I had expected."

Chapter Two

"You may kiss the bride." The bishop said and slapped his prayer book shut.

Flustered, Selena shrank from beneath the glare of the bishop's gaze, heard Rafe take a deep breath and as he leaned toward her, she turned her head away from him. His lips were warm against her cool cheeks.

She was trying to keep every emotion inside her dead. But hysteria circled her like a great, hungry beast. What had begun as a most delightful day, the day before her marriage to Saul, had turned into a waking nightmare. Rafe handed the bishop a neatly folded wad of money.

"Let's go."

Selena turned around. Plum sat in one of the pews, her large brown eyes filled with questions. Rafe went to her and gently picked her up and, with Selena following, walked out of the tiny chapel and into the cold night.

His man, Harlan, waited beside the carriage. "Sir."

"Let's hurry."

"Aye."

After Rafe got Plum into the carriage, Selena climbed in and settled herself against the seats and put her arm around her sister. "We're going to Scotland for a few weeks, Plum. Won't that be nice?"

Plum gazed up at her for a second and nervously looked away. She seemed to shrink within herself. Worried about her sister, Selena hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

Rafe leaned forward and took one of Plum's hands. Amazed, Selena saw Plum curl her fingers tightly around Rafe's hand.

"Have ye ever been on the train?" he asked Plum.

She looked at him for a second and then her gaze skittered away.

"Lassie, no one will harm you now. We'll keep you safe."

Selena heard Plum take a small breath. While keeping a firm grip on Rafe's hand, Plum leaned into her. Selena took great hope in that small action of hers. Plum would be all right.

As they made their way to the train station the silence within the carriage was punctuated only by the horse's hooves clacking against the cobblestones. Deep in her thoughts, Selena gazed blindly out the window. She was now married to a man who seemed forbidding, never smiling, always watching.

If Rafe had not found Plum...Selena's breath shuddered as she thought about what might have had happened to her sister. Being married to Rafe MacLachlan seemed insignificant in comparison.

The train's hypnotic gentle sway and constant clacking of the wheels were slowly putting Selena to sleep. Rafe sat across from her and Plum in the private compartment assigned to them. Dawn was breaking and if he hadn't gotten any sleep, he doubted that Selena did either. He figured in another couple of hours there would be an uproar in the Robbins' household. And when Saul found out that his bride had been snatched away from him, he would be furious.

Rafe looked outside at the passing countryside. Saul would come after him, but it would be to no avail. Selena was now his. His to keep safe, as well as her sister. He glanced over at Selena and saw that even in her sleep her hands were tightly clenched in her lap.

He yawned and shook his head to clear it of sleep and then thought better of it. It was hours yet before they would reach Edinburgh. Folding his arms, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes.

A few moments later Selena carefully opened her eyes. With some effort she tried to relax her stiff hands. One arm was numb from Plum resting against it. There was a huge knot in Selena, filled with pain and disappointment that she was determined not to let out. However, other than sheer relief that Plum was now safe, Selena truly wanted to feel nothing, but deep-seated anger agitated in her that her life had gone so totally astray from her conceived notion of what it would have been.

She studied the man across from her. For all she knew he was simply resting, not sleeping, perhaps even watching her from under his dark lashes. His mouth was turned down casting a sullen expression on his face. When he shifted his broad shoulders in an apparent effort to get more comfortable, Selena quickly shut her eyes. She wasn't ready yet to talk to him. Many questions assaulted her, but the biggest of all was 'why'?

Why did he marry her? Why now? She wanted to screech the word out at him, pummel him with her fists, but she knew it best to quietly ask, to be calm, not emotional. She desperately wanted the truth out of him about how he knew where to find Plum, but she didn't know him well enough to judge whether or not he would be lying. The only thing she truly knew about him was his apparent stubbornness.

She sighed and again looked over at Mr. MacLachlan. Because of this man sleeping across from her, she had told more lies in one day that she had probably told in her entire life up to this point. In her note to her father she had written that she had found herself in love with Mr. Rafe MacLachlan and rather than be in a marriage with no love for the rest of her life had decided to marry him and to do it before either he or Saul could talk her out of it.

She had also begged him for his understanding as well as forgiveness for the embarrassment and cost to the family. She felt like a coward when it came to Saul, though. She wished she had had the courage to tell him the truth that she had married his older brother as part of a bargain, but strangely she didn't want any animosity between Saul and Rafe.

Saul. The muscles in her face shook from her effort not to cry. He was the most wonderful man she had ever met. He dressed impeccably and was the best dance partner she had ever had. Even now she could see all the towels she had embroidered with their initials, the S's intertwined.

She closed her eyes and was surprised when a tear fell. Quickly she brushed it away.

Tears were for the weak. She never cried, something she prided herself on. It would not do for Mr. MacLachlan to see any tears on her part. Nervously she glanced at him once more, but he still appeared to be asleep. Careful not to wake Plum she reached into her small velvet purse and pulled out a dainty lace handkerchief and dabbed at her face erasing any trace of her single tear.

She looked outside the window. The early spring weather of the breaking day promised to be as depressing as her new life.

The bare trees reached out and touched each other, their leafless limbs forming a canopy under which the carriage rolled toward its destination.

"We should be arriving home within the half-hour," Rafe said.

Selena looked outside for a moment before gazing back at him. Now was the time she decided. "Why?" she asked quietly so as to let Plum continue sleeping.

"Excuse me?"

"Why marry me?"

He rubbed his hands against his thighs before answering making Selena think he was going to hedge his answer in carefully selected words.

"Family."

"I see. You want an heir."

"No. A family."

"And you married me at the last minute?"

"Not exactly 'at the last minute'," he answered with a sigh. "I had studied you for some time, but Saul had seen you first."

"I don't understand."

Plum stirred and Selena waited a moment before continuing. "Why didn't you speak to me before now? Before all the wedding plans?"

"I just told you." He folded his arms and looked outside.

Selena wanted to stamp her feet in frustration. He had just dismissed her as though she were a young child with a silly question. The man was silent and obstinate. And she wasn't sure whether he had lied to her or not about wanting a family. As if that were the only reason for him demanding she marry him. There was something else, she was sure of it. Something hidden. He had been too politely cold, never once giving her any sign that he had been interested in her as a wife. Unless, of course, she reasoned, he was simply one of those men who brooded, were sullen and non- communicative.

But the way they had married suggested rashness on his part. She had thought when he first proposed the marriage, it had been an impulsive act. But he had taken complete control of the situation. And he had found Plum, for which she was very thankful. But now, it appeared, she would be living her life without any laughter, companionship, or love. Unless she could find some way to make this marriage work, the life ahead her promised to be barren -- silent and rocky much like the landscape before her.

Then she recalled the words he had spoken just moments before. He wanted a family. Perhaps all was not lost to her. A family meant children. She would divest all of her love into her children. She surely could tolerate the means by which children were conceived. If getting Plum back safe and sound meant she had to marry Mr. MacLachlan in order to do that, then by whatever means she found herself with children, she could do that as well. Besides, Plum was with her.

Yes, she thought to herself with resolve, she would make her life filled with the sound of happy children. The thought gave her hope and she smiled to herself. She would blot out that silent, cold man she had married. If he wanted a family then a family was what he would get. She would make do.

The carriage rolled to a stop and Selena looked about her. Vast grounds stretched before her on one side, and the other was filled with servants come out to bid their master welcome.

"How did they know we were coming?" Selena asked.

"Sent my gillie."

"Plum, darling, wake up," Selena said. "We're here."

Rafe stepped down and held his hand out to her. When she put her gloved hand in his, he held it firmly as though to prevent her from running away. She stepped out and looked up at the three-story mansion before her. She had had no idea that she would living in such a grand house. Saul had mentioned that his brother had no worries about finances, but this was more than she had imagined.

"It would be best if ye dinna gawk." Rafe reached inside and helped Plum out. "The servants will be curious enough without ye gapin'."

Selena's gaze snapped to his. When had he decided to speak with such a broad brogue? Or was it since he was home in Scotland he felt freer to speak that way? "I wasn't gawking. I was simply surprised at the size of the house."

"I hope it's big enough for ye."

Ignoring his faint smile and the twinkle in his blue eyes Selena straightened to her full height. "It will suffice, Mr. MacLachlan."

"Rafe. My first name is Rafe," he sighed.

"I know."

"Please use it."

Selena took hold of Plum's hand and started walking toward the servants who were waiting for them. Rafe easily caught up with them.

"Wait a moment and let me introduce ye to my servants."

By the time Selena had been introduced to everyone her head was spinning with all their names and assigned duties. Her mouth was stiff from the smile she had made sure had been present on her face. As the day was quite chilly, she was momentarily pleased to finally be inside. Behind her Rafe gave instructions where to deliver all of the luggage.

"What was everyone saying to me?" she asked him.

"Ceud mile failte? A hundred thousand welcomes."

"How generous and kind of them." She looked about the large foyer. "This is our new home, Plum."

"Come," Rafe said to her. "I'll show ye your rooms."

She turned to follow him up one side of the double stairs that curved around the foyer like arms welcoming visitors. Then she heard the sound of someone running, shoes slapping in a quick cadence on the marble floors.

"Da! Da!"

To Selena's surprise, Rafe looked behind her and smiled. His grin crinkled the skin around his eyes that darkened with delight. In amazement she saw it completely changed his features from cold and forbidding to handsome and warm. Rafe stepped around Selena and scooped up the most beautiful child she had ever seen into his arms.

"How is my wee buttercup?" With a growling noise he nuzzled the side of her neck and she squealed in delight.

"Da, ye been gone so long."

"I know." He placed a kiss on her forehead. He looked over her head to a young woman standing back from them. "Nanny," he greeted. "How has my wee angel been?"

"Healthy and impish as always, sir."

Laughing, Rafe turned his attention back to his daughter. "I missed ye every minute, Erin."

"Me too." She hugged him tight putting her arms around his neck. "Did ye bring me a present?"

"Now, why would I bring ye a present?" he teased back at her.

"My birthday is tomorrow."

"It is? And how old will ye be this year?"

"Five." She looked at him with such complete seriousness that Selena found herself smiling.

"Five," Rafe repeated with a shake of his head. "Such an old, old age. Next ye will be wanting to go to a ball."

Her blue eyes lit up. "Can I?"

"Nae. But I did bring ye a present."

"Did ye bring one for Tee-Ful?"

"Aye, my sweet," he said with a shake of his head. "Right now though I have someone for ye to meet." He put her down and took hold of her hand and came over to Selena and Plum.

Selena looked down at this golden, happy child whose smile was like a sunbeam. Her blond curls ringed her head, and her blue eyes matched the color of her father's. The child charmed her, yet her very presence made Selena question even more so why Rafe MacLachlan wanted to marry her.

"Erin, this is your new mother and her sister, Plum."

Instantly, the child's smile disappeared, wariness showed in her blue eyes and she tugged back. Selena looked at Rafe for a second before glancing back at Erin. Rafe wanted a mother for his daughter? Perhaps that was what he meant when he had said 'family'.

"Erin," Rafe warned as he looked down at her. "Your manners."

Erin flashed a quick look up at her father, but she stepped forward and curtsied.

"Selena, Plum, this is my daughter, Erin."

"I am pleased to meet you, Erin." Selena bobbed a curtsey, but she noticed that Plum only gazed listlessly at the young girl.

Rafe got down on his haunches and brushed a curl from Erin's forehead. "It's time for your supper. Why don't ye take Plum with you, go with Nanny and I'll come say goodnight to ye later."

Erin glanced at Plum and then took her hand. "I have a pet bunny, wanna see her?"

"Erin, dinner first," Nanny said.

Erin gave her father a beseeching gaze.

"Och, find the wee bunny," he said with a laugh. "Then dinner."

"Aye, Da," she grinned. She tugged at Plum's hand. "Come."

Selena placed her hand on Plum's back. "Go on, Plum."

Plum shook her head and leaned closer to Selena. Rafe stood up and took a gentle hold of her chin. Looking into her eyes, he said, "Ye're safe here, lassie. No one will hurt ye, I won't allow it." He kissed her on the forehead. "Go with Erin."

Selena watched as Plum hesitated then, with Erin still holding her hand, walk down the wide hallway accompanied by the nanny. "Have I thanked you for bringing Plum, Mr. MacLachlan?"

"No. But ye're welcome." Rafe watched the girls for a moment and then turned to Selena. "Shall we?" he asked as he gestured with his hand in the direction of the stairs.

"Of course." Watching him with Plum and his daughter had given her an insight to the man. There was a deep well of kindness in him.

She lifted up her skirts a couple of inches and went up the grand, curving stairway. To think that he had given her such a flimsy excuse for marriage that he wanted a family when he already had a daughter. But, of course, most men wanted a son. Daughters were secondary. Maybe he only wanted a mother for Erin. "What, if I may ask, happened to Erin's mother?"

"She died when Erin was but a few months old."

"Oh," Selena looked back at Rafe. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be."

His voice was so flat, yet angry underneath, that Selena felt she had trespassed on some hidden pain. Pain that spoke of a profound hatred.

They reached the first floor and Rafe signaled for her to turn to the right. "Your suite is down this hall."

In silence she walked next to him, her gaze quickly skimming over the beautiful portraits of whom she assumed where his ancestors. Rafe stopped outside a door and opened it for her. Selena stepped inside and gasped.

Slowly she made her way into the room. She ran her fingers along the edge of one long, white and gold chest of drawers. As she looked about her, she saw herself reflected many times over along one wall. Doors went from one end of it to the other, each door possessing a full-length mirror framed in gold accented carved wood.

A servant replaced the screen in front of the fireplace in which the coals brightly burned. Selena stepped closer to the fireplace and admired the ornate wrought iron screen. Golden fleur-de-lis, roses and lacy scrollwork decorated it. She moved over to one of the windows and looked outside and touched the white curtains that matched the counterpane on the four-poster, white on white with gold threads.

"I trust this will be suitable," Rafe said.

"Oh, quite, Mr. MacLachlan."

He exhaled a long breath. "My name is Rafe."

She chose to ignore him. "Was this your wife's?"

"My mother's. My wife --" his voice caught on the word and he stopped for a split second before continuing. "-- She never stepped into this room. I suppose it is out of style now."

"It's lovely. I wouldn't change a thing." She gazed at him for a moment. His expression was as stony as ever. What she wouldn't give to have him smile at her the way he did Erin. Just any small measure of pleasantness from him would be so welcome. Even if they weren't in love, she had expected at least some friendship from him. She looked away and spied her trunks in a corner.

"A maid will be up shortly to unpack those," he said. "And dinner will be served at eight tonight, sharp."

"Thank you." She heard him walk away. She felt like throwing her velvet purse at him just to get a reaction out of him, instead she placed it on a nearby dainty chair and moved over to one of the windows and peered out. As she reached up to untie the bow to her cape, it knotted and she turned to one of the mirrors to see better to untangle it. If only her life would disentangle so easy.

Just as she got the knot loosened and it softly fell a couple of maids entered the bedroom. An hour and a half later, all but one trunk had been emptied. One of the maids knelt down and started to unlock it.

"No," Selena said. "I'll do that one myself."

"As ye wish."

"In fact, I'd like an hour or so to myself and I'll ring for you to come up and help me dress for dinner."

"Aye, m'lady."

The two maids curtsied and left and when the door had quietly shut behind them, Selena sank down on the bed and sat there for a spell, looking at the trunk that still remained locked. In it she had packed her wedding dress, an item dear to her and one now she would have to keep for Plum. Selena knew she would have to learn to lock her heart up like the trunk she mused. The locks wouldn't be as shiny and polished as the locks on the trunk. No, they would be gray with sorrow and disappointment.

She shook her head to clear it of the depressing mood that she found herself immersed in. Her heart would only remain locked until such time as she had a family, or the relationship between herself and Mr. MacLachlan improved. A yawn escaped from her, and Selena decided instead of emptying out the trunk she would take a nap. Only for a few minutes she promised herself.

"Selena?"

Someone called her name and she opened her eyes.

"Selena," Rafe said, "ye should have been getting dressed for dinner some time ago and here I find ye sleeping."

"Wa...What?" she said disoriented. She sat up and blinked against the bright flickering light of the hurricane lamp he held. Instinctively she reached up to straighten the loose curly tendrils of hair that had escaped during her nap.

"When the maid came downstairs and said no one answered the door I became worried. It's almost eight o'clock. Cook does not wait for anyone. She runs the dinner hour like a train engineer." He stood at the end of her bed and casually looked around him. "But she will have to excuse ye this time."

She jolted up to a standing position. "She will excuse me?"

One corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile. "It was a bad choice of words. I like my dinner on time as well."

She brushed past him to check her appearance in one of the many mirrors only to realize that it was too dark to see without a light. She turned back to face him. "Does your household always run by the clock?"

"I do like things to run in a timely manner." As if to add weight to his words, he took out his pocket watch and looked at it.

Irritated by his action, she said, "I am not a timepiece."

He put his watch away. "I've noticed."

Her eyes widened. "What does that mean? Do you think I have a propensity for being late?"

"No," he shook his head. He averted his gaze from hers. "I only meant that to most women time is no' important."

"Perhaps it is that women know the value of not rushing from one event to another." She hurried over to the pitcher of water and poured a small amount into the bowl. "Women make the most of every minute."

"Men don't rush. We are simply...precise." He placed the lamp down on the bedside table, picked the velvet purse up from a small chair and set it on the bed. He plopped down on the chair and it creaked under his weight.

"Men are sloppy." But the only man she truly knew was her father. The maid constantly had to pick up the newspaper that he carelessly tossed on the floor when he was through reading it.

Disconcerted by Rafe's presence in her bedroom, her heart racing as if she were in a steeplechase, she nervously wet her fingers and dabbed at her cheeks.

Rafe ran his hand down his chest, and looked at his clothes. "I don't appear to be sloppy. In fact, I'd say I was rather well put together."

One brow raised, Selena glanced over at him. "I wasn't particularly speaking about clothes." However, his clothes fit him nicely. She picked up the small towel next to the bowl and scrubbed her face with it.

"No? Well, anyway, as I said dinner --"

"I know what you said about dinner." Drying her face, she continued, "And as I am presentable, and we have no guests that I am aware of, I will make do with what I am currently wearing. Wrinkles and all. That way you can have your dinner at the appointed hour and your cook won't be upset." She tossed the towel back down and turned to face him once more.

His head was titled back, his eyes were closed and his breathing appeared to be quite even. Had he simply fallen asleep while she was talking to him? Was she that boring? Or was it that he was just as tired as she from their unexpected and long journey? Not to mention all the emotional upheaval. Frowning, she took a tentative step closer to him.

He seemed so large a presence in her room. It was strange, and nerve-racking, to have him in her room. She took one more cautious step and leaned forward a bit.

His eyes popped open and looked up at her. "Are ye ready?"

Startled, she put a hand to her breast and jumped back a step. "Yes," she huffed out.

"Good." He stood up and jerked down his vest. "Shall we go?"

"By all means."

He walked out of her room, leaving her behind with her mouth once again open in amazement. The man was a barbarian. She hurried after him.

"You could have escorted me," she said to him.

"I'm hungry."

"That doesn't mean you have to be rude."

"I wasn't."

"I don't know my way around yet. What if I got lost?" Lord, how she hated sounding whiny. She trailed after him in the dim hallway as they headed for the stairs.

"Yell."

"Where is your bedroom, Mr. MacLachlan?" She cringed. Such a personal question to ask. One did not ask those kinds of questions. She could have bitten her tongue even though she had a good idea his bedroom was next to hers. She should be trying her best to make him like her, get him to respond to her the way he did toward his daughter, not alienating him.

"Off-limits."

"What does that mean? That no one is allowed in your room?" What was wrong with her that she was making such a mess of everything she said?

"Aye."

"What if I needed to talk to you about something? What if..." she paused for a second. "What if, God forbid, the house was on fire and you were in your room?"

"Yell."

"Is that all you have to say about it?"

He nodded.

"Do you have to talk in mono-syllables?"

He stopped and gave her a quizzical look. "Runs in the family." He went down the stairs and headed across the foyer. "Tomorrow is Erin's birthday and a few of the relatives will be coming by to celebrate."

Selena followed him. "Tomorrow?"

"Aye."

She wasn't even settled into her new home and they were hosting a party? "I hardly know the cook well enough to know how she cooks. What dishes she does particularly well. Is this celebration formal, or informal? Will your relatives being staying the night? And how many people should I be expecting?"

"Sixty."

Shocked, she stopped. "Mr. MacLachlan."

"Rafe."

"I don't care what your name is."

He turned and looked at her, disbelief clearly written on his face. "Truly," he said softly, one brow arched high.

Chapter Three

He kept Selena's gaze locked with his.

"That's not what I meant," she said. "I was astounded by the number of people coming." She took a quick breath. "What I meant was that your name wasn't important compared to this news."

"No?" He said. He didn't know why he was so sensitive about her not calling him by his first name, but it did annoy him. "Perhaps you should continue to explain."

"You mean continue explaining to you until I come up with something you like?"

"Exactly." How incredulous she sounded. How charming and flustered she looked. Though he could tell she wanted to look away she kept her gaze steady on his. Maybe she would finally call him by his first name.

"Are you jesting?" She shook her head and finally looked down. "No, I guess not."

"I'm waiting." He forced the words out with a growl and tapped one foot impatiently. Earlier, sitting on that dainty little chair in her room, watching her fix her hair, had been a major mistake on his part. He did not intend to become that comfortable with her. She would not unlock his heart, no matter what. His heart would remain a prisoner, and he the jailer.

But it had been so easy, sitting there, watching Selena. As a small boy his mother would always welcome him in her room so he could tell her about his exciting day from discovering large spiders to capturing a run-away piglet. He fancied that he could still smell the soft scent of lily-of-the-valley that she had always worn.

Her bedroom had been the heart of this house. Maybe in time it would be again.

Selena sighed, bringing his attention back to her again.

"It was a surprise to me that we are having a social gathering tomorrow, that's all. My mind simply became swamped with the many things that are required to be done before one's guests arrive." Her gaze fired back to his. "I hope that is satisfactory to you."

He studied her a moment longer, and his gaze dipped and lingered for a second on her mouth. A kiss could lead to the soft pleasures of marriage and all that it entailed. Those soft pleasures had nearly destroyed him once before. This marriage must be treated as a business agreement. "Aye. It'll do." He headed for the dining room.

"Sixty people," she said behind him. "You must have a large family."

He nodded. When he entered the dining room, he was pleased to see that fresh flowers from the hot house had been brought in and arranged in a vase, their colors brightening the dark paneled, large room. Rafe could just detect the faint scents of roses and hyacinths. He leaned over the table and fingered one red velvety petal.

"Do you like flowers?" she asked.

He shrugged. "They are simply something that grows."

"Yet you take the time to admire them." She stepped closer to him and lightly ran her hand over one of the blooms. "These are very fragrant and so early in the season. Red roses signify love and hyacinths young love or playfulness." She smelled one of the flowers. "Do you have a conservatory?"

"Aye." He moved away from her and with precise steps moved to his chair at the head of the long table. Sitting down, he snapped out his napkin.

A servant pulled out a chair and Selena sat down. "How fortunate you are to have flowers all year round."

"Perhaps, after all the guests have left, if ye like, I can have someone show the conservatory to ye."

"That would be appreciated. I like to garden; do you?"

"I'd kill anything I tried to grow."

"It takes time, Mr. MacLachlan. Flowers do not grow overnight."

Much like a true love he thought, something he vowed to himself that he would never be fool enough to be tempted by again. "Hmm. Tomorrow's party calls for something verra special for you to wear and I will have the clothes brought up to you first thing in the morning, so that if any adjustments are required they can be made in time. The hem is the only thing I am aware of that needs to be done for ye."

"I have several gowns of my own to chose from, Mr. MacLachlan, that require no adjustments."

"I'm sure they are adequate, but tomorrow is different."

A servant placed a bowl of soup in front of Rafe. Just as he picked up a spoon, Selena spoke.

"My father may not be as wealthy as you, Mr. MacLachlan, but I do have a trousseau."

Her father wouldn't have any money if he had had to pay that ransom for Plum. Rafe cocked his head to one side to see her better around the large bouquet. "I'm sure ye do. But, I am the head of this household and the least ye could do is wear what I would like ye to wear." The sound of his voice was a trifle too ironhanded even for his own liking, but the words were spoken now and he couldn't take them back.

"Very well, if you insist."

He rubbed his hand across his jaw. "Perhaps I should start over."

"Yes?"

She sounded so hopeful.

"The clothes are my gift to ye, and it would please me if you would wear them tomorrow for Erin's birthday party."

There was a long pause before she answered. "How kind of you, and I will wear them if they fit. But in the future, I would like to decide what to wear."

His shoulders fell. He hoped they would not have to have a discussion like this over everything. There was a moment of silence while a servant filled their wineglasses.

"Mr. MacLachlan, is there some reason I have to sit clear down here, with this large mass of flowers between us?"

"I like looking at the flowers."

"Rather than at me? Like keeping a barrier between us at all times so we have to practically shout?"

Keeping a barrier between them wasn't a bad idea, but it wouldn't do for her to know that. "That sounds like ye are askin' for a compliment."

"No," she answered quietly.

Rafe looked at her again. Her eyes were downcast and her cheeks had a delicate blush to them. He made a mental note to inform the servants to put her place setting next to his. He didn't care for her to be at the other end of the table either. It did feel like they were shouting to each other, besides having to lean one way or the other to see each other around the flowers as well. But it would have to wait until after Erin's birthday.

"Mr. MacLachlan?"

Agitated, Rafe ripped his dinner roll in half. When was she going to start using his first name? "Aye?"

"Who is Tee-Ful?"

His brows creased for a moment. "Tee-Ful is Erin's doll."

"How did Erin come up with such an unusual name?"

"Couldn't say beautiful."

For the next few minutes they ate in silence. The servants removed their soup dishes. The main course was served and when Rafe tasted his chicken, covered with a light glaze, he grimaced. Too much salt and heavily sugared. He pointed his fork at Selena and said, "Don't --" But it was too late. She looked like if she could have spit she would have. He turned to one of the servants. "Get the housekeeper here. Immediately."

"Aye, sir."

"Sorry 'bout that," he said to Selena.

"What is the housekeeper's name? I've forgotten."

"Mrs. Petshow."

Selena took a sip of water. "I take it this is not your cook's finest."

"Cook dinna do this." He leaned back in his chair.

"I'm rather relieved to hear that. But, if the cook didn't do this, who did?"

"Erin." He watched Selena as she tried hard not to smile. "No' funny. Her nanny should have kept an eye on her."

"True, but it's just a bit of mischief."

"Naughtiness," he said with a snap.

"Are you planning to give her ten lashes then? And perhaps twenty to her nanny?"

He tapped his fingers on the table. "Possibly."

"Only the two of us tasted the chicken, not your entire family."

"Erin does no' need your defense."

"Has she done this often?"

He shrugged a broad shoulder.

She sighed loud enough for him to hear it. "Well, she must have, or else you wouldn't have come to such a quick answer as to who was responsible for this. But if I had a daughter that liked to cook, I would let her on occasion. It would keep her out of mischief. And then," Selena paused while a servant poured more water, "I would let her eat it. Her cooking would either cease, or improve."

"She's too young. And young ladies do no' cook."

"Yet..."

Rafe could imagine Selena's hand, palm up, gracefully wave over her dish.

The housekeeper, Mrs. Petshow, bustled into the dining room. "Sir?"

"Get Erin. And tell that nanny of hers if she doesn't keep a better eye on Erin she will be dismissed."

"Aye, sir."

A few minutes later, head down, Erin shuffled into the dinning room. Rafe got up and pulled out a chair. "Sit."

Erin climbed on the chair and Rafe pushed it in. "Ye were in the kitchen again, weren't ye?"

She nodded.

"I have decided that for your punishment, ye will eat the chicken."

He could feel Selena's mood change from curiosity to amusement. A small dish of the awful entree was placed in front of Erin. Rafe motioned with his hand for her to start. "Go on. Eat."

Her large blue eyes looked so sad and hurt that Rafe was tempted to let it go and hug her instead. Erin helped herself to a tiny piece and froze. Rafe wanted to laugh but kept his gaze pointed and determined. "Swallow it."

Two large tears slipped down her rounded pink cheeks.

"If I could swallow it, so can ye."

She squeezed her eyes shut, puckered her mouth and swallowed the bite. Her little body gave a shake from the sweet and sour combination.

"Would ye like some more?" he asked gently of his daughter.

"I don't think that's necessary," Selena said as she got out of her chair.

Rafe pointed at her. "Sit down."

Her eyes sparkling with sudden anger, Selena did as he ordered.

"Now, I'll ask ye again, Erin, do ye want some more?"

"Nae," she whispered.

"Your new mother has come up with an idea for ye."

Immediately Erin's gaze became suspicious.

"She has suggested that you be allowed to cook. On occasion."

Surprise covered Erin's face and she looked at Selena. Rafe felt quite pleased with himself that he had taken Selena's advice if only to see a small bit of happiness on his beautiful daughter's face.

Smiling at Erin, Selena said, "Supervised, of course."

Erin clapped her hands together and bounced in her chair. "Tomorrow, Da?"

"Nae. Ye'll be too busy."

Her face fell into disappointment.

Rafe reached over and held on to one of her small hands. "Perhaps, the day after. Tomorrow is your birthday, remember?"

She beamed a large smile at him and Rafe felt his heart swell with love for this small child of sunshine.

"Can I go now, Da?"

"Aye."

The second Erin was out of earshot, Selena stood up and snapped her napkin down on the table. She marched toward Rafe. "Not even Saul would have treated me with such disrespect. I don't respond well to someone yelling at me. Or giving me orders."

Rafe watched her come closer. He knew Saul wouldn't yell at Selena. No, he would lash out at her with his fists. "I wasn't yelling. I was only being firm."

Hands on her hips she stood before him. "Just what did you think I was going to do that required such firmness?"

"I wasn't sure. But I didn't want ye interfering with --"

"Just a minute." She leaned toward him. "If I am Erin's new mother, as you have told her twice now I believe, then what I was about to do would not be interfering."

Rafe rubbed his brow thinking about how to put matters back into perspective. In his effort to not let her into his heart, he seemed to be causing each of them distress.

"Are you just going to sit there thinking? Or are you trying to figure out some way to not apologize?" How very aggravated and beautiful she was.

"I should not have yelled."

"That's the best you can do?" She folded her arms under her breasts.

"Weel, no." He envisioned taking her into his arms and kissing away her anger. She would probably be so dumbfounded she would either slap him or faint. Maybe she would kiss him back. She apparently did what was necessary and seemed to make the best of it. He stood up and carefully placed his napkin on the table. "It will take us both time to get used to this situation."

She stood straighter and her eyes widened. "Are you referring to our 'situation' as our marriage? In fact, the way you say it, Mr. MacLachlan, it sounds as if the words have capital letters." Skeptical frustration colored her voice. She clasped her hands in front of her.

He smiled. "I guess it did sound that way. But why are ye twisting around everything I say?" He stepped closer to her.

"Why can't you behave a little more nicely? Be a gentleman?" Her gaze filled with pleading.

"I am nice. A nice gentleman."

"Prove it."

Without a moment's hesitation he reached over, pulled her into his arms and stopped. Her eyes were huge with surprise and resignation. And as much as her lips invited his kiss, he would not give in to that pleasure. A kiss could be his undoing to keep her out of the deepest part of his heart. Gently he folded her arm over his. "I will lead ye back to your place."

"And are you referring to my place at this table, or to my place in The Situation?"

He chuckled. "Your place in The Situation is by my side."

"Not beneath you?"

He choked down a laugh as his imagination gave way to the erotic vision Selena had just verbalized for him. "An interesting point-of-view."

Her hands flew to her mouth and her cheeks suffused with a deep scarlet.

"Sir, Madam."

Rafe and Selena turned to see the nanny in the doorway.

"Aye, Nanny?"

"It's the wee Miss Plum."

Selena hurried over to her. "What is it? Is she all right?"

"Och, tis nothing to fret over. But the wee miss won't let me help her get ready for bed."

"I'll see to her." Selena faced Rafe. "That is, if you don't mind."

"No' at all."

"Thank you. I'll be back as soon as possible."

As soon as the women had departed from the dining room, Rafe ran a finger around the inside edges of his shirt collar. He wasn't sure if it was fortuitous or not that Erin's nanny showed up when she did, but dinner was definitely over.

He headed for the sideboard and poured himself a liberal amount of whiskey and drank half of it in one long pull. The burning warmth of the liquid plopped into his belly and he tried hard to banish away his carnal thoughts about Selena.

Continuing to think about her and her reactions to the marriage and himself, he strolled out of the dining room and headed for his study. Selena certainly did not give the impression she was suffering from having to marry him instead of Saul. He could not believe she was so flighty in her affections that she would not shed a single tear in reaction to all that had happened to her. However, from what he had seen of her, Selena always appeared so self-assured and in control of everything, that she always seemed to know her own mind. She seemed to be a -- practical woman.

Whatever the case, he had to remind himself that he did not marry her for love. He had promised himself that no woman would ever get the chance to betray him again, not even the lovely Selena. But she tugged at his heart, pulled at that promise.

He shook his head and smiled to himself. This marriage was a business agreement and Selena had aptly named it 'The Situation'. He settled into his leather chair with a gusty deep breath, put his drink down and reached for his reading glasses. He flexed his fingers and opened the ledger.

Sometime later Selena's voice interrupted his concentration. Frowning, he waited a moment and thought perhaps he had only imagined it. He stretched and by the quietness of the house knew it was quite late.

Once again he looked down at the figures. He flipped back a page, checked his numbers and lightly swore. No matter how hard he tried he could not get the ledgers to balance. Then he heard Selena again. Her faint voice indicated she was somewhere on this floor.

"Mr. MacLachlan."

With a groan he stood up, flung his glasses down on the desk, grabbed the nearby, lit hurricane lamp and strode out of the room.

"Mr. MacLachlan, I'm lost," her muffled voice called out.

He scrubbed at his face. "Louder," he said.

"Mr. MacLachlan?"

"Aye. Move towards my voice."

"I can't."

He heard a tremor in her voice and a tiny vise of fear squeezed at him. "Where are ye?" he asked as he hurried down the dark hall.

"I don't know."

"What the hell do ye mean ye dinna know?" He reached the main foyer. Not a single servant was to be seen. "Describe the room."

"It's too dark. I can't see."

"Dinna ye have enough sense to bring a lamp wi' ye?"

"It blew out," she yelled back.

"Bloody hell," he murmured. By the sound of her voice he knew he was getting closer to her. He plunged into the sitting room, took a quick glance about to see she wasn't there and rushed back out into the main hall and stood still to listen to her once again. "Selena?"

"Mr. MacLachlan! Something is in here with me." Terror clawed at her voice.

Saul must have arrived earlier than he had expected. Rafe charged across the hall toward the library. "I'm comin'."

She screamed.

He flung the library door open, nearly unhinging it and it banged against the wall.

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