Chapter 106

Ailene looked at Isobel in amazement. Not that she wasn't right. It wasn't just the sex she missed with Stuart. It was all the other things she enjoyed as well. It would be nice to sleep with an arm about her on occasion. She did miss it greatly. Her concern was at one point, Isobel had felt a sexual attraction to her, not wanting another man and believing only women were left to her. The kiss she'd shared with her had been fraught with passion. Isobel was a passionate woman. From the sounds of things in the bedroom beside her, her passion was now properly directed towards her husband. What if Isobel still harbored desires towards her? She wouldn't do them in front of her husband, would she? Although knowing what she knew of Frang, he might happily entertain another woman in his bed, she doubted Isobel would be willing to share him. Isobel may still have some sexual identity issues, but not to the extent of group sex. Her need would be more private.

"I don't see how it could possibly work," Frang said. "If Ailene was seen entering our room at night on a regular basis, it would destroy her reputation."

Good, Ailene thought, even Frang thinks it's a bad idea.

"I agree," Isobel said. "Even if Stuart gave her permission, no one else would understand. I think it's unfortunate we could not extend this kindness without people believing the worst."

"Thank you for thinking of me," Ailene said, thoughtfully. "In concept, it sounds quite nice, but for practical reasons, I could never do it."

"I know. It was impractical. I feel sorry for you, though. You did not desire this separation from your husband and I now understand the yearning you must feel. I never could have before. I treasured every day I was alone in my bed. I would miss it now."

Ailene realized suddenly Isobel was totally serious in her desire to allay Ailene's loneliness. It was not stemming from any melodramatic sexual feelings for her.

"Thank you for the offer. I appreciate the kindness and warmth of your invitation. We'd best be going. Thorburn and Stuart will worry if we're not at the rendezvous point in time."

"Perhaps you can convince Stuart to drop some coin for a few hours at the inn," Isobel said, smiling mischievously. "Maybe he could put a hitch in your step."

"What a marvelous idea," Ailene said. "I'll spend the coin if he's too cheap to pony up. The very thought of it is making the day much brighter for me." She kissed the top of Isobel's head and swept out of the room, much happier than she'd been before.

"There's a woman thoroughly in love with her husband," Frang said.

"Refreshing, isn't it," Isobel said, following her out of the room.

Due to the presence of wagons, they had to follow trails, so Frang went out with a large contingent and met Thorburn and Stuart at the crossroads to Dervaig at the appointed time. Ailene immediately hopped off her wagon to join Stuart on his cart and much kissing and hugging followed. Isobel asked Jinny to join her on her cart so they could discuss arrangements for Jinny taking over as head housekeeper. Jinny did so, happy to finally be starting her new responsibilities. Frang held low conversations with Thorburn regarding the finding of a new spy in their employ and what they'd done.

"And this maid told you her wee sister's life was threatened if she didn't cooperated with them?" Thorburn asked. "Faugh, the man's a right bastard. No wonder we can't trust all our staff."

"Aye, that's the truth of it, according to Meghan. Her family will be heading for your mother's village on Monday. They've been extended an offer of employment by Bjarkë's family. They don't know it's to protect them. Meghan will no longer be going home, and we'll be keeping an eye out for whoever tries contacting her since she can't be contacted at home anymore."

"Good move, removing the threat to the family. What information have you given her to pass along to Blackthorne's agents?"

"That we've assigned bodyguards to all the women; the fact we were going to market today. It's why I brought a larger contingent of men today. Figured I might have opened myself to another ambush by passing that along. I wanted to make it highly risky to attack my wagons."

"You trust the lass to only pass on what you say?" Thorburn asked.

"Once her family is safe," Frang answered. "I threatened to give her a hundred strokes with the horsewhip if she revealed more. I figured I'd have to be scarier than Blackthorne, although I'm hoping details of what happened to Màiri when Blackthorne wanted to extract information will help too."

"How does that help? If she's more scared of him than you, she may be too scared to withhold anything from him."

"I told her if she was untrustworthy, I'd pass word to Blackthorne I turned her and he'd likely take her skin off trying to find out what she'd revealed and how much more she knew."

"Aye, it might do. Blackthorne is horrific either way, but at least she doesn't have to worry about you if she cooperates."

"Do you plan on seeing Teárlag while you're in Dervaig?"

"My cock's had no relief for a week. What do you think?"

"I think Teárlag may wake up the town."

"My thinking exactly. It's why I've brought something to stuff into her mouth. Her reputation is already suspect. I do not care to make it official."

Frang laughed, then got serious again. "Have you brought Màiri's body with you?"

"We put her in the small cart by herself. We'd not be able to sell any food she shared a wagon with. She's ripening fast. I hope to get her in the ground as soon as possible. The magistrate is my first stop. Ailene will attend along with the lad that found her. What will you do after conducting business, Frang?"

"It's been a while since I played cards. I may look for a game."

"Are you not afraid your wife will take issue with your gambling ways?"

"She seems more accepting now she's realized she'd still be with that pig, McTavish, if not for my gambling. It's what brought her into my life."

"Don't you ever disappoint the lass, brother. She's a fine lady and deserves a steady man."

"Tis the last thing I'd ever do. I'll make sure I don't."

Thorburn nodded and went to check on the status of the outriders. Frang drifted back to Isobel's wagon.

"Are you getting things settled?" Frang asked Jinny when he was close enough to speak.

"Aye, Lord Cameron. Lady Isobel is explaining I shall have the assistance of Mrs. McGillivrey to assist me with my duties. I think it's a splendid idea as I've no knowledge of the people on Lady Luck or any of the events there. I'm looking forward to meeting her. We shall get along splendidly, I'm sure."

"She was concerned I was trying to oust her when I first told her," Isobel said, "but I've allayed her initial concerns. She seems committed to seeing you do well. I told her I would like her to help me with our baby," Isobel said, patting her tummy. "She has children and grandchildren and I've never been brought up with children and know little about them. She will be a big help after the babe is born."

"A most joyous occasion, the birth of a new baby. We'll take good care of the wee one when it's born," Jinny said. "Don't you worry about a thing."

"Lady Isobel, can I interest you in riding with me?" Frang asked.

"Of course, husband. Stop the cart and I'll climb aboard."

Frang signaled the driver to stop and he helped Isobel onto his horse in front of him. He put a firm hand around her and guided his horse a short distance away.

"What made you offer our bed to Ailene when she's lonely?" Frang asked when he was far enough away for some privacy.

"I sympathize with her plight. Away from her home of several months. She has no duties as Mistress of the House. It's a new place with few people she knows. All she does is practice swords. We're her only family and she's alone. I know she misses Stuart horribly; just as I would miss you now if you were gone. I know it's not possible for the reasons we've discussed, but I would be happy were she able to join us in bed. Not for sex. I don't need more sex partners. But only as a friend. We would have to be dressed."

"It surprised me. To hear you speak of it now, it seems more reasonable, but as you say, unlikely to occur. I will be looking for a card game in Dervaig. There's usually one there on market days. Would you like to join me?"

"You want me to watch you gamble knowing how much I detest it?"

"I would enjoy your company. I'm hoping to show you it's not as bad as you remember because I'm not McTavish. Perhaps I can put your mind more at ease if you witness me playing."

"I was there when you won me. I've seen you gamble."

"You were paying more attention to McTavish so you could anticipate his needs and avoid him striking you again. You can more easily enjoy the nuances of the game when you're not concerned about him."

"You don't want to get a room at the inn as Ailene plans for Stuart and have your way with me?"

"Fortunately, I can have my way with you any time." Frang looked around to see if anyone were near. "Including now." He slid a hand up her leg under her dress and caressed her core.