When the Heart Calls

Chapter Three

Sprigs of Heather

The British soldiers came like Jamie said, and most of the children in the household seemed to disappear along with Ian the older. Jenny stayed behind, as did Fergus and the other servants, so the house was painfully quiet as we all sat before the hearth. Fergus stood behind me, dressed in what was probably his best waist coat, in a very dark blue with silver buttons. He translated the conversation to me in a hushed whisper as I played my part.

"As per the disarmament act, weapons are against the law," the soldier stated, large nose in the air. I knew British soldiers were called red coats, but I hadn't expected the coat to be so vividly bright. The entire uniform seemed outlandish and impractical to me with it's golden cording and bright shiny buttons.

Jenny sighed smoothing her olive gown, "Aye, we ken that very well. It was na our weapon ye heard, as we told ye already."

"My daughter was attacked while picking flowers," Jamie said crossing his arms, keeping a close eye on the man.

"Attacked?" The soldier raised a brow skeptically. My lip still wasn't fully healed and I had a shadow of a yellowed bruise around my eye.

"Aye, she was shot at and narrowly escaped with her virtue intact," Jamie shook his head. "She wrestled the pistol from the man and by the grace o' god himself shot him. Poor lass is so shaken this is the first time she's been from her room since." It was lies, but I knew why it had to be a lie. Fergus couldn't have been paired with the pistol. "I told her to ask me to watch over her if she wanted to pick flowers, but she's not been in Scotland long. Her mother god rest her soul raised her in France while I was detained by the crown and she dinna ken how dangerous it is here."

The man in his red coat narrowed his eyes at me, as he stared though his attention focused more on my breasts than anything else.

"Is that the truth of it?" The man spoke, and I furrowed my brows and looked at Fergus.

"He's asking if it's the truth. Your father said that you ran from the men and only saved your virtue by wrestling the gun away and shooting the man," Fergus re-explained in French, whispering in my ear. I swallowed and tried not to let the feeling of his breath on my ear get to me, my cheeks burned and I nodded.

"Yes, that sounds correct, without the addition of my terror at the prospect of being ruined by such a villain." I played up the damsel in distress role like I'd read in so many books before. "I would not be fit for my French husband if the man got what he sought."

"She says yes, though it omits her terror, she was worried about being ruined because milord has such a fine French match in mind for her," Fergus relayed in English, though there was some bitterness in his voice.

"I see..." The British soldier eyed Fergus for a moment and so did Jamie. I couldn't figure out why they were both looking at him, and then his good hand moved from where it rested on the back of my chair.

"Were I you Mr. Fraser, I'd give the boy a lashing lest he forget his place when it comes to your daughter."

"Aye," This from Jenny who narrowed her eyes at Fergus.

"I assure ye, the lad will be dealt with," Jamie said with the fakest smile I'd ever seen.

"It would be a pity for such a refined and comely girl to end up a scullion," again the man stared at my breasts. "Do you have the pistol?"