A blush stole across Maddie’s cheeks, which left Fanella rather intrigued. What had her brother done before he was married that would cause such a reaction?

  “I cannot. My husband would have my head.”

  Fanella snorted. “That is an exaggeration, as ye ken.”

  “I’d prefer he not be angry with me, then.”

  I guess it was a reasonable request, though the story telling may have helped keep Fanella’s mind off of what Brachton may be doing to Ethan.

  “I do think you will adore Louisiana and New Orleans,” Lady Joanna offered. “We loved visiting there.”

  Fanella’s heart skipped. If Lachlan forced Ethan to marry her, she’d be forced to live in America...away from her family and all that she held dear...to never see them again.

  As the repercussions of her actions filled her mind, Fanella found it more and more difficult to breathe and was quite certain the tightness in her throat was cutting off all air to her lungs.

  “Oh dear.” Maddie took the glass of brandy from her hand. “Breathe Fanella.”

  “I canna,” she said and tried to take another gulp of air but all of her breaths were shallow and quick.

  “Fanella, ye’ll be happy ta ken that ye’ll be a bri...” Lachlan announced as he entered the parlor. Ethan trailed behind and though they’d seemed in better spirits then when she’d left, at the sight of her, concern filled their eyes.

  “What is the matter?” Lachlan demanded as Ethan hurried to Fanella’s side.

  “All we did was mention how much Fanella would enjoy living in Louisiana and a moment later she lost all color and couldn’t catch her breath.”

  “Drink.” Ethan put the glass of brandy to Fanella’s lips and urged her to take a few sips, which she managed to do before pushing it away.

  “Could I have a moment alone with her?” He didn’t actually expect Brachton to leave them, but he wanted everyone else out of the room. Fanella was panicking and he needed to put her at ease.

  “We’ll go along straight away,” Lady Esther said. “Come along sisters.”

  Lady Brachton left, as well as Fanella’s brother, much to Ethan’s surprise.

  “You need to relax, Fanella. Tell me what has you upset.” Though he already had a very good idea.

  “I canna leave Scotland for good.”

  He offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Nobody is asking you to do so.”

  She blinked at him. “Ye arena?”

  “No. On that you have my word.”

  She blew out a breath and tried to take another, but it took some time before her breath was back to normal and color had returned to her cheeks.

  “Does this mean Lachlan was reasonable and isna forcing ye into anythin’ permanent?”

  “Given the circumstances, I believe Brachton was more than reasonable in his expectations.”

  “Expectations?”

  “That we marry, of course.”

  Immediately her breathing became labored again.

  “Is it me that you don’t wish to marry or is it living in Louisiana?” She may have been agreeable to courting, but Fanella clearly hadn’t considered what would come next.

  “I canna live so far from my family.”

  At least it wasn’t him.

  “So you have no objection to being my wife.”

  “Nay, if you doona have an objection to bein’ my husband.”

  Ethan couldn’t help himself and laughed. “I have absolutely no objection.” In fact, since he and Brachton had come to an agreement, Ethan felt lighter, as if a weight he hadn’t been aware that he was carrying had been lifted.

  “I’ve already given consideration to our living in Louisiana,” he offered.

  Her eyes widened as she took another shuddering breath, as if she was afraid of what he might say.

  “As we will both have family here, but my home is in New Orleans, I’ve decided that we could spend half of the year, preferable fall and winter, in Louisiana, and return to England and Scotland for late spring and summer.”

  Surprise lit in her grey eyes. “Ye’d do that?”

  “I could not imagine living here year round.” These past six months were long enough, but he’d make the concession for Fanella. “But, it isn’t fair to deny you your family either. I know how important they are to you, just as mine is important to me.”

  “Thank ye, Ethan.”

  “Does that mean you’ll be my bride?” Ethan nearly held his breath. He hoped that she was now at ease about where they’d live, but that didn’t mean she was agreeable to marrying. Despite what her brother ordered, Fanella still deserved to be asked and to agree. If it was something she was against, he would find another compromise with Brachton, though Ethan prayed that she wanted to marry as much as he did.

  Fanella simply stared into his eyes and the longer she took to answer, the more worried he became. Soon he’d be the one unable to breathe if she didn’t answer.

  “Why do ye want to marry me?”

  “We’ve little choice,” he reminded her.

  “That wasna the question.” She frowned. “Though I suppose the question should be do ye want to marry me or are ye only doin’ so because my brother is forcin’ ye?” As she said the words, Fanella brought a hand to his cheek. And though she was gentle, Ethan winced as her fingers brushed over skin that was certainly starting to bruise. “He coerced ye.”

  “There was no coercion, of that you have my promise.” Ethan took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. “This happened before we ever had a chance to speak on the matter and it was Duncan’s right to do so.”

  “It wasna,” Fanella argued.

  “Yes, Fanella. He is your brother and it could have gone much worse.”

  “Why are men so brutal? Always talkin’ with their fist before talkin’ with words?”

  Ethan chuckled. “I cannot answer that, but when a man’s sister may have been compromised, they are not usually thinking in a rational manner.”

  “I’m beginnin’ ta think men arena rational at all. If they were, they wouldna repeat mistakes of drinkin’ too much whisky and then sufferin’ the next day more than once. It’s nearly as bad as hittin’ and then speakin’.”

  “I find myself in agreement.”

  “Ye still havna answered my question.” Her stormy grey eyes bore into his as if she was going to judge him for the truthfulness of his words.

  Instead of answering, with words, Ethan placed a finger under her chin and then leaned down to press his lips against hers. This time it wasn’t filled with need or passion, but he wanted to convey what was in his heart with his lips. When he pulled back, Fanella sighed.

  “I want to marry you, Fanella. I already confessed that I’ve developed a very strong attachment to you and the only reason I haven’t voiced what is in my heart is because we’ve known each other for such a short time.”

  “Aye, I’ve got an attachment for ye too, but is it enough ta marry?”

  He hoped that it was. “We will find out, I suppose.”

  “I doona want to marry ye if we find out we aren’t compatible.”

  Ethan nearly laughed. He’d never met anyone more compatible, but instead, he put her mind at ease. “Your brother does not want us to wed until spring. He let your older sister marry too quickly and he does not want to make that mistake again.”

  “I doona believe Mary’s marriage was a mistake,” Fanella argued.

  “He didn’t explain, but he doesn’t want another sister to have a rushed wedding when there is no reason for it. Therefore, I will be returning with you to Falkirk after Donovan and Claresta wed and will spend the next months coming to know you better, as well as your family.”

  “And we’ll be able to determine if we do belong together.” Fanella sounded relieved.

  “I know that we do,” reassured Ethan. “It’s just our minds coming to the same conclusion that our hearts already have. But your brother also promised that if we find, as we come to know each other better that we will not suit, he will not force a marriage.” It didn’t really matter because Ethan already knew that he and Fanella suited perfectly.

  Chapter 20

  Such a lovely wedding, an intimate affair, within the castle chapel. This was one place Fanella had not yet explored with Ethan and it was almost as if they had saved the most wonderful part of Chatwell Castle to the very last. Stone floors and walls with ancient stained glass windows and scarred wooden pews exuded history. She could almost imagine a lord and lady of the fourteenth century standing before a vicar repeating the same vows as Donovan and Lady Claresta. There was no chandelier to light from above, as it was a chapel, but several candelabras were spaced throughout the chapel adding to the light filtering in through the colored glass.

  Romantic and magical, though a bit chilly and damp, she did not let the bit of discomfort bother her. Not when she was in such a lovely place, the scent of pine from the greenery in the air and Ethan by her side.

  Their courtship was no longer a secret because Lachlan had announced their connection on Boxing Day as everyone gathered in the great hall. He didn’t say betrothal, however, for which Fanella was grateful. She was still coming to terms with being courted and a certain wedding in her future, as well as her new home half-way across the world. Since the announcement, Duncan only glowered at Ethan at every opportunity. Perhaps if her brother came to know Ethan he’d not be so displeased.

  “After the wedding breakfast, I have one more place to show you,” Ethan whispered as they stood to exit the chapel.

  “Where? I thought we’d seen everythin’.”

  “Not everything.”

  Fanella couldn’t imagine what they hadn’t explored. That is all they’d been doing, mostly to avoid inquiries as to their sudden courtship.

  As they entered the great hall, Ethan escorted her to the Copeland table, as she’d begun to call it and received another glower from Duncan.

  Oh, he could just go stew in his anger. Soon, they’d all be traveling back to Falkirk and no doubt he’d have his say on matters then.

  In these past few days Fanella was also coming to know Ethan’s family--at least the siblings who had traveled to England. Darius was the oldest and would one day be the Duke of Ellings. Next born was Caleb, who had not yet decided if he’d return to New Orleans or remain here in England. Ethan was the only brother who wanted to return home and occasionally visit here. Of his three sisters, Susanna and Julianna had already decided that they wished to remain in England and enjoy a full Season in London, as they’d only received a taste when they’d attended the final weeks. As for Constance, she longed to return home and would do so when Ethan was free to make the journey. There were still three brothers and one sister that remained in New Orleans, and Fanella would eventually be meeting them, most likely this summer.

  Even though Ethan said they’d spend the fall and winter in Louisiana and summer in Scotland, this year they’d return at the beginning of summer since by then he would have already been gone a year. Not only was Ethan anxious to return to his parents and siblings, it was an understanding that one day it would be Ethan who would inherit the plantation since neither of his older brothers had any interest.

  As frightening as it was to sail half-way across the world and be separated from her family to live among near strangers, it was also exciting in ways Fanella had never experienced.

  Now that the wedding breakfast had been concluded, everyone went about their business, some playing games, others in the billiard room, men in the library drinking celebratory toasts and the women gathered about drinking tea and gossiping. In fact, there were people everywhere the likes of which Ethan hadn’t encountered since his arrival. Then again, His Grace had let it be known, secretly to the men, that he didn’t want the bride and groom retiring too early. Perhaps Ethan would one day feel the same, if he were blessed with a daughter, but as he was soon to marry himself, he’d have no part in delaying Donovan’s right and enjoyment as a husband. However, Ethan may be the only one who felt that way because any access to above stairs was usually blocked, such as the main stairs, where a couple of Trent brothers stood in conversation. Or the servant stairs, where a few of the MacGregor men suddenly found an interest. The Grants, well, they were near the kitchen stairs. Even Darius and Ethan were doing their part to watch the couple.

  Given there would be many of the same people present when he wed Fanella, Ethan planned on figuring out a way to whisk his bride away as early as possible after speaking the vows. He’d not be put off by anyone.

  In fact, it had been bloody difficult to get her alone these past few days. Ever since their courtship had been announced, either the aunts insisted on being with them, or Jesse and Constance trailed behind. Thankfully, it was never Duncan because Ethan was fairly certain the man hated him and if anyone was going to try and keep Ethan and Fanella from consummating their marriage, it would be him.

  Unfortunately, it would be months before Ethan could bed his wife, but that didn’t lessen the need. He’d not take her before then, but Ethan longed to be alone with her. To hold her and kiss her, but it had been impossible.

  Except, today everyone was focused on the bride and groom and not so much on him and Fanella. Could they actually sneak away?

  As the idea formed, Ethan went in search of his secret betrothed and found her in the sitting room with the maiden aunts and Her Grace.

  “Might I have a word in private?” he asked after approaching her.

  Lady Esther stood. “You are not allowed to have any privacy,” she reminded him. It was the one rule that Brachton had insisted upon. Even though Ethan would have enforced the same if it were his sister, it irritated Ethan nonetheless.

  “Simply a word with Miss Fanella, out of hearing, is all I ask.”

  Lady Joanna looked to Lady Priscilla as if they weren’t certain they should allow him.

  “Oh gracious,” Her Grace finally proclaimed. “It isn’t as if they can disappear, all exits are blocked,” she laughed.

  “Her Grace is correct. One cannot travel the length of a corridor without seeing someone,” Ethan assured them.

  “Very well,” Lady Esther finally stated. “But don’t be long.” She wagged a finger at him.

  Ethan just nodded but did not commit to an answer. With any luck, they’d be able to disappear until supper.

  After escorting her from the sitting room, Ethan glanced about and made his way into the great hall, where nobody happened to be, and mainly because there were no exits to any other portion of the castle--no obvious ones at least. With those thoughts, he marched to the far end, around and behind the dais.

  “What are ye doin’?”

  “Shhh.” Ethan put a finger to her lips so that nobody knew where they were, and then pressed along the false wooden front until he found the indent. With a kick to the bottom corner and pressure at the edge, the door slowly opened.

  “What is behind there?” Fanella whispered.

  “You shall see.” Ethan lifted a candle and then motioned for her to go before him. He then stepped inside and closed the door.

  “Is this one of the hidden passages ye were tellin’ me about?”

  They’d not had time to explore them until now, and he certainly hadn’t wanted to explore with their chaperones. “Yes. I hope being enclosed in the darkness doesn’t bother you.”

  “Not at all. Are ye goin’ ta show them to me now?”

  “In a moment.” Ethan placed the candle on a stone shelf cut into the wall and then pulled Fanella against him, molding his lips to hers. Fanella’s arms went about his neck, pulling him close and Ethan pressed her against the wall. The outline of her body and full breasts pressed against his chest and the softness of her womanhood against his thigh. What he wouldn’t do to be able to taste her breasts and lift her skirt and explore Fanella in the same detail as she’d wanted to explore the castle. However, he feared to even attempt the slightest sample, he’d not be satisfied with simply a taste which would lead to seduction…

  With those thoughts, Ethan broke the kiss and disengaged himself from her arms.

  “Do we really need ta explore? Can we not just stay here and continue doin’ what we were just doin’.”

  “I’d like nothing more, Fanella, but I fear where it my lead.”

  She blinked at him.

  “I want you with a passion I’ve never experienced before and cannot wait until you are mine. However, I’ll not dishonor you.”

  “We were only kissin’.”

  Was she so innocent that she wasn’t aware of where such passionate kissing could lead? “True, but I want much more, Fanella. I desire so much more, but we are not wed, and you are an innocent.”

  “I think I’m beginnin’ to understand.” A blush stole over her cheeks. “But as we are to be married anyway…”

  He put a finger against her lips to silence any words she may utter next. He wasn’t strong enough to discourage anything she might suggest and he must treat her with all the respect that she deserved.

  “Let’s explore. More talk. Less kissing.”

  “Explorin’ and talkin’ doesna sound as interesting as kissin’.”

  “Trust me, Fanella, once we wed, you’ll discover far more interesting aspects to our marriage than kissing.”

  As they wove their way through the hidden corridors, going up a set of stairs and down another, Ethan was fairly certain that they’d traveled most of the passages and was just about to lead her down another set of stairs when they heard voices.

  Bloody hell, if someone had come looking for them, he’d likely earn another bruised cheek or blackened eye.

  “This goes to yer chamber?” a gentleman asked, and Ethan strained to make out the voice. What Scot was taking a woman to a chamber and it had better not be one of his sisters.

  “Near yours, but does it really matter?”

  The female wasn’t one of his sisters, but someone who was English.

  “Nay. The only thin’ that matters is that ye hurry lass.”