Chapter Twenty
Marion jolted awake as the carriage dipped and rocked on the road.
It took her a few moments to remember where she was and why her body felt like she’d been run over by a dozen horses.
She smiled as she recalled just the one stud who was responsible for the soreness between her legs and the tenderness she felt all over.
If anyone had told her that lovemaking with her newly wedded husband would have been like that, she would never have believed them.
Despite her mild discomfort, she could not deny she wanted him again and looked forward to discovering all the new ways he’d promised her they would pleasure one another.
They’d risen early the day before and made their good-byes to their hosts and then to her family.
She’d hopefully see them again around Yuletide but would spend the remainder of the fall at Inverary Castle as its new countess.
She had no idea what was expected of her since Jean had run the place with such perfection; she had no idea how she could possibly live up to her standards, but she would try.
She understood Alexander’s wishes to return immediately since the issue relating to Jean was unresolved and he did not want it to hang over their heads any longer, particularly when he’d confessed to her all he wanted to do now was enjoy his new wife.
She wondered what he would say if she sat atop him and woke him up in the same way as she had on their wedding night.
She had been dreaming of him, delicious dreams where he kissed and nibbled every inch of her, and the next thing she knew, he was bringing her to full pleasure again, but this time on her hands and knees, and her climaxes just kept coming.
She was thoroughly spent by the time her body had been satisfied that she was asleep before she could say good night to him.
They’d stayed at the same inn as before, spending a quiet night wrapped in one another’s arms, loving, then sleeping when they wanted and then loving all over again. Marion had never known such bliss could exist.
Now looking across the carriage at him with his head gently bobbing up and down, she thanked whatever power that was responsible for bringing him to her.
She could not imagine living without him, and to think she had convinced herself she did not want or need marriage.
It turned out she both wanted and needed him.
Looking out through the window, the landscape changed from rolling meadows to sharp mountains off in the distance. She had already fallen in love with this part of the country and now it would be her home. Their home.
She supposed now all her parents’ focus would be on Alice.
They were surely in for a time keeping her in check.
But for all her bravery, Marion did wish a similar match as her own.
Alice deserved love and happiness. And so did Jean.
So what if the man she loved was not an earl or a laird.
Love, it seemed, did not discriminate. Would Alexander see that?
Would he interfere and keep them apart, or would he let them court properly?
Her own courtship was more than unconventional and with good reason.
She could not imagine the passion explosion of the past two days happening out of wedlock.
Maybe that was what bothered Alexander so much about discovering the pair, and thinking back, she could now fully understand why he was so distressed.
If she were to discover Alice in such a situation, she was sure she would react in much the same way.
She did want to support Jean, but she did not want to interfere with Alexander’s decisions. How could she support both of them without seeming to interfere?
“You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders,” he said, rousing her from her musings.
Turning to him with a smile, she said, “Nay. Just thinking about us and thinking about Jean.”
His expression turned from soft and sleepy to concern as his brows drew together. “I know you mean well—”
She put her hand up. “You need not worry. I will not interfere, in that you can be assured. If you want my thoughts, I will happily provide them, but she is your sister, and I will support whatever you decide as you know what is best for her.”
Alexander shook his head. “But that is just it. I have not decided anything for her. I left in such a rush to be with you that I did not get the opportunity to truly discover if it is like us, or if it is Alain taking advantage.”
“You know him well. Do you think that is something he would do?”
Frowning, he said, “No, I do not. I suppose I was taken off guard having been so distracted by you, and then when you witnessed it, I became even more confused.”
Though she was sure he did not mean it that way, a little part of her felt like he was holding her partly responsible for his reaction. Was that a fair way for either of them to think about it? Probably not, but it did illustrate how important communication was in a relationship.
“Would you like my thoughts?”
“Aye, Marion, I very much would.”
“I think you should talk to them both separately and then together. Hear what they have to say and then make a decision that makes sense once you know all the facts.”
He reached for her and pulled her across to sit on his lap. “How did I become so fortunate to find you?”
She smiled as she stroked his short beard and kissed his forehead. “I do not know, but you must have pleased God in some way.”
Squeezing her thigh, he said, “Oh dear, we are not vain, are we?”
“Not at all. I merely tell the truth,” she said in a teasing tone.
“I am fortunate,” he said. “In all seriousness, I could not have imagined a more perfect partner for me.”
“Nor I, husband,” she said as she slid off his lap to sit beside him. “About Jean, I do have a question.”
“And what is that?”
“Is she still to keep house or will those duties now fall to me? I am not asking to stir anything. I simply wish to know.”
“Do you think I would ever assume you would stir trouble?”
“Nay, I just wanted to say that so you would have no reason to think it.”
“Marion, I have overreacted where your intentions are concerned and I do apologize for it again, but that is not my general opinion of you.”
“I am glad to hear it. I want only the best for us and for your family.”
“I know you do, and I love you for it. They are your family now too.”
The way he said those words made her insides turn to mush. Moving into a new home, even under good circumstances, was a little nerve wracking as she had no idea if she could step up to fill Jean’s responsibilities.
“Are you worried about your new status?” he asked in a soft tone.
“Not really, but maybe a little. I do not want to undermine Jean in any way as I have come to think of her as a friend in the short time I have known her. Maybe she enjoys running the castle. I would not wish to take that from her.”
“When I speak with her about Alain, I will ask her. Is that satisfactory?”
“Aye, Alexander, that is perfect, and I thank you for supporting me.”
She could understand that it would be awkward for him and her really if she was to be a countess and the responsibilities for running the castle remained with his sister, but she did not want to arrive and then put the place in upheaval.
“All will be well,” he said and squeezed her hand.
She hoped so. They rode the remainder of the way without speaking.
Marion was sure Alexander was running through in his mind what he would say to Jean, and she was thinking of what she would say as well.
She dearly wanted to remain friends with her new sister and understood these first moments with a new mistress could be delicate.
Before long the carriage stopped, and she drew in a deep breath. Hundreds of butterflies were loosed in her belly as Alexander exited the carriage and then stood by to assist her. She stepped out onto the stone walkway and was immediately embraced by Jean.
To Marion’s relief, the woman whispered, “I am so very glad you have returned.”
Before she could reply, Jean took her by the hand and led her into the castle with a surprised looking Alexander following in tow.
*
Jean prattled on to Marion about how pleased she was to see her and pretty much ignored Alexander entirely. He was concerned enough as it was on the journey home, he wasn’t about to wait another day to speak with her.
“Sister,” he said, and when she didn’t reply, he said it louder. “Sister, I must speak with you.”
Turning to him with a frown, she said, “I was about to show Marion the new hydrangea blooms.”
“I must speak with you immediately.”
Lifting her chin, she walked in the direction of the library and said, “Very well, brother, but only if Marion stays with me.”
“So be it,” he said and followed them inside and closed the door.
“Well. What is so important that you must speak with me at this very moment?”
“Marion and I are married.”
Her jaw slacked and she stared at him for a moment or two before turning to Marion and embracing her. “You are staying with us? And I may now call you sister?”
“Aye, Lady Jean, we are now sisters,” Marion said with a smile fully returning the embrace.
“But that means,” she said and turned to Alexander, “she is now Lady Campbell, Countess of Argyll.”
“Aye, Jean, that she is and that is why I wanted to speak with you straight away. By right, she is now responsible for the running of the castle.”
Jean stepped away from Marion and moved over to look out the window. After a few moments she turned and said, “I will show her everything she needs to know, brother. You need not worry about a thing. We will have a smooth transition. But I confess, I will miss some of the duties.”
“You may keep some of them,” Alexander said.