The Libertine (Taskill Witches 2)

“That is the truth, but it was necessary.”

“Your magic is so powerful,” Jessie said. “I have much to learn.”

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“Why does that sound like trouble to me?” Gregor said, and Jessie laughed.

“They would have burned me as a witch,” Chloris commented. “They said so even before you arrived and showed your powers.”

“Many bystanders have suffered,” Lennox said, “as well as those who practice the old ways. People are too ready to judge and accuse, and the witch finders are able to finger whoever they want. I heard tell they put this mark upon people they suspect. They call it the Devil’s mark, and then they force the victims to confess through torture.”

He noticed that Chloris shuddered when he mentioned the confession.

“It will bring about a legacy of regret for Scotland,” he added, “mark my words.”

“It will be good to be at home in the Highlands,” Jessie said.

“You drove that carriage like a demon, Gregor,” Lennox commented, changing the subject.

Chloris nodded. “However did you stay upright when it was going at such speed?”

Gregor smiled. “When you have handled a ship on the high seas in rough weather, you get used to being cast about and keeping your wits about you.”

Lennox was pleased to see the man less tense than he had appeared during their acquaintance thus far. But he knew the reason was because they were now on their way and talk of witch finders would soon grow more distant, as well.

“You have been aboard a ship?” Chloris asked.

She’d had time to become acquainted with Jessie’s gentleman during his time resting in the carriage, while Lennox took the coachman’s seat, but they obviously hadn’t discussed his background to any great extent.

“I own a part share in a vessel, a ship I joined when I was a lad. It is called the Libertas. I traveled far and wide when I was away from Scotland.” He turned to Jessie and smiled. “I believe I am thoroughly landlocked now, though.”

“You will not go back to your ship?” Lennox asked, his curiosity kindled on the matter. He would hate to see Jessie disappointed and her heart broken if the sea beckoned to her lover once more.

“It is the new life that calls to me now, I am set on it. In fact I must soon think upon writing to Roderick, my partner, who is currently the captain. He will be expecting me to return to Dundee to meet the Libertas later in the year. I will need to send word to let him know my plans have changed, that I will be making my home in Scotland once again.”

Lennox could see the man was devoted to Jessie, but Lennox was no longer wary of that, for he had put on a good show of defending her these past few days.

“There is a matter that I should discuss with you,” Gregor said to Lennox. “Just before our paths crossed in Fife, I asked Jessie to be my wife. Now that you and I have met, it is you that I should go to in order to request her hand in marriage. Will you agree to it?”

Lennox noticed there was a bit of tension in the man’s expression. Was it because Gregor was not one of their kind? It no longer mattered. “If Jessie is happy, then I am happy.”

Jessie, who had been listening carefully and with a serious expression, broke into a large smile. “You see,” she said, “I told you there was nothing to worry about.”

“Will you wed when we get to the Highlands?” Lennox asked, and as he did so he held Chloris’s hand tightly in his. He could feel her mood alter. She was fretting. He would need to soothe her concerns when they were alone.

“If that suits us all,” Gregor said.

Lennox nodded. “Glenna, the oldest and wisest woman in my coven, she has a gift for making a fine handfasting. She will enjoy taking on the task of binding you together.”

His suggestion was greeted with good cheer all around.

Soon after, he said good-night to Jessie and Gregor and led Chloris away. They needed to speak on matters of their own.

When they were alone in the chamber he had secured for them, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, resting her down gently.

“Oh, this bed is nowt but boards and blankets, but it is still a fine blessing after our journey.” She reached out her arms to him.

“I will secure you the best stuffed mattress in the Highlands, when we reach Fingal.” He gazed down at her and sighed with contentment. Then he lay alongside her and held her in his arms. He’d never felt more grateful for the chance to be with her.