A Late May Find

A Late May Find

Copyright 2016 L. L. Shelby

Published by L. L. Shelby at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Epilogue

About L. L. Shelby

Other Books by L. L. Shelby

Connect with L. L. Shelby

Acknowledgements

To my husband and children, who have been nothing but supportive to me through my writing journey. Thank you to my Facebook friends, who have helped me by reading samples of my books, which are ready to be published. A very special thank you to Kim at Killion Group Inc., for all her help in creating this great cover. This book is based on fictional characters, though names of towns, cities, and countries maybe real, the story line is 100% fictional. French translations were done with Google Translate. I like to write about places I would one day like to go and see for myself. I have no ill intensions for these places, or people’s cultures, again, it’s all fictional.

Chapter One

1860 Edinburgh Scotland – Mid May

Your highness, I beg your pardon; however, this just came for you. Do you wish to read it? Or shall I? asked the King’s man servant, Harold. He brought the gold platter into the dim lit den, where the King of Scotland sat, neatly scripting out his own letter. Just set down the plate, I shall read it later, the King replied, not blinking an eye at the interruption. His hand still and precise as he dipped his feather and wrote. Have my horse ready with fresh clothing and food, for me Harry. I leave in one hour. Harold was unaware of such travels. He was in charge of all the King’s comings and goings. Where are you going Sir? asked the elderly man. Harold himself was the servant to the previous King as well. King Malcolm was a bitter old soul; however, Malcolm had confided many secrets that Harold still held in the back of his mind. Secrets, he wished he did not know. The King dropped his feather onto his desk harshly, and stood up abruptly. I am unsure Harry, the King said, using an old nickname, his father had used for the servant. Very well. At that, the servant left to fulfill the King’s orders.

Once the King was left alone to his thoughts, he calmly strode over to where his crystal cylinder and whiskey glasses sat. Alec poured himself a dark golden drink and without hesitation, he shot back the burning liquid. He tsk, as the whiskey burned its way down his throat and into his empty stomach. He poured himself another and sat back down behind his solid dark oak desk. Alec placed his glass down onto the only bear spot that was left on the large piece of furniture. He grumbled as he reached for the letter that was sent to him. By the seal on the back of the letter he knew it would be in his mother’s finest script. Dear son, he moaned, reading the beginning out load. Could this really be happening to me? He thought as he grabbed his whiskey again, taking a more appropriate sip before continuing with his reading.

Since your father’s untimely death and then your coronation many years later, it is your duty as King to have a Queen and I am much too tired to continue. I beg of you to ask Lady Margaret for her hand. She is well respected and her family is as equal as our own. If, however, you refuse my last plea, you will force me to go to the counsel and request for you to be removed as King and give the title to your brother. Albert is already married and I suspect will be creating an heir anytime now. You, however, are the eldest. I had hoped you would have accepted my previous requests and since I have not heard of any engagement nor a wedding in the near future, I can only presume, you do not take me, your mother, the Queen, seriously. Thirty days Alec. You have thirty days to produce a wife or else you will lose your kingdom. I wish you well. ~ Your mother, Queen E.

Alec crumpled up the letter, throwing it into the nearby unlit fire place. Without any further thought, he drank the rest of the burning whiskey and threw the crystal glass; he had just drank from, into the unlit fire place as well. Glass shattering as it broke against the stone, tiny pieces of glass covering previously burnt wood and other pieces of crumpled papers. He went back to his writing without a care of the shattered glass. If, however, he read out as he wrote, I must marry, please grant me the power to marry whomever I wish. Lastly, please help me convince our mother for more time to marry. Sixty days I request rather than her thirty. Please help me Albert, I beg of you. ~ Alec.

Alec wasn’t one to ask his younger brother by four years for his help but desperate times called for desperate measures. It pleased Alec to know that Albert didn’t wish to be crowned King anytime soon and he knew there was no heir coming either. It was hard to see his beloved brother married to a woman his brother didn’t love. They hardly held each other’s hand in the presence of company. If he had a beautiful woman whom he loved, the guards would have to chain him up to keep his hands off of her. As he sealed his letter to his brother and the letters to the councilmen, Alec was praying to be granted the right to rule without a bride especially if it had to be Margaret.

The thought of marrying Margaret just to keep his kingdom bothered him. He didn’t like Margaret nor did he like her sister who was able to fool everyone else and married his brother. He found Margaret and Lydia both to be greedy and wanting. No. He wanted someone to love, to cherish and to want him equally in return. Growing up he saw how strained his parent’s relationship had been. His governors used to read him fairy tales of love and happily ever after and dammit, he wanted it too. He deserved it. He was King!

Once handing off the sealed and addressed letters to Harold, to be delivered by sun down, he walked towards the double hardwood doors and stopped. Before opening the door to ride away on his black thoroughbred stallion Goliath, he turned around to look at what might be his last time ever seeing his beloved castle as his, ever again. He looked carefully at himself in a nearby mirror from the neck down and cringed at the commoner clothes he wore. If someone, a woman, knew who he was dressed the way he was, he’d walk away. He just had to figure out where it was, he was going.

Goliath is waiting Sir. Can I help you with anything else? Harold asked, eager as always to please his King. Alec just shook his head. He looked from the mirror to Harold, "If I should receive word from one of my letters while traveling, please send it to me as soon as possible. I shall check with every lodge keeper for any messages for Goliath. Tell the messenger to wait to see me when he finds me, to hand over the message. It is not to be left in anyone else’ hands, do you understand? he spoke sternly but calmly, not angry but firm. Yes Sir. If you do not mind me asking but why are you leaving? Alec wondered how much he should tell the old man. Surely, he had enough secrets to haunt the castle. Finally, Alec muttered, To find a wife." He opened the hardwood door and left, leaving poor Harold stunned and surprised yet happy, standing in the entry of the castle, with a smile on his aged face.

Alec was surprised to see the sun shining so brightly. He was usually comfortable with closed curtains and dim lit candles in his rooms. He took in the smell of the gardens that surrounded him. He had servants who looked after the gardens but he didn’t care too much to come outside just to smell them. Alec looked up at the warm sun, admiring the clear blue sky, amazed there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. Goliath snickered his impatience; as he stomped in place ready to go on an adventure. Calm down boy, I am coming. Alec felt like a young boy every time he went riding with Goliath. He could go for a good ride and forget all his worries just for a few hours, and just relax, so he could refocus. He could solve any problem that faced him, that sat pending in his den for him. Alec swung his long muscular leg over Goliath’s wide back and raced the horse away into an unknown location.

*~*~*~*~

1860 Livingston Scotland – Late May

Emma, father wants you to go to the butcher when you are in town. I also need a list of groceries from Mrs. Innis’ store. Also, I need fabrics… Emma sighed as her younger, much more beautiful than she, only sister listed off everything she needed when Emma went into town. The time it took for Ann to stop what it was she was doing, to come all the way out to the barn and stop Emma’s concentration, while she milked Betsy and Thelma, their only dairy cows, to rhyme off a list of things for Emma to get, Emma was sure Ann could have already been on her way to town herself. Of course, that would never happen. Emma was always the one to go to town. She was the lest appealing one out of the two girls. With frizzled dull brown curls, tanned skin and callused hands, what man in his right mind would want her over her beautiful blonde hair, fair skinned sister?

Emma sighed again, not really paying much attention to her sisters’ chatter. Emma was the eldest of the two and therefore burdened with more of the responsibilities both inside and outside of the house. Their poor mother, God rest her soul, passed away during child birth to their brother who never had a chance of survival, as he was still born at seven months’ gestation. Emma could still hear her mother’s screams during the delivery ten years ago as she tried to push out the baby’s lifeless body. The midwife from town had been with Lucy during most of the delivery. Emma had tried to help by rushing around for cold compresses and hot water. In the end, the midwife couldn’t get Lucy’s hemorrhaging to settle down and soon she passed away from losing too much blood.

Emma only fifteen at the time, Ann only eight, was left alone with a silent father who didn’t know anything about raising girls. To help out her father, Emma volunteered herself during planting and harvesting season to do all the barn chores, as well as the house chores. As Ann got older, she took over more of the house chores too, seeing how Emma was working over-time to get everything done. Emma and Ann were close sisters, not much interrupted their relationship, which was a great relief to Emma, as she still needed Ann’s help. Okay Ann, write it all down. I have milked Thelma, I am just finishing Betsy, and then I will clean up and change. I will ask father if he will hook Lacy up with the cart, so I can go into town. I need to grab some fabrics and lace too, so I will get yours when I get mine. Emma could sense Ann’s hesitation to go back into the house. What is it Ann? Emma asked almost in frustration, over her shoulder still milking the cow expertly. I am worried about you Emma. With me courting Quinn, with an engagement pending, I am worried you are going to be stuck here, with father. Thankfully Betsy had given up all the milk she had to give.

Emma moved the pail out of the cow’s way, before Betsy could knock it over as she moved away from Emma. Emma stood up, stretching her back, and walked over to where Ann stood. Emma wrapped Ann up into a loving sisterly hug. Emma giggled at Ann’s protest because of Emma’s smell. Do not worry about me little sister. Someone somewhere will catch my eye. I just do not plan to stop living my life, to find him. Ann smiled sweetly up at her sister. You stink, she spat out and ran quickly back to the house before Emma could hug her again. You little brat! Emma called to Ann, both in a fit of giggles. Once cleaned, changed and smelling womanly again, she retrieved Ann’s shopping list. She was happy to see Lacy hooked up by her father and she began her travel to Glasgow.

*~*~*~*~

1860 Glasgow Scotland – Late May

Every day for the past two weeks, Alec traveled from town to town looking for a woman to be his wife. Someone more than a bed warmer but someone who didn’t know of his true identity either. Every maiden he past, waved at him and called him by name, in a way of greeting. As he made his way through the busy city streets of Glasgow, Alec was relieved at how no one would pay much attention to him. He and Goliath rode up to the town’s square, where the towns busiest markets were. A black smith shop at opposite ends of each other, a butcher shop and other necessary shops for the town’s people and for those who traveled in from surrounding areas. He and Goliath came to a sudden stop.

A woman walking out of the produce market, carrying three large brown paper bags had caught his eye. She seemed to be struggling with her purchases. I am okay Mrs. Innis, thank you any ways, she called back into the store. Alec sat, his hands still holding Goliath’s reins, resting on the saddle and watched as the helpless woman bumped into passerby’s. He leaned forward watching her closely; he wanted to see how she presented herself in a tough situation. As everyone scowled and muttered their annoyance of her, the beautiful woman smiled kindly at them with a sincere apology.

Alec was angry at the fact that it was clear as the sunny day, that the lady needed assistance but no one cared to help her. He jumped off of Goliath, taking a moment to tie him off on a nearby post. He would help her to where ever it was, she was going and he’d continue on his way. He sprinted across many galloping horses and buggies, drivers shouting at him to watch where he stepped but he didn’t care. The closer he came, the more he saw her struggling to keep her hold on all three bags. Just before he could reach her, she tripped over an exposed root, from a hundred-year-old oak, that was only a few feet from the sidewalk. With a scream of surprise, she fell dropping all three bags to the ground, watching as most of the contents from each bag escape, all over the uneven sidewalk.

Are you all right? a man asked, from behind her. Emma hardly had time to respond before she was being picked up and placed back onto her feet. She was nearly dizzy from the quick fall, to being lifted up again. She was frustrated, embarrassed and angry that a stranger was touching her. She brushed off her long summer gown, fixed her hair and turned around. She gasped at the handsome man who still stood so close before her. Dark emerald green eyes and rich dark chocolate hair, the length to the base of his head, slicked back, untied like most men. A square hair dusted jaw, as if he hadn’t shaved in a few weeks.

I am alright. Thank you, kind sir, but I am quite able to go on from here, she smiled kindly and tried to get her footing before she tried to walk on her own. He just stood and watched her. She was breath taking; only he feared she didn’t know just how beautiful she was. As she took a step to retrieve her belongings, a bolt of pain shot up her leg from her ankle. She would have fallen to the ground again, if the handsome and seemingly strong man hadn’t caught her. Oh dear, I am terribly sorry. It seems I have injured myself. I think it is my ankle, she tried to say calmly, as she tried to regain her stability, though fighting through the pain. You cannot walk on your foot. Who are you here with? he asked, looking down into her startled blazing blue eyes. His stomach tightened and his chest ached. A feeling he had yet to feel in the presence of a lady.

Emma cleared her throat as she tried to push away from the strong, warmth that was the man’s chest, without answering his question. She knew she shouldn’t be in town on her own, but who else was there to go with? My mare and cart are just down the way. Really, I am quite alright, sir. I will just walk slowly and carefully, she tried to reassure the handsome stranger. I will collect your things for you but first, he turned himself and quickly lifted her up into his arms. She gave a little squeal as he swooped her feet up off the ground by surprise and started walking in the direction of her mare. I am going to put you into your cart, so you do not further injure yourself. Emma felt embarrassed as people stood about and watched what was happening.

Please kind sir, put me down, this instant, she pleaded in a hushed whisper. People are watching. It is hard enough to get anywhere in this life being a woman, having you carry me like an infant, will not help my situation. Alec smiled down at her. She was determined to have her way, he liked that. A gentleman carrying a lady in a time of need will not harden your situation. Also, if they were so concerned for your safety, then they should have helped you before you fell and hurt yourself. I am only doing a noble deed, and then I will be on my way, he stated calmly, glancing down again.

He was up close and personal. Looking, smelling, feeling. He fought the raw male need that began to build deep within him. She was beautiful, angelic and polite. Think of what the rumours will be of me, she muttered, pulling him out of his one train thought. Having a man carry me around, who is not my betrothed. How can you expect me to show my face again? Alec didn’t say another word. He hadn’t thought of the possibility of her already belonging to someone. Of course, she would have a husband. She was stunning with rich chestnut curly hair, tightly pinned underneath her crisp white bonnet. Her eyes sparkled a pure clear blue.

Once she pointed out her mare and cart, he gently placed her onto the bench seat, jumped up and sat down beside her. What on earth are you doing? she gasped, placing her left hand over her chest in total shock of his actions. He chuckled at her fright. Nope she had no idea who he was. I am going to bring your cart around to where your purchase lays, and then gather them up. I will attach my mount and deliver you home. I could not send you on your way and expect you to use your injured foot for the brake and also, I want to know you have arrived home safely. Emma narrowed her eyes at him. "Sir. It is very thoughtful of you to worry about my safety but I assure you I am fine. I cannot and will not have some stranger drive my cart and deliver me home. Alec smiled. She was very entertaining and challenging. Of course, he knew she was right but that was only because he had yet taken a moment to introduce himself. My name is Alec, he stated, holding his hand out, implying she do the same. Which she did not. He dropped his hand, as he saw the fearful look on her face; a look as if she might have spotted a snake. And your name my lady? he questioned, when she didn’t offer it. Emma," she stated matter of fact, huffing and turned, sitting as straight as a board, refusing to look at his handsome smile one second longer.

Emma, he repeated. Caressing her name on his tongue, letting it flow smoothly over his lips, as goose bumps crawled up her spine. Well Miss Emma, it is a great pleasure to have met you today. Without another word, he released the brake and flicked the reins to start the mare. Once he turned the horse and cart around, he stopped where Emma’s packages still laid across the side walk. Alec quickly picked up fabrics and delicate lace, various meat cuts from the butcher and supplies to make baked goods. After refilling all three bags and placing them into the cart, Alec ran out to where he had tided his mount and brought Goliath over to be tied to the back of the cart. Only Goliath had plans of his own, the closer he got to Emma’s mare. Easy boy, easy, Alec tried to sooth. You said your horse is a mare? Would she be breeding by any chance? he questioned, trying to get Goliath to settle down. Emma’s face turned bright red. How embarrassing! It would appear so. I am terribly sorry. If it would help, attach your horse to the front and move Lacy to the back.

Alec caught the faint blush Emma wore on her soft cheeks. Alec quickly attached Goliath to the cart in front and brought Lacy to the back. Goliath protested but Alec was sure Emma would be the type to swoon if he let his horse have his fun with hers. Once Alec had everything settled, he jumped back onto the cart, sitting on the bench beside Emma and took the reins into his hands. Goliath pranced along like a proud stallion, as Emma and Alec sat quietly. Finally, Alec spoke, I would like to introduce myself to your husband and apologize for carrying you. My intensions were not to ruin your name but to simply help a maiden in need. Emma clasped her hands together but still did not look at him. There is no need to apologize to anyone. It was a kind gesture and I thank you for your help. She had hoped they could leave it at that but even in the short time she had known him, she wasn’t surprised when he didn’t.

Chapter Two

I must. If I were your husband, I would not care to have another man holding my beloved beautiful wife. He must know I had no ill intensions. Alec could see her squirm in her seat. I have no husband, no suitor, so no harm was done, she informed, shying away from him, keeping her fingers locked tightly in her lap. She looked out and away from where the man sat beside her, whom made her edgy and took in the late May afternoon sunshine. I must apologize to your father then. Surely, he would care if his beautiful daughter’s reputation had been compromised, he stated, giving her a look out of the corner of his eye. Emma gasped, and turned quickly to look at the handsome stranger beside her.

"My goodness Mr. Alec, you are quite liberal with your words. However, I can assure you, it is not I my father worries about and he will never hear of the scene from today, as he rarely ever travels away from our farm. Since I am his eldest, it is I and only I whom travels to town, she stated, matter of fact. As they left Glasgow, Alec was aware that he had no idea where it was, he was taking her. What is your destination my lady? he asked, noticing a fork in the dirt road ahead. Livingston," she muttered, fiddling with her dress.

Livingston? Why in Heavens were you in Glasgow? Do you not know Edinburgh is much closer especially since you are traveling alone? Alec was upset that she would travel so out of the way, when Edinburgh was much closer to her home. Did she not have any sense when it came to her safety? My father does not like Edinburgh, therefore, forbids me to go there. There was an awkward silence between them and Emma could sense Alec was angry about something and assumed he would ask more personal questions. Why does your mother not travel with you? he asked, paying attention to his steed. Mr. Alec, she sighed, You ask many questions of my family and life when I do not know you or yours. Surely you do not expect me to answer any further questions, she bit out, feeling guilty for answering him so hasty.

Emma was generally an easy-going person, who adored a good conversation but this man and his dashing good looks made her feel uneasy. He turned his head to smile at her. With his friendly gesture, crinkled eyes making him seem much younger then she guessed he was. Without saying another word to her, Alec turned his attention back to Goliath. The topic about family was a sore subject, so he wouldn’t push her. He could relate, as he wasn’t too excited about his own family either. He wasn’t used to a woman like Emma, her witty mouth that demanded him to mind his own business. At home, he would never had been given the same treatment. He was starting to like his idea of leaving Edinburgh to find a wife. He sat quietly, with his own thoughts of when he had the beautiful Miss Emma in his arms.

She had first seemed to be just a little girl when he first spotted her. Her sun kissed face, so young, soft and flawless. It wasn’t until he placed his hands under her arms to pick her up, that he felt the fullness of her breasts against his fingers. Then, when he had picked her up into his arms, he was thankful his front was hidden by her dress, so no one could see how carrying her had made him feel. Her soft curves, tight against his body. He could feel the side of her full breast pressed firmly against him. Her warm soft breath when she whispered on his chest as she tried to protest. Alec had to shake his head to clear his thoughts. The hard arousal was straining against his inner thigh, making his already tight black breeches, that much tighter. He shifted in his seat to regain his comfort. My mother passed away ten years ago, while giving birth to her still born baby. My baby brother, Emma finally whispered, looking down on her folded hands.

Alec was startled by her confession. He turned his head to look at her, he noticed a slight strain come and go across her soft features. I am so sorry. Had I known, I would not have asked. The look he gave her was of sadness and understanding. You are the eldest, so tell me what is your sibling like? he questioned further, not