For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 (4 page)

“If ye can pay the fare for yer journey, I shall take yer coins right ’ere.” The man with the mustache pointed at his box.

A well-dressed couple with two children stepped in front of Malcolm. He couldn’t move as fast since he carried Lauren. His rolled pack looped over his shoulder, and his money pouch was fastened on his belt around his waist, holding his plaid in place. He
strained to hear how much the fare would be. With the money
he made from the cattle he and Thomas sold and from what he made selling his horse, he should have enough to buy both their tickets. As the people in front of him stepped away, Malcolm moved her over his shoulder like a baby to get to his money pouch. Lauren moaned. He winced and paused, waiting for her to settle. Malcolm hoped the rolled pack could serve as a cushion.

“How much for two?” Malcolm asked.

“ ’Tis five pounds each for a total of ten pounds.” The man grinned up at Malcolm with a lifted eyebrow as if he expected Malcolm to come up short. “O’ course if ye do not have the total fare, ye can get in the other line and sign yerselves up for indenture.”

“If I wanted to do that, do ye not think I would be in that line?” Malcolm inclined his head as he counted out the ten pounds and handed it over. “The names are Malcolm MacGregor and Lauren Campbell.” He wanted to make sure that Duncan would be able to find a record of their travel. It was his first step in taking revenge.

“Ye’re not wedded?” the man asked, frowning up at Malcolm and squinting at Lauren in suspicion. “What is wrong with her?”

“Naught to worry ’bout.” Malcolm winked with a grin. “I gave her a wee bit o’ medicine to help her with sailing. Had a few reservations, she did.”

“Will ye need a cabin with other bachelors?”

“Aye.” Malcolm nodded. “An’ she will be fine with a few single lasses.”

“Go aboard.” The man waved him forward. “Find her a cabin, and she will be fine.”

As Malcolm carried Lauren up the boarding plank to the main deck, the gray sky sparkled like a diamond in the east where the sun broke through the clouds. Shimmering light crystallized upon the surface of the sea as small waves rolled into the harbor like rivulets. A moment of fear seized him as he imagined being out in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by water. The idea of those small waves turning into large ones made his gut twist. He coughed to ease his tension. Lauren stirred.

She wasn’t heavy, but after carrying her such a distance, his arms had grown weary and needed a break. Malcolm found a barrel and sat down for a moment. Lauren wiggled with a sigh but didn’t wake. He pulled her close and stroked the back of her hair.

“Shush, ’tis all right,” he coaxed her. He wasn’t yet ready to deal with her wrath after she came to her senses.

“Do not leave me, Da.” Her mumbled words pierced Malcolm’s heart as Lauren snuggled closer and gripped his plaid. In her dreamy state, he saw a vulnerable side to Lauren that he hadn’t allowed himself to consider. For the first time, he saw the woman beyond the Campbell name. He sensed she felt abandoned and unloved by her father. His mouth went dry at the realization she had told the truth. Lauren Campbell really believed her father wouldn’t care enough to come for her. What if she was right? What would he do with her then?

Thoughts of his mother and sister languishing away in a field somewhere enduring hard labor stole his breath. Carleen was young and strong. She would survive until he found her. But his mother? She was getting old and frail. The years had been hard on her, raising four children as a peasant widow. After purchasing his and Lauren’s passage, he doubted he had enough to purchase his mother’s full indenture, certainly not both hers and Carleen’s.

He looked down at Lauren and traced her golden hair along the smooth skin at her brow. Like his sister, Lauren was young. She could endure what his mother could not. If necessary, he would exchange her for his mother. It wasn’t fair, but nor was it fair to sell his mother and sister into indenture. He loathed having to do this to Lauren, but what choice did he have? If anyone was to blame, it was her father. Fury rose inside him. If he ever got his hands on the man, Malcolm would make him pay for all the pain he’d caused the MacGregors.

Determined to ease his temper, Malcolm took a deep breath and let it out slow and easy. He surveyed all the busy activity around them. Crewmen whistled as they checked ropes and folded canvas sails, and others loaded barrels of food. Passengers were either saying good-bye to loved ones before boarding or giving instructions regarding their luggage. Babies wailed, children chatted in excitement, and people on the main deck waved to others waiting on shore.

Malcolm glanced at the stairs leading below deck. He needed to claim cabin space for them before all the good ones were full. He braced himself as he lifted Lauren. The narrow staircase proved to be his most difficult challenge. He had to turn sideways at an angle to miss scraping Lauren’s head against the wall. By the time he reached the hallway below, he was quite out of breath and took a moment to recover. The quarters were tight, and people were crammed everywhere. It didn’t appear as if there were enough beds for everyone. Malcolm grimaced at the thought of living like this for the next couple of months.

He came to a cabin and peeked in to see two women talking and sitting on two different beds. They didn’t have five or six as some of the other cabins he passed. “Pardon me, but do ye have room for one more?” Malcolm glanced down at Lauren for emphasis. “She has no luggage an’ the lass shan’t take up too much space.”

The two women looked at each other and nodded. “Of course.” The redheaded lass stood and gestured to her bed. “Ye can lay her here for now. We only have two beds, but we shall figure somethin’ out.” She narrowed her gaze. “What is wrong with her?”

“I gave her something to make her sleep an’ to ease her nerves.” He carried Lauren over and bent to his knees so he could ease her onto the bed. “Her name is Lauren Campbell.” Malcolm stood and gave them a brief bow. “I shall come back later to check on her, but right now I need to claim a cabin for myself.”

“Aye.” The woman nodded. “Ye can try my brother’s cabin. Go down the hall and take a right. His name is Logan Grant. Tell ’im Deidra sent ye.”

“I am much obliged.” Malcolm gave her a quick bow before glancing one last time at Lauren. She looked so serene and peaceful, beautiful even. Warmth seeped through him at the realization, and he didn’t want to leave her, but then he remembered how angry she would be when she woke. Aye, it was best to make his escape now.

Chapter 3

3

F
emale voices on the other side of the room floated to Lauren’s consciousness. She lifted her head with a groggy moan. Her eyelids were heavy as she forced them open.

“She is waking,” a woman said.

Lauren blinked and tried to focus on the two fuzzy faces looming over her.

“Where am I?” Lauren pushed up on her elbows. Cheers escalated above, and she had the sensation that the floor moved beneath them.

“We are finally setting sail.” Another woman clapped her hands. “I canna believe I am goin’ to the Carolinas.”

“Set . . . setting sail?” Lauren rubbed her eyes and sat up. She glanced around the room, but it was dark with little light and no windows. Two lanterns hung on the opposite walls, revealing only two narrow beds. Tears filled Lauren’s eyes, but she blinked them back and swallowed, summoning her courage. “Where is Malcolm MacGregor?”

“Oh, ye mean the handsome brawn mon that brought ye hither?”

Now that Lauren’s vision had cleared, a comely lass with brown hair bent toward her. “He said he would come back an’ check
on ye.”

“How long ago was that?” Lauren stood and brushed her wayward hair out of her eyes. “Do either of ye know where he went?”

“ ’Twas about twenty, maybe thirty minutes ago.” Her second roommate stepped forward with wild curly hair falling past her shoulders in a sea of red. Green eyes sparkled as she smiled. “My name is Deidra Grant, an’ I sent ’im to find my brother, Logan.”

“Please do not think me rude for not introducing myself, but I am Kathleen Anderson.” The other woman gave a brief curtsey.

“Look at yer formality,” Deidra teased her friend.

“I am not supposed to be here.” Panic rippled through Lauren’s chest, gripping her with fear. “Please pardon me.”

Lauren hurried from the cabin on trembling legs. Once she turned the corner, she leaned against the wall to catch her breath. What was she to do? She had no change of clothes, no money, and she was alone. A gentle reproach pressed inside her chest.

“Forgive me, Lord. I’m not alone. I have Ye,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “Give me the strength to go to the captain. Please give me favor. Make them believe me.”

“Are ye all right?” Deidra followed her into the hallway. Her long red hair showered her shoulders in tangled curls. She blinked in concern. Her compassionate expression was framed in pale skin layered with freckles.

“I need to find the captain. Where is he?” Lauren clenched her hands in front of her, determined to seek help. Her first instinct was to find Malcolm and rage at him, but she knew very well it would do no good. He was determined to make her pay for her father’s sins. Arguing with Malcolm would only cause her to lose precious time. She needed to convince the captain to turn around before they got too far out to sea.

“The captain was up on deck at the wheel afore we set sail.” Deidra pointed above. “He is probably still there.”

“Thank ye.” Lauren said, swallowing her fear. “I must go.”

Lauren passed several more people who were trying to find their cabins with the intention of getting settled for the long journey. She reached the main deck and shielded her eyes from the bright sun as she searched for the captain. A middle-aged man with gray hair tied back in a ribbon wore a black hat and was dressed in a white shirt with a brown vest. Another man with long brown hair in his early thirties conversed with him. The elder man had a hand on the large wheel.

Taking a deep breath, Lauren strode toward them and climbed a set of steps leading to the quarterdeck. The younger man turned, lifted a brow, and walked to her.

“Please, sir, I need to speak to the captain. There has been a terrible mistake.” Lauren scratched at her arm in nervous anticipation.

“The captain is busy. I am Hugh MacKinnon, his second in command. Ye may state your problem. I shall take care of it.” His speech was more cultured than she expected, with a faint English accent.

“But the captain is right there.” She glanced around his shoulder and pointed.

“Aye, but my job is to handle matters before they reach him.” Mr. MacKinnon followed her gaze and twisted around. He nodded to the captain as the two men exchanged a glance. “So, what is this mistake you are worried about?” He grinned in the midst of his brown beard and mustache, revealing better-looking teeth than she would have anticipated for a sailor. His brown eyes assessed her attire, no doubt judging her character.

“I was stolen from my family and brought aboard against my will,” Lauren said. “I am not supposed to be on this ship. Ye have to turn around and take me back before we go too far.”

“I am afraid we are already too far for that.” He laughed. “And where is this person who kidnapped you? How did you manage to escape?”

“He left me asleep in a cabin with two other women,” she said.

“You do not look beaten or tortured.” He assessed her and shook his head. “Did he not tie you up? Even your wrists look fine.”

“He poisoned me so he had no need. Someone had to notice him carrying me aboard.” Lauren stepped forward, ready to plead if she had to. “Please, ye have to believe me.”

“My girl, if he was trying to hide you, then why put you in a cabin with others to come and go as you please?” He scratched his temple. “He did not try to hide you in a private cabin so he could have his way with you, nor did he sell you as an indenture. You could have easily been hidden in the hold with so many others.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I am sorry, but your story sounds contrived.”

Tears filled her eyes. Malcolm had known how they would react. The dirty scoundrel. “Please, believe me. I have no one else to turn to.”

He narrowed his gaze and shifted his weight to one foot as he stroked his beard in thought. “Are you a stowaway then?” Mr. MacKinnon tilted his head. “The captain dislikes losing money. An’ stowaways cost us.”

“Nay, I’m not.” Lauren fidgeted with the nail on her thumb. She needed to convince them of the truth. “I told ye, he gave me something. I was not awake when he brought me aboard.”

“I suppose I could question the men who wrote the records.” Mr. MacKinnon strode to the rail and leaned over. “Mr. Smith, fetch Mr. Todd Kerr at once.” Folding his hands behind his back, Mr. MacKinnon walked back to Lauren. “And who brought you aboard?”

“Malcolm MacGregor.” The words slid out in a rush.

“While we wait for the other men to arrive, tell me why this Mr. MacGregor would take such an aggressive action in kidnapping you.” Mr. MacKinnon crossed his arms over his chest and waited, giving her a pointed look.

Lauren confessed the truth, the whole sordid detail of what her father did to the MacGregors, Malcolm’s reaction, and her desire to go home. Mr. Kerr appeared standing at attention with his hands folded behind his back. A moment later, Malcolm arrived with his new roommate. His dark eyes met hers, and for an instant, she sensed his remorse. He averted his attention to Mr. MacKinnon as he approached.

“I understand you brought this young woman aboard. She says you stole her from her family. Is this true?” Mr. MacKinnon asked.

“Nay, I did not take her,” Malcolm said, glaring at Lauren.

Heat rushed up Lauren’s face, boiling her blood. An image of Colin MacGregor came to mind. Malcolm had not lied, but how dare he make her sound like a liar. “Ye poisoned me.”

“True. I thought it would calm yer fears an’ ease yer anxiety. I knew ye was not keen on sailing.” Malcolm raised an eyebrow, twisting his lips into a patronizing grin.

“Aye.” Mr. Kerr stepped forward. “The gel was asleep when he brought ’er aboard, but he did pay her fare. She is no stowaway.”

“I knew someone saw us.” Lauren lifted her chin. “Now, ’tis the matter of my abduction I want to set straight.”

“What have I got to be ashamed of, Miss Campbell? I have paid for yer passage.” Malcolm crossed his arms and emphasized her name. “I am not the one who sold yer family as indentured servants without their consent—like slaves at an auction.”

“And neither did I!” She stepped forward on her tiptoes to meet him, but her head ached since she had to lean back so far to look into his eyes. “I am sorry for what happened to Iona and Carleen, but ye’re a different matter—entirely.”

“I only want the truth,” Mr. MacKinnon said.

“I told ye the truth.” Lauren appealed to Mr. MacKinnon. “Please . . . take me back. I am sure my father would make it worth yer time. He will pay ye well for yer trouble.”

“Too late. We stand to lose more money than your father would
pay to cover a hold of over a hundred or more souls.” Mr. MacKinnon rubbed his jaw. “Things do not add up between the two stories, but it would take a simpleton to ignore the obvious history between you two.”

“There is no history,” Lauren said. “Please, ye have to believe me.”

“All the signs point to a lovers’ quarrel.” Mr. MacKinnon raised a palm. “I do not care to know the details. We are not turning back.” Mr. MacKinnon crooked a finger at Mr. Kerr. “Now if you will excuse me, I have a crew to manage.”

Lauren glared at Malcolm. “I hope yer revenge against my father was worth selling yer soul for.” She turned, unable to hide her contempt at how he had gotten his way. Tears blinded her vision as she stomped down the steps to the main deck.

Lauren’s parting words still roared in Malcolm’s brain like a prophecy of doom. Had he really sold his soul with his vengeful deed? The burning question was more than he could bear. No doubt, he would have to face the consequences of his actions at some point. At least he was able to save her from the misery of the hold. Relief filled him at the sobering thought of being responsible for her welfare while aboard. This way he could protect her from roving sailors and still exchange her for his mother when they arrived.

“I think I am gonna like ye.” His new roommate grinned with a curious expression as he crossed his arms over his chest. Logan’s blue eyes glimmered with a thirst for adventure. “Looks like ye’ll be keepin’ things lively ’round here. We shall need some of that while on this long journey at sea.”

“Believe me, my life is full of unwanted controversy, but I am not sure I would call it an adventure.” Malcolm scanned the main deck below, but saw no sign of Lauren. “Be careful befriending me. A black curse has been upon our family for generations now. Ye would not want to add to yer troubles, would ye?”

“I do not believe in that nonsense.” Logan laughed. “Cheer up! Ye’re about to enter a world full of promise an’ a brand-new beginning. In the colonies men like us can make our own way rather than being born and stuck with whatever fate dealt us.”

“Right now I need to find Lauren before she causes more trouble. She is quite angry, an’ I am not sure what she might do.” Malcolm followed the direction Lauren had taken.

“She will be fine.” Logan followed.

“Aye, but this ship is full of questionable men.” Malcolm shook his head. “She is young an’ innocent.”

“I see.” Logan’s voice took on a pensive tone. “I could check with my sister an’ her roommate. Lauren might have went back to their cabin.”

“Aye. Good idea.” Malcolm looked over at his new redheaded friend. When they arrived at the cabin, Lauren wasn’t there. Malcolm had to hold his patience while Logan introduced him to his sister, Deidra, and her cabinmate, Kathleen. Once he could break away, Malcolm checked the main deck. He went below and started on the opposite end from where his cabin was located. He walked the levels and talked a sailor into helping him search through the cargo in the hold and among the indentured servants. While he couldn’t imagine her hiding in such a dark place with all the rats, he could see her making friends with those less fortunate.

He searched for an hour and began to wonder if she had found an ally and was hiding in someone’s cabin. Malcolm rubbed his tired eyes, not liking the idea of having to knock on every cabin door. He could wait outside her cabin until she showed up. They were out in the middle of the sea. She couldn’t very well leave the ship.

Hanging his head, Malcolm walked by the cockboat. A woman wept nearby. He paused, straining to determine the direction. It sounded like it was on the other side of the cockboat, but naught was there but a rail overlooking the wide-open sea. Fear coiled in the pit of his gut. If he startled her, she might lose her balance and fall.