Fire in the Heart

By Lesley J Mooney

Loving another man, the feisty young Rianna becomes an unwilling bride to the possessive yet compelling Lord Rowan McClaron.
After travelling to his ancestral home on the storm battered cliffs of the east coast of Scotland, Rowan’s passion becomes overwhelming, but a wedge is driven between him and his young bride when Rianna initially fails to produce the expected heir.
A ghostly vision on the staircase, an attempted assault by a visiting relative, a ruthless encounter on the moors and Rowan’s jealous and violent testing of her love bring Rianna to a fearful decision, one which involves another Scotsman, but leaves death and heartbreak in its wake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jan 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781925595185

Lesley J Mooney

Lesley June Mooney, (nee Hubbard) the author was born in Perth W.A. in the early thirties of mixed English/European blood- and educated at boarding Colleges there. When aged fifteen, with her father and brother, they travelled up North by train to Nullagine, then three days on a mail truck, Dad in the front and the two children out the back sitting on the stores; going to work at Roy Hill station, the first of three outback properties. After there on she enjoyed an interesting working life, a few weeks at Wyndham, nearly three years in Darwin and Sydney, then back to Perth. When over twenty one, she was asked to try Station cooking in Queensland, then cook for an elderly man helping the bush nurse, totally inexperienced.Met husband Ernie, they married moving to Mackay, and her brother died in Perth. Worked beside Ernie in his various building trades and ran a Dairy until he became ill for two years. Then ran a Bull stud, had six children and leased a country Hotel for six years until back to the bull stud. Their only son died at twenty one and her father later.As a Taurean, she is a creative lady - artist, dancer of all styles, pianist, singer, composer, writer & gardener and some travelling. Combined work in businesses until moving to a small acreage at Habana. After fourteen years of gardening, twenty of dancing, courses at U3A and TAFE, starting a tap group and theatre group for 45-70’s entertaining Seniors, she began to write. First 480 poems called ‘Fragments of The Mind’, then completed five novels, gaining experience on the internet. Ernie passed away and with a loving family to help she continues to write, hoping to be recognized with success in publishing while possible.

Book preview

Set in the 16th Century

CHAPTER 1:

STORMY BEGINNINGS

Holding her warm jacket closer to her body Rianna turned to look towards the ocean as she made her way along the path towards the little seaside village of Portsoy, an Inlet on the exposed northern coast of Scotland. Blasts of cold wind are blowing violently from the ocean around the bay into the small village, and the far distant storm pushes relentless, frothing, surging waves up onto the sides of the steep black, jagged cliffs along the coastline.

‘Holy St Christopher’ Rianna gasped while stopping on the cobbled street when she sees a schooner just outside the bay, sinking deep into the troughs of the ferocious waves then jutting above the water. She paused for a few minutes while watching the masts roll from side to side, and her heart beat faster with concern for the crew. Holding her hands above her eyes to peer through the foggy morning light, she sees the height and strength of the waves and realises the men would be trying hard to maintain the ship’s course in that violent sea. Waiting anxiously as the cold gusting wind blew at her clothes, she watched the ship repeat its valiant efforts to sail closer until it finally seems to safely clear the rocky headland.

In misty veils the salty spray moved along the narrow cobbled streets of the small village and shivering, she pulled her jacket tighter around her body. It may be a stormy night ahead she decides as the wind seems to be fiercer than usual and the sky is filled with ominous thunderheads. Rianna is used to the weather, which is often wild and bitterly cold, having lived here all her life, but she did not wish to be caught in a storm. Looking back, she noticed the little ship had arrived into the small more protected area inside the breakwaters, and made its way safely towards the old jetty. The angry seas outside the harbour have changed the ocean surface into high crested, mottled green waves, topped with foam, showing the menacing signs of dangerous weather coming.

Above the sounds of the blustery wind whistling down the narrow streets, she can hear the noisy voices of the sailors carrying across the water, yelling to each other as they scrambled around the slippery deck in the wild weather. Rianna had often heard the folk tales that sometimes those strong little ships ended up being wrecked on rocks along the south eastern coastline. Then when washed up on the beaches their cargo was stolen and disposed of by smugglers.

A passing local woman commented to her, ‘Lord Jesus’, them be lucky this’ evening. That’ be a wicked storm a’ coming! Ye go home lassie!’

Rianna agreed, nodding her head, ‘Yes ma’am, tis true, but please excuse me. I must hurry along as the wind is becoming colder.’

Continuing to walk quickly through the town, her instinct warned her that rain was not far away. Her hands firmly pressed her thick, green woollen skirt firmly to her body as the wind tugged at her jacket and slipped underneath her skirt. It lifted the edges and ruffled her long wavy russet hair. She tossed her curls, while walking along, her blue eyes smiling with pleasure, as today she is feeling pleased. It is her birthday, and for the first time, her normally strict father Robert Graham has allowed her to come alone to meet her friends and see the local markets. Rianna’s mother usually accompanies her but today she cautiously relented, being too busy to leave at that time. It was rarely she is given this opportunity.

Seeing a stylish carriage coming closer along the cobbled street she stepped back slightly to look as it slowly passed by. A pair of dark, intriguing eyes gazed out at her, then abruptly the horses pulled to a sudden stop nearby which startled Rianna, stopping her in her tracks.

The carriage door opened and a tall man dressed in black stepped out, and leaning towards her he gently took hold of her arm while he doffed his hat towards her.

He asked her, ‘Madam, the weather is cold and blowing wildly. Could I offer you the courtesy of a ride to wherever you wish to go?’ His voice was deep with a strong Scottish accent.

Rianna was astonished at the gentlemen’s touch, and hearing those words spoken by a complete stranger, a most unusual occurrence. She glanced up, her cheeks blushing when seeing his dark green eyes keenly scrutinising her face.

Quickly she replied, ‘No, no sir, I certainly could not accept your invitation, but thank you, I can manage by myself,’ and hurriedly moved away her heart beating faster.

He let go of her arm, but she felt shocked, as gentleman do not normally accost an unknown women here in this small town. The gentleman nodded his head and returned to the carriage, its door closed and it quickly moved on. She watched it while breathing a sigh of relief, but still trembling. Rianna suddenly looked ahead to where her two friends, Annie and Jenna, young women of a similar age to her were standing near a corner in the square. She waved happily and they called out, running quickly up to greet her.

‘Rianna, come on hurry up, we have been eagerly waiting to see you.’ Annie told her.

Throwing her arms around them and in an excited voice Rianna said ‘I’m so glad you two are here.’ Regretfully she commented, ‘I think we’re in for a nasty storm. I watched a poor wee ship trying to come into the harbor. It is really so rough, and those waves are huge! I would hate to be out there. By the way, did either of you notice the carriage that just passed by you? It actually stopped beside me.’

‘Oh, do tell. Why did it stop Rianna?’ Jenna asked her voice full of curiosity.

‘Never mind about that now Jenna, I will tell you both later on, it was really nothing,’ and she brushed it from her mind.

Suddenly to her surprise, they both began to sing out loudly, ‘Happy birthday Rianna, for today,’ with Jenna giving a cheeky smile, ‘Let’s all have some fun while we can.’ She twirled her skirts around as she laughed. ‘Today you are eighteen Rianna, and you can do all that now,’ she said, ‘You know girl what I mean, have fun!!’

Then each girl handed her a wee gift they had made at home. Annie’s were two embroidered handkerchiefs and Jenna’s, a pretty pastel case for those handkerchiefs. Rianna was delighted and kissed both on their cheeks. ‘They are really lovely my dear friends, and thank you so much.’

‘Rianna, today you are lucky to be allowed out without a chaperone. My mother is very dubious at letting me come out here without her company, but I insisted as it is your birthday,‘ Annie happily remarked.

‘Tush you two,’ Jenna added. ‘You are both fusspots. Me mam dinna’ mind me coming alone! What can happen here in this village?’ she asked giving a saucy grin.

Rianna smiled at Jenna’s words, as she had known these two friends for many years. At twenty one Jenna Burns was the eldest, with a wicked laugh, quick temper, cheeky green eyes and long black hair. She strutted along with the well-rounded body she was proud of, checking that her clothing was satisfactory. She liked to look nice, always very aware of her popularity with the local young men, which her two friends were well aware of. Only seventeen years old, Annie had shorter, warm brown wavy locks, and gentle brown eyes. A modest, shy young girl verging on womanhood, Annie had a loving nature and was respected by all who knew her.

Jenna turned to Annie. ‘Are you going to the market dance tonight? I am!’ she said, spinning around again holding up her fully flared skirt as she spoke.

‘I am not sure yet, ‘Annie replied, ‘I have yet to ask my mother.’

Rianna held her arm, ‘Of course you will Annie. We are all going out to celebrate my birthday. It is rarely my father will let me out without a chaperone, so tonight we’ll take this opportunity and enjoy ourselves,’ and they strolled along happily laughing as they talked together.

They had all grown up together since school days, and were good friends all that time, confiding their secrets and caring for each other. Rianna’s personality and nature is slightly different to her friends. An intelligent young woman with an artistic curious mind, she is attentive to detail in everything. Like Annie, she enjoys reading, dancing and playing the piano at home, but she also helps her father attending to some of his personal business interests, and in his small office.

The markets they are attending today are held once a fortnight every Saturday afternoon in the village square of the small township of Portsoy and always eagerly anticipated. Most of the residents look forward to this day as a being a wonderful break from the monotony of village life. The main street of the little community is beginning to fill with the sounds of the many carriages of merchants, residents, and visitors who are riding or driving into the town in carts or carriages. Many walk in for the day mainly on business, and here they purchase supplies for their homes, quaffed drinks at one of the local Scottish Inns or Hostels, and came to see the markets and the fair. There was always so much happening on market days, and many country people visited for a few hours of fun, feasting and dancing, bringing their wares to the markets for sale, or else, to purchase some.

The three girls kept on walking along holding hands, chatting to each other, deciding on which dress they’d wear tonight, and who among their friends might come into town for the dance. All are so happy to have this afternoon and night out, as Jenna skipped along, her black hair flying in the wind. Rianna and Annie walked more sedately, laughing at Jenna’s usual behaviour. To them, Rianna’s eighteenth birthday is a special event to be appreciated. Arriving at the sprawling markets and the colourful fair spread out on the village green, they found it full of friends. Many called out to them, and those who knew them came over wishing Rianna a good day and night for her birthday.

‘You are lucky Rianna,’ one lady said to her. ‘Having your eighteenth birthday in the village with your friends and not being escorted either. Tush dear, where is your mam?’

Rianna laughed with pleasure, ‘Yes that I am, but I am only allowed to have this one time, as my mother is very busy today.’

In the market place they could see some country farmers and many strangers milling around the stalls, looking at, tinkering and purchasing the goods for sale. Most of them talked in groups, either comparing their purchases, or gossiping. Simple country couples in practical dark gowns and rough work clothes mixed with young girls running around giggling, in pretty dresses, or wearing skirts with cotton blouses, and short waistcoats. There are even serious looking business men to be seen, in straight legged pants, long black jackets and tall dark hats. Some are holding black canes as they walked, indeed a rare sight to see here. Scottish pipers waited there looking very grand, in their tartan kilts, sporrans, plaid socks, and long-sleeved frilled white shirts. They carried large sets of bagpipes across their shoulders and chests, as they intend to supply the music for the dancing to the assembled gathering.

Standing over near a stall is an older man playing little tunes on a well-preserved accordion, and little children smiling, gleefully held hands, while trying to dance around in a circle to his music. The mixed sounds floated across the square filling the air as the afternoon became warmer and the wind dropped a little. Everywhere, people reacted to the prevailing happy mood.

After they walked around for a while Rianna asked the other two, ‘Do either of you wish to try a lemon drink, as I am thirsty?’ She waited for the other two to reply but Jenna turned her head towards Rianna, ‘Not just yet Rianna, thank you,’ she replied, chatting to a young gentleman acquaintance.

Annie was looking the other way and did not hear her words so Rianna went over to the stall surrounded by a mixed crowd, including men wanting to buy the pale brown drink on sale, the local favourite a home-made ale. Then Annie agreed to have a drink and joined her in the crowd around the stall, turning around to look at everyone gathered there. While they stood waiting their turn, Rianna felt someone staring at her, and slowly turning her head sideways she encountered the strong stare of a man close behind, dressed as a Laird. He was looking at her much too closely and kept on gazing at her, seemingly quite interested in what he saw. She looked away, but was puzzled that he seemed familiar.

As he smiled, a dimple suddenly appeared in his left cheek. ‘What beautiful hair you have, young lady, it enhances your pretty face,’ he commented in a strong manner.

Quite embarrassed by his remark, Rianna quickly glanced away as her drinks were served to her. Annie who heard his comments took her drink quietly, giggling as she whispered in Rianna’s ear, ‘It seems you have an admirer,’ she said, glancing at the gentleman standing close by.

The deep voice sounded beside them again, ‘Ladies, I wish to present myself. I am Lord Rowan McClaron, at your service.’ he said bowing slightly to them. Rianna observed him, noticing his bold, piercing green eyes, very dark eyebrows, blackish hair curled in at the nape of his neck, and a well-shaped mouth. She uttered nothing after his introduction, just dipped her head.

Again he remarked, ‘Your eyes are such a vivid blue, young woman, Quite remarkable!’ putting his hand up to his hat removing it as he spoke.

Rianna felt somewhat awkward at his attentions, but knew that she had to acknowledge him, so she turned around speaking quietly, ‘This is my friend Annie Douglas, and I sir, am named Rianna Graham.’

Though she never usually talked to strangers, he seemed to be a gentleman. Well dressed in a plaid kilt with a sporran set low on his belt, a tailored plaid jacket and a typical Scottish bonnet was sitting at a jaunty angle on his head. Being tall and well built, he stood out in the crowd. Then with a start, she remembered. This was the man who accosted her earlier in the street, and she trembled, feeling a little nervous at his attentions. It was most unusual, and she was concerned at his second unexpected encounter. Suddenly they were joined by Jenna who asked Rianna for a drink, giving her the coins needed. Seeing this gentleman talking to them, she raised her eyebrows with a questionable glance at him.

‘My name, if you are interested sir, is Jenna. Are you a local Squire? I’ve not seen you around here,’ she told him. Both Rianna and Annie smiled to themselves not surprised by Jenna’s bold remarks, as they know her nature.

The gentleman replied, ‘Well young woman, you are quite inquisitive! No, I am not from here, but have land much further away down the coast. Today, I am in town for my business interests only. Everybody seems to be having fun. Are you ladies all enjoying these markets and the fair? It is indeed a great day for this!’ Turning directly to Rianna he asked, ‘I believe there will be dancing later, so will you be attending Miss Rianna?’

Surprised at his remark she looked away, a blush filling her cheeks, but with a shy smile Annie replied, ‘We are all going dancing sir, as it’s not often we are able to.’

Jenna saucily quipped, ‘Sir, are you a dancer too, or are you too busy with your business to enjoy a bit of frivolity?’

He stared at her with a bland expression. ‘Perhaps I do, perhaps I don’t, young woman,’ he said turning away to gaze at the assembled crowd.

Jenna was quite a bit put out at his sharp remark not being used to rejection, so she sauntered on ahead of them with her nose in the air. Rianna and Annie glanced at each other, slightly amused at his words, and they walked away with their heads held high, trying not to smile.

After a morning’s inspection of all the stalls and with the market almost finished, they decided to go home to prepare for the dance that night. When they were leaving the ‘green’ together Rianna felt a hand touching her shoulder, and with some hesitation she looked back to see this stranger again.

‘Do you live far away?’ he quietly asked. ‘I can give all of you ladies a comfortable seat in my carriage, if you would allow me. It’s just up the street.’

The three of them were rather astonished at this offer from a stranger. Rianna firmly declined, ‘Thank you sir, we do not have that far to go, and will proceed on our own.’

A moment later, Jenna touched her quickly on the arm asking, ‘Why not accept his offer Rianna? He seems harmless enough, and a gentleman to boot!’

‘My goodness Jenna, you know we are not permitted to ride with any strangers. My father would be horrified! You should remember that!’ Rianna reminded her and Annie agreed.

Jenna tossed her head in the air, feeling annoyed, and strutted down the street in front of them not speaking, as she dearly wanted to accept the handsome strangers’ offer. The three girls lived in different parts of the town, so they parted soon after, to each make their way home separately in their family buggies waiting further up the street.

CHAPTER 2:

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Rianna's father Robbie Graham owned a large farm just out of the village stocked with small, rough haired Scottish cattle, plus many sheep, which he bred for their wool. The wool was sold with the farm produce to the shops. He is old fashioned and a strict but caring father, hoping for a good future for his only daughter. His son Andy, an avid fisherman has a close friend Gregor Andrews, who often jokes and laughs with the girls when they are in town. Both are away now, out fishing in Andy’s boat. When back in port Gregor always paid attention to Rianna and teases her, silently aware she likes him.

She and Annie had known Gregor since they were little girls, both are fond of him but neither dared to show their feelings. Robbie Graham knows his daughter likes Gregor a lot, but he can see that the young man has nothing to offer her as a suitor and tries to discourage a friendship between them. The fact that one of his parents was Austrian seemed a deterrent to Robbie Graham as he wanted his daughter to marry a true Scotsman. This young man with his quiet but determined nature loves Rianna but is very aware of her Father’s disapproval of their relationship, so he is careful not to cause dissention in the family. Rianna dare not say anything as her parents are strict, so she keeps her feelings to herself.

She attends the church sessions as they expect, and spends long hours writing and keeping her father’s books in order. As a good daughter she helps her Mother with cooking and housework and loves playing the piano. Though she feels her life is full and rarely has much time for herself, the few days she is able to spend with her friends are very special to her.

Early in the evening each girl finished their various chores quickly, before the dark sunset of orange-mauve tinted skies hid behind heavily blackened clouds. They each knew soon it would be time to prepare for the dancing that night being held in the village hall. Rianna decides to wear one of her pretty dresses, and with her shapely tall figure the blue velvet dress fitted her like a glove. Soft white lace edges the sleeves and a similar lace is frilled around the neckline, it is a striking but dainty dress. Wearing her laced black dance shoes, she feels really pleased with the results shown in the mirror. After putting her thick hair up in curls at the back of her neck, she asks her Mother, ‘Is it alright to leave now Mother?’

Her mother smiles, looked her over, and patted her daughter’s hand. ‘There Rianna, you do look very pretty. But first I have a gift for you my darling girl,’ and turning around she picked up a package tied with a pretty ribbon.

Rianna excitedly opens the paper bag and inside she finds a beautiful dainty music box. It is so pretty with a dancing Scotswoman and when opened and wound up with the key, the lovely dancer pirouetted around in a pattern of a Scottish dance. ‘Oh mother it is beautiful and I will always listen to the music and remember you,‘ she said, placing it on her bedside table.

Her mother smiled, ‘Go and have a lovely evening dear, but remember, be careful and do not stay too late. A nasty storm is coming later on.’

She completely trusted her daughter and watched her ride off in the family’s small buggy, pulled by a well-trained bay horse. She called into Annie’s home down the road on the way to the little town, knowing they had agreed to meet Jenna at her home where she lived in the other direction. Arriving at Jenna’s they found her waiting for them, quite happy about wearing her new deep red striped dress with bows at the back and a low cut lacy top. All are excited, discussing and admiring each other’s choice of dress. Rianna told them of her mother’s lovely gift she had left at home and they are thrilled, dying to see it when they next visit her.

‘I think we’ll pass inspection Annie, your clothing is just perfect,’ Rianna said, complimenting her.

‘Thank you, Rianna, but you look so lovely too. I just know we will have a good time.’

The three of them looked striking. Rianna in her blue velvet and lace dress, Annie so dainty with her slim small figure clad in a tartan skirt and white blouse buttoned to the neck, and Jenna in her bright red striped dress. They always looked forward to these dance evenings and climbing into the buggy, they drove to the hall where the dance was being held. All chattering as they made their way along the cobbled road to the township, but Annie was curious.

‘You know the tall gentleman who spoke to us earlier on, I wonder where he is now?’ she asked. ‘Perhaps he will come to the dance too, Rianna. ‘

‘I wouldn’t know Annie. He is too forward for me. I would rather Gregor could be here to dance with me,’ she replied looking pensive.

She still felt perturbed by the man’s boldness, as it unnerved her. So different to Gregor her friend, a quiet and trustworthy man, in whose company she always felt safe.

‘Never mind Rianna, we will forget him tonight,’ said Annie. ‘I should not have mentioned anything about him.’

The dance hall was an old timber building used for school and church events, but tonight it was for everyone to enjoy the regular three monthly dance evening. Many younger men and woman had already gathered outside waiting for the doors to be opened and some hailed the three girls as they pulled up in front to dismount from the buggy. Rianna led the horse around to the side of the building to tie the reins to the post, then retracing her steps she found the door open and everyone going inside. Her two friends had waited for her and they all went inside together, glancing around to see who was already there.

The band performers arrived preparing their instruments for the evening, while most of the gathered throng found a seat for themselves inside the hall. There was a large crowd and the sound of their voices carried across the room. Men were laughing and the older women chatting to each other. Young women were looking around at the men, hoping to find some of their friends or catch the eye of an admirer.

Observing the crowd, Jenna noticed some young men she knew, and walked over to speak, smiling at them, flirting a little as she swung herself around to show off her garment. Two of the young men touched her hands or her shoulders while chatting to her, knowing she loved the attention she received.

Annie however sat quietly down with a shy half smile on her face looking at everyone, then turned to Rianna , ‘I hope someone dances with me tonight, as I really am in the mood,’ and waved her hand to