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Chapter 18

26 December, Boxing Day

Nash’s plan was not without risks. But he could bear his brother’s wrath more readily than he could the idea of sending an innocent man to prison. Or looking into Ailie’s accusing eyes if she were to learn he’d had Kinloch arrested.

He and Robbie had intentionally chosen to wear gentlemen’s clothing, though of a plainer variety. Their jackets and breeches were made of ordinary wool, their waistcoats an indiscriminate color, and their hats shorter than the ones they wore in London. Today was not for visiting taverns but for watching those heading toward the harbor and a particular ship.

Nash had seen men in Arbroath dressed in similar fashion, so he and Robbie would blend in. Their greatcoats, worn over all, concealed their pistols which, at least in Nash’s case, he had no intention of using.

Nash left Robbie pulling on his boots and went down to breakfast. He had intended to pass through the parlor on his way to the dining room, but when he reached the threshold, he paused, encountering an unexpected sight.

The ladies, chatting and laughing, stood in the midst of tables covered with baskets, baked goods, ribbons and fresh vegetables and flowers he recognized as having come from the orangery.

“If you linger there much longer, young man,” quipped Muriel, “we shall put you to work!”

Ailie came to him, her cheeks flushed. He hoped it was for excitement at seeing him. She wore a simple blue day gown, her hair captured at her nape by a ribbon of the same color. The effect was enchanting. “Oh Nash, isn’t it amazing what Emily and Muriel have done?”

He gave her a smile conveying his deep affection. “Good morning, Ailie. Yes, if you mean all that is before me, the effort appears… overwhelming.”

She glanced toward the dining room. “The other men have gone into breakfast.”

“Hiding behind closed doors?” he teased.

She swatted him on his arm. “We sent them away if you want the truth of it. They were a distraction, as are you!”

Nash looked behind her to take in the flurry of activity engaged in by the five other women laughing as they tied bows on the basket handles. “Have you ever done this before?”

“Aye, if you mean have I brought gifts to the shipyard families and to the church for the poor, but no, if you mean have I worked with so many women to assemble pretty baskets. Why don’t you go in to breakfast?” In a flirtatious manner, she added, “I’m sure the men have saved you some haddies. There might even be an omelet with kale.”

The smirk on her face told him she was in excellent humor. “Very funny, Miss Stephen.”

“Go,” she urged. Looking over her shoulder at the women, she said, “We will join you as soon as we have finished assembling the baskets. Will has arranged for a wagon with bench seats on the sides so the other ladies and I can ride with the baskets between us. Won’t that be fun? Will has even agreed to take us himself.”

“Brave man,” said Nash as he proceeded into the dining room.

Stepping inside, Nash greeted the men and found his way to the sideboard.

“Did you run the gauntlet of skirts, bows and baskets?” asked Hugh.

“I did,” he said, lifting a plate and perusing the offerings. “’Twas most impressive.” Nash availed himself of a bowl of oatmeal and raspberries, but could not summon much hunger given what he knew lay ahead.

He took a seat adjacent to William who was in his usual place at the head of the table. “Ailie tells me you are to drive the wagon taking the ladies to town. I thought it quite brave of you.”

“Aye, I’m determined to be the knight today.”

The others chuckled.

“What stops will you make?” Nash hoped William did not find it an odd question. He had to know if they would be anywhere near him and Robbie.

“We’ll visit the shipyard folks first, the ones with large families and small incomes who could use some help. And then we’ll go to St Mary’s to deliver the rest of the baskets to the minister there who knows the needy families in town. You are welcome to join us.”

“Too many petticoats for me,” Nash replied, taking a swallow of his coffee and forcing down his rising panic. William’s schedule would put the women near the harbor just as the Panmure was to sail.

He lifted his head to consider Hugh and Nick sitting across from him. “What might the rest of you be doing while the ladies deliver their baskets?”

“I thought to ride along with them,” said Hugh. “They might need another hand to carry baskets.”

“It is perfectly all right to admit you want to spend the day with your wife,” said William. “We require no excuse.”