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Merry Mayhem: A Collection of Yuletide Rogues and Outlaws
Merry Mayhem: A Collection of Yuletide Rogues and Outlaws Read online
Table of Contents
To Rescue a Highland Rebel by Anna Markland
An Outlaw's Desire by Catherine Kean
The Highlander's Pirate Bride by Cathy & DD MacRae
The Capture of Finnan MacLeod by E. Elizabeth Watson
A Yule Bride by Laurel O'Donnell
A Yuletide Promise by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Table of Contents
Quick Start
TO RESCUE A HIGHLAND REBEL by ANNA MARKLAND COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
MORE ANNA MARKLAND
SURRENDER
JOURNEY TO LONDON
ACCOMMODATIONS
ROYAL SEAL
FIRST VISITORS
SWEET TORTURE
ALFRED
SALON
RIGHT SORRY
CHANGE OF PLANS
MASQUERADE
LEADENHALL
LONDON BRIDGE
TRAVELING IN STYLE
A GRAND WEDDING
THE WHITE HART
RABBIT STEW
BLACK CLOUD
AT LAST
FREEDOM
JOHN DONNE
BREAKFAST COMPANION
ROIGHT
RIDE TO ROMNEY
SAILING WITH SMUGGLERS
CALAIS
EPILOGUE
HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES
ABOUT ANNA MARKLAND
AN OUTLAW'S DESIRE by CATHERINE KEAN Copyright
Dear Reader
Prologue
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
Epilogue
Books by Catherine Kean
About Catherine Kean
Connect with Catherine Kean
THE HIGHLAND'S PIRATE BRIDE by CATHY & DD MACRAE Copyright
Holiday Greeting
Books in the Hardy Heroine Series
Story Teaser
Words of Interest
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
Epilogue
Author's Notes
Acknowledgements
Cathy & DD MacRae Author Bios
More Books by Cathy & DD MacRae
THE CAPTURE OF FINNAN MACLEOD by E. ELIZABETH WATSON Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Author's Note
More Books by E. Elizabeth Watson
About E. Elizabeth Watson
A YULE BRIDE by LAUREL O'DONNELL Copyright
Thanks
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Author's Note
Review for Laurel O'Donnell Books
More Books by Laurel O'Donnell
A YULETIDE PROMISE by SUE-ELLEN WELFONDER Copyright
Teaser
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Personal Note to Readers
Quote
The Yuletide Lovers
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
Epilogue
Author's Note
About Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Connect with Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Available Titles by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
TO RESCUE A HIGHLAND REBEL
By
ANNA MARKLAND
Anna Markland
To Rescue A Highland Rebel
COPYRIGHT
To Rescue A Highland Rebel © Copyright Anna Markland 2020
All rights reserved.
This story is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.
All fictional characters in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author and all incidents are pure invention.
Anna Markland
To Rescue A Highland Rebel
DEDICATION
For women who have risked everything for the men they love.
“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in,
he has no choice but to become an outlaw.” ~Nelson Mandela
Anna Markland
To Rescue A Highland Rebel
MORE ANNA MARKLAND
The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition (2018-2019)
I Conquest—Ram & Mabelle, Rhodri & Rhonwen
II Defiance—Hugh & Devona, Antoine & Sybilla
III Redemption—Caedmon & Agneta
IV Vengeance—Ronan & Rhoni
V Birthright—Adam & Rosamunda, Denis & Paulina
VI Star-Crossed—Robert & Dorianne, Baudoin & Carys
VII Allegiance—Rhys & Annalise
VIII Crescendo—Izzy & Farah
IX Infidelity—Gallien & Peridotte
X Jeopardy—Alexandre & Elayne
XI Forbidden—Bronson & Grace; Rodrick & Swan
XII Finale—Barr & Hollis
The FitzRam Family Dynasty
The Black Knight’s Captive—Blythe & Dieter
Love’s Sweet Sting—Aidan & Nolana
Wild Viking Princess—Ragna & Reider
The Viking ancestors of my Norman families
Viking Bold—Bryk & Cathryn
Viking Defiant—Torstein & Sonja
> Viking Betrayed—Magnus & Judith
Novellas
Maknab’s Revenge—Ingram & Ruby
Passion’s Fire—Matthew & Brigandine
Banished—Sigmar & Audra
Hungry Like De Wolfe—Blaise & Anne
Unkissable Knight—Dervenn & Victorine
The Marauder—Santiago & Valentina
Knightly Dreams—Peter & Susie
The Viking’s Gift—Wulfram & Roswitha
Marooned—Maximiliano & Heidi
Caledonia Chronicles (Scotland)
Book I Pride of the Clan—Rheade & Margaret
Book II Highland Tides—Braden & Charlotte
Book III Highland Dawn—Keith & Aurora
Book IV Roses Among the Heather—Blair & Susanna, Craig & Timothea
The Von Wolfenberg Dynasty (medieval Europe)
Book 1 Loyal Heart—Sophia & Brandt
Book 2 Courageous Heart—Luther & Francesca
Book 3 Faithful Heart—Kon & Zara
Myth & Mystery
The Taking of Ireland—Sibràn & Aislinn
Clash of the Tartans
Kilty Secrets—Ewan & Shona
Kilted at the Altar—Darroch & Isabel
Kilty Pleasures—Broderick & Kyla
Kilty Party—Shaw & Caitlin
Kilts In the Wind—Spenser & Jane
Kilts Ahoy—Marshall & Teagan
The House of Pendray
Highland Betrayal—Morgan & Hannah (audiobook available)
Kingslayer’s Daughter—Munro & Sarah
Highland Jewel—Garnet & Jewel
Highland Rising—Gray & Faith
Anna Markland
To Rescue A Highland Rebel
SURRENDER
Preston, Lancashire, 14 November, 1715
Jaw clenched, Teague Maxwell, Earl of Tisdale, conducted an inspection of the surviving members of the Highland regiment he commanded. Shutting out the approaching tramp of military boots, he spoke softly with a handful of individuals who had demonstrated exemplary bravery during the siege.
Satisfied all was in order—plaids neatly draped, muskets and claymores clean, spines rigid, chins jutting proudly—he took up a position in front of his men. Inhaling deeply in an effort to quell the pulse thudding in his ears, he stood to attention and narrowed his eyes as the soldiers of the Manchester Regiment marched into Preston’s market square.
In their wake came a tall, thin officer Teague knew only by reputation. Compared to the bloody battles in which the renowned General Charles Mills had fought with distinguished bravery, the brief siege and surrender of the Jacobite forces at Preston must have seemed like a walk in the park.
Teague had warned the Northumbrian commander of the Jacobite army that barricading the rebel troops within Preston’s walls was a tactical mistake, but Forester insisted on pulling away from the defensible position near the River Ribble.
Upon his arrival, Mills had only to surround the town and wait for the arrival of reinforcements. As soon as approaching dragoons were sighted by the lookouts in the church steeple, Forester announced there was no option but to surrender.
The Tisdale Highlanders swore they were prepared to fight on to the last man, but the treacherous Northumbrian negotiated with Mills without Teague’s knowledge or consent.
As a result, Teague now stood face to face with Mills, his beloved claymore held in both hands, his jaw clenched. “As commander of the Tisdale Regiment,” he declared, offering the weapon to the general, “I, Teague Maxwell, third Earl of Tisdale, acknowledge defeat and surrender my men, in the belief they will be treated with the respect courageous warriors deserve.”
Mills accepted the sword, handing it to a minion standing behind him without even glancing at the ornately decorated blade. “On behalf of his glorious Majesty, King George, I accept your surrender. Your men will be taken prisoner and tried for treason.”
If he didn’t advocate on their behalf, Teague doubted Mills had the wherewithal to provide a fair hearing for over a thousand men, his Highlanders among them. “I respectfully request I be allowed to remain with them.”
“Denied. It’s the Tower for you, my friend,” Mills replied in a distinct Cornish accent before stalking off, issuing clipped orders.
As manacles and shackles were clamped on his wrists and ankles, Teague’s broken heart acknowledged he would never see his beloved Scotland again. Execution or transportation would be his fate.
He swallowed the bitterness of his biggest regret. He should have married the intriguing Lady Kenzie McCardell when he had the chance—but then she’d soon be a widow. This way, her father could arrange another betrothal.
He prayed the only woman who’d ever captured his heart would quickly forget him and find happiness with a wiser man.
#
Teague, Forester and another English officer shared a cramped prison wagon for the bone-jarring two-hundred-and-fifty-mile journey south from Preston to London.
The iron bars provided no protection from the elements. Teague was glad of the warmth of his plaid against the bitter November winds. When the heavens opened and the rains poured, the smell of wet wool was strangely comforting. A reminder of home.
He’d lived around horses all his life but traveling directly behind two dray animals for hours on end was nauseating.
For the first time in his life, he knew hunger. The unidentifiable slop they were given twice daily only served to aggravate the lead ball of dread lodged in his belly.
He had trouble making his frozen limbs work during the five minutes a day they were herded out of the wagon so it could be sluiced out. The shackles often caused him to stumble.
As the interminable miles dragged on, he thought often of Kenzie. He found comfort in his memories of her—basking in the glow of her beautiful smile, sifting his fingers through flaxen hair, daydreaming of the day he’d once more cup her bountiful breasts in his hands, suckle rigid nipples and join his body with hers for the first time. Passion had flared as soon as they’d met, but he’d respected her wish to save herself for their wedding night. It had been difficult for them both to keep their hands to themselves. “Alas, ’twas never meant to be,” he lamented, determined not to let his hands wander to his manhood. The metallic clink of manacles drew too much attention.
When they passed through Birmingham—a notorious Puritan stronghold since before the Civil War—an angry crowd pelted them with rotten vegetables.
“Animals,” Forester muttered.
Teague became increasingly concerned about the second Englishman. John Smythe retreated to a corner of the wagon where he sobbed quietly. Forester turned up his nose in disgust, but Teague understood John’s fear and the heartbreak of never seeing loved ones again. “They say ’tisna too bad in the Tower,” he said in an effort to raise the man’s spirits. “’Twas originally built as a palace, nay a prison, ye ken. I expect we’ll receive better treatment than this.”
“I doubt it,” Forester grunted, but John nodded, sniffling back his tears.
After a week cooped up in the wagon like an animal, Teague could barely stomach his own stench. He was almost relieved to finally be shoved aboard a barge on the Thames. The dark waters of the mighty river he’d heard so much about reeked of decay.
They floated beneath London Bridge. “A grand feat of engineering,” he declared, hoping to divert John’s attention from the severed heads of recently executed prisoners displayed on pikes. “I’ve ne’er seen a bridge with so many tall buildings built atop it.”
Smythe had lapsed into a trance by the time they passed under the archway known as Traitors’ Gate.
Teague swallowed the lump in his throat. “Pray for me, Kenzie,” he murmured.
Anna Markland
To Rescue A Highland Rebel
JOURNEY TO LONDON
McCardell House, Tisdale, Highlands, 21 November
“Kenzie,” Algernon McCardell pleaded. “Will ye please cease pacing back and forth? Ye’re wearing
a hole in the carpet. I ken the news is dire, but…”
Kenzie brandished the crumpled missive in her hand. “Dire? ’Tis a disaster. My brave, handsome Teague a prisoner in the Tower of London? I canna bear it.”
Her sighing father put an arm around her shoulders. “Naught we can do about it. King George wants to make an example of the Jacobites.”
“We must do something,” she retorted. “How long does it take to get from Preston to London? Has he been delivered there yet, do ye think?”
He shook his head. “I dinna ken. I suppose it depends how the prisoners were transported.”
Kenzie shuddered. “I’ll think of a way to free him. Can we petition the king for clemency?”
“There’s scant chance of that,” he replied. “I canna travel south with yer mother nay long in her grave, and I dinna have connections at the Hanoverian court.”
Guilt crept up her spine. Her father had enough to worry about. They both grieved the recently departed Nora McCardell. “Has anyone ever escaped from the Tower?” she asked after long minutes of silence.
Scratching his bald head, her father eyed her, clearly of the opinion she’d lost her mind. “Well, I heard tell of a Welsh prince who attempted an escape hundreds of years ago.”
Her hopes rose a smidgen. “And?”
“Fell to his death.”
He stroked her back when she wailed into his shoulder. “Once, there was a Jesuit priest who wrote secret messages to his brethren in the juice squeezed from oranges.”
She inhaled deeply. “This isna the time to make mock.”
“Nay,” he insisted. “They got the message and helped him escape by means of a rope tied to a cannon on one end and a boat in the Thames on the other. He managed to shinny down despite his hands being mangled by the torturers.”
Kenzie felt sick. “Surely they willna torture Teague? He’s an earl.”
“Maybe they willna,” he replied. “Now, ye can cry for a week or two, then we’ll talk about another betrothal.”
“But I love Teague,” she protested. “And he loves me.”
“Aye,” he replied, sighing again. “’Twas a good match. But he kent the risks when he went off to fight. Ye canna wed a dead man.”
#
It took a lot of weeping and wailing and a refusal to eat for three days, but Kenzie finally convinced her father they should travel to London and do what they could to advocate on Teague’s behalf. It was a major victory. Such a journey would have been impossible without his help. He insisted he’d only capitulated because he had a brother in London he hadn’t seen for twenty years, but she sensed a need to get away from Tisdale and painful memories of his wife’s long illness.