The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress – Extended Epilogue

Kitty Carmichael was very much convinced that the world was ending.

Her trip to the British Isles had been intoxicating. She had a delightful time in Ireland, and drank a great deal of ale, and was anticipating her trip to Scotland. She had heard about the Highland men and, always being one to admire the male form, Kitty was ready to feast her eyes.

Thankfully, she was not disappointed in the slightest. The Scottish men were everything that she hoped they might be, and Kitty took every opportunity that she could to escape from her maid, Georgette, in order to go on strolls with whole gangs of Scottish fellows, exploring the countryside and enjoying the hearty, rustic cuisine. Georgette would always be in a huff on these occasions, scolding Kitty for running off like that. But Kitty would make it up to her maid by buying her chocolates and promising her that she’d never do it again.

And then, she would do it again.

Kitty was so in love with Scotland, and the Scotts so in love with her, that an idea was forming in her mind. Kitty was to remain in Scotland for the rest of her days, perhaps marrying a dairy farmer or cow herder. She saw no reason to return to America because similar to her friend Sophia Barberry, she did not delight in New York Society, nor did she wish to marry a wealthy merchant or banker, as her parents insisted that she do.

Kitty was fond of writing letters. She found them to be dramatic and memorable, and so her letter to her parents went thusly:

Mother and Father,

I cannot thank you enough for this delightful trip across the Atlantic. You wouldn’t believe the fun people that I’ve met and the adventures that I’ve had. For this remarkable experience, I will always be in your debt.

All that being said, I’m writing to inform you that I will be remaining in Scotland for a great deal of time. Perhaps forever. The air appeals to me and never have I been in such good health. I hope that this will not frighten you. Know that I’m having a wonderful life.

Your Intrepid Daughter,

Kitty

Needless to say, this letter was not taken well by Kitty’s parents, considered to be in the upper crust of New York society. Their townhome was on 5th avenue, just as the Barberry house was. The response that Kitty received came swiftly, and after reading it, she tore up the letter at once.

Kitty,

Have you lost your mind? There is absolutely no world in which your mother and I would agree to allow you to remain in Scotland. You’re advised to come home at once. A separate letter has been sent to Georgette explaining the matter. If you refuse to comply, we will send a team over to Scotland to bring you home.

Your Furious Father,

Michael Carmichael

So, that was the name of the game? Kitty dismissed the letter entirely and was sure to intercept Georgette’s letter so that she was none the wiser. Kitty was convinced that only she knew her own happiness, and her happiness lay in Scotland.

Matters became even more intense when Kitty met Nicholas Stewart. Nicholas was a prominent sailor in his town of Dundee, and the moment that Kitty set eyes upon him, she was pretty sure that her heart would never be the same.

The fateful day was when Kitty happened to escape from Georgette yet again, walking along the promenade at the bay where all the fishing and shipping boats were docked. She was receiving a tour of the promenade by gentlemen that worked in the local mill; on break and enjoying the summer afternoon. Kitty’s personality was such that, she would just happen upon folks passing by and would become fast friends with them. The mill workers seemed kind enough, and Kitty expressing that she’d never been down to the water, the gentlemen brought their pails of luncheon meats and cheeses in order to share with Kitty by the water.

That day, Kitty’s red hair was positively shining in the sunlight, and she saw that the men were admiring it, as well as her figure, which had become less plump and much more refined on her journey. Kitty reasoned that it was from all the walking that she undertook each day.

Walking along the promenade, the young gentlemen were asking Kitty of her life in America, what she liked most about Scotland, and whether or not she favored the local Lanark blue cheese. Amidst all this conversation, Kitty went silent and no longer could hear what the gentleman were saying when she first eyed Nicholas, standing on his boat and looking down at her. He was a barreling man with a wide chest, a little beard growing on his chin, the same blonde color as his hair. Kitty would never forget the way that his green eyes shimmered like the green water.

Nicholas looked down at her for some time, holding onto a rope that traversed his boat. Finally, the tall man spoke with an accent as thick as cream.

“Morning,” Nicholas said to her simply.

“Good morning,” she said back to him, continuing her stroll with the mill workers. Kitty was afraid that her heart had stopped beating in her chest, but she managed to carry on with the day and tried to empty her mind of the memory of the handsome seaman.

The mill workers found a place at the edge of the dock where they all sat, and Kitty sat with them, receiving offerings of meat and brown bread, cheese and little pickles. It was a traditional Ploughman’s lunch and something that Kitty had only heard of in stories.

They were not seated there long before Nicholas’s ship took out to sea, and as it passed the edge of the dock, he looked at her yet again, in a way that Kitty took for admiration.

“You’re getting the eye from Nicholas Stewart, are ye?” one of the men laughed.

“Who is it?” Kitty asked.

“The famous Nicholas Stewart. The other ladies of Dundee would consider you lucky, indeed,” another man quipped.

“Lost his wife, he did. Not long ago,” another man chimed in through a mouthful of meat. “Means something pretty extraordinary if he be a-eyeing you that way.”

Kitty went silent, and she was not one for silence.

In the days that followed, she couldn’t get Nicholas Stewart out of her mind, although there was still a good chance that she would never see him again. Therefore, it came as quite a shock when, at the Summer Equinox Festival, amidst the dancing and singing, tables of food and general carousing, Kitty spotted Nicholas Stewart yet again, seated with his sailing mates and enjoying a heather ale. He was eyeing her once more, and on that occasion, he smiled; one of the warmest and inviting smiles Kitty had ever seen.

Although the other denizens of Dundee were dancing in the grass, Kitty and Nicholas were doing a dance of their own. They were circling one another, always checking in with the other from afar, watching each other for some time. Anticipation was brewing in Kitty’s breast and by the end of the day, as the sun was setting, she felt Nicholas Stewart walking towards her.

“Do you drink ale, lass?” Nicholas asked.

“I . . . I think so,” Kitty replied, tongue-tied.

Again, this was a rarity.

“Would you like to try one?”

“Yes.” Kitty couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Nicholas led her to the ale table where he requested a glass for Kitty, and walking by his side, she marveled at how tall he was, and large. And oh heavens, ever so stunning.

“What is your name?” Nicholas asked, handing her the ale.

“I’m Kitty. Kitty Carmichael.”

“No need to be bashful, Miss Kitty Carmichael.”

“I’m not bashful!” Kitty protested.

“Good, cause I never liked me a bashful lass.”

The tension was instantly broken, and Kitty was free to be herself again. For the rest of the evening, even as darkness had descended over Dundee and the citizens continued to dance and celebrate, Kitty and Nicholas sat by the water’s edge, talking of their lives, their loves, their futures. Kitty couldn’t tell for how long they’d sat there – the time went by so effortlessly – but by the time that it was done, Kitty felt as though she’d known Nicholas Stewart her entire life.

“I leave early tomorrow,” Nicholas said, getting to his feet and putting out his hand to help Kitty up.

“Where are you going?” Kitty asked, feeling Nicholas pull her to her feet effortlessly, as though she were as light as a feather.

“Down to Spain.”

“Whatever for?”

“A wee bit of trade.”

“Must be terribly exciting.”

“The sea is exciting. She can be a cruel mistress, as well.”

“Are you ever in danger?” Kitty asked, not liking the prospect of Nicholas ever being in danger.

“Everyday, lass. But that’s my life.”

“Don’t you ever want to stay on dry land?”

“Sometimes,” Nicholas replied, looking intently into her eyes. “When I see someone like you.”

Kitty felt that her knees were about to buckle. The way that Nicholas was looking at her, the warmth in his eyes, even the clean, refreshing way that he smelt made her want to hold onto him forever. Alas, she knew that it could not be so.

“Would you do me the great honor of returning to my boat with me, lass?”

That warm bliss turned into fear as Kitty had to wonder what Nicholas’ intentions were. Yet still, she couldn’t understand why she felt so safe in his company.

“Whatever for?”

“To lie with me.”

“Sir, I think that’s hardly appropriate,” Kitty protested.

“Not in that sense,” Nicholas said with a laugh. “It’s a tradition, you see. When you lie with a woman before a long journey, it’s said to keep Poseidon from playing any nasty tricks on you.”

“I see,” Kitty replied tentatively.

“But there’s one important rule,” Nicholas went on.

“What’s that?”

“I’m only allowed to kiss ya’. Should I lose my manly control, then Poseidon is coming to get me for sure.”

Kitty laughed, thinking the whole thing rather charming. But was it just a story that Nicholas was concocting, or was he telling the truth? Considering Kitty’s adventurous spirit, there was only one way to find out.

“I trust you,” Kitty said.

“Because you’re a smart lass, Miss Kitty,” Nicholas said, putting out his hand and escorting Kitty to his boat. He led Kitty down the ladder to the stateroom, and there she was met with very cozy quarters fit for two.

“I have a feeling you do this often,” Kitty said humorously.

“Not since me wife died,” Nicholas replied honestly. He laid down on the bed and patted the space beside him, signaling for Kitty to join him. She sat there, and then lay down, not sure what to do next. Then, Kitty felt Nicholas’ large arm encircle her, and they laid there for some time in the silence.

It was not long before both Kitty and Nicholas were asleep, and when she awoke the next morning, they were in the same position that they found themselves in the evening before.

Nicholas got out of bed and prepared himself for his voyage, while Kitty continued to lay there and watch him.

“Can I come with you?” she finally said, hoping to high heaven that he would say yes. She wanted to be wherever Nicholas Stewart was.

He turned to her and smiled, working with some rope in his hands.

“I’m afraid that’s impossible, lass.”

“Why?”

“You’d never make it.”

“I’m stronger than you think,” Kitty said indignantly.

“Not that strong,” Nicholas said, walking over to the bed and sitting beside her. He brought a finger under her chin and tilted her head up, giving her a gentle kiss. “But I will say this much to ya, should I return to Dundee, and not in a coffin, I’ll be coming back to marry ya.”

Kitty went silent, unsure if Nicholas was playing some kind of joke on her.

“It’s part of the tradition, ya see. You lie with a woman that you can only kiss,” Nicholas said, pausing to kiss Kitty once more, “and if you come back in one piece, it’s Poseidon’s way of telling you it’s time to marry the lass.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Kitty said, lost in Nicholas’ eyes.

“You’ve heard of it now.”

Nicholas helped Kitty out of bed and wrapped a shawl around her, bringing her up to the aft deck and across the walkway. Kitty’s heart was breaking. She couldn’t bear to see Nicholas go, and to spend the weeks to come wondering if his little story had been true.

Sadly, it was not mere weeks that Kitty had to wait, but rather months. During that time, her heart was in turmoil. The first month was still filled with hope, and Kitty thought of Nicholas every day. It was during the second month that hope turned to despair and Kitty had to wonder whether or not Nicholas was still alive.

To pass the time and lift her spirits, Kitty would send letters to Sophia, following her friend’s tragedy and eventual redemption. She was past question delighted to hear that Sophia was finally to marry the soldier and become the Duchess that she wished to be. Although Kitty’s heart was too heavy to make the journey down south, she put all of her energy into planning a party for Sophia when she arrived in Dundee. Kitty wished for all of Dundee’s finest dishes to be served, and she ensured that there would be plenty of guests there to greet her friend when she arrived.

Although all this distraction helped to soothe Kitty’s soul, she still couldn’t help but think of Nicholas, and wonder if he was thinking of her, as well, while he was out at sea.

“My dearest Kitty!” Sophia said when she greeted her at the harbor.

“Sophia!” Kitty said, and the two ladies threw themselves into each other’s arms.

“This is my husband,” Sophia said, presenting Philip.

“The luckiest man in the world,” Kitty replied with a smile.

“I must agree with you,” Philip replied, taking Sophia’s hand.

Sophia looked truly happy, and it pleased Kitty greatly.

“The party is tomorrow,” Kitty said excitedly.

“This is so kind of you,” Sophia replied.

“You’re going to love the people of Dundee. So warm and generous.”

“Just like you,” Sophia said, her eyes shining.

That night, as Philip returned to the inn and Sophia and Kitty carried on, she revealed the whole story about Nicholas Stewart, which was far too long to express in a letter. As she told the story, there was deep compassion in Sophia’s eyes, and Kitty marveled at the fact that she had not told the story to another soul. It felt good to express it to someone, especially someone that cared.

“He will return,” Sophia said, gently taking Kitty’s hand in her own.

“I hope so. I fear that I’m terribly in love.”

“I know that he’ll return,” Sophia added with more fervency.

“How amazing, the places our lives have taken us already,” Kitty said, wishing to look at the bright side of things.

“I have some incredible news.”

“What is it? I could use any good news,” Kitty replied.

“I’m with child,” Sophia said with a smile, placing her hand over her belly.

“How do you know?” Kitty asked.

“I just know. My body is telling me.”

“Oh, Sophia! This is extraordinary.”

“You will know this joy as well, Kitty. You must be patient.”

That marvelous news only added to the festivities the following day. The announcement could not be made in public, of course. But it was a wonderful secret that both Kitty and Sophia shared.

There was dancing and feasting, townspeople introducing themselves to Sophia and Philip, putting garlands of flowers in their hair.

For the first time in months, Kitty felt authentic joy again. She did not know what Nicholas’ fate was, but she knew that, with the love of her friends, she would be able to weather any storm that might come her way.

It was only after reaching this place of peace that Fate made his presence known. Looking across the field, much in the same way that it had happened at the Summer Equinox Festival, Kitty saw Nicholas Stewart standing there, a wide grin on his face. At first, she thought it an illusion, or that maybe her mind was playing tricks with her. But as Nicholas walked towards her, she was quite sure that he was flesh and blood.

“Hello, lass,” Nicholas said.

“You are here.” Kitty knew the words were paltry, but it was all that she could think to say.

“I’m here.”

“You’re alive.”

“I almost died,” Nicholas said with a warm smile.

“I’m so happy that you didn’t,” Kitty replied, tears forming in her eyes.

“I must say I’m happy, as well, seeing you standing here in front of me.”

“Poseidon was kind.”

“Comes as a shock to me,” Nicholas replied, not taking his eyes off her. “He never seemed to like me much.”

“You must be tired. You need food,” Kitty said, instinct and nurturing taking over.

“I’m fine, lass. But, could use me some ale.”

“Come this way,” Kitty said, pointing towards the ale table.

“It can wait,” Nicholas said, stopping her by grabbing her wrist. “I thought of you every day,” he added, pulling her in close.

“I thought of you, as well.”

“Are you ready to marry me, Kitty?” Nicholas asked, his eyes turning serious.

“I have been ready since the day that you left,” Kitty replied breathlessly.

Nicholas reached down and picked Kitty up off the ground, spinning her around and smiling. When he lowered her back down, he leaned over and gave her an impassioned kiss, much different from the gentle kisses that they had shared on the boat.

If that kiss was any indication of things to come, Kitty Carmichael was quite sure that the future was going to be bright whilst spent in Nicholas Stewart’s arms.

THE END

---

Readers who read this book also liked