Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue-Chapter Fifteen: Where We Learn Something Important

Of course, the important thing comes at the end of the chapter, so meanwhile, let's enjoy the ride. So, later that same morning, Tim finds Heather alone at the breakfast table and continues his same line of persuasion: we should get married because Society says so. We see into Heather's mind that she really really wants to marry Tim, but she can't because unless he loves her too, he'll only break her heart. So, he tries to persuade her and she refuses and takes shots at him. Also, she tries to get him to leave. Then we jump into Tim's mind and get this terrifying emotion: “As he met her widening eyes, he continued to battle, as he had throughout their exchange, to subdue his inner self, the primitive male who knew she was his, irrevocably his, and had no reservations about making that plain.” Now, because she loves him back, this will all work out well, but think about if she truly didn't love him. Kind of chilling.

So, we find out Heather's true plan for her life: taking care of orphans, which is kind of awesome. Tim tries to use this plan to further his plan by telling Heather that with his money, she could do a lot more good. Oi vey. Heather refuses this reason as well and says that if he can't figure out why she won't marry him, then it's just further proof they shouldn't. Then she storms away and we get this thought from Tim: “The test, it seemed-the challenge before him-was to weave a net of social compulsions and seduction, then use it to capture her, tie her up, and drag her to the altar...his primitive self liked the thought.” OK, but really. This is so not okay. The heart of this need is love, but he's trying to use the creepiest and most underhanded methods to get there, so it's no good. Good on Heather for not agreeing to his demands.

Then Heather goes to see Catriona and I finally have a favorite character in this book. Heather starts the conversation by declaring that Tim is pressuring her to marry him. Catriona touches on the Society aspect of it, and after Heather says she doesn't care, Catriona talks about how she could see how it might be too much for Heather to handle a man like that. Maybe it would be better for Heather to find a more spineless man who would be willing to marry her despite her adventures and that this would save her reputation. This speech alone makes me like Catriona. She's challenging Heather as well as making Heather compare Tim to other men and, hopefully, making Heather see who she prefers.

After Heather explains that no, there is no one else, she elaborates that she doesn't want to get married. Here we come to a theme that I do find troubling in this book: everyone assumes that Heather has to get married. Reputation-ruining kidnapping or no, everyone thinks she needs to find a man. Obviously, I have a problem with this world-view. To be fair, Heather's reason is because she hasn't found the right man and not a problem with marriage entirely. Also there is a man she totes wants to marry if they can sort out their lives, so I suppose the “solution” of her marrying Tim isn't that bad, I just don't like the assumptions at work here.

Right. Anyway, Heather says that because she can't find this mystery man, she wants to devote her life to running an orphanage. Catriona challenges Heather by saying that this is a great goal to have, but it's not a mainstay of life. It's a secondary job that Catriona has and somehow it's right that it be a secondary job of Heather's. Hm. Yes and no. Then again, we all know how Ms. Hannigan treated that red-headed orphan with the curly hair and an orphanage was the only thing Ms. Hannigan did with her life... Oh, also, Catriona uses some of her magic to give Heather advice, which really threw me off guard. Apparently, Heather's destiny is tied to that of a man much like Tim. Heather wants to go with her original plan first and then find her hero, but Catriona's magic says that Heather has that backwards. Then we get to why I like Catriona.

Heather argues that Tim doesn't love her and Catriona asks, “Are you sure?” Apparently, the kind of man that Tim is will not admit anything about his emotions easily, especially nothing that makes him so dependent as love. So, Catriona realizes that Tim is trying to use the situation to marry Heather without ever having to say those three little words that carry so much weight. Heather agrees to take another look at Tim. She wants some assurance that her love will be returned, but Catriona says that's a lot to ask for and that Heather will have to declare herself, scary as it is, before there's even a chance of Tim declaring himself. It's like Catriona has read a romance novel before and understands how people work. Also, she points out that because Tim is a hedonist, he will only pursue things that he really wants. You know, like how he's trying really hard to get engaged to Heather.

Heather thinks for awhile and gets up to go, but Catriona gives her a necklace first. There are two stones in it, a rose quartz pendant which resonates with love, and little amethyst beads which work with intelligence. Why hello, deus ex machina. Then Catriona gives a whole line of succession for this necklace, Heather's two sisters, Henrietta and Mary (whoever they are), and then to Lucilla. Heather is slightly uncomfortable taking something so valuable both financially and because it belonged to Catriona's grandma, but Catriona insists, so Heather does. Before Heather really leaves the scene, Catriona gives us one more saw, “a man who declares his heart too easily will leave you wondering whether he truly meant it-and the converse is even more true.”

So, at about the same time, Tim and Richard are out riding horses to see what they can learn about the man who tried to stare down Tim. They stop by the only tavern the guy was near and find out pretty much the same description that Heather and Tim already had: highlander, tall, broad, dark hair, and scary eyes. Oh, and also that tavern has amazing ale, apparently.

On the way back to the manor, the two men talk about Heather. Tim admits that he's gotten physical with Heather and Richard doesn't care at all. Interesting. Maybe he doesn't mind because he believes that the two are going to marry. Tim asks what Richard did to get Catriona to agree to marry him, “The same thing we've all had to do-prostrate ourselves at their dainty feet, swear undying love, and mean it.” Looks like he gives good advice too. Then we find out that Richard is a bastard, like Tim, but they were both raised like they weren't. Still, Tim has this sense of questioning whether he really belongs and he thinks Richard probably does too. Or did until he married Catriona. Tim has a place set for himself: being the Earl of Brunswick after his father dies, but he's intimidated by the role and wonders if he can fill it. ...unless he's got Heather by his side. Then he knows he can. Anyway, Tim leaves the conversation still determined not to admit his feelings, but thinking he can kind of show a little bit and make Heather curious enough about them to marry him. Idiot.

At lunch, everybody is waiting for an engagement announcement from Tim and Heather, but there isn't one forthcoming, so they just have to keep waiting. After lunch, Tim and Heather go somewhere private to talk. No, really. Just downhill from the house, there's an alcove near the stream that's got some warm, rock benches in it and this is where they go. And they really just talk.

Tim still does it the wrong way, by the way. He uses Heather's impending parental visit (yes, they're still going to make sure you're all right even though you told them not to come, Heather) to put a time limit on when they need to make a decision. It's only because of Catriona's advice that Heather decides to talk about this more with Tim. So, his arguments this time: they got along well these past eleven days when they had a common goal, so they'll probably get along well when they run the estate he'll inherit; and as his sisters have been telling him, he needs to produce an heir so the king doesn't get their estate (which, as Heather points out is a really convoluted way of saying he wants kids. She wants kids too.). Then he looks at why she's refusing. The first thing he asks about is whether she cares that he's a bastard. Oh. Poor thing. She doesn't give a rat's ass about that, but it's something that's been hanging over him his entire life and he actually had the balls to bring it up. Now if only he could find that courage to bring up other things.... So, Tim sums up that she's not intimidated by him in several different dimensions and asks what it will take for her to marry him. It's the same answer it's always been, but Heather spells it out a bit more this time. Oh, and she uses the word “affection” instead of “love” to avoid spooking Tim. Essentially, she wants to be valued as she is, be a true partner, and have love.

And here is where we finally learn something new: Tim told a woman that he loved her before and she broke his heart and he's not fully recovered. That's why he can't bring himself to tell Heather that he loves her, because he doesn't trust her enough not to shatter his heart under her heel. I kind of wish that had come up earlier. So, they stare each other down, and Tim fights not to say that he loves Heather. Eventually, she gives up and says that is what she needs to marry. Seeing no other way, Tim tries to turn “affection” into “lust” and puts a challenge before Heather saying that she can teach him what she wants and that it will be difficult to mold him to that, but not impossible. Of course, he blows this as well by saying that Heather will be able to claim some kind of achievement for getting him to the altar. So, that doesn't work either.

Then they both get entrenched in what they want and are willing to say and it turns into a fight. Tim calls her naïve and she is almost positive that he loves her and can't understand why he won't just say it instead of using every other thing he can think of instead. So, they both get mad and storm away, but neither of them is willing to let the other go, so I guess that's progress.

Oh, and then we get Catriona and Algria's commentary on what just happened. They come to the same, obvious, conclusions I did, and the chapter ends.

For the next chapter, I predict more of the same. This book started out with an adventure central to the plot, but the plot has become a lover's spat. Maybe the Highlander will come back and give us something else to focus on.

Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue-Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen: Tim and Heather Avail Themselves

At the beginning of chapter thirteen, Heather and Tim leave Mrs. Croft's place early in the morning, after Tim has cut tons of wood for the widow and left quite a large tip. Then they do some walking. A lot of walking. During this time, we find out that Heather doesn't mind that Tim is holding her hand so much. She recognizes the possessiveness of the gesture, but doesn't mind it coming from him. Also, because most of their walking is uphill, at one point, Tim manages to see The Highlander behind them. He lets Heather know, and the two walk as quickly as they can, over landslides and more windy, hilly roads. Oh, also Heather is glad Tim told her what was really going on and had a discussion with her about it instead of just deciding something, so she stops and kisses him full on the mouth to thank him. He really likes this kind of thanking.

Eventually, they reach one of the villages right next to the Vale, and they keep going, but now with more purpose. Just before they make a final turn around a lane up to the manor, Tim looks back and sees the Highlander a ways behind them. The two have a stare-down, kind of difficult when you can't see the other's face, until Tim turns and follows Heather around the bend.

The Highlander apparently figured out that Heather is intelligent, stubborn, and brave just from the way she walks. Also, that Tim is a nobleman and a warrior and that Heather's future is safe with him. The only thing bothering the Highlander is where the duo was going. It looks like they're on an estate, but there's no handy sign to say whose it is, so the Highlander goes to the tavern in the nearby town of Knockgray to inquire, discretely. He learns that the manor belongs to some of the Cynsters. Now satisfied that Heather will be safe, once he's done with his drink, the Highlander leaves the tavern and lets Hercules run down the road. The Highlander doesn't want to deal with all of the drama that's home, but he's still glad to be going back there. Still, I don't think we've seen the last of him.

Heather and Tim get a very enthusiastic welcome from Catriona's and Richard's five children, as well as the lord and lady of the manor and just about all of the servants. So, some names: Lucilla, Marcus, Annabelle, Calvin, and Carter are all Catriona's and Richard's kids. Algaria is looking after Calvin and Carter as a sort of nurse, but she is also teaching Lucilla magic. Apparently, the Lady of the Vale is essentially a witch. That's Catriona's title now and used to be Algaria's. Also, there's a protector of the Lady of the Vale, who is currently Richard, but the next one in training will be Marcus, Lucilla's twin. Got all of that? Good. I'm not sure how much of that will actually be important in this book.

Then the adults all escape to the library and send the children away with promises of food to make it less of a punishment. Once Heather, Catriona, Richard, and Tim are all settled in the library, Heather starts telling their story. She makes it very clear that nothing was Tim's fault and that he's been great about the whole thing. Tim only interjects what he needs to and lets Heather take the lead in telling the story. Good plan. It seems like they leave out the steamy scenes they had the last few days, but that's probably for the best. They go right up until Tim's stare-down with the Highlander, which he didn't tell Heather about. Then both Heather and Richard write letters to others in the clan to assure them that Heather is okay.

Once the letters are done, Catriona takes Heather upstairs to have a bath and a change of clothes, which gives Tim the opportunity to tell Richard that he's planning on marrying Heather. Unsurprisingly, Tim doesn't want to tell Richard that he's fallen in love with Heather and really really wants to marry her. Tim just says that he's willing to do so in order to save Heather's reputation and whatnot. Pansy. Also, the tale that they'll tell Society is that someone played matchmaker for Heather and Tim and the two wanted to meet somewhere private to see if they would want to marry each other. So far, Society just thinks Heather has a nasty, contagious cold so no one has gone to verify the story. I guess no one cares that Tim has been missing because men can't be ruined. Or something. Oh, also, in the public story, even though most Cynsters marry for love, Heather decided not to because she's about to reach the ancient age of twenty-five and she figured she may as well not be a spinster if she could have a title. Right, because that totally sounds like her.

Catriona comes in at the end of this and Richard explains it all to her. She turns to Tim and asks the important question: “Have you discussed this with Heather?” After hearing that he hasn't, Catriona suggests that he does, and then sends both men to their rooms to prepare for dinner. After they've left, Catriona smiles knowingly and then wanders away to take care of other things. She knows Timand Heather are in love before they do. It's always nice when someone in the story knows what's going on.

A bit later, Richard and Catriona talk about Heather and Tim. Catriona points out that Heather has a thing for Tim. Also that The Lady, her goddess, steered the two of them here to get their shit together and realize that they're in love. Because apparently that happens in the Vale a lot.

Chapter fourteen opens with Tim lying in his bed alone at night. We all know where this is going, but it takes the scenic route, so put your patient pants on for a bit. Tim thinks back over dinner that night and how lovely it was. Everyone was so warm and accepting, sharing life together and all of that awesome kind of stuff. Also, Tim noticed that Richard was looking at him with sympathy and this bothers Tim. All of the Cynster guys see the ladies as princesses and the chance for any man to marry them as an honor. So, Richard being sympathetic makes no sense to Tim. Also, Catriona welcomes Tim with open arms, apparently not caring that the Cynsters only marry for love and that Tim is planning to marry Heather for other reasons. Tim is so thick-headed, but I guess we need something to fill the next seven chapters.

Back in his room, Tim thinks of and dismisses the possibility of letting Heather go. That is unacceptable. They're going to have the white picket fence and the 2.75 children, or the stereotype of their time and location. Tim realizes that he wants to build a home, both the structure and the family to inhabit it, and he wants to do this with Heather. He tosses and turns for about an hour, unable to sleep. Tim thinks about how he knows of one activity that is guaranteed to make him sleep, but that it would be ungentlemanly to go to Heather's bed now. Good thing Heather isn't bound by such rules.

She sneaks into his room and gets naked pretty quickly. Then they bang. Heather takes control for a little bit. She gets Tim on his back, and I think she gets him close to climax before he flips her back onto her back and gets control back from her. So there's that. Once they both orgasm, they fall asleep in each other's arms. Tim wakes up just enough later to realize that the reason he couldn't sleep before was because he wasn't holding Heather. Aw.

The next morning, as soon as Heather is awake, they bang again. For real though, is Heather pregnant yet? In many books and movies it seems like it only takes once to make a baby. Anyway, since we're in Heather's POV, we get a reminder that, although she'll pretend not to care when Tim finally ends their time as lovers, Heather doesn't want their intimacy to end. So, they're all cuddled together afterward when Tim has to open his mouth and say the wrong thing. I mean, he proposes, but in a terrible way.

His exact words are, “We need to get married.” Way to be romantic and appeal to her emotional attachment to you, dude. So, essentially, Tim says that they need to marry in order to save her reputation, and Heather replies that she doesn't give a damn about her reputation and then leaves. Meanwhile, Tim is thinking that he totally does want to marry her, but he never says it to her. Coward. After Heather leaves, Tim spends a moment mourning the loss of the perfect future he built the night before. Then he puts on his big boy pants and decides that he's going to fight for Heather's heart. ...which is kind of romantic, but would be creepy if we didn't know that she loved him as well. They're both just too dumb and pig headed to admit it to themselves and each other. So, we've gotten to the standard part of the romance novel now.

For the next chapter, I predict that Catriona will try to beat some sense into Heather. Probably not literally. Also, we won't hear anything big from the Highlander, but we might in the chapter after the next one. Oh, also, Tim will discover lollipops for the first time and be entranced by their tastiness.