Temptation in the Highlands – Extended Epilogue
Julia and Calum walked together by the shore of the Sound, Julia’s arm in Calum’s. Uncle Andrew was gone now, and both Julia and Calum had settled into a comfortable life together, free from his poisonous presence.
Julia sighed with contentment and caught Calum’s eye. “I have never been happier, Calum. I hope you know that.”
Calum smiled. “Aye, lass, that I do, but I’m still glad tae hear it from ye now and again. Are ye sad that Charlotte will be leaving us soon?”
Julia nodded. “Yes, I will miss her terribly. She has been like a balm to help me heal from all those years under Uncle Andrew’s thumb. But I am glad she won’t be far. Of course, we must soon go to London for the trial.”
They had received word from the lawyers that their presence would be required in a few weeks. Calum said, “Aye, but we willnae be in London long, Julia. I think ‘twill be a quick and easy trial. There are many witnesses against yer Uncle, I am sure.”
Julia sighed. “Yes, you’re right. I just hate to leave Charlotte alone. She has been to Scotland before, but now it will be for a much longer time, and there will be hardly any other women at the barracks. Unless there is another General coming with his wife.”
Calum winked. “I’m sure Angus will take care of the lass. He’s had his hands full with her already.”
Julia turned to him, a smile on her face. “Yes, what is going on? I haven’t had a chance to talk to him about it, and she avoids the subject as well. He’s always telling her what to do or fighting against her ideas. It seems that stoic Angus is back. It’s quite entertaining. But, I thought they’d get on well, and they’re always arguing. Or Charlotte’s yelling at him, and he looks solemn and grim.”
Calum laughed. “Angus has said naught tae me except tae complain about her strong-headedness. He feels ‘tis his duty or something tae watch over her as a guest of yorn. But there is more than meets the eye. Of that, I am sure. I’ve not seen my brother get so angry about anything for years. I think she’s getting tae him.”
Julia put her arms about Calum’s neck and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I hope so. How lovely would it be if they were tae fall in love?”
Calum said, “I doubt that, but we shall see. I think other matters are on my mind at the moment if we could forget my brother and Charlotte.” He leaned down to kiss her, but Julia pulled away and pointed away towards the hill.
“Look! Angus and Charlotte on the hill together.” She laughed, “It appears she is once again giving him a piece of her mind.”
Calum sighed with disappointment at the interruption of his amorous thoughts. But he couldn’t help but chuckle at the verbal beating Angus was getting. “That cousin of yorn has quite the tongue.”
Julia smiled. “That she does. And I admire her for it. Keeps a man on his toes.” She looked at Calum with a lifted eyebrow.
“I have done naught. Dinnae turn her acid tongue ontae me!”
Julia laughed and kissed Calum once again, feeling like life could not get any better.
***
Charlotte Andrews was frustrated. She was used to getting her way, her father was like putty in her hands, and now someone kept fighting against her with his superior air and grim attitude: Angus MacLean. Ever since she had struggled to keep Uncle Andrew from the brink of death, he had fought her every suggestion and defied her instruction.
He was a man who did not like to be bossed around, but if she was the smarter one in certain areas, like medicine, then why would he not oblige? She was still frustrated about the time when Angus and Calum went without her to Fort William, not allowing her to take part in the plan to save Julia from harm.
It had been my idea, and they did it without me. Men, always thinking that they are better than women in every area. Who needs them?
Even though it had been explained that it was for the sake of her safety, she still couldn’t help be angry. But what annoyed her, even more, was the way that Angus looked at her whenever they were all together. He was stiff, stoic, and grim in his body language, but he always watched her, and his eyes told a different story.
It made Charlotte frustrated that she found him so handsome, the most handsome man she had ever met, and she had met quite a few at the balls in London. Most men were usually falling over themselves to speak to her.
But why should she even care about what he thought? It wasn’t as if she was going to marry him. Charlotte Andrews, a well-known lady in the high society of London, marry a Highlander? Albeit a ruggedly handsome, magnificently well-formed one?
She had stayed on the Isle of Mull to assist in Uncle Andrew’s health and would soon be returning to her father, who had just been transferred to Fort William to be General there. He helped in John Campbell’s case, and at her urging, and his conscience, he freed the man, wrote a judgment letter for General Whiteman, and packed Andrew away to London for his trial.
She wanted to savor every last minute of her time at Duart Castle before she had to go and live at the barracks. She hated to leave Julia just as they’d been so gloriously reunited, but it would be unseemly if she continued to stay there. She enjoyed the freshness of the beautiful isle, and the walk allowed her time to breathe and think all by herself, without someone getting in the way.
She decided to climb the nearby hills to get a better view of the water. “Bloody skirts,” she yelled to the air as she struggled to climb freely, attempting to avoid tripping. The wind was no help either, as the higher she climbed, the stronger it blew so that she felt like she was almost falling backward.
She took another step as she crested the hill, and cried out, “Oh!” as a giant gust of wind pushed her backward, and she began to fall. But then, strong hands grabbed her around the waist and held her steady.
“Ye all right, lass?” she heard over the gust of wind. The voice was all too familiar, and she looked down to see the workworn hands holding her waist tightly. The feeling gave her too much pleasure, and she hurriedly pushed them away and turned to face her rescuer.
“I am very well; thank you. I would have been just fine. ‘Tis simply the wind. I am perfectly able to climb a hill by myself. What are you doing here? Come to instruct me in the ways of climbing?”
Angus was looking up at her angry expression, red curls swirling about her face, their strands whipping across her pink lips.
Charlotte tried to stay angry and show it, but it was growing harder to do so, with Angus’ beautiful light brown eyes looking through her. She lifted her chin slightly, and Angus responded.
“‘Tis a fool’s errand tae climb in such a gale. Ye might fall tae yer death, lass.”
“There you go again, telling me what to do, and enjoying it tremendously, no doubt. There is no end to your admonishments.” She threw up her hands and nearly fell again, but Angus’s hand was there once more to catch her. She looked up and thought she saw a flicker of mirth in his eyes, but it went away just as quickly.
She huffed and began to walk down the hill, Angus following after. “I was only trying tae help the cousin of my sister-in-law from breaking her bloody neck,” he said once they reached the bottom, the noise of the strong wind softening.
Charlotte looked forward. “Your interventions are unnecessary, Mr. MacLean. I do not need any bloody assistance. I’m certain it bothers you very much to put yourself out in this way.”
“Does yer cousin know ye swear like an angry Highlander fighting a boar?”
Charlotte tried not to smile at such a line. She wouldn’t let him see that she thought him funny. “Yes, she knows very well. I care nothing about what society thinks of me. I shall do as I please.”
Angus walked faster and moved around so that he could face her. Seeing him in her way, Charlotte put her hands on her hips and stopped. He was so tall that she had to crane her neck to look into his eyes when standing on flat ground.
Angus continued, his jaw clenched. “Aye, I know ye will do as ye like. Ye often do. But dinnae get yerself killed in the process, or Lady MacLean will have my head.” He then turned his back to her and walked towards the castle.
Charlotte yelled back. “Are you no longer my protector then? Good riddance!”
She watched his back for a moment and then turned the opposite way. “Infuriating man! How dare he? No English gentleman would speak to a lady in such a way!”
Good thing she was leaving soon so that she could escape Angus MacLean as quickly as possible.
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I want to hear more about Charlotte and Angus.
Stay tuned, my dear Marcy 😉
Loved this book. Hopefully, you’ll write a book about Charlotte & Angus.
I will my dear Cherie, so stay tuned! 😉
Liked this story and the epilogue am I to think there is an Angus and Charlotte book in the wake? Thanks
Yes, my dear Sue, a sequel is bound to follow 😉
Another book keeping me up into the dark hours of the night. Loved loved loved this story. Great characters! Great writing! I always get lost in your books!
Thank you so much, my lovely Brooke! I am so glad you liked the book!
Boom she does it again couldn’t put this one down great story looking forward to Angus and Charlotte’s tale and hearing more of the clan of mull
Thank you, my dear Sarah! Stay tuned for Angus and Charlotte’s tale 😉
Thoroughly entertaining, even through Calum and Julia’s angst. I loved that Julia was a smart, independent woman who was able to pull Calum out of his misery and into the light.
I am very happy that you liked it, my dear 😊
Loved the book and the extended epilogue. Hope Charlotte and Angus have a story to come.
They do, dear Ann! Stay tuned 😉
Happy reading. The tension between the gentlemen and ladies is pleasant to keep the attention and find out their fates.
Glad you liked it dear Anita
Love the book! Beautiful love story! Looking forward to Charlotte and Angus story! Congratulations! 🙏🌷
Thank you so much, dear Nilda! I am so glad that you liked it! ❤
Loved the story. Very romantic and interesting plot. Would like to learn more about Julia and Calum as they restore the McLean clan and live their lives. Would also like to read more about Charlotte and Angus as they navigate the attraction between them.
Thank you for the suggestions my dear Luzette. I’m happy that you liked it! As for Charlotte and Angus, you will soon be able to experience their story 😉
Another wonderful book, love the characters and plot is very entertaining.
Thank you very much dear Kerlene <3
Enjoyed the book and the extended epilogue. Julia and Calum finally are content and reveal their shared dream. Will Charlotte and Angus admit to their attraction and go with it? Hope we get to find out.
I am very happy that you enjoyed it my dear Maria! And yes, you will find out for Angus and Charlotte soon enough 😉
Loved the story. While it was obvious where the plot was going it was a fun ride watching as they fought and worked together. It was good to have her the smarter of the two as she led then towards prosperity after his down years.
I am so glad that you liked it, my dear David 😊
Enjoyed reading about such strong women who tried to make things better for themselves and everybody in their clan.
So glad that you liked it, my dear Jeanette!
I want more about Charlotte and Angus! Loved this story ❤️
Soon enough, my lovely Sandy! 😊
I loved this book I can’t wait to see what happens with Charlotte and Angus! Julia and Calum were wonderful together!
Julia was so intelligent and helped them so much! I loved how Julia and Charlotte were the smartest out of everyone of the men! So funny! I liked how they worked together though for the prosperity of the clan! Great book!
Thank you very much, my lovely Donna! You will learn soon enough all about Angus and Charlotte 😉
Love a story with strong women and a great story.
Thank you, my lovely Vicky!
Absolutely loved this book. The bravery and strength of the English women were a perfect match for the Highlanders. Justice prevailed against the evil and allowed the love story to continue. Want to see Angus and Charlotte discover happiness together.
I am so happy you liked it, my lovely R! Stay tuned for Angus and Charlotte’s tale 😉
Why oh why don’t your characters talk with each other? I know it adds suspense to the tale, but the hidden secrets makes all the story weak, in my eyes.
Thank you for the feedback, my lovely Sandra
Another wonderful, exciting tale, with a gorgeous strong , honourable and passionate Highland hero! So many twists and turns, but thank goodness Julia and Callum eventually found the happiness that they so deserve! Really looking forward to reading Angus and Charlotte’s tale!!! Many thanks !
I am so glad you liked it so, dearest Wendy <3
Kenna, another great read of two soulmates who finally get the happiness they so thoroughly deserve. Look forward to Charlotte & Angus’s adventure, Uncle Andrew’s trial and final disposition, and more of more of Calum and Julia. I believe John will remain Calum & Angus’s friend even though their clans remain enemies of Highlands.
Thank you, my lovely Elaine! Stay tuned for Angus’s tale 😉
This is a marvelous story! It had the perfect blend of characters! My heart went out to Julia and Calum! Then there were those characters……..
I love a story that ends well, and I enjoyed how everything was brought together.
I hope there will be a sequel. Thank you!
I am very happy that you liked it, my lovely Kathryn. Stay tuned because a sequel might follow 😉
Great reading ! Will there be a book of Angus and Charlotte and their first actions ? Hope so !
Stay tuned, my lovely Jean, because it is coming! 😉
That was firey not first !
❤
Dear Kenna,
I loved the story of Julia and Calum! You have made the characters come to life. I enjoyed reading the story and hope to see more of Charlotte and Angus. You have a true fan in me! Thanks for writing a great story!!
Madhavi R.
Thank you so much, my lovely Madhavi! Your love and support means so much to me! <3
Oh Ms.Kendrick…what a marvelous stort!! A couple of wonderful twists and turns and the great love story and although there were the two main characters, the supporting characters had quite important and wonderful parts in the story. Its works rather well. Love to see the couple of spin off tales that seem to be possible and of course will look forward to those coming?? Once again thank you for the time spent with you and so look forward to the upcoming tale.
Your big fan Lawrence B
Thank you very much for your kind words, my lovely Lawrence! Yes, a sequel is on its way, so stay tuned! 😉
Very good reading!
Thank you, my lovely!
Loved this book! Didn’t want it to end! Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Thank you, my lovely Linda! <3
Loved your book and look forward to reading more of your books.
Thank you very much, my lovely Pauline!
I loved the story of Calum and Julia! I couldn’t and put it down! Great ending and I was happy that everything turned out well in the end. Looking forward to hearing about Charlotte and Angus in the future!
That’s great, my lovely Margaret! Stay tuned to find out! 😉
Brilliant I really enjoyed this book. Will there be a sequel to this book. Loved the characters in this book although there were two main ones
Thank you, my lovely Marion! And yes, there will be a sequel, so stay tuned 😉
Full of twists, turns, & surprises!! Claum & Julia’s story is a page turner! You will want the story to continue with Angus & Charlotte!!
Well… Angus & Charlotte’s story “Mending a Highland Heart” is already out! 😀
Calum and Julia’s story has so many twists and turns. Loved the dream sequences they both experience and the voice. Another great read from Kenna. Looking forward to Charlotte and Angus in the sequel. My next read.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it my dear Anne! “Mending his Highland Heart” Angus & Charlotte’s story is already out 😀
Liked this very much….hope we will find out what happens with angus and Charlotte. Thank you for a great read.
Well, Charlotte & Angus’ story “Mending a Highland Heart” is already out! 😀
Good read loved the twists and turns of Julia and Callums romance
Thank you so much my dear Sue! <3
You are my favorite author of this genre! My grandmother was Jenny Agnes McClean, first generation American from Scotland. I loved to hear her talk about Scotland and your story was beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you for all the support my dear Chris! You give me courage to go on <3. P.S. I believe that your grandmother was an amazing person.
Very enjoyable story. Couldn’t put it down. Thank you for writing it.
Oh, you truly honor me, my dear Luria! Thank you very much! <3
Great read
Hope Angus tames Charlotte and they have a loving life together
All answers can be found in “Mending a Highland Heart” 😉
Great book. I’ve already read Angus and Charlottes story so I’m on to the third book in series
Oh, thank you so much my dear Donna! I’m very happy that you are enjoying these stories so much.
Wonderful book. Please let us know the name of the sequel..
Want to read Charlotte’so and Angus’s story.
Thank you my dear Carol. Glad that you liked the story 🙂 All will be revealed 😉
What a delightful read, with many twists and turns. Loved the characters and the story line.
Thank you my dear Diane. I am very happy that you liked it that much 🙂
Loved it and I love the books that you do. They have great and interesting characters and their problems.
Thank you my dear Marie. I am happy that you liked it. 🙂
I loved the characters in this story. The grief that Calum carried was heartbreaking and Julia had her own sorrow. Julia’s compassion for the clan and her willingness to help them was another reason I really liked her. There were some anxious moments for Calum and Juliet but love conquers all and we have a thoroughly happy ending.
Thank you, my dear Judy! ❤️
Great read! Enjoyed the twists and turns and of course the end!
Thank you for your words, my dear Kathleen. ❤️