Malcolm watched covertly as the two women fell into animated conversation, glad to see Kenneth’s attempts to capture Catriona’s attention stymied, for the moment at least.
Kenneth groaned dramatically as they chattered on. “There they go.”
“Quiet,” Sorcha and Catriona said together, making everyone at the table who heard them burst into laughter, including Kenneth. Even Malcolm had to smile.
And God help him, watching Catriona talking so animatedly and laughing freely beside Sorcha filled him with aching affection. Despite living in fear for so many years as the quarry of a ruthless, relentless hunter, she was radiant and full of life.
Unfortunately, Kenneth was not going to give up so easily it seemed. He took a long drink of wine before asking casually, “How came ye tae healin’ in the first place, Lady Catriona?”
Her expression softened. “Me sister-in-law Elaina taught me much when I was younger,” she said. “She is skilled with herbs and remedies.” A shadow briefly crossed her lovely features. “After Sinclair began pursuin’ me, I was sent tae the priory fer safety. Because I already had some knowledge, the sisters allowed me tae work in the infirmary there.”
Sorcha’s smooth brow crinkled. “Och, that must have been very difficult fer ye, I mean havin’ tae leave yer home like that.”
“Aye, it was at first,” Catriona replied with her usual understatement. “But the work gave me purpose. I told mesel’ that if I couldnae have me freedom, I was safe and could at least still be useful tae others.”
Malcolm’s chest tightened painfully at the quiet honesty in her voice.
She still thinks her worth depends on earnin’ her place.
To his chagrin, Kenneth was studying her again, his light-blue eyes filled with fresh interest. “And yet ye seem tae have endured it with remarkable grace,” he remarked, the admiration in his tone unmistakable.
Catriona smiled faintly and gave a small shrug. “I was grateful tae the sisters fer takin’ me in, and I felt I owed it tae them and mesel’ tae make the best of it. In difficult situations, ye dae what ye must tae survive.”
“Ye’re too modest, Catriona. Ye did more than just survive, ye thrived,” Malcolm said before he could stop himself.
Her eyes lifted to his, and for one suspended moment, the hall around them seemed to fade.
Then Sorcha spoke again, mercifully breaking the tension.
“Ye must show me yer herb garden while we’re here, Catriona,” she said eagerly. “Kenneth refuses tae listen when I speak of medicinal plants.”
“That’s because they mostly smell and taste foul,” Kenneth informed her.
“Medicine isnae meant tae be pleasant,” Catriona countered laughingly. “In fact, Sister Mairi at the priory used tae say that the nastier it is, the better it is fer ye.”
Kenneth sniffed. “Then I’ll continue avoidin’ it whenever possible.”
With a long-suffering look, Sorcha nudged him with her elbow. Catriona laughed again, the sound warm and genuine. Malcolm found himself staring at her, until Ewan kicked him under the table. Hard.
Though he supposed he ought to be grateful to his brother, Malcolm shot him a glare. It made no difference, for Ewan only smirked back at him shamelessly.
The evening wore on, with music and wine flowing freely. Kenneth and Malcolm eventually turned the talk towards the details of the new alliance between the Gordons and the Forbes. The articles of the agreement had already been drawn up in duplicate and were ready to sign.
But however hard Malcolm tried to keep his mind on business matters, his attention kept drifting helplessly back toward Catriona.
Toward the brightness in her eyes, the curve of her lips, the rich, musical sound of her laugh. Sometimes, he still could not believe she was really here. Safe. With him.
More than once she glanced across the table and caught him watching her. A slow, telltale warmth would spread across her face then, and Malcolm’s pulse would stutter.
He had tried so hard to do the right thing, to stop himself from falling for her. But he knew he was already too far gone. And for the first time since he could remember, the notion no longer terrified him.
The Great Hall slowly emptied around them as the evening drew to a close. Servants moved between the tables collecting goblets and trenchers while the last of the musicians packed away their instruments near the hearth.
Kenneth Forbes had been drawn into another conversation with Ewan beside the fire, while Sorcha lingered nearby speaking animatedly with one of the castle women about herbs that grew along the eastern hills.
Catriona slipped quietly from the hall, grateful for a moment’s peace after the noise and warmth inside.
The corridor beyond was cooler and dimly lit by oil lamps set in sconces fixed to the walls. She had barely taken a few steps when a familiar voice stopped her.
