Torr nodded. Instead of asking questions, he turned to Cat upon Hercules. "Gavin, surely you remember Brodie's wee sister, Catriona."
Gavin's eyes widened. "I thought you looked familiar, m'lady, but you're all grown up now." He bowed.
"Aye." Cat smiled. "It has been a long time. 'Tis so nice to see you again and meet your new wife."
Gavin's curious, dark blue gaze darted back and forth between Torr and Cat. "Is there something you're nay telling me? I thought you turned into a kelpie at night."
Excitement and happiness buzzing through him, Torr kissed Cat's hand. "I did, but my curse was vanquished earlier this eve, thanks to this beautiful lass."
Gavin grinned. "Ah. My most sincere congratulations. I'm happy to hear this. What of Brodie?"
Torr shook his head. "Still cursed. We must help him overcome it if we can. We found his former betrothed, but she's nay interested in him. She's besotted with someone else."
"We'll be glad to help."
Dani nodded. "I'll be thrilled when that evil witch is out of commission."
Torr remembered Finnian and motioned to him, mounted on Rosie. "This is Finnian, my clansman."
"He's the physician I told you about," Gavin said to Dani.
"Let's proceed to Blacktower." Torr mounted behind Cat. "I'm certain you're all weary and famished."
Torr led the way. An hour or so later, they rode into the courtyard at Blacktower and dismounted. Charlie, his mouth gaping, emerged from the stables. In the torchlight, his wide-eyed gaze scanned the many horses and visitors. Hopefully, some of Gavin's men would help him feed and groom the horses.
All of the men dismounted, and Charlie helped Finnian from the saddle.
Torr lifted Cat to the ground while Gavin helped Dani. She held onto his arm and walked gingerly, stumbling a wee bit. Clearly, 'twas true—she had ridden so long her legs were numb.
"I'll carry you." Gavin bent to pick up his wife.
"No! I must get the blood circulating again. I'm fine. The feeling is already returning."
"Let's go inside for supper." Torr directed them toward the entry steps, and they proceeded into the great hall. A couple of Gavin's guards and Dani's maid accompanied them.
Cat pulled Torr aside. "You must let me see to your wounds."
"I have some healing balm in my chamber. I'll apply it when I bathe and change clothes before supper."
She nodded. "I'll be glad to help if you require it."
"I thank you." He kissed her forehead.
Giddy happiness filled her. "I'm going upstairs to change and show Dani to her chamber."
He nodded and winked.
Feeling happier and more energetic than she had in ages because Torr had finally expressed his feelings for her, Cat almost flew up the stairs. She directed Dani to the bedchamber Maude had prepared for her and Gavin earlier.
Since the two maids were busy cooking supper, Cat pumped hot water up from the kitchen into Torr's chamber, then sent Dani a pitcher of it by her maid for a sponge bath. Cat also collected a pitcher for herself.
She was glad Dani had come with Gavin and hoped they would become friends. The lady seemed informal and down to earth, but her dialect was difficult to place and some of her phrasing interesting. Cat's mother's side of the family was from England, but Dani did not speak the way they did.
In her own chamber, Cat removed her clothing and washed off the forest dirt as best she could without her maid's help. Leaves and twigs littered her hair.
Her hands jittery with excitement, she brushed out her tangled hair, braided it, then pinned it into a knot on the back of her head. Next, she put on clean clothing.
She could not stop thinking about Torr.
