"Saints, 'tis Aggie," Cat hissed, sliding out of bed. "What shall we do?"
"Put on some clothes," Torr whispered. He grabbed his shirt, pulled it over his head, then quickly belted a plaid at his waist.
"M'lady! You must arise. Chief MacTavish said we will be leaving here this morn!"
"One moment, Aggie," Cat yelled, then drew a white linen smock over her head. She turned to Torr and mouthed, "Are you going to hide?"
"Nay." He scowled. "Are you ashamed of me?"
"Wheesht. Of course not."
"Is someone in there with you?" Aggie asked.
"Will you bring me a breakfast tray?" Cat responded.
"I have it now, if only you will unbar the door."
"Blast," Cat growled.
She could not believe it when Torr strode boldly to the door and opened it.
Aggie squeaked and almost dropped the wooden tray of food. He grabbed it before it could topple over.
"Och! Sir.... What in heaven's name!"
"Come in, Aggie," he said, setting the tray aside.
Her eyes rounded on Cat. "M'lady, you're nay dressed."
She glanced down at the thick smock which covered every square inch of her. At least she wasn't naked. "Torr is free of the curse!" 'Twas the only response she could think of.
Aggie, looking confused, glanced between them.
"And your lady has agreed to marry me." Torr took Cat's hand and kissed it, filling her with sudden delight.
Aggie's mouth dropped open. "What? How will she get out of her promise to Chief MacPeter?"
Outrage quickly stamped out Cat's fine mood. "I made no promise to him!"
"Your mother and the clan did."
"Then they can marry him."
"Humph." Aggie scowled. "You're being childish. A contract was drawn up."
"I cannot believe you would wish me to marry that revolting, abusive swine. I thought you cared about me."
"I do, m'lady."
"Well, I made no agreement to a marriage. Nor did Brodie. Only my mother and the clan elders. They cannot order me about."
"Did you sign the contract?" Torr asked.
"Of course not."
"'Tis fortunate," Torr said. "We must keep it a secret that we plan to marry until Brodie returns. Else, violence may erupt, and your clan will be on the side of MacPeter." He gave Aggie a meaningful look. "I wish to keep the peace."
Eyes wide, the maid nodded.
