"Come." Catriona motioned toward the door. "We must leave now."
"But 'twill be dark soon."
"Aye. 'Tis my plan. It appears the moon will be out this night."
Aggie blew out an annoyed breath. "I have nay wish to travel, but you cannot go alone."
"Get your cloak. I already have food and coin." Catriona blew out the candles and banked the fire.
Once Aggie put on the garment, Catriona opened the door but was startled to find her mother standing in the dim corridor, preparing to knock.
"Why are you wearing a cloak, Catriona?"
Blast! Why did she have to show up now?
"You cannot go out this late. Supper will begin soon," her mother continued.
Thinking quickly, Catriona said, "I wanted to go down to the shore to look for Brodie. To see if he will join us for the cèilidh."
"'Tis useless." Ma waved a hand, then squinted at Catriona. "What on earth happened to your face?"
Should she use the same lie again about cleaning the hearth? She doubted her mother would believe her.
"The lass tripped and pitched head-first into the hearth," Aggie said. "'Tis lucky the fire had died down."
"Good heavens! Did you hurt yourself?"
Unable to bring herself to lie again, Catriona shook her head.
"Well, then. Bathe and change. The musicians are assembling, and supper will be served forthwith."
"Aye, I shall bathe again."
"Be quick about it. Chief MacPeter looked displeased when I passed him in the great hall."
"Did he?" Catriona knew why.
"Aye, he scowls at everyone."
"So, why would you wish me to marry such an ornery man? He would beat me. Is that what you want?"
Ma's eyes widened. "Of course not."
"He would. I can tell because he always glares at me as if he hates me already. He is the most revolting man I have ever met."
"You are being a silly child. 'Tis time to grow up and be a woman."
Annoyed beyond measure, Catriona clenched her teeth into a faux smile. "I'm going to bathe, Mother. And have Aggie style my hair. If I'm a bit late, do not be concerned."
"You'd best not be late, young lady."
Catriona backed up a few steps and closed the door. A few moments later, she opened the door a wee crack and watched her mother rush toward the stairwell.
"Come on," Catriona whispered to Aggie and pulled the cowl more tightly over her head so no one would recognize her. "Let's go."
"Your mother will be sore vexed with us. I'll likely lose my position over this."
"I'll rehire you when I marry." Catriona imagined herself married to Torr. 'Twas a grand fantasy, which she did not have time to indulge in right now. She had to focus on fleeing the castle.
