"I'm sorry, Aggie. We can travel faster without you. You're nay accustomed to riding a horse. We must get Elsea to Brodie as soon as possible so the curse can be banished. 'Tis the only way to save our clan."
Aggie narrowed her eyes and whispered, "I ken how you feel about him." She nodded toward Torr.
Cat blushed, hoping Aggie didn't know about yesterday's kiss. "Then you know I've loved him for years and trust him with my life. He is a good man, the best and most noble I've ever met."
"Humph. Nay man alive isthatnoble. Remember, you're promised to wed another."
Imagining the hateful MacPeter bully, Cat scowled. "Not if I can help it. 'Twould be hell on earth, and you ken it."
"Wayward lass," Aggie muttered as she bustled away toward the steps.
Torr stood by the horses, his gaze darting between her and Aggie. "A dispute?"
"She wants to go with us, but 'tis impossible." Cat strode forward, eager to spend some time alone with Torr.
"I agree. Are you ready to mount?"
"Indeed."
"This is Rosie." He lifted Cat into the saddle. "And this is Hercules." He motioned to his black horse.
"He is massive. What does he think of you in kelpie form?" she asked in a low tone. She didn't wish Aggie to know Torr was the kelpie they had seen the first night, for she would trust him even less.
"We're friends."
"How sweet." Cat suppressed a grin.
Torr scowled and observed her as if she were mad. "You think either a warhorse or a kelpie is sweet?"
"Aye, when that kelpie is you." She could not hide her wide smile.
He shook his head, mounted, and started forward. "We'll return in a few days," he called out to Maude and the others, standing near the keep's entrance.
"Godspeed!" Maude waved.
"Take care of the lass!" Aggie ordered.
"I will."
Cat waved to all of them.
Once they were beyond the collapsed walls and heading north, he said, "She worries over you."
"Too much."
"But who could blame her?"
Cat frowned. "What does that mean?"
He glanced across at her with a lifted brow. "I've no doubt you have a habit of getting into trouble."
She couldn't argue with that. "Aye, best watch yourself, or I will get you into trouble too."
He sent her a sideways glance. "I thank you for the warning."
***
DURING THE NEXT FEWhours, they rode many miles north through the vast and verdant glen. Catriona found it challenging to take her gaze off Torr so she could appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them. Rosy purple heather bloomed in abundance. Majestic granite mountains surrounded them. Bright beams of sunlight broke through the tempestuous dark clouds drifting overhead.
