"Abolish it?" Elsea frowned.
"Indeed. Gavin MacTavish managed to break his curse because he fell in love with his new bride."
Elsea blinked rapidly and shook her head. "Brodie no longer loves me, I'm certain. And he will never trust me again." Tears formed in her blue eyes. She dropped her gaze to her lap. "Heavens. I had so much, but... I ruined it."
"You can reclaim it all. 'Twas the curse that caused you to go astray." Catriona patted her hand. "And now we need to resolve it. I'm guessing you are the only woman Brodie has ever loved."
Elsea drew a sharp breath and seemed to hold it as a kitchen maid brought wine on a tray and served it, along with tarts.
"My thanks," Catriona said, taking the goblet.
When the servant left, Elsea shook her head and exhaled a choppy breath. "The last time I saw Brodie, he said... he would kill me should he ever see me again."
Catriona gasped. "He would never do that. 'Twas the anger talking. He loved you with all his heart."
"But nay longer. As everyone kens, I left with one of his enemies. The earl... tired of me and sent me away. I had no choice but to come back here. 'Tis too late for Brodie and me. I would never feel the same about him now. And I'm certain he has fostered a severe hatred of me for over a year."
Blast! Catriona had to think of something to convince her. "Love does not die that easily."
"Oh, aye, it does. Ours was destroyed. I blame myself."
"You could try to love Brodie again. Love can break the curse. And I believe he would make an outstanding husband."
"Nay, I cannot. I'm sorry to disappoint you," Elsea stated firmly and sprung to her feet. "Will you sup with us this eve and stay the night?"
"Aye. I thank you." Catriona stood. Though disheartened, she could not give up yet. She had to figure out how to slip the elixir into Elsea's wine, or she would never agree to accompany them to Farspag.
After the young woman quickly strode away and up the stairs, Catriona's gaze searched the hall for Torr. He talked with the laird and his men on the other end of the massive room, their boisterous laughter echoing. When Torr's concerned gaze caught hers, he excused himself and approached her.
"I saw you talking to Elsea. What was the outcome, then?" he asked.
"Thus far, she refuses to give Brodie a chance. She has asked us to stay for supper and spend the night."
"I cannot stay the night," Torr said in a low voice. "We need to leave right away."
Of course. Because he would shift. But her task was not yet complete. She had to change Elsea's mind about Brodie. Panic seized her.
"Nay. I must stay," she said in a forceful whisper. "I'll slip her the potion, and she will fall in love with Brodie again. I've no other option."
Torr blew out a breath, appearing irritated beyond belief. "I'll spend the night in the wood near the village, then return for you in the morn. Tell them I had business in the village."
She nodded. 'Twas not what she wished, but he couldn't remain here and shift.
"You'll be safe here in the keep, but be wary of any animals," Torr said. "Hide the potion. If they catch you with it, I'm nay sure I can get you out of trouble."
***
"ITHANK YOU FOR INVITINGme to supper," Catriona said to Elsea as they stood at the back of the great hall. A couple dozen clansmen and women stirred about, talking and finding seats on the benches at the low tables.
"Of course. I was sorry to hear Cousin Torr had to leave."
Catriona nodded. "He had business in the village. And I'm sorry if I upset you earlier."
"Nay. All is well."
"I'm glad, and I hope we can remain friends."
"Indeed." Elsea sent her a friendly glance, the first since she'd rejected the idea of returning to Brodie.
