His thoughts were a mess. One minute he was certain she was leading him into a trap. The next he was thinking what it would feel like to taste her lips.
“Good night.” He answered gruffly and closed his eyes, willing his mind to think of aught else other than the bonny lass lying in the bed just a few feet away from him.
*
Errol was wideawake the next morn when he heard the womenstart to stir. He’d spent a restless night tossing and turning. The floor was hard under his back, but that wasn’t what bothered him. He’d slept on much worse. Minus the beauty of being under the stars, the floor still beat sleeping on the ground.
But he couldn’t get Moira out of his mind. All night long her visage was there every time he closed his eyes.
Moira’s head popped over the side of the bed. “Good morn,” she said in a sleepy voice as she rubbed her eyes.
Even with her messy hair and puffy eyes from sleep, she was still beautiful.
He nodded his head and stood. “I shall leave ye be so that ye can dress for the day. When ye are ready we can go break our fast.”
He exited the room and waited in the hall while the women tended to their needs and dressed. It shouldn’t take long. They hadn’t packed much as they wanted to be light for the journey. Seema hadn’t awakened during the night, and he took that as a good sign that whatever affliction she’d had hopefully passed.
“Errol, son of the MacLeod.”
At his name, Errol turned. The man walking toward him looked familiar, but he couldn’t put a name to the face. He appeared to be close to his father’s age, and similar in stature.
“Richard Carlyle.” The man introduced himself once he was near. “My wife and I are on our way to visit yer father at MacLeod Keep.”
Errol recognized the name. Richard and his family were part of one of the unaffiliated clans that were scattered about the highlands.
“I am for certs my father will be happy to see ye both. How are yer sons?” If Errol recalled correctly, Richard had twin boys a few years younger than him.
Richard’s eyes lit up at the mention of his children. “They are verra well, thank ye fer asking. They keep busy tending the cattle.”
His wife joined him, and Richard draped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her closer. “Ye remember my wife, Caroline?”
Errol bowed to the woman. “’Tis lovely to see ye again, Lady Carlyle.” The woman blushed and dipped her head.
The door opened and Moira stepped out into the hall, Seema right behind her. “We are ready if ye are.” She paused when she saw the Carlyles.
Errol cleared his throat. No doubt this run-in would be mentioned to his father when Richard arrived at MacLeod Keep. He would worry about dealing with his father later when he returned home. Hopefully with an arm full of riches.
“Richard, Caroline, may I introduce Moira and her maid, Seema.”
Caroline stepped forward. “Good morn. Were ye on yer way to break yer fast? We are doing the same and would love for ye to join us.” She turned to her husband. “Wouldnae we, Richard?”
“Och, aye,” Richard said. He didn’t appear to care one way or another.
Moira’s gaze slid to Errol, her eyes round in question.
He shrugged. It didn’t matter to him. Just as long as they finished quickly. They needed to get on the road.
Moira smiled. “We would love to.”
The group made their way downstairs and into the dining hall where they were seated at a large table. Mugs of heather ale were served, followed by plates of smoked salmon, bannocks and porridge.
Moira ate heartily, but Errol noticed that Seema hadn’t taken a single bite. Instead, her pallor was still off, as if she were ready to toss whatever contents were left in her belly. That didn’t bode well for their travel plans.
“Are ye weel, Seema?” Moira asked, concern knitting her brows.
“Aye. Weel enough, I’d say. Though no’ weel enough to eats still.” She placed her hands on her stomach. “I fear ’tis still unsettled.”
Caroline reached over and patted her hand. “Ye poor dear. Have ye been unweel?”
