Page 44 of The Eagle

“She’s behind ye,” his mother explained.

Taking a step to the side, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled Cait to stand beside him. “I asked Cait to marry me and she has agreed.”

His mother and the other women’s faces lit up and they jumped to their feet coming forward to hug him and then Cait, who remained halfway hidden behind him once again.

When his brothers approached, he moved away from her hoping the women would not let her escape.

“Congratulations, I wish ye the best,” Darach said hugging him. Similar sentiments were repeated by Ewan, Duncan, and Caelan.

“Ye may change yer mind in a moment,” Gideon said cryptically before hugging him.

“This is wonderful news,” his mother exclaimed, pulling Cait alongside. “Ye must join us for the meal.” Her eyes twinkled when meeting his. “When do ye plan to marry? Tonight?”

Stuart had to laugh. His poor mother had become accustomed to impromptu, unplanned weddings. “Not until I return. There is plenty of time to plan a proper wedding.”

His heart warmed when Cait’s face brightened. “Nothing too elaborate.”

“Oh dear,” his mother’s face registered alarm. “Where are my manners. We have a guest. Lila Maclean arrived just a few moments ago.”

It was as if everything in the room moved slower. Every set of eyes in the room went from him to the woman who sat at the table.

In truth, Stuart had never seen someone so striking. With midnight black hair, olive skin, and bright grey eyes, she was an exotic beauty.

The woman’s gaze moved from him to study Cait. Lila’s gaze swept over Cait from head to toe and back again, then settled on him.

“Lila, this is my son, Stuart. The only one ye had yet to meet,” his mother said.

Stuart nodded at the woman, feeling a bit disconcerted by the expectation on everyone’s faces. Yes, he realized she had come to get to know him. Despite finding the woman exquisite, she did not appeal to him the way Cait did.

“Seems an opportune time for a betrothal,” she said in a husky voice. There was disbelief in her gaze and something akin to disappointment. “I wish ye…both the best.” She finally dragged her gaze from his and looked to Cait. It was obvious she found Cait’s apparel lacking.

Stuart pulled a chair back and guided Cait to sit. She’d been stunned silent, but he was proud that she kept her gaze forward, not glancing away when Lila looked at her.

“Tell us Stuart, what are yer plans upon arriving on yer lands?” his mother asked a question they all knew the reply to. He understood it was for both Cait and Lila’s benefit.

“Once we arrive, the first priority will be to ensure the house will provide refuge from the weather. It is imperative we can remain warm once winter sets. The fields will be cleared, but planting cannot take place until spring.” Stuart continued to tell them the larger plans of building pens and corrals for the livestock, hiring helpers, and finally building a rapport with the villagers.

Everyone listened politely, every so often asking about something. He noted that Lila had lost all interest in anything he said and kept sliding looks to Cait.

Chapter Twelve

It was the most mortifying and awkward meal of her entire life. Cait could not figure out where to look, opting to keep her attention on Lady Mariel, who did her best to make her feel part of the conversation.

Stuart became preoccupied with discussing the logistics of his upcoming travel and though she didn’t begrudge him his enthusiasm, it meant she was left to partake of the women’s discussion. Thankfully, after a moment they turned their attention to Lila Maclean and asked about her home, family, and travel from the Isle of Skye.

The woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her face was perfection with long dark lashes surrounding smoky grey eyes. And the darkest hair Cait had ever seen. Her clothing was impeccable; the emerald green color bringing out the depth of her olive skin.

There was a coolness in her eyes when looking at her. Every time Lila glanced in Cait’s direction, she felt insignificant. How could Stuart choose her over a woman who was obviously more suited for him?

“What are yer plans while here?” Beatrice asked, obviously uninformed of the reason for Lila’s travel.

The women went quiet, everyone’s gazes went from Lila, to her, to Stuart. For an awkward moment, Cait considered stating that Lila was there to become betrothed to Stuart.

“I am here to learn the intricacies of maintaining ledgers,” Lila said and then added. “Who is to take me on, I am not sure about.” Her husky laugh lightened the mood.

Isobel was quick to reassure the woman. “Caelan and I will tutor ye and ye will be prepared to take on yer family’s ledgers in no time at all.”

“I appreciate yer kindness. I know my brother sprung this on yer husband quickly. I was actually quite surprised when the reply came agreeing that I come.”