Page 54 of The Eagle

“I only ask that ye allow me some time to see about my family before we leave.”

“Do not be ridiculous. We will discuss the situation and decide what is best. I am disappointed in Stuart and unsure what he is thinking.”

In front of the hearth, Catriona and Isobel sat with the children. Isobel was expecting her first child and spent a great deal of time with Catriona’s children. Darach was insistent that she remain close. Not wishing to upset him, she spent most days at the keep. Although, she did escape every so often to the village or to visit Beatrice.

Both women looked up when Lady Mariel approached with Cait in tow. “Stuart is not coming. He sent a message asking that Cait go there instead. Of course, if she went, I would have to go as well.”

Isobel’s eyes widened. “Ye cannot. I do not wish to be alone until Mother comes.”

“Of course, we said no,” Lady Mariel replied with a frown. “Honestly, I do not know what has gotten into him. Whoever goes, whether Caelan or Gideon, will have a stern message from me.”

“I am sure there is much to do there. Ewan told me the land was overgrown and the locals are reluctant to help. There is the matter of village constable…”

“Ye know more than I do,” Cait interrupted Lady Mariel. “I have no idea what is happening. His letters are short only details of the house, rarely of anything else.”

Isobel held out her hand. “Cait, there will be a wedding. Ye will remain here with us.”

“I do not wish to hold him to his word if he has changed his mind,” Cait replied with conviction and then lowered her voice in hopes her mother was not within earshot. “I ask that ye help me secure a position somewhere else. I cannot remain here.”

Catriona smiled widely. “If it comes to be that ye need a position—which I hope it doesn’t—then ye can be a governess to my bairns. I am already expecting a third.”

Relief flooded her and Cait could not help it. Tears overflowed and she sniffed loudly. “Thank ye so much. All of ye have been so very kind to me and my family.”

The men must have noticed her crying because Ewan came to them. “Is something wrong?”

His mother gave him a patient look. “Nothing is wrong. We are reassuring Cait that even if there is no wedding, she will have a place with our clan.”

“Why will there not be a wedding?” Ewan gawked at Cait. “What happened?”

Lady Mariel pulled him away to explain about the message, and about Cait returning Stuart’s crest. Cait took advantage, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.

Isobel reached for her hand. “Let us wait until after whoever goes returns before we make any permanent changes. I am hopeful Stuart will see reason after receiving yer message.”

Cait wasn’t so sure. Despite the fact she’d fallen in love with Stuart, resentment was taking up a bigger and bigger space in her heart.

Chapter Fifteen

When Stuart and several guards returned to the village, the constable was prepared for a confrontation. Not only had he not left the house, but he’d barricaded himself and hired men to defend him.

Stuart rode up and without hesitation he dismounted and walked closer. The men seemed confused by the cavalier fashion with which he approached the door.

“We cannot allow ye to pass, sir.”

He scanned their faces. “Are ye Clan Ross?”

“Aye,” one replied for them. “Three of us are.”

“I am Stuart Ross, the laird’s brother, move aside.”

The men’s eyes rounded. “We were not told it was ye who we were to defend against.” The men allowed him to pass, and he went to the door. He lifted a rock and pounded on it.

The constable no doubt thought it was his guards because he opened the door and then stumbled backward. “Ye were supposed to stop him,” he yelled at the men he’d hired.

“Ye did not tell us it was our laird’s brother who ye wished to stop,” one man replied.

“Pay us and we will go,” another said.

The constable’s eyes narrowed. Despite being in a dire situation, he still managed to be defiant. “I will not. Ye did nothing for me.”