Page 70 of The Eagle

“It took a great deal of effort on my part last night to convinced her to marry me,” Stuart said, and Cait gasped at what he alluded to. Then she blushed when Stuart kissed her in front of them.

“I want to hear that story,” Ella said giving her a saucy wink.

“No!” Cait replied. Then realizing she’d taken the bait; she covered her face with both hands as everyone began laughing again.

“When will the wedding be, dear?” her mother asked and Cait shrugged. “I am leaving the decision to ye and Lady Mariel. Stuart wishes to remain for a few weeks longer. He is spending time with the laird.”

“Yer brother and I will be leaving with ye when ye are ready,” her mother stated. Then looked over her shoulder. “Oh, there he goes again.”

A man walked to stand across the room. With silver at his temples, he was a bit older than her mother. His gaze darted to where they sat.

Cait’s eyes rounded, and she looked to her mother. “Who is he?”

“A bother,” her mother replied, then snuck a look at the man.

Leaning closer to Stuart, Cait asked him in a whisper who the man was.

Stuart looked over to the man who was now speaking to another. “Lyall Ross. He is my late father’s cousin. He moved to the village after his wife died and works here with the livestock. He is good with animals.”

His gaze met hers and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Why do ye ask?”

“I believe he is interested in my mother.”

Stuart smiled. “That is good.”

“I am not sure. Mother seems put off.”

“Then why does she keep stealing glances in his direction?” Stuart asked with a grin.

“Come with me,” Stuart said taking her hand. When the others looked to them, he gave them a lazy smile.

“I am going to speak to Cait about setting a wedding date.”

His mother waved a hand in the air. “It will be in a sennight.”

“In a sennight,” Cait repeated.

“Nonetheless, come with me.”

They walked out through the front door and past the gates to the side of the house. From there he guided her to a slight hill and then lowered her to the ground. “Sit with me.”

Cait sat next to him looking out to the sea. It was cool outside, but not so cold that it was uncomfortable.

“Do ye wish for me to ask Uncle Lyall to come with us?” Stuart asked. “If he is hoping to court yer mother, it would be useful if they were near one another.”

It was the sweetest offer and Cait cupped his jaw with her hand. “Ye are so kind to offer. I am not sure. She protests, but ye are right, she does seem very interested. Perhaps it would be a good idea. However, we must not let her know it was just now planned.”

“Very well,” Stuart replied. He looked into the distance. “I need to return to my lands.”

Cait stiffened. “Before the wedding?”

When his eyes widened, Cait wanted to slap him. “Nay, it can wait, I’m worried about Artair.”

“If ye cannot wait until we are married, then if ye go, I will go with ye.”

Thinking on how very much he loved her. “I’ll send Gideon,” Stuart said and pulled her against his chest. “Can I come to yer chamber tonight?”

“No.”