The maid was astonished at Cait’s firm tone and looked to Lady Mariel, who remained silent. Once the young woman moved the tray, the girl looked to Cait. “Is there anything else ye require…?”
“Miss Cait,” Lady Mariel said. “No, thank ye.”
“Let us find something more appropriate for ye to wear. There are clothes here that Ella left behind. Ye are a bit shorter, but about the same size as my daughter. Once that is done, ye must spend some time with Stuart. Find out if there is anything he wishes ye to acquire while he is gone. I will see to things such as learning to manage household accounts,” she paused before looking to Cait innocently. “Perhaps ye can learn alongside Lila.”
Despite the situation, they both chuckled.
They finished the cider and went to Ella’s bedchamber. After a few moments, several skirts, blouses, vests, and other clothes were in a neat pile on the bed for Cait. Cora was summoned and she helped Cait change and brush her hair up into a simple bun.
“This is most exciting,” Cora said. “I will definitely go with ye to yer new home once it is time. I am so very happy for ye.”
They hugged and Cait wiped a tear from her cheek. “Ye are a true friend, Cora. Thank ye. I am excited that ye will come with me.”
She’d changed into a dark brown skirt, pale tan blouse, and flowered vest. On her feet, Cait wore simple brown boots. When she peered into the looking glass, her breath caught at the woman who looked back at her.
“It is me?” Cait asked looking to Cora. “I look so different.”
“Like a proper lady,” Cora replied. “Now, ye must seek out Mister Stuart. He must be anxious to spend time with ye.”
Her stomach in knots, Cait descended the stairs and went in search of Stuart. When she walked into the parlor, she found him standing at the large windows with his brother, Caelan, looking out to the sea.
Unsure if she should interrupt, Cait almost turned around. Then remembering Lady Mariel’s words, she cleared her throat instead.
Both men turned, their gazes approving as they took her in. “If I may interrupt for a bit,” she said.
Caelan motioned to Stuart. “He is all yers.” The man gave her a warm smile and walked out.
“Ye look very pretty,” Stuart said closing the distance between them and kissing her soundly. “I am not sure I can leave ye behind.”
“I can go with ye…”
“No, I will not have ye working there. Besides, ye told me yer mother needs ye here.”
Cait hated that they’d be apart so soon after becoming betrothed. “Very well. I will support ye from here and do what I can to help.” Cait laid her head on his chest, the feel of him so comforting, she wanted to cry at the thought he’d be gone the next day.
“I will miss ye,” she admitted. “It is much too soon for ye to leave. We have only just begun to truly get to know one another.”
“I agree,” he said holding her close. “However, if I put it off one day, then it will turn into another and another. It is best that I proceed as planned. Besides, it is not so far that I cannot come and visit every fortnight or so.”
Her heart lightened. “I’d not thought about that.”
“Be sure to go to the seamstress to get clothes made. Once the house is habitable, ye will have to come prepared with all the necessary items for it. Ye should begin acquiring items such as…” He stopped and frowned down at her. “Whatever it is that is needed for a house.”
Cait laughed. “I will ask yer mother for help.”
“Good.”
“There is something else,” Stuart said, placing his curled forefinger under her chin and lifting it. “I am as surprised by Lila Maclean’s appearance as ye are. Do not fret over it. I am sure Caelan, and Isobel will keep her busy. If anything, I expect that she will stay at Caelan’s house and not here.”
“I can tell she was disappointed that ye were not available for courtship,” Cait said. “Stuart, if ye have any doubts after seeing her, I would not blame ye…”
“Not one single doubt.”
His mouth covered hers and she clung to him in a desperate attempt to not only prolong the kiss, but to memorize every second. The hardness of his body. His scent. How his kisses tasted. The low rumble that rose from his chest as he deepened the kiss. And the way his strong hands roamed over her back.
The wonder of discovery between them promised so much more and Cait wished the moment to never end. Parting her lips, she accepted the intrusion of his tongue past them. She suckled on it timidly at first and then with greed. His hands moved from her sides to cup her breasts, his thumbs circling the sensitive tips.
“Oh, Stuart,” Cait gasped out the words.
“Mmmm,” he replied trailing his lips from hers down the side of her neck. “I desire ye so very much.”
He lifted his head and peered down at her. “Why did I agree to wait to marry?” His crooked smile melted her heart.
Before Cait could form a reply, once again his mouth took hers.
“Ye must promise to come for me,” Cait said stopping the kiss. “Promise.”
Stuart studied her face, his brows drawn together. “Why do ye ask? I have asked ye to marry me. I pledge my love to ye, of course I will return.”
Swallowing past the lump that formed, Cait looked away to the view outside. The waves crashed against the shore in a reassuring pattern that promised another would come soon.
“I cannot yet believe this all to be true,” Cait admitted. “It is like a dream that ye would want someone like me for a wife.”
Stuart took her shoulders. “Cait, it is only the circumstance of our birth that makes us different. It could have been the opposite. Would ye have considered me less than ye?”
“I do not know. I cannot answer that question,” she answered honestly. “However, when I look into yer eyes, I do see that ye care.”
“Look at me,” Stuart commanded. When she did, he locked gazes with her. “I give ye my word to return and marry ye.”
Cait released a long breath and as a tear trickled down her cheek. “I wish ye did not have to leave. At the same time, I look forward to starting a new life with ye away from here. It will be easier not to have to be over the servants who I worked alongside with.”
“I agree,” Stuart said. “Now let us see about my packing. Will ye help me?”
They entered his bedchamber where Anton and another servant were packing. Stuart pointed to some things and then instructed that many be left behind.
“I will take the rest of my things when I return.”
Cait walked through the room and lowered to a chair where she watched the proceedings. Instinctively, she knew they’d spend every minute together until bedtime.
Once the trunks were packed and carried downstairs, Cora entered with a tray. “Some honeyed mead and toasted bread,” she announced placing the tray on a small table.
Stuart lowered to the chair opposite Cait. “Tell me, what do ye think yer mother’s reaction will be?”
“I’d not thought about it. She will be very happy for us.”
“Ensure she and yer brother come to live here at the keep. I will not rest if I think of ye traipsing through the forest alone.” He gave her a stern look and then his expression softened. “Please.”
“I will ensure it as soon as possible. My brother is interested in working with horses…”
“He can apprentice at our new home. For now, he can work here. I will ensure to speak to the stable master in the morning.” He drank the mead and bit the toast.
Cait watched him for a long moment. It was incredible to her to sit across from the laird’s brother, who was now her betrothed. At the same time it felt relaxed and comfortable to sit and share toast. “What do ye think yer family thinks of our betrothal?”
For a moment he considered her question, the entire time his gaze on her. “My brothers are not surprised. I do not believe mother to be either. Darach was the first one to ask what my intentions were.”
“I spoke to Torac and informed him of our betrothal.”
“Ye are thorough.” Cait couldn’t help but chuckle.
Stuart stood and took her hands pulling her to stand. They walked to the window and he wrapped his arms around her. After pressing a kiss to her lips, he turned her to look out and pointed.
“I will be in that direction, beyond the trees.”
For a long time, they stood with his arms around her. Cait closed her eyes praying the closeness they felt in that moment would remain when separate from each other.
The next morning, Cait stood beside Lady Mariel and Lady Isobel as they wished the caravan of travelers farewell.
Leading the group was Stuart, accompanied by Ewan, who’d agreed to go for a short while and help get things set up.
Cait waved enthusiastically and wore a bright smile when Stuart turned to her. They’d stayed up until quite late talking and making plans for a future together, and she hoped he wasn’t too tired for the trip.
As they rode away, she did her best to push away any worries. Stuart had reassured her he’d return as often as possible. Upon waking her first thought was that Stuart Ross was her betrothed. It was still so very hard to believe.
“Let us go inside and do something to keep yer mind away from sadness,” Lady Mariel said. “I do believe there are many tasks that require our attention.”
By the end of the first day, Cait collapsed into her bed exhausted from keeping up with Lady Mariel and spending time with Greer going over the menu for the week. She’d asked Lady Mariel for kitchen duties as it was where she felt most comfortable.
She’d been installed in Ella’s old bedchamber, which felt both intrusive and reassuring that she was now considered part of the family. When she’d spoken to Lady Mariel about her family. It was decided that her mother was to be moved to a bedchamber near the servant’s quarters and Brice would be housed in the guard’s quarters with Torac.
Looking up at the ceiling, Cait considered how different her life had become and how many more changes were on the way. Her eyes became heavy, but before she could let herself sleep, she slid from the bed and kneeled next to it to pray for Stuart’s safety.
Chapter Thirteen
It was late in the day when they arrived at Stuart’s lands. The sun was low in the horizon causing the trees to cast long shadows across the field that surrounded a house that had barely survived the passage of time.
“I am not sure it is habitable,” Ewan said looking to Stuart. “I think we should set up camp and get settled. We can take our time exploring the structure once the sun rises.” Ewan would remain for a few weeks but planned to leave before the winter settled in. Artair would come and replace him then.
Stuart agreed and scanned the area for a place that would be suitable. What had once been fields were now overgrown, young trees and bushes covering the ground. There were a few places that were passable for camping, but it would take them until nightfall to clear any space.
“This will take a while,” Stuart said turning his horse around so he could address the small group.
Stuart looked to the men, who also scanned the area. Some wary, others with interest.
“We will choose somewhere not too far from the house to clear and set up camp. First, we need to make proper shelters, so we don’t have to worry about the elements as we work to restore the house.”
Ewan added, “There are plenty of young trees we can use to make sturdy shelters. It should not take overly long to cut them down.” He gave his brother a challenging look. “Two each?”
He and Ewan often competed at everything. Most times, neither won because they were so close in size and stature.
“Very well,” Ewan said pointing to a narrow path. “Let’s try this way. Hopefully, the carts will fit through.”
It took several hours to get to the spot they’d chosen. Ewan got what he wished for because they had to chop down more than two young trees each, to get the wagons through.
By the time they were able to clear not only the path, but an area for the shelters, it was dark. They worked by torchlight to erect two tents made from linen that had been covered in fat before allowing to dry. The fabric was tough and would provide shelter from the wind and light rain.
While the men worked, Dougal set up a separate shelter for himself and his wife. He made a sturdy structure from the fallen trees adding a leather roof.
Everyone was exhausted as they quickly ate pottage and drank ale, anxious to sleep.
Stuart lifted the flap of the tent and searched for a space to lie down. He, his brother, and Anton would share this one, while the rest of the men were in the other.
Once he settled on the pallet of blankets, he promptly fell asleep.
A loud conversation startled Stuart awake the next morning. Thankfully, it looked to be a sunny day. Unfortunately, the bright light coming through the tent meant he’d overslept.
He made quick work of pulling on his boots and walked out to find that a group of men had arrived and were arguing with Ewan who looked half asleep and fully annoyed.
When his brother turned to him, he motioned for Stuart to hurry closer.
“These men came to challenge our being here. They say this land belongs to the village constable,” Ewan informed him in a bored tone. “I suppose we must go and meet this man.”
“No need,” a burly man holding a wooden club said. “Here ’e comes now.”
A man rode toward them atop a black horse. By the way he sat in the saddle, he considered himself to be quite important. Stuart glanced over his shoulder at his own warhorse, which would dwarf the man’s.
“Why are ye on my land?” the man called out. “Leave at once or I will set my men upon ye.”
Stuart looked to his own men who approached.
“Mount and bring our steeds,” he ordered in a low tone. It was but a short moment later that the men returned and brought their horses. Both Ewan and Stuart mounted at once.
At seeing the horses and Stuart’s guards on mounts, the burly villager and his companions exchanged concerned looks, especially when the guards drew their swords.
Stuart pulled out his tartan that hung from a sack on his saddle and threw it over one shoulder. “Who are ye?” he said meeting the man’s gaze.
At seeing the tartan, the man became less assured. “I am Torridon St. Claire, the constable of the nearby village.”
Stuart knew the man made up the surname. He was most probably a Smith, but he let it pass. “I am Stuart Ross, this is my brother Ewan Ross, my cousin Dougal Ross,” he motioned to each man as he spoke. “This land, as well as the village ye all live in, belong to Clan Ross.”
The constable’s eyes narrowed. “Why should we believe ye or that ye care about our village. Laird Ross has not stepped foot near here in years. We have had to fend fer ourselves and do not require ye or any of yer family to come now and take what has become ours.”
Obviously, the man and villagers were not aware of his father’s death. Stuart considered that perhaps now was not the best time to inform them of the fact.
He looked from the self-appointed leader to the men that had arrived on foot. “I do not come to take anything from ye. I come to settle on my land where I will farm and raise livestock. There will be work for those needing it.”
At his words, the men’s expressions became eager, and they showed great interest.
“We do need work,” one said.
“Will ye pay?” another asked.
“Yer father made us work without recompense. I do not trust ye,” another added.
There were murmurs of agreement. Ewan gave Stuart an urging look.
“My father, Laird Ross, is dead. My brother, Darach Ross, is now laird of Clan Ross. Ye will find him to be a good and fair leader.”
Two younger men turned and raced away, no doubt wishing to be the first to take the news to the village. They would
have plenty to share, Stuart mused.
There was a strange interchange between the constable and the gathered men. It was as if they were fearful.
“Return to the village, I will deal with this,” Torridon ordered, his voice held a menacing tone. “Do not trust anything ye heard.”
Ewan along with two guardsmen guided their horses around the group, blocking them from leaving. Once again, the men looked to the constable for guidance.
“Ye are no one to give orders,” Stuart said. “I am of a mind to imprison ye for yer insolence.”
“Ye have no such authority.” The constable glared at him. “We are our own people now.”
It was a turn of events Stuart had not expected. Guiding his horse closer to the constable, he lowered his voice and met the man’s gaze. “What do ye hope to achieve by goading me? I can have an army triple the size of the village here in two days. Do not try me on this.”
The constable’s gaze slipped away first, his brows lowering. “I only state the truth. Ye can try to do what ye wish, but soon ye will discover that the people here do not trust ye and will never respect ye.”
The man turned his horse around, effectively ending the conversation. “Come,” he called out to the men, who hurried past Ewan and the guards to walk back to the village.
“Should we stop them?” Dougal asked coming alongside Stuart. “That is going to be a problem.”
“Aye,” Stuart replied. “I will need able men to help clear the land and to work on the house. My brother will be sending the animals in a fortnight and we’ll need help with them as well.”
Ewan motioned to the house. “First priority is fortifying the house. Worry about the village once the work here is completed. Meanwhile, we can send a message back to Darach to send more men to help clear the land.”
The outer structure of the house was in good shape. A few windows had to be replaced and mortar added to some bricks to ensure it was weatherproofed, but it would not be a lot of work.
The interior was another story completely. Only a couple of the walls and hearths were usable. They would have to rebuild walls, stairs, doors, and furniture. The front entrance was flanked by two large windows, quite rare for homes of the time. There was a large main room that led to a second room of about the same size. There was an archway that led to a kitchen and a second corridor where three smaller rooms were. Stuart guessed they’d been used for servant sleeping quarters. Off the kitchen was a back exit to what he assumed used to be a garden.
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