“’Tis only fair that I have somewhere to go where Kat will leave me alone. She’s driving me mad, and I know this is one place where the lasses arenae allowed.”
Ruairi lifted a brow. “Nor are ye.”
“Aye, well, I’m your son, a Sutherland. Ye can make an exception, can ye nae?” Torquil folded his arms over his chest. “Will ye tell Kat that if she doesnae have man parts, she’s nae allowed in? Ye’re the laird. She has to listen to ye.” Ruairi pushed Angus away, and the wolf moved to stand by Torquil’s side. “Ye see? Even Angus agrees with me.”
Ruairi sighed and rubbed his hand over his brow. “Sit down, Torquil.”
The boy sat in the chair across from his father, and Angus lay down at Torquil’s feet, ever the strong protector. The two of them had been inseparable since the wolf was a pup.
“Do ye want me to take my leave?” asked Fagan, not wanting to intrude on a private father-and-son moment.
“Nay.”
Ruairi poured himself and Fagan each a tankard of ale. When Ruairi lifted the cup and downed its contents in one gulp, Fagan chuckled. His friend was a laird, warrior, and husband, but out of all the duties Ruairi had, Fagan thought that being a father had to be the most difficult. He couldn’t imagine being solely accountable for another person, especially one so young.
“I know ye’re nae used to having lasses around.” Ruairi sat in the chair behind his desk and gestured for Fagan to sit. “This is going to take some adjusting on everyone’s part, including ye.”
Torquil’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“Aye. Did ye ever think how the lassie must feel? She’s a long way from England—the only home she knew, away from her friends and what is familiar to her.” Ruairi placed his arm on the desk and sat forward. “Let me ask ye a question, lad. How would ye feel if I made ye leave Scotland, leave your friends, and live in a new home which wasnae familiar to ye?”
A serious expression crossed Torquil’s face. “I wouldnae like it at all.”
“And what if ye tried to make a new friend and that person didnae want to have anything to do with ye?”
Torquil gazed at the ceiling, pausing. “All right, Da, but I donna like her chasing me.”
“Let me offer ye a word of advice,” said Fagan. “If ye keep running away from the lass, she’s only going to chase ye that much harder. Talk to her. Mayhap if ye take her to the stables, show her where ye and Angus run, and spend some time with her, she will nae want to hunt ye down all the time.”
“I agree with Fagan. Ye need to try to spend some time with Kat. Not an entire day’s time, mind ye. I’m certain she’s feeling a wee bit alone, and I have faith that ye’ll do the honorable thing. Ye’re a Sutherland. Why donna ye take Angus, and ye two can go and find her now?”
“All right.” Torquil stood, letting out a heavy sigh when Fagan placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“As I said, lad, show her some things ye like to do and places ye like to go. Make her feel welcome.”
“Come, Angus.” Torquil walked toward the door and grabbed the latch. “But if this doesnae work and she still gives chase to me, I blame the two of ye.” He closed the door, and Ruairi and Fagan chuckled.
“I donna know how ye do it.”
Ruairi shrugged. “Donna ye miss the days of our youth?”
“Aye. Although I wish I would’ve had Torquil’s troubles. Who wouldnae want a bonny lassie chasing us around for a change?”
“There is that. I appreciate your help with him. I know this will take some time for Torquil too. But I want Ravenna and her sisters to feel at home, to be at ease.”
“Aye. When Lady Grace takes her leave, it will be even more peaceful around here.”
“Ravenna tried to warn me, but I asked myself how bad one lass could possibly be. Grace is verra bold, but at least she’ll soon be wed. Let us hope Casterbrook doesnae come to his senses, lest I have another wily lass under my roof.”
Fagan lifted his tankard in mock salute. “Ye donna have to worry upon that. The lass will ne’er leave her beloved England. Thank God for small favors.”
* * *
Grace sought the solace of the garden and resumed her favorite place against the stone wall. The sound of the sea soothed her nerves, and a warm breeze blew through her loose tendrils. What was she thinking when she told Ravenna she would stay here for a month? She wondered if she should’ve accompanied Daniel after all. She wiped her eyes with the palm of her hands.
The fault was Fagan’s.
She didn’t know why she let the man get under her skin, and that was a place he’d been more often than not. If he thought her a princess, she’d be more than happy to play the role because royals didn’t concern themselves with the hired help, even if the dastardly man was her brother-in-law’s captain.
“There you are.” Ravenna moved to Grace’s side and leaned her hip against the wall.
“Here to scold me, Sister?”
“I don’t want to, but I wish you wouldn’t be so…forward with Fagan. I know you don’t care for him, but he’s only doing as Ruairi commands.”
“The man drives me completely mad. How is it that he seems to be the only one who knows how to grate on my nerves? He always mocks me when he gets the chance, and frankly, I don’t know how you put up with him.”
“I have to put up with him. He’s the captain of my husband’s guard. If Fagan annoys you so much, just overlook him. Don’t pay him any heed and enjoy your time with us. As you said, you’ll soon be Lady Casterbrook.”
“I know you’re right, but that’s another reason why I didn’t want the man escorting me home, Ravenna. You should’ve let Daniel’s men—”
Ravenna held up her hand. “One thing I’ve learned from my husband is that they do things differently here in the Highlands.”
“So I’ve been repeatedly told.”
Ravenna placed her hand on Grace’s shoulder. “Why don’t we gather Elizabeth and Kat and I’ll take you to a place where none of you have yet been? I promise that you’ll love it.”
Grace felt the corner of her mouth lifting into a smile. “When you say it like that, how could I possibly refuse such an offer?”
While Ravenna disappeared to ready herself for a brief excursion, Grace wandered around the castle looking for the girls. When she entered the library, she paused. The room was a welcome surprise.
A large table surrounded by six chairs sat in the center of the library. Two chairs were placed in front of a stone fireplace, and one wall was lined with several wooden shelves. When she spotted a tapestry of another bloody battle scene hung on the wall and encircled by shields and swords, she shuddered. Her brother-in-law’s decorating habits left a lot to be desired. In spite of that, she turned her attention back to his vast array of books. Perhaps she had more in common with Laird Sutherland than she’d initially thought because she too would rather bury her nose in a book than share Fagan’s company.
“Stop it, Grace.”
“Stop what? What are you doing in here?” Elizabeth stood up from a chair in front of the fireplace and replaced a book on the shelf.
“I didn’t see you there. Ravenna wants to take us somewhere. Do you know where Kat is?”
“I’m not sure, but I think I know where to find her. I’ve seen her following that wolf around.” Elizabeth hesitated, looking deep in thought. “Why do they call the animal…Angus?”
“I don’t know. I suppose they have to call him something.”
“But Angus? Why not call him Shadow or something to the like? The wolf is as black as the night.” They walked out into the hall, and Elizabeth closed the door behind her. When she turned around, she was still waiting for Grace’s response.
“You’re asking me? I never understand why men do what they do, let alone these men.” She lifted a brow. “Why are we talking about the wolf?”
Elizabeth averted her eyes. “I don’t know. I suppose I’m occupying my thoughts.” She took a step away, and Grace grabbed her sister’s arm.
“Please tell me those thoughts are not about Laird Munro.” When Elizabeth hesitated, Grace briefly closed her eyes and sighed. “You must cease thinking about the man.” Elizabeth was about to open her mouth when Grace added, “You want someone who will value you for you. You are a beautiful, caring person, and the man doesn’t even know you exist. You’re a lady, born in England. He’s a laird, born in Scotland—the Highlands of Scotland, I might add. You share no common ground. I beg you to cease this sudden fancy you have for him, please. You’re only going to be hurt, and I don’t want to see that happen.”
Elizabeth nodded, and they walked in silence to the great hall. Grace knew her sister was cross with her, but she refused to let Elizabeth believe a Highland laird was the man in her future. If her sister couldn’t think clearly, Grace was determined to be the voice of reason.
They walked out into the bailey, where the stone walls of the castle cast more than half the courtyard in shade. For the first time since she’d been in the Highlands, Grace realized how massive her sister’s new home was.
“Grace, are you coming with us?” asked Kat.
“Yes, Elizabeth and I were just searching for you.”
“I was in the stable with Ruairi.”
Ravenna approached with an apologetic look on her face. “I hope you don’t mind, but Ruairi wanted to come along.”
“Not at all. You two are recently wed. I only hope that we’re not intruding.”
“Of course ye arenae.” Ruairi came up behind Grace and moved to her side. “Ravenna’s clan…er, family is now mine too. I want all of ye to feel at home here.”
“Thank you, Ruairi. That was very kind. So where are we going?”
Ruairi gave Ravenna a sly grin. “I’m nae ruining the surprise, but Ravenna told me how much ye like the garden view so I’m taking ye somewhere even better.”
“Better than the garden? Oh, you definitely have my interest now. Let’s go then.”
Torquil ran through the bailey, and everyone looked surprised when the boy stopped in front of Kat. “Do ye mind if I come along?”
“You want to come with us?” Kat’s eyes lit up. “Ravenna?”
“Of course he can come with us.”
The stable master brought out the saddled horses, all of them fine-looking mounts. Ruairi and Ravenna led the way, followed by Kat, Torquil, and Grace. After they passed under the portcullis, Grace shifted her rump in the saddle and looked back at Ravenna’s home. She couldn’t help but sigh at the impressive sight.
What a formidable castle, with its round turrets and square watchtower. To her left were the steep cliffs and to her right was the lush forest. Ruairi’s vast home was a bit staggering since Grace was more accustomed to her smaller manor house, but there was something definitely warm and enchanting here that her sister favored. Grace could almost see why—almost.
She turned back around, smiling to see Torquil in deep conversation with Kat. The boy wasn’t as skittish as he had been before, even riding by her sister’s side instead of fleeing the other way. Perhaps Kat wouldn’t be so determined to stalk the laird’s son if the boy paid her some attention.
The sound of thundering hoofbeats came from behind, hard and fast. When Grace looked over her shoulder, her eyes narrowed, and her lips puckered with annoyance. “Bloody hell.”
“My apologies that I’m late. Ye didnae miss me too much, did ye, Grace?” Fagan had the nerve to smile.
Four
Fagan stood on the beach and watched the ocean waves lap onto the sandy shore. The warm breeze whipped his hair against his cheek, and the sun bathed his face. He smiled as Torquil chased Kat around in the sand, their gentle laughter tinkling through the air. Ruairi and Ravenna sat on a blanket while Elizabeth ambled along the edge of the water. Grace had taken off her boots, lifted her skirts in her hands, and waded in the sea up to her knees.
When she turned and gazed over her shoulder, Fagan cleared his throat. For a brief moment, he had almost forgotten that the lass was Ravenna’s sister. Wisps of hair framed Grace’s face and brownish-gold ringlets curled on her forehead. She was a slim, wild beauty, even more so when he overlooked her obstinate behavior and venomous tongue. The way the sun cast her in rays of light made her look ethereal, reminding him of a water goddess, as if she commanded the vast sea itself.
Fagan turned on his heel, pulling a piece of dried beef from his sack before he lost his wits. He sat down on his blanket and tossed a piece of meat into his mouth. Torquil walked toward him with Kat, and they sat beside him.
“What can we do now?”
“Lad, ye have an entire beach and the sea all to yourself.” When he glanced over Torquil’s shoulder, Grace had her eyes closed and her face lifted toward the sun. “Lady Grace looks verra warm. Mayhap she needs to cool off, eh?” He winked at the boy, and seeing the amusement in Torquil’s eyes, Fagan laughed. “Donna tell her I sent ye her way. She’ll have my head. That means ye too, Kat.”
The little girl raised her fingers to her lips to stay a giggle. “I won’t.”
“Come on, Kat. Let’s devise a way to sneak up on her so she doesnae see us.”
Fagan leaned back on his elbows and couldn’t wait to see Grace get ruffled once more. At least this time he would not be the object of her displeasure. As Torquil and Kat stealthily made their way behind their unsuspecting victim, Fagan didn’t even try to mask his smile. The two of them hastily cupped handfuls of water, soaking Princess Grace. He wasn’t certain if it was the first, second, or the third time that Torquil and Kat’s hands went in the water, but he knew it was only a matter of time before Grace lost her collectedness.
Just as Fagan had expected, the lass screamed and jumped.
“How dare you!” Grace whipped around, and a sudden chill hung on the edge of her words.
Fire lit her eyes in a sparkling display. Fagan jumped to his feet to come to Torquil and Kat’s aid, but then he paused when the woman did something unexpected. She dropped her skirts in the water and her smile deepened to laughter. She cupped handfuls of water and tossed them right back at Torquil and Kat.
“Nay! Nay!”
“What’s the matter, Torquil? You don’t like to get a little wet?” When Katherine started to retreat out of the water, Grace grabbed the girl from behind. “And just where do you think you’re going, Sister? Oh no, you don’t.”
Kat kicked in the water as Grace lifted her sister from her feet. “Stop, Grace! Stop!”
“But it’s all right when you get me wet, eh?”
“It wasn’t my idea! It was Fagan! It was Fagan!”
Torquil placed his hands on his hips. “Kat, ye werenae supposed to say that! Ye gave your word. Fagan will be cross with ye.”
And that’s the moment when Fagan realized he’d been sold out by a wee lassie with a big heart and a big smile.
* * *
“I heard that I have you to thank for this.” Grace grabbed a blanket from her mount. She was attempting to pat her hair dry while Fagan rested his arm on the saddle, trying to mask a smile.
“Ye seemed to enjoy yourself before ye found out I was the cause.”
“Please don’t misunderstand me, Mister Murray. The children do not bother me. You bother me. Why are you even here? Why aren’t you out protecting Ruairi’s lands or doing whatever it is you do?”
His eyes narrowed. “Ruairi is my laird. I go everywhere he goes. ’Tis my duty.”
“A pity the poor man cannot even relieve himself alone.”
“Ye’re verra amusing.”
“Contrary to what you might think, I am not here for your amusement.”
He clenched his mouth tighter, and then he looked away from her. “I see Torquil and wee
Katherine are getting along now. Mayhap ye can learn something from your nine-year-old sister.”
Grace didn’t miss the heavy sarcasm that dripped from his voice. How could she? She waited for him to look her in the eye. “Perhaps when you cease acting like a twelve-year-old boy, Mister Murray, you and I will get along just fine.” She brushed past him, poking her elbow into his gut on the way by. “Pray excuse me.”
As Grace approached her sister, Ravenna glanced up from the blanket. Ruairi sat beside her, leaning back on his elbows. “Please tell me you’re not sparring again with Fagan.” There was a strong hint of censure in Ravenna’s voice.
“Of course not. What is there to spar about? That would mean I actually cared what the man thought of something.”
When her brother-in-law chuckled, Grace had an underlying feeling that he was mocking her. “Pardon, Ruairi?”
Ravenna mumbled under her breath to her husband, and he gave his wife an appeasing nod in return. He fingered the material of his kilt as if he were trying to contain himself and hid a smile.
“Och, it wasnae anything of importance.”
“I was wondering if I could have a moment alone with my sister.” Ruairi was about to stand when Grace held out her hand to stay him. “Please don’t get up. Ravenna, why don’t you walk with me along the beach?”
“All right.” Her sister stood, brushing down her skirts and shaking the sand from her day dress. She gazed down at her husband. Without warning, he reached up, smacking Ravenna on the bottom with the palm of his hand.
“Donna be too long, Wife.”
When his eyes darkened like a summer storm, Grace grabbed her sister by the arm and led her away from her kilted husband. And to think she’d believed the wooing part of a relationship was over the instant someone was wed. The way Ravenna and Ruairi continued to behave, she’d begun to think they were an exception to that rule.
As Grace walked along the edge of the shore with her sister, her steps slowed and she moved her feet away from the water. She wasn’t sure why, because she was already wet from being targeted by two little miscreants. She glanced at Ravenna, who looked as if her thoughts were off in some distant land.
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