They waited until the carriages disappeared through the gates before heading inside. “Do ye wish to go upstairs to see their progress?” Elspeth asked her, pointing to the ceiling. “From my balcony, ye can see for many miles.
“That would be nice,” Catriona replied as they walked inside. Already, people were gathering for hearings with Laird Ross. She hesitated to scan the room. With an annoyed huff, she followed the women to the stairwell.
Just as she was to go up the stairs, she noted that a pair of maids headed toward her and Ewan’s bedchamber.
“Excuse me for a moment, I will be up shortly,” she said to Esme and Elspeth and crossed the great room. Upon entering the bedchamber, the maids were already packing Ewan’s clothing.
“What are ye doing?” she asked and both jumped, staring at her with mouths agape.
“Miss...er, my lady,” one stammered. “We were directed by Laird Ewan to pack his belongings.”
Her eyes narrowed with annoyance. “And where, pray tell, is my husband?”
The maids exchanged curious looks. One swallowed visibly. “He left this morning, my lady. I believe to yer home.”
Catriona tried hard to give the impression of nonchalance but knew she’d failed miserably when, once again, the maids looked to each other.
“Stop doing that,” Catriona snapped. “He must have told me last night, but I didn’t hear him. Yes, that is it. I am sure of it.”
When the maids remained frozen, she waved them to continue. “Go on then. Were ye told to pack my things as well?”
They both shook their head.
Catriona whirled around and stomped to the kitchen. Surely Moira would know what had happened. Moira knew everything.
When she entered, the cook greeted her with a cheerful smile. “By the look on Laird Ewan’s face this morning, I take it ye had a good night.”
The woman winked and Catriona blushed even though, at the moment, she was very angry with said laird. “Moira, did my husband leave any word for me? He told me we had to depart soon, but I did not understand that he meant today, nor that he was to leave me behind.”
“All he told me was that ye would follow in a couple of days. I asked if he wished his things sent with ye or earlier and he asked they be packed and sent right away.”
“I see,” Catriona frowned. “I suppose we must work on understanding each other better.”
Moira nodded. “Aye, lass, men are not always clear.”
Knowing it was best to push her ire away at the moment, she hurried upstairs, hoping to catch a glimpse of the departing carriages.
In the bedchamber, the women had lost interest in the departure because they sat about the room on different chairs and chaises talking.
Elspeth and her friend, Ceilidh, sat together on a long chaise, while Esme and Merida sat on chairs by the fireplace. Esme motioned to an empty one. “They disappeared already, but not before I said a prayer of protection.”
“Thank ye,” she said and lowered to the chair.
“What is the matter?” Esme asked, knowing her well.
Catriona looked around the room at the faces of women who, like her, had not so long ago married a Ross. “My husband left for Tuath Avon. He did not say farewell and his belongings are being packed. Last night, I asked that our departure be delayed by a couple of days. He replied ‘fine’, which I took to believe meant he agreed for both of us to wait.”
There was a moment of silence before the women all began to speak at once. Then they all stopped talking, laughed and one by one began to tell her stories of miscommunications between them and their husbands.
An hour later, they were laughing so hard that most were in tears. Catriona held her stomach in an attempt to stop the pain all the laughter caused and blew out a breath.
“I think,” she finally said, “I will miss all of ye greatly.”
Esme sighed. “Ye are but a day’s ride away. I promise to visit often.”
“Actually, I believe it is two days,” Merida said.
“Ye have not seen Esme ride,” Catriona informed her. “She does not care for dalliance.”
“Not in the least. I can make it to Tuath Avon in less than a day from my home,” Esme added. “I have to be at archery practice. Would ye like to accompany me, Catriona?”
They walked out together, and Catriona followed Esme to the room she and Ruari were currently sharing. While Esme changed, Catriona paced the room. “When do ye leave to go to yer home?”
“In the morning, I suppose. Why?”
“I would like to travel with ye and then on from there to my own home. I must speak to my maid and invite her to come along with her brother, who works in the stables. Giles, I believe his name is.”
“Ye should tell her right away,” Esme said. “Go do it and meet me outside.”
Catriona headed back to her bedchamber to find Maisie. Once that was done, she’d instruct the young woman to pack everything.
Chapter Nineteen
There were no tearful farewells when leaving Dun Airgid, especially since Catriona and Esme expected to see each other soon. The women of Ross Keep planned to visit the following week to see the house.
However, upon riding away, Catriona fought back the urge to cry. How strange to never leave one’s birthplace and then suddenly be thrust into a different location altogether, not once, but twice.
By contrast, Maisie’s face was bright with excitement. “I’ve never been away from Ross lands,” she exclaimed, looking out the window. “I suppose we are still not leaving them, so I should say, I’ve not been so far from Ross Keep.”
Her eyes never left the passing landscape as if she feared missing something new. “What are we to call our new home Lady Ross? It will be confusing to call it Ross Keep as well.”
“Tuath Avon,” Catriona replied. “I must say, I do love the name.”
Maisie repeated the words, her tone solemn when memorizing her new home’s name. Then her lips curved. “Giles is quite happy. He looks forward to helping set up the new stables.”
After a moment, both fell into silence. Catriona considered her new responsibilities and all that would come after this day. Most of the staff had already settled into the home. She’d spent time with them when assigning duties and shopping in the nearby village with the cook. It had also given her a peek of what kind of people were there.
Although she’d only met those in the market square, they’d been friendly, but cautious, which she didn’t blame them for.
As soon as they entered the courtyard at Tuath Avon, there was a flurry of activity. It was endearing to see the people who worked there were doing their best to make a good impression. Catriona exited the carriage, assisted by a guard. Just then, Ewan exited from the home.
He didn’t smile, his expression more interested than welcoming. Immediately, a lump formed in her throat. But she’d made a decision. No one would see the vast chasm between her and Ewan. When it came to personal matters, they would keep it behind closed doors.
One of the most important lessons she’d received from Elspeth was to protect their privacy above all else. Allowing for gossip to run rampant would soon make things go out of control with rumors spreading to the villages and other lairdships.
She forced a soft smile toward him. Ewan approached and kissed her cheek in welcome.
Meeting his gaze, she pronounced loudly. “I am glad to be with ye, Husband, and to finally make our home here.”
If Ewan was surprised at her declaration, he didn’t show it. Instead, he nodded and took her elbow to lead her into the house. “I am glad that ye have arrived. I know the staff is more than ready for their mistress.” His tone was not exactly warm, but not cool either.
Inside the great room, there were two lines of people. The kitchen staff that included the head cook and two helpers, a pair of scullery maids, three lads who would work as helpers and a chamber maid. Across from them stood the stable master and his pair of helpers, a gardener and a man wh
o would look after the livestock and another man, whose responsibilities were to ensure any repairs needed to the keep were done in a timely manner.
Thankfully, Catriona had the opportunity to meet most of them on her previous trips, so she was able to address them by name. They’d not hired a housekeeper, as she’d decided the house was not large enough for someone to take on the duty. Catriona would oversee the staff and ensure they completed all the work.
She looked to Ewan. “Have ye decided who will be in charge of the outdoor staff as yet?”
He nodded and motioned to an older man. “Aye, Owen. He will ensure all duties are completed as necessary.”
The man, who was also the gardener, gave her a toothy smile. “I am most honored, my laird and lady.”
The choice seemed strange to Catriona, as she’d expected it to be given to the stable master, but she kept her opinion to herself and gave Owen a warm look. “I am sure ye will do an outstanding job.”
The rest of the day was spent ensuring all her items, as well as Ewan’s, were unpacked. By the time last meal came, she’d barely had an opportunity to breathe.
“Lady Ross,” Maisie said as she pinned the last tendril of hair up. “Ye look like ye are about to fall over.”
Catriona looked at herself in the mirror. There were dark shadows under her eyes and her face was drawn. “Thankfully, there are no visitors tonight. I would make a horrible impression.”
“Ye should rest well because, on the morrow, my laird has invited local dignitaries and their wives. All eyes will be on ye.”
When Catriona groaned, Maisie giggled.
***
The next sennight at Tuath Avon passed without incident. Thankfully, Catriona and her cook, Iona, worked well together and soon had a good system going when it came to meals and such. The maids all seemed to get along well, and Maisie soon became well versed in the household gossip. She kept Catriona informed of all the goings-on, which she didn’t discourage as it helped to ensure she could keep potential problems in check.
However, the situation between her and Ewan was not as smooth. Most nights, he stayed away until late, and when she woke, he was either already gone or continued to sleep. Other than a perfunctory kiss, he kept his distance from her when they were alone. In public, when there were visitors, he acted every bit the attentive husband.
So much so, he even fooled Esme, who was currently visiting. “I must say, ye and Ewan have the best run home I’ve ever been to,” Esme said with a wide smile. “Ye are an amazing mistress.”
“There is really not that much to do. The house is much smaller than Fraser Keep and although the staff is small, they are quite eager. For most of them, it is their first time in service, and they are very grateful for the wages.”
“It shows,” Esme said as they settled into chairs in Catriona’s sitting room. “Ye must make friends. I hate to think of ye alone all the time.”
Catriona gave her friend’s comment some thought. “Several women have visited, but I have yet to find anyone particularly interesting.”
Esme threw her head back and laughed. “Ye always have been hard to impress.”
Just then, there was a clearing of throats at the doorway. Both Ruari and Ewan entered. Immediately, Catriona could not draw her eyes away from her husband. He seemed to grow more handsome every day and standing next to his cousin, with their identical hazel eyes, he looked every bit a warrior.
His gaze lingered on hers for a moment before moving to Esme. “I’ve come to issue a challenge,” Ewan said.
Esme leaped to her feet, her eyes bright with excitement. “Archery?”
“Aye,” Ewan replied, his lips curving. “At twilight.”
It was the perfect time. No shadows to distract from the target. Catriona only knew this because of her many years of friendship with Esme.
“One arrow at a time,” Esme quipped, lifting an eyebrow. “No trickery.”
“Ye wound me,” Ewan said, attempting to look serious, but then his lips curved. “I agree.”
When the men left, Catriona looked to Esme, who studied her with interest.
Her friend remained silent, all the while scrutinizing her. At a loss for what to say, Catriona leaned forward, picked up her cup and drank the sweet cider.
“There is something in the air,” Esme finally said, her eyes narrowed toward Catriona. “Tell me, what is it?”
There was no question that if she spoke, the dam would break and Catriona was not prepared to tell Esme that her marriage was not a love match. It was barely a friendship if she were to be honest. They didn’t speak when alone, if they ever were. Ewan seemed to go out of his way to avoid her. It was only the one time that she’d initiated it that they’d made love.
“Fine, do not tell me now. But ye will before I leave.” Esme picked up a sketch book and charcoal. Soon, the sounds of scratches on the paper filled the empty air between them.
“My marriage is not what I expected in the least,” Catriona finally said. “Ewan does not care for me and goes out of his way to avoid me.”
Her friend searched Catriona’s face. “I can hardly believe it. He seems so demonstrative.”
“In public, yes. If not for the fact I do not want the staff to talk, I would slap his hands away.”
“What are ye going to do?”
Catriona gasped. “Me? Why should I be the one to do something?”
“I can speak to him, if ye wish me to.” Esme crossed her arms. “I will not have ye unhappy.”
If she were to be honest, she’d been too busy to consider herself unhappy. Yes, the situation with Ewan saddened her but, at the same time, she’d had plenty of time to grow accustomed to solitude.
“I am not unhappy. I am not content, either. Ye can say I’ve accepted my lot and am indifferent to it.”
Esme huffed. “That will not do. Not in the least. I know that man cares for ye. His gaze follows yer every move. Even his countenance changes in yer presence. I will never be convinced Ewan Ross does not love ye.”
“Love is a stretch,” Catriona said with a halfhearted chuckle. “He can only just barely tolerate me.”
Chapter Twenty
“Do not be a fool like I was,” Ruari said.
They’d been riding for over an hour. Ewan was anxious to show Ruari his lands. Ban shook his head, the mane flying side to side and Ewan knew his steed tried to impress Ruari’s huge warhorse.
“I cannot bear to be alone with her,” Ewan admitted. “It will not take but a look from her and my armor threatens to fall away.”
Ruari slid a sideways glance to his horse. “What is that animal doing?”
“He is trying to impress yers.”
“Make him stop. He does realize my horse is male.”
“My horse is indifferent to another animal’s sex. He wishes to be loved by all.”
“Does he mount yer enemies’ horses while ye go to battle?”
“Not yet. If he does, it could be helpful, an unexpected surprise tactic.”
Ruari laughed. “Ye and yer horse are both fools. There is nothing wrong with admitting loving yer wife. She is a good woman.”
“I know she is. However, she turned me away before.” He blew out a breath. “I do not wish to speak of it any longer.”
They rode for a while longer. By the time they returned, it would be dusk and time for him to compete against Esme. Ewan doubted he could beat the woman, but he hoped to at least do as well as she did.
“Ye know Esme will beat ye today,” Ruari began. “How will that look to yer people?”
Ewan raised a brow. “I am as competent as she is. I believe I can best her.”
When his cousin chuckled, Ewan wondered if Esme would allow him to win so that he did not appear weak in front of those gathered. Then again, the only people he expected to be there were his guardsmen and a few from the village. The latter could, of course, return and spread news of his loss. He frowned and considered if he’d been hasty in challenging the w
oman.
“No, she will not lose to make ye look good,” Ruari said before he could ask.
“I do not expect her to,” Ewan snapped.
They returned earlier than planned, as Ewan had lost his enthusiasm for the surroundings he’d been showing to Ruari. It turned out to be a good thing, because the newly assigned village constable, his wife and his brother had arrived.
Both the constable and his brother were men about Ewan’s age. Although the brother seemed just a year or two younger.
The men were invited to sit at a table in the great room so they could speak of whatever issues they’d come to speak about.
Catriona appeared, dressed appropriately to spend time outside. Her dress had dark tones of green with a mixture of burnished brown. When she approached, the constable’s wife acknowledged her and introduced her to the man’s brother.
The constable’s brother could not disguise his admiration for Catriona. Even when Ewan cleared his throat, the man had yet to look away from his wife.
Even more annoying was that Catriona didn’t seem to notice. If she did, it was obvious she didn’t mind. He’d feared meeting new men would affect her negatively, but his brave wife continue forth with ease. She welcomed the constable and his brother, who fawned over her and the constable’s wife.
When she invited the woman to another table for a sip of honeyed mead, to his chagrin, the constable’s brother invited himself along.
“Does yer brother live in the village as well?” Ewan asked the constable.
The man looked to him as if confused for a moment. “No, my laird, as I told ye, he visits from another village, north of here.”
Obviously, while he’d been watching the younger brother with Catriona, he’d missed that part of the introduction. “So, he has a family there then?”
This time, the constable did not bother hiding his confusion. “He is considering moving to our village.”
Ruari spoke to the constable. “I noticed yer horse. I do not believe I know the breed.”
A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) Page 18