The Eagle by Hildie McQueen
Chapter Twelve
It was the most mortifying and awkward meal of her entire life. Cait could not figure out where to look, opting to keep her attention on Lady Mariel, who did her best to make her feel part of the conversation.
Stuart became preoccupied with discussing the logistics of his upcoming travel and though she didn’t begrudge him his enthusiasm, it meant she was left to partake of the women’s discussion. Thankfully, after a moment they turned their attention to Lila Maclean and asked about her home, family, and travel from the Isle of Skye.
The woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her face was perfection with long dark lashes surrounding smoky grey eyes. And the darkest hair Cait had ever seen. Her clothing was impeccable; the emerald green color bringing out the depth of her olive skin.
There was a coolness in her eyes when looking at her. Every time Lila glanced in Cait’s direction, she felt insignificant. How could Stuart choose her over a woman who was obviously more suited for him?
“What are yer plans while here?” Beatrice asked, obviously uninformed of the reason for Lila’s travel.
The women went quiet, everyone’s gazes went from Lila, to her, to Stuart. For an awkward moment, Cait considered stating that Lila was there to become betrothed to Stuart.
“I am here to learn the intricacies of maintaining ledgers,” Lila said and then added. “Who is to take me on, I am not sure about.” Her husky laugh lightened the mood.
Isobel was quick to reassure the woman. “Caelan and I will tutor ye and ye will be prepared to take on yer family’s ledgers in no time at all.”
“I appreciate yer kindness. I know my brother sprung this on yer husband quickly. I was actually quite surprised when the reply came agreeing that I come.”
Lila and Isobel continued talking about household accounts. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lady Mariel leaned into Cait’s ear. “Once we get ye established in yer own bedchamber, we will see about better clothing and whatever else ye will need.”
Cait could not stop the heat that traveled from her chest to her face. Unlike someone like Lila, she would have to be provided for by Stuart’s family. Everything from dresses to shoes because she could scarcely afford more than a hand-me-down chemise.
“Perhaps I should remain in the cottage with my mother and brother for now,” Cait said not wishing for Lila to witness Stuart’s family having to expend the energy to ensure she could properly represent them.
“Come,” Lady Mariel took her hand.
Stuart turned to them and his mother gave him a quick smile. “We have to attend to something. She will be all yers in a moment.”
They walked out and Lady Mariel ushered Cait through the great hall, up the stairs, and into the sitting room.
“I imagine ye feel a bit out of sorts with everything,” Lady Mariel stated, looking to the door as a maid entered.
“Can I get something for ye Lady Mariel?” the young girl asked, her gaze sliding to Cait for a scant second. It was long enough for Cait to notice her curiosity and possibly fodder for gossip.
Lady Mariel motioned to the girl. “Please fetch some warm cider.”
The maid hurried away, and Lady Mariel returned her attention to Cait. “Ye will grow used to it. Understand that there must be a time of adjustment. When ye accepted Stuart’s proposal, ye had to have known.”
“In truth. I barely thought of anything. Ye think it is a mistake.” Cait didn’t form it as a question, but more as a statement. It was obvious Lady Mariel herself was accessing how best to handle the current situation.
“Stuart is smitten with ye and I wish for my sons to be happy and their choice in who they marry is theirs alone.”
The reply did not make Cait feel better. She wished to disappear, return to her cottage and start the day over. This time, she’d say no to Stuart.
“I will inform him that I will not marry him,” Cait said standing. “I simply cannot embarrass yer family like this.” Her heart broke in that moment. Tears stung her eyes.
She loved Stuart. She hadn’t realized it until this moment. She truly did love him. When he’d asked her to marry him, it had been the singular happiest moment of her life. And now not only would she hurt him, but she and her family would be forced to leave.
Lady Mariel glared at her. “Ye must not love my son.”
“I do,” Cait replied emphatically. “I love him.”
“Then why do ye give up so easily? My son deserves a woman who will fight for him and not allow scorn from a simple maid to put her off.”
Properly chastised, Cait lowered back to sit. “Ye are right.” Closing her eyes, Cait inhaled deeply once and then again. With each breath, she sat up taller until her back was ramrod straight. When she opened her eyes, she met Lady Mariel’s gaze directly.
“I will make Stuart proud every day, and once we marry, I will do my best to be a good wife and partner.”
Lady Mariel’s lips curved. “That is what I hoped to hear.” She looked to the door just as the maid returned holding a tray with two cups.
The maid placed the tray on a side table.
Cait met the maid’s gaze. “Not there, put it here on this one.” She motioned to another table that was between her and Lady Mariel.
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.”
Cait was surprised and even more at his next statement.
“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.
