The Eagle by Hildie McQueen
Epilogue
1603, Ross Keep, South Uist Hebrides, Scotland
“Interesting that suddenly all my brothers are settling down,” Caelan told his stepmother, Lady Mariel. “I will not fall into such a trap.”
His stepmother chuckled. “I assure ye it is not a trap. I hope that when ye finally fall in love, it will not feel like one.”
They sat in the parlor at Keep Ross. He’d arrived that evening as she’d asked him to take her to visit his half brother Stuart and wife Cait who lived on the west side of the Isle in a place called Eilean Daes.
His eldest half brother, and laird, Darach would not leave the keep until his wife, Isobel, was fully recovered from childbirth.
The other half brothers also could not leave their duties. Ewan was busy preparing his lands for winter, Gideon had gone to the southern guard post and Duncan’s wife, Beatrice, was about to give birth soon. That left him to help with what needed to be done when it came to his stepmother.
He didn’t begrudge having to travel. In actuality, he looked forward to seeing his half brother and visiting the village now that it was fully rebuilt. Although, he’d never admit it to them, he missed Stuart and his cousin, Artair, who remained at Eilean Daes, and he looked forward to spending time with them.
“When do ye wish to leave?” Caelan asked, drinking the last of the tea in his cup. “Early in the morning?”
“That would be perfect,” his stepmother replied, eyes bright with excitement. “Oh did I mention we have another person traveling with us?”
Caelan let out a breath. “No, ye had not. Who?”
Just then a young woman walked in. Her clear green gaze barely hesitated on him before she looked to his stepmother and smiled widely. “I am sorry, I did not know ye had company.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Mariel said motioning to Caelan. “This is my stepson, Caelan. He is to take us to visit Stuart and his wife, Cait.”
“Oh.” The woman looked back to him. “I do not believe we have met.”
His stepmother placed a hand on his forearm. “I do not suppose ye have. When Glynis visited last, ye were gone to the lowlands.”
At the words, the woman studied him. “Ah yes, now I remember, ye are the brother who is more English than Scot.”
The words made Caelan want to glare at her. Instead, he gave her a bland smile. “Is it more Scottish than English to state things one knows nothing of upon meeting someone for the first time?”
Glynis’ eyes widened and she glanced to his stepmother. “I do not know why I said that. Father always says I have the worst habit of blurting things without thought.” She looked back to Caelan. “Please forgive me.”
When she lowered her gaze, Caelan studied her. Whoever she was she had to be the most enticing woman he’d ever laid eyes on. Her plump lips begging for a lingering kiss. Her round curves an invitation to pleasure. Her breasts—
“Caelan?” His mother gave him a curious look. “Accept Glynis’s apology.”
His lips curved. “Of course. It is forgotten”
Satisfied, his stepmother smiled. “Glynis is my niece and is visiting from Bara.”
“Ah, a MacNeil,” Caelan said as Glynis lowered to sit.
“Ye say it as if ye do not care for my clan,” Glynis replied.
Caelan did not reply because if he were to be honest, there was but one MacNeil he definitely did not care for. A young man at his school in Glasgow that he’d never gotten along with. But it was not something that mattered any longer.
“We leave early in the morning.” he stood and walked from the room, unwilling to look and see how the woman was probably assessing his choice of clothing.
He was well aware, he dressed much more English than Scottish.
I bet ye cannot wait to get yer hands on Caelan and Glynis’ story. All ye must do is click here.
