Page 70 of A Fearless Rebel
Ava straightened her bucket and then drew more water from the well. “I do not plan to leave. I will remain and care for Keithen and fulfill all my duties.”
“Lady Fraser said she invited ye to go with her to visit the other Frasers,” Flora said. “Will ye not go then?”
As they walked back to her herb garden, Flora explained that Catriona was not going. “She does not feel up to traveling yet. Although she has made good progress, she cannot fathom traveling as yet.”
Upon seeing that she carried a bucket, a young guard hurried over and took it from her. “Miss Ava, ye can ask for our help for things like this.” He whistled while carrying the bucket and then placed it on the ground next to her garden patch.
The guard left to continue whatever tasks he had to do, and Ava wondered if it was only the women that did not want her there.
“Flora, do ye think the men are more forgiving of me?”
“I think the women are angrier that ye married Keithen and use yer family as a good excuse to express their disappointment.”
There were so many questions Ava wanted to ask, but she was not sure Flora would tell her. As she had no one else to ask, she decided it was best to take a chance.
“I must ask, were there plans for Keithen to marry someone else before his father and mine interceded?”
Flora shrugged. “It was common knowledge his marriage would be an arranged one. However, like most men, he did have a few entanglements here and there.”
“With the woman who kicked my bucket?”
“Gracious, that would explain her ire.” Flora giggled. “I am not sure. I doubt it.”
Ava took a breath. “What about Catriona?”
At the question, Flora’s eyes widened. She looked to the doorway as if she expected to be overheard. “Why would ye ask that?”
“Because I know she has deep feelings for him.”
Flora frowned. “He and Catriona have been very close since they were children. It was rare to see one without the other. When they became older, Catriona then became closer with Esme. She and Keithen, however, have always been confidantes.”
Flora hesitated. “Up until she was captured. It took a while before he could go near her.”
“Were they ever more than friends?” Ava pushed, hoping Flora could somehow clarify what she’d heard earlier.
“I do not know. It may be best that ye ask her directly. As his wife, ye have a right to.”
Ava considered it. “I do not wish to cause her any undue anxiousness. It is just that I wish to know because of things I have heard.”
Thankfully, Flora didn’t ask what she’d heard or where. The woman was not only kind, but wise. “I understand,” she said.
“I must find Lady Fraser and tell her I will not be traveling with her. Do ye think she will be cross?”
Flora shook her head. “I am sure she will find someone else to travel with her. The laird’s brother’s wife likes to go with her.”
When Flora turned to the bucket, Ava stopped her with a hand to her upper arm. “Thank ye for being so kind to me. If anyone has reason not to care for me, it is ye. I can only hope to be able to repay ye.”
“What happened is not yer fault. Although I understand the bitterness of people who’ve lost loved ones through battles between our clans, I do not agree with blaming ye. Yer father’s decisions were not yers.”
Ava nodded. “Ye, Catriona and Lady Fraser have made my living here bearable. I hate that she is leaving because I am not sure the staff will obey me when I oversee her tasks. It will definitely be a task just to get them to do as they are told.”
“Ye should talk to Lady Fraser and ensure she speaks to them before leaving,” Flora said and took her hand. “Come, let us go find her now. I wager she is with Catriona.”
Ava was glad that Keithen was not in Catriona’s bedchamber when they arrived.
Lady Fraser turned to them as they walked in. “I am sure we can convince Flora to come and then ye will have company. The ride across the river is delightful.”
It felt strange to be in Catriona’s bedchamber after having heard her profess her love to her husband. Ava hovered near the doorway. “I have decided not to go,” she blurted.
