Page 23 of A Fierce Archer

Lady Fraser turned to the maid and took the brush from her hand. “Thank ye, Uma. Miss Catriona will assist me with my hair. Ye may go.”

Catriona began to brush the woman’s hair. “Would ye like a braid?”

“Oh, yes,” Lady Fraser exclaimed. “Ye always make the most beautiful styles.” She met Catriona’s eyes in the looking glass. “What is going on?”

It was hard to come up with how to formulate the words, and Catriona stumbled. “I-I suppose I have concerns. Ye are about to leave...” She took a breath. “Ye’re going to visit Esme. I wish I could go with ye...to see her. However, I am very afraid.”

Lady Fraser turned to face her, the braid falling from Catriona’s hands. “Esme would be so happy to see ye. How splendid if ye were to go there for a season, or even two.”

“I am terrified,” Catriona repeated. “If something happens halfway there, it could affect the rest of the trip.” In her mind, she saw herself curled up in a ball on the floor of the carriage, refusing to leave for any reason. Lady Fraser would certainly have a horrible journey if she could not withstand the long trip.

“I understand,” Lady Fraser replied and turned away to allow Catriona to continue. “As of right now, I am traveling with my companion, Gilda, and no one else. There is plenty of room for ye.”

The woman didn’t seem to take into consideration that, for over a year, Catriona’s only travel had been to the village. And although the trip itself had not affected her horribly, it was but a day later that a visiting laird had sent her to spend days in her bedchamber.

“Do ye think I am prepared for it?” Catriona finally asked and held her breath.

The kind woman’s eyes met hers. “It is yer decision alone, sweet girl. I can tell ye that I’ve seen how much stronger ye have been as of late. Bits of yer personality has begun to shine through. Not to mention, every man we travel with is familiar to ye.”

“I have not met many of the Ross men. They do not eat in the great room and are rarely about. I am not afraid of them. At least, I do not think I am.”

Lady Fraser smiled when Catriona finished with the hairstyle, turning her heat side-to-side to inspect it. “What exactly are ye fearful of then?”

“What if we are approached by them? The Mackenzies? What if I manage to make the trip without incident and then finding myself in a strange place sends me to panic again?”

The room was silent as Lady Fraser stood and went to her balcony. Catriona followed her to look out over the courtyard, past the gates and toward the village.

“It is a huge world out there,” Lady Fraser said in a low tone. “So much of which we will never see in our lifetime. I often wonder what is happening in this moment over there.” Lady Fraser pointed into the distance. “Is someone hurt, someone grieving? Are people celebrating, making love or fighting? Are families forming and relationships beginning?”

Catriona looked from one side of the lands to the other, her gaze following paths toward the creek and to the forest. “It is a beautiful view from here.”

“It is,” Lady Fraser agreed. “Whatever ye decide, Catriona, I will support ye. However, will ye be angry with yerself if ye decide to remain here and allow yer fear to keep ye from seeing Esme?”

Catriona closed her eyes. “Fear grips so very hard. I want to push it away. I fight to do it every day. However, it never goes far.”

“I do not think it is really all fear,” Lady Fraser said and placed a hand over hers. “Partly yes, but the other portion is that ye are fretful over a certain man.”

Despite the situation, Catriona chuckled. “Why would ye say that?”

“I have eyes,” Lady Fraser replied. “One would have to be blind not to know that Ewan Ross is infatuated with ye. The man makes every excuse to see ye.”

Before Catriona could reply, Lady Fraser continued. “And I do not think ye are indifferent to him. He is very handsome, indeed.”

“Handsome or not, I do not believe any kind of relationship is possible for me.”

“Now or ever?” Lady Fraser asked. “If yer heart is allowing the notion of caring for Ewan, then I believe ye will be ready to the possibilities soon.”

“What of my parents? They would miss me. I have already neglected them for so long.”

Lady Fraser weaved her arm through Catriona’s and guided her to the door. “Let us seek to break our fast and then we must send a messenger to invite yer family to come for a visit. I am sure yer mother will be glad to hear ye plan to travel and spend time with Esme.”

“I have not decided as yet.” Catriona gave the woman a confounded look. “I must consider it more.”

“Ye are going. No matter what excuses ye try to make, ye know it is true.”

***

Catriona looked on as Flora helped to pack her clothing. The woman, giddy with excitement, acted as if it were she that was about to go on the trip. “I have heard that Ross Keep is magnificent. Their courtyard is many times the size of ours and the house itself it said to be grand.”