Page 38 of A Fierce Archer

Lady Elspeth Ross came to the door. With her were two other women. Catriona was quickly introduced to the other Ross brothers’ wives. Tristan’s wife, Merida, a McLeod, and Kieran’s wife, Gisela. Each of the three women were vastly different in features, but all quite striking.

Much like their handsome husbands, Esme had informed her.

Elspeth hugged Catriona. “Lady Fraser informed us of yer reluctance to go about freely and we came to ensure ye know we understand.”

“If ye are brave enough, we planned a separate first meal in the room next to the kitchen,” Merida said with a wide smile. “I myself prefer to eat there.”

Catriona instantly like each of them. “That would be perfect. I will strive not to remain a recluse. I promise.”

Together, the group walked past the great room and down a side corridor. Catriona caught sight of Ewan and several warriors going out toward the courtyard. Obviously, they’d all eaten earlier.

Catriona slid a look to Esme, whose lips curved. She’d seen Ewan as well.

“Stop it,” Catriona whispered.

“Did ye know that there are cats that share yer bed and promptly leave at dawn to go hunt mice?” Esme said in a singsong voice.

Gisela’s dark eyes twinkled with glee. “Aye, and they have little remorse for it.”

“That is why we must lock the door and keep them in, if we wish for more than a simple purr when they awaken,” Elspeth added.

Obviously the women were well aware of what Esme had alluded to. Hopefully, they’d all think it was her own husband she spoke of.

“Who is this cat we speak of?” Merida asked Catriona in a soft voice. “Is he handsome?”

Catriona covered her face and the other women chuckled. “I have no idea what ye are all speaking about.”

For the first time in her life, she was in a group of women who were paired off and it felt as if she, too, had a man in her life. Despite the anxiety nibbling at the edges, Catriona allowed herself a time of lightness and enjoyed the moment.

“Tell me who is he,” Elspeth demanded.

Merida, who seemed the quietest of the group, patted Catriona’s hand. “Ye do not have to. When ye are ready, we will be glad to know.”

“I have an idea who it is,” Gisela said. “A certain gentleman seems overly interested in knowing when Ruari and Esme are going back to their house.”

Esme huffed and rolled her eyes. “Ye will eventually find out. He is not the best at hiding his admiration for Catriona.”

“I cannot stand the curiosity,” Elspeth cried out dramatically.

When they entered the small dining room, the cook hurried over to them. Her warm gaze went to Catriona. “I am Moira. If there is anything ye need, no matter the time, ye come and ask.”

Lady Fraser appeared at the doorway. “I had to hunt for ye,” she complained, but immediately sat next to her daughter, Esme. “I like the idea of eating separately.”

“I apologize,” Elspeth replied. “I did send a maid to fetch ye.”

“Ye did, but she came much too early. I had yet to begin to comb my hair.” Lady Fraser didn’t seem bothered at all. “I must say, this home amazes me. It is so beautiful.”

Elspeth met the woman’s gaze. “Thank ye. It is indeed lovely.”

“Ye must remain here with me while I visit,” Lady Fraser told Esme. “It is only for a season. It would be preferable to yer smaller home. This one has a proper staff.”

It was obvious by the look between Esme and Elspeth that she’d warned Lady Ross about her mother’s inclination for indulgence.

“We did invite ye to visit us. Whether Esme remains or not, ye are more than welcome to remain here,” Elspeth told Lady Fraser.

Lady Fraser gasped. “It is so very kind of ye. I must, however, go wherever my daughter goes. It is her I wish to spend the most time with.” She glanced at Catriona. “Catriona, as well. It is imperative that they spend time together.”

“Very well, Mother, I will remain here for a bit longer. Eventually, ye and Catriona will come to my home. It may not be as grand as this, but it is very comfortable, and I have enough of a staff that ye will find it adequate for yer every need.”