Page 15 of The Eagle

“No, I do not believe so,” Stuart replied. “Power makes whoever ye are grow. If a man is fair, then his fairness multiplies. If a man is evil…” He looked toward the library.

“I agree,” Duncan said placing a hand on Darach’s shoulder. “Ye are a good laird and will continue to be.”

“As long as ye do not direct that I marry his daughter then all is well.” Stuart shuddered.

They entered the great hall where servants scurried about setting out cups and plates for last meal.

Cait walked by carrying a tray laden with cups, a soft smile on her face as she chatted with a lad who walked alongside her carrying a large pitcher.

Following her progress, Stuart wondered what it would be like to have a conversation with her in which she’d smile like that at him.

“Mother seems to think ye are smitten with the lass.” Darach gave him a long wink.

To his utter dismay, his cheeks heated. “Are ye going to ask her if she likes me?” he replied in a flat tone.

“She is quite bonnie,” Duncan said. “Have ye spoken to her?”

“Are we lads again?” Stuart snapped. “We should be speaking of what is happening in yer study.” Stuart tried to change the subject.

However, his brothers had found a weakness and were enjoying his discomfort too much.

“I think ye should speak to her now,” Darach challenged.

“Who?” Gideon asked walking up. “Who should speak to whom?”

Duncan motioned to Cait who was placing cups at the high board. “Stuart to her.”

“The lovely Cait,” Gideon said in a hushed tone. “She is not one to take lightly. I must remind ye that her stepbrother is quite an able warrior.”

“Ah, yes, Torac. He is rather large. But ye can take him,” Darach said goading Stuart further.

Just then Cait turned, her eyes widened at the men staring at her. Stuart almost burst out laughing at his brothers being caught.

Darach cleared his throat. “We should go speak in the parlor.” He turned on his heel and stalked from the room, Duncan and Gideon followed behind.

Stuart chuckled and went to her. “Forgive my brothers. Sometimes they revert to young lads when admiring a beautiful lass.”

It was as if he told her she was about to be killed. The color drained from her face and her eyes bulged.

“Oh, goodness.” She shoved the tray into his midsection and ran from the room.

He took two steps forward and then realizing he was holding an empty tray he handed it to the lad who gave him a curious look. “Go see about continuing yer duties,” he said and went after Cait.

He found her in the servant’s garden area. It wasn’t really a garden, but a place where the people who worked for his family went to rest.

Upon seeing him a pair of chambermaids scurried back into the house.

Cait stood with her arms crossed looking in the direction of where the archery competition had taken place earlier.

Unsure of how to approach, he watched as she wiped at her cheeks with both hands and then crossed her arms again.

“Cait,” he said approaching. Stuart did not like it one bit when she stiffened. “I did not mean to scare or upset ye.”

She nodded but did not look at him.

“I mean it. We did not mean any harm by it. I should not have said anything as I do not wish to make ye uncomfortable in yer duties.”

“What do ye mean by my duties?” The words were soft.