Page 43 of The Eagle

“I see.” Torac let out a long breath. “I will not stand yer way. It is strange for me to take responsibility for a lass I barely know. However, I will demand that ye maintain boundaries until after the vows are spoken.”

“I leave tomorrow…” Stuart began, but Torac interrupted.

“More the reason.”

It took a moment for Stuart to reign in his temper and keep from snapping at the man, who seemed to insinuate that he’d take advantage of Cait just because he was leaving. Upon consideration, he could see how Torac was right in thinking it. In truth, he’d considered finding time alone with her that night. Not to make love, he would not take things so far, just to spend more time together.

“I give ye my word. I will respect yer wishes.”

Torac stood and Stuart followed. When the man held out his hand, he took it, and they shook.

“Are ye sure there isn’t anything I can help with?” Stuart asked.

Cait’s brother looked past him toward the house. “All is well.”

“I see,” Stuart replied, not quite believing him. “Ye are a good warrior and have served my brother well.”

Walking away, Stuart felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders. It seemed like everything was falling into its proper place now that he’d taken charge of his future.

Upon entering the house, he walked into the great room. Though not as full as usual, it was evident by the people mingling about that it would take most of the day for his brother to conclude his business after the midday meal.

Stuart walked past and down the corridor to find his mother, but she was not in the parlor, or in the upstairs sitting room.

“They are all in the dining room,” a maid informed him.

“Good.” He turned and headed to the dining room where he found they were all present: each of his brothers, their wives, and his mother. Before anyone could speak, he held up one finger. “Just a moment.”

Stuart dashed from the dining room to the kitchen. Greer gave him a confused look. “Yer mother is waiting for ye in the dining room.”

“Aye, I saw her,” he replied.

Other than Greer and two other women who were placing items on trays, no one else was about. He peered into the small alcove where the servants took their meals. It was empty.

“Where is Cait?” he asked looking to Greer.

“Went to fetch water,” Greer replied motioning to the door that led to the courtyard. “Goodness Mister Stuart, what is all the fuss about?”

He blew out a breath. “No matter what Cait says. From now on, do not ask her to do anything. Am I clear?”

Greer’s face lit up. “Very much so.”

“What does that mean?” As he walked out, he heard one of the maids ask.

Cait walked back from the well with two buckets, one in each hand. Her expression was serene until she spotted him. An adorable blush brightened her cheeks. “I will take these to the kitchen and then we can…”

She stopped midsentence when he grabbed the pails and practically ran to the house. “What are ye doing?” she asked hurrying to catch up.

Water sloshed over the sides of the buckets when he placed them none-so-gently on the floor just inside the kitchen.

Then he took Cait’s arm. “My family is in the dining room. We are to announce our betrothal.”

“Oh, no.” Cait pulled her arm from his grasp and covered her cheeks with both hands. “I cannot possibly face them. I am too nervous.” She smoothed her hair and apron, then hastily took it off and hung it on a peg.

Stuart let out a breath. “I leave in the morning. It must be today.” Once again, he took her arm and tugged her forward.

Upon reentering the dining room, everyone looked at him.

“Cait and I have an announcement,” Stuart said. Smiling he looked to his right only to find that Cait was not beside him. He looked to the left and she was not there either.