Page 45 of The Eagle

Lila and Isobel continued talking about household accounts. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lady Mariel leaned into Cait’s ear. “Once we get ye established in yer own bedchamber, we will see about better clothing and whatever else ye will need.”

Cait could not stop the heat that traveled from her chest to her face. Unlike someone like Lila, she would have to be provided for by Stuart’s family. Everything from dresses to shoes because she could scarcely afford more than a hand-me-down chemise.

“Perhaps I should remain in the cottage with my mother and brother for now,” Cait said not wishing for Lila to witness Stuart’s family having to expend the energy to ensure she could properly represent them.

“Come,” Lady Mariel took her hand.

Stuart turned to them and his mother gave him a quick smile. “We have to attend to something. She will be all yers in a moment.”

They walked out and Lady Mariel ushered Cait through the great hall, up the stairs, and into the sitting room.

“I imagine ye feel a bit out of sorts with everything,” Lady Mariel stated, looking to the door as a maid entered.

“Can I get something for ye Lady Mariel?” the young girl asked, her gaze sliding to Cait for a scant second. It was long enough for Cait to notice her curiosity and possibly fodder for gossip.

Lady Mariel motioned to the girl. “Please fetch some warm cider.”

The maid hurried away, and Lady Mariel returned her attention to Cait. “Ye will grow used to it. Understand that there must be a time of adjustment. When ye accepted Stuart’s proposal, ye had to have known.”

“In truth. I barely thought of anything. Ye think it is a mistake.” Cait didn’t form it as a question, but more as a statement. It was obvious Lady Mariel herself was accessing how best to handle the current situation.

“Stuart is smitten with ye and I wish for my sons to be happy and their choice in who they marry is theirs alone.”

The reply did not make Cait feel better. She wished to disappear, return to her cottage and start the day over. This time, she’d say no to Stuart.

“I will inform him that I will not marry him,” Cait said standing. “I simply cannot embarrass yer family like this.” Her heart broke in that moment. Tears stung her eyes.

She loved Stuart. She hadn’t realized it until this moment. She truly did love him. When he’d asked her to marry him, it had been the singular happiest moment of her life. And now not only would she hurt him, but she and her family would be forced to leave.

Lady Mariel glared at her. “Ye must not love my son.”

“I do,” Cait replied emphatically. “I love him.”

“Then why do ye give up so easily? My son deserves a woman who will fight for him and not allow scorn from a simple maid to put her off.”

Properly chastised, Cait lowered back to sit. “Ye are right.” Closing her eyes, Cait inhaled deeply once and then again. With each breath, she sat up taller until her back was ramrod straight. When she opened her eyes, she met Lady Mariel’s gaze directly.

“I will make Stuart proud every day, and once we marry, I will do my best to be a good wife and partner.”

Lady Mariel’s lips curved. “That is what I hoped to hear.” She looked to the door just as the maid returned holding a tray with two cups.

The maid placed the tray on a side table.

Cait met the maid’s gaze. “Not there, put it here on this one.” She motioned to another table that was between her and Lady Mariel.

The maid was astonished at Cait’s firm tone and looked to Lady Mariel, who remained silent. Once the young woman moved the tray, the girl looked to Cait. “Is there anything else ye require…?”

“Miss Cait,” Lady Mariel said. “No, thank ye.”

“Let us find something more appropriate for ye to wear. There are clothes here that Ella left behind. Ye are a bit shorter, but about the same size as my daughter. Once that is done, ye must spend some time with Stuart. Find out if there is anything he wishes ye to acquire while he is gone. I will see to things such as learning to manage household accounts,” she paused before looking to Cait innocently. “Perhaps ye can learn alongside Lila.”

Despite the situation, they both chuckled.

They finished the cider and went to Ella’s bedchamber. After a few moments, several skirts, blouses, vests, and other clothes were in a neat pile on the bed for Cait. Cora was summoned and she helped Cait change and brush her hair up into a simple bun.

“This is most exciting,” Cora said. “I will definitely go with ye to yer new home once it is time. I am so very happy for ye.”

They hugged and Cait wiped a tear from her cheek. “Ye are a true friend, Cora. Thank ye. I am excited that ye will come with me.”