Page 47 of The Eagle

Stuart took her shoulders. “Cait, it is only the circumstance of our birth that makes us different. It could have been the opposite. Would ye have considered me less than ye?”

“I do not know. I cannot answer that question,” she answered honestly. “However, when I look into yer eyes, I do see that ye care.”

“Look at me,” Stuart commanded. When she did, he locked gazes with her. “I give ye my word to return and marry ye.”

Cait released a long breath and as a tear trickled down her cheek. “I wish ye did not have to leave. At the same time, I look forward to starting a new life with ye away from here. It will be easier not to have to be over the servants who I worked alongside with.”

“I agree,” Stuart said. “Now let us see about my packing. Will ye help me?”

They entered his bedchamber where Anton and another servant were packing. Stuart pointed to some things and then instructed that many be left behind.

“I will take the rest of my things when I return.”

Cait walked through the room and lowered to a chair where she watched the proceedings. Instinctively, she knew they’d spend every minute together until bedtime.

Once the trunks were packed and carried downstairs, Cora entered with a tray. “Some honeyed mead and toasted bread,” she announced placing the tray on a small table.

Stuart lowered to the chair opposite Cait. “Tell me, what do ye think yer mother’s reaction will be?”

“I’d not thought about it. She will be very happy for us.”

“Ensure she and yer brother come to live here at the keep. I will not rest if I think of ye traipsing through the forest alone.” He gave her a stern look and then his expression softened. “Please.”

“I will ensure it as soon as possible. My brother is interested in working with horses…”

“He can apprentice at our new home. For now, he can work here. I will ensure to speak to the stable master in the morning.” He drank the mead and bit the toast.

Cait watched him for a long moment. It was incredible to her to sit across from the laird’s brother, who was now her betrothed. At the same time it felt relaxed and comfortable to sit and share toast. “What do ye think yer family thinks of our betrothal?”

For a moment he considered her question, the entire time his gaze on her. “My brothers are not surprised. I do not believe mother to be either. Darach was the first one to ask what my intentions were.”

Cait was surprised and even more at his next statement.

“I spoke to Torac and informed him of our betrothal.”

“Ye are thorough.” Cait couldn’t help but chuckle.

Stuart stood and took her hands pulling her to stand. They walked to the window and he wrapped his arms around her. After pressing a kiss to her lips, he turned her to look out and pointed.

“I will be in that direction, beyond the trees.”

For a long time, they stood with his arms around her. Cait closed her eyes praying the closeness they felt in that moment would remain when separate from each other.

The next morning, Cait stood beside Lady Mariel and Lady Isobel as they wished the caravan of travelers farewell.

Leading the group was Stuart, accompanied by Ewan, who’d agreed to go for a short while and help get things set up.

Cait waved enthusiastically and wore a bright smile when Stuart turned to her. They’d stayed up until quite late talking and making plans for a future together, and she hoped he wasn’t too tired for the trip.

As they rode away, she did her best to push away any worries. Stuart had reassured her he’d return as often as possible. Upon waking her first thought was that Stuart Ross was her betrothed. It was still so very hard to believe.

“Let us go inside and do something to keep yer mind away from sadness,” Lady Mariel said. “I do believe there are many tasks that require our attention.”

By the end of the first day, Cait collapsed into her bed exhausted from keeping up with Lady Mariel and spending time with Greer going over the menu for the week. She’d asked Lady Mariel for kitchen duties as it was where she felt most comfortable.

She’d been installed in Ella’s old bedchamber, which felt both intrusive and reassuring that she was now considered part of the family. When she’d spoken to Lady Mariel about her family. It was decided that her mother was to be moved to a bedchamber near the servant’s quarters and Brice would be housed in the guard’s quarters with Torac.

Looking up at the ceiling, Cait considered how different her life had become and how many more changes were on the way. Her eyes became heavy, but before she could let herself sleep, she slid from the bed and kneeled next to it to pray for Stuart’s safety.