Page 52 of The Eagle

Knowing how to read and write would make it possible for her to hire on as a governess or assist in running a household. She’d shadowed both Lady Mariel and Lady Isobel, watching and learning every single aspect of running a keep. Although she wasn’t sure how large the home Stuart owned was, she would be prepared to ensure everything would be taken care of.

Already weeks had passed since the last time a missive had come from him. His brothers, Duncan and Gideon, had both visited and returned with news of the progress being made on the lands and home.

Each time they’d brought a letter for her. In each letter, Stuart wrote of what he did, promised to return soon so they could marry, and then explained all the work yet to be done.

“If the house is ready, there is only one reason for him not to return for me Mother.” Cait finally put into words the fear that had filled her in the last days. “He’s changed his mind and hopes I realize it and grant him his freedom.”

“Nonsense,” her mother said. “He was visibly smitten with ye.”

“He has been gone longer than the time we’ve spent together. I sincerely doubt he misses me. How can he?”

Her mother took her in. “Is it ye that has had a change of heart?”

Cait met her mother’s eyes. “Honestly? Yes. I am beginning to question my feelings. I have not seen him, have only had letters…” Her breath caught, a dark sensation gripped her chest. “Father promised to return. He lied to us. Never returned.” She had to take a deep breath and wiped an errant tear. “Do you not see Mother?”

“Ye have his family’s support. He proposed to ye and announced it to the entire family including his brother, the laird.” Her mother’s eyes shined with unshed tears. “He is not yer father. Stuart Ross will not step back from his responsibility to ye.”

“And yet he has Mother. He can take years and not return for me. No one can chastise him for it, as the only duty he has is to provide for me and that he has done.”

Her mother balked, “Then ye should take matters in hand and travel to see him. Clear things up in yer mind. Sitting here worrying will only make ye more and more bitter.”

“I am not bitter,” Cait argued.

“Ye certainly are not sweet,” her mother replied with a soft smile.

Just then Cora walked in. “The midday meal is ready.”

Walking into the dining room with her mother made Cait think back to when she and Stuart had entered to announce their engagement and how awkward it had been.

Now it was an everyday occurrence. The simple midday meal of cheese, bread, and fruit was often a time when they would talk of plans for the following day.

Most times, the men did not attend and instead ate in the great hall while listening to clan grievances.

This time, however, Gideon and Caelan were there.

“Since Ewan has returned and is here to sit with Darach, I have excused myself to enjoy time with ye,” Caelan told Lady Mariel.

Despite the fact his own mother lived not too far away, Caelan and Lady Mariel had a close relationship and he carved out time to spend with her.

“How are ye feeling?” Lady Mariel asked him, touching his cheek. “Ye are cool to the touch.”

Caelan had recently been abed for over a week. The healer was not sure what illness it was, but he’d been feverish and without appetite. The handsome man looked well recovered now.

“Would ye like to go visit Beatrice with me tomorrow?” Isobel asked Cait. “We can stop at the village on the way there.”

“Aye, I would enjoy it. Thank ye.”

“Ye have to stop thanking me for everything,” Isobel said with a light chuckle.

Cait let out a breath. It was time she told them her thoughts. “Ye are all so kind to me, and I will be forever grateful. I must admit to feeling as if I may never truly come to be a member of the family.”

“I agree, my son has been gone overlong. But I know Stuart and he will do as he promised,” Lady Mariel said and then looked to Caelan. “Do ye not agree that yer brother will return soon?”

“Knowing Stuart, he wants everything to be perfect before ye arrive to live there. If someone does not go and fetch him with a warning ye are changing yer mind, he will continue doing this and that, never fully satisfied.”

“Cait is not changing her mind. She is worried however that he may have,” her mother interjected in a soft voice.

“He has not,” Lady Mariel assured them.