Page 77 of The Eagle

One of them gave them a knowing look. “Escaping the confines of the marriage chamber so soon?”

“I required fresh air,” Cait replied.

“And the window is quite small,” Stuart said with a grin.

A fortnight later.

The packing was complete. Already a pair of wagons had left for Eilean Daes.

In the sitting room, Cait sorted through several baskets. “I cannot believe all these things are wedding gifts,” she repeated. “For us.”

Lady Mariel sniffed. “I cannot believe ye are leaving so soon. I will miss ye dear lass.”

As excited as she was to leave, Cait dreaded having to say farewell to the people at Keep Ross she’d grown so close to.

But after hugging Lady Mariel, Beatrice, and Isobel, she then went down the stairs to find Annis, Greer, and Finella. Every single one of them made her cry as they wished her happiness and a great new life.

She was almost grateful that Stuart sought her out and announced it was time to head out if they were to arrive by sundown.

Already her brother, Brice, had left with one of the wagons and a pair of horses he planned to breed. Her mother and Cora were already inside the carriage when Stuart helped Cait inside.

Eyes bright with excitement, her mother patted her leg. “Can ye believe it lass? We are to move once again. To start anew and this time to live a privileged life.”

Cait reached to touch her mother, noting her hand shook. “I am still waiting to wake from this wonderful dream.”

Stuart was to ride ahead of the party with three warriors, there were an additional four guardsmen behind the carriage and one on either side.

As they headed away, Cait stuck her head out the window to peer at Keep Ross. The beautiful structure became smaller and smaller as they rode away, and she sighed silently thanking it for the time there.

“Did ye see Torac?” Cait asked her mother. “I sent someone with a message, but he never came.”

“He is right there.” Her mother pointed to the opposite side of where she’d been looking. Cait slid to the other side and peered up to see that her half brother rode atop his huge warhorse beside the carriage.

Torac glanced at her and nodded.

“Is he to live at Eilean Daes as well?” Cait looked to Cora, who pretended to not be listening.

Her mother shook her head. “I asked him, but he plans to return in a few days. The reason he came was to ensure our safety. I am sure Brice asked him to come along. He has developed a rather strong attachment to his older brother.”

“Oh, Cora, how do ye feel? I know ye were looking forward to not seeing him daily.”

Her friend let out a long breath. “I suppose it will be only temporary. I will have to do my best to keep my distance from him.”

It was quite late by the time they arrived at Eilean Daes. Cait and Cora looked out to the passing shoreline of a large loch on one side and the sea was visible in the distance on the other side.

The carriage slowed down as they traversed the uneven road to a path between tall trees. Upon arriving at a large clearing, a house on a hill surrounded by sheep, large planting fields, and corrals with horses came into view. There were several other structures that included stables, guard quarters, and a smaller house.

When they neared the front of the house, the driver pulled the horses to a stop.

“I can barely keep from throwing myself out the door and begin exploring,” Cait exclaimed clasping her hands together.

They remained seated in the carriage, until the servants finished lining up just outside the front door.

Torac opened the door and helped them from the carriage. Just as Cait stepped onto the ground Stuart joined them. He took her elbow and Torac took her mothers and together they went to the line of servants and were introduced.

Two women, who were the housekeeper and the cook, Maisie and Grace, beamed at her. “Finally, ye arrive Mistress,” Grace exclaimed with a bright smile.

“We have been anxious to meet ye,” Maisie said by way of greeting.