Page 25 of A Fierce Archer
The garden was flourishing. Plants of varying heights grew in neat rows and not a weed was in sight. Catriona beamed with pride when her mother stared at the large plot. “Ye did this yerself?”
“I did. Only a lad helps me every now and then.”
“Are ye sad to leave it?” Audra asked, reaching down to touch a flowering plant.
She’d not considered it, but already knew who would take it over. “I will, but hopefully, I can help Esme with one up there at Ross Keep.”
In the distance, she noticed Ewan and her nephews standing around his huge steed. He’d given each boy a brush and they enthusiastically brushed the animal.
“I do not believe I’ve ever seen a man so handsome,” Audra said, following her line of sight. “Who is he?”
“Ewan Ross. He is returning to Ross lands with the same party I am traveling with.”
“Is he married?” her mother asked, staring at Ewan.
“Why do ye ask?” Catriona couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ye are married.”
Her mother laughed. “Just curious. He is very attractive. Large...muscular...”
“Mother!” both she and Audra exclaimed.
Ewan looked over at them and immediately they pretended not to notice, but Catriona was sure he knew they were speaking about him.
“My goodness,” Audra said. “I envy my boys right now.”
“Ye are married, too,” Catriona scolded, but couldn’t help stealing another glance toward Ewan.
She had to admit that he was certainly very handsome. His blond hair gleamed in the sun and his tunic fit him well, leaving little to the imagination of his muscular form. The breeches he wore molded perfectly to his well-formed legs. Catriona cleared her throat, forcing herself to look to the garden.
Her sister and mother walked through the garden admiring the different plants.
A few moments later, Flora walked out along with the toddlers.. Claiming the children needed fresh air, Flora blew out a breath.
“The babe?” Audra asked, eyeing the toddlers who hurried into the garden and grabbing one as it toddled by. “Stay with me.”
“Still asleep. A maid is looking over her.”
“They are lovable,” Catriona said. The she asked Flora, “But perhaps three is a bit much?”
Flora laughed. “A bit, yes.” Her gaze moved over to where Ewan stood with the older boys, who were now sitting on the corral looking at the horses. “Does he know ye have decided to go?”
“I am not required to inform him,” Catriona replied. “A part of me is still unsure. I am petrified of something happening. I hate these feelings.”
“Ye will be just fine. I assure it,” Flora said with a firm nod. “And so it shall be.”
Despite her trepidation, Catriona smiled. “I pray it is so.”
Moments later, Ewan walked toward the house with the boys, who raced into the keep. Audra whirled around and dashed after them. Her mother and the toddlers remained inside the garden. They sat on a bench as she spoke to them in soft tones. The children were obviously becoming sleepy.
“I will see about preparing a chamber for them to sleep,” Catriona told her mother who nodded. She looked to Ewan. “Any idea where I can find an empty bedchamber?”
“There’s one in the same corridor as mine,” he replied. “Come, I will show ye.” They walked in together.
“The boys enjoyed spending time with ye.” Catriona glanced up just as Broden headed toward them. Not paying him any mind, she continued speaking. “I wish Audra’s husband would take more time with them. He does work long hours, so I understand...”
“Where are ye going?” Broden asked, interrupting. “I doubt Ross needs any more tending.”
The last thing she wished for was any kind of scene with her parents visiting. “I am looking for an empty chamber for my sister and her bairns to sleep,” Catriona said, making to keep an even tone.
