Page 72 of A Fierce Archer

One of the most important lessons she’d received from Elspeth was to protect their privacy above all else. Allowing for gossip to run rampant would soon make things go out of control with rumors spreading to the villages and other lairdships.

She forced a soft smile toward him. Ewan approached and kissed her cheek in welcome.

Meeting his gaze, she pronounced loudly. “I am glad to be with ye, Husband, and to finally make our home here.”

If Ewan was surprised at her declaration, he didn’t show it. Instead, he nodded and took her elbow to lead her into the house. “I am glad that ye have arrived. I know the staff is more than ready for their mistress.” His tone was not exactly warm, but not cool either.

Inside the great room, there were two lines of people. The kitchen staff that included the head cook and two helpers, a pair of scullery maids, three lads who would work as helpers and a chamber maid. Across from them stood the stable master and his pair of helpers, a gardener and a man who would look after the livestock and another man, whose responsibilities were to ensure any repairs needed to the keep were done in a timely manner.

Thankfully, Catriona had the opportunity to meet most of them on her previous trips, so she was able to address them by name. They’d not hired a housekeeper, as she’d decided the house was not large enough for someone to take on the duty. Catriona would oversee the staff and ensure they completed all the work.

She looked to Ewan. “Have ye decided who will be in charge of the outdoor staff as yet?”

He nodded and motioned to an older man. “Aye, Owen. He will ensure all duties are completed as necessary.”

The man, who was also the gardener, gave her a toothy smile. “I am most honored, my laird and lady.”

The choice seemed strange to Catriona, as she’d expected it to be given to the stable master, but she kept her opinion to herself and gave Owen a warm look. “I am sure ye will do an outstanding job.”

The rest of the day was spent ensuring all her items, as well as Ewan’s, were unpacked. By the time last meal came, she’d barely had an opportunity to breathe.

“Lady Ross,” Maisie said as she pinned the last tendril of hair up. “Ye look like ye are about to fall over.”

Catriona looked at herself in the mirror. There were dark shadows under her eyes and her face was drawn. “Thankfully, there are no visitors tonight. I would make a horrible impression.”

“Ye should rest well because, on the morrow, my laird has invited local dignitaries and their wives. All eyes will be on ye.”

When Catriona groaned, Maisie giggled.

***

The next sennight at Tuath Avon passed without incident. Thankfully, Catriona and her cook, Iona, worked well together and soon had a good system going when it came to meals and such. The maids all seemed to get along well, and Maisie soon became well versed in the household gossip. She kept Catriona informed of all the goings-on, which she didn’t discourage as it helped to ensure she could keep potential problems in check.

However, the situation between her and Ewan was not as smooth. Most nights, he stayed away until late, and when she woke, he was either already gone or continued to sleep. Other than a perfunctory kiss, he kept his distance from her when they were alone. In public, when there were visitors, he acted every bit the attentive husband.

So much so, he even fooled Esme, who was currently visiting. “I must say, ye and Ewan have the best run home I’ve ever been to,” Esme said with a wide smile. “Ye are an amazing mistress.”

“There is really not that much to do. The house is much smaller than Fraser Keep and although the staff is small, they are quite eager. For most of them, it is their first time in service, and they are very grateful for the wages.”

“It shows,” Esme said as they settled into chairs in Catriona’s sitting room. “Ye must make friends. I hate to think of ye alone all the time.”

Catriona gave her friend’s comment some thought. “Several women have visited, but I have yet to find anyone particularly interesting.”

Esme threw her head back and laughed. “Ye always have been hard to impress.”

Just then, there was a clearing of throats at the doorway. Both Ruari and Ewan entered. Immediately, Catriona could not draw her eyes away from her husband. He seemed to grow more handsome every day and standing next to his cousin, with their identical hazel eyes, he looked every bit a warrior.

His gaze lingered on hers for a moment before moving to Esme. “I’ve come to issue a challenge,” Ewan said.

Esme leaped to her feet, her eyes bright with excitement. “Archery?”

“Aye,” Ewan replied, his lips curving. “At twilight.”

It was the perfect time. No shadows to distract from the target. Catriona only knew this because of her many years of friendship with Esme.

“One arrow at a time,” Esme quipped, lifting an eyebrow. “No trickery.”

“Ye wound me,” Ewan said, attempting to look serious, but then his lips curved. “I agree.”