Page 36 of The Eagle

Once again, Stuart considered how he’d been too involved in his duties, not to notice his own responsibilities. He had not been aware that Gideon went to his lands so often to see about the people.

“Ye cannot go,” he told Artair. “Uncle Angus is not well and requires yer help.”

“Then who goes with ye?” Gideon asked.

“I was thinking I might ask Ewan to go with me and help me set up. He recently built a home and settled into his lands. Already he has productive fields and is self-sufficient with livestock and such.”

Gideon nodded. “Grand idea.”

Mind made up, he discussed a few more things with Gideon and Artair before heading out to visit Ewan.

He would have to see about Cait before leaving. But first, he had to start getting things in order.

Despite some soreness, the ride to Ewan’s lands gave him a chance to clear his head. More than anything Cait was at the forefront of his mind. The look on her face when she’d overheard what he’d said in the parlor made him cringe.

He’d hurt her feelings and it wasn’t fair. She shouldn’t have to pay for his confusion about what he wanted. A part of him wanted her to be in his life so badly that he almost turned the horse toward the cottage to find her and convince her to go with him. But no matter how much he wanted to, it made no sense to approach her about leaving. Not only did he not have a clear plan, but they’d not had enough time to get to know one another.

By the time he arrived at Ewan’s, Stuart was excited at the prospect of starting the new phase of his life. Spotting his brother standing by the corrals that housed several horses, he dismounted and walked over.

Everyone said he and Ewan could be twins. His brother had the same dark wavy hair that fell to his shoulders. They stood at the same height. And they were both archers, to boot.

He approached Ewan and they embraced.

“What brings ye?” his brother asked looking him over. Upon noticing the bruising on his face, he frowned. “I could have come to the keep.”

“I am not so hurt that it bothered me to ride here. I came to speak to ye about the process of settling here on yer lands. Darach suggested—and I agree—that it is time for me to go to my lands and see about the people. It is time to take control of my life.”

His brother met his gaze for a long moment. “I understand. But remember ye always have us to help and assist ye as needed.”

“I have no doubt that ye and our brothers will be more than happy to meddle even without my asking.”

Ewan chuckled nodding. “Very true.”

“Which is why I want to ask if ye will go with me and look it over? I need yer advice.”

Ewan’s expression was warm, it made Stuart realize how lucky he was that despite, or perhaps because of their father’s cruel ways, he and his brothers were so close. They’d depended on one another since childhood and that had forged a strong bond.

His brother opened his arms and turned in a circle. “This is hard work and at times ye will feel like giving up, but in the end it is worth it.” He met Stuart’s gaze. “Now, I cannot think of anything better than having my own home, productive lands, and a beautiful wife to share it with.”

For days, Stuart worked tirelessly to prepare for his upcoming move. It was easier than he expected to find men who wished to travel. Dougal Ross—a third cousin—and his wife, Bree, were eager to accompany him. Also, a group of single men volunteered even after he told them it would be hard work. It seemed some loved adventure and their excitement was contagious.

Anton was a harder sell. Although the young man wished to go, he wasn’t sure about living away from his family.

“I have made a decision.” Anton approached him early one day.

“Oh?” Stuart said as Anton stood beside the hearth in his bedchamber. Despite Stuart usually not requiring his services, Anton took his duties as squire seriously. Every morning he appeared at Stuart’s door with news about the weather outside, or to let him know how his horse was doing.

“Father insists I go, so I will.” Anton gave him a crooked smile that did not disguise his nervousness.

“It is a long ride to the village from there, but ye can make it in a day. No need to worry. If ye wish to visit yer family, I will allow it.”

Anton brightened. “That is what Father said.”

Stuart found himself anxious to get going. But first there was livestock to choose from his brother’s herds, and decisions as to what needed to be taken. Already there were wagons overflowing with grain, seeds, plantings, and tools.

The ones who were going also had their own belongings to pack onto wagons. Albeit the single men didn’t plan to bring much.

It had been several days since he’d seen Cait. Once she returned from her time away, it was obvious she did everything in her power to avoid him. He’d even tried to seek her out in the kitchen and then in the garden, but she must have seen him coming and hid.