Page 39 of The Eagle

She wanted to come up with a way to convey the truth without making Cora feel horrible. And yet, Cait considered if it were her, she’d want the pure unadulterated truth.

“He claims not to feel ready for any type of relationship. I do not know what made him change his feelings. Perhaps it was going to battle.”

“Does he need time?” Cora asked looking hopeful. “Should I be patient?”

“Nay, Cora. Ye should not wait for him.”

Cora’s face fell and she collapsed into a heap on the floor. Thankfully, she managed to keep the tray from spilling all the contents. Ever so slowly Cait took the tray and placed it on a nearby table. “I am so very sorry.”

“I may just need to get away from here and not have to see him every day.” Cora covered her face with both hands.

“I am so sorry. He should be more responsible with his actions toward ye,” Cait replied and hugged her friend.

Cait wondered why a person’s heart led one to feel for someone who did not return the sentiment. She ached for Cora. Perhaps this was a lesson for her as well. How ridiculous that her ignorant heart cared little about status.

“I will ask Mister Stuart to go with him,” Cora announced. “I am sure he will require help from someone who is familiar with the way things are done.”

Cait’s stomach dipped. “I would miss ye terribly.”

“Then ye should come as well…” Cora stopped. “I am sorry, ye are in the same predicament as I. What did Mister Stuart wish to tell ye?”

Cait looked around to ensure not to be overheard. “To apologize for saying the hurtful remark in the parlor. He seemed sincere.”

They gathered their trays to continue about their tasks in the great hall just as Lady Isobel and Lady Mariel walked in. It was obvious they weren’t sure how to address Cait, so she bobbed her head and dipped just a bit in a curtsy. “Good day, Lady Isobel. Lady Mariel.”

“How is yer hand?” Lady Isobel asked.

“It is healing well, thank ye.” Cait hurried to the farthest table to go about setting it, praying neither woman would follow her. It was painful enough to have been embarrassed in front of them, but now the awkwardness remained. Over time it would fade, and she would return to being just another servant in the household.

Darach, Gideon, and Stuart entered and continued toward the high board. Cait tried to figure out a way to return to the kitchen without attracting their attention.

“I’ll have ale,” the laird called out. Cait looked up noting that he spoke to a kitchen maid who’d followed them with a pitcher in each hand.

While they were served, she picked up the now empty tray and hurried from the room.

“It is a wonderful proposition,” her mother said. They’d just finished eating and sat in chairs outside the front door of the cottage enjoying the last of the daylight. “If we go with Mister Stuart, ye will have a good position and yer brother will have work as well.”

Her mother studied her for a moment. “Ye must push those feelings aside lass. Men like him, while enticing, are not meant for the likes of women like us.”

“I understand Mother. I heard it from Torac as well,” Cait replied. “That is why I hesitate to accept. I do not wish to continue pining over him. It is ridiculous. ’Tis not like I am a wee lass with little sense.”

Her mother laughed. “When it comes to matters of the heart, we are always wee lasses.”

“Accept the offer dear,” her mother said. “When he sends for ye, we will be ready to go.”

A rabbit hopped past and Cait considered trapping it until she noticed two tiny ones following behind it. Her lips curved as the rabbit hurried her brood back under the bushes.

“We have traveled far to settle here,” she said absently. “Lady Ross assures me I will always have a position. If we do not go, ye do not have to worry Mother.”

At her mother’s silence, she looked to her and noted she’d fallen asleep. Although she’d grown stronger, she was still delicate. Cait did want a better, more comfortable life for her mother. A home without drafts or a leaky roof.

She let out a sigh. “I could accept the offer.”

“Good,” her mother replied, her lips curving and eyes remaining closed.

Cait laughed. “Mother, ye were faking!”

The next day, Cait took her time walking back to the keep as she didn’t have to work until the next day. It was just easier to leave the day before her shift began to keep from having to walk there so early in the morning.