Page 71 of The Eagle

He blew out a breath. “Ye are going to make me wait to be married?”

“Aye, I am. We should have not done it. We are not married yet.” Despite her stern reply, she hid how much she wished he would insist and perhaps even come to her chamber without permission. But she knew he wouldn’t, and she couldn’t bring herself to say yes.

“Then I will have to kiss ye until ye melt into my arms.”

“That happens every time,” Cait said lifting her face so that he would kiss her.

The days passed quickly. Soon the keep was overflowing with people who’d come to attend the wedding of the laird’s brother.

With each passing day, Cait had become more nervous. It was late morning the day before the wedding and she sat in the small room next to the kitchen with her mother and Greer going over the meal that would be served.

“It is a wonderful menu,” her mother exclaimed with excitement. “Two boars, pheasants, and fish, then the sweet cakes and stews. I can hardly wait.”

Cait smiled despite the persistent tightness in her stomach. “I am so nervous; my stomach has been in knots. I’ve not been able to eat the last two days without feeling sick.”

Tapping her hand, Greer smile. “Do not be nervous, all will be fine. Ye will be a beautiful bride to a very handsome man. I know ye look forward to time alone with him, but remember, once the wedding is over, ye will have a lot of work to do. Be sure ye learn as much as ye can before leaving.”

“I have,” Cait replied. “Lady Mariel has ensured I am well versed in running a household.”

“I am so very happy for ye,” Cora said walking in. “I cannot wait to help ye run the new house.”

Cait smiled when a plate of food was slid in front of her by Cora.

“If ye eat here in peace, without all the discussion of weddings and the presence of the man ye are to marry, then the food will settle much better.”

She ate everything on the plate and then drank cider while her mother, Cora, and Greer also ate. It was refreshing to have a chat with the women she most trusted and loved. She would miss Greer greatly and made the woman promise to come visit. Both Greer and her daughter, Finella, became excited at the prospect.

When she walked out, her mother followed. “Cait, I must tell ye something.”

At her mother’s serious expression, Cait hesitated. “Is something wrong Mother?”

“The man, Lyall informed me that yer husband-to-be offered to move him to yer new home. Did ye know anything about it?”

It was hard not to laugh at her mother’s pointed look. “I did not ask Stuart to invite him if that is what ye are asking.” It was not a lie, so she didn’t feel bad about the statement.

“Very odd,” her mother said. “He is quite happy about it. Did ye know he is a Ross?”

“Mother, I had not noticed the man until the other day when ye pointed him out to me.” Again, she was not lying “Does it bother ye that he is to go live where we are?”

“I suppose not. It has nothing to do with me, so,” her mother said with a shrug. “I just think it odd that he is to come. He’d not mentioned it before.”

“So ye have conversations with him then?” Cait asked innocently. She’d seen her mother speaking to Lyall several times. Each time, she’d acted put out, but her cheeks had pinkened.

“Not so much a conversation.” Her mother pushed at Cait’s arm. “Go see about yer intended and stop asking so many questions.”

When Cait went to her bedchamber all of her items had been removed. She hurried back out and to the sitting room, but it was empty.

Deciding to question Stuart she knocked on his door, but no one answered. She pushed the door open and peered in. A few familiar things had been placed in the bedchamber, so she went inside and began sorting through them.

“Oh, there ye are,” Cora exclaimed with a smile. “Lady Mariel asked that I move yer personal effects in here.”

“What about tonight?” Cait asked. “I will have to sleep elsewhere, and I require some of these items.”

“Oh, goodness,” Cora said rushing to her side. “In my excitement, I totally forgot about tonight.” She giggled and went to a wardrobe and extracted a night rail.

“Where is my wedding dress?” Cait asked as they walked back out and toward her own room.

“Lady Mariel said ye will dress in the sitting room. She has it now and will bring all of yer items to the sitting room after last meal.”