Page 79 of The Eagle

Chapter Twenty-One

The party of five rode to the village the following day. While the men rode horses, Cait, Bree, and Cora rode in a carriage. Although Cait had recently learned to ride, Bree was not at ease doing so.

“Oh goodness, how quaint,” Cait said as the village came into view. “This isn’t at all what I expected. Although the homes and shops are clustered together—like most villages—here all of them face the sea.”

There was one road along the shoreline, lined with small buildings, and a second one on higher ground with more cottages.

“I find it pretty,” Bree said with a smile. “I suppose that’s good as it is to become my home.” Peering out the window, she pointed. “There it is.”

A large stone house with a wall around it and ornate gates stood atop a small hill overlooking the village. There were a few sheep grazing inside the wall, and a pair of horses in the back area. Cait supposed one was Artair’s.

“It is protected,” Cait said, not sure she could find anything positive to say about the way it did not seem to fit with its surroundings.

The brick structure looked strong, so at least there was that. She looked to Bree who also studied the house. “Ye will not have to worry when a storm comes. Ye can offer harbor to the villagers.”

Bree frowned. “Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about living there. The people may not accept me.”

“I am sure once they get to know ye, they will soften swiftly. Ye should host a gathering for women. Good food melts many a reserve.”

Bree brightened. “That is a fabulous idea.”

“I will come and help ye,” Cora added.

Once arriving at the village, the women went to the square. Cait introduced herself and Bree followed suit. They found a pair of women who sold baskets and other trinkets. The women were quite talkative. Cait was sure not long after she and Bree walked away, they would inform the entire village of their conversation.

“Miss Bree Ross and her husband Mister Dougal Ross will be moving into the large house on the hill,” Cait told the women, who leaned forward in anticipation of being the first to hear the news.

“If ye are aware of someone wishing to work there, inform me,” Bree added. “I will be hiring a pair of hands to assist with cooking and cleaning. My husband will also be seeking help with the surrounding lands. We will offer fair pay.”

The women grinned with glee and shoved their purchases into their arms in an obvious attempt to get rid of them so they could spread the news.

By the time they reached the last shop, several women had already approached Bree asking questions. And across the square where Stuart and Dougal spoke to Artair, men had gathered as well.

Cait stopped listening to the women gathered, to study Stuart. He stood listening to the men, his shoulders back. The men gathered often bowed their heads when addressing him as he had an air of authority. The sea air blew his hair away from his handsome face and she noted how at ease he seemed.

It was as if he was meant to be here, with people that were eager for fair leadership.

“My husband will enjoy duties of constable. He has always admired Stuart’s even nature and his ability to give good counsel,” Bree told her.

“There is so much about him I have yet to learn,” Cait replied.

“It can be quite a journey,” Bree said looking across toward Dougal.

When they made it to the house, the anticipation of what would be inside was tangible.

The house was large and overly decorated. Both Bree and Cora yelped several times when stepping on a rug that still had the animal’s head attached.

“Those must be removed at once,” Bree said with a shudder. “The bear is staring right at me.”

Cait laughed when Bree hurried around the dead animal.

Once they completed the tour, it was decided that Dougal and Bree would move into it within the week.

Artair would move into the small house at Eilean Daes that they currently lived in.

On the ride back to their home, Bree talked excitedly about her upcoming move, making mental lists of what she needed to change in the house. Cait felt a bit tired, so she allowed her eyes to close while Cora spoke with Bree.

When they arrived back at the house, Cait felt refreshed. She went in search of her mother to inform her that the next day, they would help Bree pack.