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  “Will ye wait for me to come back for ye?” he asked for the third or fourth time. He purposely kept his mount to a slow pace, not wanting to stop being with her. “I leave in the morning.”

  She turned and looked up at him. “So soon?”

  Just looking into her eyes made him want to change his plans and say to the devil with his quest for finding a place in the world. It was with her that he wished to be.

  “I will not hold ye to anything because of what happened between us. We were not fully…intimate.”

  Once again, he kissed her, this time on her temple. “Aye not fully, but as much as I dare without yer brother killing me.”

  When she chuckled, it was light and airy.

  “It is the first time I’ve heard ye laugh,” he told her. “I want to spend a lifetime hearing that sound.”

  She tugged at the reins making the horse stop. “I would have never taken ye for someone so romantic.” Her lips curved and there was warmth in her gaze when her eyes met his. “Everyone is urging me to go with ye and I will consider it while ye are gone. But once ye are settled, if I come to ye, it will be to accept the position of housekeeper.”

  He was silent, so she continued, “What happened between us this day, we must forget about it. Once I come to work for ye, I will need ye to allow me to do my duties and that is all.”

  “Ye will not work as a servant. I will speak to yer brother, and I will inform my family that ye are now to be considered part of the family.”

  By the rounding of her eyes, this was not what she expected. It was further confirmed when she slid from the horse and began pacing.

  Stuart dismounted. “Cait?”

  She held her hands up motioning him to keep his distance and then covered her mouth. “What are ye saying? Ye cannot say that. It is embarrassing. They will think I am yer lover.”

  At first, he wasn’t sure what she meant, then it dawned. She thought he was to take her as mistress.

  “I am an idiot.” Stuart went to her and took her hands from her face. “I mean to marry ye, Cait.”

  The sharp pain at first didn’t register. His shin burned from the swift kick. “Ouch.”

  “Ye cannot simply make an announcement like that. Be ye my superior or not.” Cait blew out a breath. “Do not say things because ye feel the need to. I promise I will be fine.”

  Her stance straightened and chin lifted, she met his gaze with authority. “Stuart Ross, what do ye mean by all this?”

  He’d never seen her so convicted in something. It was hard not to smile. This was exactly what he wanted. The quiet softness that hid an internal strength that would keep him in his place. Only a woman could be so multifaceted. Keeping a man guessing and discovering more of her with each passing day.

  When he lowered to his knee, her eyes widened. Despite her demand, it was obvious she’d not expected this.

  “Cait…” He suddenly realized he didn’t know her surname. He would find out later. “Will ye do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  For a long moment, she stared at him. As the seconds passed, he began to second-guess himself. Had he done something wrong?

  “Brown. My surname is Brown,” she said, and then seeming to realize he remained on bended knee, she gasped. “Aye, Stuart Ross, I will marry ye.”

  He rose and wrapped her in his arms, turning in a circle as his heart beat so hard inside his chest, he thought it would burst through.

  “I promise ye to do what I can to make ye happy—always.” When she lowered her head and kissed him, all became right in his world.

  The rest of the ride to the keep, they discussed what to do next. Stuart would first speak to Torac and then to his brothers. He asked Cait to wait for him in the kitchen and he would come fetch her. The announcement had to be made first to his family before any of the staff were told.

  She nodded silently, seeming to take everything in.

  “Here,” he said placing his crest pin in her palm. “Keep it for me. To ensure ye know I mean every word.”

  He’d pinned it to his waist to be sure he had it when he left. But now it would serve a far better purpose. Ensuring Cait did not lose hope that he’d return as soon as he could for her.

  “When will we marry?” she asked as the keep came into view.

  “Upon my return.”

  Cait nodded and straightened, no longer leaning into him as they passed through the gates.

  Upon dismounting and helping her down, Stuart led his horse to the stables, sending the lads who came to help away. He needed the time to consider how best to approach Torac and explain to him that he’d proposed to Cait. The man was not one to be toyed with, of that Stuart was well aware. However, he was also a good warrior and valued member of the Ross guards.

  Once he’d brushed his steed and filled its oat bucket, Stuart felt ready to speak to the warrior.

  Torac was in the guard quarters sitting alone on a bench. It was as if the warrior was deep in thought but upon noticing Stuart’s approach he stood.

  Stuart motioned for him to sit and lowered to the bench next to him. It was best, in his opinion to speak about such things in a more relaxed manner.

  “Ye seem deep in thought?” Stuart began. “Is there something amiss with the men?”

  Torac shrugged. “There are always things amiss. But nothing that I cannot handle.” The man slid him a look. “Is there something ye wish to speak about?”

  “Aye, there is. I wish to inform ye that I have asked yer sister, to marry me.”

  Torac was silent, his gaze straight ahead. “I have only known Cait a short while. She is sweet and susceptible. Do ye really mean to marry her?”

  “I do,” Stuart said. “I have grown to care for her and with my upcoming departure, I wanted to ensure she waited for me.”

  “I see.” Torac let out a long breath. “I will not stand yer way. It is strange for me to take responsibility for a lass I barely know. However, I will demand that ye maintain boundaries until after the vows are spoken.”

  “I leave tomorrow…” Stuart began, but Torac interrupted.

  “More the reason.”

  It took a moment for Stuart to reign in his temper and keep from snapping at the man, who seemed to insinuate that he’d take advantage of Cait just because he was leaving. Upon consideration, he could see how Torac was right in thinking it. In truth, he’d considered finding time alone with her that night. Not to make love, he would not take things so far, just to spend more time together.

  “I give ye my word. I will respect yer wishes.”

  Torac stood and Stuart followed. When the man held out his hand, he took it, and they shook.

  “Are ye sure there isn’t anything I can help with?” Stuart asked.

  Cait’s brother looked past him toward the house. “All is well.”

  “I see,” Stuart replied, not quite believing him. “Ye are a good warrior and have served my brother well.”

  Walking away, Stuart felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders. It seemed like everything was falling into its proper place now that he’d taken charge of his future.

  Upon entering the house, he walked into the great room. Though not as full as usual, it was evident by the people mingling about that it would take most of the day for his brother to conclude his business after the midday meal.

  Stuart walked past and down the corridor to find his mother, but she was not in the parlor, or in the upstairs sitting room.

  “They are all in the dining room,” a maid informed him.

  “Good.” He turned and headed to the dining room where he found they were all present: each of his brothers, their wives, and his mother. Before anyone could speak, he held up one finger. “Just a moment.”

  Stuart dashed from the dining room to the kitchen. Greer gave him a confused look. “Yer mother is waiting for ye in the dining room.”

  “Aye, I saw her,” he replied.

  Other than Greer and two other women who were placing items on t
rays, no one else was about. He peered into the small alcove where the servants took their meals. It was empty.

  “Where is Cait?” he asked looking to Greer.

  “Went to fetch water,” Greer replied motioning to the door that led to the courtyard. “Goodness Mister Stuart, what is all the fuss about?”

  He blew out a breath. “No matter what Cait says. From now on, do not ask her to do anything. Am I clear?”

  Greer’s face lit up. “Very much so.”

  “What does that mean?” As he walked out, he heard one of the maids ask.

  Cait walked back from the well with two buckets, one in each hand. Her expression was serene until she spotted him. An adorable blush brightened her cheeks. “I will take these to the kitchen and then we can…”

  She stopped midsentence when he grabbed the pails and practically ran to the house. “What are ye doing?” she asked hurrying to catch up.

  Water sloshed over the sides of the buckets when he placed them none-so-gently on the floor just inside the kitchen.

  Then he took Cait’s arm. “My family is in the dining room. We are to announce our betrothal.”

  “Oh, no.” Cait pulled her arm from his grasp and covered her cheeks with both hands. “I cannot possibly face them. I am too nervous.” She smoothed her hair and apron, then hastily took it off and hung it on a peg.

  Stuart let out a breath. “I leave in the morning. It must be today.” Once again, he took her arm and tugged her forward.

  Upon reentering the dining room, everyone looked at him.

  “Cait and I have an announcement,” Stuart said. Smiling he looked to his right only to find that Cait was not beside him. He looked to the left and she was not there either.

  “She’s behind ye,” his mother explained.

  Taking a step to the side, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled Cait to stand beside him. “I asked Cait to marry me and she has agreed.”

  His mother and the other women’s faces lit up and they jumped to their feet coming forward to hug him and then Cait, who remained halfway hidden behind him once again.

  When his brothers approached, he moved away from her hoping the women would not let her escape.

  “Congratulations, I wish ye the best,” Darach said hugging him. Similar sentiments were repeated by Ewan, Duncan, and Caelan.

  “Ye may change yer mind in a moment,” Gideon said cryptically before hugging him.

  “This is wonderful news,” his mother exclaimed, pulling Cait alongside. “Ye must join us for the meal.” Her eyes twinkled when meeting his. “When do ye plan to marry? Tonight?”

  Stuart had to laugh. His poor mother had become accustomed to impromptu, unplanned weddings. “Not until I return. There is plenty of time to plan a proper wedding.”

  His heart warmed when Cait’s face brightened. “Nothing too elaborate.”

  “Oh dear,” his mother’s face registered alarm. “Where are my manners. We have a guest. Lila Maclean arrived just a few moments ago.”

  It was as if everything in the room moved slower. Every set of eyes in the room went from him to the woman who sat at the table.

  In truth, Stuart had never seen someone so striking. With midnight black hair, olive skin, and bright grey eyes, she was an exotic beauty.

  The woman’s gaze moved from him to study Cait. Lila’s gaze swept over Cait from head to toe and back again, then settled on him.

  “Lila, this is my son, Stuart. The only one ye had yet to meet,” his mother said.

  Stuart nodded at the woman, feeling a bit disconcerted by the expectation on everyone’s faces. Yes, he realized she had come to get to know him. Despite finding the woman exquisite, she did not appeal to him the way Cait did.

  “Seems an opportune time for a betrothal,” she said in a husky voice. There was disbelief in her gaze and something akin to disappointment. “I wish ye…both the best.” She finally dragged her gaze from his and looked to Cait. It was obvious she found Cait’s apparel lacking.

  Stuart pulled a chair back and guided Cait to sit. She’d been stunned silent, but he was proud that she kept her gaze forward, not glancing away when Lila looked at her.

  “Tell us Stuart, what are yer plans upon arriving on yer lands?” his mother asked a question they all knew the reply to. He understood it was for both Cait and Lila’s benefit.

  “Once we arrive, the first priority will be to ensure the house will provide refuge from the weather. It is imperative we can remain warm once winter sets. The fields will be cleared, but planting cannot take place until spring.” Stuart continued to tell them the larger plans of building pens and corrals for the livestock, hiring helpers, and finally building a rapport with the villagers.

  Everyone listened politely, every so often asking about something. He noted that Lila had lost all interest in anything he said and kept sliding looks to Cait.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was the most mortifying and awkward meal of her entire life. Cait could not figure out where to look, opting to keep her attention on Lady Mariel, who did her best to make her feel part of the conversation.

  Stuart became preoccupied with discussing the logistics of his upcoming travel and though she didn’t begrudge him his enthusiasm, it meant she was left to partake of the women’s discussion. Thankfully, after a moment they turned their attention to Lila Maclean and asked about her home, family, and travel from the Isle of Skye.

  The woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her face was perfection with long dark lashes surrounding smoky grey eyes. And the darkest hair Cait had ever seen. Her clothing was impeccable; the emerald green color bringing out the depth of her olive skin.

  There was a coolness in her eyes when looking at her. Every time Lila glanced in Cait’s direction, she felt insignificant. How could Stuart choose her over a woman who was obviously more suited for him?

  “What are yer plans while here?” Beatrice asked, obviously uninformed of the reason for Lila’s travel.

  The women went quiet, everyone’s gazes went from Lila, to her, to Stuart. For an awkward moment, Cait considered stating that Lila was there to become betrothed to Stuart.

  “I am here to learn the intricacies of maintaining ledgers,” Lila said and then added. “Who is to take me on, I am not sure about.” Her husky laugh lightened the mood.

  Isobel was quick to reassure the woman. “Caelan and I will tutor ye and ye will be prepared to take on yer family’s ledgers in no time at all.”

  “I appreciate yer kindness. I know my brother sprung this on yer husband quickly. I was actually quite surprised when the reply came agreeing that I come.”

  Lila and Isobel continued talking about household accounts. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lady Mariel leaned into Cait’s ear. “Once we get ye established in yer own bedchamber, we will see about better clothing and whatever else ye will need.”

  Cait could not stop the heat that traveled from her chest to her face. Unlike someone like Lila, she would have to be provided for by Stuart’s family. Everything from dresses to shoes because she could scarcely afford more than a hand-me-down chemise.

  “Perhaps I should remain in the cottage with my mother and brother for now,” Cait said not wishing for Lila to witness Stuart’s family having to expend the energy to ensure she could properly represent them.

  “Come,” Lady Mariel took her hand.

  Stuart turned to them and his mother gave him a quick smile. “We have to attend to something. She will be all yers in a moment.”

  They walked out and Lady Mariel ushered Cait through the great hall, up the stairs, and into the sitting room.

  “I imagine ye feel a bit out of sorts with everything,” Lady Mariel stated, looking to the door as a maid entered.

  “Can I get something for ye Lady Mariel?” the young girl asked, her gaze sliding to Cait for a scant second. It was long enough for Cait to notice her curiosity and possibly fodder for gossip.

  Lady Mariel motioned to the girl. “Please
fetch some warm cider.”

  The maid hurried away, and Lady Mariel returned her attention to Cait. “Ye will grow used to it. Understand that there must be a time of adjustment. When ye accepted Stuart’s proposal, ye had to have known.”

  “In truth. I barely thought of anything. Ye think it is a mistake.” Cait didn’t form it as a question, but more as a statement. It was obvious Lady Mariel herself was accessing how best to handle the current situation.

  “Stuart is smitten with ye and I wish for my sons to be happy and their choice in who they marry is theirs alone.”

  The reply did not make Cait feel better. She wished to disappear, return to her cottage and start the day over. This time, she’d say no to Stuart.

  “I will inform him that I will not marry him,” Cait said standing. “I simply cannot embarrass yer family like this.” Her heart broke in that moment. Tears stung her eyes.

  She loved Stuart. She hadn’t realized it until this moment. She truly did love him. When he’d asked her to marry him, it had been the singular happiest moment of her life. And now not only would she hurt him, but she and her family would be forced to leave.

  Lady Mariel glared at her. “Ye must not love my son.”

  “I do,” Cait replied emphatically. “I love him.”

  “Then why do ye give up so easily? My son deserves a woman who will fight for him and not allow scorn from a simple maid to put her off.”

  Properly chastised, Cait lowered back to sit. “Ye are right.” Closing her eyes, Cait inhaled deeply once and then again. With each breath, she sat up taller until her back was ramrod straight. When she opened her eyes, she met Lady Mariel’s gaze directly.

  “I will make Stuart proud every day, and once we marry, I will do my best to be a good wife and partner.”

  Lady Mariel’s lips curved. “That is what I hoped to hear.” She looked to the door just as the maid returned holding a tray with two cups.

  The maid placed the tray on a side table.

  Cait met the maid’s gaze. “Not there, put it here on this one.” She motioned to another table that was between her and Lady Mariel.