David introduced the horses by name, then handed over the reins. As they headed toward the nearest castle entrance, he rested a comforting palm on Caitlin's lower back.
"If you're wrong and they hate me, I'll never forgive you, Captain Cameron!" she said, not quite able to suppress a note of anxiety in her voice.
"I'm not wrong." He stopped and pulled her into a quick kiss. "And you'll forgive me because I adore you and you're finding that you like being adored."
She had to laugh. "Yes, but I do hope I won't spend the night sobbing with humiliation."
He kissed her again. "I would never subject you to possible humiliation,mo chridhe. Now come along and we'll get the introductions over quickly."
The door led into a small entry way which contained boots, a broom, and several pegs for hanging garments. David removed his winter coat and hung it up so Caitlin did the same. She spent several moments adjusting her beautiful new silk scarf which lay in elegant loops around her neck. Even the primmest of female relations wouldn't be able to find fault with that!
They joined hands and climbed the stone steps. At the top stood a pair of tall carved doors that had surely seen many generations of Camerons. Voices and laughter could be heard from the other side. "It sounds like most of the family is in the main reception room on the other of these doors," David said. "Courage,mo chridhe!"
In for a penny, in for a pound. Jaw set, she entered beside him when he opened the doors. The hall was warm with fires roaring in two fireplaces, garlands of greens hung around the room, and in the center was a very grand, very English Christmas tree that sparkled with decorations and added a tangy pine scent to the air. A number of people, many of them with different shades of red and auburn hair, ambled around the room or sat on comfortable looking chairs and sofas.
For a moment, the newcomers weren't noticed. Then a female voice called out excitedly, "It's David! Our lad has finally come home!"
There was a burst of exclamations and a tidal wave of Camerons swept down on David, led by a woman whose speed belied the silver in her auburn hair. Surely that was his mother embracing him, weeping.
Close behind was a tall, rather diabolically handsome man with dark auburn hair and a piratical eye patch. That would be his brother, Ian, Lord Falkirk. At his side was a lovely dark haired woman with a warm smile and exotically tilted eyes.
Dear God, there was his alarming sister Juliet, it couldn't be anyone else with that height and bright hair! She wasn't alarming now as she embraced David with joyous laughter. He hugged her back delightedly.
A gentle hand caught Caitlin's arm and drew her back. "I'd best save you from being trampled," an easy male voice said. "Don't worry, they're just Camerons being Camerons."
She looked up, shocked speechless at the sight of the handsomest man she'd ever seen in her life. His stunning blond looks were as English as his well-bred voice. After a dazzled moment, she said, "I'm guessing that you are Ross, English husband to David's sister Juliet?
He grinned. "Yes, I'm the quiet boring one every family needs. You have something of a look of Juliet, actually. Are you skilled with a rifle?"
She blinked at the question. "I'm considered a tolerably good shot."
"The resemblance increases. I must congratulate David on his taste in wives."
"Indeed David's taste is excellent," observed a tall dark man with a slight, indefinable accent. "I'm Mikahl and neither I nor my wife Sara are actually members of the family, but we are tangled up with Camerons in various ways so we are invited to these most enjoyable gatherings." He slanted an amused glance at Ross. "Don't believe Ross when he says he's boring. He's the most dangerous Englishman I know."
"Only accidentally dangerous," Ross protested. "I've just had the bad judgment to travel to wild distant places that turned out to be infested with lethal tribesmen and dangerous mountains and deserts."
Something clicked in Caitlin's memory. "Surely you're Ross Carlisle, the explorer and travel writer? I love your books!"
He beamed at her. "Thank you! Clearly you will fit right into this clan of Camerons."
She made a face. "I'm feeling like a very plain squab in the midst of a gathering of eagles and peacocks!"
Both Ross and Mikahl immediately assured her that only did she fit in, but that she was an excellent addition to the family. She sensed that the men had a long and deep friendship, and they were distracting her with banter so she wouldn't feel alone and awkward. It was working, too.
They were joined by a petite blonde with serene eyes who tucked her hand around Mikahl's arm. "It's lovely to meet you, Caitlin! I'm Sara, wife to Mikahl, cousin to Ross, and long time friend to Juliet. I'm here to verify that the Camerons are the most welcoming of clans. They've even accepted an undersized blond Englishwoman like me, so a proper redheaded Scottish lass like you is a delight!"
"You're exactly the right size," Mikahl said with a warm smile as he patted the hand that clasped his arm.
The clamor had died down after all his family members had greeted David. Now he approached Caitlin with a tall older woman whose hair was a mixture of auburn and silver. One look at her handsome face showed where the family looks had come from.
David said, "Mother, it's my great pleasure to introduce you to my wife, Caitlin Wallace,"
Since Caitlin was wearing trousers instead of skirts, she couldn't curtsey so she improvised with a half bow. "It's my honor to meet you, Lady Cameron. Thank you for raising such a splendid son!"
"The honor is mine, Miss Wallace." The older woman embraced her. "It's every woman's dream to see her children married to excellent spouses!"
Caitlin couldn't prevent herself from saying, "How can you know that I'm excellent when we've barely met?"
