Page 7 of Highland Ghost

“Where are the other members of yer clan?” asked Kellina. “The ones who live here at the castle?”

“Oh, they’re around. I’m sure ye’ll see them soon,” said Ian, not really knowing how to answer.

“Dinna expect too many to return,” said Ewan, lighting another torch. “Especially with this storm. They dinna feel safe.”

“Return?” asked Caitlin. “So they went somewhere? Why?” She looked around at the castle, wrapping her arms around her. “This fortress seems very secure, but it is a little unsettlin’. Is it because of the storm why they wouldna feel safe here?”

“Ewan likes to talk a lot, and most of the time it doesna make sense,” spat Ian. “Ewan, can ye see that a hot bath is brought to my solar for my betrothed?”

“Aye, my laird, but that’s a chambermaid’s job.”

“Then get one to do it,” said Ian.

“I would if there were any here.” The man chuckled. “Och, what do ye mean this is yer betrothed? I thought ye already married the lass.”

“Nay, no’ yet,” Kellina answered before he had a chance to speak. “The priest became ill, so we’re havin’ the weddin’ here instead.”

“Here?” Ewan’s eyes opened wide.

Caitlin didn’t understandwhat was going on around here. The castle was big and gloomy, and she’d only seen one man since they arrived. It sent a chill through her, making her feel as if something were wrong.

“Kellina, I think the babies are cold,” said Caitlin, not wanting to be alone. “We should give them a bath to warm them up as well. Why dinna ye and Matilda bring the children to the solar, too?”

She saw Ian jerk when she suggested it.

“Oh, nay, I dinna think that would be proper, Sister,” answered Kellina, kissing her baby. “We’ll be fine waitin’ for ye in the great hall. Or perhaps Matilda and I will take a stroll around the castle and explore.”

“Explore?” asked Ian, sounding as if he didn’t like the idea. “Nay, it’s dark and cold and no’ a guid time for that. Caitlin is right. Please, by all means, go with her. Ewan will bring the tub and hot water soon.”

Ewan grumbled, and mumbled something under his breath. Ian mumbled back, but Caitlin couldn’t make out what they said.

“I’ll show ye to the solar, ladies,” said Ewan with a slight nod, taking a torch off the wall and leading the way.

Caitlin followed the man, with her sister and Matilda right behind them, chatting away as they fussed over the babies. When Ewan opened the door to the solar, Caitlin was sure she saw something move inside in the dark.

“What was that?” she gasped, stopping in the doorway, reluctant to enter.

“What’s what?” asked Ewan, seeming apprehensive to enter the room as well.

“I thought I saw somethin’ move from inside the room.”

“Ye did?” Ewan held up his torch, peering into the darkened room.

“Egads, Ewan, go heat the water,” came Ian’s voice as he hurried down the corridor and pushed the door open, entering the solar first.

“Aye, my laird,” said Ewan, hurrying away with the lit torch, as if he were happy to go.

It only took a minute before Ian had lit a half-dozen candles and started a cozy fire in the hearth.

“This place is interesting,” said Kellina, walking over and setting her baby down on the bed. Matilda did the same.

“You have it decorated nicely, but there seems to be a broken vase on the floor.” Matilda hurried over to a smattering of broken glass. “That is dangerous for the children. We’ll need to clean it up.”

“Aye. Sorry about that.” Ian grabbed a broom from the corner and hurried over to the broken vase. He was acting odd, looking one way and then the other, and even peeking into the antechamber and under the bed as well.

“Did ye lose somethin’?” asked Kellina curiously.

“Nay.” He hurried back to the door and pulled it open. Two young men in plaids were rolling a wooden tub down the corridor, and brought it into the room.