Page 8 of Highland Ghost

“Ewan said ye wanted this,” said the younger of the two lads. They both looked around the room nervously.

“Fraser and Ailbeart, this is my betrothed, Caitlin,” said Ian, introducing her. “With her are her sister, Kellina, and her sister-by-marriage, Matilda. These are their children.” He nodded to the babies on the bed.

“Hello,” said the one named Ailbeart. Fraser just nodded. Then they both placed the tub upright and hurried out of the room without saying another word. Caitlin wondered why everyone she’d met so far was acting so odd.

“Stay here. I’ll be back to get ye later,” said Ian, following the boys out of the room and closing the door behind him.

“Somethin’ very strange is goin’ on around here,” Caitlin told the others.

“Watch the baby,” Kellina called out to Matilda, just as little Bram was about to fall off the far side of the bed. “Caitlin, I dinna ken what worries ye. I think Ian is rather handsome.”’

“So do I,” agreed Matilda, catching her son before he could fall. “I hope you’re not having second thoughts about marrying him again.”

“I suppose no’.” Caitlin walked over to the fire to warm her hands. “Did either of ye see anythin’ in the room when we entered?”

“Sister, enough about the ghosts. Ye’re goin’ to scare the children,” Kellina scolded. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door and the lads were back with buckets of hot water.

“I am lookin’ forward to the bath,” said Caitlin, thinking about how chilled she’d felt since she was no longer wrapped in Ian’s cloak with his arms held tightly around her for warmth. “I think I’m just a little shaken from the storm, that’s all. After a guid night’s rest, I’m sure I’ll feel better.”

One of the boys overheard her and looked up. “If ye can sleep at all, with Bernard and Sylvia keepin’ everyone awake,” said Fraser. Ailbeart nudged him in the ribs and gave him a dirty look.

“Who are Bernard and Sylvia?” asked Caitlin curiously.

“They’re lovers. Or used to be, anyway.” Fraser dumped the bucket of water into the tub.

“Can ye explain what that means?” asked Caitlin.

“Fraser, ye’ve said enough already,” warned Ailbeart.

“He’s right. I shouldna have even mentioned it. Please forget that I did.” They turned to leave to get more water.

“Wait,” called out Caitlin. “Where are all the people of the castle?”

The two men exchanged glances before Fraser answered.

“If ye have any questions, ye need to ask Laird Ian.”

“Thank ye, I will,” said Caitlin, closing the door behind them. Something odd was going on around here and she was determined to find out just what that was. As soon as she saw Ian, she was going to be sure to ask him.