Page 9 of Highland Ghost

Chapter Four

Ian paced back and forth in the kitchen an hour later, thankful his cook, Flora, and her daughters, Rhona and Isla, had decided to return to the castle, always being loyal to Ian.

“How long before the meal is ready?” asked Ian. “Finn is tryin’ to keep Nash and North drinkin’ in the great hall, but they keep insistin’ to see the rest of the castle.”

“Ye canna rush a guid stew,” said Flora, stirring a kettle over the fire. She lifted the long wooden spoon, blowing on it, and then holding it out for Ian to try. “Taste it and see if it needs more salt or onions.”

He tasted it, almost burning his mouth. “It’s fine. Have the girls serve it anon.”

“But no’ all of the lassies are in the great hall yet. Just the two with the babies,” said Rhona.

“Aye, shouldna we wait for yer betrothed to come to the great hall before we serve the food?” asked Isla.

“Nay. The faster we feed these people and put them to bed the better. I canna take the chance that they’ll be scared off by Bernard and Sylvia before I get a chance to marry the lass.”

“My laird, do ye really think ye can break the curse that yer ancestors set in motion?” asked Flora, tasting the stew, making a face and sprinkling some seasoning into the pot.

“I have to try. If I dinna succeed to fall in love within the first two years, my first-born son will be cursed once I am gone. Flora, has yer husband left yet to bring word to the others to return to the castle by mornin’?” asked Ian.

“Aye, Murray went, even though I think it was heartless of ye to send him out in the storm,” Flora answered.

“My guests are startin’ to ask questions, and become suspicious,” Ian explained. “I want everythin’ to seem normal come mornin’. With empty halls, there is no way I can do that.”

“Hrumph,” snorted Flora. “Then we’d better get them all soused. That way, if they see anythin’, we can tell them it was from the drink.”

“Aye, great idea.” Ian snapped his fingers. “I think I’ve got a few jugs of that Mountain Magic in the undercroft that those MacKeefes seem to love. It’s very strong. I’ll serve it tonight, and my worries will be over.”

“Mayhap ye should have a swig or two yerself, my laird,” said Flora. “After all, ye are as nervous as a fox in huntin’ season.”

“I just need to marry the lass before she is scared off, and work on wooin’ her so she’ll fall in love with me. That willna be easy right now since All Hallows’ Eve is in a few days and that’s when Sylvia and Bernard will be at their worst, I’m sure. Hopefully, this will all be over soon and I’ll be able to relax again.”

“Ye’ll be able to relax?” came a voice from behind him. “What is this all about? And who are Sylvia and Bernard?”

Ian spun around on his heel to see Caitlin standing there, her long hair was wet from her bath, but put into a long braid that trailed down over one of her shoulders.

“Caitlin,” he said, forcing a swallow. His tongue seemed too large for his mouth. The girl was beautiful! How did he not notice this before? The scent of rosewater drifted from her body as she walked up next to him. Her eyes were bright and oaken as she stared up at him in question, batting her long, curled lashes. Her cheeks looked flushed and her lips were rosy. Her beauty was stunning. But the most striking thing about her was the dress she wore. It was made from the MacBain red plaid. The tunic she wore beneath it was yellowed from age, but had a frilly collar and sleeves. It seemed familiar and, in a minute, he knew where he had seen it before. “What are ye wearin’?” He knew damned well what it was. Ian recognized it as the gown in the painting of his grandaunt that hung over the mantel in her old room.

“I hope ye dinna mind. I found it at the bottom of a trunk in the antechamber. My clothes were wet from the ride, and I wanted somethin’ dry. Is it all right if I wear this?”

“Och!” gasped Flora, dropping the spoon with a clatter as it hit the floor, when she recognized the gown as well.

“What’s the matter?” Caitlin looked down and brushed off the front of her dress. “Did I forget to fasten a tie or close a button?”

“Should she be wearin’ that?” asked Rhona.

“I dinna think it’s a guid idea,” Isla chimed in.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is this one of yer gowns?” asked Caitlin, holding out the skirt to admire it. “I can change into somethin’ else if it’s no’ proper that I wear it.”

“Nay, ye’re fine.” Ian quickly escorted her out the door, calling back over his shoulder. “Flora, please have the girls bring the food to the great hall now. My guests are famished.”

Once they got to the great hall, Ian stopped in the doorway and moaned inwardly. His guests were sitting there listening to Ailbeart playing his flute. Ailbeart was not skilled at it in the least, and it sounded out of tune, making Ian cringe.

“What is goin’ on here?” growled Ian.

“We were askin’ for the musicians, but were told ye dinna have any,” said Nash, looking surprised and confused all at once.

“Aye, Ailbeart was kind enough to play his flute for us, and the babies seem to like it.” Kellina bounced her child atop her lap, making baby noises until the little girl giggled.