Page 21 of The Eagle

Upon entering the gates, she was thankful only a few people were about. “Please help me down. I must go inside with haste.”

He dismounted and lowered her to the ground. “Come along. I have something to show ye.”

“Hold him here, I will return shortly,” Stuart told a lad, handing him the reins. Then he stalked toward the stables, Cait almost running to keep up with his long strides.

Finally, they came to the stables and he went directly to a stall. Inside was a beautiful tan and white mare. The animal was delicate and seemed sweet.

“She is to be yers. Darach purchased it for Isobel, but Lady Ross prefers large, strong horses. So, this mare has been lingering without someone to ride her.”

Cait reached out and ran her hand down the horse’s long nose. Then she instinctively caressed the animal’s jawline. The mare made a happy grunting noise.

“Ye are a natural,” Stuart said with a smile. “Ensure to tell Greer ye have riding lessons today right after midday meal.”

“No,” Cait stated firmly. “I will not.”

With a good-natured shrug, he turned and walked away.

As she arrived at the kitchen entrance, she saw Stuart galloping away to his hunting grounds.

Greer clapped her hands upon Cait entering. “Bless Mister Stuart for fetching ye. I am going to scold Cora once she appears, for not being here this morning. Poor Finella does not have the strength to get out of bed.” Greer bustled from one simmering pot to frying sounds from a flat pan over the fire.

“See about the plates and fetch the pitchers,” Greer told a maid who’d entered, effectively sending the girl rushing away. Greer was always especially stern with the younger maids. She’d told Cait it was mainly because if she wasn’t they’d begin lazy and stay that way.

It was a long while later that just as Cait hoisted a tray of food up, Cora hurried into the room.

Cait gave her a warning look and Cora gave her a soft nod of acknowledging she was prepared to be scolded. She blew out a breath and walked to where Greer waited with both her hands on her hips.

“Where ’ave ye gotten off too?”

Once the people in the great hall were served, she and Cora continued to refill tankards, while lads hurried about removing platters and such.

“I must tell ye something,” Cora said when they went to refill their pitchers. “I was with Torac.”

“I wasn’t sure it was my brother who courted ye.” Cait was troubled that her brother had not spoken to her in as many days.

Cora grinned. “I wish to get to know him better. What can ye tell me?”

It was astounding that Cora stole away with a man and knew little about him. “I do not know my half brother well. There is little free time, as ye know.”

Placing the last empty pitcher in the kitchen, Cait picked up two buckets. “I will go fetch water,” she said over her shoulder and walked outside.

The person she sought was standing with legs apart, sword in hand, slicing through the air in a pattern. Back and forth he swung, sweat glistening across his brow.

“Torac,” Cait said nearing. “I must speak to ye.”

Her brother glowered in her direction, his gaze moving past her. “What is it?”

Once he lowered the sword, she neared. Not that she expected him to hurt her, but she wasn’t sure how to approach someone who was so intent on training. “Cora told me ye are courting her.”

His handsome face scrunched into a frown. “Did she now?”

“I am sure ye plan to marry the lass. Especially since Greer had everyone search for her and could not find her in her quarters.” Cait met his gaze with a pointed look. “I am sure speculations are beginning.”

The expressions of worry that crossed Torac’s face made her want to giggle. Before he could say anything, she spoke again. “How old does one have to be to train with horses? Brice is interested but I am worried about our mother being left alone all day.”

It was a moment before Torac was able to tear his gaze from the direction of the kitchen. “Ah…I suppose he is old enough. Why do ye bring it up, if ye do not wish him to be away from yer home?”

“I do not want to hold him back either. I ask so that we can make a decision about it.”